5 or 6 years ago I stopped live-streaming my painting sessions and opted to do recorded shows. A few years later, I was met with some pretty bad news that sent me down a darker path. I had learned that my father would die of Cancer. This shook me in a way which caused me to take time out of my life to live a better life. I focused on my health and home, rather than my work. It was all I could do to keep it together. I felt that if I bettered myself and my home that my life would be better too. I lost over 100 pounds, I am off all my blood pressure, cholesterol, and GERD meds. Come to think of it, I don't take anything any more. Anyways, I was still unhappy. There was still a void in my life.
One month ago, I felt that veil lift off of me. I can't explain it any other way. The void in my life, was my work. I had worked on a number of things over the years in an effort to kick some cans down the road. I often have too many projects going on. I realized I was poised to kick almost every can I had across the finish line. I started painting again! I was painting a lot! Not for commission, but for myself, for the future and for fun!!!
Before long I realized that I was ready to start streaming again. The hell if I could fill up a 2 hour time slot talking to myself though. I changed the format to a sort of a podcast with painting and educational elements. Why not invite my students and peers on with me? This gave me an opportunity to answer questions I might normally gloss over as well. The reboot was born! And then a few weeks later the top half of my index finger was literally ripped from my painting hand!!!
This is a story for another post entirely lol. In short, I am fine both physically and mentally. It is as if I don't do well at life unless my life is hard. Now my life will always be harder, so maybe I'll do better at life! lol. Well it makes sense to me. Long story short.. the HOLY-GOSHDERNED HELL if I let this stop things just as things are gettin' good!
Up until now I was streaming whenever I was able. ATM I am trying to settle in on a standard time slot of MWF, 9:30PM - 11:30PM. You can checkout my upcoming shows by visiting my Youtube Channel: MiniGrinder Studio!
All my broadcasts are recorded and published to my channel for later viewing too. Check them out! Here's to many many more!