The Shrimp Festival

I am off exhibiting my paintings at the Shrimp Festival on Amelia Island this weekend. The official name - the 46th Annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival. Not my usual type of art festival. The focus is on the food, music and lastly the art. So, why am I exhibiting? Well, it was time for a little vacation. Nothing better than doing a little work while we relax at beautiful Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island. Amelia Island is just off the coast of northeast Florida. Apparently it was was recently voted #6 among the Top 10 North American Islands by Conde Nast Traveler's 2008 Reader's Choice Awards. Friends have been telling me all week that I am going to love it on Amelia Island.

And believe me, it is time. To pack the bags and get away from my studio for a while. Hubby and I are supposed to be "retired". When we left the technology industry, the plan was to laze around, relax, chill out, sleep late, read some good books, travel, more sleeping...you get the picture. Well, that whole scenario lasted for about 6 months. During which time the relaxing was of a different nature. We were immersed in remodeling our house in Hawaii. Fun indeed, but hard work nonetheless. Soon after, we got into our creative phase and it hasn't let up.

Having your own business means that these days we work every day, including Sundays. Well, at least I do. My creativity can sometimes be an obsession. I see hubby raise his eyebrows and say "sometimes?" The only way I know how to truly unwind is to get away from my studio for a few days. Though the last time I took a few days off, I took my jewelry kit and made this bracelet. What can I say, making jewelry is relaxing for me (smile).

This time around, I hope to do better at "relaxing" or doing nothing to be more precise. Or maybe I just don't know how to do nothing. My acrylic entitled "Timed Out" should put me in the right frame of mind, don't you think?