Achieving Balance

I am horrible at balance. I get all wrapped up in my passion d' jour. Sometimes it's painting. Sometimes it's knitting. Sometimes it's photography. Last week I got Photoshop Elements and I am having such fun.  Here's a photo of my girl Gladys that originally included her mom and a leash:

Speaking of Gladys, I will be babysitting her next week. I can't wait because I so miss having a dog.

Back to my balance issue- sometimes it seems that life has so many moving parts. I want to exercise, eat healthy, do yoga, write in my journal, keep my house nice. And the list goes on. And I seem to be able to do one thing at a time to the exclusion of all others. But isn't life always a balancing act? Isn't that just part of the human condition? I'm not sure what the answer is. When I figure it out I'll post the secret before I forget it! 

And finally- last weekend in the mountains by the Appalachian Trail:

Mother Nature has this whole balance thing figured out. All of her parts are in perfect alignment. Mother N knows the secret of balance, but she's not talkin'. 

Mixed Up Media

I can jump from hobby to hobby like other people change their socks. I love my hobbies. They keep me sane, keep me calm (most of the time) and keep me feeling alive and joyful.

I love playing with watercolor pencils. I love photographs and most of all I love art supplies. I've done art journal pages in the past, and I have enjoyed it. I jumped into the deep end of the mixed media pool this week and started doing some pieces on canvas.

So much fun. I get to play with all of my art toys. Paint, chalk, tissue, printed images, stamping, ink, were flying. I even got to use a little of my knitted lace on the first collage.

Here's the first -

"When Storm Clouds Gather Look For An Angel"

 And the 2nd-

Wine And Fruit

This distraction came at the perfect time. A friend who I've worked with for 15 years was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Her life has been filled with tragedy starting with the death of her daughter in law followed by the death of her son a few years later. 2 months ago a 2nd son died. Devastated, she took solace in her 9 year old granddaughter whom she'd been raising since infancy. Less than 2 weeks ago she went to the hospital because she was having some breathing problems. They discovered the lung cancer that had metastasized to her liver and bones. She wanted to fight with any means possible, but sadly, that was not to be. Within days of diagnosis her condition deteriorated. She passed away on Monday. She was sick for less than 2 weeks. 

I cannot believe how life can change on a dime. It freaks me out to think one's life can be thrust into total upheaval in the span of a few days. Bobbi was one of the most vivacious, loving people I've ever known. We had great talks. It all happened so fast. It's hard to envision a world without her bubbly ways and spontaneous hugs. I will miss her. Rest In Peace, friend.