posted
I can't help noticing little victories on here all the time.
If you're anything like me, you always have to have something to look forward to, ... a goal. And when you meet that goal, you delight in the rewarding feelings of accomplishment. Then, ... it's on to the next thing.
Through the years I've gotten to know so many folks on this board, and I get a sense of family when I read posts. It's so cool to watch things evolve with people on here. Things like improving skills, changing mindsets, new shops, jumped hurdles, goals met, and other stepping stones that constitute growth in positive directions.
I thought I'd start a post about accomplishments.
Are there any accomplishments you are proud of in your life lately? Anything you are looking forward to? Come to any revelations you'd like to share?
Here's your spotlight to celebrate and share your delight in them! No matter how big or small, business or personal.
posted
Hi Nettie... Good post. Letterheads has helped me to accomplish at least a few things in my life. (other than my childhood dream of one day being a mom) Going to my first meet was a huge goal...when I found out the 1994 International was in Ohio, I was there. It changed my life. My next goal was to free myself from the burden of an abusive husband who was forever trying to clip my wings...I had made the mistake of taking him to Cincinnati. After that, the goal was to attend a cross-country meet alone, which I did in Mazeppa in 1999. That's where I first met you! And my dear friends Catherine Foster and Bill Krupinski. The next year, my goal was to host my own meet, which I did by having Krazy 8 in 2000. That's the year I met Steve and Barb Shortreed. I couldn't believe how many good folks showed up for my crummy little meet. By 2002, my goal was to host an International, which I did. It was a lot of work, and I doubt I'd do it again, but I'm not sorry and Mars flourished. Folks still talk about the "Leatherheads" haha...Rachael's 10th grade teacher just used the meet in class as an example of how a group can bring change. My lifetime goal has been to go to the land of my ancestors, Ireland. Thanks to the Letterheads, I did that this year. I had never flown, and I accomplished that goal as well, with only a few tears and white knuckles. Another goal for me was being able to drive my truck up to FKAB without getting too lost or wrecking...I did that too. I guess my next goal is to get better at gilding. I know it seems anti-climactic, but it is a big challenge for me. So there you go...I don't know if I have any more goals at the moment, other than being a good mom...! Thanks & Love- JILL ps and getting to the Maritime Meet!
-------------------- That is like a Mr. Potato Head with all the pieces in the wrong place. -Russ McMullin Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
in the past year I think I've achieved a few of those 'day dreamed' goals
I got to be semi retired while still able to get around and enjoy it
I got to go to Cairns... way up north now that was an adventure!!
I got to see my babies (yes I know they are nearly 15 and not really babies anymore) move to the freedom of a safer, healthy environment, near the beach, lots of sunshine, no hwy and merky folk to deal with
I got to participate in 'helping to make a differance' in the sign industry in my country by working on the national executive of the Sign Association of Australia
I got a 'reward chair' it's dk blue and it reclines and I get to sit in it when I'm good and all my works been done... yeah, yeah I know I'm getting old!
one of the best perks of course is having more time to watch the sunset, grow green things in the dirt and they DON'T DIE! hehehe
I get to enjoy the work that I do and appreciate the people I meet
and like they say, in the end, no one wishes they'd spent more time at the office!
cheers Nettie, I like your posts!
gail
[ October 24, 2003, 12:52 AM: Message edited by: Gail & Dave Beattie ]
-------------------- Gail & Dave Hervey Bay Qld Australia
gail@roadwarriorproducts.com.au
sumtimes ya just gota! Posts: 794 | From: 552 O'Regans Creek Rd Toogoom Qld 4655 Australia | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
Self improvement techniques in the sign industry, via the Letterhead Movement. Gaining lasting frienships on a personal level steming from the SAME source. Spiritual growth to fulfill my entire inner man. TRUE LOVE with my soul mate. Business sauve from self employment. Convidence in locality change via pratice,pratice, practice
-------------------- PKing is Pat King The Professor of SIGNOLOGY Posts: 3113 | From: Pompano Beach, FL. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
My college schooling was Food Service management. I used to be a dietitian and at one point I wanted to have my own catering business. Ernie started our sign business 9 years ago. I didn't think it would last more than a year or two. The more new things we tried, the more I love this work. The letterhead meets have changed my life. One big accomplishment in this house/ sign shop is the fact that I am better at outlining letters than Ernie. He is better at doodling than me.
