Economic uncertainty…but make it cinematic

Backyard double rainbow views

Yesterday a thunderstorm rolled through with sideways rain, howling wind, and lightning cracking across the sky, when a random beam of sunlight lit up the farmland behind our house.

The change in light pulled me off the couch just in time to see a double rainbow dropping into the field while two sandhill cranes casually dinosaur-walked through the grass like they were extras in a prehistoric Pixar movie.

Lately I’ve been trying to pay more attention to moments like this. Tiny reminders that life is still deliciously weird and beautiful, even in the middle of turmoil.

On a personal note, things have been very slow in the art biz. And honestly, I get it. Tattoos, murals, fine art, they’re luxury items when it comes down to it. I don’t need to tell you what groceries and gas cost these days.

I’ve been running my business for over a decade now, and I wish I could say that experience makes the slow seasons feel easier. But truthfully, I’m still out here emotionally surviving on rainbow sightings and crane encounters while trying not to spiral about the possibility of it all crumbling apart.

As a great escape, Aaron and I have been watching a lot of the NBA playoffs. 

In an interview the other night, a reporter asked a star player something along the lines of:

“Your shot’s been off this series. How do you deal with the misses?”

And he just calmly responded:

“I trust the work I’ve put in.”

 Now, sure, having a $26 million salary probably softens the emotional blow of missing shots. But still. That’s a pro mentality.

 So really, what else can I do besides keep showing up, trust the daily work I’ve put in, keep training my mindset, and when things are slow, go outside and play with my friends?

And maybe finally write the newsletter I’ve been avoiding that just plainly says:

Hey. I’ve got capacity right now. If you’ve been sitting on a project, let’s talk.