Just wanted to say happy holidays to everyone. This fall just flew by, though at the same time it seems to have been going on forever. After running the half marathon, I got a full-time job at the local Chevy dealership as a detailer (read: gofer) and have been working 40+ hour weeks and doing day work for a rancher on the weekends every now and then. I haven't really had a lot of time to work on paintings, but I have started doing commissioned wood burnings this last week- I made one for the company gift exchange, and most of the people I work with want one now. I also sold a couple of my smaller paintings on paper at an art gala last month, so I finally meet the definition of professional artist.
My parents finally talked me into selling my horse, Haji, in September. To be honest, I still think I should have kept him, but he's with another family now, and hopefully he'll be a better fit there. I used part of what he brought to buy a yearling colt, Splash, so he will be my new project horse. He seems really smart so far, and is much less spoiled than Haji was as a yearling, so he will probably be an easier horse to work with- no tantrums, biting, and crow hopping fits would be a nice change. I put a lot of miles on the other horse I ride, Cowboy, and he's become a much better horse for it. I haven't had much time to work with either horse since daylight savings time though, so I'm really ready for spring to get here.
As you've probably guessed, going to Mongolia with the Peace Corps isn't going to happen, at least not in the immediate future. I still really really want to go, but for now that's just going to have to wait. I managed to graduate without being in debt and even have a little money in the bank, so right now I'm working on making enough to get a home and studio set up. I'm hoping to start converting an old garage into a small home/studio next spring. I really can't wait until I have my own place- I love my parents, but I feel like I'm a kid still/again living with them and miss the freedom I had in college. On the other hand, it would be dumb to rent a place to live because it would take much longer to get my little home built with 1/2 of my paycheck going towards rent. I'll just have to suck it up and deal with my parents for a few more months.
Anyway, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, etc. to everyone and best wishes for the new year.