Finding my Wings

~ Disappointment to a noble soul is what cold water is to burning metal; it strengthens, tempers, intensifies, but never destroys it. ~Eliza Tabor

 

For the past 9 months I have worked diligently...creating art, stretching myself, taking classes, learning how to love me...finding my voice.

 

I had finally mustered up the courage to sign up for a craft show and began purchasing supplies, painting and planning.

Tuesday all my plans, all my dreams came to an abrupt end.

 

 

"Hello this is Leslie Ackman and I was calling about my booth space for the show in October," I said happily.

"Are you from Maryville?" the lady on the other end asked.

"Yes." I replied.

"We gave your booth away and there are no more available spots." the lady explained in a terse way.

"What did you say?" I asked slowly.

The not very nice lady proceeded to tell me in a not very nice way that I, in fact would not be able to have a booth at their show and to try again next year.

"But how can that be? I paid for my spot and signed up and have worked so hard on my art."  A  lump was forming in my throat, making it nearly impossible to speak.

"We are sorry,Mrs. Ackman. You can try again next year. Have a good day." 

 

That was it. It was settled. I would not be going to Clarinda. I would not be selling my art, meeting new people, passing out my business cards.

I was devastated.

 

 

I sat in my office and cried.

Then cried some more.

 

 

Then.....

 

I remembered....

I am a Brave Girl.

 

 

 

 

 

Brave Girl's have a motto...

 

 

"She Did it Anyway".

 

 

 

 

 

 

And not only am I a Brave Girl but I create Brave Girl Art

 

And it may not be for everyone. It may not speak to you...but it speaks to me. It's what's inside of me. When I create my goal is to uplift. It's to make you excited about who you are and what you want to accomplish in your life.

I create what's in my heart. 

It is a choice we artists make, that is not too unlike love, where we find ourselves venturing into a realm of total vulnerability."  -Kirk Wassell

 

 

So, I did what any Brave Girl would do in that situation. I stopped crying. I put my wings on and made a plan. I contacted the not so nice lady, explaining my disappointment and hurt I had in my heart. It was a case of miscommunication and I made the choice not to blame.

 

Instead I took their offer...a free space outside. Nothing fancy, not in the flow of traffic...but I took it. The space is free and yes, I do take the chance of being rained out or a windy day. But I have decided that this dream of mine is too important.

If I don't do this one thing, my creative dreams may be put on hold once again and I'll lose my courage.

 

So I plan on staying the course. I have several more items to create, pricing to do, gift bags to get ready and collage kits to pack. But I am doing this. I am not giving up.

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do."  -Mark Twain

I am a Brave Girl.