One Year Down

My Spring semester is over, which is hard to believe (where did the time go?) but even more unbelievable is that fact that I have completed my first year of graduate school. It seems like only yesterday that I was wondering what I had gotten myself into and having anxiety attacks about whether or not I could hack it as an art student. I'm happy to report that this first year has gone better than expected and, even though it will likely take several more years to complete the degree, that's alright with me because I actually like what I'm doing. For once in my life, I'm not rushing through to get to the next thing, I'm enjoying the journey. Without a doubt, I know I'm right where I'm supposed to be. 

Now that I'm off school for the Summer I actually get to have one day off a week and I must admit, I don't really know what to do with myself. Yes, I have plenty of things I could work on, but not having that nagging feeling that I have some kind of looming deadline is a little odd, but I also feel lighter and more well-rested. I'm definitely going to throw myself into some new projects this Summer, though. Not having to produce work for class gives me a little more freedom to experiment and I'm excited to see what comes out of that. 

Anyway, I'm still keeping busy between work and my apprenticeship at the Morgan. I'm already halfway done with the apprenticeship, which is actually something that makes me incredibly sad. I love being there so much that I don't want to leave. I love every bit of my work there. Today Aimee and I went to Home Depot to get 12 bags of potting soil for the garden. Not only was it the hottest day we've had yet this season, but we loaded those heavy bags into two shopping carts and then into the car on our own. I was covered in dirt and sweat and it was tiring but I found it wholly satisfying. Working with my hands is engaging and I like that I get tangible results from the work I do- I put the time and effort in and I end up with beautiful, simple paper. I wish I could spend all my days at the Morgan making paper. It feels right, it feels like home. I am a papermaker.