Friday, February 6, 2009

"Quick(?)" Study


I worked 2 hours straight on this study of another Tibetan Monk on a 6x8 canvas. It just felt good to do something different this morning.

An then to pour a bucket of ice water on my day, my ex emails me and tells me because I'm having financial struggles maybe he should keep our kids full time. This and the fact that I don't want to be around his wife as being silly are being backed up "by a bunch of experts" he's spoken to. I replied I'd like to meet his platoon of experts and I'll see what he says.

It's ironic he's consulting "experts" now because for the year after he moved out he would not allow me to take our daughter who was 8 at the time to go see a counselor even though she was having nightmares and anxiety.

This also means I may follow up on an offer to work for a new extradition company. I got a call last night with a former fellow officer who is part of this new company. It would mean a lot of travel and dealing with transporting prisoners from county to county or even across the nation. I'm going to spend the rest of the day trying to think of a reason why his email this morning would have a positive outcome. [ okay after I feel sorry for myself for a little bit first] need hugs...

Okay maybe I should explain. He had the affair, he left me but I had to pay him more than 165,000 for his half of the house and my other assets. He also got a big chunk of my pension so a portion of it goes to him every month until $200,000 is paid off. With his wife's $300,000 from her husband and him paying her child support and her full time job, he's wondering why I'm having financial issues.

18 comments:

Stephen Dell'Aria said...

The painting is great, your predicament sucks. I am divorced too but if a divorce can be lucky, I guess mine is, since we continue to get along well, plus my kids are essentially grown. I don’t think it is any of my business but I don’t know why your ex would have control over the therapy for your daughter. All I can add is you seem a determined and resourceful person considering your life’s history as you have explained it on your blog and that type of personality always seems to find a way to solve things, which I think you will do.

Douglas Hoover said...

Hey Sheila, this is a great little study... very calming. Hang in there. Sometimes what seems like a catastrophe can work out to something unexpected and beneficial. All the best and big hugs to you. D.

Sheila Estep said...

First, I want to give you BIG HUG! sorry to hear about your situation, but good to know you have Art as a outlet.
Love your painting. I hope to find some good references of monks so that I can paint one as well in watercolor. Thanks for checking out my blog!

Theresa Rankin said...

Big hugs...for your predicament and your painting!! I cannot tell you how many times I have been in a bad situation and find out that something really good can come out of it. I am divorced too...a very good thing. I believe like Stephen mentioned...because of who you are you will be fine! The painting is wonderful...truly!!

Dharma Designs said...

Sheila - GORGEOUS painting! Hang in there! Many HUGS!!! :-)

Kim VanDerHoek said...

A nice peaceful painting considering other areas in your life are in turmoil. I wish I had the words that would help. My thoughts are with you! Hugs!

artbyakiko said...

Sheila I see now why you want to paint monks. Your situation with your ex sounds sucks, but your predicament may be a stepping stone to a greater happiness which can only be seen when you get there. Hugs to you. Akiko

Dana Cooper said...

Hugs Sheila! Your painting is terrific!!

adebanji said...

Dear Sheila, It's always darkest before the dawn!!

One phrase that has also helped me through the years is, "...this to shall come to pass...."

Keep it up with the painting and try any other thing that follows but don't let any situation way you down because we are only here for a while and taking each day at a time is a great peacesetter!

All love and hugs too!!!!

maddsketch said...

(>'.')> *hugs*

Edward Burton said...

Beautiful painting, Sheila - he has a wonderful peaceful expression on his face. I'm so sorry to hear about your troubles, but as Adebanji said "...this to shall come to pass..."
I wish you the best and hugs to you, Sheila.

Art with Liz said...

Hugs from over here Sheila. Your story brought a lump to my throat, just try to take it day by day. You are such a positive person that the light will shine for you again. It shows in this beautiful painting of the Monk. It also shows in you choosing to paint such a beautiful, peaceful person. LOL

dominique eichi said...

Sheila, I'm so sorry you are going through this . I have been in your predicament and my daughter too had nightmares that stopped in one day if you want to talk please e-mail me and I will give you my phone # ( on the weekend it's free). My daughter is now 23 and just graduated from a private college I been a single mom with very little income yet many miracles have happened.
I give you peace that passes understanding. xoxo big Hugs

Dewberry Fine Art said...

Nice painting with a knowing expression. Like the way you laid this one out and the brush work is nice too.
Hugs to you. Hope you keep your head up. Sorry you are having to go through this. Keep painting !!!!

r garriott said...

Two hours is FAST to me!!!! I love your new Tibetan monk series, they are beautiful and I hope the process of painting them brings some peace and solace. Big giant hugs for you today and everyday.

Dana said...

Hugs for you, and may things improve for you soon. The painting is lovely and shows you have confidence to tackle the painting a la prima, which is no mean feat. Kudos and hugs.

Amanda Lovett said...

I poured myself into my painting to get me through too! It helps,, and you come out a better a painter on the other side. There could be less productive therapies. A line that was my caned response to inquiries of “How are you holding up?” Was “It’s a sad thing, but I’m better now.” It became my daily reminder that after the dust settled I would be a better person for having gone through this. It sounds like you’re the kind of person that will take what you learn from all this and put it to good use!!
It’s funny how you find friends and support in the strangest places!!
Thanks so much for your kind words about my work. I have enjoyed your support as well as your art!!.

Art By Erika said...

I understand how you are managing to paint so much Sheila, I wish I responded this way to life's personal challenges lol You are a guru for turning lemons into lemonade! Impressive piece!