The other day, I spent almost 8 hours in the studio. With some breaks in between, of course. I have been struggling with my creativity for months now. Part of it, I attribute to buying a house and moving in, renovating the space for my studio, and all of that transition. It takes a little while to feel comfortable and connected in a new space. But more than that, I feel as if I have been breaking through a lot of barriers lately. As if there has been a cloud surrounding both myself and my husband--since we moved, we have reconnected with family and friends who we had not seen in a long while. I have probably mentioned it before, but there was just something about that last apartment that clouded and depressed us, even as cute and centrally located as it was.
We are thriving out here on the outskirts of Portland. I am still dreaming of moving further and further out, too. If only those smaller towns had decent job opportunities!
I am going back into the studio today. And tomorrow. There are earrings and necklaces and rings and bracelets to be made. I need to order some metal, but at least I can get a start on things and figure out what else I need. It feels so refreshing to have a clearer mind and feel connected with my work.
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One a different note, today is of great importance. I rarely get political here, but this warrants it. We have just witnessed a historic election. I am NOT talking about Trump being elected--there is nothing historic about a misogynistic, racist, bigot white male winning the presidency. What is historic is that Hillary Clinton was our nominee and came just inches away from being the first female president. She may not have broken the highest glass ceiling, but there sure as hell are a lot more cracks in it.
I have been dismayed, shocked, and appalled at the events in this election--from the way the debates were conducted, to the vitriol encouraged by and spewed by Trump, and finally to the American electoral college (I will not say the American People because the popular vote produced a very different result) electing a bully to our nation's highest office.
However...I am a hopeful realist at heart, and while I may be eating my words in a few months, I don't believe this is the end of the world. It is an opportunity for us to look at what is wrong with our nation--where there are cracks, injuries, etc.--and to fix it. It is an opportunity for us to do better, to do more. To get out there and volunteer. Put our boots on the ground rather than our fingers on screens.
We must start at home. First, by being the change we want to see in the world. Second, by working with others, practicing what we preach, and teaching the next generation. We must stop turning a blind eye to hate, to negativity, to bigotry and sexism and racism. It starts with us--each and every one of us. And after that, Vote for your city councilors. Vote for your mayors, governors, representatives, and senators. It starts at the roots.
Nasty Woman pendant made by Fig Jewelry. You can special order these at Silverado Portland Jewelry, or through her website! I will continue wearing mine with pride.
Lovely Catherine - I've been thinking a lot of the same things. I keep thinking of the phrase "see something, say something" If you see/hear someone being racist, say something. See a woman being cat-called or treated inappropriately, say something. We all ignore certain things b/c most of us want peace and harmony. Calling out those that apparently don't is difficult. How can we create more peace without getting angry at those that are disturbing it? That is a challenge.
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