Friday, February 19, 2010

catching up... POST #1000!!

Hello, old friends. It is time. Time for a new blog post because the world is whisking by me once again and there is only me to decide when to put my foot down and stop myself for just one holy second and say HELLO! :)

It is a sunny morning outside. The dogs are asleep on the couch and I have a growing to-do list in my head. These days, life is in full bloom. Hell, I even have roots busting out of the bottom of my metaphorical flower pot and we still have 4 feet of snow!

For now, let me just say that I'm here. I'm here and am preparing for my biggest show ever. I'm here and am venturing into one of the biggest and scariest and most exciting moments of my artistic career so far.

I would like to start blogging more again. Perhaps I'll just write short ditties. I've been getting good at that on Facebook. Just something to record this journey--and all its highs and lows. Believe me, there are many of them!

Recently I've been granted a 2,000 square foot gallery space in one of the most upscale locations in the Minneapolis area for the month of May. No charge, with massive marketing as an added perk. I'm also working with a long list of businesses that will be creating events throughout the month around my artwork. If ever I've been given a chance to grow as an artist, a business, and a person...it is now. Holy crap--and I think I'm gonna need a seat belt.

I never in a million years expected my life to look like this. Yesterday I found out that I did not get a major fellowship that I had applied for. I have to admit that I really wanted it. $50,000. It was going to solve a lot of problems and give me some much needed artistic freedom. Despite the MAJOR odds, a wildly self-confident part of me was expecting to get it. But no. Nope. Not this time. Instead I got a rejection letter from them. The rest of the mail included several thank you cards from clients. These cards went way beyond thoughtful. I wanted to lay down in the snow and cry and laugh all at the same time. Ok, I admit, I did...but I waited until I got to the studio and did it there instead. I realized that I can make my life look any way I want it to. In just one day so many things happen.

Lately, every day has been filled to the gills with new opportunities and struggles, all at the same time! I've decided that success is coming...but I think I'm better off not having any expectations on HOW it's going to get here. This wild and surreal life. Sometimes it is an interesting challenge just to get out of my own way.

Peace sista friends.
j.

10 comments:

JessRS said...

<3 xoxoxoxox <3
The other J

Sara Blackthorne said...

I love you.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

PS: Let me know when the show is running ... I may be coming through MN in May, and would LOVE to stop and see it!

Amber said...

"Recently I've been granted a 2,000 square foot gallery space in one of the most upscale locations in the Minneapolis area for the month of May. "--

WOW!! :)

I think of you. Happy your are happy, friend.

ox :)

Sharon said...

First, one comment on your blog's new look. Old ladies such as me find it difficult to read with the black background.

OK, now, I am so very proud of what you have accomplished! And you are touching the very hearts of so many pet owners. You truly have a GIFT!!

Jessie said...

Black background? It's not supposed to be black. Is anyone else seeing it that way???

Patry Francis said...

No time to blog. Too busy living. Not really a bad thing! Come back when you can and fill us up with more energizing good news. x

Jessie said...

Patry, I know! Almost a month and I have not posted! Oy-vey. Life, living, LOVING!

My online presence, these days, seems to take the form of facebook where i can write in quick moments with paintbrushes in hand.

still though...i am always blogging in my head and, in my imagination, i will someday in the relatively near future have time to luxuriate in blogging again!

i miss all of you!! except those of you who i keep up with on fb. ;)

Hannatheaspiringartist said...

wow! Thank you for your beutiful art!! I would love to be as good as you someday :)

Unknown said...

"I've decided that success is coming...but I think I'm better off not having any expectations on HOW it's going to get here."
I love that. I needed to hear that. You are a wonder and I love and appreciate you SO much! Praying for you combined with hope, excitement and love... Cheers my friend!

Samosas for One said...

Why do you think "success is coming?" Isn't it already here? Aren't you already successful?

I'm going to write about you on my blog!