Long strides

When I was asked to come for an interview in Boulder, I didn't ask questions, I just booked my ticket and came. The five days leading up to my appointment were filled with anxiety. The only way I could soothe myself was to think that I was surely qualified for the position and that soon I would be notifying my boss that a better opportunity had come along.

That didn't quite pan out. The meeting was great; I am such a fan of the work that art therapists do with families and children, and this center is no exception. However, I learned that I am overqualified for the job, and that had I already moved in and formed a network in Boulder I would be more desirable for this position. I was given a full hour of the director's time and she sent me off with a good luck. I know I'll return to volunteer at some point, but I'm not expecting anything more.

Now, the real magic. Since I would be driving through Denver on my way to Boulder, I requested a meeting with a woman who runs a paper conservation lab. She responded coolly but nevertheless I was thrilled to be allowed a peek. I arrived early, casually parked the car in front of the building, and helped myself to a coffee next door. I could already feel myself easing into this fantasy of starting a new career in this historic section of town, in this old crumbly building that oozes with character.

Beth greeted me warmly, and appeared more relaxed than in her photo. She showed me into the library, where we talked about techniques, experiences, career paths. She described her earlier career in art therapy, and wished me luck with my upcoming interview. As she showed me out, I reveled at the ping pong table she converted into a portable work station, covered with folders containing artwork exactly like I pull every day to work on. In the course of talking about fellow conservators, she left me with numerous names of people who would be happy to speak with me about my aspirations. And what's more is that she recommended creating a business identity of my own, so that others could hire me as a subcontractor. This was something I had fantasized about but never fleshed out fully, assuming that getting set up on my own would be too big a burden. But to my surprise, Beth informed me that setting up a business is relatively cheap and easy in Colorado.

This was a bombshell. I know that my brother set himself up this way to do web design, and that everyone who has pulled this off says it's the only way to go. I'm in the best position now to make this work, and I even have names of conservators to align myself with. All that's left is doing the work. It's so simple.

I can't help but notice all the self reliant women here who are doing the work, making a life here like pioneer folk, blazing trails and helping others along so they can experience all there is to enjoy when you set your sights high. It's crazy but I'm starting to feel like I'm being reborn as the mature self I always wished I would become.