The Lost Summer, 2025

I sat down to start working on a nearly-too-late autumn blog and realized that I had a draft collecting dust from back in the summer. Honestly, I barely remember writing it, but...I find it fascinating how much has changed in a few months. So...please feel free to go back in time with me and see what was happening in August.

Now let's just hope I not only write about autumn, but actually publish it in a timely manner! (*No guarantees, just making things up as I go...)

Enjoy!

//Summer//

A bit wild to think about all that has happened since my last entry back in May. At that time, I was in the middle of job interview chaos and the outcome was very much unknown. For four months. My job at the library was clearly not working for me anymore. It had been over a year since I felt tethered to it. While the work itself is something I very much believed in, the changes and layers of management felt like a constant booby trap. 

Since this last entry, I’ve had two interviews for a position I had my fingers and toes crossed for. And even though the process was drawn out and stressful, I’m happy to report that I have been at this new position for three weeks now. Obviously it’s too soon to truly know how things are going to unfold; I can tell you that I am immediately more calm. Like…it’s kind of scary HOW calm I am about all of the new-ness. 

This is all completely unrelated to my art practice, at least on the surface. I’m hoping that now that many of my barriers have been pushed away, I can dive back into a more substantial and consistent routine of sorts when it comes to my creativity. I know I have been quietly working in sketchbooks and dreaming of plotlines, but outwardly, it just kind of seems like I’ve vanished from anything in the arts. Really, I’ve just faded away from the public in that regard. Which…after being at a VERY public job for nearly four years, I think it kind of makes sense that I was in hobbit-mode for this long. It may take awhile until I fully step into the light, but for now? Baby steps. 

One thing I did participate in this weekend is the Director’s Workshop at the Riverfront. It’s the fourth year in a row that I have submitted an act/scene/short script. Each year I’ve been lucky to have one of my stories chosen to be produced by a new director and typically new or returning actors. It’s a really fantastic workshop that my talented friend puts on for the community. What’s even more exciting is that this year, two of my scripts were chosen. I was nervous, of course. But when I saw the performances on Friday, I felt incredibly humbled and proud. It always lights a fire in me to write more because I really enjoy the process. It’s terrifying to put work out into the world, but in this particular environment, I feel comfortable to give it a try.

As I start to get used to my new job, I am trying to establish as many consistent and healthy routines as I can. One of the things I’m desperate to do is to incorporate more creativity within a morning routine or evening routine. It’s tough because my body is not used to working full time. But also I’m still coming off of major burnout and sadness from a job that nearly broke my spirit. When I get home, the immediate response my body has is to lay down as soon as possible…then rot the rest of the night. My weekly free time is limited now, so making the most of my hours is absolutely key. 

I’m hoping to do another website update soon because I have several finished sketchbook spreads I’d like to share. I’m also chipping away at a few digital pieces and a larger canvas. It’s been a long time since I’ve tackled an actual canvas painting…and I’m not sure if I really enjoy it right now. I kind of want to play around with wood panels instead so I can fiddle with gesso layers. The goal really is to just get IN the studio at least once a week, even if it’s just me sitting there for an hour while I watch YouTube videos or declutter my unused art supplies. 

Other than the major change with a new job, things are going well here. Life has slowed down and I’m grateful for that. Alex and I are in desperate need for a vacation, but it’s looking like that probably won’t happen until winter. I had hoped for some time in between jobs, but I literally only had ONE DAY OFF. Which is…still something I haven’t grasped. Like…have I REALLY left the library? It doesn’t feel like it yet. 

Anyway, this update feels like a bit of a serious one. But I promise that all is well. I’m riding the wave and hoping to get my sea legs eventually. Historically, August is when I start to get really fired up for autumn. I’m trying to keep my expectations low this year because I found out that the busiest time for my new job is September - November. If I miss out on fall festivities, I know I will be crushed. So we are just going week by week…seeing where this goes. 

Immediate goals are to update the website with new(er) art, chip away at a few works-in-progress, and dive back into as many writing projects as possible. The older I get, the more I realize how much I want to write for a living and despite the fact that I’ve written so much and I have endless ideas waiting, I have not come close to putting in my time to even call myself a writer yet. So…let’s dive in and get things started! No more waiting. 

I hope everyone who has stopped by this little corner of my world is having a fantastic summer…despite the spicy heat and unpredictable storms. August is a nice little break before summer really decides to slap us in the face. Just a little while longer until crisp evenings, golden afternoons, and beautifully spooky moments lurk behind every corner. 

Thanks for stopping by. We’ll catch up again soon!