I've been traveling through this crazy little tunnel of whimsy and confusion since Dan's last workshop.
My wholehearted intent when going to help was to simply help. I enjoy the atmosphere, hanging out with like minded folks, and like tinkering with the paint pots, plus Dan and I just give back and forth to each other. It just feels like part of my world when I'm a part of what's going on there.
I was starting to somewhat be concerned about my future with my current biz. I'm intentionally not growing things because I simply haven't been passionate about it. Signcraft hasn't moved me in quite some time. (there, I said it) But this has been my bread and butter for so long now, it's simply become a habit to just do and don't really think about it.
I didn't mean for it to happen, but when listenting to Dan speak yet again about the merits of doing something you are passionate about, something must have leaked in. Then I talked to Ken Cade and he told me something else Dan had said that struck him. Do only one thing daily in order to achieve where you want to be.
The day after the workshop, it's always somewhat of a relief to feel quiet again, to regain your bearings. I got caught up and went right to work finsihing up unfinshed business. But then it got real quiet again.
I was left with that dreaded time to think. Sometimes dipping in deep with what's in my head is a dangerous place to go. Because where I dream, I risk.
So I took stock. What were my passions? And how did they relate with what I was doing today?
So what makes me tick. Easy.
working on my house painting shopping for unique and wonderful finds flipping junk into gems getting home and setting them in the perfect spot going over to a neighbour's home when they ask for decorating advice (some do) blogging about renos and decorating gorgeous time weathered olde signs or anything lettered in the form of art for that matter (typography is amazing!)
It is not:
digital print plotter related stuff striping trucks making cheap decals
Oh gosh. What have I been doing to myself.
So after the workshop, my head started spinning and hasn't stopped yet. Ok, I lied. There are moments I'm smacked with "Oh come on, you have no formal training! Who are you kidding! Who'd hire YOU?" And I know many wouldn't. But it's those few that flip out on something unique in the house that grab me. There are some out there that have to be wowed in a unique way. My mom doesn't understand my metal rustic topped island, but some others would die to have it. Odd how that works.
So, I've been dreaming and this is what I see. I see this barn or storage area of sorts, piled high to the ceiling with shelves. Rows upon rows of unique headboards lean against the sides. Old boxes and tins with wonderful typography litter brimming shelves. Wonderful wooden components are begging for a fresh coat of paint to come alive in someone's home.
Why would I need that stuff you ask? Because that's my personal decorating thang. It takes me forever and a day to decorate my own home because I WAIT for the perfect find. I can make and create some things, but finding authentic stuff flys me to the moon.
If I were to walk into someone's home, I'd remember all the junk I had in storage. I'd know what to do. I do that with my own stuff without really realizing it. I have boxes of junk and the helpers with my house think, "why doesn't she get rid of that crap?" I can understand it because I don't have room. Yet I need a stockroom. Always have. But not just for storage reason, but to USE and change out for a fresh perspective. And I do that often. I just didn't know why until now.
Creating environments with time worn elements with that surprise feature you wouldn't expect to see. Museums, no interest. Casual comfortable livable beautiful rooms you can't wait to enjoy over and over, that's where I'm at.
Before Cody, I've always decorated to the hilt here and there. And I generally had the same comments, "Wow, this is so pretty! And I'm comfortable here too!" That always made me smile. If footprints in the carpet bug you, don't use carpet. That kinda thing.
So, here I am at this crossroads. My head is so full it actually is haulting progress in my personal life, as well as biz. I told Cody to quit talking 'so much' to me and he said, "Mom, I only said ONE thing!" LOL He didn't have a clue all the conversations that were going on inside my head. I have to get back on track and focus on one thing at a time. Hey, I think I heard that advice from somewhere before.
The more I think of it, persuing something you love doing alongside your bread and butter work is perfect timing. Don't wait until the other is dead. Do it now. 5 minutes a day if that's all you take, I coach myself. I can do that.
