How to handle chaos 12.7.18

Okay, so chaos comes in many forms: end of semester grading, holiday shopping, parties, gatherings, family drama, and that special one moving. Doug and I moved just shy of two weeks ago. The unpacking and settling dominates my life and my thinking. I struggle to be present–preoccupied by the endless problem solving of where I am going to put everything and what needs to go. Boxes and reams of crumpled, flattened and balled newsprint surround us. Items without homes sit waiting for attention. Distractions abound.

The movers started packing the Monday before Thanksgiving. And they started with my studio. By the time I finish unpacking my studio, it will be nearly three weeks without it. The mountain of studio boxes (thirty-five 1.5 cubic feet boxes + three portfolio boxes + two 6.5 cubic feet boxes) has dwindled to 15 unpacked boxes.  My bench top needs to be trimmed 10 inches to fit into its designated area. Once that happens, I’ll be able to go through the remaining boxes and squeeze these supplies into my studio. Progress!

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I created a travel art kit in addition to a couple of bags of art making essentials that I anticipated I might need. All well and good. The kitchen table serves perfectly as a temporary making spot. This whirlwind of things spiraling around me can be brought to a halt. It begins with being very clear about my priorities. What are the musts and what fills me up. It all comes back to the mantra I adopted earlier this year, what YES comes from no. I could write more, but MCLA work pounds at my door, so off I go!

Today’s Prompt:
Add something that seems incongruous to your collage. In this case it’s the disembodied ear, reminding me to listen to that voice within.

Everyday through December 25th, I’ll be making a 5×5 inch collage, writing a short entry on this blog and sharing a prompt for those who might want to participate along with me. You can follow my progress by subscribing to this blog through the sidebar on the blog homepage, or by following me on Instagram.