Monday, January 10, 2011

Not fishing

Good morning,

I am NOT fishing for complements, but I do need a response. The most frustrating thing about this blog is my sense of hollering into a vast emptiness. With my sabbatical presentation completed, should I cease?

KB

PS: A cuppa PGTips, a silent house, and a snow covered world is awesome this morning :0)

Monday, January 3, 2011

. . . an ending

Tomorrow I will present the tangible results of my sabbatical to the Academic Affairs department, thus formally marking the end of my sabbatical (even though I have already been back a whole quarter).

It looks like so little. Puny. Wimpy.

But the time was so rich and filling. I am at a loss for how to communicate that. It isn't a matter of "You had to show up to work and I didn't!" It was more: "You know all that stuff we want to do and work gets in the way, thats what I did".

(Puny, wimpy AND inadequate).

It took several weeks to sort of get into the new flow- and release the old flow. It took WAY more time to edit what I thought I had already written (weeks and weeks).

Mood: frustrated :(

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Joy

I've been thinking for 24 hours about joy in life.

For me, the first step is focusing on the joy. It doesn't make the difficult things go away, but it does add a bit of sweetness to them and makes them more palatable.

What brings YOU joy? Please post :)
KB

Saturday, January 1, 2011

1111

1111
oneoneoneone (Herb Lubalin would have so enjoyed this date)

A new year, a new month, a new day, a new quarter, a new workspace, a new manager and a new department. All are looming or already upon me. Nice.

Growing up I had zillions of resolutions every year and kept none more than a couple of weeks. Last year, I tried something different: I set only two goals. Both are still in force. So this year, I'm going for broke and setting . . . . only two more resolutions. (Hey, it worked last year!)

1) Complete the illustrations for Janette by April 11 (The real Janette's birthdate).
2) Enjoy my job more.

That's it.

I love my job. I don't just endure it or suffer through. I look forward to teaching my subjects. I work with some of the most amazing, creative, intelligent people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I thrive on the open, intelligent, creative spirits that are my students. I have allowed myself to be pulled down and I refuse to continue.

I find it sad that some doubt the sincerity of my happiness. My life isn't perfect, no one's is. But I find great joy in the moments of my days.

My third hoped-for but not-counted resolution: complete enough paintings to start showing my work again. Funny how at 20 + it wasn't scary. But now it is.

I'll keep things updated here. When you see me, remind me of my goals. And remember what brings great joy to your moments!

KB