Goodbye.

On December 31st I will be closing down this blog. I just can't pursue my art any longer. I've been trying to do something with it for a year now, but my day job does not allow me to put the focus I want into it.

I neither have the inclination (because my job wears me out), nor the drive (at work I feel like I have a gun to my head all the time to design), nor the stamina (my job mentally exhausts me).

Unfortunately, the company I work for does not have the best benefits (though I give them kudos for trying), and now going into my 9th year, I am still at two weeks vacation (how sad our country is that they allow employers to give so little time to their employees). Many of those days end up being used for things like doctors appointments, emergencies, and running errands. I truly feel like I have not had a true vacation in the many years I've worked there (a week away is NOT a vacation). I cannot afford to quit (there are people who rely on me in this economy) and I refuse to go elsewhere to do the same thing (I don't enjoy designing and I never have, I got into it by accident, which is a long story). I've made it through last months layoffs here, and secretly hoped that I would be one of the people to be let go so that I could focus on the art. I would have even volunteered if they had asked. So, last night I decided to give in. I've fallen into a pit and I can't get out. They've got me chained.

I want to thank the handful of wonderful people who have stopped by and left a comment (or a few), they were really appreciated and put a smile on my face, and gave me a little hope that maybe I could get somewhere with my creations. I'll still continue to visit my favorite blogs and sites and say hello once in a while. With the utmost sincerity, thank you everyone.