create a life worth living

My working life has been hung up at a strange point for a little over a year now. I no longer introduce myself as a graphic designer as i had for about 8 years. I’ve set up Oxalis Arts, something i always wanted to do… and am glad, tho i don’t think it will ever sustain my living; it’s another identity under which i work.

During this time i’ve been flirting with the idea of teaching. I found out about the alternate route program in NJ last year. It is only offered 2x a year (Apr/July), so the process is accomplished in fits & starts. I studied for the praxis and totally nailed it last June. I applied to the state DoE & got my provisional CE this winter/spring. I registered for the course this July.

In the meantime, i’ve taken on tutoring (now a second job–why i’ve barely been online). Which has been interesting and to some extent rewarding. I am doing this b/c i need experience, but also b/c i enjoy helping kids learn in any capacity i can.

This past Thursday, the guy from the school calls me and says someone dropped out of the April session—would i like to take the seat? I’m like, Hell Yeah! (The sooner i take this course, the better equipped i am to find a job) And then i find out it starts this Monday :O

So i’m feeling a little whiplashed and scared (i have to come up with a bunch of $$$ that i, like everyone, do not really have). And with little warning, i’m now locked into this journey that i’ve been only reading brochures about for some time.

I will try to write more to log this experience. I have to center myself before the stress tears me apart.

Taking a little break from zine activities, i am turning my attention to fleshing out an identity for Oxalis.

One of the perks of choosing a flowering plant is: i don’t have to fret over a color palette. Nature has given me 2 lively and uplifting colors that naturally work together… Pink + Green.

The direction of growth also inspires slender loops and curves – the stationery is unfurling in my mind.

I’ve already got the lettering down! Now i just have to pick shades. Perhaps i will not “lock in” with specific tones… maybe i’ll try out several and leave the Pantone decision till next year.

Afterword: I think it’s very funny that i’ve wound up with a ‘pink’ business as i have been avoiding this color most of my life. Of course, my Irish heritage bestowed upon me a ridiculously pink complexion and so, i’ve never needed to accessorize!