Designing a Life (and a Flamingo)

These last few months have been challenging. I first lost my job and income, then I lost my Mom. My father passed away a few years ago and my sibling is no contact. This part of my life is coming to a close and a profound shift is occurring.

I feel as if a reordering is occurring, from all directions. While going through my Mothers belongings, I came across a complete set of report cards for myself. They indicate that I have dyscalculia and Dyslexia, two learning disorders which, in retrospect, I can now see, have affected two of my most recent employment scenarios. I need to find some resources to help support myself in this department. I am unsure as to what to do about this, but it is on my agenda.

In the meantime, I long to teach art technique again. My current deep dive, artistically, is appliqué using my own hand printed cloth. I am wondering if I can run a video class about applique. I would happily create some kits of my fabrics for purchase, though it would not be a necessary purchase, gradations of your own cloth could be used as well.

Above, you will see, I am designing an ornament featuring a pink flamingo, otherwise known as American Flamingo. What I like about these birds are thier spindly legs and knobby knees. Their bulbous beaks aren’t too shabby either. I like falling for a nice bird!

Thanks, Beth, for asking me to make an ornament for you. I hope you will like what I come up with. If anyone would like to commission even the smallest of works, please ask, I am open to the work.
I wonder if it is possible for me to create part time work for myself teaching art technique and selling small works. I have a fair amount of evidence that supports this idea.

I will tell you what though. I am glad I opened up about my experience on Facebook, recently. The post received 100s of comment and really allowed me to feel cared for. It emboldened me to remember that I have salable skills, and can create an employment path that is not traditional.