Chaos, Red Flags, and a Little Bit of Magic

September 20, 2025

If last month’s post was about leaning into imperfect conditions, this one is about being tested by them.

The Job That’s Not the Job

When I started back at Khan Gallery, I imagined helping with sales, curation, and the day-to-day energy of an open space. Instead, I walked into a complete remodel — the gallery is currently closed to the public, and everything is in flux.

Most days are unpredictable. One moment I’m helping with rugs, the next it’s construction projects, the next something entirely different. There’s no clear structure, and the whole situation feels chaotic. To be honest, it’s been uncomfortable for me to watch things unfold this way, and I often find myself wondering how (or when) it will all come together.

I promised myself I’d give this job 90 days before making any big decisions. At the time of writing, I’m about 55 days in. And while the paycheck is helping me breathe easier about rent, the stress of the role has definitely crept into other parts of my life — which for me is a red flag. A day job needs to support my art and mental health, not drain it.

I haven’t made any decisions yet, but I’m starting to quietly think about what might be next. Ideally, something steady, structured, and maybe even mornings-only so I could spend afternoons at my studio.

The Studio: My Anchor

And thank goodness for Urban Muse & Sultry Hues. If my day job is chaos, my studio is the opposite — a magical little haven. Is it profitable yet? Not even close. But it’s life-giving. I walk in, and suddenly I remember why I do all this: to create, to connect, to share something meaningful.

I dream of a rhythm where I’m there Wednesday through Sunday afternoons, not just the weekends. For now, that dream will have to wait. But even with limited hours, the studio is my obsession, my joy, my reset button.

Tacoma Studio Tour — October 11 & 12

Here’s some good news: I was accepted to participate in the Tacoma Studio Tour this year! On Saturday and Sunday, October 11–12, from noon to 5pm, my doors will be open along with dozens of other local studios.

I’m not over-planning or trying to make my space the “star” of the tour. No gold medals here. Just a gold star for showing up — and honestly, that feels like a win. My plan is to keep it simple, stress-free, and welcoming. Stop in, chat, see what I’m working on, and maybe even add a little something to a community project I’ll have set up.

As always, I have no expectations. Free events are community-driven, and you never know if the energy will spark into magic or fizzle into a flop. Either way, I’ll be there, paint-stained and ready to talk about art, life, and everything in between.

Closing Thoughts

I’m learning (again) that stability isn’t guaranteed. But magic? That can be found — or made — in small, stubborn ways. My studio is proof.

So here’s where I’m at: frazzled, yes. But still showing up. Still painting. Still carving out a space that feels like mine, even when the rest of life feels messy.

If you’re in Tacoma October 11–12, swing by and say hello. Let’s make a little magic together.