DOC-U-MENTING

Hello Job, Hello Summer

Oh where oh where have I been?

I've been stepping in ponds and chasing dogs.
I've been to the beach in crummy weather.
I've been to the beach in nice weather.
I've eaten chowder, clam cakes, and hamburgers.
I visited an abandoned military fort and climbed rocks.
I had a picnic with pickles and carrots and seagulls.
I've been upside down on roller coasters and spinny-rides.
I've gotten a sunburn three times.
I've had drinks by a late night fire.
I've attended a friend's college graduation party.
I sang my heart out to oldies on a road trip.
I planned my first camping trip with friends.
I cut my hair.
I watched the finale of LOST and still remain in denial that he is really dead.

   
    Among other things, I've mostly been working, working, and working. The new job is going well. The training was a bit overwhelming, what with being everyday and all day. But it was necessary. This week I finally start working my normal schedule which should feel nice to be able to get settled in a new routine, though I'm trying to avoid routines now. Dilemma dilemma..
   
    I've been so busy with trying to learn and remember things and not mess up at work that I haven't created any art at all in about a month. That makes me feel very empty. Tis why I've dedicated tonight and tomorrow to creating and brainstorming. And then shaking my bum to eighties music at night with the girls. Speaking of art though, some of my work is currently showing in a wonderful new gallery that opened in Brooklyn! Fact & Fancy at 75B Hoyt Street is having their very first show featuring over 25 undiscovered artists running from May 29th until July 11th. It's such an awesome gallery owned and operated by Christine and Danielle. Thanks again to them for asking me to be apart of it!

(My work is on the very bottom! :)

    And continuing on with my plans of getting back on track, some journaling shall be happening tonight as well. I gots myself a rather sleek and soft new Moleskine. It's perfect for writing stories from the core and brain. I also discovered a new book today. Feeding Your Demons by Tsultrim Allione. I wasn't looking for it, didn't know of it, yet it spoke to me from the shelves. And so tonight I read as well.

    Today was enjoyable, even if it was focused on errands and cleaning. Aside from the duties, I listened to classic rock (which is my all time favorite). I purchased fresh strawberries, Pink Lady apples, bananas, and key lime pie. I discovered the new book I mentioned. I helped a woman with her groceries at the market. I carried a 20lb bag of cat food effortlessly on my shoulder. I roamed Target and only bought what I actually went in for. I gathered up mushrooms, onions, and lemonade at the store. All because I woke up oddly early on my first real day off in a month. I am so glad to have some days off again. I've missed reading your blogs and twittering away on the interweb with you guys. I'm slowly finding my way again. I promise, I will have delights to share soon. Thanks for the sweet emails and comments during the past month. Hope you all are well!

Love, love,
Mae Jane

CHORES & BORES

       Bills, laundry, dishes, junk mail even, it never ends, continuous cycles we must commit ourselves to over and over again. All the while trying to find ways to be ourselves and shine through the mundane redundancy of daily life. Routines and familiar ways start to become jaded, tainted with the tedious aroma of "here we go again." Sometimes I just don't want to force myself to deal with these things, the boring intricacies of life, but if I don't, who else will? This is what comes with growing up. This is adulthood. (insert dundundun here).

      Lessons learned become the way of direction around here. We deal with these things because we have to. They are our right of passage to our freedom. Though I believe true freedom would entail no attachment to material items and the bills we have to pay to keep them. Freedom from relying on others, our parents? Yes. We become our own through these annoying little responsibilities. Good enough for me. I'll take independence over dependency any day.

        ;Mae Jane

OVERLOAD

It's a strange week so far. Much on my mind. Much to figure out. Much to organize. Much to attempt. Much to complete. Much to start. Much. Much. Much. I have and will have more new artsy things to share and some journal work soon. My mind has been clouded lately with life struggles. I'm trying to land just the right job that will offer a set stable schedule that I can work around going back to school. Kind of feeling stuck, job hunting is the sucky and most discouraging when all i would like to do is receive a nice weekly paycheck so I can go to school and pay my bills. Patience is seeming overrated these days as well. Hanging in there, hanging on.

Mae Jane

EDIT: Holy goodness. I just got a call back from the job that I had been hoping and wishing to get since last month. I have an interview Friday, and to think, I was practically giving up on that company. An interview with them usually means hire, so this is a great big joyous step in the right direction (plus I've got a referral to work there too). Funny thing is, for the past few weeks or so, I've been feeling really down and discouraged about my job hunt, feeling like I'd have to resort to a job I'd hate, like another one in retail or the food industry. I can't believe they finally called me. I squealed with so much joy that I scared Littlebones and she ran under the bed. Eeep! :)