I have spent most of my morning reading a post-apocalyptic novel titled One Second After by William R. Forstchen, which ponders the idea that one of the possible weapons of the future (or present...) could be a nuclear electromagnetic pulse that would completely disable all electronics. With that in mind, a slow internet is better than none at all. This appreciation was further heightened by the list of items we should check in case the power goes off at our temporary home. Though we were assured that this seldom happens in the summer months, I feel the need to be prepared.
I think that living as we will be for the next couple of weeks, dependent mostly on our own cooking without the convenience of fast food or even readily accessible grocery stores, it will be easier to adapt to a new set of food choices. I used to be a vegetarian, and I have to admit that it was pretty much laziness that let me slip back into my old eating habits. But we are committed to doing this together, and I know that will be a tremendous help.
I don't talk about it a lot, but anxiety and depression have been problematic for me for a long time. And one of the changes I have already implemented is taking advantage of some remedies available here that are not an option in Texas. I will keep you updated on that...
Colin Powell says,"There are not secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure." Well, we have prepared to make this move, we have worked hard to make it happen, and we are ready to readjust as necessary. Failure can be viewed as an opportunity if you are ready to try again, having gained even more knowledge about what not to do.
Another reason I have been excited to move here is that it opens up a whole new art market for me. Situated as we are between Portland and Seattle, while I have no desire to live in one of these large cities, I am excited to see if I can find an agent or gallery to represent my work. And I am using the next couple of weeks to take a break from making art, letting some ideas germinate, forcing myself to just let things simmer for a while... I truly have no idea where my art practice will go, but I am excited to simply let it go.