Catching up….again

This year is going by too fast!  Not a great revelation, I know, but it’s where my mind keeps going lately.  For the past week, I’ve been writing July instead of August–just can’t believe we’re in the 8th month of the year already!

I have always felt like a turtle living in a jackrabbit world.  I’m not a quick or bright thinker, everything takes time for me.  Working in a slow medium like fiber suits the way my mind works.  I like letting things simmer and percolate, letting them develop in their own time.  So, it’s probably no surprise that I am still working on a piece I started last November.  It’s nearing completion–I’m working inward on the neck and it should be done by the end of this month….but don’t hold me to that; too many things can get in the way.   

This spring, for instance, I was going strong on this piece when I put it aside to work on research and prep for a workshop/lecture I did on Puebloan weaving in the Southwest in late March.  While I was working on that, I came down with shingles.  Which isn’t so bad if you realize you have it and get to the doctor for anti-virals, but I didn’t know I had ever had chicken pox.  Took a while to get over that! 

While I was recuperating, I got a call to teach an anthropology/archaeology class during the summer session at the community college. This is my ‘day’ job, when I have a job.  I have been despairing of late about not being able to teach on a regular basis and not finding work anywhere I want to live, other than where I live.  Then, the Universe stepped in and gave me a gift.  

I have been volunteering for a couple of years at a non-profit used bookstore in town that supports several branches of our local library.  In mid-June, the person in charge of bookstore operations asked it I’d like to become a part-time co-manager of the bookstore.   I said yes.  I have been working there for a month now and I love it!  To spend my days surrounded by books while helping to support our public libraries is very rewarding.  It’s not a grand job or an ‘important’ job in the sense most people mean today, but I feel like I’m making a real contribution in my community and earning some money to help support my studio work.  

So, my life took another unexpected turn; this time it was a very good one.  I have a work schedule that isn’t too grueling, and a 3 mile commute.  I have time and the mental energy to focus on my studio work when I’m free. And, I’m living closer to my ‘dream’ life than I ever have…a bit scary, but it’s great!

That’s where things are now.  I hope things are well with you.   And, I hope each of you are finding ways to live your dream life, even if it’s only a little bit.