According to the second definition listed by Merriam-Webster dictionary, the word legacy means,
"something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past."
I've been thinking about this more and more over the last few years, as my chosen profession wasn't chosen for a huge monetary reward, obviously. When you decide to become a teacher, you must know, that unless you marry into wealth or are left a significant inheritance, you will probably always struggle, financially. But, I've never been one to make choices based on financial reward. My belief (ask my kids!) has always been that one should pursue a career that makes you so happy that it never feels like a chore or a burden to get up and do it every day. And, for me, teaching has given me that.
Now, I am very near the point of retiring from teaching art to public high school students. This has led to quite a bit of time spent pondering, as far as what my next move will be. One thing I know for sure- I don't want to retire into being sedentary and having nothing to do or to work toward each day. And, the most important thing, for me, is to leave some sort of legacy behind for my kids. It might not be a huge financial windfall for them, but whatever I leave them will be something important and significant to me- a part of me, something that I created, left behind for them to either carry on or put to rest, whichever they choose.
So, my vison board, as you can see, shows my dream to have a mobile art studio. I put this vision board together a few years ago and then put it aside, assuming that it would really never happen, for one reason or another. In the meantime, yoga took the center stage and then, fast forward a few years, we bought this house. Part of our plan when we moved here was to have our basement converted into a yoga and art space, where both types of classes could be taught, along with a regular schedule of workshops. Realistically, though, it may be a few years before it can all be done the way we want it to be done. BUT, right now, we do have an RV- one that is currently not being used, which could allow my mobile studio dream to come back to life and become a reality, sooner rather than later. And by sooner, I mean, like, NOW- like, however long it will take me to tear out the existing built-in furniture and convert the space into usable art space. So, the "For Sale" sign is in the trash! I honestly haven't been this excited about my future "occupation" since yoga teacher training. And, if it is successful, it will mean having a full yoga and art studio at home, as well, even sooner.
We are still working out the details and will be looking into business licenses and permits tomorrow- but this is my vision: private and semi-private (2-4 people) art classes and/or art parties in the front area and the back area stays open for Reiki sessions, guided meditations, etc. as well as to house a small assortment of handmade items (mainly focused on well-being, self-care and mindfulness) from local artists/artisans. During nice weather, the handmade marketplace will be moved outside, under an adjoining tent in the lower parking lot of Blumenhof Winery.
Again, this is all still just a vision and we haven't work out all of the details, but we have to start somewhere, right? If you have any suggestions, let us know in the comments!
Thanks for reading and for tagging along for this little ride! I'll be updating here as we progress😊
Until next time,
Be Still. Be Strong. And, Be Happy. ~ Juli
No comments:
Post a Comment