Quotables: On Change and Growth

Dear October

wire fence and autumn field

Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa (October 2009)

~~~

Dear October,

Where did you go?

I had plans for you - glorious plans to put things into place, to get things ready and "hit the ground running" come November when my time at the office came to an end.

But instead you led me toward something different. You drew me into silence and reflection, into stillness. So now I'm ready to hit the ground sitting.

I just thought I'd let you know I'm OK with that.

Love always,

Steph

xo

Ottawa Peeps: Art Works Conference

"The Art Works – Art & Entrepreneurship Conference – is an opportunity to learn the essential skills to turn your artistic talents into a successful business. The Art Works 2011 Conference tagline sums up the theme for the day: 'From Passion to Profession… Make ART WORK.'"

~ Art Works Website

What: Art Works, Ottawa's art & entrepreneurship conference organized by the OCRI Entrepreneurship Centre; a day of mingling with other artists and learning from small business experts, art associations and other artpreneurs

When: Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011; 8:30 AM - 3:45 PM (includes breakfast & lunch)

Who: for artists and other creative folk who want to make money doing the creative stuff they love

How much: $30 + online purchasing fee if bought before Nov. 7th

                   $35 + fee if after Nov. 7th

                   price includes breakfast and lunch

Where: Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Boulevard in Orleans

"The Shenkman Arts Centre, which opened on June 18, 2009, is Ottawa’s only multidisciplinary arts facility offering services and programs in both English and French. The Centre, which is located in Ottawa East, is a creative hub where artists and audiences meet to create and explore the arts."

~ Shenkman Arts Centre Website

Why: because if you sell your art and want to make money at it, you are not only an artist, but a business person; because it's a great place to meet other creative business kindreds; because you'll leave inspired

~~~

If you're thinking of tapping into your creative passions to bring in profits I highly recommend you check this out! It's a great place to meet other passionate, creative people who get what you're trying to do, plus you'll leave with a notebook full of practical resources and inspiration.

I'm not getting any perks for promoting this, I've been to the last two and found them worth every penny. If you're thinking about it, go.

On Change, Grieving and Touchstones...

feather at Mer Bleue Conservation Area, November 2010

I have four days left at the office.

This morning, for this first time, I allowed myself to grieve what I'm leaving: the people, the work I enjoy, the routine, the comfort and confidence, the KNOWN.*

I feel a bit like I did during the breakup of my first marriage - out with the old life and in with the new, without really knowing what the new one looks like yet. And like I was then, I'm scared. Excited and scared all at once.

 "Most people who have relinquished a job (or been fired or retired from one) grieve and feel lost for a time."

~ Marsha Sinetar, To Build the Life You Want, Create the Work You Love

So as I grieved, I remembered the small activities that ground me and made a note to do them: painting, laundry, dishes, morning pages, a walk in the woods, couch time with D. and Cassie. They keep it simple and in the moment.

Then I listed tangible things that will remain stable during my transition: my home, D., Cassie, my family and friends, the trees and the birds, my body. These remind me that work is just one aspect of my already full, rich life.

I guess it's normal to feel loss when we move on and let go of something that's been a constant for so long. What's important is to remind ourselves of the other things we can hold on to until we get to the other side.

~~~

* I just realized that a steady paycheck never even came up in my list of things to grieve - I guess there'll be time for that later.

Lost in Camera Play with Apples

Last month while at Squam Art Workshops I stumbled upon two stray apples sitting perfectly in a pool of light on a table in our cabin's porch.

I ran up to my room to fetch my trusty point & shoot and spent the next fifteen minutes lost in play. There were 65 shots in total, I offer you a sampling of my favourites...

I suspect I have A. and T. to thank for this serendipitous placement of produce. Thank you girls, those sun-filled fifteen minutes are among the highlights of my trip.