Monday, February 11, 2013

"I think I'm quite ready for another adventure." ~Bilbo Baggins


So this is it, folks.  I've made the decision quit my job and say farewell to eighteenth century living.  I can't believe how quickly eight years of pretend indentured servitude have flown by.  I'll miss it all--the labor, the clothes, the smell of wood smoke in my hair (not), and most of all, the excellent people I've had the pleasure to work with and learn from.  And then, there's the kids; I'll miss them, too *sniffle.* But it's time to move on and devote more time to something that's always been a dream and a passion. 




I love creating; I love paint, pencils, and paper (alliteration much?) I love the smell of them. I get ideas in my head, you know? I see pictures, especially during worship at church. I talked about it once here: http://curiousacorn.blogspot.com/2011/02/as-we-sing.html 





Does that sound lofty? Because I don't mean it to. It's just what happens in me head. :) It's how I'm wired. I believe God has given me a gift. I also know there are areas where the tools of that gift need sharpening. So, I'll be taking some intense study classes in the art of drawing and color, in the hopes that I'll be able to render those pictures and dreams to the best of my ability. I'm at a point in my life now where I can devote the time, and I don't want to waste it. It won't be easy, but things worthwhile usually aren't, right?




 So it's goodbye petticoats, and hello art world. 



Wish me luck.



25 comments:

  1. I don't understand why you can't do art while wearing your petticoats.

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  2. Niamh, haha. I probably could a la Tasha Tudor, but then it would kind of feel like I hadn't left the old work place. And I need to have a fresh start in this century. :)

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  3. I am so proud of you; what courage....Leaving the land of the comfort zone to try new things and present new ideas....I pray you will be blessed beyond measure in your new endeavors.....

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  4. Do you ever get that wood smoke smell out of your hair? It takes at least three washings to get it out of mine.

    I admire you for stretching yourself and setting big goals. I can't wait to see what's next!

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  5. I am QUITE happy to hear this! You are incredibly talented and I can't wait to see what you create in the coming months. Huzzah!

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  6. Kerrie, coming from an artist such as yourself, that really means a lot. Thank you.

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  7. Nancy, definitely leaving the land of comfort zone :) Thanks for the encouragement.

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  8. Renee, it is hard to get rid of the wood smoke smell, and even worse, it sours in the work clothes. Yuck! Thanks for stopping by.

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  9. Jodi, I can see I'm going to have to go back further to get an explanation of exactly where it is that you did work instead of hopping around among your archives. But everything you do is fascinating. I particularly loved reading about your Christmas cake. I love good fruitcake and posted on Stir Up Sunday about mine. I use dried apricots and make a light one but am making a note of the date your recipe is posted to put in my Fruitcake File. Yes, I have a whole file for fruitcake recipes. But ever since reading An Irish Country Christmas I have wanted to ice my fruitcake and I found that you did! Was it very difficult to do?

    Taking this step to leave your work and take classes in the art that interests you is exciting. From what I've already seen of your artwork and projects here I know that you will soar to new levels.

    I love what you wrote in the About Me box...that your life will reflect His staggering beauty. That is a goal that excites me, for myself, for you, and for others.

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  10. Hi Dewena, I didn't think it was too difficult to ice the Christmas cake, but then again, my friend Sarah was there showing me how step by step. She makes them every year for her family. The marzipan underneath the royal icing was fun to work with. I usually make this fruitcake...
    http://curiousacorn.blogspot.com/2010/11/yes-virginia-there-is-such-thing-as.html
    It's packed with fruit, is very yummy, and freezes well if you want to make it in small loaves rather than in one big tin.

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  11. That sounds wonderful, Jodi. The time is ripe and you are moving on to a new phase of creating and beauty. I look forward to hearing more about it as time goes on. Blessings to you.

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  12. I am thrilled for you. They will no doubt miss you very much at the Farm. Please take us along with you on this journey, okay?

    Now I need to go visit the prev. post you linked to. I love what Worship can inspire - we belong to a creative Heavenly Father :-)

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  13. Rejoicing with you, in this new adventure! Excited to see where it takes you (and hoping you show us photos of your creations!)

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  14. I'm rejoicing with you over this new adventure (and I hope we'll be seeing photos of the marvelous things you continue to create!)

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  15. This makes my heart so very happy. One of the very first things I learned about you, other than that you like the movie Signs is that God wired you to make art. I'm so glad you are going for it. This old world so desperately needs your gift.

    And I love that you love the smell of art supplies :)

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  16. LOVE and hugs and a nod and a gentle push in this new wonderful directions ~!! xoxoxoxox
    angela

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  17. LOVE and hugs and a nod and a gentle push in this wonderful new direction !!! xoxoxoxoxo
    angela

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  18. This is thrilling! I'm glad that you are going to be spending more time with your gift,k though I'm sure you will miss the 18th century sometimes. But welcome to the 21st, indeed!

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  19. Congratulations! I am so excited about your new (ad)venture. Following your heart is wonderful thing.

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  20. That is exciting! I wish you all the luck in the world, although I don't think you will be needing it--you're tremendously creative and I can hardly wait to see what ensues from your endeavor. Great news!

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  21. I want to thank each and every one of you,for sharing this joy with me.xoxo

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  22. I'm so happy for and proud of you!!! For years, John and I have been wondering when you would start SELLING your paintings -- because everyone should have a Lenz.

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  23. How exciting! I think this is going to suit you down to the ground. Really looking forward to seeing where it takes you.

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  24. I wish you all the best, Jodi. I'm excited for you and I look forward to sharing your art journey via your blog. I've been feeling some artistic stirrings myself, though I'm just a wanna-be.

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  25. Amazingly good!! God has you on this adventure, and it is a good one. Cheering you on with smiles. I'm seeing wings (for your flight) and whimsy (for your vivacious personality) and wonder (for who knows what God will do) along with all sorts of wonderful coming from your paints and pencils. Go, Jodi!

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