back to school

so, i started back to school on August 20th.

it's dreamy being back in school. i really love it. i love learning things and using my brain. i also love the part where i get to use my hands. its heavenly being back in ceramics.

things im noticing...

since i graduated from college the first time nearly 10 years ago, ive done a whole lot of traveling. when my instructor in Art History talks about various museums such as the Tate Modern or the MOMA in NYC, i think to myself - "ha! I've been there!" then i snobbishly wonder if any of the 18 year olds in my class have ever been there or even heard of these fabulous museums. i know i didn't know of any museum anywhere when i was 18 - the only one i had ever gone to was with my 5th grade class.

aside from getting to be snobby (only in my head - never outloud), i also get to feel really good about my skills when my drawing and ceramics instructors comment on my work. i have been making a living as an artist for several years now, so it does make sense that id at least have a little skill ;)

i also get to feel extremely old compared to my peers. everyone is so young and hip. they talk about all kinds of pop-culture things im so out of touch with - doubly-so because i haven't had cable television in over 10 years. its a little scary being in a new school and not knowing anyone and feeling so out of place. it definitely helps that i have a fair amount of self-confidence built up from all my years of being a grown up. but don't think i haven't gotten down on myself. its tough feeling old and uncool.

did i mention im taking violin lessons? :) ive always wanted to play but my grandma said it was too hard and to pick something else. so, i never did take lessons... heck i never even touched a violin until now. can i just say that this is one of the easiest instruments ive ever played?! it's far easier than the guitar, flute and clarinet. posture and proper holding of the instrument gets a bit challenging - i think im gonna need weekly massages - but other than that, it's a very fun and beautiful instrument.