Don't Know Where To Start

Things haven't been working out here in good ole North Carolina. Sometimes you lots of bunny hops, sometimes you have to take several giant steps back and sometimes you have to do a sides step to get you to where you want to go. I guess that's what it means to be a work in progress. I haven't posted recently because I'm in the process of moving back to Michigan. It's something that has been on the stove for awhile now and finally it's just time to do it. To take care of old business, regroup, and eventually, make my way back down here. I was sad because I had jobs lined up, and I had made more connections, and I would miss my friends but now I'm empowered because this is just another step to get me to doing what I want to do. At first I thought I was a failure because I had to go back but I'm not. There's so much more to life than just looking at it as only succeeding or failing. I have done so much in the past ten years here. From having my work in galleries; being featured in local papers; being in local shops, seeing places I'd never seen before; and meeting the most wonderful people. I have done a lot that I am proud of. And I continue my journey up north. For a small amount of time.

I am so grateful for the people in my life in this town and state. They have helped me out in so many ways. From job tips, to gallery help, to buying my work, to feeding me, to encouraging me, I am so grateful. At first I was very sad to say goodbye. But a friend said that it isn't goodbye, it's until I see you again. I did not realize how many people were upset that I was leaving. That they liked my artwork, my writing; that they liked me. As the person that I am. My laugh, my smile, my conversation. It makes it easier to be nicer to myself. Not only do I have people who are sad to see me go, I have others waiting for me to get back up north. The northern peeps will say, "Oh, sorry you have to leave North Carolina but I can't wait for you to get back up here." Old partners in crime are plotting day trips and other events. So I'm not just going back to cold weather.

I don't know how many more posts I will make before I hit the road. I will try and post again next week. Packing is... wow... Ten years of stuff. It's a good thing I did a huge purge over two years ago. But I've got books, art supplies, fabric, and my artwork. I tell you, when I move again (and I've got one more left in me) I will have someone pack it up and move it for me. I am planning things so that when I get to my destination, I jump right into working. For me.

So, that's my update. Sorry it took so long. The adventure continues.

More Hands

Seems like the only thing I'm keeping up with so far this year is my hand challenge. I'm getting a little better at them but will have to keep working. I'm also keeping up with my writing and I'm working on editing a short story and adding more to a rough draft to a longer story. Haven't really touched anything else. The saga continues.

I just watched the documentary For The Love of Spock this past weekend and I really liked it. So this is my hand in the Vulcan greeting.

#sketchbook #pencildrawnhands #sketchchallenge #handchallenge #vulcangreeting

Hands

Working on keeping up with my hand challenge for the month. And I filled up an almost filled sketchbook. Two more scheduled for the rest of the year.

#pencilhandsketches #pencilsketches #sketchbook #handchallenge

I Am Ready

Yes, I am ready and hunkered down for the Snowpocalypse. It's when it's supposed to snow very bad in North Carolina and other southern states. The weather models show varying amounts of the white stuff to fall, so we kind of don't know what we'll get. Many have run to the grocery store for provisions and so did I but I already knew I had to go. Snow or not. And one does have to make sure that you have enough of the TP (toilet paper) for any such event. I have no problems with southern snows. I'm originally from Michigan and if someone tells me to stay indoors until the roads have been plowed, that's just what I'm going to do.

I have caught up to my first challenge of the year. I'm sketching hands all month. Because I need to practice on hands. I'm working from Jack Hamm's Cartooning the Head and Figure. It's a very old book. I think I got it when I was in high school. And I found another sketchbook that's almost filled.

And I sketched some doll clothes. I will have to check my fabric to see what will work and then make some final renderings.

And Here We Are

Yep, Hello 2017.

A new year, a new day, a new month. In a way I'm kind of looking forward to this one. After the past three being not quite up to par, this one feels different. Not only do I have goals but I finally have plans for those goals. Projects broken down to keep me on track and reach those goals. I don't do resolutions but I have projects. I also have challenges too. Starting this month with a drawing hands challenge for myself. Next month will be 29 Faces again. For now, I need help drawing hands better and I might throw in some feet too. I am joining an online friend to do a 32 Movie Challenge. To watch movies from each year starting in 1920 up to 1980. Some that I haven't seen and so forth. It should be fun and I'll be able to see something new. Each month that comes up will have a new challenge and I'll keep you up to date.

There will be more drawing and painting. Some will be for sale. More Halloween creepies and new dolls and they will also be for sale. I plan on having one short story finished by the end of the month. And some other new things.

I emptied my Good Things Jar and there weren't many that happened. That was pretty sad and I usually keep hold of old calendars because of the pics but last year was so bad I ripped it apart and threw it away. Good riddance 2016. And the past two years before it.

I am excited about this year. Yes, there will be things that just happen but it's the way you react to the stupid things that happen. I will forge ahead. Yep, I'm feeling this year. I hope you are too.

Happy New Year!