My Faith Was Bigger

"We looked in the budget, and unfortunately, we can't afford you. Your position is going to be part time."

I heard those words just a few short months ago. 
I didn't freak out. I reached out to my support system.
Three days later I landed a great contract for some freelance work.

Two months later I would hear, "We looked back in the budget, and unfortunately, this is not going to work." 
I was let go, through no fault of my own. 

I didn't freak out. Instead, I prayed. 
I also reached out to my support system - again. This time, my community, my home town, responded in the most positive way. The universe heard me.

And I stood strong.

That's the biggest difference this go around. I had been here before. Except this time, I did not have a safety net of a husband. It's just me. I have stood tall, and done quite well for myself. 

With that being said, I have some GREAT news. One of the jobs I interviewed for just came through today. I am now going to be the Executive Director for a local historical house museum! This is incredible news and I am thrilled beyond belief. 

Not only is it a wonderful challenge for me personally, but professionally, it is the most logical next step in my journey. I've made a commitment to sit in this role for 24 months. I know I can do this, and I am prepared to really take this specific place to the next level. (I'll share specifics later!)

It's funny how intuitively, I knew to just stay calm. Sure, I got a little discouraged from time to time. I would often joke with my roomie about having to pack up and move home in a few months.. but that is not going to happen. The best part? I plan to continue to grow my consulting and freelance writing business. I'll continue to work hard with other organizations, and help all of us grow - for as long as I can.

October. Oh sweet, precious October. You always bring me the good stuff. 

And as always, another door closed in my face, because something bigger and better was just around the corner waiting on me.

Wow. 
Life really is an amazing journey.

 

Finding the Magic Within

I am sitting here staring at the computer screen. There are so many thoughts racing through my mind, I simply had to sit down and sort it all out in a post. Most of them are super positive, and that's always a good thing. 

I was perusing Pinterest as I was drinking my Sunday morning coffee, and I came across this quote - "Believe in your own magic." It struck a cord with me. 

I realize that this blog is simply a place for me to come and sort out what is in my head. One day is good, and I share those triumphs with the world. We celebrate the successes and then I am armed with some verbal validation and I thrust myself out into the world and try to make things happen. Then there are the days that are a little harder than others. I come here, share my pain and confusion, receive the honest and healing feedback, then I gain the confidence I need to head back out and try, try again.

Writing is incredibly therapeutic. 

But somewhere.. in all of this good/bad, positive/negative, triumphs/failures... I have created a little something. I have built my character, and I have come to actually believe in my own magic. There is something special about me, as there is with each of you. Each and every one of us have an incredible gift that was bestowed on us (in my opinion, from God,) and it is our duty to recognize that light and share that with the world.

I look around at the people in my life right now. Let's take my roomie for example. Lynn has an incredible gift for making people feel comfortable. She is very maternal and compassionate, and it is a natural reaction for her to soften blows, shield you from a storm, and help you sort through your thoughts. She has a way of delivering bad news that helps you accept it more easily. That song from Mary Poppins comes to mind, "A Spoon Full of Sugar.."

Then I think about my old friend, Telisa. (Old as in.. we've been friends for a LONG time.) Telisa has this uncanny ability to help you shake things off. She has this wanderlust and zest for life, and honestly reminds me of a port in the storm. She is a strong person, larger than life (literally - she's a very tall girl,) and I get this visual of a warrior blocking the winds and rain from hitting the ones she loves. 

I think about some of my newer friends, Stephanie, for example. Stephanie is another force to be reckoned with. A woman who will dig her heels in, rationally look at a situation, and sort out all of the variables before making her move. I think of a champion chess player. 

I can use my mom as an example. She is a ferocious lioness. She protects her interests and is passionate about what she believes in (which happens to be the arts.) She knows what needs to happen, and she has a "take no prisoners" sort of attitude.

Each of these women have a light inside of them, as do you, and a specific innate ability. I could list out every single person I know and share with you what I think their "magic" is. Notice I did not attribute anything to whether they had great relationships, or what they did for a living. Those are just details and add to what draws you to them. What I am talking about is that fire within. That light that shines so brightly that you are drawn to them, and you seek out that "thing" and try to take some of that with you. When I leave Lynn, I feel calmer. When I leave Telisa, I feel safer. When I leave Stephanie, I feel more focused. When I leave my mom, I feel  stronger. Each of you have this magic inside of you.

What is your magic?

Life & Its Little Disasters

Needless to say, I made it thru September to one of my favorite months in the year - October. Appropriately, it has been a completely glorious fall weekend. 

I made a point to order a Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks. I consumed 1/2 a bag of candied corn. I ate a Pumpkin Spice donut from Krispey Kreme. I ordered a Pumpkin Pie Blizzard from Dairy Queen. I've even consumed a bowl of chili. (not all in one weekend, mind you!)