Last year we bought some Bob Ross oil painting tapes , and taped his shows to teach ourselves oil painting, hoping we could get good enough to incorporate them into our signs. Someday soon!
Diane Balch
-------------------- Balch Signs 1045 Raymond Rd Malta, NY 12020 518 885-9899 signs@balchsigns.com http://www.balchsigns.com Posts: 1727 | From: MaltaNY | Registered: Jan 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
I too, have learned a lot from this BB and the folks on it. I guess my accomplishment has been a change in mindset, to try and look at things in a positive manner if at all possible. Funny thing, it wasn't that hard, nor was it that radical of an approach but boy did it make a difference. After years of being a crabby S.O.B. I'm a lot easier to be around and when you work alone that means a whole lot
-------------------- George Perkins Millington,TN. goatwell@bigriver.net
"I started out with nothing and still have most of it left"
posted
When I glance around our property, I feel an enormous amount of accomplishment. It needs work, but we are here! My shop is here! I rarely take for granted being in a rural area. We celebrate it everyday by spending time outdoors. Doing nothing. Doing everything. Everyday in our home is a good one.
Today was another accomplishment. I repaired a fender bender on a firetruck. The original work was rather intricate on both sides of the hood and I vowed to make it look ALOT better than the original. I was very happy with the outcome. I love it when that happens.
I just accomplished a project inside Cody's room. Desperate for toy storage, I found a storage system that goes from floor to ceiling that looks nice with his farm mural. Yahoo, bring on Christmas, we're ready!
We accomplished a major thing this summer, getting our own 24' trailer for camping. We've only dreamed of owning our own.
I'm also happy to have joined a bb on the net where we accomplish personal goals each day. We call it the 21-Day Challenge. I now take all my vitamins, drink my water, eat better.
But most important of all, the accomplishment I'm most proud of is my family. Watching my happy baby grow up into a good kid is an accomplishment that's hard to beat. Watching the relationship between Mike and Cody is something you can't put into words.
posted
After years working for a screen printing company, I quit my job for personal reasons and spent months filling out job applications as a screen printer, only to be told I was "overqualified" or being offered drastic pay cuts from what I had at my prior employment.
Following months of unemployment, I finally applied for an art department job for large company that was close to home. I knew it was an entry level position and I was gonna take the pay cut, but the bills were piling up. They had a three part test as a part of their application process. As I was taking the test, the interviewer noted my experience and told me their own screen printing department was in need of person to get it out of the red and turn it into a money maker. He offered to approach the company president and have a position created for me as an assistant production manager. A week later, despite getting a perfect score on the art department test, I got a form letter telling me the managerial job was a no go. I called them to ask about the art job and they said "That position had been filled." After annihilating a kitchen chair, I packed up my family and we moved to New Hampshire. After about six months working in an assembly plant in 1988, I decided "Screw it. I'm not gonna start my own freelance art business". There wasn't much work around the area and it wasn't panning out. In 1991, I lettered and airbrushed a race car and several other car owners watched as I worked on it. A few hired me to do them, and I made a few bucks. When they got to their car show, they all won the top spots in the show for best appearing. I suddenly had recognition and the phone was ringing with people looking for signs and truck lettering. Soon after, I got the nickname "Rapid" for being able to come up with ideas quick and being fast at lettering and airbrushing. Eventually it came up and bit me in the backside.
