I feel like I have entered into the magic period in life they call "Salad Days". That magical place where good fortune seems abundant. My studio business is five years old, and I have reached the point where I can finally clear all debt. I have plenty of merchandise, and money in the bank to grow. It is unbelievable that I started my business at the beginning of " the great recession" and have any notion that I can continue in business at all!
I have more custom work in my day job than I can figure out how to do. While normally that would be a source of great anxiety to me, we've added an employee who works in CAD. She is the greatest partner I could have ever asked for. Her ability to interpret designs and create models is a huge gift that frees me from much of the tedious work at the bench. She is talented and patient not to mention a pleasure to know. It makes that part of my life much more pleasurable.
As if all those things don't make life joyful enough, there is more! I have just received confirmation that I will be giving a stone setting workshop at the Columbus College of Art and Design in April. With all I am busy with in life, I'm sure there are those that don't understand why I would want to add more. There is something special about sharing information and helping others to grow. I've visited the college on two occasions to give critiques for the competition hosted by the Diamond Cellar. On both occasion I have found inspiration from the creative energy of these young artist that has helped me to return to my own work with a fresh point of view. I am looking forward to giving these students another skill set in their arsenal to grow in their own creativity! I look forward to this being something I can do with regularity, and hope that the process will help to give me open eyes were my own designs are concerned even as my experience can help others in their work.
Spring seems to be determined to come early this year and the awakening completely matches my mood.
After years of worry that the economy brought, and doubts as to how I would find success on my chosen career path, I feel like the winter is ending. The birds are singing, and the flowers are coming up! Welcome Salad Days! I love you!
