Finding Your Voice

Introducing... River Girl on Real Estate  (tammythrift.com)

A funny thing happened on the way to my river girl retirement dreams, a rogue wave so to speak.  Never saw it coming, but it came none the less.  Life unexpectedly changed, and so did I. 

Rather than brood over plans that must be placed on the 'someday' shelf, I chose to pick myself up and stumble forward.  Again and again, till merciful momentum finally arrived.  (Thank goodness.)

Have you ever been there?  Facing a seismic disappointment, struggling to find the grace to roll with it.  Struggling to figure out the 'so now what?'  Struggling to reclaim your joy.  Struggling with the struggle itself.

One of the sweetest gifts I've experienced was simply writing this blog.  Taking photographs along the journey.  Sharing ordinary moments in my life with people around the world that I've never met.  Taking the risk of being my quirky self, not fearing the judgement of others.  Finding my inner voice, even if I had nothing earth shattering to say.

For several months, I stepped away from writing.  Many have asked, "where have you been, Tam?"  Honestly, I can only say it's been a strange and difficult journey this year.  Mourning the passing of my beloved Maddie dog and learning to navigate life without my best friend.  Embracing an entirely new career path, at a time when most sensible folks would opt to slow down or play more golf.  Accepting that I will become a grandma in January, but I'll nix the rocking chair.  Discovering grey eyebrow hairs.  Accepting that I am 'well seasoned' (vs. aging).  Looking for where I left my Marian-the-librarian reading glasses.  Wondering whatever became of my bucket list.

Enough about me.  Forgive my manners, how have you been?

Odd Duck Confessions

Life sure can be a funny thing.  Plans may change in the blink of an eye.  We might even believe we're taking the right path and then suddenly, bang!  It veers off toward an unforeseen direction.  Is it (yet) another new mountain to climb?  Is it just a plateau?  Perhaps, it's a wide river to cross.

Regardless of the terrain, we're called forth... to grow.  And it isn't easy.

For those who may not know, I've recently embarked on a new career path as a Realtor with a wonderful firm in Williamsburg (see: tammythrift.com).  Yepper, I'm now specializing in fine homes and waterfront properties, with a goal of earning my broker's license.  Immersed in plenty of coursework and research, I'm learning volumes daily.  (Oh, how I'm learning!)

Though I've enjoyed three decades of helping people thrive -- even amid their business upheavals and massive technological changes -- this new role is so much tougher.  I used to be a 'people person' working within the highly analytical crossroads of academia and IT.  Now I feel incredibly awkward and geeky, as I clumsily step into the unknown.  I long to be more approachable and playful, like breezy Chateau Relaxo weekends by the river.  All while working inland, wearing business suits and 'senator shoes' instead of my beloved Topsiders.

Maybe that's the secret to bringing about a warm, hospitable approach.  Perhaps I should begin to visualize that I've invited my clients to spend a casual day by the river with me.  To unwind and simply enjoy themselves.  I'd listen and take good care of them.  Comfortably get to know one other, collaborate, build trust and find that just-right place that will be their happy home.

More than communication, to seek real connection.
It just may work.  

Anything, to help this odd duck learn to confidently swim... and purposefully serve people again.

It's The Journey That Matters

Funny thing, but I 

was recently inspired by a dock.  

More specifically, its sun-bleached deck boards.

Their driftwood color and deep patina captivated me.  

I knew I had to try replicating it with paint.

I also saw a neat-o artifact in the 

Christmas issue of Coastal Living magazine.  

A simple, metal compass rose brought instant character to a beach shack's cedar siding.  

Knew I wanted to paint its form as well.

Thought I'd combine those 

two elements on rough hewn boards.  

Since we've been married for enough
decades, I can comfortably bring 

crazy woodworking ideas to 

my sweet hubby without him batting 

an eye.  He easily interprets my mind's 

vision into expansive canvases of 

reclaimed wooden boards.  

He enjoys the challenge, or so I tell myself.

After layering a trio of thinned chalk paints, the background started to resemble a weathered dock.

A stick of chalk -- like those from school days -- 

lets me quickly sketch and tinker with the design.

A quote from Ernest Hemingway helps express 

what I'm feeling inside.  The compass directions, 

N and W, represent amazing career opportunities.  One is to the North of my home, 

while the other is to the West.

Each are a step of faith into my future.

Barn red seemed like a good accent color.

I like the look of grey with red.  

It's a seasonal departure from my

summery sea glass aquas and river blues.

All is going well this afternoon, until 

news is received of a family member's 

passing.  I put my paintbrush down 

for the day and say a prayer 

in honor of her journey.

Elaine, you will be missed.

Some Days Are...

... stressful  difficult  frustrating  just a sweltering blur.
And only temporary, thank goodness.
So are the difficult seasons in life, even though they tend to linger longer than we'd like...

Today was Africa hot and beyond tiring.

Not at my best creatively... and I knew it.

This normally decisive gal didn't have 

her 'chutzpa' pilot light ignited.

I felt rushed.  Old mindsets tried to creep in.

 

Ever been there?

That's life, to be honest.  Some days are tougher than others.
I'm choosing to take it in stride

and not over analyze it.
Just need to balance my risks with a little more rest.

Admittedly, I look forward to
His mercies anew in the morning.



With a blur-free step toward tomorrow,

I'm going to call it a day... 'night, y'all.