Gone Til November

November...can you believe it?? Where has the time gone? There is so much to do before it snows. I have all these plans for "winterizing" my gardens and the house but who knows if it will get done. There are just not enough hours in the day. We have been so busy!

We recently put a new roof on our house (just in time for Hurricane Sandy) and are in the process of painting it. Since the rain has been so screwy we have been painting the house in patches....one side looks amazing and the other well....not so much.

The house would be finished if I wasn't distracted by other things. What are those other things you ask?

Well, you may remember when I participated in a RAW art show? The show was amazing and I was so happy to be a part of such a creative group. The night was perfect and after it ended I thought life would fall back into the normal routine.....

A few weeks later the, RAW held a competition on their website. Basically, people could go to the web and vote for their favorite local RAW artists in a variety of categories. I didn't write about this or promote myself because I seriously thought I didn't stand a chance. There are so, so, so many amazingly talented people that I didn't think I should try. Turns out, I won a spot in the competition anyway!!! I couldn't believe it!! I still can't. I am so flattered that people believe in my art enough to take the time to go online and vote. It has been a very humbling experience.

So now I have to compete in a Semi Finals competition. I am not a competitive person and the idea of a competition has been overwhelming. I have to create three new pieces, hire models, make a "visual aid" about my art and then invite all the people I know to come out and support me.

I am really sensitive to the idea of people judging my art. It is a little unnerving to think about and I am trying to keep a clear head. I am very amazed that people believed in me enough to help me win a spot in the semi finals and it will be interesting to see how this whole thing plays out.

Like I have said, I am not one to put myself out there and promote my stuff so the idea of competing may give me a mini heart attack. I am trying to breathe and realize that no amount of judging should steer me from what I love to do. Plus, there will be a lot of people there which is great publicity. Either way, I have come so far this year!!

Almost a year to the day a family member guilt tripped me into buying business cards for myself. This "tough love" was just the boost I needed to get me started and on the path to where I am today. Thank you to everyone that has helped me on this journey. Without the support I wouldn't be here. Love to all. Thanks for looking. Love, Ms. Kate.