Saturday, September 12, 2009

Feeling Sick- In More Ways Than One

 Duck Pond in October, Forestry Farm
20x16"
acrylic on canvas
sold

The paintings I am posting today were purchased by a dear friend and her husband at my last art show. I know they make her happy which absolutely thrills me... and after this last week, I need to remember the joy art brings me and the people I share it with. The top painting is 20x16, the middle one is 8x10 (also the first abstract reflection I ever did) and the bottom one is 7x7. They are all acrylic on canvas.

 Reflection, Spruce River
8x10"
acrylic on canvas
sold

Reflection for a Writer
7x7
acrylic on canvas
sold

Whew! It really was quite was a week!

I was so fatigued this week, all I felt like doing was sleeping and in fact, three out of the five afternoons Tommy was at Kindergarten that is exactly what I did! The sore throat came on Thursday and the fever hit on Friday.... crazy shivers and heat waves. The highest temperature I took was 103. I felt like I was in some sort of altered state. Anyway, the worst seems to have passed. I slept most of today and now I will probably be up all night! In case anyone is wondering what differentiates a cold from the flu here is what I found out... headaches and fevers rarely accompany a cold, so if you have them with your stuffy nose and sore throat you have the flu. Also, extreme exhaustion never happens with a cold, but with the flu it comes early and is prominent.

Aside from feeling physically sick this week, I also felt psychologically sick after the meeting John and I had with our financial planner on Tuesday evening. This economy took a round out of our "portfolio" and although some things are recovering it got me feeling very guilty. Before we had Sammy I had a full time career and John and I had a pretty good lifestyle. After my year maternity (I love Canada) I went back to my job and Sammy went to daycare full time. I lasted 6 weeks and then gave my notice. I could not do it. Since then, for the most part, I have been a stay-at-home-mom. I know deep in my heart this has been the right choice... especially for my children, but this week when I realized the impact of the economy on our finances, I got thinking that if I had been working for the last 6 years it wouldn't be so bad. We would have been able to save more and invest more. I say that for the most part I have been a stay-at-home-mom because when Tommy was 18 months old I needed to get a break, so I got a very part time job working in a retail store when John was at home and I am still doing that now. My ideal world would be that I continue to do this and sell some of my paintings which would bring in just that much extra to keep me home with the kids while they are in school. I would love it if they could continue to come home for lunch and if they could always have a parent available to help with field trips or see their assemblies or volunteer for school activities. I would love it if they would never have to be part of a before and after school program. Unfortunately I am starting to wonder if this dream is very realistic. I'm really starting to think that when Tommy is in school full-time next year, maybe I will have to consider changing my role again.

At this rate I'll never figure out who I am!

6 comments:

KEITH PROCTOR Painting blog said...

Nicki
Thanks for your comment about the Jack paintings, looks like you have double trouble where you are but arnt they fun, they will keep you young Nicki.
Like your work , keep it up.
Best Regards / Keith

Nicki said...

Thanks Keith. Yes, they do keep me young.... and moving! I appreciate you stopping by.

Nicki

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Nicki,

I have a feeling you are going to make it big with your art, which will of course place time demands on you too. Before and after school programs can be just wonderful for kids. They make friends, get social, learn things. Both of my boys were in the excellent one at their public school.
I'm sorry you are sick, I have exactly the same thing, and am taking ColdFX and herbal cold tea, and vitamin C to keep it at bay. It is a roller coaster ride.

Get better. These paintings are incredibly beautiful. Keep painting. Money is coming to you.

Take care,

Barbara

Janie B said...

I'm sorry you've been sick, Nicki. That is no fun at all. But, oh my, your paintings are beautiful! They are so...Monet. I just love your style. I'm glad you are a bit better. Try not to worry about what "could have been" with your finances. It sounds like you made the right choice for you and your family, and good will definitely come from your art eventually. You are too good.

Anonymous said...

hi Nicki, the paintings are wonderful! the juggling of children and work and whether to stay in work or out and paint are something i have had to do also. i did go very part time so that i could focus on painting and it did mean tightening my belt but i don't regret it. also sorry to hear you were ill. r.

Nicki said...

Hi Barbara,
Thanks, I know it is true... there are some great before and after school programs and I may have to check into what our school offers. Cold FX usually does it for me, but I think I was just a bit too late getting it into my system this time. I'm feeling lots better, just tired.

Once again, I hope what you say is true about my art! :)

Hi Janie,
Oh my, a comparison to Monet! How generous of you! I am so happy that you are enjoying the paintings I am posting. You have no idea what a thrill that is for me. And yes, the decision I have made in staying home is ultimately tough to regret.

Hi Rahina,
It sounds like you can relate to some of the things I have been writing about. I'm glad to hear that you are happy with the decisions you have made... and glad that I can look in and see the beautiful paintings you make!


Thanks for all of your support... you are three bloggers I am glad to have met!

Take care,

Nicki