160:365

photo by Elaine A. Russell


I've been thinking alot lately about what I really, really want in life. I know without uncertainty that I will always be taking photos. It is part of my soul.
And... I have been making jewelry for over 15yrs now; and I am still in love with it.
Two things that are so essential to my being. It is more than a ways to make money... it is a calling for me.

Once this becomes clear... it becomes easier to get rid of all the extra "stuff." Organizing, getting rid of things, downsizing...
I am in the process of gathering things to sell... to list on Ebay, Etsy, and Craigslist.... with the hopes that any money procured will go towards the purchase of a new camera, and some jewelry making equipment.

Sometimes evaluations like this are so crucial... and we tend to put them on the back burner... but it really is an important thing to do.
So... if you could only do one or two things for the rest of your life to really make you happy... what would it be?

we are all works in progress

photo by Elaine A. Russell


We are all works in progress. No one is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes. We come into this world with nothing but our heart and our hands. We try, but we don't always get things right all the time.
Part of being human is making mistakes. Learning from them... trying not to make them again... making the best of less than perfect situations.

Friendships are hard to cultivate and maintain. I know... sounds like a garden. And in a way.. it is. You put yourself out there with the best of intentions, and hope that goodness comes from your efforts. You nurture things to the best of your abilities... but sometimes the weather just sucks... or the dirt is lacking... or you screwed up and didn't pull enough weeds.

I have made some good friends in this lifetime. And I hope to keep these friendships for a very long time. But I also understand that sometimes there is only so much that you can do. Some plants won't grow in your climate... much as you like them. Much as you want them to stay. Much as you try to make things work. And for now-- I just need to convince myself.. that that is OK.

waterfall

photo by Elaine A. Russell

When I was doing the 9x9 show at the Factory on 5th, there was this awesome water installation just outside the south end studios. I am not sure who made it, but it has an incredibly calming effect on me. I have always been drawn to water... and even man-made installations are no exception.
The photo for today is of the installation... using a slow exposure, and slightly saturated colors.

I am in the in-between times. Getting ready for the Aki Matsuri show on the 27th..... trying to get my finances and such in order so that we can fix up our house.... downsizing our stuff... etc.
I think the next few months are probably going to be a healing and rejuvinating time for me. A time for the finishing of old projects, to make way for new. A time to figure out what I really really want, and forming plans to make it happen. And also ... a time to really enjoy what I have.

dancing

photo by Elaine A. Russell

So -- a day of rest. Real rest. Awesome. And I am dancing inside. Actually... I am dancing on the outside too... it's just not a pretty picture.

Things are beginning to look up

• I've managed to have some pretty fabulous shows the past couple months. Not so much in terms of money.. but in positive feedback
• I am coming to terms with this new life as an artist
• money issues that have plagued us for over 15yrs... are finally (maybe) being resolved
• we have the opportunity to fix up our house !! Woo Hoo !! we may have a working sink again
• the kiddos are doing well in college
• the hubby is well
• good friends... good times

The photos shows 2 of the girls in the Rogue Bindis that showed at the Offcenter Arts festival on Sunday. You can see more at: http://www.roguebindis.com/home