Balance

  I am struggling to find balance in my life. I feel like the things I care most about are suffering.I hate that my blog goes so long without a post. I hate that I haven't been creating in the way that I want to. I hate that I concentrate so hard at work daily that I come home and don't even want to look at a computer screen. But there are people who have so much more responsibility than I do and are able to handle the kind of balance that lets them be a mother, a blogger, work in some capacity, and still have enough brain power to cook? So obviously, I am missing something.   I have been reading a lot about Balance. Life Balance, actually. It all started when I was talking to Abigail on the phone while I was making pancakes. I was telling her how I wanted so bad to blog more, but I just could never find the time. She told me I just needed balance.   And that struck a chord with me. She probably didn't think much about it at the time, but it really stuck with me. My life is off balance. And has been for a while. And only now am I feeling the effects. I constantly feel like something is missing in my life, and I'm thinking that this is what I needed. To find balance in my life.  

   So how can I do it? That's kinda why I'm pouring out my heart in this way. How do you find balance?    

Interview with Stephanie of Shades of Color Art

I feel very blessed today to be able to interview one of my favorite bloggers and artists. And it just so happens she is a sponsor on my blog! If you haven't heard of Stephanie before, please check out her blog, Shades of Color Art, or her shop, where she sells paintings as well as custom notebooks. You won't be disappointed!

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What first got you into art?

When I was little, I took painting and drawing classes just for fun. It wasn’t until college, that I took more professional classes and started painting for me. I always liked color and painting so I’ve been always doing it.

What is your favorite art style? (Impressionism, realism, etc.)

Being an artist is difficult to select one favorite art style. I’ve always been a fan of Abstract Expressionism and Color Field Movements. Also, I like Impressionism and Fauvism styles. These movements are inspired by color, and everything that has color combinations caught my attention.

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by everything around me. I’m constantly taking pictures of everything that I like and uploading it to instagram. You can see me there a lot! Usually everything that has color, nature, interiors, beautiful things, and everything that is uncommon inspires me.

How did you come up with the idea to create notebooks?

The reality is, I’ve always been a fan of notebooks. I used to collect them when I was little. One day, I decided to create one from scratch for myself. My mom saw it and told me that she wanted one too. I was in shock! Then she told me that I should sell them. When I took my notebook to school, friends would ask me if I could make some for them. I couldn’t believe that people around me would be interested in personalized notebooks. This is how it all started and I’m in love with it! Thanks to the support of my family and friends, and for my passion of writing and have pretty things, I opened Shades of Color Art.

Do you have a favorite painting or project that you did?

I have many favorite paintings, but what I really love the most is creating personalized notebooks. I love to see the creativity of every individual and how it turns out. They usually have great color combinations, and being able to create something special for my clients, makes me really happy.

Do you have any advice for beginning artists/designers?

Never give up! When you are starting your business or freelancing, at first is not easy. With passion, determination, perseverance, and patience you can accomplish everything. :)

Isn't she awesome?! And the best part is, for the month of December, if you use code XMAS30 in her Etsy shop,  you get 30% off! 
Just in time for Christmas!

Good things come to.. who, again?

Good things who come to those who wait?
Yeah, we've all heard it before.

But the thing is, I'm starting to not even really believe it.

Good things come to those who work their asses off and never give up.

It seems like in the present day that people no longer have to work for the things they want.
I am not one to judge, but I was always taught that if I wanted something, I had to earn it.

Why am I, the girl who likes to keep things light and fluffy over here in her little section of the blogosphere, being so negative?

I just hate feeling that people around me have no ambition. No drive.
I hate seeing the people I used to hang around in high school due to the fact that they ARE EXACTLY THE SAME.

People who are content with the same old thing.
The problem here isn't with them, it's with me.

I'm the one who has to always work harder, do better, get farther.
I am the one who even when I couldn't get a job, I worked temporary jobs on weekends, just to have the experience and extra money.

So what is the difference?

I work for what I have.
Now, don't feel that I am making myself sound perfect.
Believe it, I am close no where near.
There are dishes in my sink to be washed.
My counter is covered in groceries that need to be put away. (Don't worry, I put the refrigerated ones away. I'm not a heathen.)

My point is, I am doing what I love.
If, at the end of the day, I am so exhausted I come home, lay on my bed (too tired to even take off my shoes) and sleep, I still love my job.
If I come home to a filthy house and go to bed anyway do dishes when I would rather be sleeping, I feel like I deserve a medal.

Don't get me wrong. There are things I wish didn't happen.

I wish I didn't miss my darling boyfriend some days because we work opposite schedules.
When I go to work he is still asleep. (Can you blame him? It's 4 AM)
When I get home from work he's already gone to work.
He doesn't get home until I am going to bed.

And yet, I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Good things come to those who work their asses off and never give up.

Am I wrong here?

My advice to you:

Do something you love. Even if it makes you crazy.
Because a wise man once said if you do something you love, you'll never work a day in your life.

Work when you work best.
I come into work at 5 AM. I get a lot done in the mornings, while the office is still quiet.

Never stop learning.
Just because you got the job doesn't mean you can stop learning and improving.
Especially in graphic design, the industry is always changing. Keep updated on the programs you use. Trends in the industry.

Have paitence.
You won't have it all in the beginning. You will have bad days. You will have days where you want to throw up everything in the air and go home.
I have been there.

A job shouldn't be your main source of happiness.
I know this goes against  what I just said. But you can love your job and not make it your life.
Like the song says, "Have you ever seen a headstone with these words, 'If only I had spent more time at work?' "
People in your life should do that for you. All work and no play made Jack a dull boy, what do you think it will do to  you?

I hope this helps.