You might be thinking: Denise, I thought you were with Home Run Pest & Termite Control and Abracadabra Lawn Pest & Weed Control? What is going on?

I am. But part of the joy of networking is making real friendships. My friend Cherie Privett from City Missions was going to miss Friday’s networking meeting at the Plano Chamber of Commerce, so she asked me to step in.

I happily agreed. But I confess I had NO idea what I would do.

I went home and saw Gustavo sitting in my living room. I also saw the roof on his head. I placed it there a few weeks ago.

Earlier this year, I made a cardboard house with a removable roof. Recently, I needed the house as a platform to store more stuff. Gustavo’s head was the best place to store the awkward-shaped roof. (Welcome to Artist Logic™.) When Tore first saw the spectacle, he commented that Gustavo had a roof over his head. We chuckled and moved on.

Gustavo also hasn’t been wearing clothes. I bought him as-is. And I don’t own men’s clothes.

You can understand how all these elements for City Missions’ elevator pitch have been collecting for just the right moment. Sitting at my laptop, I looked into Gustavo’s eyes, and the elevator pitch became obvious.

The last element needed: red glasses to match Cherie’s look. I found my pink cat-eye glasses. And my black. And my beige. Where are the red ones? I thought hard and found them with my poodle costume and accessories (obviously).

The life of an artist is a process of connecting the dots. Finding the missing puzzle pieces. Stepping out of one’s comfort zone—yet, because it’s in the realm of creativity, it’s not a complete stretch. Or maybe, just maybe, my comfort zone has expanded without me noticing.

Walking into a 7:30 am networking meeting with a room of 60+ professionals while hauling Gustavo… that’s just a normal day that everyone has come to expect.

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Resources:

Stretch Your Comfort Zone:

If you’re curious how to stretch your comfort zone—how to tell better stories—how to stand confidently in a room full of people… sign up for the free Dale Carnegie course on September 24, 5:30 – 7:30 PM.

Help the Homeless:

If you’re interested in helping City Missions, there are multiple ways! Attend the upcoming Bingo Bash on September 12 at Big Mike’s Bar & Grill, donate money online, donate men’s clothing or hygiene products. Even just a pair of socks is appreciated.

Pest Control and Lawn Care:

If you have pest control issues or weeds in your lawn… I know a lady with Home Run Pest & Termite Control and Abracadabra Lawn Pest & Weed Control.

Experience Art:

Maybe you dabble in art or you like to view art. Maybe you think you aren’t good enough to share your art with the world. Visit the Visual Art League of Lewisville—it’s a delightfully motley group of people of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels. I know the President.