Connect.

Hungry 
Angry 
Lonely 
Tired 

You've heard of H.A.L.T., right? It suggests that if you're irritated, check yourself for one of these 4... They are usually the culprit. Then reach out to someone, take care of yourself, make careful decisions. 

As an entrepreneur, it seems I'm constantly one of these things, so I H.A.L.T. often and adjust accordingly. Being empathetic, we can see that others who seem irritated may be experiencing one of these mood-altering conditions, as well. 

So I can offer to feed you, entertain you, give you a place to rest for a moment, and connect with you. As clients come into the gallery every day, some exclaim at the beautiful energy of the space we've created, while on occasion some snap off judgmental comments about what they see. Every visitor is welcome to take away from the experience exactly what they want. 

But if you stay for a moment, a connection is possible. The artists speak through their art, and we speak through the venue. If you like, we can have a pleasant conversation or share deep observations about life. Some visitors talk to our Corgi, some to my son. Some talk to each other, or to an artist who is visiting. You get the idea.

The most important thing is to connect. Art is about connection. 

I'm reading The Icarus Deception again right now, and according to Seth Godin, "the connection that comes after the art is appreciated lasts far longer than applause ever could and opens the door for you to work to create ever more connection, as opposed to seeking to repeat the evanescent thrill of an ovation."

A gallery by definition is a place to connect with art, but what makes it a positive experience for the artist, the client, and myself is the connection with each other. That is an art in itself and the point of all of this earth dwelling stuff, I think.

The Art of Deception

I'm reading this:

and contemplating this:

and remembering this:

and telling myself this:

OK, GO!

Moms, Monitor the Social Media!

My son is so tired of hearing, 

"No. Just no. Take it down."

I am the tyrant of social media. Not only do sitting on my own posts for 24 hours when I feel a rant coming on, but monitoring my son's posts as well. 

Since the late 90s, when "firing off an email" became all the rage, employees have been fired for what they put on blast. (Check out a blog celebrity who's capitalized on it at dooce.com.) 

I tell my son, 

"Imagine you are posting everything to the HR department of that start-up you want to work for someday."

So feel free to share the panic:

Be happy NOW!

Dear Seventeen-year-old Son,

You're going to blow everyone else away just like you do those who know and love you now, be patient. 

Enjoy your life right now. Be happy. 

When you can, change your world to fit the ideas in your head. They're really good ideas! 

Keep creative, no matter how busy you get. Take a moment of inspiration and plan your entire day around it. 

Trust yourself to find a way to make it work. 

Not everyone has your vision, drive, compassion, and ability to communicate. 

Lots of people will be grateful for your contributions to society. When you meet them, tell them I told you so. 

Love,

Mom

Still Listening to Buffalo Springfield...

Looking forward!

And remembering the good times...