Yesterday and then TODAY

Yesterday I began this piece and was feeling good about the direction it was going.  I had a little problem with the wax being too thin in one area of the sky but I managed to correct it.  I was looking forward to continuing today.

And then I got an email from a dog rescue friend and there was a slight change of plans…..

I spent today with these two!  Two rescues needed a ride from one city to another and I figured I could take a break and help them out.  There are so many ways to contribute to the lessening of animal suffering and sadness - small and large ways, with time or with money.  Animal neglect, irresponsibility, and overpopulation are incredible problems that could be easily solved with a small commitment from each of us - if we all work together.  

And back to my art — I had a wonderful day helping these two get closer to their adoptive homes.  After we arrived at our destination, we snuggled in the front seat of the van for thirty minutes, licking and making happy dog sounds.   Tomorrow, I’ll return to my encaustic table with a smile and my own dogs snoring noisily at my feet.  Taking a day off to do something important makes coming back to my painting BETTER than ever.  

Going Home

We’re heading home after a long day at the studio!  Misty is Head of Security and Jelly is my Studio Assistant - and they never miss a day of work.  Jelly has been in the studio with me since he was 8 weeks old.  Misty joined our team shortly after that.

We try to clock in around 9am and spend the first thirty minutes taking care of our rescued cats.  They are waiting for breakfast and room service when we arrive.  The encaustic palettes are warming while we sweep and straighten up.  Then I open a Diet Mountain Dew and that’s their cue to settle in for a nap.  Misty is a light sleeper though - she takes her security job very seriously.  

Lately we’ve been taking a break around 1pm to medicate our Persian, Pea, who is at home. We’re back at work within an hour or so and like to work past 5pm when we can.  

Over the years my routine has varied.  I used to be in the studio by 7am and only left to get a bag of Cheetos from the gas station at noon.  In those days, Chloe, our shepherd mix, rode with me or I occasionally rode my bike to my south Huntsville studio.

Routines change but I find having one is important.  Structure and a sense of purpose is important.  I’m more flexible now and I work five days a week rather than six or seven - but I’m still committed to a routine.  At the end of a month or quarter, Jelly, Misty, and I are much more satisfied with results if we’ve clocked in every day!