for a living?

I'm covered in paint. Just right covered. And it feels good. Over the past year, I've been trying to learn artistic discipline and to not over think what I paint. I feel like it's finally paying off. I can finish a piece without an issue, half way through- an idea will flood my mind and I'll want to start another. It's almost like I opened a door somewhere, and my ability to create has duplicated itself.

I'm a disciplined self-taught artist but I find myself, especially now-a-days, wishing I could attend some university art courses. Not to get a degree but to target my technique. The teachers are there, most of them, to help improve ones talent and I wish I had that opportunity. I think I could benefit. Opposed to those who go to art school, with just a general skill, who want to learn how to be an artist, spend the tens of thousands, and not use the skills they've acquired. I think the people who already have a general set talent should spend the money and be taught how to harness it. So it's something I'm considering. Actually considering. I'm not sure if I would do a degree but I'm very interested in at least getting a certificate in the art history and general painting technique. I could learn some acrylic tips.

This next year I'm going to focus on building a customer base, complete my house reno, get a nicer truck than the beater and then, only then, will I look into some courses. It sucks that I'm so freaking faaarrrrr!! If only I could afford real estate closer to humanity!

But at the same time, I'm very, very, very happy here. I fit in. I really do.
I went to the rodeo last night and knew just about everyone that walked by or sat beside me. That's a great feeling. I went with my same soul Linda, and despite her headache, I think we still managed to have a good time.

This was my saturday, and it's a pretty damn good example of how everything flows into each other:

I had to rush into work to finish 2 invoice books for Edward (lightpath body butter products), he loved them, appreciated my quickness and told me to stop by the farmers market that afternoon for some free product. [shawiiiinnnnggggg!]
So then I finished getting a window decal ready at the shop, ran over to the shoe store around the corner to install the decal (which is where my Linda bean works part time), installed the decal and sat outside the store to help her sell some books while she dealt with the occasional customer. So there I sat for the day, selling books.
Because it was rodeo day, they have something called the tractor pull where a group of grown men try and pull a tractor a certain distance. 2 teams compete and they just so happened to have done this right in front of the book sale table so I got to watch and participate in that. I then took 5 minutes and ran down to the farmers market, got some free body butter and then ran back to the table. Sold some more books and then went home. Took care of the dogs and spent the rest of the night watching bull riders and barrel racing.


Every day for me is filled with this. And it's fantastic. My calender is packed. It never used to be. Ever. And I think it's because I'm in a community. I have friends in almost every business and I love it. Not to mention the freebies.
I was offered free massage services [ who I now see weekly], free products, free passes to events. I think I was meant to live here!

Now if only there were better looking men.

;)