Sold a painting on Thanksgiving day

A client picked up her painting on Thanksgiving day. There is always a certain amount of worry involved in this. Will she like it? Will the colors suit her, etc.? When you paint for someone else who has a definite idea about what they want, you wonder if you have fulfilled their expectations.

Writing for a client is the same. Even when you know your "treatment" has been accepted, and you think you know exactly what the client wants, you never really do. There are always preconceived ideas and expectations that go unsaid until the product is in print for all to discuss and dissect.

Shopping for a house is the same. I read the ads and my mind conjures up a charming home with bright, light-filled rooms. When I tour the actual residence, I'm shocked that it doesn't live up to its description (or my expectations). The mind is a wonderful tool, but its influenced by emotion, perspective, and our own personal agenda.

When my friend expressed her excitement and pleasure over the painting, and exchanged her check for my "baby," I breathed a sigh of relief and counted my blessings.