Take a deep breath and do that crazy thing
that just popped into your head!
Go on, you can do it!!

– Patty Eskridge

How Many Times?

How many times have you said, “I wish I had had the courage to _______.”?

At the time, you may have thought you weren’t good enough, or that it was a stupid idea, or that people would think you were stupid if you did it, and so you didn’t do it.

Now, you look back and see what others have done, and you think that you could do that too. But do you?

My question to you is, “What’s the worst thing that could happen if you did do that crazy thing?”

The First Time

When I received my complimentary copy of ART Journaling in the mail, it just seemed so surreal. How did I get here, in this magazine? 

I used to be an elementary school teacher and now there was an article about my art journey and photos of my art inside a real magazine. 

I’ll tell you how I got here – I just followed the guidelines in the back of the magazine and submitted my art journal. It was that simple. 

Barnes & Noble

A couple of weeks after I got my complimentary issue, I had a really crazy idea. Hmmm, wouldn’t it be a cool thing if I went to Barnes and Noble and said something like, “Hey, this is me in this magazine! Would you like to have me come and promote the magazine?” 

Now you might think that takes a lot of courage. Sure, I guess, but I believed in myself.

After running the idea by my daughter (who agreed it was a great idea), I DID go to Barnes and Noble and talked with the manager, who not only liked it, but said I could hang some of my artwork in their café for two months as well. Whut??!!!

Selfies, Yes Please!

So, a little meet and greet happened on Saturday, November 3^rd, 2018, and it was so much better than my wildest dreams could have imagined it! 

Instead of a table at the door, which I was originally the teeniest bit disappointed I couldn’t have, I got to sit at a corner table in the café! And for 4 hours, it turned into the best time with my friends and family coming to see my art hanging on the wall, to take selfies, and just sit and chat.

I sold four art pieces that day; and just the fact that I could walk in there, (which I did on numerous occasions during those 2 months), to see my art on the wall and my business cards on the counter, made me feel so accomplished. 

That’s NOT a Stupid Idea!

You know B&N could have said, “No way, that’s a stupid idea, you’re a nobody, we’re not interested!” and if they had, oh well, it doesn’t hurt to ask – BUT THEY DIDN’T!!!!!!!!!!!!

And that’s my point – you never know until you ask, or try that crazy thing.

Go ahead, you CAN do it!!

And let me know, so I can cheer you on!!

Make Some Art People!