Maeve Connolly

Bollocks.

Well, it's not official yet, but I've heard from someone who would know that my name is on the list of teachers whose contracts will not be renewed at the end of the semester. I suppose it's a blessing, since I was running myself ragged between there and the gallery.

I've already been looking into getting US citizenship, but this is definitely going to light a fire under me before I get thrown out on my arse. As much as I love my home, I've come to think of the States as home, too and I'd hate to have to leave just because of some stupid decision from someone who couldn't give a fuck about the people they're letting go.

I need a drink. And possibly a smoke. At least running my own business I don't have to worry about having to wee in anything to keep my job!

Well, that was fun.

Just got off the phone with my mum. I always know something's gone pear-shaped when she calls rather than waiting for Skype.

Da had a heart attack. He's all right, but they're keeping him in hospital for a day or two because they want to run a few more tests or somesuch on him. Bloody scary, and it's all I can do to keep from hopping on a plane and going to check on everyone right now. But I've been assured that it's nothing worth going through all that for, so for now, at least, I'm staying put. I talked to him briefly, he's still a bit groggy, and I told the old bastard that if he kicked off before I had the chance to say goodbye properly, I'd kill him.

Off to light a candle or three, just in case.

I've been so busy lately! I'm afraid I've become a wee bit of a recluse when I'm not at one place or another, but between school and the gallery, I fear my socialising has fallen by the wayside. How sad.

On the plus side, I finally finished up a wonderful painting of an old church back home. I'll try to post a picture of it at some point. Or you could always stop by Gallery and see it in person! Photographs don't do paintings justice!

I still can't believe I actually did it! Gallery is open! The party was wonderful, and so far we seem to be getting good response from the community at large. I even sold a painting today! You have no idea how wonderful that feels!

Thanks to everyone who's supported me through all of this, it's really appreciated!

Ooh, customer! Or probably just a lookie-loo. Oh well. Back to work!

I have a date for the opening! We'll be officially opening on January 7, but there will be a grand opening party there on Friday the 6th! It's an open invitation, so please, feel free to pop by if you have the chance.

Also, I'm officially on the hunt for artists! So if you've got something you'd like to display and possibly sell, let me know! Photography, painting, sculpture, it's all welcome.

I still need to get the front repainted, but here's what it looks like now:

Well, bollocks. Looks like I'm going to be alone for the holidays after all. Mum and da and the anklebiter were going to try and get it together to come to the States for a good ole fashioned American Christmas, but alas, it looks like it's not to be. Just couldn't get the funds together in time. Hopefully next year.

And hopefully by the time they get here next year, the art gallery will be going strong and I'll have something more to show them besides a classroom! Things are coming along great there, and I think we're right on track for opening just after the first of the year. And the details aren't ironed out yet, but there may even be a special sneak preview/Holiday party coming up. And you'll all be invited.

Now, I just need to come up with a name for the place. Can't just call it The Gallery can I? Although there is something very avant-garde about it. Hmmm...

Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park, Chicago, IL, US



I'm so happy with how this one turned out. I wasn't sure about the lighting, but it really turned out quite lovely. I went down to visit some cousins in Chicago for the holiday, and really had a great time. If I didn't have the job and the gallery here, I would move there in a heartbeat.

Back to the grind tomorrow!

I got approved!

The gallery is good to go! With help from a certain anonymous donor, it looks like I'll be able to get things going, just as soon as I can get it renovated and everything. I'm hoping to get everything up and running by the first of the year, if everything goes according to Hoyle.

As we get closer to the actual opening date, I'll certainly be putting out the word for local artists to put on display, because the good Lord knows it'll be a pretty dull gallery with just my work on the walls.

[Private to Allie]
Thank you so much for your help, Allie. I couldn't have done this without your help. I didn't know if you wanted anyone to know you were helping me or not. :)

[Private to Allie]

I've gotten together some more information on the gallery, if you're still interested in that. Would it be easier to email it to you, or would you prefer to meet in person?

I don't know when the last time I saw a pay phone was. It's a bit sad, really, seeing what's left of something that was once so ubiquitous.



One has to wonder where Superman goes to change with all the call boxes gone!

So, I got a new camera, yay! Always fun to have new toys. I'm still not sure how I feel about digital photography. I think I'll always prefer real film in my hands, but I was very impressed with how this one turned out.



I took this right at sundown last night. Took several, actually, but this was the best of the lot. I swear I did nothing with the colours or any filters. Only thing I did was drag the bloody thing kicking and screaming off my camera.

( And I think you should know this/You deserve much better than me )