Timing is everything (pt. III)

(Part III)
As I was walking away from the conversation with her, I didn’t feel euphoric or even happy. I wasn’t truly sad either. Perhaps I was a little melancholic, but not in the purest sense.

I returned home wondering what the future has for me. As we all sometimes wonder.

The weekend came and went. Monday and Tuesday were spent with my hair appointment slowly approaching. I almost felt like it was Prom or Homecoming. This was kind of weird since I never went to any of the formal dances in high school. But I imagine this is how it would have felt.

Wednesday finally arrived. I got the kids off to school. Dropped off a proof book for a senior portrait then headed back home. When my appointment time came around, I was there a few minutes early. I know I am just getting a haircut, but I was also going to have to sell myself and my skills as a photographer. The salon owner did ask if I did animal pictures and I said yes. Up to this point in time I have done exactly ONE official portrait of a live animal which was indeed included in my portfolio.

She came in a few minutes after me. Se quickly got me in the chair to begin the cut. I must say, she and I have little problem holding a conversation. She is a life long resident of our town. I am an outsider. I often hear “you’re not from around here are you?” Then it is quickly followed up with “why the hell did you move here?”

After the haircut, we talked for about 45 minutes about many, many things. As I was getting antsy to leave, she offered the rental of one of the floors of her building so I could start my studio. We first went down to the basement. It was……a basement. Not bad actually. Dry and open with ceilings that were high enough for lights and hanging backgrounds. The only caveat was the window situation. There weren’t any windows that worked. They were all boarded up because of vandalism. The floor was bare concrete too. The big bonus was actually the bare walls. In this part of the world, many foundations are built with rough cut stones. In most cases, they aren’t even square. Very, very cool when cleaned up. She also showed me the second floor. That was almost finished. It only needed the ceiling hung and some detail work to be fully useable. There are two medium sized rooms down stairs separated by a wall and stairwell. Upstairs there is one medium room, a smaller room, a small room and a bathroom. The ceilings weren’t as tall but useable.

So with that being said, I was touched at the offer. To her, it may be business. To me, it’s business too, but an opportunity that may have great results.

I have another property that I am waiting to hear on. It’s not nearly as ready to use. It’s a floor of an OLD industrial building. High ceilings rough walls, tons of character. Possibly cheaper to boot. But it’s in an area that is getting ready to redevelop. If that goes through next week, the building will be torn down and be replaced with housing and storefronts.

I don't know why I parked at the far north end of town. Now do I know why I walked past 15 or so businesses and ended up at the salon. Who would have thought that by doing so set in motion all of these events. But I must say, I am pretty excited to have an opportunity to begin work on opening my photography studio.