Now.. I have to be honest. The weather is in the mid 80s, with super sunny skies... yeah.. I know.. It's the thought that counts. 

While I am steadily packing on the poundage with nutmeg laced calories, I have been trying to regroup a little - both personally and professionally. I hit a lull, and let's be honest, got thrown a curve ball for the 5 bazillionth time, but I'm calm, I'm focused, and honestly, I had a pretty good week. Besides my museum job coming to a close, and the chipping of a temporary crown, September wasn't entirely bad. I've been holding out on the highlights... 

Here they are:

So I took a pottery class for the entire month of September. This is Meg Campbell. She is well known for her incredible clay work & pottery. I guess if you FINALLY get a chance to scratch off one of your bucket list items, you should make sure you learn from the best! Want to learn more about her? Just click here: http://meghogancampbell.com/index.html

I spent a delightful lunch time at Ocmulgee Traders in Downtown Macon. In typical Macon form, I went to have lunch alone and ended up sitting with the owner, two friends, and two new acquaintances. THIS is what it is like to work and live in or near downtown. You always bump into someone you know!

This weekend was the One City Art Festival in Macon. I actually went alone, and of course, in each venue I ran into people I know and adore. Here is one of the gallery/studio spaces at the Contemporary Arts Exchange.

Wine Club - aka weekly therapy - is going well! If it weren't for Brent and I becoming "friends" - our little group would have never formed. Here is a shot from one of our evenings!

One of my favorite people in Macon got married last weekend. About two weeks before her wedding, we threw a little shower for her at our friend Molly's home. Here is Molly's setting the table!

So I had a creme brulee at Lemongrass one day. I sure did. I had to share the photo.

Here are four of my friends from Stephanie's wedding. Jonathon, Stacey, Molly, and Derek.

One of the delicious items served at Stephanie's shower.

Wine Club at our friend Brent's house. Here is Molly hanging out, as Brent drinks wine and strums the guitar for us.

One of the best little lunch places in Macon has "reinvented" itself and is now called - Grow. Appropriate, because every thing is farm to table and locally sourced. I got a little snack spread with some friends.

I got the chance to witness one of the Macon Pops concerts at the Macon City Auditorium. I am so excited, my article in Macon Magazine should be on the stands tomorrow about the next concert!

Sometimes a girl just needs a good drink. The mixologist at Dovetail introduced me to the "Eye Opener." How cool is this restaurant? Well.. Southern Living made a point to feature it! See the article here:  http://thedailysouth.southernliving.com/2013/10/23/where-to-drink-now-dovetail-in-macon/

One of the fantastic pop up galleries during the One City Art Festival. Here you see my friend Eric O'Dell's work. He is being interviewed in the window of the gallery. Yes - these are paintings.. not photos.. want to see more? Click HERE: http://ericodell.net/home.html

It's football season and yes, I live in the part of the world where college football (SEC) is king. Got invited to my friend, Bill & Scott's home for a UGA game party.

Was so glad to see my friend Lisa (from down on the coast,) make it back home for a visit. We met up for lunch.

Another shot of the bridal shower at my friend Molly's home.

This is the Hay House - where the wedding took place. It's a beautiful historic home here in Macon,

More goodies at the bridal shower

Need I say more?

Our friend Shane from high school recently opened a pizza shop in downtown Macon. Good stuff!

I have tried many a brunch spot in downtown Macon - NOTHING beats Lemongrass's bottomless mimosas and the Charleston Nasty. This is a piece of fried chicken on a buttermilk biscuit with Kerry Gold White Cheddar and smothered in sausage gravy. Word.

Me & Stephanie at her bridal shower at Molly's home.

Thai Spring Rolls at Lemongrass. Lord. Have. Mercy.

My friend Bill & I at his GEORGIA BULLDAWG party

Lynn & Bill

One of my master pieces. lol

Hanging out late at night at Doughboy Pizza in downtown with Derek and Molly

Brunch at Lemongrass with Stacey, Jeff, and Angel

The beautiful bride at her shower

Stacie, Angel & I at the reception at Stephanie's wedding

Bulldawg time

Me before the wedding - all dolled up!

Molly's home for the shower

I sure do miss living in Birmingham sometimes....

We call it a power lunch. lol Hanging out at Grow with one of the best attorney's in town - Dallas, and PR Darling Molly.

Wine club - Lynn, Me, and Brent. We refer to him as Brenty

Wedding reception at the Hay House. Me, Stacey & Molly

INCREDIBLE concert

Go Dawgs! - And Football food.

 Needless to say - life could be worse. ;-) I'm hanging in there, I feel good, and I think October is going to bring really GOOD things in my life. I feel it. Just like the leaves are changing, and the sun is setting just a little earlier... it's time to transition into another adventure!