Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Play Date


I refuse to post a winter picture. Here's a shot of a beautiful, vibrant flower I took at the State Fair last year!


I've been living in the land of Blah, which is located in the state of Winter. Seriously, this current blast from the North Winds is really more than I can bear. (Our high temp today was in the single digits. Windchill below zero) I have not been sleeping well, which just adds to my doldrums. I have no energy. I feel fried at work (the day job) and frustrated at the studio. This is starting to suck.

I took today off for a "Mental Health Day". (My boss knew I needed it). Actually because of the weather, I went home early yesterday. I felt crappy yesterday, with an upset stomach. I fixed myself a "comfort" meal...a healthy "everything" pancake with ground flaxseed, dried blueberries, banana, and chopped pecans. Yum. (I saved a second one for this morning's breakfast. Double Yum).

I tried to sleep in this morning, but woke up at 7...earlier than I do somedays when I go to work. This was not the start I was hoping for. I felt crappy still, so I just lounged around, surfed the net, and felt like I was wasting my day off.

For lunch I made some chicken soup, which seemed to help my stomach. Finally close to noon, I ventured out in the cold to make it over to the studio.

The first hour or more at the studio was a struggle. I've been trying new stuff, trying to "stretch" and it doesn't always feel comfortable. I'm not always sure what direction I'm going with things or if I like what I'm doing. At the same time, I've been putting pressure on myself internally to finish things...either for Etsy, the art crawl in April or a few shows I'm thinking about entering. With all of that, the joy in painting seems to be a bit elusive these days.

And then I decided--the hell with it all. I just wanted to have fun. I decided I needed a playdate with myself. So I put aside the larger canvas I was laboring over and pulled out a stack of 5x7 canvasboards. I started laying down background colors--4 in orange/pink and 4 in robin's egg blue...I definitely wanted a vibrant spring feel. After painting, I pulled out some paper and started cutting out bird shapes. I found some other things I had laying around that I could use as embellishments.

And so I played till 6:30, making fun "cards" to share with friends. I got 3 done...and there are 5 more that I just got started on. They were simple, but fun. It was good to not worry about the final product and instead just focus on making something I could share with others.

Let me just say, even adults need playdates!

11 comments:

Michelle Brunner said...

You are so right...adults need playdates! I think I need one soon! Love your picture and the pancakes sound divine! I want some! Hope the blahs go away...I got a case of those myself!

Jennie said...

Risa, you are one wise woman! I couldn't agree with you more about needing those mental health days and playdates, but it takes courage to up and take one (or make one) when you need to do so. Kudos for popping yourself on the right track...I sure hope your weather warms up soon!

reagan said...

Couldn't agree with you more! We all need to make playdates more often. I want your pancake recipe, sounds scrumptious!
xoxo
Pam

risa said...

The pancake recipe was just something I threw together...actually I started with Aunt Jemina Buttermilk pancake mix, added the eggs, milk, oil...but also threw in probably 1/2 cup of ground flaxseed (adding protein, fiber, and antioxidants...I add it daily to my oatmeal). Then when I made the pancakes, I poured the batter in the pan & topped it with some cut up banana, dried blueberries and some chopped pecans. Even my husband liked them!

Jodi Ohl said...

Sounds like you needed this day to recharge your batteries and relax. I completely understand how all the internal pressure can erode the joy of creating just for the fun of it. Your ME play date was just what the dr ordered!

Sheila said...

Sounds like you had some much needed fun! It's always good to take some me time. The flower is gorgeous!!

Anonymous said...

The pancakes sound delicious and hopefully made you feel a little bit better about things. I'm happy to hear you found time to have a playdate with yourself! It sounds like you managed to break through your creative block and find a way to have fun, which is what creating should be. It's easy to lose the joy of creativity when you feel pressured to create. I'm glad you managed to regain a bit of the joy. I hope the rest of your week goes well!

whyte said...

Good for you Risa, things can close in quickly sometimes, and it's good to leave it all behind. Why are we so kind to others but so tough on ourselves? And now I'm hungry for pancakes!

Kim said...

I can so relate!!! Wisconsin is pretty much the same right now and it is getting really really old! You know we are not too far from each other we should plan a meet up sometime!

Rose said...

Risa, I'm glad you took a play day!I need one of those too! I spent some time reading you past posts today. You are a great writer. Thanks!

Unknown said...

What a wonderful idea to have playdate! I hope it soothed your creative spirit!