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Don’t you worry, I still have a good few decades of self-employment still on the queue
But this month I’m voluntarily “living like I’m a retired person”. Like when my grandfather apparently started retirement the year I was born, but still had his office downtown where he piddled around if he needed to leave the house. That’s the vibe I’m encompassing.
After a December of essentially working every day (other than Christmas Eve/Christmas) and ending it with my biggest work event of the year, I feel no qualms about taking it easy this January. (Well, I guess no qualms except the subconscious physical anxiety of event-prep still leaving my body. The art show was everything I wanted, but does anyone know a good neck masseuse?) As someone who normally dreads January so much she needs a happy lamp, I think I’m having a breakthrough this year. This year I am actually looking forward to the remainder of this month.
What an I trying to do this month? Essentially, I’m trying to have a mini version of my summer renaissance. I would like to do the following:
Cook from a cookbook!! I got The Defined Dish so I can cook like a (gluten free dairy free) Dallas mommy. I’m trying to make my skin glow like a flashlight
Give myself time to daydream, and make many lists about things I’d like to do this year
Take my time working out and walking without rushing
Further invest in my hobbies, like improv, writing and reading
Catch up on doctors appointments (lol)
Do business housekeeping things I never have time to do, like update my website, back up my computer files, and clean out my studio
Spend time outside in my new beach chair
Keep a sketchbook that’s…. for fun???
Participate in Dry January so I can
a) get rich
b) sleep better and
c) make my skin glow like a flashlight
Be available to do whatever. Anyone need me to run an errand?
So yes, as you see I still will be creative and work on some practical work things, but my pace WILL be SPLENDID. And if I waste time feeling anxious about this splendid pace, then it wasn’t splendid. This will have to be a very intentional mindset that I will fight hard to have!!!!!!!
A Quick 2022 Reflection, because I love that stuff
New Years resolutions, recaps, and reflections? I LOVE them. Some may find them annoying, but I really can’t get enough of hearing about what people want to do this year. It’s like a big, sentimental think tank. If you ever want to share your New Years aspirations, I’m ALL EARS. While you’re at it, just go ahead and share your Spotify Wrapped too.
For me, 2022 was the year of changing stuff that didn’t work anymore
I didn’t set out to do this on purpose, but as I’m looking back on my past year I realize that I sporadically made many intentional changes in my life here in Savannah. Queue another list.
I was at a crossroads and ready for a new studio in 2021, and after a whole year here I’ve settled more into Dreamhouse. I feel so fortunate to work here with my best friends!
I was tired of dating apps so I hosted a few speed dating events to try to start changing the “system”. This will be a long game but it’s way more fun than swiping
Even though I exercise consistently, I wasn’t happy with the workout results I was getting and decided to research “exercise for short bodies” and learned that petite women need to exercise differently than average women. I discovered April Whitney’s workouts and her tips have really helped this small queen out!
After 7 years in the house I’ve lived in since college graduation, I was ready for a refresh. Thankfully my roommate Juliana bought a new house in a different neighborhood that I rent from now, and I’ve been loving the change of scenery
I realized that I missed going to a liturgical service so I made the switch to the Anglican Church this year
I wanted to be more of a fine art girly so I had my first two art shows, even though I was intimidated by having a whole event just for my art
I was weary of trying to keep up with Instagram’s algorithm in hopes of my work being seen, so I started this newsletter to give me another outlet to share my work. Little did I know how much I'd love having a regular writing platform to share- thank you for reading!
This list seems nice, but I also must honestly inform you that the reason I made most of these changes were made because of an uncomfy emotion called anger.
Brief ode to Anger: It’s something I’ve always been terribly uncomfortable with. I naturally tend to push it down and rationalize why my anger isn’t valid, or I don’t even take time to recognize it at all. (Until I have an emotional blowup at an inappropriate time.) But recently, through therapy and good books, I’ve learned that anger can be a healthy signal that a problem needs to be fixed. I was mad that I usually need to go on a app if I wanted to go on a date, or I was angry that my business was so dependent on an app that was flooded with pressure for followers, or I was annoyed that I didn’t let myself have the art shows that I saw artists around me have… you get the gist. (Mmm.. lots of “app problems”)
So after I let myself vent or process my uncomfortable emotions, I tried my best to take the actions I could. These solutions (or subtle life shifts) added up to help create one of the best years of my life. This is still something I’m working on, but I’m so proud of the choices I’ve made this year to help craft a life that inspires me.
Now for a Humble Dose of Business
What’s left from the show?
Well, subscribers, honestly I sold most of my landscape pieces at the show! Yay! There are still like 9 paintings remaining at my parent’s house. I won’t list them, but if you’re pining for a painting of your own, you’re welcome to email me at alligracehall@gmail.com and inquire about what’s left.
I also have limited edition posters and tote bags left on my Etsy!
And as always, the normal online shops are still bopping along! Click for puzzles, prints, and illustrated merch for you or your loved ones.
Cheers, friends! We’ll touch base in Feb. Thanks for all your support!
Allison “Rowdy 4 Retirement” Hall
Wish you were here!
Go Al go!!! Thanks for sharing, you're an inspo.