That's How Long It's Been?
Hello, Blog. Still here in the old house, haven't sold it yet, not getting the house described in the last post, but found an even better one and our offer was accepted on contingency of selling this one first. It's on a corner lot, very close to the downtown area and in the historical district. Built in 1920, it's a one-story classic revival that has been completely updated except for the plumbing, which we'll sort out when we get there. It is zoned both commercial and residential, so Steve can hang a sign for his work. It's even within walking distance of Nick and Amy's place. It's in Valparaiso, a thriving community, and very supportive of small businesses like ours.
This past weekend we held the final opening reception for the gallery. When people first started to arrive, it suddenly hit me very hard that this was the last time, and I cried like a baby. Quite a few others cried, too. The gallery will be missed. But it was a good show, a good party, and we even made a small profit. It was good to go out with a bang. The last business day for the gallery will be December 9th, after which all the art goes back to the artists and we shut down the credit card service. I am hoping, however, that we will be out of here and in the new house by then.
It has been impossible to paint. There have been so many little things to replace and repair and so much sorting and tossing and cleaning during the past six weeks, plus setting up the last show (over 120 pieces of art to display and label), that I haven't had the time or energy or spirit left to paint. I wanted so badly to have something done for the last show, but it was not going to happen. Not painting is getting to me, and making me feel seriously out of whack, even more than this limbo of waiting for a buyer.
However, we have gone just about as far as we can with fixing up the house and sorting through 15 years' worth of accumulated stuff. Now it is just maintaining its show-worthy appearance, which we've got down to a science. I think I might actually be able to get lost in a canvas quite soon. Even if all I end up painting is a series of "limbo" images, that's okay. It's October, and the leaves are still turning in the ravine and the light is golden even on an overcast day. I love to paint in October.
Last year I participated in the National Novel Writing Month, which is November, and was planning to do it again this year. I still want to, but am not likely to. I think I will stick to painting and drawing this time, to build up my stock for next year.
We each have new websites, as Steve has changed his business name and I have one under my own name for my art, since we will be shutting down the gallery site. I am seriously thinking of adding a link to this blog on the new website. An artist's site can afford to be more personal than a business or gallery site, and it seems like a natural thing to do in this day and age.
My parents are going to need me more and more, so moving to Valparaiso will bring me much closer to them. Smaller house, fewer rings in the circus--it's exactly what is needed at this time of changes. I'm going to miss this place, where I raised my son and started out with Steve, the gardens and the gallery, the beach and the people, but I'm also looking forward to the things I'm going to have when we move.
If nothing else, it's going to be interesting!
This past weekend we held the final opening reception for the gallery. When people first started to arrive, it suddenly hit me very hard that this was the last time, and I cried like a baby. Quite a few others cried, too. The gallery will be missed. But it was a good show, a good party, and we even made a small profit. It was good to go out with a bang. The last business day for the gallery will be December 9th, after which all the art goes back to the artists and we shut down the credit card service. I am hoping, however, that we will be out of here and in the new house by then.
It has been impossible to paint. There have been so many little things to replace and repair and so much sorting and tossing and cleaning during the past six weeks, plus setting up the last show (over 120 pieces of art to display and label), that I haven't had the time or energy or spirit left to paint. I wanted so badly to have something done for the last show, but it was not going to happen. Not painting is getting to me, and making me feel seriously out of whack, even more than this limbo of waiting for a buyer.
However, we have gone just about as far as we can with fixing up the house and sorting through 15 years' worth of accumulated stuff. Now it is just maintaining its show-worthy appearance, which we've got down to a science. I think I might actually be able to get lost in a canvas quite soon. Even if all I end up painting is a series of "limbo" images, that's okay. It's October, and the leaves are still turning in the ravine and the light is golden even on an overcast day. I love to paint in October.
Last year I participated in the National Novel Writing Month, which is November, and was planning to do it again this year. I still want to, but am not likely to. I think I will stick to painting and drawing this time, to build up my stock for next year.
We each have new websites, as Steve has changed his business name and I have one under my own name for my art, since we will be shutting down the gallery site. I am seriously thinking of adding a link to this blog on the new website. An artist's site can afford to be more personal than a business or gallery site, and it seems like a natural thing to do in this day and age.
My parents are going to need me more and more, so moving to Valparaiso will bring me much closer to them. Smaller house, fewer rings in the circus--it's exactly what is needed at this time of changes. I'm going to miss this place, where I raised my son and started out with Steve, the gardens and the gallery, the beach and the people, but I'm also looking forward to the things I'm going to have when we move.
If nothing else, it's going to be interesting!
posted by meg at 12:27 PM
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