Busy

Life gets busy. Too many things going on. Too many things distracting us, pulling us away from our creativity. How do you cope with all the distractions?

My "daily posts" are no longer daily.

As I visit your wonderful inspiring blogs, I find I'm not alone in this dilemma. Life is a reality and creative people not only juggle the usual things, job, family, house, we also juggle creative time. The crazy thing about "creative time" is you need to clear your head, of everything else, to perform it. That can often be a challenge!

I leave Wednesday for a week in Florida. My posts will cease for that time. I hope to return fresh and energized. Sometimes we just need to step back for awhile and recharge our batteries. Get off that merry-go-round and take a deep breath...

Spring is popping. Life is emerging all around us. Flowers want to peek out. Its a titillating time for artists. If you can't get a break from life, allow yourself a break. Don't beat yourself up if you need some time to step back a bit. Its ok if you scale back some of your self proclaimed demands. I know as artists, our motivation and drive is self driven. We learn to keep the engine running. What I'm saying is its ok to park the car once in awhile. Go enjoy spring's emergence. Allow yourself to get some fresh air.

Breath deeply and absorb the relaxation...

My guess is you'll be very ready to return to your creativity. When you do, the break you took will benefit your outcome. If you're feeling a bit burnt, don't wait until you're completely burned out before you stop. Remember to take care of yourself.

This may be my last post until the 18 or 19. Smile, be happy and most of all, be kind to yourself. See you in 10-12 days. Enjoy life!

Posted (older work) Cloud Shadows on the Beach original oil painting 18x24" by Susan Roux

Old friends

I received a Christmas card in December from an old friend. We had lost touch for several years and the surprise of her card filled with thoughtful, tender words brought the past rushing in.

She lives nearby and we used to spend a great deal of time together. She's an artist and we painted and laughed and talked and cried in each others company, sometimes in each others arms. She was my best friend for a decade and longer. Its odd how changes in our lives can slowly pull people apart. Back then I would have never believed there would come a time when we would loose communication altogether.

But it happened. Do you have dear friends with whom this has happened to you too?

I was busy when the card arrived. I made a mental note to contact her after the holidays. When I removed the hanging cards from around my doorway, I set hers aside as a reminder to call. I did. I reached the answering machine. Several days passed and yesterday I received a call back from her.

Funny how time apart disappears when friends reconnect.

So much to catch up on! We couldn't stop talking. Next week we are meeting for lunch. I suspect it will be a long lunch...

Just yesterday as well, Josh called telling me of an old grade-school friend who emailed him out of the blue. His friend was in Iraq. I wondered what made him think of Josh, being so far away. He must be lonely. He must miss home. How wonderful it was that when he found comfort in his thoughts, it was about time spent with Josh... Josh hasn't seen him in years. Now he can't wait until his friend returns so he can visit with him.

I don't know what jars people to reach out to old friends, but I'm thankful it happens. It warms the heart and puts a smile on our face. The first thing my friend said to me over the phone after saying my name was, "Oh, I really missed that laugh!" I wish next week's lunch date was today...