Take 5: From Draft to Publish
I am calling this Take 5, part homage to one of my absolute favorite jazz musicians, Dave Brubeck and his Take Five composition, and mostly as an admission that this is my fifth attempt to write, save and publish content that passes the muster in this space. There were four drafts from last year that were never completed. Ideas and thoughts changed, An overly sensitive, critical and who cares? mindset ensued from what I had written. So they ( me) sought comfort and refuge in draft and delete mode instead. So much for What's Up, What's Happening and What's New.
I challenged myself artistically more than ever before in 2017. I was ambitious, competitive, perseverant and very determined with my goals and intentions. I made my g&I list, complete with deadlines, and most of them were met with gratifying results, The others on my list got attempted starts. They were more marketing and technology related, and required more time for a learning curve and outside support, which I gratefully and most appreciatively found!!. By Mid-July, I became acutely aware of a tug of war going on with my goal list: I created realistic vs. unrealistic goals and deadlines. There were unforeseen and extenuating situations that came up (ALWAYS) that shifted the priorities and deadlines. With that being said, and it being 2018 and almost five months into this year, it is time to edit and finish this Take 5 post to the Publish line.
Here are five highlighted items taken from the four prior drafts. For added reading and viewing enjoyment, AND appreciation for your patience, here is another Dave Brubeck favorite: Blue Rondo a la Turk. Please return to post after clicking!!
1) I needed to find a new photographer for my art which set me back several months until II found the right one. Art can be hard to shoot, and I need quality for website and show applications. I eventually did with deep THANKS from an artist referral. It was/iS SO worth it: Steve Greiner Photography.
2) I was cautiously optimistic in November when I opened an email from Switzerland through my website wanting to purchase 6 of my paintings. After much Googling and very detailed back and forth communication and coordination, I felt this was really legit. I had been duped before but that one was easy to detect and that it made to the trash seconds immediately after a few word reply to them. I did my due diligence on this one. I googled and contacted the international shipper he provided to get the quote, which he signed off on. From the start, I confirmed and we agreed upfront that I was NOT paying for anything: all duties, taxes, custom etc were being taken care of by "Switzerland." I packed everything. All ready and just needed the credit card to get this on its way. The piece de resistance. That was when my gut was telling me this isn't right. It was taking awhile to hear back so I emailed for an answer. I even asked if he still wanted this and I got a definite YES! Long story short, with further googling, more time lapsing, more emailing and getting blessed and grateful assistance from Propay, the credit card processing company I use, this was looking and smelling like a SCAM. We had each other's backs. Yep, it was a SCAM alright. The only money I was out was $1.69 for packing tape. My paintings never left my apartment. I sold two of the ones domestically that would have gone to Switzerland. My ego took a hit and the money would have been really nice. It really could have been worse. Seriously, a 5 week lesson.
What's Up and New for 2018
3) I went to the International Gem Show in Tucson for the first time this year. A dear and gracious friend that I grew up with in Cincinnati and lives in Tuscon had been telling me about this show for a couple years, persisted I come and this year I accepted. It was also a wonderful reunion with two friends from high school! It lived up to everything!! I loved this show. I found and bought deities and buddhas in brass, bronze, different gemstones and miscellaneous other things. All new to use in my art. So excited!! Scroll down to the Super'shrooms painting to see a few of the Tucson treasures used in a recent mushroom themed exhibit I participated in in March at Infiniteus.
4) I am almost done with Big Cartel on my website. Not ready to go live yet. Unrealistic goal. Taking longer as I am still figuring the best way to quote and incorporate shipping costs and tweaking my policy. I will be using USPS for sure. I can always use FedEx too. My mail carrier has been so helpful as have everyone I have asked and researched how and who they use. An extra bonus, I wlll know how to ship internationally, when and if I decide to do so. Ahhhh, Switzerland.
5) 2018 Show Schedule is slowly coming together, some results still pending. I applied to 5 shows this year in July-September: Southport Arts Festival (IN), and results pending for Glenwood Avenue Art Festival, Lakeview East Arts Fest (Not accepted,) and Edgewater Arts Festival. I decided not to do the fifth. As soon I know everything, I will post on my website. Ahhhhh, patience.
I believe this is it. In less than Take 5 seconds to Save and Publish this post it will be LIVE AND FINISHED! An intended goal completed! Until next time...
Cheers,
Marilyn
