Feeding a Need

Have you ever heard the saying, don't be good at something you don't want to do? I heard it many years after I developed the liniment I make, and after it had taken over my life. It was never something I wanted to do for a long time.

Twenty-one years later....

So yes, I did and do make an excellent product, but it wasn't something I wanted to do for a long time. Filling bottles isn't my idea of a good time, or creative. As I'd attended University and received my certification in graphic design, that's what I really wanted to do. Although the business took most of my time, I still found time to do some watercolours and drawing. That took a back seat when I was under a lot of stress.

After moving a year and a half ago into this small community, it was the absolute best decision ever. I have the single floor house I always wanted, with a small yard for me and Sadie (the cat) to enjoy and a big enough garden to grow some vegetables. I joined the local FB community page, where I noted there was a tremendous amount of complaining, and public humiliation occurring.

I started posting some photos on it, just to break up the constant negativity and to show people how much beauty was in the area. Little did I know I'd receive a following and many people that would log on every day to see what I'd posted. Nor did I have any idea that those photos would lead to my 'fans' wanting a calendar - a very lucrative undertaking.

I have already received requests for calendars for next year, although it seems I will have a fair amount of competition. The District I live in wants to use some of my photos in a calendar for their 125th Anniversary next year, and other locals seem to think I should tell them how to put one together and help them sell theirs. Um, they obviously don't get that they are competing with mine, regardless of whether they're doing flowers or whatever. People are funny.

As I knew the District's calendar would affect my sales, I suggested that they do a small booklet, kind of like a guide for a walking tour for their anniversary. After speaking to the coordinator, it sounds like they're committed to doing a calendar, but they also love the idea of a guide for the area and have been given funds to do 'something' for the 125th. I'm thrilled and flattered that my photos are appreciated.

At photo club the other night, as I'm the webmaster now, I had told them how out-dated the site was and how difficult it is to change anything on it. They asked me if I'd re-do their site and they will pay me for it. Woohoo! There's the new camera body I wanted!

So this next month will be busy re-doing the website, meetings with the District in regards to their 125th, and I almost forgot about the book the First Nations publishing house wants me to put together.

At this point, I've still been gallivanting around taking photos, but it appears I'll have to structure my day a little better in order to get these projects done.

When it rains, it pours. But I'm okay with that when it's pouring appreciation and feeding my need to be creative.