Remembering the dream
March 30, 2008I don’t know what’s up.
Things may be looking up in the world of this starving artist.
I spent the most part of last year wracked with guilt
over my lack of income for this household.
Long time readers know the hell these past two years
have brought to us and to me personally.
From being fired in Feb. 2006 to striking out on my own in
redesign and staging only to realize that it is too soon for this
rural area. The money spent on supplies could make one ill.
I enjoyed some success with the tribute writing company
that I worked for until they too realized, it was not as marketable
as they thought. Those months of writing about people I
had never met and also about celebrities I had long admired
were so joyful to me. I still enjoy taking on new essay assignments
when they come my way. I will always be a writer.
Then there was the cartoonist that really was an amazing artist,
but a crazy man. I was paid well for a while, but I am still owed
1000.00 I will never see. (yes I took him to court and won)
He has moved away, interestingly I hear he went to Michigan.
That too was a great month for the most part. I enjoyed
working with his images and products for his e-store very much.
His ex partner called me a while back and wanted to know if I had
any of the images. I told him no. I know he was screwed over by him
too but I have to retain something in order to maybe one day see
that man again. My first thought was that it was the cartoonist having
this man help him get his stuff back before he left town.
I believe it was a wise move on my part.
Since then I have been doing a few home redesign projects for
clients and making art, but as I said, not a lot of money.
When those moments have been too much to take emotionally Jan will say,
“Next year Annie, it will be your year, I just know it.”
I am hoping she is right! Signs point in that direction.
Last month I was honored to be asked to be interviewed by two sites
and also asked to submit the Super Star piece for an on line store gallery.
(It is convention time so most of these are on hold until everyone
is back in town) The interest is what matters to me.
My name is being spread and in a good way for a change! LOL
Last night an amazingly gifted artist friend wrote me.
She has seen the unfinished Ballerina and is interested in buying it.
It is not finished! How cool is that? To know already that she must have it?
She said she wanted to be first in line for it. You have no idea what those
words mean to me.
One month after being fired I wrote this of wanting to have time
to create and find me in the process.
Picture-and-dream-sharing
Funny to see the mannequin that started it all
so undressed and only a fabulous idea at the time.
(Not to mention our old ugly furniture!)
Jaded wrote this in the comments of that post…
“It’s hard and it’s definitely frightening to jump feet first into the
world of the self-employed. We really scraped by for the first year,
but since then, money hasn’t been an issue. I truly believe that if
you follow your passion, the money will come. Do what you love,
what makes your spirit sing, and God will provide.
It might take a bit of struggling, but it will all work out.”
I am a sap and in tears at how true her words have turned out to be.
I am grateful, for it all and to all of you who love and support my dreams.
Remember when Dumbo had the feather and he thought it was the feather that made him fly and it turned out it was Dumbo who made himself fly? Well, we’re just feathers dear, you’ve known it all along.
What a lovely thought Rox
and so unlike you! That would be a joke!!
I just also love your sassy side so much.
I am so happy you have joined me here on wordpress.
And another frequent friend/visitor too!
It isn’t as customizable as blogger, certain things just
don’t work on the free wordpress version such as counters
and stats brought in from elsewhere, but it is less of a pain
the the butt to use in general and to comment on.
I’ve followed along with your journey,and am so happy to see your profession take off. You are so talented and to know that you are making money out of something you love is so inspiring and amazing!
You have been here Jenny so you
know and are one of those people
I sincerely thank for all this time
and care.
It is looking to be a VERY good year! Hang in and hang on…. and just keep ‘doing’.
I’m hangin’ honey!
I’m honored that something I said resonated so much within you. I stand by that statement. When I first opened my own music studio, my friend who had a piano studio told me that it takes anywhere from 3-5 years to really see success. She told me not to jump in unless I was willing to see it through that long, because if I wasn’t and I quit when it got rough, I’d doubt myself as a musician and as an artist. The first year was very hard, financially. The second year was easier, but not great. I could have a student or 2 cancel during the week and not wonder how I was going to buy food! Since the end of the 2nd year, having enough students and earning enough to support the family was no longer an issue. I teach fewer hours now than I did at that point, but Mr. Jaded makes more money now too. Even though it was rough as far as money is concerned, emotionally and spiritually, I was fulfilled from day one. I no longer dreaded going to work. I was no longer miserable at the end of the day. So, while the money is necessary to pay the bills, no amount of it can give you the peace of mind you get when you’re doing what you’re intended to do. I’m so proud of you and so happy that you’ve followed your heart and soul.
Jaded I always learn from you and your words.
You are one of those people that tell me the truth.
I will always treasure that.