Business Tattoos vs. Deb-utante Ball aka My Coming-Out Party

By débora Ewing
Last night I worked out some business card designs, because I realise I need them. I've come to that point in the conversation a few times recently, and I had no business card to hand over. So.

My waking thought this morning was that business cards are actually a huge deal. HUGE. They signify that I'm willing to BE IDENTIFIED, not just in the moment, but also later. That I am willing to let select individuals be able to locate me and ask me to do things for them, that I will consider their proposals. I am not only admitting but committing to the Universe and to myself that I will do things. Envoys take what is offered, Takashi. 

I have to brand myself, like a tattoo. Unlike a tattoo, I can change my brand later (well, sort of like a tattoo - even there, we have options.)  And that's always been one of my pet neuroses:  avoiding a label. 

I can't stand it when someone asks me, "Are you a ________________?" Writer, artist, poet, chef, dancer was once floated and I laughed...the list of things I might currently be doing is too long, and if you consider all the things I have done or might do the list gets even longer.

Is my problem humility? My ex-husband thinks so. Maybe I don't really understand the word. I am most 'Umble, Sir. Or maybe it's what the world has told us is the problem, but then they want to use our awesomeness for their gain. Society has given us a list: 

Do your best
Do your best for Us
Don't tell us it's  your best
Do Better
Be Grateful
Have remorse for your pride...wait, is that Catholic? 

It's nice how this list has taken the shape of a mushroom cloud. Recipe for obliteration.

I've come to the point in Project Get Over Yourself where I have to get over this self-labeling neurosis, too. Use the labels; don't let them define you. It is terrifying, but the truth is in my face: I keep doing things. Moe's right; someone should give me money. 

So I settled on a label from high school, the one Dee Fitzimmons branded me in art class: 

"Deb, you're a catalyst. I don't catch you doing anything, but everyone else gets in trouble the days you actually show up for class." 

Yeah, that's me. I add the ingredient that pushes the concept into actuality, like the time I sent a message: "Would your office permit someone to decorate *'s desk, and if so what can I do to help make this happen?" 

This is what I do, Darlin'. Go write your book.

Further Reading:

Uriah Heep: My favourite Charles Dickens character

British journalist Mark Monahan appreciates one of my favorite creeps.
Allycakes, if you are going to read the book, I'll get it for you. Don't tease me, though. 

Comments

  1. MariWednesday, 25 April, 2018

    Deb Ewing
    Catalyst
    xxx-xxx-xxxx
    or contact me at me email address
    xxxxx@xxxxx.com
    Specialty (No boundaries)
    Suggestions, only.

    :-P

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. débora EwingWednesday, 25 April, 2018

      I like the Specialty: No Boundaries idea, but I am working on learning to put up fences appropriately, because sometimes they are useful both for keeping out as well as keeping in. I have to know how to use them.

      Delete
  2. MariWednesday, 25 April, 2018

    Like, if I want to staple something, you always have the stapler -- AND it is loaded.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousWednesday, 25 April, 2018

    Another good one! I could relate to all of it... you perfectly captured the self-conciousness of putting oneself out there as a service provider... the genie's out of the bottle and your "label" has escaped your control. Scary but heady. I really do think you will succeed handsomely.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. débora EwingWednesday, 25 April, 2018

      Don't get excited - I still have my hand on the cork. And I am terrified.

      Delete
  4. débora EwingWednesday, 25 April, 2018

    UPDATE: I have decided to leave room on the tattoo-side to write personal messages. I'm so glad I thought of this now, rather than after I had bought them.

    ReplyDelete
  5. CathyOMonday, 14 June, 2021

    It's official. Writing a blog is something I should cross off my list. Someone else is already saying what's inside my head, and she's a better writer. 💗

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. débora EwingFriday, 18 June, 2021

      HAHAHA yaknowhat, though? I say this all the dang time, usually about my guitar player. I write what I think needs to be written because I don't see it anywhere. If the rest of the world could catch up, I could use a break. Go write something.

      Delete

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