New Year, New Opportunities

My last post, which was so long ago, was in celebration of losing my job. Now I am celebrating a new job that I will be starting soon. I am returning to the workforce as a designer in a week.

I have so enjoyed growing as an artist these past two years, which wouldn't have been possible without my guardian angel. My dad passed away about a year and a half ago, and the small inheritance I received has allowed me to pursue my art and grow while waiting for the right position to come along. I don't mean the position that pays the most or that has the most prestige. I mean the one that will allow me to support my family while continuing to paint on the weekends. If there is anything I have gained during my time away from the rat race, it's a shift in priorities.

I donate a portion of my Pet Projects sales to Animal Haven now, so it's important to me to be able to continue. I don't pretend to make an enormous difference, but every little bit helps. I truly believe that we should use our talents to give back to the world. Pets give unconditional love to their owners, and they are such a beautiful example of the power of forgiveness. Any little dent I can make in saving the ones without good homes is a blessing, and it fills my painting with purpose.

Another change coming soon is that our family will be moving to a new duplex. We moved to a tiny two-bedroom apartment at the time I was laid off. Right now we have crates where a kitchen table should be, and my easels and art supplies are everywhere! My family has been very understanding about sharing our space with all my supplies, but we are all looking forward to having a family room where we can invite friends and relax. 

I will have a new loft area studio space with plenty of room for my easels and supplies. It is open to the family room, as is the kitchen. The space is full of light, which I crave in our current location. We will have a large basement, so all the things that have been hidden away in storage will once again be accessible. I miss my wok! Giff misses his bookcases. And my daughter misses her closet, as we currently keep our vacuum cleaner and Christmas tree in hers. We will put the dog crates down in the basement, so we will once again have space for a table to gather around. And I am giddy about the wooden floors! I despise vacuuming, and can't wait to be able to grab a dust mop at the site of a tuft of dog hair.

Change can be good. I miss my parents, but I imagine they are smiling down at us as we anticipate the exciting changes coming to our lives. I hope the new year is bringing positive opportunities to whomever is reading this.

I'd like to invite the reader to visit http://www.etsy.com/shop/ldavis711 The sale of my paintings and prints benefits Animal Haven, serving the KC metro area.