Slow times are good times...

Ive had a lot to think about over the past few weeks and months. The economy has hit everyone in one way or another and many are quick to see the negatives. They are easy to see... but the harder things to focus on are the positives.

I am convinced this is a hard thing to do because of the way we were all raised. In one way or another we are taught to talk about the bad things in life and only celebrate the really good things, things worth a full day of celebration. But what about the good simple things that we experience every day? Our heath, the love of our dogs, the sun finally setting on the horizon as I am typing this post... okay, maybe some of you out there don't want to see the sun go down but I see it as a good thing! At least it will lower the temperature for a few hours. It crept up to just over 80 today... I could hardly work I was so hot!

But to focus on the good things... these hot days just make me enjoy winter so much more! : )

And focusing on the slow times that our economy has provided us is not necessarily a bad thing. Sure there is less money than what we are used to, maybe some are finding more time on their hands but it doesn't have to be all bad. Everything has its purpose and most times that purpose is provided for our benefit.

Now I don't have the luxury of a whole lot of time this summer but I have been experiencing a shift in my work load that has changed my focus a whole lot. There are things that I have had time for and things that I have not... things Ive put off on the back burner that I only now dared to think about due to our economy.

For example, our merchandise is selling well at the Riverboat and the Yukon Quest (surprisingly well at the Quest!) but not as much as last year. Many retail clients are feeling their sales run a bit slow this year and instead of being upset about it Ive decided to see it as a blessing. I'm not getting the extra time back that I would usually be frantically filling orders, most of that time is going into our rental house, but the shift has led my mind to other more exciting things.

One is reformatting our kennel website and giving it a complete overhaul updating all the pages with some great informational stuff which has led me to actively advertise doing dog sled tours this year, which I have been doing for years but only by word of mouth.

This shift has also got me thinking about my art and where I really want to go with it. I wont go into too many details here but one major idea popped into my head today that was really exciting. I'm sorry I cant spill the beans just yet but I will later as the idea becomes more solid. What it means right now is that I will be putting off any future commission work until 2012 and will be reexamining the idea of opening it up again at that time. I'm uncertain if I will take commissions on again or not, only time will tell. The main reason is the time constraint and these other projects that James and I have in the works. I am confident that if I close a few doors I will open a few big windows onto some great challenging ideas that will make my soul soar!

So after this last commission I am working on now all you will see from me for some time is personal work and any logo designs that I am contracted for. Speaking of which, I just entered in discussion with the Quest for the 2010 shirt/patch/pin design. I will post updates on that very soon as we are already very close to their deadline.

If you are also 'struggling' with the economy remind yourself of all the good you have around you. There is so many wonderful things to focus on, so many wonderful things to see, to explore, to enjoy, that wont cost you a cent. Just today I was out laying on our lawn, spread out on my back looking up at the sky and enjoying that wonderful simple moment. Of course I was interrupted by dogs (my constant companions) and the moment was further expanded and enjoyed by them.

Spock was acting so much like a puppy and he and I shared a few moments reminisce of our cabin days when he was one of few and not one of the many we share our lives with today. Each stage of our lives are so precious, the memories, the good times, even the bad ones... our choice is how we see each moment.

Do you want to want to see the good or the bad? All it takes is a bit of focus...

And here is a wonderful bit for you to practice on!

(Olive is our foster dog who is available from the Fairbanks Animal Shelter and the two foster pups in the video have already been adopted)