Sometimes I worry. Don't we all?
And I fret.
Mainly about money.
Lack of.
Fear.
Of the metaphorical poorhouse.
And then I remember Mabel the maple. Who lives with me. A few of you might remember Mabel who technically "died" completely bowled over by a storm, her branches all lopped off for firewood. And then as her trunk was denuded of branches she rose again, she righted herself. And sprouted like a mad thing.
Much like me lately after my fretstorm.
In rapid succession (seriously, in a week!):
One of my stories is being published in an anthology coming out in the fall.
My tigeen is renting out quite nicely.
I was booked for more elder abuse sessions around the island.
Last night I gave a seanachie performance for one of the bigger Canadian magazines. Fingers crossed: a feature.
I sold a great whack of my cards to an inn.
And I was asked to conduct a (paying) writers' workshop in the fall featuring memoir writing.
Lots of little branches.
Just like Mabel.
Like you, I've always fretted about money, always convinced I'll end up penniless. So far of course nothing of the sort, in fact money has flowed in constantly. Glad so many good things are coming your way.
ReplyDeleteNick:
ReplyDeleteIt sure is amazing how something like this can infect our creative cavities, I'm not normally won to worry but this money thing - wow. I won't have big money, ever, but a trickle to put food on the table and gas in the car (we have no public transit where I am)is very much appreciated.
I'm trying to stay in the concept of abundance with all this creativity.
XO
WWW
How great it is for you that you are still being productive. I, too, worry about money and aging......we are currently downsizing as one remedy but don't know if that is enough. Haven't brought in income in years and don't really know if I am capable of doing same anymore. Always learn something inspiring when I stop in here.
ReplyDeletethanks
Jo
You can't keep a good Maple (or a good 'WiseWebWoman') down.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the publication of your story in an anthology, the rentals on the tigeen, and the workshops and elder abuse sessions. I don't think everyone understands how hard it can be for writers and others in the creative realm to cobble together an income.
ReplyDeleteYour bush needs a trim
ReplyDeleteSix items to please you greatly, not a bad haul for a weeks effort.
ReplyDeleteSorry, I should have said that they all came to fruition in the same week, I'm sure that they were all a bit longer than that in their creation.
ReplyDeleteJo:
ReplyDeleteGrowing old is not for sissies, especially impoverished ones but I am so delighted that I am finally doing what I've always wanted to do since I was a wee girl.
And I'm trying to stay in the moment :)and thank you!
XO
WWW
RJA:
ReplyDeleteAwwww, thank you kind sir!
XO
WWW
Linda:
ReplyDeleteThat is so very true, no one gets it except other artists.
XO
WWW
John:
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding me. I'd completely overlooked it, ahem.
XO
WWW
Paul:
ReplyDeleteYes, they had been bubbling for quite a while. And I run short of patience along with life at times.....
XO
WWW
You can't keep nature down. Which is good. And a bad lot for gardeners (cue weeds and blackfly). Not that I mind dandelions. In fact I love dandelions. First you get the flower, brilliant yellow. then they turn and you blow - to make it worse and your neighbours hate you. And thirdly, and why I admire dandelions, their roots - branching out extravagently - are firmly embedded.And they'll come back, unperturbed.
ReplyDeleteAs to money. Well, I don't "fret" as such. Six years ago I fell on hard times. Am still in recovery. But eternal optimism does keep me afloat. Such a pity, WWW, that money is a taboo subject. I could tell stories that would open purses and wallets. And shame some.
Great to hear your good news. Now all I need to do is find my own "Mabel" and try not to fall off my perch.
U
You're up late dear Ursula :).
ReplyDeleteI'm heading off now. Busy day tomorrow. Not good busy, maintenance busy. And civic duty busy.
I've always loved dandelions, the salads from the young ones, the wine when I drank, the sheer toughness of those yellow stalwarts, misclassified as 'weed'.
Us humans are overly fussy.
Are you talking blackmail with the purse opening or sorrow or shame?
XO
WWW
Good for you and Mabel! (Although I'm not sure Mabel hasn't decided to be a bush, in her second incarnation, rather than a tree).
ReplyDeleteYou always inspire me
ReplyDeleteMoney stopped but my needs are simple and no wants at this time.
My last production was 5 years ago when building this cottage.
Now just maintaining but I am probably 10 years or more down the road from.
But at Peace...
SAW:
ReplyDeleteA very tall bush :)
XO
WWW
OWJ:
ReplyDeleteConstant peace - that's my desire....
XO
WWW
I remember the earlier Mabel story very well and it is nice to see her recovered and growing. I am also happy for you that so many good things have been coming your way.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget your beautiful knitting Wise! Your Toques would sell like hotcakes in St Johns!
ReplyDeleteAlso, think about an annuity - I bought one and it is the best financial move I ever made. Between it and OAS CPP and my RIF I can live in comfort forever!!
take care,
Betty
Wow! Good on you and your rising star!
ReplyDeleteNot so little either.
ReplyDeleteEnough to keep you busy and secure a steady supply of bread and water. At least.
Congratulations, you deserve it.
Ramana:
ReplyDeleteDarkness and storms and sunlight, the cycle of an artist's life, yeah?
Nature always inspires.
XO
WWW
BB:
ReplyDeleteYou are much better off financially than me. I don't have anything to RIF, annuitize or clutch to my chest.
But if all comes to all I can sell my house and move to a room somewhere. Always a plan B.
XO
WWW
Molly:
ReplyDeletethank you my friend :)
XO
WWW
Friko:
ReplyDeleteYes, worry gets me nowhere and the scenario is always in the zone of between "worst" and "best".
XO
WWW
Thanks for the tip, WWW. I hadn't thought of blackmail.
ReplyDeleteTrouble is: I am not the type. Not because I lack gumption. What I do lack is malice and the need for revenge. Also, I tend to err on the side of caution. Maybe I've seen too many Miss Marple films: Blackmailers'lives appear to be cut short.
U
Congratulations on all the good fortune flowing into your life. Sounds like you are living a well-lived life, indeed.
ReplyDeleteOr - if your house is paid for you can eventually sell it, buy an annuity with the money which is what I did. I gave Sun Life 165,000 - they are returning it to me @ 1465.00 monthly for THE REST OF MY LIFE no matter how long I live. Add the 1465 to your OAS and CPP and could you not rent a nice house or apartment by the ocean in Nfld? The catch is if I die tomorrow they get to keep the balance in my/their account. They are betting on me dying sooner rather than later and they will probably "win" but what the hell I will be dead anyway. You are too young to do this now but keep it in mind for later. Best financial move I ever made!
ReplyDelete