This weekend, Jim, Kristin and I went to Baltimore with the intention of going to a tattoo event. The event featured several area tattoo artists, who were donating time and talent to benefit a local dog rescue. So, we went, signed up relatively early, and awaited our turn. As time went on,… we decided to go to a local eatery called the Handlebar Cafe. Everything was awesome! Great atmosphere, wonderful staff… and excellent food. Then, we headed to the harbor area. I am so glad we did! We walked around and were able to see several ships up close (The Chesapeake, The Constellation—read more HERE, a National Guard ship, and a submarine!! ). We kept checking in, but we were down on the list. So. Then we went to the National Aquarium. Yes, it’s expensive…. but SO well worth it. (see HERE) WOW! Absolutely amazing…. and several(hundred) photos later…. I can say that there is no way for me to do it justice. It is a ‘must see’ kind of place. We slowly made our way back to the tattoo event…. but after chatting with some folks for a bit, were were told that they just couldn’t get to us all. (sad face). That said… one of the tattoo artists works here in Alexandria… so I have the potential for getting work done there. It’s all good. It was truly an amazing short trip… and although I am paying for it today (and typing from the comfort of my bed)… it was well worth it.
It’s been 3 weeks (today) since ZeeZe’s passing, and I would be lying if I told you I was ok. I miss him so. Every part of me aches knowing he is no longer here. When we were walking around the harbor, I was greeted (and allowed to snuggle) a fabulous pup. He covered me with love and kisses….. and it was wonderful. (he was a Wheaton Terrier). It just brought to home how much better I am with a dog. I know there is one in my future (hopefully soon)… it’s just a matter of finding the right one.
I am slowly wading through some of my books. One of the ones I am reading is “Things No One Else Can Teach Us” by Humble the Poet. While it has not told me anything new so far … or things that didn’t resonate…. it is always good to hear/ read it and getting that validation. Plus, it’s really well written.:
“We never fully get over traumas, and as much as we heal, scars will remain.
That doesn’t mean we need to view those scars as reminders of our injuries, instead, we can see them as proof of our resilience.”
I haven’t worked on any jewelry this week… although I have sorted some gemstone beads out for future pieces. One of the ‘issues’ I’ve been working on… is paring down not only the supplies I have in the apartment, but the limits in my brain of what I should be working on. Life is short. Truly. We (I) spend so much unnecessary time and energy thinking about what I should be doing, what would be the most productive, or financially advantageous…. that I have unintentionally limited myself and my art. I’ve had some well-meaning (or perhaps not) artist friends advise me to concentrate on just one thing… ie: photography… or jewelry… or whatever. And while yes, it is good to concentrate perhaps to become a ‘master’ of your craft… it shouldn’t limit you in a way that you become ‘stuck’ and think you can’t do anything else. We are creative beings. Creativity lies in everything we do. To limit how we express that …. well, for me at least…. it’s impossible. So I’ve had guilt over ‘wasting time’ doing other things. People will love what I do… or they won’t. From now on, that’s up to you of course, … but it will no longer stop me from making stuff. How it’s received isn’t really my responsibility. Besides, it’s more for me anyway…. not the masses, so to speak.
So. I took a ton of photos this weekend. Obviously, I don’t want to flood them all here… so I will most likely be eking them out slowly over time. Til next week…. carry on.
