Dear Readers:
I have written a post like this one before, but I’m doing a slight retake on it because again, I’m at the precipice of amazing changes in all aspects of my life.
I started listening to Katy Perry’s “Rise” from the day it was released. There are so many lines in this song that are exactly what I’m feeling right now. Bear with me as I quote some…
“When the fire’s at my feet again.”-I have six art shows in the space of three months. A challenge that has left me tired, excited, anxious, and flattered all at once. What is holding me together is drive, creativity, caffeine, good friends, family, and inspiration.
“This is no mistake, no accident.”-When I quit corporate America two years ago, I promised myself that I would do what ever it took to reach my artistic goals. This year, I reached one of them, several times over, by having two demo shows and an upcoming exclusive group show at the AKC Museum of the Dog. I finished my second steampunk novel and am working on the third. I’m working on edits for “The Vampire’s Little Black Book Series”. I’m illustrating a novel for my editor. I’m also doing premlimary work on another film. All this on sheer will; the belief that I can do it. I planned this. I implemented it. I manifested it.
“So I call on my angels. They say, Oh yes of so little faith.” Sometimes shit breaks. There are times that I’m sick of being broke and being on a tight budget. Sometimes I’m sick and just crash. I swear, I have prayed and “faithed” my car into running despite knowing it needs still more repairs. And I just put another few hundred in it again this week. I need to have the ugly cry, I just don’t wallow for too long. Hope lives in me and I believe. It’s too late to return to the same old. I refuse to go back to “how things were”. There is no plan B, because faith carries me through what I am meant to do.
“I won’t just conform.” I have strived to make unique art. Lately, I’ve had a lot of requests for students to intern with me, people to work with me or for me. I’ve turned 99% of them down, and this is why: I often work 10-12 hour days. I haven’t taken a real vacation since 2007. I no longer fit the “office” model. My creative world is my home office. Experience has given me wisdom to say no to flakey people. No to time sucks. No to delays and no shows. That means less time on social media. Sometimes less sleep. I don’t have time to binge watch anything but will nap to recharge. However, the rewards are immense. All of which means…
There will come a time when you will need to stop reaching for the stars and become the star. To step out out of the dark and embrace the spotlight. To stop being the fan and grow your fandom. I’m not saying give up everything, but if you’ve been on the couch all weekend and you “really” want to make changes, it’s time to start. Just start, anywhere, anytime. Middle of the night? Start googling answers to questions you might have about a job or career. Or plan. Set a timeline, deadlines. You can’t go upstairs with out making that first step.
“Don’t doubt it, don’t doubt it.” Never, and I mean never let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. Period. And there will be critics and naysayers in droves. Ignore them. Do not post, do not listen to, and do not see a continual stream of negativity. I’m not saying to live without compassion, but you’re not someone else’s bullshit container. Don’t let crap fester in you. Be kind. Be a friend. You know who your friends are and who deserves your support.
Move on and up.
Simply RISE.
I hope this finds you inspired. If not, enjoy this Olympic version of Rise. https://youtu.be/lFIIMEe2Ht0
As always, thank you for reading.
–Victoria
News, events, and links:
-I have plenty of copies of Strax and the Widow in the Etsy store. To get an inscribed/signed copy, message me through the Etsy store. Books are just $20!!! Please note that the store is now going through a rehab after the summer sale. The store will also be on vacation during the Big River Steampunk Festival.
And Big River is this Labor Day weekend!
A lot of effort has gone into getting some of my best pieces into an upcoming show at the AKC Museum of the Dog in Queeny Park. Please mark your calendars for the opening Thursday, 9/8, 5-7pm.
-Please support me at gofundme/passionateartist!
-THE LADY HAS ARRIVED AT HER DESTINATION-“Strax and the Widow” is on Amazon/Kindle. Please take a peek, enjoy and review on amazon and goodreads! The sequel, “Revenge and Machinery” is here too! My amazon author page link:
amazon.com/author/victorial.szulc
-Like on Facebook-The Countess, Official Fanpage of Victoria L. Szulc
-Follow on Twitter-@TheCountessSP
-YouTube-The SP Countess, link to one of my videos here: https://youtu.be/jEz9QSInhWg
-On Pinterest-Victoria Szulc (nee Schultz)
-Etsy-the Haute Hen.
-Instagram-Steampunkcountess
-Tumblr-thesteampunkcountess
-Fine Art America-store coming soon
