I just came off a busy week with seven performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at New York City Ballet. And tomorrow I will head to New Jersey for a week of rehearsals and performances with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. (This symphonic program, ironically, will also include a handful of selections from Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.) As you can probably imagine, finding free time to create funny cartoon sketches hasn’t been easy of late. However, I’ve still managed to squeeze in some drawing practice when I haven’t been busy practicing or performing with my viola.
This funny cartoon sketch…
Was inspired by a happy-looking dry cleaning delivery boy who passed me on the street near Lincoln Center. He wasn’t wearing 5 hats (or even ONE!) However, since I’m the cartoonist, I figure I can dress my characters however I choose.
In addition to the work I mentioned above, I also had to visit the doctor twice last week.
It was this kind of appointment…
Made even more stressful because I got called back for further screening. (Fortunately, my follow-up screening was given the all-clear. Ffeuff!) That said, there’s nothing that makes one pay attention to life more than the fear of illness.
I like to think these days that I am far more mindful and tuned into the moment than I was in the past. I credit daily meditation and keeping up my yoga practice in large part. (By the way, creating funny cartoon sketches is also my way of slowing down and savoring the moment!) I’ve also made a conscious effort to be more aware of my thought patterns so that I’m not derailed with catastrophic or gloom-and-doom thinking. Keeping up a “diet” of inspirational reading – either about people I admire, or simply helpful perspectives from others who are wiser than me – certainly helps, too. When I can, I always try to pay it forward, too. To that end, I leave you with the wise words of architect Louis Sullivan who said…
Oh you is adorable… ah loves you. Mm
🙂 Ah loves you, too!!! J
You’re amazing Joana for keeping it all up, blog, cartoons and the music! Glad the health screening came out all clear. I’ll have to write to you properly soon 🙂
Hi Emma,
I meant to reply to your last two blog posts, too! I think it’s so great that you’re moving on to selling your art. It doesn’t happen overnight, but I’m sure you’ll do well! Tomorrow I meet again with my business mentor. Although I feel like I’ve done a lot and made good progress in the past 6 weeks, all of a sudden I’m feeling like I should have done even more of my “homework.” Aack! But now I’m off to dinner with my husband – for a much needed night off.
Sending you a big hug,
Joana