As I continue on the journey of caring for parents, as many of us are involved in today, I am continually aware of the time we have to spend, whether in the vocation of our choosing which for me is painting, or in serving others. It's not usually one or the other. It's usually both for many of us, with one receiving our attention and more time over the other. We are human and can only do so much. I wish I were superhuman and also germ resistant as wearing so many hats lowers our immune systems. As we face so many decisions and various needs in life, I find I need to give myself permission. Permission to be free as much as I can be; permission to take care of myself in the light of calling voices around me; permission to let go of expectations I put on myself or think others put on me; permission to say "no;" permission for time "to be." And permission not to paint as I long for, but to temporarily put it aside, while maintaining the business part of being an artist. Permission to give my all for the loved one in need. And there I am.... temporarily. I chose my painting of "Around the Bend." We don't know what is next, the storm clouds are above, but we go on down the road.