Everything’s Gone Green
It is spring here in Rhode Island. Although it snowed a bit last week because it’s New England. But the weekend before that it was sunny and warm! I was off work that week and I went to the beach twice. TWICE! It refilled the well, you know? And I needed that. It’s been a difficult time for me, personally and professionally. I felt it in my gut, as if I’d eaten one of the beautiful rocks I found on the beach.
How are you feeling in your gut? Are you trusting your gut? I am, and it feels new to me. As a highly sensitive person, a recovering people-pleaser, and a perfectionist I am used to rationalizing and dismissing my feelings. I gaslight myself constantly. But this year I have made space to check in with myself and wow, it’s swell. My gut is telling me that changes are coming.
In the studio I’ve made some changes. I swapped out my tiny desk for my old desk and gave myself more space to separate computer work and artwork, and you know what happened? I am making a lot more art. Sometimes I give myself a big ol’ eye roll. “It’s FINE,” I say. “I can make it work.” Well you know what? It might be fine, but it’s not THE BEST. So I gave myself an upgrade and now I’m making more work. In fact, I’ve been doing a lot more PLAY. I’m wasting paper and filling old sketchbooks that were kind of half finished just to be done with them, and I’m enjoying making patterns with markers and paint pens, and whatever I feel like. I joked that it’s like a coloring book except I made it myself and it takes 10 times as long to finish it, but at least it keeps my hands moving and my brain quiet for a while.
Oh! And! Yesterday was Earth Day, so I made something for you as an appreciation for subscribing and reading. I started making these desktop calendar images and you can download them here. There’s one for May and June. Just open your settings and add it as your Desktop background. Easy peasy. If you do end up using it, snap a photo and send it to me or tag me on Insta at @annalisadraws. I’d love to see what your workspace looks like.
So anyway, hope your spring is popping and it’s lighter and brighter than last year. As always, I am thankful for you.