After a few years, I'd found out that people were assuming I did race cars all the time, and wouldn't bother to call. As a result, all the work was rushed into a few weeks and didn't pay as well as it should. I became the hand painted version of a "quicky sticky shop". I could blast out stuff easily enough, and had a quick turnover time. Unfortunately, a still had no idea how much the work was worth. I didn't know jack about sign pricing. In a twisted way, I was my own worst enemy. I struggled to get past that with no luck for years, eventually giving up in 2000, after a divorce. I took a job as a dishwasher.
After a year out of the sign biz, the restaurant went into the annual slow season and a former customer asked if I would do his van. Although I told him I wasn't doing painting any more, he offered to get me started back up and wouldn't take no for an answer. Before I knew it, word got around that I was doing some painting. I saved up the money to not only get through the slow season, but buy a new truck, paint it up and get back into signing on a part time basis. Last summer, I went back into full time self employment, but the work was still a bit slow at times and a couple of new sign companies had just opened up, making it that much tougher. I still had a part time job with the restaurant as a bouncer and picked up a vinyl cutter last fall to add to my services. It went dead last winter and by March, I was back in the habit of relying on my old race car customers again for income.
In mid April, while surfing around for some vinyl supplies I found Letterville and clicked on the chat room button. Ron Costa was there. We knew each other by reputation, but had never met. The following night, Ron and I talked on the phone. He told me about what a live meet was like, we found we had a lot of personal experiences in common, and I felt like I had someone who truly knew what I was going through.
For years I had felt isolated from the rest of the sign industry and unable to get away from my dead end feeling. The stress from the frustration was really taking a heavy toll, and my habit of relying on my "Rapid" reputation with race cars was making me question why I bothered to start all this grief up again.
A few weeks later, I finished a race car, blew off my annual trip to the track, and went to Mass Mayhem, my first meet. The people there welcomed me in and by the time it was over, I knew my life was changed forever.
Not only did I gain the confidence to break out into new kinds of signage, but I have since found a appreciation for all I have endured in the past.
Thank you, Letterheads, for instilling the sense of accomplishment to me.
And especially to Ron Costa. On May 11th, 2003, three race cars sat side by side, each with a trophy on the hood for best appearing that day. Coming home from my first meet and hearing that you had won the top spot with me following in the next two places was fantastic. I have always wanted to sweep a division and missed by one many times, but I will always consider that day a 1-2-3...one remarkable day, two Letterheads, and three winners.
Rapid
-------------------- Ray Rheaume Rapidfire Design 543 Brushwood Road North Haverhill, NH 03774 rapidfiredesign@hotmail.com 603-787-6803
I like my paint shaken, not stirred. Posts: 5648 | From: North Haverhill, New Hampshire | Registered: Apr 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
Hi Donna, I do have some accomplishments I want to share. As I was reading your very first paragraph, I could hear myself saying the same words, with the exception that I have sort of a rural setting at my house, but in an urban area.
Before I go into my stuff, I just want to take alittle detour here.
Never having had any children of my own, I really appreciate the time I spend with my friends who do have kids. I've got a LOT of admiration for good moms, like you gals who have mentioned your kids on this thread. I especially commend a single mom for all the added hurdles that encompasses. Reading Jill's reply gave me heart pangs, and I agree with Randy, she can be VERY proud!
Wonderful replies on this thread. I hope others will contribute. Heck, even George came out on this one! (leave it to strawberry twislers, rainbows and the tide eh george?) heehee
I look around my house and get feelings of accomplishment daily. SOOOO much more to do, but I'm chipping at it.
We've been working hard at cleaning out the jungle that my yard was, to make it the lush paradise that I hope it to be. A lot of sweat, a lot of sore muscles. In the past few months we've cut trees, hauled brush and limbs, bushwacked old hedges, pulled roots and dug out all kinds of crap from my yard. We've got a lifetime supply of firewood here.
Slowly I'm beginning to see some real progress. It is supremely gratifying, and whats more, I seem to be getting some sort of weird therapy out of it. I find myself craving to get out there to pull weeds. Ya think maybe I should join some kind of yard addicts group?
