Sep 4, 2008

I will be away for a few weeks, ‘being there’ for a friend who will be having cancer surgery in New York City.  I do not envy him.  And for me, it is a busy and confusing time.  Although my care-giving activities have not officially begun, the last 6 months of his research on options, after being diagnosed, have been tiring and draining.

But recently I received ‘lectures’ from two (male) colleagues, both chastising me for not putting my work first.  Is there no patience in the US for the personal?

I had also hoped to really launch this site in more concerted way, rather than waiting until my return.  At the moment, the site is a service—my service to others going through change—and a creation, just as is my art, or academic articles.
I asked a friend recently “where does ChangeArtist fit into what I do?”, which is normally marketing and design strategy and research, whether it be in academics as a professor, or in industry (see www.oasisconsultingllc.com, if you like).  He said “it’s another jewel in your tiara, just like your art is a jewel, your academic research is a jewel. . . “  I am still not sure I am liking the tiara bit, but it was an interesting way to visualize my current world!

So, you will not hear from me for a while, as I do my stint at care-giving.  I am hoping a woman I recently met on the plane will write her compelling story on the Forum.  She had just escorted her daughter to a student Tony Robbin leadership camp in San Diego.  Three years ago, her husband had unexpectedly died in his early 40’s from a stroke, and she has worked hard—clearly successfully—in holding her family together, teaching sound values to her children, and successfully engaging in a career.  She was motivational!!!

Category: JoNel's Blog