I’ve been experiencing blogger’s block lately, mostly because I spend so much time trying to figure out how to craft a post that it is humorous and uplifting, and doesn’t ruffle anyone’s feathers. Finding the right balance can be difficult when things get stressful.
My husband is an engineer in the oil and gas industry. When the price of oil dropped, a lot of people in that industry got laid off, and unfortunately, he was one of them. Then, we had a baby. Coincidentally, the non-profit I work for lost a great deal of funding, and has closed for the time-being. Things have been stressful.
But, it’s not the events that matter, it’s the way we respond to them. I have responded to the stress of this situation much better than I think I would have in the past. Had I been faced with this situation 5 years ago, I would have found myself living and breathing sandwich cookies and generic ice-cream. But I’m not, so that’s good.
Instead, I misunderstood an assignment for an online class I am taking in graphic design, and I re-discovered that I like to draw.
I used to draw a lot. Especially in High School. I used to feel bad because I had friends who were in “Advanced Placement” classes, and I was in “Advanced Placement” Art. I was grateful to have gotten in, but I also felt like an imposter and was extremely intimidated by the extraordinary talent of the other students. I let my fear of criticism and my crappy self esteem get the best of me, and I quit.
It’s many years later, and I’ve come to realize that, that way of thinking is crap. I would not encourage someone else to quit because of those things, so it doesn’t make sense for me to do that to myself, either. I suppose I’m ready to encounter the criticism and negative self-talk now, in a way I wasn’t ready for then.
I decided to make it a goal for myself to draw a face a day from a photograph for 7 days. I do have 2 so far … and 5 more to go. 🙂
Audrey Hepburn
Smiley Guy
Rather than completely giving in to my blogger’s block, I’m drawing it instead.
Lucky Wreck 
hopefully things will look up for you soon!
your art is beautiful! i love smiley guy!
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Thank you so much, Vera! I think things will come together soon. Nothing is permanent!
And, thank you for the compliment! I loved the photograph of the smiley guy 🙂
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Sorry to hear all you’ve been going through. When it rains, it pours, doesn’t it? Glad the drawing is bringing you some relief. I love your pics. I couldn’t imagine being able to do that. Even my stick people are questionable!
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Thank you, Carrie! When it rains, it does pour! But, your comment reminded me of the subtitle of this blog: The Upside of Falling Down. HA! So, I believe I can find the upside to the stress…either that, or change the subtitle of my blog…or maybe both! 😀
I feel the same way about your writing and Doctoring. I couldn’t imagine being able to do all that! Such diverse talents!
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Aw, thank you, but other than keeping up my professional requirements, I’m mostly writing right now. Well, writing and navigating social media. 😉
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Your pics are amazing, as is everything you do! How about trying one just from your head?????
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Challenge accepted!
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Sorry you gave up on art. Like I said on Facebook, your drawing is fantastic. I would so love to be good at it and I could make my blog awesome. I’m glad you are back to blogging and drawing!
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Thank you, Ben! And, I think your blog is already super awesome the way it is!
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I just think if I was artistic it would look so much bitter, uh better.
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Lovely drawings. It is a gift. Have always rued that I cannot draw to save my life. All the best!
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Thank you, Ankur! 🙂 All the best to you, too!
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I am sorry to hear of your and your husband’s work/jobs. Truly. Not to sound too philosophical Amy, but it is Nature’s way that when a void is created, it is soon filled with something else. This is how and why I always remember one of my favorite quotes — something I KNOW you like! 😉 — from Napoleon Hill…
It is VERY good that you’ve picked back up your drawing! I have never understood America’s, certainly Texas’, obsession with occupational hyper-specialization! In other words, too often we overly promote — to the point of nausea(?) — tradecrafts that are only specific to a narrow spectrum of ONE industry, while denying, even devaluing the much needed broad humanities and liberal arts… like drawing! It’s ashame really. Does your husband also have a deep passion for something else?
Nevertheless, hang tough, diversify (wink), and both of view this as the next opportunity! Sending many well wishes! ❤
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Thank you so much Professor Taboo! I appreciate your support more than I can say!
