As I may have mentioned earlier, I work in the publishing field, have done so for the past 20+ years.
I am now working independently, which has many perks (I make my own hours) and not-so-perks (wondering when the paycheck will arrive).
In the publishing world, the months of April through July can be...shall we say...stressful.
Think of an accountant during tax season. They tend to walk around with their eyes glazed over, numbers flying around in their heads, not sure how much sleep they got the night before.
I, too, am a walking zombie these days. Crushing deadlines, authors who can't follow simple instructions, the sinking feeling that you're not going to make it.
These days I feel like an old terrycloth rag that's seen just a few too many shoes without being washed.
Despite this, I am still working on my bootblack training.
Earlier this month, I attended a Bootblack Breakout at Grove Lane Studios in Maryland. Just a handful of bootblacks and mentors showing us the ropes. Or laces. :-)
Then last weekend I went to the NDD/s Boot Camp VI in Darlington, Maryland, for a leather care class with the amazing Amelia Chan.
Next week I'm doing a private bootblacking session with an old and dear friend. Should be fun. And hopefully I will get some pictures.
Meanwhile, I have an essay to write for an online course, which I will talk about in future.
I will end this by saying that during the past month, I have become ever more certain that this is the direction I want to go in. And I am grateful to have some clarity in a world that often seems so confusing and vague.
