01.06.07

We often declare that we suffered from perfectionism while we were drinking. This did not mean that we did things perfectly or always met high standards. More likely, it meant that we had grandiose ideas of the perfect people we wanted to be, but felt deep inadequacy about our failure to meet these high standards. ~Walk in Dry Places

I will tell you I definitely did not have any feelings of inadequacy last night.

When I reached the gallery the area was in a brown out, only receiving 50% power. The gallery lights were dim and there were candles in the windows. It was a perfect look. So when the power was restored we lowered the lights and left the candles burning.

People started arriving and I schmoozed and then more and more people came and I was on high schmooze alert. With my voice destroyed by the laryngitis it was tough, but maybe it added to my mystique. The gallery was full and loud and the energy was high. Dan (the gallery owner) and Nancy (his assistant) were, at one point, not able to write up sales fast enough. People were actually standing in line with their credit cards waiting. Old friends, dear friends, AA friends, famous artists, my ear surgeon, collectors and lots more people came. It was very empowering for me. I was able at one point to stop and close my eyes and feel that gratitude for what was happening and where I was.

Sojo, and her friend, Sue, both from El Paso, TX were there. What a pleasure to meet them. Sojo and I have corresponded a bit and her face was bright and happy. I will be shipping a piece to her at the end of the month!

At about 9:45 the last of the visitors left and Dan and I sat, he had a cigarette and I had a diet Coke. He was flabbergasted. I had sold 24 of the 47 pieces in the show. My back was a bit tired and my throat was exhausted, but the high I felt was astonishing. I felt so fulfilled. In the past I had envisioned how things in my life would unfold, and there I was in the middle of that unfolding. It was a soft wow feeling.

The show was a success. My program of AA has been successful. My life is on track. My heart is full of gratitude. My body is tired, but will recouperate. My Higher Power is alive and well in my life. I have loved ones that surrounded me last night. I met more people that I can remember. I got some fantastic comments on my art and a promising future from some pretty infuential people.

Now, for some breakfast and then it's off to the Came to Believe meeting at Lambda Center. How appropriate, because I have come to believe.

Thanks, everyone, for your support!