I became an artist

 

During a rough time of my life of being unemployed back in 2020 for almost 8 months I found a passion and discovered a talent that I didn't know I had.  I love painting with acrylics but I'm exploring watercolor too.  I love being creative!

So being unemployed brought out a new passion and eventually lead to a great job and great people to work with at my current job now. There is always hope and always blessings and joys in the midst of hard times.

Plants and flowers 2022

Yes there is a goat in the background....he used to live next door and he would come over and eat my flowers and plants.  I didn't like him because of that and would do my best to get him to stay away but it wasn't an easy task at times but despite it my flowers and plants thrived.

 

Plant and Flowers

 

Saturday we went to Warner's Nursery!  Normally each summer shortly after my birthday in May we go to Viola's to get some new flowers to plant outside for the season.  But this time we went to Warner's and it was so much fun! They have indoor houseplants and outdoor plants and flowers!

Ben was pushing the basket.  He cut me off at $200! I was actually a little under 200 hahahaha!

These are the new indoor houseplants I picked.  There are so many fun names of these plants, like funky frog, rattlesnake, pink panther.....

Here is my new set up! Karlee & Natalie gave me a plant stand for Christmas and I finally put it together and have it up.  I love my new plants and area!  A little corner of happiness right where I sit at my table to journal and drink my coffee.

June 7, 2023

 It's crazy how quickly time goes by.  I can't believe that I haven't posted in so long. There has been so much that has gone on since my last post back in April of 2022 after visiting my grandmother in Phoenix for her birthday.  I haven't felt the need or have wanted to write on my blog now that I think of it.  When I started it over ten years ago it was like therapy for me, it was my outlet and how I worked through all the tough spots that were going on in my life at the time.  It was years that this blog held a strong hold on me and place in my heart.  Over time my life improved and I wasn't going through so many ups and downs in life.  I was finally happy.  

I think I'm finally feeling like I can slow down and write again, write my thoughts out and share my joys and blessings.  It could have something to do with turning 50 years old last month and the reflective moment I had this morning while driving into work this morning.  I'm not sure but I'm happy to be back at blogging.

My Instagram post below:

Still not working

 Well here it is almost the end of April and I sit at my table unemployed without unemployment benefits which makes it really tough this time around.  There has been a dry spell without any interviews until recently. I had one on Monday and yesterday (Thursday), I hope to hear back from one or both of them middle of next week.  I can see myself working at either place so its a matter of which one offers me first and the most money for the most part.  One is an eye care place and the other is a financial wealth place like I worked at before.  The waiting is the hardest part but that is what it is so I will wait and see what happens.

I've been staying with doing things around the house, painting, spending time with my family.  There are days that its harder than others to stay positive and not get sucked into my own little pitty party but I manage.

Last weekend we went to Phoenix to celebrate my grandmother's 92nd birthday!

It was a sweet and fun time! I enjoyed being around my grandmother, she has not lost her spunk!  Karlee was out of town visiting her half sister, we missed her but she had seen grandmother a few months back.

We enjoyed the weekend and then Ben, Kyle and I headed back to Flagstaff, back to reality. Next month is going to be so busy! Mothers Day, my birthday, Sara's graduation, and her moving out oh and in between all that a family BBQ to celebrate it all!  I'm looking forward to the next month of fun, moments and memories!

Two interviews down

 This time around being unemployed is looking very different at this point than the last time.  Last time was hard with politics and covid and lack of jobs.  There seems to be more jobs available and people actually trying to hire as well.  I have the feeling that this time around it won't be long before I land a job. Last week I had two interviews, one via zoom and one in person.  They both have asked for a second interview and those will take place this week.

I'm working hard staying busy and positive. I'm so thankful for a supportive family.  I enjoyed some time in Phoenix with my girls and warmth with lots of sunshine! I've been staying busy painting and trying to find ways to sell my paintings.  I love painting but it would be awesome if my paintings were hung on others walls to enjoy them as much as I do.

Everything takes time......

We shall see what this week will bring.

Things are looking up

Despite the windy, cold, gray look outside with snow on its way for the next few days things are looking a little brighter in my corner of the world.  I have a job interview by zoom on Friday at 11:00 a.m. and one other job inquiring has asked for more information that may lead to an interview as well.  I'm very thankful and plan on shining my best so that I can start a new adventure soon with a new place of employment.

In the mean time I've been working hard at getting my art out there on social media with facebook, instagram and a blog.  As time goes on and things move along I will consider starting a business on Etsy but for now I will have fun with what I have going on for now.  It takes a little chunk of time daily to work on social media especially if I want to be taken serious and actually try to sell my paintings online.

I am enjoying that I get to be at home on a cold day like today and the next upcoming ones so that I can hide and stay warm.  My body hurts so bad on days like these and it bums me out too.  I plan on doing a few things around the house and some painting of course and maybe even lay down and take a nap.  I didn't sleep good last night so some extra rest to feel better might be the best thing to do.

P.S.

www.canvasbykat.blogspot.com

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