It's initial.

With March comes a lot of new things: more paperwork to be completed for graduate school, saving money, working on art, and somehow squeezing in a social life in the process.

My brain has been "go-go gadget" lately and it is yet another time to hit the ground running.

First things first, I have successfully completed the initial evaluation of whether or not I met the basic requirements for graduate school at UNT. Somehow it tickles me that this was the last school where I submitted my application.

In other news, I've been working on creating some hand-bound books by starting off with simple journals. Slowly, some new concepts are coming to the surface and a changeover on both Etsy and blog-wise should be expected during the year.

I have some pursuits outside art, but unfortunately, I have to keep the lid on them until it is all finalized in the next few months.

Otherwise, amidst the artistic endeavors, I've been reading Just Kids by Patti Smith. The book has been a fantastic bedside table read. I only like to read a few chapters at a time to absorb it all. Essentially, the book is about the relationship between Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe and living in New York beginning in the late 60s. I have yet to complete it, but what I've read thus far is magical. It recalls so many aspects of the quintessential bohemian artist. However, it does not generalize the attitude, it specifies the need to create, the freedom of dress, the importance of what you read and conversations you have with others.

The book reminds me that many artistic individuals have been down the same path before and it's a well-worn road, but with room for other traveling souls looking for answers and a place to make things and share them.

My solace of late has been reminding myself that I've been able to keep it all together and continue to pursue what is important to me. There is a romanticized vision of artists who stay up at all hours working on their art, despite the day job and life's obligations. Perhaps I entrust myself to this vision, perhaps I oblige it occasionally. Regardless, it's a skeleton outline of the life I've created for myself and will continue to create.