It took me some time to share this bittersweet story with my readers because I always strive to focus on the positive, joyful, and beautiful aspects of life even in the face of challenges. This particular story from my life served as my inspiration for the 2021 Catrina. And so, here it is...
Following the mixed emotions of 2020, I was pleased to embrace the new year with fresh inspiration and endless opportunities that where to come.
At the beginning of 2021, January marked the typical beginning of the year for self-employed artists, Making time for recuperation after the busy holiday season and engaging in thorough planning, all while maintaining a positive attitude to continue on the path of creativity.
In February my daily bike ride presented me an opportunity for fun and creativity, leading to the creation of "A Painting for Myself". Days of creation and work went by, the moth of March was dedicated to continuing my artistic pursuits and being thankful for a second job that sustained me during the pandemic. During April and May, I dedicated my time to working in the garden, prioritizing health and nutrition, focusing on daily routines, and producing more art to share with my audience.
"Memories, even bittersweet ones, are better than nothing". -Jennifer Armentrout
Then June came as a hurricane we were given a 45 day notice that my family had to leave my rental that we lived and paid on time for 5 years, just because the land lord needed to sell immediately in the Hot house Market. As the 45 period was coming to an end; the life as we knew it went into disconcert, having to put all my art and belongings in a storage unit, and not knowing when we were going to provide a safe roof for my family ,since a lot of people moved to Florida during 2020 and the most of the home rentals where on waiting list. The day arrived and we have to leave a bittersweet tears ran thru my face.
It was summer and the only extended stay hotel available was an hour away from where we worked. Most of the close by hotels where at full capacity; As I was in line to check in at the hotel; I over heard the family in front of us explaining to the hotel customer service agent the same situation; One more family thrown out on the street by their greedy landlord. That summer this was all over the Florida news, families living in hotels.
"People loose their sense of humanity for money". -Eileen A Art
On the positive side, I got accepted at the New farmers market! A market in which I was on a waiting list for 4 years; a steady market that I can sell my art every week to the locals and tourists. And my husband got his new job during this pandemonium in our life.
Thankful for the opportunities that came up, but a hard decision befall, we had to separate our kids first time in my life. A bittersweet feeling ran through my back knowing that we wont see them, or be able to kiss them or hug them for a few months but, knowing that sending them away with family was the right decision, they would live comfortably for the next few months while waiting in a list for an apartment until December .
September events that kept me busy; went to Ormond Beach, FL for the first time; we had such a blast. In the first week of October, as I was watching a pirate story on TV, and inspiration strike me on the face and I started sketching the Catrina of 2021 for my yearly Catrina painting and, at that moment, I knew she was going to be called Bittersweet, immortalizing my bittersweet experience of the year.
Amidst the chaos that life had thrown my way, I discovered solace in my art, which helped me stay centered and motivated to persevere. - Eileen A Art
I can not leave outside this bittersweet story the night of the fire. While waiting for my husband to get back to the hotel from work, I was taking selfies of me and my new painting, working and all of a sudden the fire alarm startled me. I left in a rush, the chair falling on the floor along with the paint, I didn't know where the paintbrushes went. Like a flash I grabbed my purse, car keys, my coat and computer and, as I was walking out the door, guess where the fire was? It was next to my room! With all the smoke and people walking in pajamas through the lobby, I was trembling with fear. Just what we needed to end my bittersweet story; loosing little we had and my painting. As I sat in my car, the firetruck came. I could not stop shaking, whether of fear or because it was 39 degrees (yes 39 degrees in Florida is so freaking cold) out there; I realized that life is as bitter or sweet as you want it to be and collected my self and my thoughts focused on the sweet part that had yet to come.
Excited for the month ahead, another set of good news arrived! The next day, while at the farmers market, I got invited to join the Winter Gardens farmers market. anxiously waiting for the first of December when I'll be reunited with two pieces of my soul.
Thank you for taking the time to read about my life journey, and don't forget to Have Fun an Create!
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