1.28.17...

No one said this journey would be easy.  That seems to my theme and I'm sticking to it.  I made a decision this week that on the surface felt like I was failing...but once I set aside that initial emotional response I found that taking care of myself was more important.  I decided to drop my Italian 102 language class.  I was completely lost - I couldn't remember those things that I learned last semester; I couldn't comprehend and stay on top of the things we were supposed to learn this semester.  I was drowning and knew if I didn't stop, it was going to be a long semester where I would fail the class.  That wouldn't be acceptable for me.  So in order to fulfill the foreign language requirement for my degree, I'll have to figure out another way.  I know that Pima offers languages.  Regardless of what I figure out, I will get through it.  I just know that right now, in this moment, drowning when I have another choice isn't in my best interests.  

I'll be taking down my show in the next couple of days.  I've been really bad in that I haven't been back to rearrange the artwork or hang new pieces.  School has been very busy.  I'm still very grateful for this opportunity to share a part of myself with Tucson.  That it was extended for an additional month was icing on the cake.  As far as I know, I sold six paintings.  Maybe more.  Brandi mentioned that there were several people interested in purchasing paintings before the show comes down.  We'll see.  I really hope that a few of the larger paintings have been purchased.  They need to go to a home where they are hung and loved each day and not wrapped and stored at my little place.  

I've begun painting my pieces for Painting class that I wrote about last week.  The still life - one in candlelight and one with a spotlight.  I never realized how difficult it would be to paint in the dark...  Think about it.  I'm trying to use my instincts to paint, but I still have to see.  It really makes me appreciate my eyes even more.  I need to paint with more authority; really block in those lights and darks.  I'm back to overthinking the process.  EXACTLY what I said I wasn't going to do!  Ha!  I'll work on it.  I'm enjoying my Art History class and learning about the ancient processes that went into painting and making the great art pieces I so admire.  It truly is amazing to think about their limitations but yet they made so many masterpieces that have survived through the years.  I have even more admiration the more I learn.  I can't wait to do the walk through the Art Museum with our professor.  

I have an Italian History paper to write and these things simply don't write themselves.  Unfortunately!  Have a good week everyone. Do good things!