I had a sign job last month that really made me stand back with pride. It's not one that most could really appreciate as far as being anything overwhelmingly different in the signworld. It was basically an array of 35 dimensional hdu letters ranging in height from 30" to 3". I had originally planned to sub the job out to someone w/ a router, but when I finally got an okay for the job, it came with a plea to have in time for an upcoming event. A very tight deadline.
This was a great client, and I was worried about depending on someone else to pull thru for me. With an already crazy workload, I took on the challenge and decided to put the pedal to the medal and do it myself. (on a scroll saw no less!) Hah, nothing like adding alittle pressure to life.
I showed up 3 days before the deadline and the installation was a success. Whew! The client was thrilled, and I was relieved that I pulled it off. Talk about a high!
Those are a couple things that have given me that "rush" of accomplishment feeling lately.
Anybody else?
Nettie
-------------------- "When Love and Skill Work Together ... Expect a Masterpiece"
posted
Goals and accomplishments are an important part of my everyday life. We've reached a few big milestones lately.
Owning our own home again was a big one... and its a dream come true. Mostly.
The new shop, although far from finished is a wonderful achievement. It's all on hold as we are in Edmonton for the next month or so making a living. But every night I dream and sketch ideas for the finishing of my studio. It's going to be outrageous!
The job in Edmonton is going VERY WELL. I always have high expectations and daily goals, but its going better than planned and looking wonderful. The client is extactic.
Back home the old farm house is giving us more problems than we anticipated. Many more. First it was major work to the electrical system. This week the basement began to leak badly as the water table rose on account of the recent heavy rains. Janis and crew did an emergency move of everything down there which includes my studio. As soon as I get back, my new studio is going to the top of the priority pile. I can't operate in the dungeon any more.
The next big goal on the horizon will be a new house to replace the old one. And this will be the house of our dreams... as wierd as they are. Janis & I have some great ideas!
For me, as most folks here, our biggest accomplishment is doing what we love, daily, and working with family. It's fun to share what we love doing with the folks we love the best.
Each goal we accomplish, gives us the skills and momentum to tackle something begger and better next go around!
-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: 8771 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
It has been a long time since I was here. Yes, I am still alive. I have been extremely busy and enjoying life to it's fullest.
Just stuck my head in to see what was going on and saw this post from Nettie. It made me reflect on my own accomplishments this lifetime.
I think the most significant accomplishment is staying true to myself and my family. I have been married to the same wonderful lady for 38 years. We have two great kids. They are both very happy people, married with children and living here in the same town. It gives me a sense of pride to see our kids happy. We are all very close. About 3 years ago I developed cancer. Man, what a tough thing to have to go thru. They say that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger...I can attest to that. It is now in remission. It is ALL about attitude. I have also had several accomplishments involving my sign business and my involvement in my community. If you will recall, 18 years ago I had the oppertunity to start the Port Angeles Mural Project. I worked on the first mural in town. After that a service club got involved and now there are 5 historical murals in town with several more proposed. At about the same time I discovered underground Port Angeles. In 1912-1914 the downtown area was all tide lands. They raised to streets in a 6 block area as much as 8 feet. I kept that project alive, thus saving our history from the wrecking ball. Just last week we saved the last remaining part. It is now open to the public for tours. Everyone that takes the tour gets really excited to see a part of our past. I have officially been given the lifetime title of "Mayor of Underground Port Angeles" hahaha. (good thing I still have a good sense of humour heh?) I am still very much involved in this community. I know that what ever you give to your community you recieve back in untold ways. I got involved in the letterhead movement a few years back. That one thing has really enriched my life. I have had the priveledge of meeting many people from around the world and have become friends with several. We still stay in contact...one even moved here!! (hey A- ) I started my sign business 19 years ago. I didn't know anything about signs at the time. My friend Brenda and I started out together, she is a very good sign writer. She stayed for about a year then left to go back to California. That left me with the whole show. Now...I have to tell you that is very intimidating. I made up my mind that this is what I want to do and stuck to it. I am SO glad I did because I have had a great time doing this. My wife Dianne and I run the shop. We are now in a position where we turn a LOT of business away and only take the projects that pay the best and are the most fun to do. Now, let me tell you, what a wonderful position to be in. It takes a lot of stress off both of us and frees us up to put our best into every job that we do. Again...you have to have the right attitude to do this because you have to have a great sense of self worth. Remember that you create your reality...100%. The Universe will give you EXACTLY what you want. Just love yourself...always.
