Small Business Owner

As our hopes for moving into phase 2 were crushed over the weekend it is challenging to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Not only for Small Business Owners who are struggling to stay viable, positive and afloat, but for all of us.  Our nation seems to be falling further and further into a toxic game where we are divided into separate teams and determined to crush the other. I wish we could all be on the same team. I don’t know what that looks like, for us to be on the same team, but I do know it would feel so much better if we could all just respect each other and the uncertain situation we find ourselves in. 

As I fight fear and frustration I am reminded that I have much to be thankful for.  Staying positive in a world that is dishing out negativity on a daily basis is no small feat! It’s became a to-do list item for me. Focus on the positive. Because there is positive even in the face of disappointments. There is always something to be thankful for. 

Next week we head into June and we don’t know what it holds at this time. What I do know is that a new edition of SFP News will hit inboxes. If you would like to sign up click this link http://madmimi.com/signups/f92831e48f4c4758a38ad3779e2d9f9b/join

What I’ve Been Doing

I had the most random phone call this week. While I was outside enjoying the sunshine my phone rang with an unfamiliar number. Because my cell # is my business number this happens often and it is usually one of two things. 90% of the time it is a sales call of some sort. 10% of the time it is someone looking for a photographer. I answered the phone with my radar on trying to determine which type of call this would be.  On the other end a woman introduced herself (I don’t remember her name)  I do remember she said she is a Mary Kay consultant. So my mind immediately wondered is she selling or looking for a head shot?

After introducing herself she said she was considering moving to Vancouver and wanted to make some friends, did I live in Vancouver? So now my radar is way up – I have been receiving a ton of scam emails lately – I asked her how she found my number? She said she Googled Vancouver businesses and mine popped up. I cautiously answered that I lived outside of Vancouver. She then asked if I had any recommendations for her? I will pause her to say at this point I’m just so uncertain of this person. It all seems so random and my guard is way up. However, there is a small voice saying “be kind… maybe she’s lonely”. 

I hate being so guarded – 

I answered her question by saying I didn’t know anything about her so I was unsure of what advice to give her? I asked her where she currently lived, which she said is Enumclaw up near Seattle. She wanted to know about the weather etc. I asked her why she was considering Vancouver and she said she had been considering Beaverton and Gresham but then thought maybe she should stay in the same state. As I answered her questions I struggled with knowing if this was sincere or not.  The call only lasted about 5 min. She thanked me for my time and hung up. I immediately questioned if I was friendly enough.  

What I’m Photographing

As I am stuck in Phase 1 I have had the opportunity to bust my camera out for some family moments. This week my Great-Niece Nora turned 1!! She is proudly taking her first steps and has 6 teeth as well as a bit more hair. There is nothing that will lift our spirits more than hanging out with a little one who will flash you the sweetest smiles and laugh at the silliest of things. 

Nora had her first taste of cake at her party and she did not disappoint! She fully experienced her cake from head to toe! As the grownups gathered around her we all enjoyed the show. Check out those arms! Oh my goodness I just love her so much! I am so thankful for our family!

What I’m Reading

Lady Clementine by Marie Benedict

Yep, I’m still reading this book! I am enjoying it I’m just busier lately so I haven’t been reading as much. This book is written from Lady Clementine’s perspective as the wife of Winston Churchill. She shares insight of what it was like to be his wife. I dare say you wouldn’t want to be married to him, I certainly wouldn’t! But I’m not sure if I blame her – she doted on him and ignored her own children- or if I blame him. I really don’t see her as the victim but I can’t imagine making sure my husbands baths (Winston took two daily) were the precise temperature and drawn at the precise time of day. That his 6 toothbrushes were laid out precisely and his newspapers were all ironed and folded to his specifications!  I’m not sure who looks worse in this book. Him for his demands, or her for accommodating them. 

I have just ordered 3 more books from Amazon. They are to arrive today. It’s not that my to-read shelf is empty, it’s just not full. 😉 

Take care friends!

Shelly