Splitfire & Other Adventures in Not Sitting Down
Good news, friends, fans, and followers: my broken butt has officially regrown enough cells to function properly once again. After weeks of walking around like a zombie with brains in view (determined, but really slow), my coccyx has finally decided to stop being dramatic. I can sit again. I can stand again. I can exist again. Truly, a renaissance.
Just in time, too, because life decided to throw a few new plot twists at me.
🔧 Work: Now With 200% More Acronyms
At work, I’ve been learning a whole new business unit. I already cover Heart Valves/Perfusion, Aortic, and Vas/NV—because apparently my brain enjoys juggling complex tasks before breakfast—but now we’re adding MITG/MedSurg into the mix.
My brain: “We’re full.”
My job: “Here’s another acronym.”
Me: “Ah yes, more letters. Delicious.”
It’s like Pokémon, but instead of catching them all, I’m memorizing them all and hoping none of them spontaneously evolve into something with a new workflow.
💡 Meanwhile in the Studio: Everything Glows Now
While my spine was healing and my job was expanding, I made a very important life decision:
I bought blacklights.
And suddenly everything in the studio looks like it’s ready to headline a rave in deep space.
I’ve been revisiting old pieces, experimenting with fluorescent paints, and discovering that some of my pours have secret personalities that only come out under UV. It’s like having a bunch of introverted art pieces who suddenly turn into extroverts the moment the lights go off. We’ll revisit some in the next week or two.
Today’s new piece—Splitfire—is the first official (and accidental, to be honest, this particular orange isn’t even fluorescent) reveal from this neon era. It’s fiery, it’s dual‑natured, and it looks like a cosmic fault line that decided to glow for dramatic effect. A preview will be going up on Facebook, so prepare your eyeballs.
Oh, and I also bought an airbrush, because apparently I wasn’t juggling enough new tools. Soon you’ll start seeing some of that woven into the chaos too.
🎨 Back to the Commission: The Dog, The Myth, The Legend
Now that my tailbone has stopped screaming every time I lean forward, I’m finally back to work on my latest commission: a portrait of my late father’s (now my stepmother’s) black German Shepherd.
This dog is majestic. Regal. Intimidating in the “I could guard Valhalla” kind of way.
So yes, I am intimidated. But I think I’ve finally found the direction I want to take it, and I’m excited to bring him to life on canvas. I am hoping to complete in the next week or so.
🐾 Tavi & Carl: The Playdate Chronicles
In other news, Tavi had a playdate with Carl—my nephew’s dog and my late mother’s namesake—and it was a smashing success. They played, they sniffed, they did the dog equivalent of exchanging business cards.
I cannot wait to get a Sniffspot and let them really run. Two good boys, one fenced‑in field, unlimited chaos. What could go wrong?
🌟 In Summary
My butt works again.
My job now contains more acronyms than a government agency.
My studio glows like a cosmic nightclub.
Splitfire has entered the chat.
I’m airbrushing now, apparently.
The commission dog is coming together.
Tavi and Carl are second besties (Marvel, my other sister’s doggo, would never forgive me if she heard me say besties).
I always like to end with a heartfelt thank you. I am not sure many get this far into my ramblings. If you are still here, please know you are welcome, celebrated, and appreciated. Life is weird, art is glowing, and I’m grateful you’re here for all of it.