Thurs. May 24, 2024: Expanding My Network
image courtesy of elpsg via pixabay.comThursday, May 23, 2024
Full Moon
Pluto Retrograde
Hot, humid, chance of thunderstorms
You can read the latest on the garden over on Gratitude and Growth.
Today’s LEGERDEMAIN episode:
Episode 192: Timo’s True Inheritance
Timo needs time to process the news, but Timothy has a few more cards to play.
Yesterday was a busy day, but a really good one.
I was out of the house before 8 AM. It was a beautiful drive to Dalton, even though a bunch of us were stuck behind a school bus (the line of cars was about a half mile long).
Arrived in Dalton early. So I sat outside, at one of the picnic tables, and worked on the poem for Word X Word. I’d gotten my word late the previous night, gotten up, and did a rough draft. Early in the morning, before I left, I did another draft, typed it up, and took it with me. I sat outside the building and did a few more drafts.
I went into the Business Expo as soon as the doors opened, and started making my way around the tables to talk to vendors. There were very few of the same vendors as last year, but a few. I got to catch up with someone I met at the arts grant event last year and hadn’t seen since. I caught up with someone whose card I picked up last year, but I couldn’t remember our conversation, so I hadn’t followed up; she admitted that my card had perplexed her, too! So we laughed and had a real conversation so we’d remember each other. I ran into someone I met last year; we started talking early in the event and I knew I knew him from somewhere, but couldn’t figure out the context. Then, I realized we’d met at last year’s expo! I told him I remembered now. He said yes, he remembered me, too, and had been thinking about me since last year, but since we hadn’t exchanged information, he didn’t know how to track me down. We took care of that!
I made it through two of the three aisles before the first event, which was a marketing presentation. It had some good ideas. I saw my friend from the artist cohort after, and we sat together for the next presentation, on grants. Which was interesting, but some of the information they gave out is counter to my experience, which is always interesting.
Then, it was time for lunch. We ate outside and caught up on life, the universe, and everything. She’s doing such great work! And we’re both excited to attend open studios this coming weekend AND our fellow cohort’s member show next Monday.
Once inside, I went down the final row of vendors and had some more great conversations.
My friend and I attended the final session, which was also good.
All in all, I got about four job leads and a half dozen other future possibilities. I have about 40 follow-up emails to write today. It was a good networking day, and it’s well-timed, since I need to land some more freelance work this summer, due to some big bills. Some are around my mom’s medical issues, some are other things.
The steering wheel was so hot when I got back into the car that I could barely touch it.
The drive home was smooth, too, even with getting stuck behind another school bus in, you got it, Cheshire.
Hauled my big bag of swag and contacts up to the apartment. Changed clothes. Sat down and did another draft of the poem, and sent it out (once you get your word, it has to be turned around within 24 hours).
I’m trying something different here. First, I’m using rhyme, which I hardly ever do. Second, I’m changing the rhyme rhythm within the stanza. 10 lines using two different rhythms running 26 seconds (we have 30). And it tells a complete story, while igniting the next person’s poem with my last word.
Picked up the other bags I packed and reloaded the car. Stopped at Wild Oats to pick up a few things. Went to tarot circle, which was great. Then headed out to a moon circle. It’s the first circle I’ve attended since I moved here, and it was lovely. As we finished, the full moon rose over Mount Greylock, and it was amazing.
Drove home, unpacked the car, hauled everything up the stairs, showered (I was a sticky, sweaty mess), had a glass of wine, and went to bed.
Slept well, in spite of the humidity.
Up early, planning the day. My mom fell this morning, in the apartment. She’s shaken, not hurt. But I’m worried.
Lots to do today: meditation, follow up on yesterday, a light grocery shop (because tomorrow will be a zoo), script coverage. I’d like to get some writing in there, but it might be pushing it.
Have a good one!
