Playing On-Air

I have to say, I honestly wasn't  sure how I would deal with my new job. As a morning show co-host on a radio station, the hours are ridiculously early, the pay isn't so great, and it means that you can't stay out too late the night before. It is exhausting to try to be humerous at 6:30 in the morning.



Fig. 1 A wall in the studio



It's a bit tough to get used to, but I actually enjoy waking up before the sun and really like having witty banter with my co-host. Well, it's more like I'm his sidekick, but I have learned a lot from him. I have no radio experience whatsoever and I am having a blast!

The perks can be kinda nice, too, like this little concert I went to in Puerto Rico a few weeks back.  



Fig. 2 Little Concert



This still is a ton of work as I do have a full time job as a call room person for cell phone tech support... usually until around 9 pm. I don't have many days anymore. I don't mind too much. The days go quickly. I can't spend a whole lot. I REALLY appreciate my days off. I don't have time to stress and think about things anymore. The Buzz is an incredibly enriching experience so far. I speak more slowly (thank goodness), my confidence is up, and I feel better about public speaking. I think I may stick to it!


 

HECTIC!

I was writing my calendar out for the next two weeks and I realized I am pretty much done for. The closest thing I have to a day off coming up is the day after a concert I am doing. I think I may be able to sleep. Sheesh. Really, I should do laundry that day. I should also maybe paint stuff. Oh well. I am going to be a slacker and take my day off as I can. I don't really have one til sometime in April! Who knew this could be such a busy time of year?

How are you guys holding up?

I DID IT!!!!!

I know, I shouldn't use all caps, but today I feel like I should be allowed to do so. Who made that a rule anyway? I'm really excited to say I made it into the show I wrote about a few posts back! I got the call last night. Now I really have to get to painting! This is great news for me and for some of my friends. There is no way I could produce enough on my own! I'm going to try, but I'm pretty sure I will be calling for back up! This is fantastic!

The Jury is Out...

Last night I went to apply for the Traveling Craft Show. It's a little show featuring a bunch of local artisans showing off their wares. They visit various hotels throughout each week giving people staying on island the opportunity to purchase something locally crafted and unique. I have to submit some of my wares for jury. All the artists and crafters get together and vote on whether or not I would be a valuable addition to the show.

Needles to say, I'm a bit nervous. She took a palm tree mini, an iguana bag, and a hibiscus/beach scene bag. She said she would get back to me Thursday morning. She seemed to really like my stuff and I do know some of the people in the show already so I think I stand a good chance. If I make it in, it would be a great way to get my stuff out there. They do 6 shows a week, two of which are at the Marriott so I could spend more time with the hubs! Plus, I could charge full retail. If I don't, I really have to get some more accounts. I have my fingers and toes crossed. So nervous! Wish me luck!

Getting Back Into the Groove

Since I came back to the VI, I had been in a bit of a funk. I really didn't want to do much except see my husband and sleep. I didn't get to see the hubs a whole lot because he has this issue. He's a workaholic. Not in a light sense either. He will work three 18 hour shifts in a row, read news online till 3 in the morning then go to work again at 7:45. Nuts. The vacation I took was just the thing to get me back into the swing of things.

I came back ready. Nick acquired me some studio space that I get to check out on Wednesday. I have a new account and old ones that need to be worked on as well. I have a lot to do! No more time for moping.

Yesterday, I painted. It felt fantastic. While most of the things I paint are not really my style of art, I make money producing things people buy so I am stuck painting palm trees. It doesn't bother me though, because it is still a composition. It is still making colors work. It is still putting a brush to canvas. My new account is the Pirate's Chest at Paradise Point. Since it has a piratey theme, I did tall ships, schooners, Caribbean style houses, and skulls. I loved doing the skulls. That is more me. A bit morbid and VERY sciencey. Do you see the light sourcing on those things? Super fun. The houses were fun as well because I can get really creative with them but the blocky design means I don't have to spend too much time on them. Time is important in production art because besides paying yourself a livable wage, you have to make the product affordable and still be able to buy the raw materials.

I'm going to do some bags today. Some more skulls perhaps. I have some sea critters I have to do for another shop as well. I already have a lot of different Caribbean themed designs. Those are easy! I need more pirate stuff!

What kind of pirate themed designs do you want to see?