Happy New Years...

Wow- what a whirlwind of activity lately. Ahhh That is what the Holiday are all about- running here and there and making attempts to accomplish Way Too Much!

So where was I? Humm... Xmas has come and gone- rather painlessly! For this delightful commercial holiday- I managed to get several nice things- including new cookware which I wanted since I am home cooking so much these days, a few sassy Threadless Tee shirts, a vintage "Cool-Pix 2500" camera with extra batteries. A nail bradder which is industrial! A Starbucks card, PF Chang card, A book on dream interpretation, a variety of art supplies and art papers, and the peace and quiet which I had hoped for!
It was lovely.
Xmas night was spent with Jason and Lisa having a delicious Asian dinner in Annapolis. It was a crowded restaurant! Haa!

My Dad came back from Florida, the kittens returned home...

Then came my Birthday... It was such a perfect sunny crisp cool winters day. Thomas and I slept in a little, got dressed, went to lunch at the Paper Moon- and then went to the Visionary Museum for the day as we have done on my Birthday for years. It was inspiring for sure- especially to be able to see the work of Dalton Ghetti up close... you know I have this thing for pencils! Uuugh! He is brilliant. I also manage to take notes on several other artist who inspired me- and I will post about them in future blogs... 

Later- Thomas gave me several meaningful gifts- a original little piece of art he bought from an artist of a bunny. A glass tea pot with a built in metal tea basket... and this:

Annette Messager: Word for Word. Ahhh she is at the backbone of my career. One of my most true and informative inspirations to my own work. Seeing this book the other day- from Thomas made my start to cry a little~ She means that much to me.

The following day was New Years eve. Thomas and I went our for a little mindless shopping. I spent some of my Xmas money on simple girly things like MAC makeup and fabulous underwear. Later than night we met John and Libby at Jason and Lisa's house for Dinner at the House of Kabob. They were offering a delicious buffet! It couldn't have been any better! They lovely young waiter- the one who I am smitten with- took us all for a tour of the selections- telling us what each item was- ahh... I love being educated like this. Everything was just so good. I truly love this little restaurant up the street from where I live.

Lisa had brought several presents for me to dinner and I opened them- to find that I will be taking BELLY DANCING LESSONS beginning in two weeks! YIKES!!! ha! FUN! I have NO MOVES and worry about my total LACK of skills- but I am strangely eager to learn! She also gave me an amazing Belly Dancing scarf, a head-dress which is on the way- and a Linda Berry Book!

WHAT IT IS! Yay! Another MUST HAVE book!

We then went back to Jason and Lisa's house for desert, champagne and fun television- watching the ball drop. Did I mention that Thomas brought a few fireworks? WOW... and the wind had died down so they went off- perfectly!

Ooo! DID I mention there was CAKE? Lisa made me a birthday cake... THAT was the Cherry on top of a perfect birthday! My oh my can she cook and bake! I am dreaming of that chocolate cake right now...

And so Midnight came and went. 2008 went and 2009 is here.

I am filled with great optimism.
I have a full plate ahead of me. LOTS of TRAVEL coming and of course teaching. Lots of creating, art making, building, breaking and of course- coffee and cats.

Today as I sat with Thomas having lunch and talking he said to me:
"Well how does it feel to be a full time artist?" and I said, "Not so bad..."
He said- "I knew you could do it..."

I said...

"I did too..."
(Despite all of the anxiety and stress I felt and dreams I have had...Haaa!)
Here's to the New Year!
I really liked 2008! It was FILLED with CHANGE.
I think I am going to LOVE 2009- Living in that CHANGE.

Thank you always- for your time and attention you give to me.

Comments

[andrea ring]

Sounds like you had a great birthday and new year's. Aah, a full time artist!! I look forward to the day that I can say that.

[J a n e W y n n]

Thank you my dear!
I must tell you- IF YOU REALLY WANT IT- YOU CAN HAVE IT!!! It just takes planning and determination!

YOU can DO it!
xxooxx
j a n e