August supplied a whirlwind of activity this year. I had applied for a new job as a sales associate, been hired and enrolled in a week long training. About half an hour after confirming said training an email popped up that inquired about my availability to teach Painting I&II at Front Range Community College. Needless to say I was blessed to be able to go from one new job to the next and I started teaching the following Tuesday. 

So far this experience has been quite exhilarating because I’ve been trying to land a teaching job in painting for about 17 years. The students have been engaged and committed while already showing growth through the challenge. Seeing them work so hard has of course stoked my personal inspiration as well.

I’m very thankful for the opportunity and am looking forward to this journey.

an art scammer. (Not to be confused with Barbara Flowers, the legitimate artist.) Other aliases apply. At the request of my wife I researched and found this link which explains the scam:

http://www.artpublish.com/scam-alert/

Some of the lowest people exist to try and troll the efforts of unknown artists. What a shame. Below is the email text I received, and almost fell for, which matches to the word the scam in the article:

PBTC-28 BF

“Hello There, My name is Barbara Flower from California. I actually observed my Husband has been viewing your website on my laptop and I guess he likes your piece of work. I’m also impressed and amazed to have seen your various works too, You are doing a great job. I would like to purchase one of your paintings “PB-TC 27 - acrylic, graphite, and permapaque on panel, 16” x 20”, as a surprise to my husband on our anniversary. Also, let me know if you accept check as mode of Payment. Thanks and best regards Barbara. ”

…and it gets kind of crazy and more questionable by the second email, again matching the phishing scam in the above article, calling me Alan…

“Dear Alan,

   Thanks for the message, I must tell you I intend to give my husband a surprise with the immediate purchase of the piece. Also If you’d like to know, I’m relocating to Canada soon and our wedding anniversary is fast approaching. So I’m trying to gather some good stuff to make this event a surprise one. I am buying the piece as part of gifts to him (quickly before someone else grabs it). I am okay with the Price i think it worth it anyways. I’ll be sending a check. As regarding shipping, you don’t have to worry about that in order not to leave any clue to my husband for the surprise. as soon as you receive and cash the check, my shipping agent (who is also moving my Truck and my Properties) will contact you to arrange for the pick-up. I would have come to purchase the piece myself but, at the moment, am on Vacation (I’m a military woman) and won’t be back for another couple of weeks. 
Regards,
Barbara Flower.

PS: In the meantime, kindly get back to me with your full Name as you want it to appear on the check, house address where you want the piece delivered by courier service including your zip code and phone number, so the check can be sent right away.”

I’m just trying to figure out what to do next. Right now pretty much feels the heaviest and the hardest so I’ll have to try, and try again to rebound. OK. Repeat.