There was a tale written by W. W. Jacobs in 1902 titled The Monkey’s Paw; it’s one of my favorites. The message of the story is, be careful what you wish for because you may just get it. Interestingly, this sentiment goes back as far as 1749, attributed to Goethe. The gist of it is, perhaps what you wish for isn’t really what you want, especially in the literal sense.
When I retired from the day job I thought it would be perfect if I could accumulate wholesale and consignment business to sustain my candle/craft business. I figured it would be easier tending to businesses rather than depending on art/craft shows and festivals. After all, I’m not getting any younger. Setting up a canopy and displaying goods to people who may or may not attend the festivals much less purchase items, is becoming more risky, physically. Oh yeah, Husby and I are still very able to do the shows now, and love to, but we can’t do it forever.
Wholesale and consignment opportunities are what I wished for. Guess what? I just nabbed a new one. I was fortunate enough to be noticed by someone who thought I might be a good addition to a gallery. Did you hear me? A gallery. After encouragement from this person I applied to show my candles in the gallery and the jury decided that yes, Auntie B’s Wax is a nice fit for us.
Today I dropped of my first contribution to the artZ Gallery in Amery, Wisconsin. I’m so honored and proud that the artists who run the gallery thought so much of my candles to include them in their lovely space.
The artZ Gallery in Amery, Wisconsin.
I wished for another brick and mortar venue. I got it, despite my feeling out of my comfort zone pursuing it. A fine art gallery?! I’m glad I wasn’t too careful with my wishful thinking. I feel like I did right by Maude when she said:
“Take a chance. Get hurt even. But play as well as you can. Go team, go! Give me an “L.” Give me an “I.” Give me a “V.” Give me an “E.” L-I-V-E. Live! Otherwise, you got nothing to talk about in the locker room.”
I wished, I lived, and I’m happy to have done so. And I’ll talk about it in the locker room.
Auntie B's Wax 