It is amazing to realize that it has only been one  month since I last wrote about the many changes I was determined to make in my life – changes that would effect my life from center to circumference.

The basic update is that I did sign the lease on my new art studio. My art show was well attended, but I realize how much better it could have been. For some reason I felt embarrassed, although, objectively, it was a beautiful show. I took the risk of holding a closing reception that I didn’t have time to well advertise. Only three people came, but I sold pieces that night.

Technology is not intuitive for me. I eventually  figure it out because I’m stubborn. In the last month I have spent hours revising my website, learning how to Twitter (poorly), improving my Search Engine Optimization, figuring out how to post events on FaceBook, signing up with more than a dozen social and business networking sites to acquire leads for my business, trying to set up a blog, and working to produce a newsletter. It has been frustrating. There is no “live” person to ask for help.  I have been concerned that the results will not appear professional.But I keep slogging through.

As far as my art business is concerned, I have pursued every possible lead, and presented my abstract artworks to number of potential reps. It has been risky contacting them, although I have received strong interest thus far. Now I risk being able to continue to produce works that will be accepted.  I took a huge risk by contacting the owner of one of the most prominent galleries in town, and asking for an interview to be her intern. I am virtually unknown to her, but I figured I had nothing to lose.

I have apartment hunted, job hunted &  risked wearing my heart on my sleeve emotionally (bad idea). The one thing I haven’t done yet is to tell my husband that I am leaving. That is my biggest  risk, and I feel that I need some other things to fall into place first. I don’t want to hurt anyone, and I don’t want to be the focus of extreme anger.  That risk looms over my head and haunts me almost every waking moment – although I know it shouldn’t.

So back to the risk taking. I think I’ve done well filling  my risk “quota”  for one month. There are many more challenges/risks yet to be tackled. Each risk attempted, even when it might not be achieved, gives me strength. I am firm in my resolve, but terribly frightened, never-the-less. I know if I don’t take risks, I can’t change my life. If I don’t change my life, I’ll never know if my dreams can be realized. Not following my dreams seems like the biggest risk of all.

Roxann Souci As an abstract painter working with brightly colored, translucent acrylics, Roxann expresses her passion through her artwork. "I want to touch touch people's emotions with my art. I want to bring joy". At a pivotal time in her life, her fellow bloggers have been a source of strength and encouragement. Her artwork can be found at her on-line gallery. my website.
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