This week I made a very important and momentous decision. I will be moving out of my gallery space at Northrup King in the next few weeks. With the upcoming open studios event, I realized that there is just too much going on in my life right now to use any of my brain power for things that do not make me happy. I will sell anything that people want, but donate most of the remainder, keeping pieces that my family wish to have.
This decision comes on the heels of another, even more significant conclusion, and that is that my husband and I have to prepare for the inevitable time when we can no longer live in our home. He is not ready to face this, but at least he can think about it while I do the research it will take to visit various senior living communities, compare locations, floor plans, costs, and eventually get on a couple waiting lists. I have always had a more immediate nature (“Hey, kids! We’re moving to Minnesota – now!” for instance) or, “What the heck am I doing here? Time to go!” He prefers to ponder things for much longer, which I totally respect. I dive into a lake and he takes his time until he is in the water. I will channel my enthusiasm into gaining information, meeting residents, and making a spread sheet, like I do. We must embrace the spread sheets.
I will still make art. The pressure of showing it, attending events, hoping for sales, and making sure I have enough to fill the bins, is just more than I need right now. I picture my brain as a room full of compartments – and they are limited. When I wake up in the middle of the night sweating with all these things running through my brain, I know it’s a sign. Each time I have been honored with a commission, it has not been driven by my presence in a gallery. I will give myself permission to see where my artistic intuition leads me. Sketch books? Watercolors on paper? Urban sketching? Who knows? It will be a relief to find out. In addition, I will go through my studio and get rid of anything I haven’t touched in 2 years – sell, give away, donate – there are so many possibilities. I’m actually looking forward to clearing the decks.
Thank you all for your love and support. Watch this thread for updates!
Wow Marjorie!
A difficult decision I’m sure! My best to you as you plunge into retirement (semi?).
We are the risk-takers, right? Keeping life interesting, a day at a time!
Hey, Marjorie, this is a big deal!
Crazy, right? I am really filled with positive energy since coming to this conclusion. As I have always said, “There is a fine line between a groove and a rut!”
You are sooooo,sooo awesome! I’m looking forward to your next chapter whatever it will be….
But please include me.
Love you Mudge.
You know I will include you – you are a really bad example!
Good for you, Majorie! I have been looking for another place myself, but everything is too expensive for me right now. I will be interested in what you find. Good luck to you and yours. Donna
It’s a massive amount of information to consider, plus getting my other family member onboard! I am happy to talk to you about what I have learned so far.