Alive if not active!

I cannot believe it is now almost two months since my last post. Things have never been so hectic. In the past two months I have:

• Handed in my thesis on a topic I barely understand myself, dealing with the subject of spatial perception and connection in painting.
• Presented an exhibition to go with it.
• Taken my beloved, if terminally ill cat (and neighbourhood hero) to the vet only to be told it must be his last day. I cried for weeks (and still do).
• Participated in a fabulous group show with some major artists.
• Lost my favourite dealer and supporter to cancer, and cried some more.
• Been invited to join a new gallery and present a solo exhibition, opening in a couple of weeks.
• Prepared for another solo show elsewhere, also opening in a few weeks.
• Forgotten how to cook.
• Participated in another group show.
• Pretty much lost my social life.

And the list goes on. The Boyfriend (yes, formerly known as The Lodger!) and I are still together despite my manic hours, he seems to be fairly understanding of my need to paint almost every waking hour, and gives me the space I need; The Teenager (not a teen for much longer) tries to be understanding but is occupied with her own life and concerns.

In the midst of all this I am looking down the barrel of The Milestone Birthday. Soon. Very soon. Somewhere between solo show openings lurks not only mine, but also The Teenager's Major Birthdays. Not that I have time to think about it too much right now, but I am afraid, very afraid. Shall I ignore it as I have valid reason to, or celebrate? I don't know!