Well...I do hope everyone is doing great. I hope that your business and health is also doing good. I see a lot of familiar faces here, and some new ones also. I do miss hanging out here...but had to take a break from it for a while. Perhaps I will stick my head in more often and say hi. I think of you all often and wish you the very best that life has to offer.
Thanks Nettie for this subject. It was nice to think back and share some of my accomplishments with you all. It really puts things back into perspective.
Love and Light...
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: 1004 | From: Port Angeles, Washington | Registered: Jan 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
I got the guts to do a panel for another letterhead! Somehow, doing a panel for another letterhead is a lot scarier than any sign job imaginable.
And, having just gone through the picts from the panel swap, I can say mine doesn't totally suck!
-------------------- Chris Welker Wildfire Signs Indiana, Pa Posts: 4254 | From: Indiana, PA | Registered: Mar 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
Great post Nettie! Lots of good replies. Rapid Ray, that was a nice lengthy introduction to more of who you are, & it was great top read how important Letterville & the Letterhead spirit has been in your recent acomplishments. Jackson, good to see you taking a look back in here too.
My acomplishment storey would have to be taking over this business.
8-1/2 years ago I came "back" to Hawaii. I had co-parented my daughter here (on the Big Island) for 6 years after my divorce on a year-on, year-off basis. When she turned 9 yrs. old I decided I would move to Santa Fe where her mom lived so I could stay involved in raising her, without requiring her to move & change friends & schools every year. I did, however spend my "year-off" in New York City where, by chance, my architectural drafting career followed a fork in the road into signage.
After 6 years in Santa Fe, my daughter & my relationship as rock-solid as can be, I decided to return to the islands when her mom moved to Texas.
While in New Mexico I persued my sign shop employment, but never made enough money to get ahead. In fact when I moved to Maui I had about 15k in IRS & student loan debt. & nothing but a beat up 4x4 & a set of drums.
I got work at a signshop where a screenprinter was sharing rent with another old school sign guy who had a Gerber 4B. They both did different types of signs, so shared a shop & when a customer needed 100 decals or a dozen 2-sided Real Estate signs the screenprinter would take it, & if they needed a couple truck doors or an MDO project sign the 4B guy would take it.
I worked part time for the 4B guy (Pacific Sign) for $10/hr, & gradually was slipping further in debt. This was 1995 & I had been accoustomed to state-of-the-art plotters & software from New Mexico, so I was looking for full time work in a more modern shop. I left Pacific sign when I fouind an opportunity to "set-up" a new shop & "run" the departmant. Starting wage was the same... but it was full time & included a promise of pay raise in 90 days after i got the place set-up.
long story short... they didn't want to honor the promised pay scale & I went back to Pacific Sign hoping to be re-hired. After 20-some years in business, he had finally got the new computer/plotter/software package during the 3 months I was gone. & He had hired a guy (with much less experience the me)... but the screenprinter (Island Sign) was getting burnt out & had seen my dedication, so he hired me, trained me extensively in the silkscreen trade & just when I was starting to feel secure in my employment, he wanted to sell his business & follow his ex-wife out of the country to stay close to his kid.
OK, I guess I can't make any story short but, the ounchline is... no one wanted to buy his business & I knew how to run it & had been dealing with his clients for a year by this time, so I was able to buy it for 25K NOTHING DOWN - NO INTEREST !!! $1000 a month for 25 months. I required that he help e move the business to another location as part of the deal. I picked up a hitch hiker that knew a guy who knew a guy with a plotter collecting dust in an attic, & was able to gradually turn the screen-printing shop into a full service shop.
