First, thank you for all your prayers and good thoughts for my mom. They have moved her out of ICU and while she is still a bit loopy from the pain medication, she is doing better everyday.
Lately I have been thinking about life and bliss and art. You all know my days have been cut from my job and I am seriously thinking about NOT looking for more work. I am not getting any younger and I want to do my art, I need to do it and the reason I am so far behind in my career as an artist is because I have always worked a full time job as well. Something has to change or I will still be working at 70 and no where near where I want to be. I was saying to the Universe yesterday, "Well if I sold some art I would feel more trusting of doing art full time" My little voice (yes, I have a little voice and it is always right :-) said back "You have to trust, first".
So, here I go into the void :-). What are your thoughts on this? Your experiences? I am off to do ceramics :-). Happy weekend. XOXO
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12 comments:
Glad to hear your mom is better; I said a prayer for her when you first asked. I hope it's comforting knowing that there are complete strangers who care!
I actually talked about the business aspect of writing on my job yesterday. I can't find a dayjob but I'm starting to get somewhere freelancing (which is supposed to be harder, like the "Don't quit your dayjob" line?!)
A lot of what I go through with writing is universal to any artistic career. If I opened a restaurant, I'm a business person. If I decide to write profesionally, I'm delusional! I don't let people's opinions bother me like I used to, but it is a bit hard when dealing with money.
There are programs out there for people who want to open a business (that includes self-employment as an artist). The SBA has loans even if you're credit and assets are bad (mine are!) If you go to SCORE online you can learn a lot. We've got a small business start-up center here and I'm sure there's something like that in your neck of the woods.
I've been trying to put together a business plan on the side for a couple years now. SCORE has templates that help a bunch, but you still need to do market research. Since you've already done and sold art, it gives you more credibility. If you decide to go that route, don't worry if you don't have business training. I don't have any. As long as you can read and don't mind asking people for help, you could put together a business plan if you wanted and get funding.
Electra-Thank you so much for this, like most artist, I am not so strong in the business area, but I will look into this. And thank you for the prayers too :-).
Please give yourself the space to let the answers come. Sometimes I feel like I need to make a decision fast. May your mind be quiet and your heart free so that you know.
I admire your bravery, Annie. Trust that little voice!
If the universe is offering you all this time to be an artist, I think you would be kicking yourself if you didn't at least try to take it. If things don't run well financially, then go for more job interviews, but give your art a chance 1st.
Thinking of you and good to get the update on your mom...hope each day is better.
I know what you mean about working til you're 70 and no where near where you want to be...Mike and I had such plans...for me it included volunteering at Best Friends Sanctuary in Utah and expanding my blogging with regards to cat care and of course, gardening, beaching and sleeping.
If you can try the part time gigs for a year, and see where the extra time spent on your art takes you...I say go for it. I was just about to go down to working 3 days a week when Mike died...that would have been bliss, now I am just too busy to relax much...
I am so happy to know your Mom is improving. All I have to say of your art is that it is a part of you, no matter what you do and at what way you arrive at it.
Someone once said that believing is seeing. I tend to agree. It's so hard to do but if we don't find the faith inside, we can't see what's possible.
Hello Annie, have been missing you a lot and sorry to hear about your mom. Here's tons of prayers that she will have a fast recovery. I say, go for it..we only get to live once, try everything once and be at it too. Dont worry Annie, the Universe will grant you your wishes..have faith in yourself, I do. big hugs for the week :D
Well, first it's great that your mum is out of icu. I think you should take time off to concentrate on your art, as long as you can afford to.
At this stage, your thoughts may be muddled. While you must do what you are happy doing, wait a bit. Do not make an impulsive decision, till things are sorted on the personal front. Give yourself time to think through.
Hope your Mum is regaining her strength. Please don't get distressed if she isn't all chirpy once more. It will take time. Drugs (even if the good news is that there is no chemo) do make one irritable, weepy and cranky. So be patient, tell your folks who are with her to be patient. Best wishes.
Thank you so much for your comments.
Ian- I don't have any money, so doing it as long as I can afford to, does not really work in this case :-).
Mermaid and Lubna-This is not a snap decision, I have been thinking about doing this for years and just have not been brave enough, now I am.
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