Revenge Served Cold
Over the past couple of years, I've immersed myself in my photography, loving every second of it, and being challenged to do more and create more in the photo club. It's been a fantastic journey, and now that I'm officially retired, my down time from Dec to May with my business is now spent with my camera.I can honestly say that I've improved significantly with my photos, but still have lots of room to grow. It's heartwarming to have a 'following' on facebook on my photography page, which I finally launched only a couple of weeks ago. I've received several requests to purchase photos, which, in itself, is quite an honour.
As a result of my immersion in photography, my artwork has taken a back seat. I haven't drawn or painted in some time, mostly because I'd rather be outdoors. The camera allows me to combine my sense of adventure and curiosity with creativity. As a result, photography's the winner. lol.
Although I've retained membership in the watercolour club, I rarely go to the meetings as they're in my old community - a 45 minute drive each way. I don't like driving at night, and my interest in the club has waned, significantly. Partially, that's due to being ousted from the jobs I'd been doing, without any consultation. I was just informed one day that someone else was taking over my jobs - things I enjoyed doing. I told the president that never again would I volunteer to do anything for the club. I'd put up and regulated a fb page, administrated their web site, and designed their bookmark - yes, for free.
As I didn't attend the meetings, that's fine if they wanted someone else to take over, but not to say anything to me ahead of time was, imo, rude and inconsiderate. It wasn't that I hadn't done what they'd needed done, it was simply politics. So fine, don't ever ask me or expect me to do anything again.
When I got home on Wednesday night, there was a message from a member of the club (of course, not the president), would I be interested in scanning and photographing their art work for a calendar for them this year? There'd be up to 36 pieces of artwork to scan and/or photograph and they wanted it all done in one evening.
Ha ha ha ha!!!
No.
I told the guy no, I had too many commitments and my own calendars to put together. It wasn't an 'honour' to be asked. It's a sh*tty job, scanning all that artwork or photographing it. And there's no way I was going to be responsible for someone being pissed off because their artwork wasn't the right colour tones or whatever. And do I want to photograph someone's art work? Hardly. Like I said, it's a sh*t job, because it's not just taking the photos or scans, it's adjusting and editing everything afterwards. For free? Nope. G.F.Y.
There are some people in the watercolour club I really like, and why I continue to stay, but the president can pound sand if he thinks he can send a minion to ask for a job obviously no one else wants to do. It's mind-boggling how many people are trying to pick my brain about making a calendar and my success at it. Just amazing no one wants to know you until you're successful at something they want. Then they expect you to give it to them for free, after they've shunned you. lol.
Anyway, it's another beautiful day here, there's photos waiting for me to take, and orders to get ready. I'm going to enjoy every second of it. :)
Comments (15)
I got it confused with your "Male Drama Makers"
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As for the bit where you're letting off steam, equally well done for not being a mug.
You can go back to your watercolours if and when the time is right for you, eh?
I love watercolours, but photography has become my creative outlet, now.
I envy the people a little who don't have to get 'older' to be in that position, but I like to think there are also advantages in not having a head start.
I feel I was born into an era where it was a woman's role to please. It takes a long time to unravel the indoctrination of our formative years, but I think I've gained a depth of understanding precisely because I have experienced that history.
I still find it both a challenge and liberating to say, "No."
I'm actually quite flabbergasted that they had the nerve to ask me to do this horrible job, after relieving me of all the other jobs I enjoyed doing without any notification or conversation. I wonder why the other graphic designer who took over all my other duties didn't step up for this? I can tell you why - because it's not anything anyone wants to do.
I'm just shaking my head at it and them, laughing.
It's this kind of thing that I'd have ended up doing years ago. Thank goodness for aging and doing one's own thing!
So although your suggestions are good, I simply have no desire to do it. That's why they asked me to photograph their work and/or scan it, because it's not a job anyone wants due to the amount of work involved.
I'm fine with leaving it at a simple no. They had no problems in taking away the duties I did like, and I have no problems in saying no to duties I have no interest in.
As for your tailoring - oh boy! Having sewn my own clothes for many years, I can imagine some of the things you'd run across.
I was merely musing about tactics for dealing with inappropriate expectations.
I've squirrelled the thought away in case I can modify it for my own use.
Glad you said no to the watercolor club. Now let it go, let it go, let it go. (in my best Frozen voice)
I can see on FB that you are admired by many. I'm just waiting for you to get rich enough to have some winter vacation in Paradise here someday.