Stuck in a Hole

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It seems like forever since I last posted. I have been going through a hard time and when the shit hits the fan I get quiet. It's just the way I deal with stress, I hate to complain. But I feel like I have to get this off my chest because I think a lot of artists deal with the same thing. I can't afford to support myself solely by my artwork so I work a day job. My day job has nothing to do with art or anything creative. Those kinds of jobs are few and far between in Boston. So I work corporate America for a mutual fund giant, I have been there for four years. Four years of hating every minute. I am stuck in front of a computer all day while sitting in a cubical. I set up meetings, manage calendars, answer phones, set up travel and do expense reports among other things and it crushes my spirit. It isn't what I was born to do, it doesn't make my heart sing. I come home exhausted from just trying to make it through the day. So exhausted that trying to do anything creative after work seems impossible, it just doesn't flow. But in order to live and pay my rent I have to do it. I am looking for another job and working on my portfolio but with the job market the way it is right now it doesn't look like a change for the better is going to happen soon. But I refuse to be totally hopeless- I have started playing the lottery. I know, I know but dreams sometimes come true, right? I realize that I can't depend on winning the lottery, I know the statistics. So I will have to push myself and get as much artwork done whether I am exhausted or not. I can't let this job eat me alive. What do you do to make the most of a job you don't like?

P.S. Thanks for listening to me vent.

Vintage Bicycle Lust

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I saw a woman at the farmer's market a couple of weeks ago with the most beautiful vintage bike. I don't remember the make but it was burgundy with a leather Brook's seat and a wicker bike basket. Since then I have wanted to get a vintage bike of my own. I researched where I could get one in Boston and found this place. I think I want a black Raleigh or Triumph. I can't wait to go and check out their inventory to see if I can find my dream bike.

Accessorizing would come next. I found this adorable bike helmet (and this one too) and this pannier, of course the Brook's saddle and I love these braided leather handle bar wraps. And I can't forget a bicycle basket!

The only problem is that I am afraid to ride a bike in Boston traffic and there aren't bike lanes here. I thought it was illegal to ride a bike on the sidewalk in Boston but a quick look into the bike laws and I was proved wrong. Hooray, bike shopping here I come!

Mittens and a Spritzer

The weather in Boston has been oppressively hot and humid. It has zapped my energy, fried my brain, and my creativity has gone out the window, hence the shortage of posts. I have been trying to stay as cool as best as I can which brings me to a question, how do you stay cool during a heatwave? I have been locking myself away in my air conditioned bedroom as much as I can, drinking pomegranate spritzers, and knitting mittens. Yes, I said mittens. I constantly have to keep my hands busy and I have been trying to use up some leftover yarn before I buy anything new. The mittens will go with the slouchy beret style hats I knit in the early spring and never got a chance to wear. I can't wait for the brisk air in October. Autumn where are you?

Pomegranate Lime Spritzer

1/4 Pomegranate juice

3/4 lime sparkling water (orange works well too)

twist of lime

ice

In a nutshell

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So I thought I would formally introduce myself as I am stickler about manners and etiquette. My name is Heather and I currently reside in Boston, Massachusetts though I hope to take the leap in the near future to the left coast-- California to be exact. The only thing holding me back is money- too little of it. In the meantime I am creating art and dreaming of the future.

I was born to creative parents and raised in an antique store. I am a lover of all things vintage especially clothes. I even work part-time at a thrift store to support my habit. I'm a self-proclaimed geek, with a deep love for photography and design. Sewing and knitting are my favorite ways to keep my hands busy these days and much of my free time is spent eating peanut butter and taking baths.

I am lucky enough to live with Kai, the most beautiful German Short-Haired Pointer in the world. She is more than my dog but a best friend, child of sorts, and keeper of secrets. She says hi.

So there you go, my life neatly tucked in a nutshell.