Viola!

I feel like a made the most of today. If you read my previous blog, I had apprehension about today and what it held for me. Even so, I made some calls that I have been putting off and finally found the store that I will most likely work at whilst in Oakland. I saw an old buddy (whom, admittedly, I had been worrying about) and found out that he is loving life as much as I am. I sat in Starbucks and had some rest. 

Finally I got home and felt inspired (side note: sometimes I paint, not out of inspiration but obligation. Because there is nothing better to do and it seems like what I ought to do, those ones usually suck, but the act of painting remains therapeutic) to do some painting. I did, and I think that it turned out pretty nice:

Way Up Here

I think that it represents the peace that I found today, while trying to be busy.

What Now?

For those of you who haven't heard, I finished up high school a couple of weeks ago. I feel a certain freedom and level of achievement, but today feels strange. It is the first monday that is normal, in that last monday was all about Christmas and buying gifts and planning my week. 

This monday is one that is pretty normal: I don't work today, I dont have any plans until this evening, so I figure this is what it is going to be like until I start working with World Impact in Oakland. The question, what do I do in order to be a productive member of society now that I am not a peon in the public education system.

Do I make a to-do list and run around franticly trying to complete menial tasks all day? I mean, people do that, right? Do I sit at home and... oh, I don't know, clean? I got up today, for no reason, at about 8:30. There must be a reason for me to do that.

Well, I guess that I am going to go get some coffee, sit down, do some research on getting work in Oakland, and make some important phone calls. Here's to the rest of my life and my attempts at making something of it.

Robbie, If you are reading this, you were right all along. 

I know, I know...

... you dont hear from me in months and then... two blogs in a day. I promise that I am going to start blogging more often.

Anyhow, true to my word, I turned on some music and broke out those new paints. I wouldn't call it a masterpiece, but I like it:

I'm not positive, but I think I'm going to name it Taking Flight.

'Tis The Season

So, If you haven't yet noticed, It is time for Christmas. I have been kind of putting off thinking about it since at work I am assaulted by red cups, Christmas merchandise, holiday drinks, and Christmas music before Thanksgiving. It's not that I am Ebenezer Scrooge here, but I am fully convinced that Christmas is one day. Not a fifth season like all of our favorite corporations would have you believe.

Anyhow, with Christmas come presents, and I have already participated in one gift exchange. My family on my Mom's side drew names so that we each shopped for a single person. My Uncle drew my name and I was so pleased to unwrap a set of heavy-body acrylic paints and four large canvases. It was perfect. For months I haven't painted simply because I haven't had supplies. Now that I do, I think that today is the day.

I have about six hours until I have to work, so I'm going to try to paint a masterpiece. Who knows? If it's good, I might post it here.

P.S.  I am thinking about starting a blog that deals only with my art, It would be the perspective of an untrained, impoverished, artist doing the best he can with he has. Thoughts?

Rain, Rain...

It rained today...

It rained from morning to night...

It was a GREAT day.

It has occurred to me that the rain completely changes my rhythm of life. It seems like somehow, when it rains, I gain control over it. I can't quite explain it but its as if everything just... chills. 

Today was the first big rain in Redding after a summer of smoke and dry heat. It has been a long haul, especially for one who admittedly can't stand the weather here. I caught myself daydreaming all day... about my future. See, for me this is big because I tend to let the future come as it will (I think this probably runs in the family or is at least true of my brother and I). I relaxed today, let stress roll out of my system and am now drinking an organic chai tea in celebration of taking easy. 

I am really looking forward to this fall, and am committed to letting myself be inspired every step of the way. Here's to rain...

Cameron