Reading an archived post from Tiny Twig Goes Out on a Limb, sparked thoughts for me about not being able to do it all. I'm fully aware that I can't; but out here in the internet, it's easy to pretend. It's fun to show pictures of my life in natural light and hide the shadows just beyond (aka: dirty dishes).
The truth is, I'm not Superwoman. Dishes pile in my sink daily. The carpet has spots and there are holes in the upholstery of my chair. I didn't get my 12 for 12 Skills done last month or my Self-Portraits for Urban Muser. I don't always listen to my kids with full attention. We eat fast-food sometimes. I don't always call back when people leave messages. I put painting on the back-burner instead of making it a priority. For example, I wanted to show you a painting this week, not another work-in-progress. Oh the beautiful plans I had for her, but I'll get to them eventually. And it's okay that I didn't finish because I'm not Superwoman. I can mess up. I can let things go. I don't have to do it all and frankly, I can't.
What about you? What things do you let go?
Am sure this WIP is going to be great Catherine. Why worry about not being Superwoman.....who is...certainly not me.....cripes I've just seen my windows they are filthy, just goes to show how often I look at them, suppose I'd better do them......... Happy PPF and have a blessed Easter, Annette x
ReplyDeleteExactly. I don't think anyone is.
DeleteOh Catherine it's like you made my confession for me!! I don't dust the house every single week like I used to, I've been getting up at 6 to walk the dogs but instead bringing them up to bed with us for another 45 minute doze, I've been intending to go out to my art studio and finish any number of painting but find myself on the sofa in front of the fire and the TV watching rubbish instead. Believe me, you are not alone!!
ReplyDeleteHaha, glad to hear I'm not alone! I bet the dogs enjoy that 45 minute nap.
DeleteThat isn't a confession it is a description of my life... I actually think all of us anti superwomen should band together and show those poor exhausted ones how it is done...they don't know what they are missing by being so efficient...hope you have a happy and safe Easter ...xx
ReplyDeleteDescription versus confession--I like it! And I honestly don't think anyone gets it all done no matter how put together they look.
DeleteTotally. I don't listen to my kids with full attention--this is me. I do let things go as well. We can't do everything. Sometimes we need to do what makes us happy.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend!
Yes! I think it's learning a balance.
DeleteReal life gets in the way of a lot of good plans, but I like where you're going with your painting and I'm glad you shared it. I, for one, can relate to your post...so many could've dones lately that don't get done, but I do squeeze in sketchbook moments in between appts and picking up the kids from school. I take my sketchbook and drawing pencils with me. :)
ReplyDeleteCheers and Happy PPF and Easter weekend!
True. I'm looking forward to sharing more of it as I go along. And keeping supplies with you for the opportune moment is a fantastic plan.
DeleteWIP is looking great ~ no one is perfect ~ what do I let go ~ dusting ~ LOL ~ then wonder why I am sneezing ~ thanks, namaste, ^_^
ReplyDeleteME TOO! I have found a feather duster that works better than most and sometimes I'll coax myself to at least do that. Ha.
DeleteHi Catherine, it's a great start and when you get to it, it will be outstanding as all your work is. Hey, that description sound like me to. Darn, I can't remember the last time I mopped, I mean really mopped. I make the excuse that it's my arthritic knees that are stopping me from housework but I don't think so. I've gotten lazy since I stopped exercising. Oh dear, what's a person to do. Tee hee! Take care dear and have a great Easter and Happy PPF!!. We'll get to it, we will.
ReplyDeleteAww, well I hope so! I've been working so I'm hoping to get it finished before next time. I'm like you. I mop the middles most times just so I can pick away at a piece of it.
DeleteMaybe if we all started listing the things we do accomplish, instead of what we don't, we'd all feel pretty super. ;)
ReplyDeleteYou're probably right, Tricia!
DeleteSometimes I think there is a lot of pressure to be Superwoman, but how realistic is that? I always enjoy seeing WIP's because it's interesting and helpful to see how other artists work. I learn so much from that.
ReplyDeleteExactly! Not realistic at all being that she's a comic strip. Ha. I love seeing how others work as well.
DeleteI´m sure on my death bed I wouldn't lament not cleaning the house enough, but I would regret not using what ever talent or inspiration I had. So I let go a lot of cleaning! ;))
ReplyDeleteHappy PPF! <3
Wow, thanks for easing the guilt, Anne. So true!
Deletewe rarely eat fast food, but oh the dishes.....I'm just glad my husband handles the financial stuff. I would be so stressed if I had to pay the bills on time.
ReplyDeleteMy husband does too and thank goodness! That's not my gifting either.
DeleteIts really OK to not be perfect. Just don't cheat yourself of you time. Can't wait to see how the WIP unfolds. Happy PPF.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice! I'm excited about the unfolding.
DeleteWe all like to pretend we're superwoman because we are! Whoever said that perfect woman has to have a tidy house? It wasn't me!!
ReplyDeleteI knew I liked you! :D
DeleteThis is why I love the blog world. Posts like this that normalize life. . . my life, your life, all of us busy Mom's. I wrote a post awhile back that I titled "Superwoman, I Am Not." It just feels good to say it, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteThis what a great post. The WIP? Awesome!
oh God Catherine... are you REALLY asking me what i let go (in terms of housework?!) sheeeeesh. Where do i BEGIN?! LOL!
ReplyDeleteYour life (and house) sounds like mine. I'm perfectly ok with dishes in the sink, and i'll bet you are too. :-) So nice to know there are others out there like me. xoxo
I stand with you sister
ReplyDeleteI do all I can
the rest I let go
it is the way
the only way to live
love this post
and obviously others did too : )
happy weekend
love and light
oh those pesky dishes in the sink!! ;)
ReplyDeleteunfortunately, i too often let go of eating right and working out!!
I love your post. We, women always strives for wanting to be partaites!!
ReplyDeleteI think it's even more true for women artists. One writer said you love someone for his small defects ; I think it's true!
Sounds like a normal life for most of us,lol! You are doing just wonderful. Eckhart Tolle says all we have to do is "BE" and we're doing that just fine!Great painting start, I love the shade of blue you chose! Happy PPF! Deb
ReplyDeleteThe few true superwomen out there make it really difficult for the rest of us to carry on being average with out feeling like we are failing somehow.
ReplyDeleteHope you find some guilt-free time to work on your new painting.
Your WIP will be wonderful, Catherine...I just know it!
ReplyDelete♥♥♥
Happy PPF!!
Mary
Mixed-Media Map Art
LOL - definitely far from superwoman either. I don't even profuse to try.
ReplyDeleteYour WIP is looking great so far!
love the thoughts and "deep sigh" as well as girl in process. For me, right now with the house, it is the bedroom, getting rid of stuff we don't need, junk drawer, deep cleaning. I think the best things to let go of, for me, are selfishness and false guilt.
ReplyDeleteAhh, it's so nice reading your "dirty" laundry, Catherine! It just makes me feel so NORMAL.
ReplyDeleteI let So Much go these days! The older I get, the wiser, I say. I wish I had learned earlier in life that it's the little things that matter. Not the...
Holes (plural, don't ya know) in *our* couch cushions.
Stains in the carpet from God knows what. Lots of animals and kids. What's a mom to do?
My laundry pile that is always calling my name at 9pm.
The meadow in my front yard that is my lawn.
Me? Does that count? It's the ONE thing I'm actually working on more consistently these days.
The minivan. We live in the country. It's on a first name basis with WASH ME.
I could go on. Really.
I'm Superwoman's Country Cousin. We're a little more laid back in these parts. Well, *I* am anyway.