So what did I do yesterday? I dapped my woodwork so I can paint it up. Because after all, this house is becoming my portfolio. Wow, talk about uncanny timing with this house reno. I could have never persued this the same way if I didn't have that help with the house!
Over the weekend, rather than think I'm wasting my time by pouring through decorating blogs saving pics of incredible inspiration, I'll now do it guilt free. Because I have an adjenda that is furthering me. I'm building up an inspiration book for future clients. (can I dream big or what here?!?)
I can start small and play in a neighbour's house. I know I can smile big and be excited and inspire someone to just let me play. I need portfolio pieces and to feel comfortable in another's home with someone I know. Then to hear her squawk about how wonderful something or other is, that will fuel me and those around her if I achieve the result I'm after.
I can blog and start up online consultation. I know how to do that now because of my reno blog I simply played with from last April.
Sounds all good right? So why do I need the kick?
Because every 5 minutes I revert back to my stinkin' thinkin'. "I can't do this! Who am I?!?"
I risk royal flame jobs and tomatoes thrown at me for putting this out there. I put up a trial blog (that I have somewhat hidden) to see how I feel about taking this on public wise. I've posted about my intentions on my reno blog and have already removed it out of fear. I can't fear. I have to believe.
Honestly, what if nothing becomes of this? What have I risked? I don't think anything. It may actually lead me closer to the path I want more. There are so many forks in the road it's hard to chose just one. Ken told me to try it all and see where it takes me. I'm gonna do that.
I started with thinking I needed a junk shop/storefront. And that idea morphed into this which was better! Is there something even more I haven't reached yet? Dunno.
So what am I doing today? I'm going to pick up a cheque I've been waiting for for a long time and hit the local thrift to 'just look.' Can you imagine... shopping for that perfect thing you can morph into something incredible and have it a write-off?!? I shake my head. That right there is the ultimate Signcraft in my head.
I'm sharing this with you in order to hopefully get my kick in the butt I so need by your encouragement (hopefully??). But also, to hopefully encourage YOU to seek out that deep place within you that is begging for front stage attention. Don't watch Dan in jealousy. He's TEACHING you HOW to do what he's doing. To do what you love.
And if you still don't get it, go to his or a workshop even if you don't router or whatever the topic may be. I don't router and look what it did for me. Dan didn't pressure me to smarten up. That came from within. Dan doesn't pay me to help. I volunteer. (we trade each other's friendship and time) So I don't gain by advertising his wares. YOU yourself would be the one to gain.
I vow.. every day I'm going to do something that further encourages where I want to go. That's the key to keep me from hiding under a rock with this thing.
This is what I love. And I've buried it for 9 years. I put all my stuff away when Cody came into the picture. Now it's time to think about me, in order to better both our lives.
I'm GOING to do this. Today. (In 5 minutes that may be another story of course...)
posted
By posting this, I think you gave yourself the kick.
I for one love to see any passion in anyone for anything.
I think you are on the right track because you are listening to your heart, and it rarely misleads.
I hear what you say about Dan's workshops. I think any person that is passionate about anything (business related or not) could benefit from the positive atmosphere.
Listen to the the fear also. I have so many wild ideas in my mind, that at times I fear they will start to transpire and I will have no way to ensure the outcome I hope for. Fear could be that thing that makes you wonder...."what if I didn't",....and forces you to venture where you've never been.
You might be pleasantly suprised by what's around the corner.
Here's to dreaming and bringing to fulfillment.
Go get'em Donna!
Peace, Bob
[ February 27, 2009, 12:57 PM: Message edited by: Bob Kaschak ]
-------------------- "The 3-4 minute mark of "Freewill" by Rush.
Bob Kaschak Artisan Sign And Design Peru New York Posts: 1873 | From: Upstate NY | Registered: Jul 2002
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Donna, I've never met you personally but have always been impressed with your attitude and willingness to tackle a project. I fully believe you could venture out in the direction of your dreams and make it work. In fact, you never know.... you could be the next big thing... many people start out with a dream and an idea and it morphs into much more than they ever thought possible.
