Every time I return from a European holiday, I return with a renewed perspective on life. I have been blessed now to have traveled to Italy, Ireland, Spain, Germany and France. Each time I travel to Europe, I am immediately impressed with how they have their priorities in the right order. Albeit cultures differ, there is still a sense of calming down, and keeping what is truly important in the forefront. Those priorities are family, friends, God, food and shelter, and then work and chores. Whenever I return, I find myself renewed and committed to relaxing and remembering to place emphasis and offer time to what is truly important and is the supporting structure of who I am. At the end of the day, when work is done, the paint is put away and the quiet has settled in, it is my family and friends that will be with me. If all is lost, and I should ever find myself struggling – it will be my family and friends that will see me through to the next means. I try to hold onto this feeling of relaxation and renewed energy and it does stay with me to a degree, but I admit (sigh) that it is difficult to hold onto in this fast paced, work driven, high anxiety society with an emphasis on ‘things’ rather than living in the moment and enjoying each other; begins once again to take over my senses and occupy my time. It drowns me in a struggle to balance all that I hold dear.

Well, once again, I am setting a goal for myself to stay true to the correct (in my mind) priorities and to slow down, enjoy and appreciate everyone and everything I have and will have as I move forward. I need to remind myself to slow down and weigh each moment and decision against what is truly important in the end. This means fighting against the ‘ASAP’ disorders; the ‘hurry up’ disorders; and especially the ‘I need it now’ disorders. It is OK to let the phone ring if in the middle of a conversation or busy with a project. And e-mail won’t explode if it is not read every 2 minutes. I definitely plan to carry this feeling of relaxation into my studio and with my own work. 

Speaking of 'work', this brings me to the subject of my most recent work! I have finished a few new paintings that I will be showing off at the next 2nd Friday Artists Upstairs Open Studio Event (October 9th) so please swing by Studio 8 and check them out. Click here to view a flyer highlighting a few of the things going on with the event!I also have some new work that is in the discovery phase right now on the easel, and the more I explore and test my ideas the more excited I am getting about working toward a finished painting…so keep your eyes out for some up-and-coming new paintings as well. I am also working on a new video of my most recent finished painting in the Juarez series. 

RADIO SHOW! Please click below and settle in for some Cagney Radio! I have posted the latest installment of my WHBU – Artist in Residence segment.

Until next time, I encourage everyone to breathe deep with me, and enjoy the moment you are in to the fullest. Love one another, and stay true to yourself and to your life!

Rock on!

WHBU - October Radio Show

 


Comments

Fred Baughman
10/08/2009 11:02

Hi,

Welcome back....hope to see you tomorrow night.

Reply
claudia link
10/08/2009 17:38


Wish I was close by so I could visit with you!!!

best wishes to a continued 'state of growth'!

Claudia

Reply
Nancy Lee link
10/08/2009 20:50

Cagney, you really captured the vacation mentality many of us (I) return with, which we (I) swear we (I) will treasure but which slowly gets chipped away by the grind of daily living. I like the truth and honesty of your description. And of anyone I know, you come the closest to living your intentions. Hugs hugs hugs and welcome home!

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