Toto, I don't think we're in Whoville anymore

Psst kids! It isn't like this, it's not like this at all!
In the "real world" the WHOS hearts
grow two sizes too small! :(

Sigh! At least theres the ol' Charlie Brown cartoons....

BRB!

Be Right Back!

I am way behind on some projects I've been working on- slacking on- so I'm jump starting the week with an internet ban and a studio lockdown. It's good for me. I have found myself with projects that NEED to be done so I can get paid and some that have already been paid for that need to be done!
Then I have people waving at me in line wanting records and such and have found myself totally out of artwork to sell except what will be in the gallery show on April 29th

So long story short -I am signing off for about a week while I play catch up. Lucky for me I love the life of an artist- long hours in the studio painting! Till we meet again- take care and have a great week!
posted from beesarefun.blogspot.com

1 Fish, 2 Fish...

This week has kicked off some new dietary changes for me. I'm forgoing red meat and doing more fish. This isn't too far from what I've been doing for a few years now but admittedly I have fallen off the wagon when $ got scant...hamburger meat is a lot cheaper than salmon steaks. :(
The stress of starting a new side job, juggling some other projects,not enough rest and me not getting enough exercise last week and my PCOS flared up BAD. Severe depression and an acne constellation on my face to rival the Milky Way. I knew it was time to get serious about my PCOS and diet...and exercise. I always feel pretty good when I exercise and I go to PiYo (Pilates/Yoga fusion) class diligently every Monday and walk every day but last week I let everyone else dictate my week and put myself second.
WRONG!
Always take care of yourself FIRST and the world second. You will never go wrong if you follow this advice. Don't be afraid to say NO to people when you have too much on your plate...it really is not worth the stress and they will probably understand.
My research has shown that Omega 3's are particularly awesome for my condition so along with taking the supplement I'm also turning to fish for my protein along with oysters and the like because they are rich in zinc, magnesium and B12.
The rest of my diet is going to get very "Mediterranean" and I have to limit carbs pretty tightly right now. My shopping trip yesterday looked a lot like I only went to the produce section....mushrooms, garlic, romaine (another excellent food for me) lettuce, cauliflower, apples, etc
I'll have to get reacquainted with QUINOA and desserts will look alot like...apples :/ I'm also switching to Almond Milk since dairy is really bad for my PCOS. This is going to be a lot of trial and error and I have to be patient, I know results wont be fast but hopefully Im on the road to recovering my life, moods and health.
Today will be a day of painting I'm feeling a little joyous to be back on track.
Everyone have a wonderful rest of the weekend!

March Madness

I could've sworn that just last week I was lazing in my backyard taking in some sunshine and worrying about making some moolah to keep afloat. Next thing I know I am in the thick of 5 different things, it feels like. Let's recap...
First I have secured all my major paintings into a gallery that will be opening soon. That is all the word I have but will keep you posted when everything comes to light- but I am for sure going to be showing at this wonderful gallery very, very soon!
Secondly this "thing" I've been waiting to hear back on for about a month....this "thing" I had already given up hope on and hid all emails about because it was so frustrating finally popped back up. Unfortunately this "thing" is a secret "thing" that I'm not even sure is a "sure thing". How vague can I be? We'll just say this thing would be a nice freelance gig that will pay my bills and allow me to paint if I can get it going. Wish me luck, on Monday I start trying to get this "thing" rolling.
Today I am going to my old college because I've been offered a very, very part time gig teaching Drawing class once a week. A little cash and a big challenge! Me? Teaching? Can I do it? I'll know more after I go fill out paperwork today and find out some more info. A very out-of-the-blue opportunity. I used to work at my college a long time ago and loved it, great vibe, great people....will be interesting to go back.
And then I've got to hustle making some small paintings for three things- one is a writers group that wanted me to come speak on April 2nd about my Hour Swap Project and I'm donating a piece to them as a prize for a contest they are having.
The other is a joint show with artist Jw Tarin at the Cedar Springs Library which kicks off in April. And next week I'm meeting with a local business about showing my art in their fine establishment- which I think will have good clientele seeing my stuff. So I have a lot of painting to do to build up my "SHOW" pieces as I literally have NOTHING to show right now. A very odd feeling!
I also have about three commissions on the stove so.....whoooo! Total Busy Bee that can take on NOTHING else right now, thanks. Unless it's a big thing like a show at the Met or something.
My plate is full right now! Thank you very much!
But really, thanks Universe....let's see how this all pans out!

Time enough for everything

I am trying to juggle so many things right now. A favorite mantra comes to mind, "time enough for everything". I guess it is only ME making myself rush and feel like theres not enough time in the day-when I guess really there is. I don't really have deadlines on some of these things- just personal deadlines I set for myself. So-in REALITY I can not stress and do what I need to do steadily. Like the ol' turtle racing the hare. I will get there!
Today is supply getting day and gym day. I have missed gym for about two weeks due to injuries and am in sore need of it now. In place of the gym I have been doing little mini hikes every morning for about two miles. A beautiful way to get your heart rate up and it's been easy on my back. Ready for Pilates and the elliptical machine today though.
I worked all weekend on the Hour Swaps for tomorrow, I'm trying a new method out and trying to have 10 swaps a week...5 on Tuesday and 5 on Thursday. Will have to see how it works out, I also need time to work on commissions and my personal work so I'm trying to balance all of this...I think that was the original purpose of this post. Balance.
The photo above is a detail from one of the Hour Swaps I'll be offering tomorrow. "Lucky Springtime Hare"
acrylic and ink on canvas board
11" x 14"
to bid on it tomorrow simply head over to my blog:
http://www.theartofpoverty.blogspot.com
Time to get this day started, Happy Spring Time everyone!

this blog brought to you by BEES ARE FUN

Studio Life!

Last Sundays show wiped out ALL the little Art pieces in my studio, leaving only these behind to show to galleries, clients, etc. SO....
Back to work like a busy little bee trying to build up a swarm of new pieces. Luckily the weather is turning fine and I can paint outdoors and be inspired and luckily facebook is being stupid and making it hard for me to post. That is good. I need to be working anyway. :)
Spring cleaning, getting the studio organized because some gallery peeps are coming to look at my stuff here and painting like theres no tomorrow because i promised some people I'd be coming by to show them stuff soon and I've got an art show in the works (more details TBA). And commissions to finish!
I am busy in the studio but you'll see me Tuesdays and Thursdays with affordable art for you dear friends! :) See you in little spots- here and there!

Sun and Moon

Above my bed is a little ceramic wall decoration I bought in Monterrey. It is a little painted crescent moon with a slight smile and next to the moons face is a tiny little sun. The sun is dark blue, serious looking with a flower painted on it's head. The moon is bright and the center of attention.
I bought this piece for multiple reasons. One I bought it from my fathers hometown of Monterrey when we went to attend to his funerary arrangements and meet with the family. I wanted something from Monterrey to hang in my home and remind me of my roots. Also I bought it because it reminded me of a little poem/song my Dad would say to us when we were crying toddlers and he was trying to distract and cheer us up:

Allá está la luna,
Comiendo su tuna,
Turando las cáscaras,
Para la laguna.

(Yonder is the moon,
Eating her prickly pear
Throwing the peelings
towards the lake.)

But lastly it has become a symbol I use to remind myself that with the Day also exists the Night. The light needs the dark and vise versa and one or the other will always be on the flipside of the other.
Life and Death. Night and Day. Sadness and Happiness.
Sun and Moon.