Squatting in My Old Apartment

Because AT&T is not setting up DSL for another week in my new condo, I am sitting in my old empty apartment using the Internet. Yes. It is taking a full two weeks to setup wifi. Talk about poor service.

Love My New Place

All my stuff fits and it feels so roomy! Stagecoach movers were awesome.

Do Only Women Live Here?

That's what one of the movers asked me as he was loading my belongings into the truck during my move to the condo. I responded that this is an urban area so there are more single women. So it is safe? He asked. Absolutely.

My neighbors are so wonderful at my old apartment. We developed a fantastic little community and I will miss them.

One of my teaching colleagues told me she recently read an article about how people are now living more on their own. I live that trend.

Nearly everything is out of my old place and now to the new condo! The movers said that my stuff is so light. This is my goal, to live simply.

Holding Back to Mak Space

Today my students did a superb job of presenting a In-House Promotions event in our school gallery. It was all I could do to hold back and not get involved with the day-of event production. I'm use to being the person who makes it all happen, so that the client and guests can fully enjoy themselves.

Instead I stood back, leaned against a table and clasped my hands. It was confusing since I felt like a bad apple. But really I was making room for them to own the event. I do not need to prove that I know how to put on a production, my job was to create an environment that allows them to learn, evolve and excell. They did just that. I had goosebumps and a broad smile from start to finish.

Strange Time in my Life

Committing to a property and making a decisive move to be on my is a big step. Certainly, going through divorces is a decisive action but actually investing in my independent future, for the long term, is a very different step.

As I look around my apartment and begin to pack my possessions I realize that I've been on my own for almost four years. These have been fast and slow years with learning at every step. I've made some excellent choices and some that have been learning lessons. I've made new friends and let some friendships go.

For the first time I feel like I am really on my own. Every day, when I think of folks who have given me, or who are giving me inspiration and support, I send them kisses. I literally kiss the air in the direction in which they live and imagine the kiss reaching them, near or far. I value these moments of love, long or short, that each of these people have shared with me. It is because of this evolving web of support that I am confident in my choices.

Me in My Condo

My real estate agent Pier Porrino gave me a lovely welcome gift of flowers and champagne. I brought the welcome cat that my brother and sister gave me years ago. Feeling the love!

More Great News

I bought a condo in Oakland! What a wonderful week.

One of the Best Days of My Life

It may seem extreme but this was a day to remember. It has ended with second row seats at KA. There is one big amazing bit of news but I can't reveal it until tomorrow.

This Las Vegas Adventure was truly MAGICal! So happy I was able to share so much of it with my colleague David.

Backstage Tour of KA!

Just when I thought the day couldn't get cooler, David and I got a backstage tour of Cirque du Soleil!

I Won an iPad...

...from a session at MAGIC sponsored by eBay! Happy Valentine's Day Amy :)

I Met Mr. Quiggly!

You Can Do MAGIC!

Mighty Wallet

Made of FedEx type envelope material and folded like oragami. I decorated mine alongside the company owner Terrence.

Hotel as Home

Would you believe that I spent most of my day yesterday sitting in my hotel room in front of the window? Even though I am in Vegas I still have to grade midterm papers and post my students' grades. I did get to chat with my sister by phone and meetup with my colleague David for a drink and my cousin Sue for a delicious Indian dinner. Plus, yoga, a massage, a lunch buffet, and of course a nap. So grading papers felt like a vacation.

The room is actually perfect for getting work done as I am able to look out on the gardens and watch weddings all from the comfort of an easy chair. The only challenge has been entering grades via my iPhone's Internet browser because I refuse to pay $14 for wifi.

Today is the MAGIC fashion trade show!

One of my Favorite Places in the World

The Wynn Casino in Las Vegas has a secret bar called the North Show Terrace which overlooks this waterfall. Every hour there is a surreal show such as a giant frog singing or a big balloon head with a films projected on it. I first discovered this place with my mom and then again with my friend Brechin when we were here an Americans for the Arts conference about 5 years ago.

I often think about this place as a peaceful oasis in the middle of chaos. Today it has already proven special as I heard from my friend Dave via text while sitting here and also got the sad news about the passing of Whitney Houston via email.

Special places are where you can take in the good and the bad while still feeling nestled in warmth and comfort.

The First View of Las Vegas

Gambling.

Smog and Fog Films

My fellow yogi Lisa turned me on to Smog and Fog Films. Their Yoga Girl music video is very amusing. Also winners are Whole Foods Parking Lot and Berkeley Enough. These guys riff on the NorCal and SoCal often ironic "healthy living" vibes.

My First Book (Chapter) is Published!

I have written a chapter on strategic planning in the 2nd edition of Business of Art: An Artist's Guide to Profitable Self-Employment which was released in January, 2012.  

The book is published by the Center for Cultural Innovation.

165 pages. $24.95 plus shipping through the Center for Cultural Innovation. 

Now Available: The all-new 2nd edition of CCI’s ground-breaking resource guide, providing you with key knowledge, tools and resources to help you advance your art practice. This book reflects CCI deep commitment to the artistic community and our belief that knowledge is power.

My fellow C2Arts associate, Yesenia Sanchez, wrote a chapter on Finance. I'm so proud of us!