In mid-July I sent a Letter of Agreement to an antique shop in Litchfield County. If the owner signs it, I’ll be displaying my pillows and wall hangings there for a trunk show in late October.

I’m still waiting.

My mind is already busy with plans and preparations.

Should I begin the process before I know for sure? Should I ask my friend who lives in that area about spending the night at her place? Should I hire a seamstress before receiving a firm ‘yes?’

I mentioned my doubts to members of my advisory board. “How can I write (a newsletter) about everything I want to do to get ready – my process – when I don’t have a firm commitment?” I asked. “I’m afraid to jinx the deal.”

“This IS the process,” one reminded me.

Oh, yeah.

Deep breath…

How does one – how do I – move forward when there’s not a guarantee?

Another member of my board reminded me, “His October is light years away. He’s absorbed in the day-to-day duties of running a shop during prime tourist season.

For you, as an artist needing to plan, October feels like tomorrow.”

Again, right.

I’m grateful that I have a team to remind me of all this.

My pillows are tucked away in moth-proof cotton bags. Before they can be displayed in Connecticut, they’ll need to be pulled out, counted, measured and matched with backing fabric to be transformed into zippered pillow covers. 

I plan to photograph each one and create a visual inventory and price list.

For these activities, I will hire an assistant to get on a ladder and pull down the bundles. I asked the Lantern Hill Wellness Director if she knew any high school girls (her rising-senior son is on the wait staff here) interested in art. She put me in touch with a young woman who fits that description.

Since moving here I was introduced to a seamstress, a former costumer at Paper Mill Playhouse, who sews for several residents. She’s already done one project for me and would be the perfect person to assist me with this. At lunch in the courtyard the other day, I saw Maureen carrying plastic-wrapped garments on hangers. I called out to her and mentioned the potential assignment.

“Just give me a lot of lead time,” she willingly responded. I will have the goods to her by mid-August allowing more than two months for completion.

Since the shop is a few hours away from New Jersey, I would stay in the area the night before. A good friend has a beautiful home about 30 minutes from the venue. I will reach out to her soon since October is prime leaf-peeping season and others may want to visit then.

With the support and encouragement of my team (I don’t do any of this alone) I will not wait for certainty to begin this work.

The trunk show may or may not happen. But I will get thoroughly organized. I’ll enjoy visiting old ‘friends’ that have been resting on the shelf. I’ll support talented people and reconnect with others. I’ll be an artist who is ready for whatever opportunity may arise.

This is an act of faith – not that my preparation will make the event happen, but that my effort matters no matter what.

Years ago I heard Earl Nightingale say, “Luck is what happens when preparedness meets opportunity.”

Throughout my long career, the more prepared I’ve been, the luckier I’ve gotten.