But you'll never know what could have been unless you step out and go at it with all your heart.
If you were worried about having slow times while getting this new venture going, you could select maybe 1 or 2 of your most profitable, easy to please accounts and still do work for them. That would give you a little little bit of backup. However, if you thought that might distract you and cause you not to give 110% because you know you have a catch net.... I'd not even do that.
Good luck and keep us posted. I would enjoy checking out your new blog..... don't be shy... post us a link! (or just email it to me if you like.... I won't tell)
-------------------- Jon Jantz Snappysign.com jjantz21@gmail.com http://www.allcw.com Posts: 3395 | From: Atmore, AL | Registered: Nov 2005
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Jon, I'm already down to those few clients that keep me afloat. They are critical as I build because they allow me this wild time to dream and go forth in between. And I'll acually never walk from them until they are ready to close their own doors. They've done that much for me.
Think Debbie Travis striping firetrucks! Who knew?
I'll be sure to guest spot some little people that have helped me along this path on my new HGTV special but of course.
I can certainly see where having a terrific sense of humor becomes somewhat critical during times like these..
Ok Jon, I promise I'll link the website here when I have a logo and things more up and running. I'm still practising the art of blogging on my reno site. Writeups along with pictures is such a blast!
posted
Dan has that effect on people which I think is awesome. He just has a way with words that make you think deeper inside yourself. I went to his seminars at CONSAC a few years ago and after he was done speaking I knew I was thinking and heading in the right direction! I knew I would never be happy if I wasn't enjoying what I was doing. I love doing signs, designs, 3D signs, etc... Letting my mind go wild! I just needed that kick (where you are now) to grab my dream of my own sign business. I went to Shane's workshop last April and Dan, Noella, Rene, Bob, Duncan, Kelly and others were there and I sat back and listened to everyone talk (all are my mentors and I was just taking it all in!). Listening to everyone there they all had the same frame of mind as I. We were all at a crossroad in our lives/careers. I couldn't imagine the people I look up to all have the same problems as I. Who would have thought! We all talked about our problems and we helped each other out. Well like you I hymed and hawed about starting my own business with beig a single mom and no other income to rely on. Well I went for it! It's been a hard road but I know I am able to be sucessful because I have the passion and the dream. It also helps when you have friends like Dan, Rene, Noella, Kelly, Shane etc... who can see that passion and let you know that you can do it! It gives up that little extra kick that you need. I never wanted to go through life wondering if I could do it. Always have to try and believe in yourself and you will be successful. I ask myself why I didn't do this sooner (even though it's still a rough road ahead) but I enjoy what I am doing and feel a lot freer on what I can do. I'm able to show people what I can do and how wild I can get with my work. I know you will be able to do it! You have a lot of friends and family who will support you. Good luck! You only live once! Enjoy it while you can!!
-------------------- Pam Edmunds Just For You Signs & Design 64 Bruce Road 17 Tara, Ontario Posts: 68 | From: Tara, Ontario | Registered: May 2008
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Know what Pam? I resented Dan just a little bit while sitting through another workshop talk. I resented the fact that he found his place sooner than I found mine. But you know how nice he is so he's pretty hard to hate for long.
I have a 'personality disorder', and that's a possessive nature to act on something NOW when I'm feeling it. I'm going to utilize that 'disability' and make it work for me for a change rather than let the momentum fizzle out and die. When I finally stop when I reach the top of this mountain, I sure hope I don't need that security net below... LOL
I have been around here and there, and I have seen egos evolve. You are under a hardship right now, by being a single parent, and I promise you, things will get better...because you have a good heart.
Dont let all the remodeling activity drive you crazy. That's known as pressure, which you don't need at this point in time.
Stay solvent, and before you know it, things will warm up.
