Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Who Moved My Cheese?

Managing change. That's what I've been up to lately. A couple of weeks ago I was hit with a vile stomach flu, albeit self-diagnosed, and it came with all the pretty things associated with that particular illness. After a few days of complete lethargy following the bug, I learned I was laid off from my part-time job along with 369 other people from my company. Oh well. Since then, I have painted a few times with a local group of painters, creating portraits of local familiar faces for a show in April at our town library. Portraits have been a change for me too, and although I am pleased with most of the results, I don't want to post them until the show happens. Maybe it's superstitious, but it just doesn't feel right. In between these sessions, I am sharpening up my resume and determining my next professional course of action. Looks like I may be facing less time in the studio again with the full-time work that at this time I'm seeking, although, at least I'll be able to afford it. Is this a little like O.Henry's "Gift of the Magi?" Like anything else, it will simply be change, and I will adjust.

18 comments:

Nancy B. Hartley said...

Paula, thank you for the nice comment on my blog. Good luck with all that's on your plate. You have a great attitude, things will work out. Best wishes for finding an even better position than the one that you lost!

Nancy B. Hartley said...

Paula, Thank you for the nice comment on my blog. Good luck with finding new employment. You have a great attitude. Things swill work out fine. You might even end up with something that you like better than your previous work.

eLIZabeth Floyd said...

Sorry to hear about your job loss, I remember you sharing that you really liked the part-time job. Good luck with your next move! And I cannot wait to see your new paintings. Looking forward to the unveiling! Liz

Marian Fortunati said...

Paula..
So often unexpected good things come with changes that are perceived as bad news. I wish you well and hope you are able to land a job that will feed your soul as well as your tummy...... AND allow you to continue painting.

Manon said...

Sorry you were laid off Paula! I do believe, however, with every change we encounter will come a new and often better opportunity!
I also had the stomach flu.... twice....ugh! I still feel tired!!
I can't wait to see the portraits.... I'm sure they're great like all your other work!

Anonymous said...

Hope you are feeling better now Paula, bugs can really knock you back and sorry to hear about you losing your job, things are pretty grim just now for so many people. I hope you manage to find something else very soon. Good news about the show in April and I look forward to seeing these portraits, I'm really interested in heads at the moment. I'm sure things will work out for you in the future. Good Luck!

Carol Schiff Daily Painting said...

Sorry to hear you had a bad month, I have been wondering why there were no posts from you. You are right, you will adjust, this is just another stumble life throws at you every now and then. Good luck in your job hunting.

ArtGirl said...

Good luck Paula...I really hope it doesn't take you long to find something. I bemoan loss of painting time sometimes too since I started working again, then I realize I like the paycheck! Can't wait to see your new work! Good luck at the show!

Paula Villanova said...

Dear Nancy, Liz, Marian, Manon, Carolann, and Carol,

Thanks for checking in and for your positive thoughts! I hope to at least finish up some studio stuff to post soon but I just haven't been able to pull an image together in a way that I'm pleased with...This stuff happens from time to time and this too shall pass...I so appreciate your comments; you guys are the greatest!

Unknown said...

Nothing like getting hit when you're already down! It does sound like another door is opening for you already. I'm looking forward to seeing your paintings after the show.
Hugs!

artslice said...

Ooh, so sorry to hear about the lay off... that's never good news. Hope you find a new job that you like. Sometimes these things can be a 'bend in the road' down a new path that turns out to be exciting...
I, too am looking forward to seeing your portraits!
Thank you for the kind words of encouragement over at my blog... your comments are always appreciated:)

Unknown said...

Sorry about that part time job.. I'm afraid I might lose mine, also. That means no new art supplies, no eating out.
I can't wait to see your portraits and how you handle skin tones. I have missed your posts.

Paula Villanova said...

Dear Katie, Artslice, Sheila, and Deborah! Thanks for your comments...it's just been a strange, dry stretch with the exception of the portraits but like all other things, has a beginning and end and I am looking forward to getting back into my own studio and completing more paintings. Thanks for your support and for checking in!

sandy said...

Well first, sorry about the job loss, happening all over, I guess and I was wondering if any of the bloggers I know are experiencing this. I bet you'll find something even better...

and can't wait to see your new work. I was waiting for updates!

Mario 3 said...

I have actually read this book. It was a very easy, and interesting read. But the thought it envokes gives out 99% of difficulties when making changes. If you notice, the change we make in life doesn't have to be at work all the time. We also make changes in our life, regardless you made the changes or forced to do so like loosing ones Job. There will always be a person that stands your way to properly make the change and execute it like it was planned. Change is always a hard thing to employ...but sure enough...it brings out the best in everyone. And Everyone comes out a better person.

Paula Villanova said...

Thanks Sandy, I'm not terribly worried but losing a job does have an impact that can't be ignored which I think I tried to do initially. I am definitely moving forward but still unsure which direction I wish to take at this time...that's ok...

Welcome to my blog Mario, and thank you for your comments and observations. You're right, there are definite realities to all kinds of change that need to be recognized and managed, often with pleasantly positive results.

Shweta said...

Paula,

I have been waiting for your paintings.
Now adays Job loss is common thing we hear.Do not be panic, get ready for the new one.When worlds collide, good things can happen.

Cheers !All the best .Also, Cheese always keeps moving .

Paula Villanova said...

Thanks Shweta, nice to hear from you! And you are right about that moving cheese!