We’re heading towards April at an alarming pace! It’s over a month since I completed my self-directed project and final presentation, and, like others in a similar position I’m wondering if this sense of freedom is real.
I have plenty to occupy me, mainly putting my house (literally) in order and clearing space in which to work, although with knitting, I can work almost anywhere. I was thinking of working at this continuing project in the evenings and perhaps painting during daylight hours, in the near future, when I feel calmer. I seem to have an uneasy anxiety at the moment, about my finances mainly, and how to improve them, so I’ve been looking at part-time jobs, as well as trying to fit in all the other things I have to do.
I’ve pored through the a-n jobs and opportunities listings and noted down some website addresses for further investigation, together with dates of any deadlines.
Anyway, the next great thing on the horizon is a trip to Italy in April to take part in a fresco painting course for two weeks, which sounds great, so am looking forward to that. How I’m going to be able to afford any extra expenses will be a challenge.
On impulse, I also volunteered to help out where I used to work part-time as a clerical worker, before plunging headlong into the higher education system. From this little phone call which I made, just to enquire if there was any voluntary work available, I was also asked to help with putting up an exhibition of some kind later in the year. All this was fantastic, but then the little niggles returned about needing a proper job, with money!
Went into my favourite department store, where I’m addicted to the expensive yarns sold there, and started that embarrassing “Mum” thing, whereby I chat to anybody who seems to be doing something interesting, especially arts or crafty. The materials I like best, and which I can afford, are in the reduced bin, but for several weeks there has been nothing in my colours (greens and autumn hues). After explaining my interest in the activities going on in the store, and giving a rapid overview of my work, one of the assistants offered to give me first choice of any cut-priced yarns, which might be suitable for my purposes. If that wasn’t enough, she also invited me to submit a proposal to do a performance in the store for some time in the future, providing her managers agree to it.
Anyway, the upshot is that I am feeling more positive and looking forward to assembling a portfolio for that submission.
