My studio has devolved into storage space. It started with art storage: unfinished works that were waiting for the inspiration or insight that would allow completion, works in progress and works that – in order to have a second look – I’ve taken out of the circuit. Then, when I cleaned out a downstairs closet, the studio seemed like the best place to store tools. It became, next, the repository for cans of leftover house paint, boxes of materials for teaching art to children, and things that are waiting for repair or donation to the Re-Sale shop. Housekeeping is not even an option there, until a major clearing-out takes place. Right now, I don’t have time for that.
As for the rest of the house, it gets barely what it needs, most of the time. I seem to be fighting a losing battle. I was doing pretty good with my current self-improvement scheme. I had a chart to add accountability, and was checking off items every day. I was scheduling – and fitting in – daily cleaning time, which kept the day-to-day jobs done (as apposed to having them all pile up waiting for a day off) and giving a bit more attention to the (usually neglected or ignored) weekly and monthly tasks. There was hope of getting – and staying – on top of things. I had hope that, soon, I would be able to take an entire day off and work on getting the studio cleaned out.
Then, I got sick. Immediately after coming home from a trip down-state. So, on top of just getting through the day, there was unpacking to do, and extra laundry to catch up on. There were many days when I barely struggled through the absolute necessities, and nothing extra got done. As my health improved, Christmas drew near, with all of the demands of the holiday season. Cookie-baking created more mess and took time away from other things: a double negative (the positive was the joy of offering sweet treats to friends and customers).
So, here I am, once again, at the end of the year, with a discouraging assessment of space-clearing and studio time. Fortunately, we are coming right up on a new year. I have always been a sucker for a fresh start. So, once again, I renew my commitment to get into the studio. First, to get it back to being a functioning work-space rather than a storage locker. Then, to get to work. 2016 was the year I devoted to writing. 2017, I commit to making art.
cindyricksgers 
I am feeling like making the same kind of commitment. Maybe it’s in the air. 🙂
I do sympathise. I had enlisted my lovely sister-in-law to help me closet clean over Christmas but after one chest of drawers we ran out of time and energy! Good luck with your new schedule … as Scarlett said, tomorrow is another day. Lx
it really is an overwhelming task. But…the new year awaits! Good luck to you as well!
Thank you. xx
We tend to put other things first, and when possible we squeeze in the art – sometimes like a Cinderella story. Moving out of my friends’ property that sold, and not being able to move home b/c Casa Loca has some earthquake damage, I’m moving more and more things from Casa Loca to this tiny apt.. seems each time i clear a good space for creating art, I made another trip and return with more boxes – —
today i looked at 10 or 12 large frames, waiting paintings to be finished and taking up huge amounts of space. “What am I going to do with you?” and then I looked up. Hmmm, could I hang them several inches from the ceiling?
Honestly, I’m considering that option!
Tomorrow I might be able to squeeze in a Timeout for Art….
Thank you for keeping that torch burning! You’re so very special, Cindy!
Lisa
Lisa, I was afraid there must have been damage to Casa Loca, as you haven’t been staying there. I was almost afraid to ask. How just like you to continue on without complaint, making the best of whatever circumstance presents itself. I wish you all the best in this coming year, Lisa, with good health, happiness and productivity.
Hi Cindy.. si, there are problems, but they are so minor compared to so many, it makes it really easy to find my cup quite full of blessings.
I wish you the best as well, and with each day that grows a bit longer, you’ll soon be rejoicing with spring blossoms announcing longer days and sunshine!
I can completely relate. My little studio space has been cluttered up with empty boxes in attempts to find those in which to package Christmas gifts. I haven’t been in my little space all month because of those dang boxes. The new year will bring a little time to put the empty boxes back where they belong (completing the puzzle of nesting smaller ones into bigger ones) and getting back to work. Good luck with your task, and keep us posted on the art.