Busy, Busy, Busy

In July, I decided to take my first professional leap into presenting myself as an artist to the public.  Prior to making this decision, I recently completed two online courses.  The first was The Joy Equation where I worked through my own quarter life crisis and actively defined for myself what my authentic joy looked like.  I did this with the guidance of one lovely Molly Hoyne.  The second was Flying Lessons where I had access to a special blog created by Kelly Rae Roberts that revealed all the things I ever wanted to know about being a self-starter artist.  Both women gave me the motivation I needed to believe, "I can do this!"


After completing the courses, I received an email from the Raleigh Parks and Recreation saying that they were offering an early bird registration special for local artists and crafters to be vendors in their fall arts and crafts fair.  I took it as a sign from the universe that it was either now or never and sent in my application.  (Specific details about the event to come later.)


Since then, I've been using my time after work to research, prepare, and create items for my first arts and crafts fair.  There's a lot to do, but I have been enjoying  spending my evenings and weekends working on things for the fair.  It's made me realize the energy and commitment that is needed to do this thing I love.  I've been using some great online resources and have also been reading The Handmade Marketplace by Kari Chapin.  As the days pass and the fair gets closer, my excitement and nervousness grows.  That first weekend in October is going to be surreal.  I hope Jason has a nice glass of Zinfandel waiting for me when I get home that evening.  Now back to work...

"There is only one success - to be able to spend your life in your own way."

- Christopher Morley