Day 10, 100 Happy Days: My Studio Practice

Yesterday I decided to recommit to my art. I have to do this from time to time, as the business of art, and teaching, and making a living get in the way of my real work: painting.

So, I've decided to strengthen my studio practice. (Alright, let's be real; I decided to have a studio practice.) Every day that I don't have to be at my studio to teach (or for some other reason), I'm going in to paint. This is day two. So far so good. Amazing, actually.

As if to confirm my decision, I just had a conversation with another artist whose boyfriend is a successful artist in NYC.
Making a living from your art is difficult enough, but to do it New York? Well, that's a dream. So, today's happy came from knowing that someone is doing it. And from feeling like I got a nod from the universe. I'm on the right track. Keep moving, keep painting.

Day 10 Bonus Happy: I found ten bucks in an old pair of jeans. Woo-hoo!!

Day 9, 100 Happy Days: HOME!!!

Home is where the old, torn paper lantern is.

I love pet sitting. I get to stay at different houses, and hang out with awesome animals... and I'm paid to do it! But it does come at a price because I, am a homebody. I love my apartment, and I like being around my stuff. When I'm away from it for too long, I get... ungrounded.

Luckily most of the places I pet sit at are pretty close to home, so I'm able to stop in for supplies, or to get some work done. But those are only a few hours here and there. Out of the last 16 nights, I've spent two at home in my own bed.
This is the thought that I woke up to this morning: Today I go home!! (I've been happy since the minute I woke up.)

So now I'm home, in my nice cozy, messy place with my stuff.
At least until the next pet sitting job. 


Day 9 Bonus: A really nice version of the Talking Heads Song "This Must Be The Place"

Day 8, 100Happy Days: Nothing to Prove

As I was walking along today I saw a young couple get out of a car. The man opened the trunk and pulled out a giant hard shell suitcase. Like, I didn't even know anyone carried these things anymore. 

A well-dressed woman in a little skirt suit got out of the car. She was carrying a big purse and another bag, and she walked up to the young man and asked "Can I get that?"

Say what??

This case probably came up to her waist, and they were about to go up a big flight of stairs. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that she was not strong enough to handle the suitcase. But she was in heels, and already handling two bags. Of course the young man carried it for her.

Now here's where the happy comes in: it made me happy knowing that I've been her before, and I have evolved. I have been the woman who says "No I can handle it". And why? To prove that I have muscles? To prove that I don't need a man? Fugetaboutit. 

Somewhere along the line, I realized that strength comes in many forms, physical being only one of them. And I also realized that even the scrawniest of men were physically stronger than me. Which, makes carrying stuff easier for them. I say if a guy wants to carry something for you, let him. I've got nothing to prove (not in that warm anyway, not anymore). I know I'm strong enough to handle a lot of stuff, and smart enough to let someone else handle it.

Bonus happiness for today? Finding this particular bag of deliciousness:

Day 7, 100 Happy Days: Studio Day

A lovely day in my studio made me happy today. The weather was gorgeous and the windows were open. I reclaimed my space after first Friday, and painted the afternoon away. :)

Day 6, 100 Happy Days: Money in the Mail

I really don't want to sound shallow... but being  a single, self-employed artist - living close to the edge - I'm happy when any money comes in. But unexpected money? Now that's special treat!

Tonight I went to a lovely holiday concert with Kindred Spirits, where I saw some old friends. It's always nice to go back to my old stomping grounds, Swallow Hill Music.

When I got home I found a holiday card in the mail, with a check enclosed! I was happy to just get the card, and the check was icing on the cake!

I saw this on a dumpster this morning, and I thought it was a good reminder not to stress.