Obviously, I have not written a blog post since last Summer. There is a very sad reason for that - my sweet beloved husband of almost 10 years, John Schultea, was diagnosed with stage 4 small bowel cancer in August 2016, and he passed away a short 3 months later on November 23rd 2016. He was the love of my life and I am so blessed to have been his wife and shared my life with his...but, wow, do I miss him, as do all who knew and loved him...
I won't go into a lot of detail about the last 6 months or so except to say it has been very difficult. But the Lord has been with me every single step of the way as I continue the grieving process and begin to walk in the "new normal". Making art was completely on the back burner during this time...understandably, I felt little or no inspiration and couldn't see images in my imagination like I had for most of my life before. Plus I was not able to teach art classes at all during this time. But a few weeks ago, my inspiration began to come back and I slowly started to get the art-making process going again, and that felt great! I am so grateful to the Lord for that gift!
So, invariably, life changes will occur after going through something so traumatic. One change for me is the closing, for now, of Sunnyside Studio, my art class teaching venue and boutique that I operate inside the Texas Jack Rabbit Emporium in Magnolia, Texas. I am sad about this change because I love teaching art to my wonderful, sweet students, but part of my new normal is the need to sharply focus on my art licensing career exclusively. I will still keep a small space at the Jack Rabbit for the time being to continue to sell the remaining goodies from my original space. I'm not sure of the future of Sunnyside Studio, but I have a feeling that I will return to the concept someday and teach again - I certainly do love it...
I am reflecting this and other changes in my currently-being-updated website here at beckyschulte.com. I am removing my Sunnyside Studio page and associated links. I have also completely revamped my online portfolio and added a ton of new images and collections, including mixed-media art and photography. In many ways it does feel good to make these changes and begin the process of stepping into this new phase of my life and career...it's time to start...
Thanks as always for stopping by and checking in. I hope to begin sharing new success stories and blessings and more new art. God's gift is alive and well in me and I intend to continue to use it for His Glory!