As the week took shape in preparation for the ribbon cutting and first anniversary of my studio, many things were on my mind. On my ever growing list of concerns were, will I fall of the ladder when I climb up 13 ft to change the lights, will the ever expanding tangle of supplies on my work area actually fit back in the drawers from which they came, what to serve, do I have time to make it myself or should I cater, what and were to advertise and how much to spend. Not to mention, if I was violating some, “mom code” by using the painting of my daughter as the image in the advertizing, causing immeasurable embarrassment. As I systematically work through the list, sweeping mopping, cleaning, designing and ordering the ad, picking up new printing of business cards, changing the announcement on the sandwich board outside in colorful chalk, loading the bubble machine with enough batteries to power a small village I wonder if I should take a lunch break. Not so hungry I think, and continue scrubbing the windows that have been adorned by the little tots as the line up to the summer movie. Thirsty, hot and sticky I turn down the thermostat and pour a giant bottle of water from the tap – city water, yuck, but I sit down and gulp about a liter and take a deep breath before I go on. Looking around taking pleasure in my accomplishments I relax, lock up the shop and run an errand and get a refreshing ice tea. Returning to the studio with more supplies, I begin my brisk walk around the square personally inviting area merchants leaving a reminder card with details of the event. As I approach them they smile and said they just received a call from the chamber reminding them, and thank me for the gesture of coming by. Satisfied with where I am on my unwritten list of things to do, I head home.
On the short drive home, other things clouded my thoughts like do I really want to make dinner tonight, I know I should, but, is it worth it when it involves two hours of preparation , cooking , clean up only to scarf it down in twenty minutes? This dilemma was solved by my ever supportive husband who, without waiting for me to verbalize this, says, “ Hey, how about I take you out for dinner?” Upon hearing this, my heart flutters, for he, truly is my hero. The relaxing thirty minute ride was a nice opportunity to down shift my thought process and renew the spirit. We visit about how wonderful our kids have matured now that the youngest has graduated and discuss our upcoming vacation plans. We enjoy a good meal and many laughs when we notice some of the mannerisms of the other patrons. We return to the comfort of our home and PJs and the soft glow of the TV as we cuddle a few minutes before the dog needs to go out. While he does his thing, I change out the laundry, start the dishwasher and wash the shirt I plan to wear for the event- making a note to myself, don’t forget to hang dry. I sit back down in cuddle position, making a grocery list in my head to make the chocolate covered strawberries, pinwheels and the other things to accompany the table for open house. I hope the three tier desert tray I have had in the back of my mind for the event is still at the local antique, just another $12, but its just right for my tiny little shop with limited space. The four china plates we picked up at an antique shop several years ago would be perfect on it. I take a refreshing long deep breath at the end of the day and go to bed knowing ive done enough for one day. I drift off to sleep dreaming of having time to paint again, but it will have to wait till next week- silly but true. To do what you love, there are other things that must be addressed.
Another day passes, much like the one before with the details of life, with the exception of taking time to enjoy the evening with my husband and an epic movie- Troy. Three hours later I decide to make my chocolate covered strawberries. The pinwheels will have to wait till the morning.
After morning coffee I commence to cutting fresh jalapeño, roasted red pepper and mixing it with cream cheese and spices and assemble it in a tortilla rolled to be chilled before cutting. When I emerge from my shower, and cut the pinwheels and place in on a platter my husband passes by with his coffee cup and gives one a taste, where upon he says- hey that’s pretty good. What is in it? I tell him, and he responds by saying, “what, no bacon?” Of all the things on my mind this week, I have to laugh at the simplicity. Bacon!
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