Dear Marie, grant writing, dandelion tattoo and a printmaking class

Dear Marie,

SO MUCH HAS BEEN HAPPENING!

I just can't even tell you the joy in my life right now.

When I was in my early 20s I was SURE that we were all just wandering around, suffering and miserable, working jobs to pay for things we thought would make us feel better, trying to navigate relationships that we'd just be better without, trying to make this human experience bearable. I don't feel like that at all anymore.

For example: This was my day.

I usually dread my office job, (see previous posts). I drag myself in at 9 (today it was 9:30 whoops), try to look busy all day and end up with a headache from squinting at the computer screen all day. I've been going back and forth for about a month: should I quit or should I stick it out?? All of the reasons for staying felt like fear of losing the sense of security the job provides, all the reasons for quitting felt like selfish and immature "but I want to PLAY" reasons. But one night I just said to myself: "my sister always says: if it's too hard to make a decision then don't. Just wait until it feels right" So I decided to stick with it. Low and behold the very next day I was presented with an amazing opportunity. The executive director asked me if I'd be willing to write a grant to get a mobile dental clinic up and running to provide care for people in rural communities that don't have access to care. HELLO! That is EXACTLY the reason I got into this whole healthcare world in the 1st place. I wanted to work for the under-served. BAM! The universe provides to those who succumb to it's wily ways.

THEN! I went to my printmaking class at the Saltgrass Printmakers' Studio in Sugarhouse. So great! I'm learning a process called frotage, which I'm sure you know, means rubbing in French (like sexy rubbing, hehe). It feels so so so so so so good to be taking art classes again. And processes that don't require drawing are good for my confidence. It feels equally as good to be able to AFFORD art classes without having to give up good meals.

AFTER THAT!! I went to the tattoo studio and made an appointment for my dandelion tattoo. Tattoo artists are such good people (at least Luis at Eleventh St. Electric Gallery is). Again, being able to afford this is an amazing feeling. It is my birthday present to myself. I am going to be twenty six years old!



I hope the springy feeling of luminosity is hitting you too! Write back.

Love you,

Jennica

PS: here is a new video by my new favorite: it's to make you feel good about being sad if that's what you're feeling right now: