And so, You are 45.
A thick melancholy descended on me along with the grey atmosphere. It started before this number showed up. It’s something akin a midlife slump. That job I wanted, they sent a “no thank you” email. I applied to two more, and nothing from them. Not even an email confirmation they received my resume and cover letter.
My birthday was yesterday. Fun was had, and the only downside was dangerous garlic farts. We tried a new pizza place that originated in, Portland, OR. It’s called MOD, and every pizza is a single pizza that is topped to your specifications. Needless to say, yes, there was a handful of roasted garlic on my; sausage, beef, mushroom, Kalamata olive, bacon, cheese, and double sauce pizza. We had hit the dog park before pizza, after feasting we took our fat bellies home for cake.
I had a good 45th.
Alas, the grey clouds do hover.
I’ve hit my limit at my current job. I’ve realized that I’m itching to dump security to give myself another chance at a fulfilling career. I’ve decided it is time to put the effort into having any kind of job that is art related.
The path to a masters degree is in the process of having the overgrowth cut back. That is the ultimate goal, but getting real connections and more skills will have to come first. Of course there is also the issue of producing more work for my portfolio.
Ideas are piling up, they’ve spilled from my dreams into my gut. Camped out, causing periodic miasma, and being anxious in general, the inspirational plans eventually give way to frustration.
Time truly is decay.
Beginning again, choosing to find a starting point that won’t make me feel helpless. Am I in the middle? Am I nearing the end of something else? Is this line drawn in the sand where I launch myself into the unknown?
That is 45 for me. A big question mark. A blinking arrow pointing at desire. Restless, and ready for anything but more of the same.
Some more pictures to enjoy! Below the pictures is the finalized cover letter for the job that was not meant to be.
This is the actual planned birthday treat I had on the weekend with a friend that came in from out of town. That root beer is perfect for floats. In my opinion anyway. It is super sweet, and kind of intense.
One last photo, of my baby, at our dog park excursion.
North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains contain a rich history of arts and crafts which I truly appreciate. I would like to be more involved with this community by applying for the gallery coordinator position open at (_). The qualifications listed for this job indicate that you need someone with a solid background in both the art world and retail sales. I believe I understand the challenges a gallery such as (_)faces, and I have a unique understanding of how to provide art patrons with a satisfying experience. From inquiry to sale, I am able to meet that expectation with knowledge and enthusiasm.
The employment experiences I’ve had with testing and assembly at a factory prove that I am detail oriented and that I work well under pressure. Precision assembly, while under observation and being questioned by a group of people, taught me to handle multiple tasks at a time. I always worked with the knowledge that avoidance of regulatory fines was the priority, and my performance was so good that my employer gave me a bonus.
As a human being, I’ve had a wonderful time learning and growing wherever I’ve lived or traveled. I am ready to leave the roller coaster life of factory work — the intensity, the overtime, the lack of creativity — and bring my heart to a job where the challenges involve beauty, truth and quality exchange in transactions between artists and patrons. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
I forgot to attach that letter the first time. :-O
