As fall weather starts to roll in, I am reminded of how much I enjoy the fall season.  I have always loved the crisp evenings and the bright fall leaves ushering in a feeling of calmness.  I love to cook, and having the freedom to use appliances without overheating makes me thankful!  Opening a window in the evening instead of using the air conditioner is also a welcome change.

I think for me fall signifies positive change.  I feel like I can slow down, and take time to be grateful for all the memories created over the summer.  Like my trip to the Bay area, taking in the ocean blues from cobalt to peacock to pale sky and noticing how the light plays off of the cliffs, rounding corners and splashing highlights on jagged edges.  I am grateful for the emotions nature provides me.  I am at peace in nature, walking on the sparkling sand, breathing in mountain air or feeling freshly mown soft grass beneath my feet.  I am thankful for the beauty surrounding us.

I am also very grateful to my family and many friends who are so supportive of me and my work as an artist.  Hardly a recluse, I find it challenging sometimes to work on the computer, doing the things that I don't always want to do.  Painting and creating is only a part of being an artist!  I am grateful to have the abiity to create balance for myself, and every day is a new challenge to do so!

With fall approaching, I am nesting a bit in preparation for shorter days and longer nights and more time at home.  Time to think ahead and make plans for the next phase, sure to be an exciting one!  Fall is always a great time of year for me and 2012 will be no different.  I am blessed in many ways.

Namaste
A. Rome

Every day it seems like my "to do" list gets longer and items on it become more and more pressing.  I am sure you all can relate!  Sure, there are days I don't check anything off the list, because the car battery died, or the internet crashed, or I just sat in a heap from pure exhaustion for a few hours.  Nevertheless, the urge to create edges it's way back to the top of the list.  It is persistant, like a fruit fly buzzing around a sweet glass of Chardonnay, and it will be heard!

As an artist, it is my job to balance the unpredictable creativity with the "to do's" of life.  Some days are better than others, and many days I am tested in my patience.  How long does it take before I feel satisfied that I have achieved balance?  Maybe I will never quite feel it, but I must be as persistant as the little fire in my soul that makes me stay up into the night, painting, tossing out rejects (yes, all artists have them!) and moving on to the next creation with abandon until I cannot stay awake any longer.

Life is tough.  Sometimes all you can do is persist.  I am not a patient person and I never have been.  These past few months have forced me to wait, create, and wait some more.  Some days I want to give up, but I persist.   Sometimes all you can do is get up, show up, and know that no matter what curve balls life throws, the "to do" list will still be there tomorrow. 

Thank you for reading my little blog!