I have begun a process of radical change. Not so visible from the outside but internally things are changing fast. Metamorphic changes.
I am jettisoning obligations to help sustain an architectural practice; I am leaving behind the need to spend every waking moment worrying about keeping a business going; I am letting go of worry; I am s l o w i n g down to a pace that reflects my new moods and self-reflection. There once was a day when all of my focus and energy—every single ounce—was spent making sure my company was successful. I dreamt about MSR Design. Every breath was laced with MSR Design in one way or another. Nearly every encounter was a potential connection to the business. I incessantly critiqued design.
Last Sunday, August 7, 2017, I had my retirement party. Leading up to that day, I was anxious, afraid and not sure that leaving Meyer, Scherer & Rockcastle, Ltd. was a good thing. I was anxious that I would not be able to find new bearings in life. What would life look like in the world of post-retirement and post-business? Essentially my anxieties were revealing how much of my life was bound up in the company I founded. Now the day has come to close that door and open another.
It is time to give back. Three years ago we moved to Mexico to live full-time. Since that move, I try to paint or draw every day. My work is centered on processing of dreams and inner feelings about life and, to some extent, what I am reading and thinking about. I am selling the art work with every single penny (or centavo) I earn going to help libraries. See www.schererworks.com for details.
I am also embarking on a crazy journey. I am headed to an Art School in Italy beginning in January 2017. I will be living alone for the first time in 50 years! I will going to classes every day for the first time in 45 years! I will be painting every day. Who knows where this will lead. All I know is that my inner engines are starting up again and I am excited to pour all of my energy into painting and helping libraries around the world. The major metamorphic change, however, will be that my family will now come first.
So inspiring….I am sure you will emerge from Venice with superior artistic skills!
Thanks Judy. Off to Florence but hope to sneak up to Venice to see the Titian Painting