It’s raining. Again.
It’s July 19, and so far this summer, Portland has had 12 days of sunshine. I’ve been keeping track. The City of Roses doesn’t get a lot of sunny days in June, so no one’s disappointed when they don’t materialize. But when July rolls around, the sun comes out and stays out well into October.
Only this year, the record rains we had during spring have hung on a little longer. No, a lot longer.
Right now, sitting in my office, mid-afternoon is as dark and gloomy as December.
This is not how it was supposed to be.
My writing business isn’t going according to plan either.
A client decided not to renew their contract for the remainder of the year. It wasn’t anything I did. They opted to stop buying what I’m selling while they retool their website and promotional efforts. Goodbye editing work. Goodbye steady monthly income. Goodbye writers, photo editor and proofreader I’d worked with on the project for so long.
And yet, I expect to wake up tomorrow or the day after that or the day after that to clear skies and dry pavement.
And I expect that sometime soon the clouds obscuring the horizon of my freelance business will clear away too, revealing a sunny future.
Until then, what else can I do but enjoy the rain.
Liz says
I can relate to this post and not just because of the weather. Reading your positive words (and the attitude underneath) was a good reminder for me to keep plugging at it. Thanks, Michelle — I’m going to dance in the puddles, too.
Michelle V. Rafter says
Thanks Liz. I’m definitely not gloomy about how things are going, I’ve got a number of projects in the works. Even knowing that, though, doesn’t stop some days from feeling, well, cloudy.
Michelle
Julie says
I can relate to that post too except it’s blazing hot here and no relief in sight. I’m just thanking my lucky stars that the AC works! The rest will work itself out!
Michelle V. Rafter says
I’m sure it will, thanks.
M
Joan Lambert Bailey says
I know what you mean. Way to keep your chin up! It will all work out, and prove quite interesting, too. The unexpected is sometimes the best.
Michelle V. Rafter says
I agree w/you about the unexpected, that’s why I’m feeling pretty upbeat about the whole thing – I’ve already heard of a few things. And I am looking forward to taking a real vacation next month after the gig ends – no bringing the laptop with me so I can answer email while I’m gone.
Michelle
Karen S. Elliott says
Gloomy days are sure hard to get through sometimes. And then comes the silver lining, or the new client, or even someone else’s success to be happy about. I often say, “Where God closes a door, he opens a window.” So, watch the window.
Michelle V. Rafter says
And this morning, the sun’s out!
Michelle
Susan Johnston says
Sorry you’re dealing with this, Michelle, but I have no doubt that you’ll land on your feet and find something new.
Michelle V. Rafter says
Thanks for the moral support Susan.
MVR
Anjuli says
I can relate to this on so many levels!! Here is pushing the clouds away and letting some of that sun shine through- and hoping for a new client with new opportunities.
p.s. somehow I didn’t realize we were so close geographically
Tia Bach says
Corny as it may sound, without the rain we wouldn’t appreciate the sun as much. Hope your sunshine is just around the corner. I know you’ve brought a lot of sunshine to my life. Hang in there.
Michelle V. Rafter says
Thanks Tia.
Michelle
Lori says
Michelle, I’m sorry to hear it. I know you put your heart and soul into every project, so it must be a bit of a blow. You’ll land upright – it’s what we freelancers do best.
Meantime, I’m happy to take some of the rain. We’re so dry our grass is brown and crunchy. Today’s temps just hit 100 in the shade.
Michelle V. Rafter says
Thanks – and I’d happily ship whatever rain we get for the rest of the summer.
M