How often do you do something extra? Surprise someone with going beyond what was expected or giving an anonymous gift?
I have been thinking about how I have been introspective since March 2020. All of us have had a lot of stuff happen in the last five years. As I walk the beach I have been thinking about what I have learned and what do I need to work on, still. A friend taught me a new word this past month – Lagniappe. I like to give clients something extra, each time they purchase one of my handmade ceramic pieces. The something extra might be a ceramic ornament or gift tag glazed with our Lake Michigan sand. I might include a small tray or a handmade soap. I want to surprise the client with a little something extra.
A friendship that grew during Covid has taught me to ask more questions before forming an opinion understanding that there is probably a reason why someone is responding in a certain manner. Most likely, it has nothing to do with me.
Another friend has taught me that if I listen to my instincts and then sit with them, I can probably discover an answer that never would have occurred to me if I just made a decision, quickly.
I have learned that causing too many changes in your life at the same time will not have stress-free outcomes. It takes a long time to adjust when you do too much at once. Changing my business model; grieving my mom’s death; dissolving a relationship; packing up a home; and moving to a new home are too much to do all at once; at least they were for me.
The best thing I have done in the past year is to take two trips with good friends and run for a seat on our local school board (and be elected). The trips have helped find an art path that I am excited to be on. Being elected to the school board has provided me with a way to be actively involved in the community. In the first 9 months as a trustee, I have learned a lot about our schools, the students, and staff.
This past week, Craig Underhill, a UK ceramic artist, shared how he can no longer ship his art to the USA due to the tariffs. Craig needs to ship before August 29th or increase his prices to cover the added expense. He decided that rather than risk the loss of income, he would refund the purchases and attempt to re-sell in the UK or EU. I would have loved to purchase a piece of ceramic art from Craig. Hopefully, he can sell the artwork on the other side of the pond. The tariffs will be effecting all parts of our lives in the coming weeks. Let’s make sure we support our local businesses and be ok with living with less.
Lagniappe is a French creole word for doing something extra and unexpected for another person. Can we share a bit more kindness in the world? So what lagniappe have you done for someone this week? I am trying.
Another focused thought is: what if we choose right thoughts and then the right actions every day? What would my world look like? What would yours?
Oh, my art: I am creating abstract paintings on clay relating to our lakeshore. I am having a lot of fun seeing and thinking about natural patterns. After taking the Craig Underhill course, I remembered that I was enthralled with engobes early in my clay life. This course brought me back full circle and I am having so much fun with them.
Take care, C2
