It’s been a whirlwind couple of weeks. First the move and then a mere 7 days later, teaching and vending at Art Unraveled, a fabulous annual mixed-media art retreat held each August in Phoenix. I love that AU is in my hometown, even more so now that we are back in the Valley of the Sun. Carol, our social media maven for ICE Resin was on hand to take pics at AU, so I’ll be getting some of those from her and do an update in my next post.
Today, I’m trying to breathe deep and find my equilibrium. Deadline for next year’s teaching proposals are Friday and I have samples to create. This is a challenge because I still have a non-functioning studio. My hubby moved tables into the family room last night and, as soon as I finish this post I’ll be digging through boxes for my basic metalworking tools and the supplies I need to make new work.
School started for my kids yesterday morning. It was hectic getting them ready and then figuring out the drop off procedure for a brand new school. My daughter turned 3 and started pre-K, and my son started junior high. Big transitions for both. The baby’s been taken care of by a family friend three days a week and grandma the other two days I work since she was 8 weeks old. Her new ladybug backpack and new pink tennis shoes for school made her chatter happily and incessantly all morning. Though she’s ready for preschool, her eyes were wide as she held my hand and walked through the doors of the “big school” with me and her brother. She was excited and frightened.
My son has gone to a small country school since preschool. I was worried about the change and how we would handle a new urban school. Like all moms, I was hoping he would make a new friend on the first day of school and not feel too stressed. I know 7th grade is a huge transition year. Puberty and hormones are already part of my household. Despite this knowing, I couldn’t help second guess our decision to move the family when the reality of change hit full force.
I set my alarm to wake up early this morning so I could have some peace and quiet to myself. As I was sipping my coffee, I thought about my children and mentally wrapped them in a blanket of love and safety. It’s difficult to let them go into this new world, but I know all of us must find our new normal. I thought about the soothing words my dear friend texted me yesterday when she knew I was struggling some. “Strength and growth follow change,” said Tami. I know that already, only one day later, my family is a wee bit stronger.
I can’t imagine how stressful so much change all at once is, especially with how busy you are, my friend. Hoping your new normal is amazing!