Art, Austin and applying

It has been a month since moving into our apartment here in Austin. Over all we are transitioning well, but it has not been as easy as I would have liked.

First of all, I have met up with someone from Maine who I had met in Maine through my sister, but did not know well. She invited me join her in selling art at the weekend markets and we also ventured out into the "First Thursday" evening art market. I have loved having an artsy friend to share ideas with and to someone who helped me greatly in putting my art up for sale. Thursday night, I am very pleased to say, went very well. I sold a magnet and a painting. It was not a large painting, but it was the first one I have ever sold to a stranger and it excites me to think that my painting is hanging somewhere unknown. We intend to sell at as many Saturdays as able before Christmas and at the December's First Thursday show. Each show I have learned a lot about showing, making my portion of the booth inviting and that buys are fickle and not predictable.

Second, I love Austin. I miss the fall, but there are so many pluses that I can forgive the leaves for not changing color. The weather has been lovely and we are learning how to get around by bus and bike, although we will likely get a car within six months. I love that we can bike to the book store, end up spending an hour talking to strangers and still get four books for $17. I love how much happier JP is with his new job.

Last, but least... I am applying for jobs. It has been much more frustrating looking for jobs than I expected. I am not sure if I just picked a bad agency or if the Austin nanny market is less flexible than I thought, but people around here seem to really think nannies need cars and stuff like that. Oh well. This has forced me to go back to my first plan of looking for jobs outside of nannying. I have an interview on Thursday for a part-time job at our local grocery store and am looking into preschool type jobs as well as any art jobs. I am hopeful that something will come up soon. I am just thankful that we preplanned on staying here for the holidays as that takes away a lot of the financial stress that often pops up this time of the year.

Now I just need to get Thank You cards written and mailed and my life will be breezy.