All righty. So, yeah, my goodness it's been a while. Too much of a while. I was swamped with personal issues lately so I haven't had a chance, or a desire, to write anything.
Quick update: Jason is clean, and has been for more than a month, and this time (and I'm not just saying this because I am his girlfriend and I love him) I know it will stick because the way he talks about it is different. Before, when he had 'epiphanies' they never lasted long and he would always talk about regretting what he'd done and how he'd never go back, but even though I wanted it to, it didn't sound genuine. Now, he is talking about it in a healthier way. Instead of saying that he regrets it, he stops himself and says, "No, I don't regret it. I'm just glad it's over." So, of course, I'm ecstatically happy about it :) He has seen me every day since he's been clean. Every. Day. Lol :D So, for the first time since we first got together (8.5 years ago! O.O) he's seen me for 34+ days straight. Yay!
But, of course, now that he's better, my sister's problems are increasing and now she's having problems with substance abuse....and mom said that she hasn't been giving her money, so...we don't know what she's doing to *get* money. I'm hoping her friend is buying it for her, because the alternative is just too sad to think about...Yesterday she texted Jason and asked if he knew anyone who could sell it to her, which made me so angry. I haven't had a chance to talk to her about it, because she spends as little time at home as possible, but when she gets home later I'm going to tell her how upset, and how disrespectful it was for her to do that....why try to involve us? Why try to involve someone who's had his own substance issues? It's just the lowest insult you could do, in my opinion. It was like a slap in my face, really. Jason's sobriety is strong enough that it didn't affect him, thankfully, but if this had happened a month ago...I don't know what would have happened, honestly.
Anyway, enough about my personal problems, let's talk about art.
My 1 year anniversary on AFA is going to be on Halloween this year! I cannot believe that it's been a year, and so much has changed. Usually about this time is when I give up on whatever art I'm doing at the moment and go on to something else, but with ATCs, things are always new and fresh so I have constant motivation and inspiration.
Last year, I saw ATCs for the first time at the L.A. County fair, and we went back this year and there was another collection (they display kids' collections and give rewards for it) of ATCs. It was another (as Oprah would say, lol) full circle moment for me.
And someone in the art pavilion was selling ACEOs. I didn't have time to talk to him the first time, so hopefully he'll still be there when we go back to the fair next week. I'd love to buy one of his cards for my collection, and talk to him a bit :)
Even with the problems with my sister, I'm feeling so much more positive, so much better, so much happier. My mom has even been saying things like, "Wow, your art is really improving." So I'm finally getting some recognition from her about my drawing skills :)
The last two years, when I would watch those relationship shows and see people who'd been together for years who said, "The feeling never goes away! We're still in love like the first day!" I'd cringe and be like, "ugh, please." But the truth is, when you find the right person, and when you work at the relationship, it is like that. I love Jason. I can honestly say that I'm so proud he's going to be my husband some day. I can't wait for the day when he gets to stand at the end of the aisle for me :)
I promise (not that anyone reads this hahaha!) that I'll actually try to update this thing. I'm trying to take better care of myself, and this is definitely part of it.
Hugs and love,
Treen
