Checkin' In

Hey all,

Whew, what a year it's been and things aren't improving much. My strength continues to be tested almost on a monthly basis. Tragedy seems to surround and I am trying my hardest to be strong and to come out from all of this okay. It's a very long story but my art has definitely taken a back seat to family and close friends. I am stretched very thin and trying to keep my head above water while juggling a new business on top of everything else. I miss you all here on DeviantARt. Please feel free to find me on facebook. I spend a little time there.

I hope you are all doing well and feeling productive. I haven't been creating much lately but I am working on a tattoo for my sister-in-law's rib cage. I love it so much that I'm considering another piece for my own ribs.

Please keep your loved ones close. I can't stress how fragile and fleeting life is. I asked my sister the other day why this is all happening now. I  hadn't experienced true loss until the age of 35 and once it started, it hasn't stopped. Her answer rang very true. She said I wasn't strong enough then and she's right. I can't believe the emotional havoc that a human can endure and I'm proud of the fact that it hasn't gotten the better of me yet. I've been dealing in many ways... mostly by spending every waking moment trying to be a better friend, a better grand daughter, a better sister. Also, by purging all of the things I've been hanging onto for the last twenty years. I want to de-clutter and simplify. Minimize my life's possessions and get back to basics.

Love to all of you.
Jesse