I am currently recording audiobooks and wanted to reflect on something I think is important for the creative mind. I also want to update everyone that has supported my books and is waiting on the two audiobooks I’m working on. So if your jam is a dose of inspiration and an update, then read on!
It’s been quite the adventure to become a published author. Over the last few years, I have released three books, a workbook, and an audiobook. All this while juggling this crazy journey called life. Since September 26th, 2020 when I announced that I would be releasing my second book, you have been on a whirlwind adventure with me.
- Since that time, we have experienced:
- The emotional aspects of writing a marketing book during a pandemic.
- Navigated supply shortages.
- A hurricane.
- Power outages for weeks.
- A fungus gnat invasion.
- A thumb drive and several hard drives crashing with essential notes.
- Loss of internet for weeks.
- Holiday art commission overwhelm.
- The stress of several large solo art exhibitions.
- Dealing with a leak that destroyed our studio.
- An epic journey to find a house, and we did!
- Moving across the country in a terrifying Uhaul.
- Art studio shutdowns.
- Losing money to a conman.
- Plumbing issues.
- Spending more money than we are comfortable with on repairs.
- Getting used to cold winters and shoveling snow again.
- More plumbing issues.
- Lack of sleep.
- Fatigue from moving, repairs, and stress, while trying to juggle everything.
- Burnout.
- Scrapping 6 hours of audiobook recordings because I sound like a robot.
- And acclimating to our new life.
I know most of this sounds like a terrible time, but honestly, I’m just listing the things that happen in life. In between and even during a lot of this craziness, there was a lot more good. A lot of laughter, overcoming, and persistence to remember that life doesn’t have to be all sunshine and roses to be remarkable. It is what you make it. The truth is, everyone is on their own odyssey and confronting the things that challenge them. However, not everyone gets to share it with fabulous people. And for that, I want to thank you. Thank you for sticking with me on this journey of ups and downs.
I think the most important thing to remember when having our ups and downs is that it is easy to remember things as the cause of unhappiness. This makes the less than great event stand out as an example of what your life is like. In reality, every moment is an opportunity to show yourself what you are capable of. You can either face a challenge with joy and determination, or let it eat you alive. Once you experience that, you show yourself that you are unstoppable. So, you continue moving forward on your journey instead of letting it come to a halt. We will be on the journey for the rest of our lives, so we might as well be the champions that we are.
I now ask that you continue the journey with me a little longer. Unfortunately, I will not be able to release the audiobooks for the marketing book or money book by September 5th as I hoped. As much as I wanted to meet that deadline, it will not work for me. To not experience burnout again (as I promised myself and many of you), I have decided to extend the deadline to the beginning of November 2022. I may get it done earlier, and if that happens, I will make an exciting announcement. However, I am taking my time with this project because I want it to sound conversational like my last audiobook and not like someone trying to rush through a book. Thank you for your continued patience.
This weekend, I will be doing my first book fair, and I am both nervous (silly brain jar) and excited. We also have an extensive art exhibition running right now that has been extended through September. If you happen to be in Oil City, the fair is called: The Annual Oil Region Festival of the Book and will be on Saturday, August 27, 2022 from 10am-2pm. The Festival will be held in the Central Avenue Plaza in Oil City, PA (right outside the Oil City Library!).
We will then be at Graffiti Gallery from 2pm – 6pm, showing our art and doing a giveaway of sorts.
Thank you all so much for your love and support. You have been so supportive. I have received so many comments from you about the books and how much they mean to you. Thank you. In those times when it feels like the shit is hitting the fan, it is inspiring to know that what I share has a place in your heart and mind.
I’m so proud of you for extending your book it takes a lot of courage to do something like that and not push yourself so far that you do get burnt out I’m glad everything else is going well it’s exciting and nerve-racking all at the same time I know that feeling but I’ll continue with my support and hope you have a wonderful day please well she’s one of my favorite people
Awww thank you!!!
Actually, you are successful, have triumphed, and are still alive. Please, always tell me the truth. You are blessed, have family, make friends easily, aren’t afraid of putting yourselves out there, determination, ability to confront disease, plumbing, extended cash problems, got to attend and marry your daughter to an awesome guy! Your art exhibition has been monetarily supported, and on top of all that mega success you got books published and in people’s hands, and even signed them! This is nothing short of awesome considering health problems and getting use to a new environment. Your paths are full of accomplishments. Now, give yourself a break, get off your own back, try not to get beside yourself, all very uncomfortable positions, and take more time in your schedule to have a nap, a night out, a walk around a park, call someone you love. Difficult times, take maturity, everytime you get past a finished project, don’t forget to celebrate your wins, and be thankful. You are nothing short of awesome right? Rafi and Klee, total awesomeness! Love u both
You are so awesome. Please know that. Please know your examples inspires Me to do more and to bigger things. Thank you foe documenting this and sharing it.