-------------------- Jeff Ogden 8727 NE 68 Terr. Gainesville FL, 32609 Posts: 2138 | From: 8827 NE 68 Terr Gainesville Fl 32609 | Registered: Aug 2002
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You GO, Girl! I hear what you're saying- and need a bit of that myself just now- You are terriffic and it'll just keep getting better! Cat
-------------------- Catharine C. Kennedy CCK Graphics 1511 Route 28 Chatham Center, NY 12184 cck1620@taconic.net "Look at me, Look at me, Look at me now! I't's fun to have fun, But you have to know how!" Posts: 2173 | From: downtown Chatham Center, NY | Registered: Feb 2004
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This morning as I drove to town to make some calls and do some errands Donna's new business venture came to my mind. When we talked about the idea a couple of days ago she was pretty excited and her enthusiasm rubbed on on me.
Last night I was working late on a 3D sign which I'm pretty happy with. As I drove into town today Donna's new business came to mind, and with it the logo she is contemplating... I imagined it in FULL 3D and in full color. Its pretty cool!
I have no doubt about two things... Donna CAN do this and she can do it better than anyone else out there. It will just take a little time to put the plan into motion. Each day she needs to take a little step on her exciting new journey. I'll be glad to help any way I can.
GO GIRL!
Exciting things are happening in Yarrow...
-grampa dan
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8738 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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There is no doubt in my mind that Donna will make a success of this. She is one determined lady, and she has already proven that whatever she sets her mind to, it gets done.
This afternoon I talked to Donna on the phone and her enthusiasm was contagious. I'm ready to go out there and tackle all those "honey-do" things that Jeanne has listed for me.
Well...maybe after a nap.
-------------------- Chapman Sign Studio Temple, Texas chapmanstudio@sbcglobal.net Posts: 6306 | From: Temple, Texas, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Remember.....you create your reality...100% You are in charge of you....thought creates....so just create. We designed this game we call life to give us whatever we wanted....good or bad.
So...as the Universe says...."thoughts become things...choose the good ones"
You can do ANYTHING you can dream of, don't be afraid of your dreams....and be careful of what you want...you will get it.
Jackson
-------------------- Jackson Smart Jackson's Signs Port Angeles, WA ...."The Straits of Juan De Fuca in my front yard and Olympic National Park in my backyard...
"Living on Earth is expensive...but it does include a free trip around the Sun" Posts: 1000 | From: Port Angeles, Washington | Registered: Jan 1999
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Maybe it's just because I like looking at her (there, I said it) ...but I also think she could be the next big thing by talking to a TV producer, and launching the next reality show of home improvements. We've all seen similar ones out there, but I think Donna could do well with the live blog format of a TV series... but that's just my idea... who knows if it would interest her... if it did, I think she could be a hit!
By doing that, by posting here, by telling just 1 person, you have made yourself accountable for your dream.
That has to be the first step. You can dream it all you want, but to just dream is safe. To put it out there, you leave the shore of safety & now are forced to do more than just dream.
Congrats on step 1. I'm eagerly awaiting step 2.
-------------------- Chris Welker Wildfire Signs Indiana, Pa Posts: 4254 | From: Indiana, PA | Registered: Mar 2001
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Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6712 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Wow Donna, your passion is palpable, good for you for resetting your compass
I think one of the most tragic things in life is regretting the things we didn't do then discovering it's too late to do anything about it. Follow your true path and enjoy the journey, no matter where it takes you. No regrets
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Carpe Diem. Life is short and precious. Listen to that inner voice that is telling you that you can do this, and let it drown out any insecurities and doubt. You have tackled the larger problem, which is defining what it is you want to do. The fact that you have an underlying tone of both excitement and terror in what you wrote is a sure sign you will succeed...
I introduce to you, Funky Junk Interiors, The Blog. (may change company name, but this one makes me smile everytime I say it.. it has brave spunk) Logo coming soon!
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