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Category Archives: Melissa’s Journal

R.I.P. Louis the Cat

I’ve struggled with how to start this post. I’ve tried out at least eight or ten different openings, but nothing’s working, and I keep bursting into tears. So. I’ll just come right out and say it. Yesterday morning, my three-year old beloved monkey of a cat, Louis, suddenly died. [Time out to cry a bit.]… Continue Reading

Gratitude for Good Friends, Cadaver Parts and Blood-Filled Syringes

Turns out a girl with a dislocated kneecap has a lot to be thankful for. Blood-filled syringes, for one. The sports med doc used an enormous syringe to drain 60cc of blood out of my swollen knee today. (Apparently this is equivalent to 2 oz, though I swear it looked more like a pint from… Continue Reading

Farewell “To Life” (and more dramatically than intended)

Spending 3 hours in the ER with a dislocated kneecap was not how I planned for this morning to go. No, it was supposed to be a triumphant day at the To Life Jewish Cultural Street Festival, showing – and ideally selling – gobs of new art, prints and cards. Apparently the Universe had other… Continue Reading

Weekly Review #21: Course adjustment, and painting again!

So how’m I doing in my quest to re-invent my life, follow my evolving Blisses and create the life I really, really want? The week started with a podcast interview, ramped up to a singing gig on Thursday (my first with my ukulele!), and wrapped up with art-making, a party filled with music-making, and finally… Continue Reading

The Number One Problem Most Artists Have, Plus the Unveiling of My Debt Elimination Project

Last week I had the pleasure of lunching with Ann Rea, successful painter, artist business coach and owner of ArtistsWhoTHRIVE. Ann went from zero to profitable in one year of painting full time, and has been profiled by none other than Fortune Magazine. I interviewed her awhile back for my Thriving Artists Project, and I… Continue Reading

On TV interviews, unexpected disabilities and following your dreams

Sometimes the Universe gives you a clear message you’re on the right path. Like having a TV interview fall into your lap. Sometimes, though, the Universe also likes to throw obstacles in your way, perhaps to make sure you’re really committed. That’s me in the photo above, on the set of Colorful Journey of Success… Continue Reading