my word for the year..

I didn't think I was going to pick one this year. The more I thought about choosing a word, the more I thought maybe this isn't the year for a word. So, I put it out of my mind for a few days, and yesterday, a word jumped out at me. I gasped, and thought, that's it! That's the word I've been looking for, and I knew I had to use it. So, my word for the year is Balance, and it's a big one for me.

Karen

1/4/08

yes, I've come a looong way since then. 

lol 

When I started painting in 2008, I knew that I was hooked. I was obsessed. It's taken me all this time to realize just how obsessed I've been. When I'm painting, which is daily, I rarely do anything else. I just paint, and paint, and this goes on for 20 hours straight sometimes. Whew. I haven't been writing or reading or doing much of anything. It's nice to love my job. It really is, but I'm starting to miss all the stuff I have neglected and put aside for too long.

And the days are not full enough

And the nights are not full enough

And life slips by like a field mouse

Not shaking the grass

-E. Pound

Sooo, this year is the year for balance. I still want to paint, sure, but I want to add other things back into my life, and if that means painting a little less, then I'll paint less. Gulp. Kinda scary thought, but I'm gonna be strong, and do this. lol

I've started to write again, which is a good first step. I started a new writing journal last week, and I am thrilled. I have no idea why I stopped writing. I left behind my first love, words, when I picked up the paint brushes. It's good to find my way back. I'm also missing books in my life. I have recently begun to read again. Tablets are awesome for reading, lots of free ebooks every day. Poems will be a weekly blog post this year. I have missed poetry so much. Now I'm forcing myself to read poetry, so I'll find a new poem to post each week. lol Hey, whatever works. Keep me accountable. Check back on Mondays to make sure I did my homework.

Here's to 2013 being the year I find balance!

Listening to Take a Walk - voted the best of 2012 on 8tracks.