It’s not Thursday and I missed 2 weeks…
…I didn’t mean to leave everyone wondering how the art market went…it was a HUGE success! Although the day was hectic and a few tears were shed, it went off without a hitch. I have to thank all the great volunteers and staff for that. Our customers were amazing as well. I have no complaints and am very excited for October’s!
97% of the artists are returning, 2% of those had already made commitments and will be at our future events, I’m very pleased with those numbers. We have attracted new talent as well, some popular, local seasoned artists have been generous enough to give us a try. We truly have an exciting art community in this town and it’s an honor to be a part of it.
Life’s been a bit of a whirlwind, as it often is. I turned another year older and hopefully much wiser. I attended a leadership course which was actually fascinating. So much has changed since I was last in the business world. I enjoyed it so much I signed up for part 2. I attended a powerful 2 day church conference, courtesy of one of my dearest friends. Then I started the process of the next art market all over again. Hopefully, the 3rd time it will go smoothly now that we’ve figured out a few of the kinks from organizing these first 2.
The past 2 years have been the years of short seasons, and I don’t mean the weather. I like to think I embrace change, but if we’re being honest, I don’t. Not even a little bit. These are rough changes. Life altering changes. Gratefully, they’re not illnesses or physical deaths that I’m talking about but they’re painful, nonetheless. I lean on my Savior knowing that my weakness is His strength. He’s my comfort and my joy. I like to keep a positive outlook on everything-negativity is toxic. I don’t like to wallow in emotions that create more wallowing. I don’t believe that’s how we’re supposed to live. We’re supposed to shine and I love to shine! It’s too easy to let life’s circumstances tarnish us. I get up everyday determined to shine. But sometimes life comes at you out of left field with a gut punch, then another, then another. And just when you think you’ve handled those punches like a champ, here comes the one that drops you to your knees. All those tears that you have been keeping inside suddenly wont stop falling.
I know this new season will produce a harvest, they all do in one form or another. Not knowing what that looks like is the thing that can be paralyzing. One foot in front of the other. No risk, no reward. Bravery is being afraid and doing it anyway. Faith is having confidence in what is hoped for and assurance about what is not seen.
We’re 9 days away from Art Market deux. I’ll focus on that. I’ll workout, paint, listen to music, and surround myself with my tribe. We’ll see where this all goes. I trust God has me where He wants me and I’ll stay there until He moves me.
