dreams

photo taken on my road on Tuesday

I've written a dozen posts in my head over the last few days, but it felt important to return with something worthy to say, not just "wow, I'm so busy." Becoming one of Etsy's Featured Sellers brings many things besides more sales. The amount of lovely e-mails, sweet comments, and thoughtful convos has made my heart (and head) swell. You really all came out to cheer me on, and there aren't words enough to thank you. Something interesting came up for me that first day of being perched out there on the precipice of the front page. An exposed and vulnerable feeling mingled with my pride and exhilaration. It reminded me of opening night in the theatre when the curtains parted... and I was center stage. It has been decades since I've had that particular kind of adrenaline rush. I studied theatre very intensely all through my teens. I went to San Francisco School of the Arts (SOTA) for high school. Acting was my life. Seeing my name in bright lights was my ultimate dream. As much as I wanted to be a serious actor, I hoped for stardom, as well. I went through the entire process of auditioning for top theatre schools for college... I even was accepted to my first choice, but the financial aid wasn't sufficient. It was a turning point... a fork in the road. We all have them. I'm sure you can look back and find those pivotal moments in your life, too. The path I took led me away from theatre and to this beautiful life. I definitely don't have regrets, but because some of my closest friends from that time(SOTA) do have their names in lights, I've always wondered what it would feel like. Do you see where this is going? Thank you Etsy! Who would have known that this honor you bestow would awaken such old memories and desires. What a gift to finally feel such incredible recognition for my creativity. That's what we all want. Whether we're artists or writers, nurses or fire fighters, we want our efforts to be appreciated. We all want to see our name in those so called"lights". But I've recently learned that you have to be receptive to the many ways dreams can manifest themselves. You never know when and how they will finally arrive. So stay open. Remain optimistic. Put envy of others' successes aside. Each time I attain another dream, I realize that it doesn't end there. It makes room for new dreams and creates space for more reflection and growth. There's a little message in the clouds above... go ahead and click on it. A little hokey, but authentically so. I'm feeling hokey right now. I'll be back with an old family recipe.