i feel like i've been doing nothing but leaping these past few months (or, really, years). am spending more money today (on credit) to purchase mats, frames and prints for my upcoming art shows in june. am not sure if i'm over-doing it or not. i probably am. but it takes at least two weeks lead time to get mats special ordered and i really do not want to be left with low inventory. (i guess this is my optimism sneaking through - that i'll actually sell everything i have.) worst case scenario, i'll be prepped for the next few years. best case, i'll still sell out and will be thrilled.

i'd like to have other outlets for my photos, too. right now i'm relying solely on art shows (which are really street fests) and am unsure how successful they'll be. and if it rains, i'm screwed. right now i have so much invested in it, including the tent and all of that "extra" stuff you need for shows, that i can hardly back out. not that i want to. i'm all in now. and in a way that's cool. and in a way that scares me to death.

i feel like it's the lull before the storm. i've been gearing up for my first art show ever at an art/music fest here in chicago, scrambling to get everything coordinated and done in time. of course i have no idea what i'm doing. i found an online art show forum thru yahoo (thank GOD!) that's offered some helpful suggestions and insights. however i still feel like i'm winging it. and right now i have a lot of it done - but still a lot to do - and although i know i'm moving forward, i also feel like i'm standing still. is a very strange feeling. it's like i've already leaped (which i've done with the first push of the "buy" button when i ordered a mass amount of photos, mats and frames) but i haven't quite landed yet. i'm waiting for the other shoe to drop.

i'm hoping that my first art show will be the andersonville midsommer fest on june 14 and 15. it's right in my neighborhood, which is nice for a first show, and am sure will be lots of fun. however i turned my application in right at the deadline - i actually drove it over there and slipped in into their mail slot - so am unsure whether i got it there in time or they even received it! haven't heard a word yet. hopefully will know something soon.

although i didn't receive direct confirmation from the custer's last stand art show in evanston (on june 21 and 22), they did cash my check which i take as an acceptance. so that may be my first show.

i haven't registered for any others yet however have two in july and one or two in august and one in september that i'd like to do. in a way, i'd like to do one show first to see how it goes (how i like it, how much sells, whether it's worth it) before i commit to the others. but the thing is, i have all this inventory now that it's like i HAVE to do these shows or lose out. am sure it'll all work out. is just a bit like being in limbo at the moment.