Focus on the Good

Today was just a bad day for dealing with the public. Im not sure people realize how often I have to do that here at work. Some days are spent going to events, emailing people, or doing phone interviews, but other days in my mountains of e-mails I come across the occasional note from a person who is not happy. They aren't necessarily unhappy with me, but rather they dont like something about a magazine or don't want to send artwork. Today I've received a number of "disappointment" e-mails. I totally value people being honest and able to share opinions with me. But when a bunch of negative notes arrive on the same day it gets frustrating.

Still every job has its good and bad, right? So today Im focusing on the good. How big are our artist's hearts? They do enough good in our communities, so when they take the extra time to show me a spot of kindness, I cant tell you how flattered I am.

Really cool things received recently are:

1. Silver (favorite metal) and blue (the trendy color of the season) earrings from Lindalou Richards (http://www.lindaloufunstuff.blogspot.com/). A huge thank you to my mum who fell in love with Lindalou's jewelry first. My mum is big on supporting handmade and while she taught me to spend money on jewelry, she also taught me to take life one day at a time, in order to find inner peace and joy. When Lindalou sent her creations in this book cover with these inscriptions on front, they really spoke to me. It's important to give love in order to get joy or peace.

2. Candace Marquette's (http://www.candypurse.com/) City of Angels bag. This purse is featured in the current Haute (http://www.stampington.com/). While on the phone with Candace one day her words really touched me as she ministered to me at a moment when I needed it. Candace is a true angel.

3. I really love monograms. This initial was a gift from the kind Debi Beard (http://www.shesellsseashells.com/). These letters are actually one of Debi's bestsellers and it hangs on my office wall. Debi's gift is a reminder of continuous generosity, as Debi has dedicated her store and much of her time to supporting local artists. I also think "B" can stand for blessed; a constant reminder of the blessings in every day.

4. A card from Monica (http://www.the-white-bench.blogspot.com/) complete with WISH tickets. I only met Monica recently, working on Haute Handbags, but I've been lucky enough to have her support on so many proejcts (including Home). Her little "just because" cards and e-mails are a great comfort to me. I love the added "wish" sentiment. Sometimes wishing is important. It keeps us mindful of the things we dare imagine. I like to wish for things that seem impossible, but I know are achievable. I believe in hard work. I wouldnt be where I am today, accepting affirmations from talented artists had I not at one time wished and worked and dared to make it come true.

So today's challenge is this: Let's focus on the good, give love, find joy, have peace, wish, and work hard.