A Juggling Act

[Heidi Maiers]

I don

[Terri Ficenec]

Hi Pat!

First, congrats on those commissions -- very exciting! Sounds like you're juggling more than I could handle. Just running the kids around and taking care of the house is all I can handle along with the painting, and related business stuff.

[Janel Maples]

Hi Pat,

I live by Michele's advice. "If it doesn't have to do with my family or painting, I don't do it"

I love that!!

And everyone is surviving around here. As I am writing this on my laptop my husband is ironing his own dress shirts right next to me. Of course having a family who supports my decision is priceless!!

The house isn't as clean as it use to be (I was a little over board in that area anyway) and meals aren't gormet dinners everynight but everyone is healthy and the kids aren't complaining about pizza.

I'd say enjoy yourself, this is important. The things that can wait, will. The things that can't you will find room for.

Good luck to you and congratulations.

[Julie Deane]

Hi Pat -

I sure can relate. I am a single mom of one son. When he was younger, there was not much time to do art. I work full-time at a job that has many demands, plus take care of the house by myself with some jobs delegated to said son.

I tried hiring household help for a while, and it was great, but took too much money to keep up for long. But I will keep it as an option for those up against a deadline times.

I had to look realistically at what time I have available, and plan accordingly. I can't do as much as quickly as someone who gets to stay home all day. That is just plain fact. But I can do what I can when I can.

Enough sleep, some exercise, and eating right are important, or I won't be able to do what I love. I have organized and streamlined paperwork to make life a bit easier. I plan to make my son help out more. Some things, like the weeds in the garden, will get to grow because they are just not as important.

In the works - rethinking the way I am earning a living and exploring other options.

Good luck in your artistic journey. You sound like a smart lady - I am sure you will come up with what works best for you.

[Patricia Joyce]

You are all Great, Great, Great!!

It helps to know I am in good company. Lots of good advice and interesting to hear how you all manage your time. I wish I could delegate, but there is no one to delegate to. So the laundry waits, the dust bunnies are beginning to look like cute bunnies (the younger me is having coniption fits in my head!!!), and if the TV is on it is for background noise while I work (HGTV or news). Sharon, I too meditate every day and try to exercise three times a week, at least. That and a full 8 hours sleep is invaluable!

I used to have my own accounting business when my kids were small. I worked mainly for smaller companies. Entrepreneurs are most challenged when they are successful and growth is rapid. Decisions have to be made about delegating, hiring more employees, investing in machinery, building assets. Growth/success of a product, is often what causes young companies to crumple and fold. I guess I can relate that to where I am now.

Reshuffling!!!

I do know that some of my best quality time is spent each day on this forum. I learn so much here and have increased my skills dramatically since joining. I feel you are a great support system and I thank ALL of you for your wisdom, humor, and above all for your hard won talents which never fail to inspire me!!