What to do with my Head

       So it turns out as I suspected. I got into a show that was clearly NOT a juried art festival. It was a two-day arts, crafts, and wine festival, complete with the usual plethora of made-in-China crafts and commercial vendors. Ok, so I should have known better. I mean, I pretty much knew what I was getting into when I signed up and sent in my money. So why did I do it when I knew better? The reason is simple and valid: my son and daughter-in-law live right across the street, and I want to spend time with them.  So, no big surprise that my well heeled ladies did not attend this particular venue. 

I had to make a decision what to do with my head.

How to make the best of it when a show is not the best fit? 

Here's some ideas: 

• Work on inventory. I use the time to go through my inventory of wearable upcycled art and tweek, re-do, and otherwise artfully alter. It's always needful and profitable. Plus, people like to see an artist at work, so take advantage of being in a fishbowl and make some art.

• Look for and expect to have impactful conversations with others. After all, I am first and foremost an able minister, aiming to walk worthy to the heavenly calling, and that includes taking opportunities to speak God’s Word. Not only is that God’s will and design, but it is a sure fire way to beat depression, anxiety and plain old boredom that tends to set in when one is kicking oneself for signing up for a crappy show. 

• Tell the story anyway. Hey, who says someone won’t come along that really is looking for what I have made for them before we met? I mean, surely not everyone came here for a free flashlight and/or hand sanitizer from the financial advisor group set up next to me, or the crocheted wine glass holder that conveniently fits around your neck. I am of the mindset to tell my story, complete with showing pieces of dried acrylic paint that are the base material of my jewelry line. 

• Communicate with concerns, avoid complaints. I am usually prompt to respond to the show promoter with concerns. For example, if the vendor next to me does not have weights on his tent (and therefore might blow over into mine) I let the promoter know. When a homeless person is within earshot of my booth, calling out to passersby and shaking a tin can for donations, I let the promoter know. If there is a concern about the show; whether logistics, locations, cleanliness or anything else, I speak up. To them, not my neighbor or my customer. I am not a fan of complaining, but am a fan of communicating concerns to the right person. 

      By the way, this is one of my favorite ladies, my beautiful daughter in law, who is now ready for the holiday season with her new black and silver earrings. Isn't she just radiant?!

And here I am with my handsome and loving son Jesse, who came with a delicious coffee and then later came to help me tear down and load my car. What a huge blessing that was! 

     It turned out to be a fun, eventful time of showing my wares, telling my story, and being with loved ones. I actually wouldn't have traded it for anything. The fact that "my ladies" didn't come out (a few of them did come) was not an issue. It was a beautiful autumn day in Florida, my family was close,  and nothing was going to steal my joy. 

     What made the difference was not the weather, the venue, or really any other external circumstance. It was the decision I made for what to do with my head. It's so easy to go down the negative road when in a situation that is not favourable. And those unfavourable circumstances are out there on a daily basis. Still, we have the responsibility to determine what and how we will use the old gray matter. When it comes down to it, that's what matters. 

       By the way, this weekend I am at the Eau Gallie Art Festival in Melbourne Florida. This one is a bona fide juried art festival, and I am honored to have been chosen to participate. If you are in the area come on by. Mention this blog and you will receive 20% off your purchase. See you there!