The good, the bad and Lifes, up's and down's.

I've had a nasty bug for a while. Not quite sure what it was/is - but I do know that the anti-biotic prescribed by my doctor (I called and begged for a call in) did not do the trick. It's been awhile since I have taken an antibiotic and seem to remember their course lasting at least a week to ten days. This was just a 5 day course. None the less - the prescription said, if what I had was not a bacterial infection - and wound up being cold/flu or something else viral - it would not work. Sigh. I'm feeling like it may or could be bronchitis or upper respiratory related. Who knows for sure. I'll have to make it a point to go to my doctor next week and have him take a better look.

Two paintings were submitted for jury (sounds like a court case!) to a show and neither of them made it. It was my first rejection - and I took it pretty hard for an hour or so. I was feeling sick that day, and my emotions were a little high - even though I know the work was strong - and even though I know not to take such rejection "personally" - it just hit me at a bad time. I immediately called "mentor, "M" and let it out - and she quickly reminded me of earlier talks, how no artist is going to be without rejection and it is what we all must do and subject ourselves to - if we wish to "show". There have been pieces that she has entered in the past that were rejected not only once - but twice - and then went on to be "Best of Show" in the third entering. Judges look for different things - and no set of artists can all meet what that Judge wants... so we plug along. This was a very STRONG show. There were 88 submissions - and only 44 were selected. It was a very prestigious show - and my rejection was delivered to me as well as to some very accomplished artists. I asked one of the shows directors, "What sort of comments did the juror make as she was making her selections? What was she looking for?" She said that she kept looking for "Artists who took a risk, and was not afraid to break the rules." Looking at what I entered, I can see that I did play it safe in my selections. And so, with that wonderful feedback, I felt very good indeed. I felt that I got my jury fee's worth of educational information. I walked away satisfied and fed. While on the phone with "M", she asked me - after our conversation, "Now what are you going to do? Are you going to go into your studio and paint?" Heh heh. Yes, that is what I did. That afternoon I went out and purchased 5 more canvas's to add to the 3 month show... which is almost here!

What else have I been up to? Hum, a little more hobby photography, some new family adjustments - i.e. both granddaughters are now back at home with mom. I had a full house over the summer for sure with both of them and mornings with my grandson. It may very well be that I will not be watching him in the mornings either - if shifts continue to change. So much going on in the lives of those in my family circle. My MIL has been struggling some lately - and we are not sure how much longer she will be able to stay in her home alone. That could mean yet another change in our lives. Who knows what the future holds.

Tomorrow (Friday) I am going out with "M" and another artist friend of hers (whom I will meet for the first time) to two art openings downtown. One on or near the campus of Wayne State University and the other at the Detroit Artists Market. Somewhere in between we will have dinner at the Cass Cafe. I am really looking forward to the night out after all that has been going on with me. I can sure use the downtime. I went to Wayne State University - so that will be neat to go back on campus again - after so many years.

Tonight I prepped 3 - 12x12 canvas's with several layers of gesso - and they will be ready and waiting for me in the morning. I have a few different ideas playing around in my head. I'm looking forward to a day of creation.