Shari Sherman

Shari Sherman

Saturday, May 27, 2006

Where has the month gone?


This month has definitely gotten away from me. Although I have been keeping up with reading my favorite blogs, I haven't been keeping up with my entries. This is due more to my resistance to learning about the codes and links rather than to not wanting to share. But I do realize that the more I write, the more comfortable I'll be.

The pictures above tell the story of what I have been doing lately. Taking care of new puppy Kona. Cute as can be, but quite a handful as puppies tend to be. One of his ears is standing up now. That's our other dog, Java, next to him...can't leave out a mention of him! I think he wants his peace back. We've been to the beach a couple of times. Note the pic of Leila as a sand mermaid. This is amazing because she is NEVER still unless she is sleeping, so for her to lay there long enough for us to do was a feat. I got some beautiful stargazers for Mother's Day. This was the flower in my wedding bouquet. Intoxicating smell and beauty! Love, love, love them. And I have been painting dog paintings for the greeting card line for http://www.dogspeakcards.com/ . I'll figure out how to link soon!

Now, I just have to do some paintings for The Doggie Door and start working on the book illustrations. Plus, I have a few birthday gifts to paint! I'll post as I complete them. I'm looking forward to some time in the studio where I can just experiment. But, for right now, I am happy to have some flow going with the business and realize that is what will further me on my path. I'd rather be painting anything at this point than transcribing. I am so burnt out on that. That is why I have committed this year to turning my ship around, to living the life I want to live, to creating art and making a living from it. I realize now that life is too short to do otherwise!

Friday, May 5, 2006

Studio Friday---SOUNDS


This is my first time doing a Studio Friday. I Love the idea....so here goes.

Today, I am listening to this great music called Spirit Visions. It is Native American flute music and it is beautiful. When my husband first heard this CD, he said "I could listen to this music forever." It's true, it is a really good, balancing type of music. I have a lot of painting that needs to be done, and I like this type of music to help me focus and work. I also love listening to the Beastie Boys, LOUD, when I am just playing and creating freely and can groove at the same time. That's usually late at night. At other times, I will have the TV on, listening to Martha Stewart, during the day or Disney Channel, if Leila is creating with me.

So the music changes, but there is one constant, that I didn't really consciously hear until I listened today for this post. My ticking clock. Actually, now that I think of it, it kinda bugs me. I might be moving that soon. I've never been a big fan of keeping time, but it is a necessity sometimes of course, but I believe I will look for a much quieter timepiece. See what you learn, when you take the time to slow down and listen.

Also, I can hear the whir of my computer's fan. It's an emachine and ever since I got it, I thought it was defective because it is loud. I called about it and they said they are loud like that. Hhhmmm, okay....it works fine, so I am not really complaining.

Ta-da! That was great fun. Can't wait to see what next week's topic is!

Thursday, May 4, 2006

What the Hell?


I'm not even going to bother with fixing this image. You get the point, and it's just too much trouble for what it's worth.
My husband comes home today and asks the question, "what, no vacuuming?" Needless to say, he really should know better than to EVER mutter that phrase. So after some heated "discussion", I am now locked in the studio, typing madly.
So, this brings up the point of how people who don't work from home think that people who do, don't really work, or that they can put their work on the back burner to do everything else that needs to be done. I have worked from home for about 10 years now and people still don't get it. And that is concerning my "real job" not my studio time or painting. Even though that is my business, I feel like I have to fight for the time to come in relax and create. Like that time is reserved for the wee hours, when everyone else and thing is taken care of and tucked in. My mother-in-law called the other day and asked me, are you working or are you painting? What the Hell??? Both. I am trying to not appear as a raving psychopath, but sometimes I just want to throttle people.
I know this is going to be an ongoing issue, but I will fight like a wildcat for the rights of my creative being. The really sucky thing is that I don't mind vacuuming. I happen to like housework. I adore Martha! The real issue is trying to balance everything between all of the different roles going on. That the real trick.
By the way, that's my hubby and my girl kissing in that picture. It just melts my heart. Makes me want to go vacuum...

Tuesday, May 2, 2006

Resistance is Futile


I have been suffering from a feeling of overwhelm this week. A lot of great things are happening so I am not complaining. I just feel like I am burning the candle at both ends and it's about the meet in the middle. I know the answer is to slow down before I burn out, but I seem to be stuck in the mindset that I can do it all and do it all NOW. In SARK's newsletter this month, she talks about resistance and letting go and going with the flow. I read this and started to really keep track of how much resistance I am putting out there. That it manifests every time I get upset about something, if things don't run as smoothly as hoped. I have been trying to re-frame my thinking each time and come back to center and try to let go of my percieved control. Do what you can and let life unfold.

Above are 2 books that I recieved from Sunny in a creativity exchange organized by Tara Dawn. They are just what I need. I surround myself with clutter and am constantly trying to dig my way out. I know this is just another form of resistance, so hopefully I will find a key in Sunny's words.

Remember, life if just easier if you don't resist.