Well, my 2023 launch plans went off the rails in August. My plan for the start of the semester was to begin creating YouTube watercolor tutorials, but a flooded basement studio wreaked this plan. I haven’t made or posted anything to my Instagram and YouTube accounts in two months. I haven’t even done my monthly blog post. I am inactive at the moment as I rebuild.
I had to disassemble about 70 framed watercolor pieces and rescue the artwork. Luckily, I only lost two small pieces. We took advantage of this mess to clean out the basement. We view the flood as a wake-up call to prepare for our move in three years when I retire from formal teaching.
So, I’m currently working to repair the flood damage and reassemble my studio. This disaster is an opportunity to revamp my studio to be even more content creation-friendly. I’m busy working as a DIYer, fixing drywall, removing old flooring, and grinding and polishing concrete. Fun. I am capable of doing this kind of work – thirty-five years of home ownership has given me the knowledge and skills, but I hate doing it. The flood hit a lot of people in my area and the local contractors are booked up, so if I want this done anytime soon, I have to do it myself.
My back is killing me, but I am finally making progress.
It took about three weeks to clean out, assess the damage, and decide what to do. I have been making steady progress, once we decide on what to do. That process took about three weeks too. I’m estimating about three more weeks until the space can be reassembled into a functioning studio. I’m seeing a pattern here.
I have continued to practice my on-screen and video editing skills, so when I do finally get started posting, my videos hopefully, won’t be a completed sh@#show.
Anyway, that’s my most recent update on my saga of becoming a content creator. I am not undeterred, just temporarily sidetracked.
2023 has been one distraction after another. 2024 will be my year.
RUSTY NELSON 