27 Nov 2010

Still here, bartering away..

Hi, I'm still here. Just been busy with life and all that is involved with it. Still drawing, but where on earth has the time gone to this year? There seems to be no time to scan drawings, write emails, phone friends, go for long walks, paint pictures, enjoy sunsets. But ask me what I've been doing with my life and I haven't the faintest idea of what to say that takes up the time. Been trying to earn some cash, got about 4 jobs, but realised I need to stop and take a breath every now and then. 

I have been seeing a guy who's been clicking my back into place and doing acupuncture down the spine, but as I've not been able to afford the fees, he very kindly accepted a picture in payment for three treatments - hence this picture above, bad photo as scanner not available at the time. But what a star he is, looked through my sketchbook, picked a style he liked, and asked for something similar of a Scottish scene. If only you could pay all your bills in pictures. Council tax, electricity, phone bill, food... What a much nicer place the world would be in if all the world was covered in art of all shapes and sizes. Bartering is the way to go in the world I think. Find something that each of you think is of value, and swap. Some vegetables for a bit of work in the garden. Or some volunteering with old folks or in a hospital instead of tax bills. 
Better get my head out of cloud cuckoo land....

18 comments:

  1. I wish you were in charge of the world! I think it would be a lovely place, so, by the power invested in me (OK, that would be none!) I hereby dub you queen for the day, maybe empress! I like the sound of that. And your painting is lovely, too.

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  2. I've done some of that bartering, too! I believe your guy got a very good bargain...

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  3. I'm with Sandy, let's make you in charge - it would be a much nicer world indeed! Beautiful painting!

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  4. Beautiful painting - and great story to go with it! It's a great concept!

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  5. I am having the same issues with my year just vanishing before my eyes! And, I will give you a second (third?) in being elected queen for the day! It would be a simpler world if we could barter! Love this!

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  6. I'm sorry you have a bad back but how fortunate to find someone who will accept art work in payment! And he got a very good deal! You're right, I'd love a world in which this would be a regular thing.

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  7. welcome back - lovely painting and the story that goes with it !

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  8. If only ......! Lovely picture - we all seem to agree that your guy has got a really good bargin!

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  9. I wish the world could be like that, we wouldn't need the banks so much and that can only be a good thing! I did hear of something similar in one of the big Italian cities, plumbers, IT workers,teachers etc swapping skills, you registered to join then searched the web site for what you needed. I remember that it was useful for retired people who had special skills and time to spare.
    Beautiful painting and a great idea!

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  10. What a great arrangement on both sides!

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  11. Your painting has a relaxing, even dreamy quality to it. I like how the swirling water is echoed in the clouds. I agree that the fellow got the best of the deal! Maybe more people than we might expect would be open to bartering--it doesn't hurt to ask!

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  12. How great you could barter/exchange your fab art for treatment you needed. Hope your back is better soon. Glad you are posting again.

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  13. Gorgeous drawing! I simply love the use of colors here ^^

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  14. This is lovely, and the doctor got a great deal. I hope your back is feeling better! I'm with the rest .... let's put you in charge! nancy

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  15. I'm with you, too! Barter groceries, dental bills...sounds great! I need someone to fix my back, too! I love your painting. I really want to go back to Scotland...you're very lucky to live there.
    Cheers!

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  16. Lovely painting and lovely story. Life is tough at the moment without a doubt, but keep going Cat. And as far as I'm concerned Cloud Cuckoo Land has one of the loveliest landscapes of them all. I spend a lot of time there x

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  17. This is beautiful! Lots of motion and texture in it. Speaking of bartering, I have an artist friend that is a muralist and she also dos signs. She bartered a sign for a week at the beach. My kind of trade-off! :)

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  18. Great idea! And a nice painting too :0)

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