I was being too optimistic in my assumptions as to when I would be adequately 'moved in' so as to continue my art work. In one sense, our new home has more space which finally allows my son to have his own private space, but the main living room / studio space is smaller and with less storage. So naturally, it takes longer to do further purging and to reconfigure the use of space and lighting, while creating/finding storage options in my bedroom etc.

It didn't help having to leave key things and furnishings behind with this move, having run out of space in the rented truck. And funds are such that I won't be able to replace most of them until there are further art sales and commissions. But I remain hopeful that my followers will continue spreading the word about my work, and sales and commissions will continue.

The paintings from the 'Journeying With The Totems' series, and the 2 icon commissions in progress, have all safely made it through the move.

Now that I am residing on Vancouver Island, I now can begin introducing myself and networking within the local arts communities, galleries, surrounding Byzantine and Latin Churches, and presenting submissions for exhibitions and juried art shows.

The move on April 1st turned out to be hellish. We had to leave some important items behind as we ran out of space on the truck, and managed to get on the last ferry crossing of the day! It was 11:30pm by the time we arrived at our new home. My son and I slept on the floor that night.

There has been so many things to take care and things that we need to replace now that we are in our mobile home. We are still surrounded by many packed boxes etc. I will be glad to be passed the point of unpacking and finally being able to sort out our new lives here on Vancouver Island. I am anxious to set up my studio of sorts. Storage is our main hurdle in the new place.

But I am so looking forward to getting back to my painting. The piece and quiet here, and our small wood stove will be conducive to my artwork. I truly hope that the artwork will sustain the monthly expenses, over and above the housing, pad fee, and municipal taxes which my fixed income will cover. It is always an artist's catch-22 when one has to find employment, even when part-time. It inevitably limits the studio time.