Feeling the Love from the Best Clients Ever, They're the Reason I'm Still Here On This Beautiful Journey

The Journey.  You just never know what is going to be waiting for you when you decide to start a business.  That's probably the thrill factor of it all.  The not knowing.  The anticipation and excitement.  The possibilities that await you.  Obviously, you are faced with fears, as well, the fear of failure.  The fear of rejection and ridicule.  But the Dream, the dream is the best part.  It's has a wonder-land affect.  It's filled with so many days filled with dreams as you work hard to put yourself out there, build a reputation/name for yourself and there's an overwhelming abundance of a joyful pride.

As an artist, you are very vulnerable.  You always worry, you always wonder "is it good enough, will they see my vision and will they understand my art?"  But I am my own worse critic.  I am harder on myself than anyone or any critic could ever be.  I questioned myself during a project more than a teacher to a student during a quiz.  But one question I always ask is "Am I truly happy with this piece?"  And my other "Did I put my whole heart into this piece to achieve my vision? Is this really who I want to be as an artist?"

Once a piece is done; once it meets your sense of pride/passion and you see your vision full of life, you move onto the next process.  The staging of pictures, capturing all its beauty in the right light, the right setting and with the right accessories.  Which for me is always the hardest part.  I am no photographer.  So I struggle with this part a lot, I am learning and working on getting better though.  

So, now I have the perfect picture (in my mindat least) and I am ready to share it with all to see.  This is the Scariest part of all.  This is where your heart is now on your sleeve for all to see and rip off (if they so choose); this is the part where you know that once you hit the Share button, that's it.  It's really out there for everyone and anyone.  And it's open to criticism, compliments, excitement emoji's and disappointment.  It is a very Raw Emotional Moment for an artist.  Many hide it well and may even be a little arrogant to say "I fear nothing".  But trust me, it's there.  And they feel it. We all do.

In a gallery with show openings and presenting your art; you were face to face with your audience and maybe some were more polite and kept negative comments to themselves (or not) but technology has made it a little easier in some ways by being able to hide behind the screen and wait to see.  Wait to see if it is well received, is getting likes, shares and comments.  Waiting for a compliment or recognition of any sorts.  But it can also be a negative tool too; many will ridicule and insult and feel safe doing so from behind a computer. It is quite nerve wrecking, honestly.  But at the same time it can also be very rewarding. Rewarding in the sense it gives you a space to grow, learn and digest all the good/bad.

When I first began this journey, I felt all of this.  When I did my first showing, I was a basket case.  I was nervous and scared but all it took was one person to enter my booth with a smile and my nerves were set aside and I was able to speak of my work with passion and excitement.  I was able to allow myself to receive compliments with poise & gratitude; and corrective criticism/feedback without feeling rejected or insulted.  I was realistic, I knew I wasn't going to please everyone with my art, craft and talent.  I knew there would be some where it just wasn't their style or maybe they just didn't get my vision.  But boy was I nervous about how I would handle it.  Would that be what would scare me off? My first show was a mix of compliments and not so complimenting feedback but it was filled with a lot to take in, some lessons to learn and some pretty amazing people.  With all the nerves, the ups &  downs, the mistakes made and successes; it is still an absolute THRILL for me.  I love it.  I love my work and the people it brings into my life.  I am Blessed.

From that very first moment, I knew where ever this journey took me it was already lining me up with some pretty amazing clients/customers.  Ones that I could grow from, be challenged by and to lean on for support and encouragement.  And that is exactly what I have.  I may not have 10K followers or people who like my page but the 901 that do follow me well what can I say "they are the Just The Best around".  I am so forever grateful for their love and support.  Grateful for the joy they bring me and the stories they share with me.

They say the Lord puts the right people in your path at the right moment and for the right reasons.  And that is exactly what he has done.  (Amen)

In just four years I have reached heights I didn't think possible.  I have followers, What? I know, That is crazy.  I have met so many amazing, wonderful people.  Talented people.  Educators.  Caregivers.  Motivational Speakers.  Celebrities'.  I have trained with those that are top in this field, Queens of the Industry.  And I am overwhelmed with such joy of being allowed to pursue my dreams and passion for rescuing and restoring furniture.  I am honored to have this opportunity, I will keep going for as long as I can on this beautiful journey.  And for as long as you, all will grant me the opportunity to.  (And of course the Good Lord willing)

Quick Side Story:   I had a great blessing today,  I had potential new client/customers coming by today, I am always a little nervous at first but I had spoken with this woman a few times via online.  So I felt like we built a rapport.  She came with her daughter, and the two of them were such joy.  It was a pleasure meeting them both but the blessing came in the form of not what they purchased but in the relationship as mother and daughter that they shared that I witnessed.  You see, it reminded me of mine and my mom (Patsy, who is no longer with us) and seeing that same relationship bond in another mom and daughter brought a flood of memories & tears to my heart.  I knew while speaking with them, that my mom was right there with me, watching over me.  I felt her presence and it was Simply Amazingly Beautiful.  And that was the blessing.  That is something no purchase could ever matched.  So, Thank You for blessing today more than you know and for more than I deserved.  It was an honor and pleasure to receive.

Now, I guess I played around on this blog long enough and I am sure there is a hubby wondering what we are doing for dinner and two fur puppies waiting to go out.

Thanks for sticking around with me on this beautifully insane journey.
God Bless
XOXOXOX
Pattie