I have my share of bad habits. I procrastinate. I forget to write thank-you notes. I get behind on housework. The list goes on.
I also have my share of good habits. I am superb at dreaming up things I want to accomplish someday. Sometimes I am good at hitting “Reply“.
My husband and I have been Durham Bulls baseball fans for years. We love relaxing at games, taking in the summer sky, sharing a bag of peanuts, and people-watching.
The Bulls have regularly scheduled games called “Bark in the Park”. These are special games when fans can bring their dogs to the game. It’s a big deal, and a fun time, and it’s doggie-watching at its finest. Every year I say, “someday I’m going to do something with my dog portraits at Bark in the Park!” My husband smiles and nods … he knows it might just happen.
In January of this year, I received an email that said the Bulls were expanding to 5 Bark in the Park games! It grows every year! Without even thinking about it, I hit “Reply“, and quickly typed an email telling some unknown recipient that I would like to participate this year. Maybe an ad, or a tiny mention, or pass out my business cards. I didn’t know what, and I didn’t really care how big, but I wanted to play!
“Okay”, he said. I’ve forwarded your email to the appropriate person. She’ll be in touch.
From there, the communications evolved. Yes, they’d love to meet with me. Would I like to bring my artwork to a table at Bark in the Park? Would I like to create a portrait of Wool E.Bull, America’s most beloved minor league mascot, to benefit Second Chance Pet Adoptions? Well, yes I would! Would I, in-fact, like to create 5 Wool E. Bull portraits, one to auction off at each Bark in the Park game? Well … yes, I would like to do that, too!
Suddenly I had tickets and parking passes to the game, an opportunity to bring and share my artwork, the opportunity to bring my portrait of Wool E. Bull to be auctioned off in a stadium that holds 10,000 people. Suddenly I had an opportunity to meet new colleagues and potential clients along the way, and my little Wool E. portrait would be up on the humongous outfield screen. It just kept getting better and better. My heart got fuller and fuller.
The first Bark in the Park game was last night. It was incredibly fun. My husband, and my friend Shannon, who is also an artist, both came with wonderful help and support. I met tons of people. I had a ball park pretzel, and wine, and ice cream for supper. Shannon snapped this picture. I’ll smile when I see it for a long, long, time.
The folks that stopped by my table probably will never know that they fed me last night … not in ice cream and pretzels, but they fed my spirit. They fed my creativity, and my yearning to do my work in the world. They brought their sweet dogs by and shared their stories with us. We talked about dogs, and art, and lions. For all of this and more, I am grateful.
After today’s yoga, a warm latte, and a good hike, it’s time to get back to my workbench. I have lots of work to do.
I’m guessing you have some good habits too. Light ’em up! Do your good … go ahead and hit “Reply“, and see what happens.
Take special good care ~
Love,
You can see more of my artwork at JaneBarefootRochelle.com … and see Shannon’s artwork at BoldMovesStudio.com