The Art Bar experience

About a week ago it was a cloudy Sunday afternoon. I've been staying with my sister and her family for the past 5 weeks until I could move into my apartment. I had gotten hollered at yet again and needed to get out of the house.  I researched art places in Columbia, SC and came across Studio Cellar; http://www.studio-cellar.com.   It's one of those places where you can go to a paint class and paint something specific that is instructor led OR they have an Art Bar where you can go and pick a canvas and use their paints and just create.  You can order some finger foods and some wine and create what you want.  

I loved this place. It was just what I needed on that rainy afternoon.  It's a beautiful brick building with hard wood floors, exposed brick walls and exposed wooden beams. It's decorated great with artwork all around including their bathrooms and there are the clear strands of light all around.

I got a small 6x6 canvas, saw an image I liked, ordered a mimosa and went to town painting for a couple of hours. I had great conversation with one of the college students who worked there who is an art major and learned about the art scene in the area.  I ended up creating my own image where I used the Palmetto logo for SC on my painting.  This was a great time and reasonably priced. The drink was a bit expensive but I decided to splurge on it. I'll definitely be going back!

So here's my story...

The past year has been an insane one for me.  It's been a bit of a roller coaster to say the least. I'll try to give you the brief version...

I decided a while ago that I was reaching a point in my life where I needed and wanted a change.  I enjoyed my job, all of the perks that came along with it and many of the people I worked with.  However, there were some administrative changes that I didn't agree with and didn't care for the way I was being treated by my direct management.  I think sometimes we can stay in a negative environment or we can do the brave thing which is say we deserve better, take a leap of faith and search out something different.

So that is what I did.  There was a lot of difficult decisions for me to make. I loved my home, my neighborhood, my neighbors, my friends and having my family not to far away. I loved Rochester and all of the art connection I had made. I loved the running groups and lots of race choices I had.  However; I strongly disliked the cold, winter and grey that lasted 6 months a year. That kept me inside, freezing and miserable. I disliked not being closer to my niece and nephew and being  part of watching them grow up on a more regular basis. I resented being a single homeowner and having to spend my free time and money fixing things left and right.  I wanted warm weather, to be a good Aunt, and to try something new.

This wasn't a decision that I made overnight. It took a couple of years and was a big process. This past year was all of the major steps though.  I finished up my 2nd Master's while doing an internship while working full time. I taught two classes on top of working. I didn't get to workout as much as I wanted to but I did do some fun races with great friends.  Most of all I spent every second I could scrape up spending time with family, friends and neighbors. I had a lot of fun and much support along the way.

I put my house on the market early March and sold it in a week. While finishing my Master's and working I also packed up my house, gave belongings away, and sold 83% of my belongings/furniture on craigslist.  I closed on my house right after graduating and ending work for the academic year and then spent the next 4 months traveling and interviewing.

I went to Thailand, New Mexico, SC, and presented at the national AATA conference in Minnesota. I interviewed, sent out resumes and interviewed some more. I got a couple of offers, neither perfect but one was a positive start and good change.  I loaded up my car and drove the 13 hours to Columbia, SC and started my new job.

Finding a place to live proved a little more difficult than I thought and there ended up being a bit of a wait. In 5 days after 5 month so staying on generous family and friends sofas, floors, and spare beds I will finally be in my own place again. I've downsized but am happy about it. Most people know I like my home to feel like home but I also believe in getting out of your home and living life. I'm excited to put all of my new home purchases together but am also excited to continue to get out and explore Columbia and the surrounding cities.

The new job has been a change the weather has been a change but most of I miss my family and friends. I have such amazing family and friends it will take time to find and build new relationships. In the coming blog entries you will get to experience Columbia through my eyes and what it's like to move to a new city and start all over again. I look forward to sharing my experiences with you all.