Midweek Musings...Bees in My Bonnet.

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As my grandmother would say, I have a "bee in my bonnet."
Maybe a few...

It's been a week and it's only Tuesday.

When I am not working on Evergreen tasks and issues - I teach music - piano and cello, and little people with their mommas in group music classes. I also work as a music therapist, and play cello around town.

On both fronts - music and trees - it seems that lately I am spending most of my time setting limits, politely redirecting accountability, asking for mutual respect, and working to do so with as much grace as I can muster.

Jim and I do quite a bit of work in our respective fields that is gratis, because we so strongly believe in what we do. Some take advantage of our passions.

There is a small faction that can be quick to criticize and demand, promise work that never comes, complain when we ask to be fairly compensated as self-employed individuals, ask us to do less on our products/projects - so they can pay less - regardless of the professional or ethical implications.
As is often the case, donations, subscriptions, work, fair pay are not forthcoming.

Recent mutterings from under the bonnet...

The promise of work is not work.
A pat on the back doesn't pay the bills.
Why co-opt someone's work when you could give them their due?
Don't explain the job to the one doing the job.
And the one that makes me the most salty...
The highest form of disrespect is when you take someone for granted.

On the other hand...

I fully acknowledge that how I am feeling is momentary. A couple days of frustration does not represent our general attitude. Nor does it define the people around us. This is a component that occasionally arises and it often comes in waves.

Maybe the universe thinks I need more practice in remembering how fortunate we are - and that this too shall pass.

We were recently in Moscow at the Idaho Forest Landowners Conference. One of our favorite groups of individuals. Down to earth, intelligent, committed to good stewardship, kind, and welcoming. They do not take my husband for granted. I love that.

We have a wonderful board and work with a group of professional collaborators that are creative and generous with time and resources.

We are part of a large community that is supportive and recognizes Jim's 50 years of contribution and content to the forestry and forest industry world.

Since we have this started our new website platform we are gaining subscribers! Every post a few more of our readers subscribe. We are so thankful for the show of gratitude for what Jim does - and having a dependable income stream helps. We are up to 50 subscribers! I would like to be at 100 subscribers by August.

If you know me, you know I am fierce about my work, my family, and doing the right thing. I am a very good advocate and if you need back up - I will be there.

I go into situations with the expectation of getting along and collaborating. I really enjoy people and building things - ideas, programs, solutions, connections. I see this as how we all become stronger, more successful, more harmonious.

Being me can be a set up for disappointment if I don't keep my balance.

Some call it naïve, some say unrealistic. I say someone has to be that person. There are plenty of the other kind.

If it doesn't work out, change is inevitable.

I am going to go out in the yard now and unleash the bees, watch them fly away. Put my hands in the dirt, smell the green and the spring, celebrate the good, give thanks, and start preparing for the next season of growth.

There is always something to look forward to...
Julia