It will be 7 full years on new years & I have got out of debt, restored my credit, overcame addictions, established a very successful business, bought a house & cottage, got married & continue to love my work. I am not yet able to save money, but I live well, pay my bills on time, drive a new truck, have health insurance, & did I say I love my work already?.. well I can't say it enough because I really think that next to dedication, perseverance, & karma (or the grace of God)... loving my work has really been the engine that has driven all the acomplishments I am blessed with.
posted
Good Thread Nettie, and it's really interesting seeing/reading the other human side to people. Our story could fill a book, but I'll keep it shortish! In 1987, we had a house fire and lost everything (except my paint brushes & scroll books). I should have been in it but was that tired from a job 900km away that I spent an extra night on the road instead of driving through the night to get home. Funny, I knew it had burned down- a premonition- about 10 miles from home. It was the result of a bad electrical storm. Rather that being cheesed off (no insurance) (& I was renting), I learnt to be grateful that I was alive and did still have my sign kit. I remember seeing myself picking through the rubble & ash for a few days to try and salvage some clydesdale harness buckles & tools, but I can't say I remember doing it. That gave me the impetus to stop studies (a degree in engineering) and register a business name & 'become' a signwriter. I'd been doing a bit of lettering, and a lot of striping for 7 years at that stage. Things were very slow, so I got part time farm work to help. In 1990 Joan & I were married, in 1994 we bought this farm (bare,no buildings etc), it took till last January 2002 to finish owner-building this house and move into it. We own the place outright, and everything on it. Things happen very slowly when you don't have a mortgage! In the middle of that, plus being on numerous clubs & committees in executive positions, we've raised 6 great kids, and taken on a few almost 'marriage-breaking' jobs- building a coach, writing a book (voluntarily), .... Everything you take on is a challenge, & an accomplishment when completed, then you look to the next thing. A few life-changing experiences along the way have brought home the importance of getting things right here first, so when the kids have a sports day at school, or something similar, I'll be there for them, irrespective of any customers or work. It has never been a problem explaining to someone that I'll have to come over tomorrow instead because... Accurate timetabling is still hard, as is quoting on some of the horse-drawn vehicle building I do, though we're trying to get out of this. Three years ago Joan & the kids were all in a bad accident- brakes failed going down a steep hill, rolled the van twice,& crashed, completely caving the roof in, yet all walked/crawled out mostly unbruised. You can not get a person into the driver's seat now. Only Helen has visible scars from glass gashes to her face & head. Every day that Joan wakes me up with a morning coffee & things go well is an accomplishment. We have a lot to be thankful & grateful for- for no matter how hard things are, they could always be worse. Faith , and faith in oneself is important, plus a positive attitude, and when one goal is accomplished, you head off for the next, and the next and the next. I've probably written too much already, I was going to keep this short- but you can't dwell on achievements- thi bills keep piling up!
-------------------- "Stewey" on chat
"...there are no limits when you aim for perfection..." Jonathan Livingston Seagull Posts: 7017 | From: Highgrove via Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia | Registered: Dec 2002
| IP: Logged |
I've got to say the biggest accomplishment lately has been finally taking the huge step of selling our home and purchasing the home/shop that we take possession of the end of November.
I started my business 5 years ago, and as I get busier, I've seriously outgrown my basement office and small garage. Hopefully by this summer I'll be posting about how well everything turned out and how much we love our new place! It is a bit sad to say goodbye to a home that is full of happy memories.
I'm also extremely proud of my two beautiful kids, who are quickly turning into young adults. Some days I just can't believe they are mine! I'm also proud to be happily married to the man I married one month after I turned 20. We've been married for sixteen years, and are happier today than we've ever been. Don is truly my best friend, and I'm blessed to have him in my life.
Suelynn
-------------------- "It is never too late to be what you might have been." -George Eliot
Suelynn Sedor Sedor Signs Carnduff, SK Canada Posts: 2863 | From: Carnduff, SK Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Applause]](graemlins/clap.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic