Dreaming

I am dreaming of a day when I have nothing planned and nothing to do.

Strange Acceptance

I have been contemplating the upcoming family reunion greatly. While I greatly value the reunion and the family that is still in my homestate, I am not sure (with the increased prices of flights) if a long weekend in Maine is worth the expense. My employers are very likely to take an entire week off in late August/early September. I have decided to take this week to travel more extensively throughout the state. Missing the reunion pains me greatly, but being able to spend more than an afternoon with the family is worth the pains.

Also, with my parents moving it has been difficult emotionally for me. Even though I haven't lived at home in six years it has been my secure point, my emotional base. The understanding of "home" has come under questioning. Thankfully I am coming to the understanding that where ever it is that I am, that is home. My family, they are where they are living as well as trapped forever in my heart.

Blues and B.B. King

As Chicago is the Blues capital, it is only fitting that I am finally falling in love with the Blues. Last night I went to the Blues Fest to actually listen to the music. The Fest concluded with a phenomenal performance by B.B. King. I am still slightly in awe that was able to see him live. I truly do love this city.

You can't tell, but this is B.B. King. My friends got better pictures, but still, this is B.B. King!!!

This is the crowd crossing Michigan Avenue from the Blues Fest. Michigan Avenue was open to traffic and so was the street we were standing it. It was kind of amazing to be part of this crowd. Normally during the larger fests some of these streets are blocked off so that the masses of people can safely get to the trains, but they had crossing guards instead. I must say they had a very tough job (much of the crowd was drunk or high by this point) and they did very well. Yeah, Chicago!

Painting - cheaper than a therapist.

I feel as though I have things to say, but not the words to articulate them. That is probably why I am painting tonight instead of hanging out with friends. I am filled with emotions, good and bad, that I feel are just bottled up inside of me. I just started a new painting and the first layer is down, giving shape to the idea being expressed, and it is astounding how I already feel a better mental clarity. As much as I try to be logical, so much of my thoughts are purely based on emotion and I am really thankful for having been given the ability to release and organize these thoughts through paintings. People have often commented on my paintings as having an emotion. People who try to describe my paintings almost always articulate how I was feeling as the time better than I could ever hope.

Busy times

May seems to have vanishes without me realizing it or updating you all. Spring somehow disappeared during these past few weeks as well, as we have gone from winter coldness to summer hotness.

Since we have last spoken I have hosted a Bridal Shower, a Memorial Day Cookout, a jewelry party, discovered Chicago's amazing blues scene, become friends with an amazing band and seen the musical Avenue Q for a second time. I think that's it. If this is a sign of my summer schedule I am a little afraid. I am having a great time, but it is exhausting.

I have also set a date for my library art show opening, July 23. It is a Wednesday. I would have preferred a Friday, but the library closes early on Fridays and Saturdays and people are not likely to come to afternoon events. I am excited though. I have finished (or will tonight) three paintings that I have been working on recently and have a few ideas for more. My new painting/easel set up is working out beautifully.

While this is not as eloquent as some recent posts, this will have to do. I will try to get some pictures of my recent paintings posted soon.