Friday, September 21, 2007

IF : Juggling a move



Some of you know that my husband and I often talk about moving back to Rhode Island, but what some of you don't know is how much anxiety it causes me. It all hinges on finding work for both of us (which means no art for me for a while, at least)...and being middle-aged and set in my ways and missing my friends and this perfect weather and.....blaaahhhh!


But that's what I left behind when we left Rhode Island. A job and great friends and ....okay, the weather isn't very good back there most days, but I did have my art. So the other day I told my husband that we should go back without jobs. "Let's just go on faith!" I said. And then the wise old crow put his two cents in . "You ain't young anymore honey. Caaawww. Just how much do you think you can juggle at your age? Go, stay, run away!"


Damn crow's feet.




acrylic on canvas, rubber stamped alphabets, collaged raven

46 comments:

  1. Thats a tough one.
    In our case it's
    'Houses are cheaper there' vs 'Weather's bad'
    'Family's there' vs 'Here too' and/or 'they'll want to move'.
    Etc etc.
    Inertia always wins.

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  2. Touching illustration and story. I love your colors!

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  3. damn crow's feet <---- seriously!

    a crystal ball would be nice; though they say it wouldn't

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  4. Every move I've ever made has been by faith and I may be looking at such an opportunity again sometime next year. Remember, the crow is no more than an opportunist and a fool. Crows feet are wisdom, tempered with faith. By the way, I don't have to move too? Do I? :O

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  5. Very nice. Love the concept. Good luck in what ever you decide. Faith can be a very powerful hand in juggling life.

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  6. Tape the crow shut. Hee hee. I'd follow your heart and your gut. That logical mind knows so little. Whenever I follow my head, I end up staring at the ceiling at night. what do you really, really want to do? And WHY do you want to move? Those are the questions I'd ask myself.

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  7. Really great piece...good luck with the move decision...we made that choice a long time ago...to move cross country without jobs and all went well...it will for you too. Thanks for visiting my blog.

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  8. Heeee, those crow's feet are nasty little reminders. Lovely painting.

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  9. Great narrative to this one. Reminds me of a different era in illustration. Much like the really cool styles of illustration in annuals from the 70s.

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  10. Ohh, Laurel, I love this piece, it's very touching. Reminds me Poe.

    Good luck with your moving, if you finally decide to do it ;)

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  11. Funny - we ponder the same thing, except in the other direction! I love, love this painting, and another funny thing... I am in the process of painting something that has a crow. There's something about those big, shiny black birds... Good luck with your decision making. I know it takes courage at this stage of life, but then again... what's it all about if you're yearning for something else?

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  12. Hey! Thanks for the tip on the bird decals. I have huge windows and keep sheers over mine on the inside at all times because my parrot is fully flighted. Thanks again for visiting.

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  13. Loooove it! This is a great, bold piece from from you here!

    As for the move, yeah, I can relate. I would love to go where living is much cheaper yet I love the stability of what I currently have, as well a sthe nearby culture and woods. You wonder if the grass is greener. Best wishes with whatever choice you and your husband make.

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  14. Your post cracked me up! Love the painting and the dialog. I am at the point of thinking about retirement. . .well maybe not for 10 years or so. . .but I can so relate the whole post!

    Thanks so much for sharing!

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  15. Really beautiful piece. I have been in the same position- we DID move back to RI and have never regretted it!

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  16. too me some time to understand it, very powerfull once I dsicovered the motive.
    very rich !

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  17. Not only is this image beautiful but the thoughts you shared are so purposeful. Yes... go ... stay...no run away. We had that same dilemma before moving from NJ to NH. Leaving all that metro area behind, all those NYC connections, art directors, busy malls, places that show your work so willingly...for the peace and quiet tranquility of a small New England town. Once we started on that journey it became a no brainer. We are meant to be where we are meant to be... and if we go with faith, everything soon falls into place.

    You will find peace and happiness wherever you go.... I can tell by the soul that shines through your work.

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  18. Wow, so much positive feedback and support from all of you. It helps a lot!! Thank you, all of you. XO

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  19. Juggling life is so much fun, isn't it? Cool pic, though. Hang in there.

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  20. this was a wonderful post! It is fun to imagine yourself doing spontaneous things but you are right a dose of reality always needs to come into play too. Well just remember the world is your oyster and you really can do anything you want to do! I love this painting and all that you have to say!

