(Okay, I know it's Sunday, technically the beginning of a new week, but where I work, the workweek begins on Monday, so I'm counting today as the last day). Well, it's been some week! Tuesday was a mixed up day, because Monday night, my beloved older cat, Julius, was sneezing blood. He'd been to the vet the previous week, and the vet found that he had an infected tooth that would have to be pulled, so they scheduled the tooth extraction for this coming Thursday. However, when I saw him sneezing blood Monday night, I was quite concerned and really hoped that his surgery could be moved up. So on Tuesday, when I was supposed to be psyched up about the concert, that morning I was really feeling quite upset. However, my mom was able to get his tooth extraction moved up to this past Thursday, so I felt better after that. (Incidentally, none of this affected his appetite. Even Tuesday, he acted completely normal, and thankfully, no more bleeding, but just the same, I wanted him to be taken care of sooner). So anyway, after that, I was able to let myself get psyched up about the Church concert that night. And what a freaking awesome show it was! The added treat, of course, was getting to meet all of the band members after the concert, and even getting my photo taken with Steve Kilbey - I would never have dreamed that 17 years ago, when I first discovered this band, that I would not only see them live, but finally actually meet all of them! I mean, this band's music has pretty much been the soundtrack to my life since 1992, and I've always been impressed with Steve Kilbey's talent - in addition to The Church, so many solo albums, side projects, as well as poetry and painting! The Church's music, as well as his, has been there for me in many difficult and joyful times. Anyway, I already gave a review of the concert in my previous journal entry. (I will add I bought a frame for the poster I had signed by all 4 band members, and it now hangs above my desk, next to the Steve Kilbey original painting that I own). Wednesday I pretty much recovered from the night before, mostly reflecting on it. I had to bring myself back down to earth - it felt like a dream, and I was still riding high. Thursday I took Julius into the vet before my oil painting group. He was still acting perfectly normal, so that was good at least. I hated having to put him in the carrier (as much as he hates going to the vet) and he gave me a hard time about it. I felt so bad, even though I knew it was for his own good. Anyway, the surgery was done before my painting group was over for the morning, and I picked him up on the way home. He ate immediately when he got home, so I took that as a good sign. Afterwards, he pretty much slept around the kitchen the rest of the day until evening, and then he was back to normal. So from this point on, he should be fine.

Finally, onto today, where I attended the only major art show I'll be at this year, the Evans art show. This was the first time my father and I attended this one, and we were next to each other, as usual. I feel better about it that way, just in case I get any people who make me uncomfortable (like I did last year). This year, however, all the people I met were really nice. I got a lot of nice complements on my work, but no sales (my father, on the other hand, sold a painting and 2 prints - he also won third prize for oil painting!) It was a nice show, though, and perfect weather for it. One thing I've learned from attending art shows is that it's wise to bring reading material for the slow times. This brings up another interesting thing about me - it surprises a lot of people, given the subject matter of my paintings, that I'm not into orinthology or biology. In fact, my preferred reading is metaphysical studies and various esoteric teachings. I'm absolutely fascinated to learn more about different spiritual practices, especially those focused on inner growth and esoteric ideas. A lot of it comes from being raised in an orthodox religion that I don't completely agree with, and in my own spiritual quest, all these interesting teachings I've come across that are far more fascinating than the cookie cutter "answers" you get from organized religion. As I've stated in previous entries, I've subscribed to the teachings of Religious Science as my spiritual path of choice, but nonetheless, I still find it fascinating to read about what some of the other inner paths offer. But yeah, people seem to think I have a scientific interest in animals, but the main reason I paint eagles and birds of prey (and even foxes) is because I feel a certain spiritual affinity towards them. They inspire me in a profound way, and I just feel a connection that even I can't completely explain or comprehend. So there I was today, sitting by my display of eagle and fox paintings, reading "Inner Wisdom", a great book I've been reading about the various western esoteric traditions. And I don't even go hawk or eagle watching - I take all my reference photos at a sanctuary!

Anyway, so ends my most hectic week this summer (that I know of). Now I feel like I can relax a bit, although I have a long work week ahead. However, after I survive this work week, I begin my second vacation week, so that's my silver lining.