On Being Productive

Wow! It's been a big week for little Rosemary+James. Today, Rosemary+James got business cards, mailed out the first OFFICIAL orders, got new supplies, and finally launched an Etsy shop(etsy.com/shop/rosemaryandjames). Earlier this week, Rosemary+James started an Instagram account (rosemaryandjamesshop) and ordered an embosser. Though all these may seem like inconsequential events to anyone else, to me, they are all super exciting! This shop is something I've been waiting to do for so long, and I mean SO LONG! If you've talked to me at all over the past year, you've probably heard me say "I'm opening an Etsy shop soon," or "I'm hoping to launch my shop in two weeks". But I finally did it! But c'mon T, why did it take so long?

As I've said before, I am an over-thinker. Not only that, but I have a habit of making things into a bigger deal than they are. I get too excited about something and have a hard time following up with the expectations I've laid out. So, as any normal person would do, I put it off. I was scared of not meeting expectations and I was nervous about the work I would have to put in. I set deadlines for myself and continued to practice and improve. Finally, demand got to a point that I knew I could either give up the possibility of a business and success or embrace it and make good on the promises I made to myself and others. My obsession for perfection may have also held me back, knowing there are other products out there that are presented better, other people who produce more consistent or fluid calligraphy, other shops with a better business model. I want the best, so I held off for the best. But I learned that perfection is a terrible goal, so I made a list of small goals. After meeting each one, I knew I was one step closer.

Productivity is not something I have ever been wonderful at. I really do not know why I put things off. But everyone does it, right? We know there is something that is going to be demanding of our time, our money, our social skills, so we put it off, hoping the responsibility will suddenly disappear; maybe we will win the lottery, or invent a time machine, or maybe find some awesome magic coupon code that will take care of all our bills. We all keep procrastinating and with that comes the thoughts of our nagging tasks and the feeling of guilt when we finally have to admit that we have done something to make our lives difficult. As I'm writing this, the nine year old I nanny for is growing increasingly upset that I am making her get all her homework done today, even though it is due Friday' she would rather play with her friends today and do it all Thursday night. Even the youngest generation is already learning how to procrastinate. I guess all I'm trying to say is that we should really take charge of our lives and stop allowing ourselves to suffer the consequences of procrastination. Stop asking yourself why you are putting off those tasks and do them!

Just do it!
-T

On Rosemary + James

As I am about to launch an Etsy shop under the same name as my blog, I decided it was time to explain the reason behind my naming everything "Rosemary and James" because if you don't know me, you are probably wondering why in the heck I am using names that have nothing to do with my own.

As you all know, I am and always have been very creative; I also overthink just about everything I do. Growing up, I struggled dealing with these sometimes conflicting traits. My Nana, Rosemary, was a realist. She had no problem speaking her mind and she was not one to waste time doing something she didn't see as worthwhile. My Pop-pop, on the other hand, was a dreamer. As you spoke to James, you couldn't help but catch his whimsy. There was a contagious dream-like state of mind that drew me to him. I see myself as the epitome of the combination of my grandparent's strongest characteristics. I pride myself on being able to balance both my logic and my whimsy, which I learned from watching my mother's parents. Just because their love story didn't have a happy ending, doesn't mean their lives didn't. They had six wonderful children between them, and they got to spend so much of their lives surrounded by family who loved them irrevocably. It is my goal to reach my highest potential in whatever I set out to do, so that I can make them proud. Both my Nana and my Pop-pop influenced me in so many ways that I cannot help but make the choices I do from advice I've received and experiences I've shared with them. I wish I could share the memories I have of them with all of you because they were truly incredible people. At the risk of sounding super cheese balls, even though they are no longer a phone call away, they will always be with me, mind and soul.

A year and a half ago, I made some pretty big changes in my life, but I knew I wanted to begin on a career path that allowed me to exercise my creative side. I thought of what I would name my company in the future, and I thought of my grandparents. I know that without a doubt, they would put my work up in their house and brag about me to their friends in their book clubs and on their Bingo nights. Nana would talk to me and ask me what my plans are, and Pop-pop would tell me to be happy and do what I love. I'm sure someone in my family is going to have something to say about this. So if you are reading this and you are thinking that you don't like something I said, please keep it to yourself. I love my memories of my grandparents and I don't want them spoiled. Please and thank you.

So like I said, I am going to be opening an Easy shop pretty soon, just as soon as I complete a few more products to post. I am super excited for this new journey and I am excited to share it with you! For ordering information or updates, email rosemaryandjamesshop@gmail.com.

Bonsoir.
-T

Dedicated to Rosemary + James