Life as a working artist. Part 5, Burden or bonus?

I'm putting in a solid 9 hours a day in the Soft Foundry (my sewing studio) and making more beautiful warm things than I ever have.

The more I make, the more ideas I get. Everything I sketch or arrange sparks off a new trail of inspiration.

Sometimes all these wonderful ideas and inspirations feel like a burden. How will I ever work with them all?

For now, the plan is to draw, sketch or sample as much as I possibly can. I don't actually have to make them all. When it's time to start something new, I just do whatever I feel like. Simple, really.

Here's a something that might become something, someday. Or not.

Best sort of delay

As is so often the case, I've left today's post to the last minute. It will therefore be short.

The hour of writing is so late because I've been out for the evening - a date at relatively short notice with a dear friend.

We saw an  excellent film (Ida: http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/ida-2014), ate a delicious supper, best of all, hours of challenging and amusing conversation.

In my hours in the studio alone I've thought a lot about human connection of all sorts. Again and again I realise the benison of friendships old and new. 

Life as a working artist. Part 1, Wardrobe crisis

It's pretty dreadful. 

I used to care about how I looked when I went to the office. My shoe collection was legendary for variety, colour and often total lack of practicality.

Now it's PJs or exercise clothes all day. And on my feet? Not even nail polish.

KNOWING / notKNOWING

Hey, you friends and readers who are older than me. Younger people too probably. A question.

How do you KNOW?

You all seem to know your own hearts, your own desires. To have gained or found or created your peace and confidence with who you are and where you're going.

Maybe you think that's true of me too.

Afraid not. I remember realising on my 25th birthday that I had never imagined being older than 24. In the 20+ years that have passed, I have only rarely felt that I knew simply and wholeheartedly who I am, and where I want to be.

There are really good things about this.

I believe I've thought more about what matters, about who I admire and why, more about my choices, than if I had an autopilot managing my course. I've felt more deeply each decision that comes my way. I like to think I've been more open to hear others' thoughts and ideas.

I've come to be comfortable with that uncertainty. Maybe I do KNOW.
Maybe I'm The Woman Who Makes It Up As She Goes Along And It Works Out Just Fine.