This is not my favorite time of the year, and it is partially because of Christmas and all the expectations that go along with the holidays. It's just an attitude! Maybe it's a "man" thing and probably not too many men will be reading this because when one talks of arts, retreats, and classes, the men usually get put into the background of it all being support to their other half. So if any man is reading this, please send me an email and let me know if you have the same feelings as I do.
There is another reason for these feelings at this time of year, and that is all the things that one has to do in a self employed business. Taxes, year end reports, inventory, updates and just trying to get ready for the new year puts a strain on one's energies.
But there is hope!
We went to visit our daughter and family over Thanksgiving in Viroqua, WI. The town put on a great parade Saturday night. Well, this 3 year old, who was being carried by his mom, kept staring at me. Finally he pointed at me and said, "Hi Santa!" (You know I have a silverish colored beard, anyone who has seen me, anyway) He asked me why I was wearing those gloves. I said, "You know, Santa gets cold once in awhile too." (He probably expected mittens) This little guy had such a wide-eyed, wide grin smile and laugh that we all had to smile too. His mother really laughed with him. Anyway, they finally strolled away, after several finger pointings and smiles and he kept on smiling and waving and joyfully shouted back at me, "Bye Santa." several times as I thought, "Bye, little guy.....bye".
So you see.....A smile with expectations isn't so bad after all, is it?
Keep smiling.....It's just an attitude!
Dan Carlson
During these often cold and snowy winter months in Minnesota - in the northcentral part of the USA - we will be working on new products - and a LONG list of creative projects. Look for some of them to start showing up on our websites before the first flowers peak their way out to say "Good Morning".
