There have been a LOT of posts on the NaMoPaiMo page this month about art safety. Working safely means being able to paint another day, so if you aren't crazy about the stuffy mask or the sweaty gloves, think of it in that way! To be honest though, this post is not a public service announcement to remind you to spray in a well ventilated area, nor to wear goggles when sanding. It's a little more serious than that.
In January, like most of you, I was revving to go for NaMoPaiMo. I picked out my horse, picked out some bonus's and got to work with prepping. It was a lot of fun, especially hosting the parties! NaMoPaiMo is one of my favourite times of the year and I was really excited to officially start painting. When February 1st struck, I started right away. I was so enthusiastic that I got all my horses base coated in record time. I was plotting to start a second batch as soon as I finished the first!
Now let me pause and speak about something that isn't NaMoPaiMo related. During the month of February, I had a lot going on.
Work really picked up
Foaling season is now (even though Kiss is really late)
I travelled a lot by car and by plane
The organizing of Toronto Live Model Horse Show for April 14th
Valentine's Day/ 7 year anniversary with my boyfriend
The sudden and gruesome death of my tenant (and the aftermath)
Plotting out my month long Japan trip/ The Jennifer Show road trip
In summary, I was doing enough stuff that I really shouldn't have been piling on model horse obligations. However, model horses are my escape from reality (and manga), so I was really thrilled that it was NaMoPaiMo season. My life was getting stressful but I felt like I was dealing with it pretty well... that is until recently.
As of last week, something began happening to me that was serious enough to send me straight to the doctor for blood work, 2 EKGs, an echocardiogram, and getting saddled with a holter monitor for 48 hours. My heart was going completely crazy with discomfort and my stress started sending me into panic fits, enough to put me on tranquilizers. This has lead me to being nearly bed ridden and exhausted most of the time. The reason for my ailments? Likely stress (and maybe some sort of hidden heart condition).
This isn't a post to whine about my poor health while I lie in bed pretty much unable to move (though it makes me feel better LOL), but it is a fair warning to those who have a lot going on inside and outside of the hobby. Seriously, NaMoPaiMo is supposed to be fun and relaxing. If you are dealing with a lot in your personal life, take a break and don't let your hobby stress you. We can wait for your pony, but your physical and mental health can not.
So moral of the story: wear your gloves, wear your mask, spray in a well ventilated area, and for goodness sake take care of your emotional wellbeing too. Don't be like me and chill out once in a while!
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