Narrowing My Focus

This morning, I’m feeling overwhelmed by all the things. So, naturally, I decided to blog.

Actually, it might seem counterintuitive to add one more thing into a full day, but I find it helps me to slow down and reprioritize and focus. And then the rest of my day goes better.

Photo by Hedi Alija @hedialija, courtesy of Unsplash.

It’s been quite the couple of weeks. I was working on a client project to deadline. Then it was the last week of the kids’ play, and I was quite involved in that, doing makeup, making posters and programs, and a few other odd jobs. Although as far as the makeup goes, I ended up having to miss a few rehearsals and performances because I caught a very nasty cold, the vestiges of which are still lingering.

Unfortunately, I caught that cold from Jabin, and he had it for the last two weeks of rehearsals and performances. It looked like he might lose his voice on opening night… but he didn’t. And he got through the whole weekend.

And he rocked it. Seriously, that kid just blew me away. And a few other folks, too, judging from the comments I keep getting from folks. (Proud mama? Just a smidge.)

He was playing Marty the Zebra in Madagascar Jr., one of the two leads of the play. And he did so good. So did all the other kids. Honestly, it was a wonderful show, and, like musical theatre always does, left me feeling happy and joyful. Even more so because I got to be part of bringing it to life.

I’m a little sad that this is the last year I’ll have a kid in this production. But I hope to still volunteer in some capacity in future years.

The lone, blurry selfie I took with me and Jabin during the show.

Kamber helps Jabin reapply his wig during intermission.

The cast take their final bows. Left to right for the mains (in the centre): Rachel Joy Earle as King Julien the Lemur, Hannah Sadler as Gloria the Hippo, Kayleb Viksush as Alex the Lion, Jabin Winters a Marty the Zebra, and Chloe Ferriss as Melman the Giraffe.

In other news…

Jude finally got a driver’s license last week! Woot! The timing couldn’t have been better—he got it the day I was hit with this cold, so I immediately conscripted him to start helping with the late night pick-ups of kids from work and play practice. So that was a blessing.

I’m making slow progress on my current manuscript. Last week, I signed up for Plottr, which is a visual plotting software and project organizer. I’m in the process of putting my outline into it and tweaking it at the same time, which will be my third rewrite of the outline. And then, I think I’m ready to write in earnest.

My social media hiatus is officially over, both as a user and content creator. I finally started a second Instagram account for my knitting business… and almost immediately wondered what took me so long. There are some minor inconveniences in managing two accounts, but the fact that it is so much easier to produce content and find your audience when you narrow your focus more than makes up for it.

I’ve been having fun planning the content for that account. I have years of gorgeous pattern photos to use, and I’ve come up with some new content ideas because I have the account that will elevate my brand in general, I think.

In addition, I’ve been having fun taking photos of my designs in progress to post. Not just quick snapshots with my phone, but thoughtfully styled photos with my DSLR camera. It’s time-consuming though. I’m in the process of onboarding one of my friends who just started a social media management company to help me. Looking forward to seeing where that goes.

A few photos of my latest design-in-progress, a cable-knit beanie I’ve dubbed the Trailfinder Hat:

Over time, there are several things on my business plate I’d like to hire out. Hopefully, doing so will allow me to narrow my focus a bit more, so these feelings of overwhelm become fewer and further between.

For now, it’s time for me to go focus on something else.

Happy Tuesday, friend, and happy November. May you stay warm wherever you are.