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Great drawings! I love Smiley Man. I got myself into – allegedly – a very elite art school in Australia when I was young and did my three year degree there but I often felt as if I was an imposter in that whole elite art world. Self-esteem can definitely affect the direction of your whole life can’t it? I have not done a (serious) drawing for years but was just thinking about drawing today, as another way to stimulate creativity and generate ideas for writing. That was inspired by an online writing course I’m doing – I watched an 8 min video, where the tutor read a passage from a book chosen as an example of writing about your thoughts. The passage was written in the first person by a woman who was drawing a kitchen tap, and thinking about the concept of ownership and how she “owned” this tap but couldn’t quite “own” it as she drew it – I guess it eluded her. Deep, right? Maybe I related because at art school I once did a painting of a kitchen tap. I always loved mundane subject matter. 🙂 Anyway, to cut this short, I applaud your drawing, keep going!! And I hope you guys get some work!
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Amy, I am so happy that you re-visited this awesome talent of yours. Also, that you wrote this blog post. Do not let go of your dream! Do not let the jealousy of others distract you from the path you are on. Consider working towards applying for advertising or marketing positions. Your art is amazing! You are amazing! I am in your corner, always.😍
We have settled on a house to move to where we will get the Internet and cell phone usage. We are to hear from the owner today to work out the details. What that means is that we will be able to talk on the phone more. Not sure of timing at this point but I will let you know. So sad about the hotline, I miss it.😞
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My life motto: There is a reason for EVERYTHING, you just may not know what that is, in the moment it happens.
Hang in there – I have usually found out sooner than later, what the reason is. Your art work is outstanding – so may be that is your hint? Also, I do not know in what capacity your husband worked in oil – but may be it is time for him to look at alternative energies?? Just an out-of-the-box thought! Good luck and – KEEP DRAWING PLEASE!!! 🙂
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Thank you so much helbergfarmstories! 😉 I LOVE your life motto, and glad you took the time to share it because it’s easy to forget that sometimes when things get rough! This is a temporary bump I know we will get through 🙂
Thank you for your kind words and encouragement about my drawing! That is already one good thing that has come out of this! I will most definitely keep working at drawing!
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Great drawings! I can barely sketch a stick figure. Hopefully, the job market and opportunities will get better for you and your husband. Stay positive.
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Thank you, Regular Guy NYC! I am positive that opportunities will come along for both of us, and very much appreciate your support and encouragement!! 🙂
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Dang, you’re talented! Freaking awesome work there, Amy. I can’t wait to see the rest of the collection! Amy, I hear so much growth in this post. And you’re so right. It’s not about the battle, but about how we respond to it. Cheesy as you like, I no longer ask God to make my journey easier. Because it’s unfair to Him. I now simply ask Him for the strength to endure. Also, for the strength to smile when things get rough. You know, it’s probably easier to push a heavy bolder uphill than it is to smile on those really dark days. But if nothing else, we owe it to ourselves to give that small gift to ourselves. It’s an act of friendship (to one self) and a truce of sorts. I mean, we have our outer selves, and then there’s our inner selves. Sometimes it can be hard for one of them to be overtly kind to the other, but that’s what I’m learning how to do, slowly. Learning how to be my own friend. :0)
Regarding hard times, believe me when I say, hard times are my #1 catalyst. When my water heater blew all to hell last year, I took cold showers for 8 months. And that was just the beginning of the (never ending) joy ride! Haha…but when you hit the bottom, and you feel like you’ve reached a new low, remember- there’s only one way left to go and that’s UP. Hills and valleys….
I love how you’re sounding. :0) I hear strength and new growth! Your little guy has been so good for you. (Both of your guys. ;0) And hey, way to go on that online class! My entire associates degree + bachelor’s degree has been online. Not an easy thing to do. Be happy with your achievements- great and small. Keep connecting those dots- as tedious or pointless as things might seem sometimes- because one day, you’ll go to connect another dot (ho hum) and it will be the one that completes the picture, and you’ll see life in an entirely new way.
I think you’re doing that already. 🙂
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Reblogged this on O-pen-u-nated.
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Thank you for your honesty and openness – it is refreshing. I do love your drawings – they are stunning. Don’t stop drawing! I have had very much the same experience with my art – I stopped for years because of insecurities, but I have started up again. I am now on day 45 of my every day drawing, I love it. It also serves as an outlet for my stressful life! Well done once again on the great drawings!
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Wow. I’m so glad you shared your experience with me. I didn’t realize how many others have gone through something similar. I am excited to see what you are doing, and so glad you started again, too!!
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