SO... I just started a new job. I found out that they are shut down for 10 days over the holidays.... So I booked flights home!! I am certain that this trip will make the final decision for me - whether or not I am going to make the move back. I know this isn't all really art related - but I need a good place to vent.

I am so excited to be getting away from my sad, boring life here on the dreary island. I don't think I could have spent 10 days cooped up at home... when all I want to do is run away from everything. This is exactly what I need right now and I hope it's enough to get me through the winter. I hope I can catch up with a few friends and family members. In the last 6 years, the only good Christmas I had was the one that I got to go home for in 2008. I am hoping that next year I will only be a short drive from my family from the holidays.... no plane required!! 

So - everyone enjoy the holidays and we will see you in 2013!! :) 

Well I guess it's time for my annual post! Lol!

Seriously though, the last year has been unfortunately a rough one where my art has been concerned. I guess it has a lot to do with the fact that my art isn't really catching people's attention here. I live on the west coast - there are horses, and horse people, but not enough. That combined with a very poor economy - people don't really have the cash to spend on art - I have found myself in a rut creatively. I did manage to get my hands on a drawing table though!! So perhaps that may help to inspire me a bit!

I have been considering a move back to Alberta. It's a more "western/horse oriented" place and not only would the move bring me closer to my family - who I miss dearly - it may also allow me grow as an artist as well. Lots of thinking and planning to do.... as I would be leaving a lot behind. Decisions, decisions. Sigh. But so many things to consider. The economy is BOOMING over there. My REAL job - I have been in the automotive industry for years - mostly as a parts person - I can make double the money there. I have an uncle with an acreage and horses.... so I would have easy access to reference material as well as - I am hoping - the opportunity to make a 30 year dream come true. That would be to finally own a horse. I am finding myself to be really homesick and just sad here all around. Anyone who has ever been on the west coast will understand - the winters here are hard. Yes, the lack of snow and above 0 temperatures are great, but at the same token, the grey skies and rain for days on end are really difficult to adjust to. I am also finding that with the poor economy here that people have too much time on their hands and can be just down right mean and judgmental  I know you get that everywhere, but it seems very common in this town. I almost made a run to Saskatoon last year but put it off. Yet here I am - still dying to leave. I think it is time. I think it would be a very positive change for me and I am looking forward to it.

I feel the need to live more simply as well. I have been selling off my personal belongings - not only to fund my move, but it feels good to eliminate all of this "stuff". especially the things from a period in my life that I'd rather forget. I would love to just live in a studio apartment with my kitty, and my drawing table and my art supplies, a hide-a-bed and my music. Then I would run off into the country on the weekends and hide from the world. Seems like a dream come true!