Saturday, December 3, 2011

I am overwhelmed!

I had no idea that I would have the response I had today to the article in the News and Observer. Almost everyone that showed up today said they had seen the article. I would like to tell you that at times there was a line to get into my studio, that was true, but let me put that into perspective.... if five people are in my tiny space it's crowded, so of course people had to wait to get in:) If there were those of you that I didn't get time to talk to, I am very sorry and regret that I didn't have a chance to give everyone the time they so rightly deserved. So many people share so much of themselves with me that it's difficult to talk with everyone.
I don't even know how many barns I sold today, I haven't had time to sit and take it all in. I am so overwhelmed by all of the smiles and hugs and laughter, the new and old friends that came by, the wonderful conversations I had with people. If my life was like this every day, I would explode from joy overload :)  I kept finding myself shaking my head in disbelief at it all. I just can't thank each one of you enough for coming today and buying my work, and saying all of the very kind things you said.
I spend my time alone in my studio, with my family and with my other artist friends. I sort of live in a bubble. Today was the first time people that I don't really know have come into my very personal space, a space that was well guarded at one point in my life, and it was so interesting.
The barn in the photo went home with a very sweet lady, first thing this morning, the mule barn has a new home, all of those Maine shacks that so many of you liked? One couple bought all of them for Christmas gifts. It was so fun to see them leave with those packages.
I'm still wrapping my head around this and Wesley came home this morning, so it's been a crazy day.
One other cool thing happened today. Duane Hall, a photojournalist that now lives in Siler City came by. Many of you may know him. Duane worked in Chicago and then at the Greensboro News and Record when Gerry started there as a young photographer. He became Gerry's mentor in many ways. Duane was one of the best there was back in the day when newspapers and magazines were the real deal. Anyway, he saw my name in the tour brochure and came by to see us. We haven't seen him in over 20 years. What a great surprise to see him after all these years.
And last, there are so many people I could mention but I just have to send out a special hug to my pals Charlotte and Maureen for being my cheerleaders. You have seen me at my craziest, you were students that put up with my crazy spastic teaching, and risked your skin and clothing to raku with me here, and you show up at so many things I do with your bright smiles, and I just want to tell you how much I deeply appreciate your support. When there are strangers coming by all day and I'm meeting all of these new people, your faces are a warm ray of sunshine, so thanks for coming by and supporting my art. xoxoxo
Thanks to all of you, I hope you enjoy your pieces and I can't wait to get back in the studio and make new work that you have all inspired!!!!!!
Happy Holidays, peace ya'll !

19 comments:

Dennis Allen said...

Merry Christmas!

Tracey Broome said...

You too!!!!

Michèle Hastings said...

wow. how sweet your day was! this is why we do what we do. congratulations on a day you worked very hard for.

Tracey Broome said...

thanks Michele! It was a crazy day!

ang design said...

oh trace you had a great time... yey!!!!!

Hollis Engley said...

Don't you just love publicity, Tracey? And pair that up with quality work, what a combination. Congrats.

Tracey Broome said...

Ang, it was a really great time!
Hollis, the power of the press, as they say! It was crazy:)

smartcat said...

Joy to you, Tracey! You deserve it!

Tracey Broome said...

Thanks! :)

andrea gardiner freeman said...

Love to hear this magical, surreal, overwhelmed with joy kind of day. I can feel your radiance all the way here in the mountains. Big love for this... now breath.

cookingwithgas said...

Oh- it has been fun to watch you as you have climb the ladder and found sucess at the top.
There is no way to explain to people how good it feels to make, share and sell your work.
Congrats to a job done well from the heart.

Sandy Miller said...

Love to hear news like this! Happy holidays!

Ron said...

Way to go Tracey!! So happy for you. You are making amazing work that comes from your heart and it shows and people respond to that.

Harold D said...

As a musician, I can appreciate the reality of "paying your dues". And in the pottery world, you have certainly done that, Tracey. I am so happy to see that it is all coming around for you. Congratulations. Can't wait to see what 2012 brings.

Melissa Rohrer said...

I just read the article in your last post. That was great! And it was interesting reading about how you got started on the barns. Congratulations on your successful open house.

Tracey Broome said...

awwww, you guys are the best! I wish all of you could have been here! Thank you for your kind words
xoxoxoxoxooxo!!!!

Kevin Carter said...

Tracey, I'm glad that you had such a great turnout, and overwhelming success at your open studio! You're an inspiration to many of us, an example of what happens if you "keep on keepin' on."
It's funny, you will get overwhelmed, discouraged, or mad, and tell us all about it on your blog, then it's back to work! It's as if you've gotten it out of your system, so now it's forgotten, and back to the task at hand. Then, a few weeks later, something good happens to you, which is NOT the result of 'good karma', 'mojo', 'your sign being in Taurus' or nay other mumbo jumbo. It's due to your hard work and determination.
To think that a year or so ago, you didn't even have your studio, now, there were lines of people outside it, waiting to see your work. Great. It doesn't get better than that, or DOES it? With hope, you will find out.
Enjoy your family and holidays, and hit that clay hard again in January!

Tracey Broome said...

Kevin, thank you so much for this post. It's been another crazy busy day, and my mind is swimming. This is the first thing I read when I came in after closing up for the day.It just ended my day on such a positive note. You are so right, I have worked hard to get here! My mom used to say that I never finished any project I started and this is the one thing that I have stuck with, for almost ten years now. And it's finally paying off! Thank you again for your kind words, this really meant a lot to me :)
xox

Tracey Broome said...

Hey everyone: Sorry I haven't addressed each of your posts separately but I am so tired! I am reading and thank you so much!!!!!!! I do like to speak to each one of you, I'll get back on track this week I hope! I'm also checking in on everyone's blogs and trying to comment, if I miss you, I'll get back later :)