Typical of March, we had about three inches of snow day-before-yesterday; most of it is already gone and there are little green thingies coming up through the dead grass. Haven't looked for buds on trees yet, but they're probably swelling. Soon the buzzards and the hummingbirds will be back.
Maybe it's just the spring sap rising, but we're in a frenzy of activity. In addition to getting ready to go to Oklahoma for Easter, we're actually getting FeVa Fotos launched. We've been testing the market with pictures in exhibits, as well as donations of cards to local fundraisers. So far, the response has been favorable ... including purchasing some of the exhibited prints and cards.
Friends and acquaintances in the community have been very helpful and supportive, too, offering ideas on outlets, best practices, strategies and even with material support in terms of some hardware. So, it's time to take the plunge!
We've got about 30 initial images in our stock/portfolio and they cover a range of appeals. When we take a bunch to show someone, the one they ALWAYS pick up first is Sandy's picture of two donkeys! We don't know yet if it's the one Photogrpaher's Edge picked to use in their new catalog (haven't seen the catalog yet), but we know it has wide appeal.
Anyway, getting a shop in Mancos to agree to host a rack of FeVa Fotos spurred us to complete the production process ... complete the names, legends and contact information for the backs ... get business cards ordered and master the procedure of printing on the 7 x 15 card stock we use. The last item has prompted a few bad words to escape from my mouth when the printer refuses to respond in the manner (I thought) it was commanded to, or when two pieces of card stock are in the process of being destroyed by the printer, right before my eyes. But, working together the last two nights, we have an initial stock of pretty nice-looking photo cards ready to offer the public (if I do say so myself!). There's bugs to work out, but at least we've figured out the basics. And we have dozens of other, equally good images buried in our files, waiting to be brought to light again and put in a form to share with others. "Share the Joy!" is our tagline, and we mean it ... both for ourselves and others.
And sharing the joy is part of what the annual Millwood Follies is all about. The 25th annual showcase of local musical talent was held at the Millwood Junction Restaurant Saturday night and it was a LOT of fun. There were about a dozen acts, ranging from bagpipes to classical to folk, along with a silent auction and live auction and a wealth of door prizes, all for the benefit of our new library. We hear they cleared over $5,000! The show started at 7; we got there about 6 and were extremely lucky to get seats! More than five hours later we returned home to let Scooby Doo out. The picture is of our dedicated, hard-work ... and zany ... library staff. TV
So good to be back home in Colorado! We are excited about planning the rest of our lives together. I am so fortunate to have found love and happiness with such a good friend and sweetheart. Thank you to all of you who have sent your good wishes. Whatever your age or situation, be good to one another. Life is a precious gift and we never know if tomorrow will be. Cherish today!
