The Sprit is Willing but the Flesh is Weak

     Last night I had a revelation!  For several months, with the encouragement of artist friend, Betty Miller, I have been working on, although rather listlessly, two projects of art to submit to the Houston Art Convention held in July, where, if accepted, I would teach them.  Betty wishes so much that I meet her in Houston, as she and I have been good friends ever since we met at the Las Vegas Creative Painting Convention several years ago.  It is not financially possible for me to go to Houston, unless I teach in order to pay my way.  The deadline for submissions is today, December 1.
     Yesterday evening as I was clearing the dinner dishes from the table and putting the leftovers in the refrigerator,a tremendous feeling of fatigue came over me.  Taking a step or holding my back upright seemed a tremendous effort.  It was necessary to retire to my recliner, turn the  back heat on, and just rest.  After an hour, I was able to get up, finish my chores in the kitchen, and head for bed.
     As I lay in bed, after the lights were out, I thought, "How ridiculous for me to even consider standing in front of a class and moving about the classroom  for three or four hours teaching an art class!"  This is not the first time I have been overcome by fatigue such as this in the past year.  Let's face it!  My mind and spirit is young, but my body is wearing out.  As much as I like teaching my art to others, I would be a fool to try to do it in a formal setting.
     Four years ago, I taught two three-hour classes at Creative Painting in Las Vegas.  During the second session of class, I had experienced the same sudden fatigue and back pain.  At that time I blamed it on the fact that I had shoulder joint replacement surgery just two months before.  Now, looking back, I realize it was an omen of things to come.  I have had seven joint replacement/repair surgeries--now I need to get in line for the first total body replacement!
     My prototype art I prepared for teaching will now become gifts.  I will continue to create, but without a deadline hanging over my head--and only for my own pleasure without thought of needing monetary gain.

NOTE CARDS

UNIQUE, FUN, FAST & EASY

"When I am an old lady, I shall wear purple..."

Watercolor w/Pen & Ink
Embelished mat for framing
Jenny Joseph's poem "Warning"