I know my clients. I try to keep rough track of what industry the grownups work in and the ages/grades of the kids. Part of DC is a small town and it’s fun to find out so-and-so works at this agency and knows the guy I dated in college who also works there. Or our kids had the same teachers for 3rd grade but 10 years apart. But I also know you all in other ways. I sent out a Thanksgiving/end of season email the other night. Just expressing my thankfulness to my clients who allow me to provide for my family while also allowing me to not suffer in a cubicle forever and ever. And reminding folks to download their image files to a computer so they can make their holiday cards and all.

Sure enough, the people who I thought would email back a friendly greeting did. Most folks I heard crickets from and that’s fine. It really is. But as an artist/small business/mom/neurospicy person with imposter syndrome and rejection sensitivity it’s kinda nice to hear back. I’ve often told my clients if they have left over holiday cards to send me one and I know exactly who will send those. Like I know who will always include a tip (never expected but always appreciated) as well as those who when they tip, I know it’s time to up my rates. Again, this may be my neurospicy pattern recognition playing out in the real world and not just in an, “I always figure out the end of movies before anyone else” kind of way, but I notice these things. It’s the kind of stuff that makes running your own small business feel like a science experiment.

Anyway, not really sure the point of this post beyond just feeling a little smug satisfaction that I know you all so well. Also framing things in light of new mental health diagnosis starts making more sense in my little mind. Maybe I’m not as weird as I thought I was. Maybe there is method to my madness. Maybe it is more of a superpower afterall.