I've been terribly remiss at keeping up with my blog over the past month or more... I can't really blame being too busy, nothing unusual has been happening... I have simply been preoccupied with doing work on my friend David's CD cover and liner notes, and with the calligraphy guild's newsletter I agreed to do. I did not anticipate how much work would be involved trying to learn a new computer program in order to put out the newsletter, nor did I anticipate just how much work putting together a single issue would be. I haven't been in my studio in weeks, mostly because I feel like I don't have the right to go in there to "play", when I have these two deadlines hanging over my head. Deadlines I agreed to. David's is a total work of joy... the newsletter, unfortunately, is not... and I'm just not sure what to do to improve this situation I've gotten myself into with the guild. I don't want to back out on my commitment, but I cannot continue to feel this kind of pressure... it consumes a ton of energy just thinking about it, and trying to work it into my schedule... I resent the amount of time it takes, and I am angry that I agreed to do something I am clearly so unprepared to do... I should know better than to be so anxious to agree to do something, in an effort to be such a people pleaser. I should've learned these lessons long ago, and I'm annoyed with myself that I obviously have not.
David's Collage
This is the finished collage I made for David's CD cover. I'm just finishing up the liner notes and the project should be done. I've really enjoyed doing this, and hope David is happy with the final results.
Otherwise, and I'm going to whine here just a bit, I've been sick now for the past week with another sinus infection... this time I'm being treated with "big gun" antibiotics and steroids. This is the second time in the past month I've had a sinus infection and I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired... I'm feeling unfocused, fatigued, unmotivated, and I don't like feeling this way. OK, enough belly aching!
I've missed all my on line friends and colleagues... I just hope I haven't lost all my friends because I haven't been able to "come out and play" lately!
Have a great evening and go make something!
The CD cover loks FABULOUS, you have done an amazing job. I hope you are pleased with yourself.
A wise person once told me two different things that came to mind when I read your post. Firstly, that if we do not learn the lessons we are meant to they keep reappearing in different yet similar forms until we learn them. The second is that dis-ease leads to disease. Both of these are meant to reinforce that whilst we do need to consider other poople we also need to take care of ourselves.
Good luck. Ux
Posted by: Ursula Clamer | October 31, 2008 at 02:46 AM
Wow! You can really tell where your heart is! What a fabulous piece of work! I recently told someone NO who tried to pressure me into the project because it was a big charity event in Chicago and she had already promised THE MAYOR I would do it. I still said NO. I knew it would have driven me crazier than I already am! Woman always have the prerogative to change their minds! That's my philosophy!
Posted by: Kathleen Botsford | October 09, 2008 at 12:06 PM
What a wonderful collage,and then I looked at it close-up and it was even better! I hope things calm down, especially as far as deadlines, so you can feel more free in your art. Also, I loved your "clean your slate" art! Roxanne
Posted by: rivergardenstudio | October 04, 2008 at 09:21 PM
Welcome back to the blogosphere. That collage is incredible. So well balanced in color and design. If I ever made a CD...you would absolutely be my go-to cover designer!
Posted by: Seth | October 03, 2008 at 07:57 PM
Your collage looks very well-balanced, I like it. And I hope you´re getting rid of that pressure soon and find your rest again.
Posted by: Marion | October 03, 2008 at 02:13 PM
Hi Dear Kathy !
So nice to hear/read/see you again ! Have to say I missed you, ma cherie !
My white witch guts agree with Diane about letting someone within the guild know that you are struggling with the newsletter process. The truth shall set you free, Baby ! Who knows, there may be someone on the side lines who has beeen waiting for an opportunity to help, or even take it over, if your soul feels like it shouldn't continue. And maybe, instead of beating yourself up so much, you should realize how wise and smart your soul and your body are for letting you know that this isn't right for your being right now.
Phew, that was a lot of unsolicited advice! That white witch creature just took over my mind, you know like Demi Moore takes over Whoopi Goldberg in "Ghost" ? Seriously though, be gentle with my friend. She is a good woman and deserves better than the poo-poo hitting the fan right now.
Hugs and I hope your "big guns" and some old fashion self-TLC help you feel better asap.
BTW - OMG - That collage is so gorgeous ! You can see the love and joy you put into that one ! He must love it !!!
Posted by: kim mailhot | October 03, 2008 at 08:51 AM
Good to see you, Kathy! I took on a responsibility like that one time...maybe you can mention to them that you are having trouble and see if they can be more flexible with the deadline?
Speaking of prison...I have to go change my pants.
Posted by: Julie Prichard | October 02, 2008 at 11:53 PM
Dear Kathy, It's great to see you back. The collage is beautiful! I don't see how ANYONE couldn't love it. Quit beating up on yourself for getting in over your head on the newsletter. Just decide if you can or want to handle it anymore and then take the steps to change the situation. Believe me when you get rid of that obligation you'll feel like you got out of prison! Get better. Blog soon.
Posted by: Diane | October 02, 2008 at 10:37 PM