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  21. WOW...I agree with most of the comments. I'm an Army brat! Gorgeous artwork!

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  22. that's a tough decision. I'll keep my fingers crossed. And thank you so much for the anniversary wishes.

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  23. a beautiful illustration. i happen to love crow's feet. i'm glad to have them. i like to watch people's faces crinkle when they smile. it means they're really smiling...and not just moving their mouths.

    my husband and moved several times, 'on faith,' and it worked out, usually. hehehe.

    maybe if you make a list...pros and cons?

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  24. beautiful artwork!

    wishing you all the best on your decision making!

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  25. Love this painting Laurel! The colors are beautiful- and seems like a debate between warm and cool- and both are equally peaceful mixed with a bit of storminess. I know it will work out whatever you decide. I prefer the weather of the north(east)- just when tiring of one season- a new one comes. Always something to look forward to.

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  26. Laurel, this is absolutely beautiful. All of it - the painting, words, emotions. I can only imagine the anxiety this idea of relocating will cause. Especially if you like where you live, then I ask - why move? I'm sure you have reasons and I hope your heart tells you what is the right thing to do...sit and listen to what you hear inside or see what your dreams bring you. Oh, and thank you for your encouragement about a life partner. I will keep open.

    Peace and support.

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  27. Dearest sister...I know what turmoil you're experiencing. Remember, I left everything and everyone I knew and loved when I made the decision to move from Massachusetts to Colorado to be with Dino. I have never regretted my choice. Ok...maybe once in a while I get wistful and a bit teary, but I still made the best choice for me. Follow the doctrine of The Secret, and you will always get what you want from life. Our thoughts are magnets, and we CAN have control of our lives, if we so choose. Sorry for the long post, but after reading all the posts that were written before this post, I can see that you have lots of support for whatever you decide. And remember...none of those dear people will be lost to you. You'll only be leaving "stuff." Love you much. Pammy

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  28. This is a great piece and the crow is perfect!

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  30. Laurel, that is the same thing Jim and I talk about when we think about moving back to Savannah. However, I want to move away from the fam, not get closer. :) They can always visit in the warm weather, I say! Lovely post this week.

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  31. Moving has it's pro's and con's, I guess it all depends on the ultimate goal... Like you said... we always have our art!

    Thanks for all of your special notes...

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  32. Wonderful bird and I love the way you indicated its cawing. Beautiful.

    This is a tough question. Why stay ? why go ? Would a list of pros and cons give a clearer answer ?
    Laurel, whatever you decide I wish you lots of strength, courage and luck!

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  33. Love the illo! Re: weather. We have been having what I call 'california weather" all summer in Massachusettes. All sun, no rain. I can't stand it anymore!!! no time to chill out!

    Good luck with your decisions

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  34. this is one of my favorites this week. a beautiful piece but also a great take on the topic! thanks for sharing!

    one girl show

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  35. such an original take on this weeks theme, really well done.

    dave

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  36. this piece is very touching! Wish you all the luck whether you move or not...goood luck ; )

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  37. Beautiful and beautifuly done image! Decisions, decisions - you articulate this so well!

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  38. r.i. quahogs...pawtucket. went to school out there. but you are sooo far from that now...i imagine that is a very anxious thought in your head, going back. but that being said, this is really grand, lolo...the simpleness of it. the crow. the colors are really well composed. :)

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  39. Great illustration - I love the crow and what it represents. I totally understand your anxiety - we moved from VT to OR with no jobs or place to live - of course I was 23! But then we did eventually move back East - sometimes you just have to do it!
    I didn't do a "juggle" piece, but if you have a chance could you look at the portfolio illo I posted - if you have the time :) Thanks!

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  40. Very good bird... I like the color and the style...

    Best wishes from Buenos Aires...

    http://www.alexiev.com.ar
    Alexiev Store

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  41. I think you should go, no, I think you should stay, no, go. Sorry I'm no help, but I can read the thoughts you lay before us, and look and wonder at the beauty of your work whichever coast it's created on.

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  42. I like the texture and posture of this fine feathered fellow.

    The weather and scenery of this neck of the woods would be hard to leave. My wife and I get to thinking about it, but we've got parents here, etc. and there's a juggling act we don't want to take on. Good luck on decision-making.

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  43. this is a beautiful illustration. i'm a native rhode islander myself, and though i'm not as far away as you are, i do still miss providence.
    good luck with whatever choice you make...

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