The fact that I’ve been mostly reticent
about myself was entirely unintentional. In trying to be as professional as I
can I’ve deprived you of knowledge about my aspirations. However, I do want you
to know where I’m coming from in terms of my personal and work background,
where I have lived and traveled and what I want and expect to achieve with my
work on castles. I’ve never really thought much about my station in life
because my priority has always been following my interests, desires and needs. God
has been gracious to me and helped me (along with my parents) in achieving my
goals and aspirations. No one could ever rightfully accuse me of being high maintenance. Economical in every
sense of the word is not only my highest priority on a day to day basis, it has
practically become my motto. It’s all too obvious what my excesses are from my
writing so this will not be news to you. My main overindulgence is education,
knowledge and, above all, truth and honesty in dealings and communication.
If someone asked me, “What’s with all the
writing?” I’d probably only laugh again. I’ve been writing longer than my
so-called obsession with castles and has become such a part of me that- to
think of myself as something other than a writer- I’d probably just say I’m a
poet. I started my writing career with poetry as a child. Further I’d say that
I’m a poet first, even if the number of my poems pale in comparison to all my
other writing. When did I start singing? My mother told me that I sang back to
her from the crib! People used to stop my mother in church and remark that
they’d never heard a baby sing before. Eventually, Mom took me to a
professional vocal coach who wanted me to try for a scholarship to C.U. for
operatic training. Somehow I couldn’t visualize myself in that scenario and
there are times that I regret not taking that more seriously. I felt that my
voice talent belonged in the church because it was God-given. I never had to struggle
with my vocal talent and have always enjoyed singing. Playing the flute was
practically the same thing. I only wanted to play for the Lord. I may need an
attitude adjustment for that someday but for now I’m happy with singing
occasionally here and there, mostly at church and definitely to the Glory of
God.
Being a business owner is quite a high
ride even as a small business! It is very demanding of time but there is no
better confidence builder. If one does not become a millionaire at the end of
it then there is the prestige of such experience which is not generally
overlooked by potential employers. The responsibility is enormous and will take
every bit of your energy. Your work ethic becomes top priority because you don’t
make it unless you rise to the occasion. From 1990 to 1997 my salon survived
two locations and a growing retail business and eventually tanning. The latter
was not an asset but I learned something about the business that I didn’t know
before I added it. I’m convinced that my expertise in nails (which I had
already acquired before I started the salon) made all the difference in my
success. Interestingly, when I decided to close my salon and move operations to
my mother’s full service home salon, it wasn’t that difficult to give it up.
I’d learned what I needed to learn from that period of my life and wanted to
move on.
After that, I knew that whatever I decided
to do from here on should be a dream maker because I am convinced that if I
apply all the things I’ve learned through the years- the work ethic, following
desires, being confident, using energy well- the effort of all that will impart
more success. To me, success isn’t just about making a million (or more) dollars,
it’s about making dreams a reality. It isn’t a game, it’s real life and a real
possibility. Success isn’t a competition, it’s arriving at the destination you
wanted. It’s finding out that what you wanted is worth your time, toil and
care. Success, for me, is an intrinsic value and an extrinsic one as well.
Whoever said, “Nothing succeeds like success,” was not being facetious- he knew
what he was talking about. I know what it is to be a success, the kind which is
worth its name.
Finally, in conclusion, my hope is that
you understand me a little better and know that I’m as down-to-earth as anyone
else. My castles are real, not in the air! I know what it is to turn around
after a big monetary windfall and put 90% of it back in for the next project or
keeping the business afloat. I’ve put in seventeen years of dedicated work for
a dream, which as of today, has not yet made one dime for me. However, I
believe in the worth of the work- it couldn’t remain a fantasy that long and
survive in my world! I believe it was Flaubert who said, “I beg you to believe
that if it didn’t amuse me to paint, I wouldn’t do it.” There’s the love part.
It’s the true key to success.
Honestly,
The Castle Lady
