It looks like July is next in the lineup. By the start of the month I had made a few robot sculptures for friend's on a commission type basis, and those who saw them encouraged me to make more and start selling them. At that point I started looking toward entering in art and craft shows in the fall. Also, one of my adopted sons, and a dear friend, began his journey to Afghanistan. It had already been a rough year at that point for both of us, and the time we spent before he left was short, but precious. Hopefully, I will get to see him soon.
August. Honestly, I spent most of this month making robot sculptures for an upcoming show in September. I also anticipated being out of commission for a couple of weeks in September due to surgery. So, that made for a hot blur of a month here in the deep south. I had a birthday in there somewhere, but since I am not officially acknowledging it, I am still thirty nine or so to others, (and about seven and a half on the inside). I do love frosting, and bright, shiny objects, and toys, and . . . .
September came in on cool breezes and rain clouds. I continued to work on sculptures. On the 10th I went in for a robotic hysterectomy. My stayed in the hospital lasted less than 24 hours and the pain was minimal considering it was major surgery. I had hoped to lose some weight with the removal of some of my internal workings, but, alas, it was only a couple of pounds. Sigh. A week and a half later, I was able to appear as Lady Teapot, artist and inventor, at my first art/craft show. I shared a booth with a talented,sweet, young friend who did all of the set up to spare my old, post surgery body. It was a great time for both of us. She did really well with her amazing scratch art prints and originals, and I sold my very first piece to a stranger! What a rush. At the end of the month we took off to the beach for a much needed break.
The start of October found us still at the beach. The weather was warm, but the crowds were small. It was a restful time for all of us. I still can't believe how quickly I recovered from the surgery in September. I wasn't even a month out on vacation, but outside of some exhaustion, I did very well. In the meantime, we bought a duplex, and are currently in the process of fixing up one side for our daughter to use as her home.
November brought several pieces of awesome I will not soon forget. I mentioned in my last entry that in spite of an awful year, God had not forsaken us, and that better things lay ahead. I was offered a part time job with my former boss, and close friend at a new job God had provided for him. He had been laid off from his job in the Bubble where we had worked for many years together. It's been a great time already. I love working with him. And right around the time I started this job, my daughter lost hers. Ah well. I also attended a Steampunk Extravaganza conference and met many fellow steampunkers. What a blast. Lady Teapot met many kindred spirits, and plans to attend next year to see her new friends.
December! Even though I had worked for only two weeks, I was able to take a week off for our thirtieth anniversary. (Yes, if you believed my earlier statement, that means I was married when I was nine, get over it, and move on). We spent an amazing week in Tennessee being silly, and lazy, and romantic. It was a nice break from the usual routine of work, meals, bills, allowing us time to talk and reconnect for a few days. When we returned, the rush to Christmas was on, and, as you know, it has already sped by and we are in the first days of a new year.
Wow. It went faster than I remember. How did those long days turn into such a short year?? That's my brief review. If I wrote everything that happened, it would be a book, and who has time for that right now?
Hail to the New Year! Happenings in the last few weeks have led me to consider a new ministry that may be considered controversial, and cause some to question my faith and sanity, but I say if God is in it-BRING IT ON!
Here's to a happy New Year. May God lead and be glorified.
Looking forward, and looking UP!
Teapotjan
