Normally our summers are pretty hectic... this summer has been over the top and then some.
For starters there was that mural project in Illinois. Lots of potential for fretting there. But it was amazing how things worked out. In spite of my time being cut in half, I managed to do double the work (with the help of some great new friends!) and have great fun with the challenge too.
We moved just before that project. This alone should have kicked our summer out of whack. But the move went pretty well too. And our new place in Yarrow gives me lots of inspiration for the future.
And then there's the daily operation of Giggle Ridge... which is settling down into a wild routine each summer. A busy time which we enjoy thoroughly each season. But September and the return to 'normal' hours is sure a welcome sight each year. The time I have spent there this year has been like vacation for me in spite of it being 'work'.
And on top of that we decided to build a new shop/studio. Because of our special needs, and methods of construction we tackled that project with our own forces, which means that I was required to be on-site each day at the ranch.
My customers have been very patient with us as all current projects were put on hold for the most part through the summer. I've done a little design work here & there, but little else.
As fall quickly approaches, lots of major deadlines loom large. The shop is still two-plus weeks from occupancy if we really pour the coals to it. Lots of work is waiting just outside the shop. Customers who have been very patient are getting less so it seems. And the phone is ringing off the wall.
The temptation for me is to panic ever so slightly. But that wouldn't help matters much.
I have decided instead to take a deep breath and take things one project, one deadline, one crisis, one day at a time, sorting out what is a priority and what isn't. I know we'll manage to get through it with a smile.
And at the end of each day we will celebrate things we have accomplished. Tomorrow we'll tackle the things we couldn't fit into today.
It's been a wonderful summer! And I am very excited about the many things on the burners for this fall and beyond!
-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: 8766 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Busy hands are happy hands, eh Dan? Lookin' good buy the way. Was wondering if you might be getting a bit exhausted, but you must be a bit relieved at the same time, being that the construction is going well.
Does the pace you've keep this summer help you sleep or does it make for a bit of tossing & turning? You've probably earned the right to pull a bit of your own hair if you choose. That's what pain is for, lets us know when to let up.
-------------------- Dave Parr Sign Painter USA Posts: 709 | From: USA | Registered: May 2003
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quote:The temptation for me is to panic ever so slightly. But that wouldn't help matters much.
I have decided instead to take a deep breath and take things one project, one deadline, one crisis, one day at a time, sorting out what is a priority and what isn't. I know we'll manage to get through it with a smile.
Boy can we relate here at Comsign. It's been a crazy summer with no sign of letting up and your words are so true.
I can't get to "Splash" this fall , but Steve will be there. He's a sponge for new ideas, so load him up. He'll kick us all up a notch when he gets back.
Can't wait to visit you in your new digs. Next time your in Edmonton, you really must stop by for a visit. Cheers,
posted
Dan, we've never met (yet), but it seems to me you've got a huge karma thing goin for you...so no surprise that tough obstacles haven't stopped you from succeeding.
posted
Dan, my suggestion is to just give up and go out and eat worms. You'll never be a success with that lousy attitude of yours. Ever thought of being a greeter at Walmart?
-------------------- Chapman Sign Studio Temple, Texas chapmanstudio@sbcglobal.net Posts: 6306 | From: Temple, Texas, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Well, with your great encouragement my attitude has changed. Getting ALL the plywood sheeting on the roof may have helped a bunch too, I imagine.
I had the pleasure of spending a fun day with my son, Peter on Sunday. I enjoy working with him SO much, and it happens a lot less than it used to since he became an animator and moved to Vancouver. He still gets out on weekends regularly, but after putting in long hours there he generally doesn't like to work much at a second job.
We decided to build the massive steel doors for the shop. They are going to be sweet! They are layered steel, in a compund curve both ways. Lots of big rivets, and a flame-cut sculpture in the middle. I figure they will be almost a ton of steel by the time we are done. They are not nearly done, but we got a good start and they are going to look fine! It was wonderful to work side by side, without interuption for a whole day. Like old times.
The view was exceptional from the top of the roof as we worked today. All in all, a fine day.
Tomorrow we start the shingling for real. 47 squares of roof to go. When that's done I'll be back to my old self for sure!
-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: 8766 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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, but Steve will be there. He's a sponge for new ideas, so load him up. He'll kick us all up a notch when he gets back.
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BUCK UP BUDDY!![[Smile]](smile.gif)
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