November was one crazy month.
I have not been very present on my social media pretty much all of November.
A lot happened and it was quite an overwhelming month with a whirlwind of emotions. So, I took some time to allow myself to disconnect and recoup for as long as I needed it.
At the beginning of the month, my grandpa passed away right before his 89th birthday from cancer. He was always a very healthy person and seemed like he was going to be one of those grandparents that lived past 100 years old. He was diagnosed this fall and unfortunately, it took him from us earlier than we expected him to leave this physical realm. It was a huge loss to the whole family, he was one of the best kind of humans, the legendary kind.
Meanwhile, my aunt and two of my cousins have also been fighting cancer. It has been a crazy year and crazy month. Thinking of what everyone is going through has me paralyzed in some moments and it can occupy my thoughts uncontrollably. It comes in random waves. I found myself distancing from socializing and cocooning in my own daily tasks, trying to get myself back into a routine. My emotions in November had been extreme lows and extreme highs.
During November: I also moved out of my shared studio in Scottsdale, Jon and I had our families over from the UK and California (we went out to Sedona which was beautiful and will share more about later)… I turned 30 and Jon and I moved into our new house in Tempe AND the news that everyone wants to hear: we are getting a dog soon ( a thirtieth birthday gift from Jon). So, there were great things too.
Here we are in December and I am finally pulling out my computer again to tap back in with everyone and get back to work. I appreciate everyone who has been checking in and sending their love, it has helped me get back into the swing of things. I am looking forward to getting myself back on track and embracing the rest of the holiday season.
For example, tonight, it is Opening night at {9} The Gallery, in Phoenix, AZ for a group show called Tiny Works and I am so excited to be a part of it. I have 3 small pieces from my most recent work with colored ink and colored charcoal on display amongst lots of other great artists’ work. If you are local to Phoenix, the opening is tonight at First Friday, December 6th, 2019, 6-10 PM at {9} The Gallery, 1229 Grand Avenue, Phoenix. I will be there and hope to see some new and familiar faces.
Then, tomorrow there is a charity event called CONCERT FOR THE KIDS at the Cattle Track Arts Compound where I have painted a little instrument to be auctioned off to raise money for music in the classrooms of Special Needs Children. There will be refreshments, and lots of music.
Despite all the worrying things going on, there is SO much to be grateful for and so much to be excited about. I am looking forward to getting back into the groove and embracing December with everything it has to offer.