Are you Cynical or just Realistic? Consumed by Negative Thinking, or just Practical?

Cards or prints are available on Etsy or Carol's web site

I've prided myself on being an optimist most of my life. But when my husband confronted me yesterday, I wondered.

"Cascade has a new dishwasher soap guaranteed to take out water spots," he said, with a hopeful look in his eye. "We should try it!"

"Right," I said. "You know, what that really means is a new package, a smaller size, and a higher price."

"You're so cynical," he chided. "Where's your faith?"

"I'm a realist," I answered. "I see evidence on the grocery shelves. We're paying more all the time and getting less. New product simply means that change is afoot."

Cards, prints, and posters available on Etsy and Carol's web site.

"Lucky Lady" 11x14 mixed media in Red Boxed frame on Etsy or email Carol

We remained at odds on this one. My husband has led a sheltered life, lived in the same place (until he met me) and is not only trustworthy, but perhaps too trusting.

I, on the other hand, have lived in many different states, traveled widely, and have learned from the "School of Hard Knocks" to be less trusting and less gullible than I used to be. I'm keenly aware of the many pitfalls in the game of life.

As a friend warned me many years ago: "Carol, there is evil in the world. Not everyone is good, trusting, and helpful."

"All that Jazz" 11x14 acrylic in Red Boxed Frame at Etsy or Carol's Web Site

My religious background and Christian faith declared that "the worth of souls is great in the sight of God." I truly believe that everyone has worth and value. I've always been color blind, disability blind, and culturally blind. I've fought to defend those beliefs sometimes with caution to the wind.

But "truth and reason" are wonderful teachers. Yes, there is evil in the world, and some people will do anything for sex or money. Do I trust advertisers? A resounding, no! Do I trust anyone to give me advice or truth? No! Do I still give people the benefit of the doubt? Yes, I still do. I am still a "cockeyed optimist" at heart. I still believe that people are essentially good (until they prove me wrong).

"Shimmie Shake" 11x14 acrylic in Black Boxed Frame at Etsy and on Carol's Web Site

Today, I'm more aware of the red flags of warning. Today, I trust my gut instincts, and I trust in God's will implicitly. If it feels wrong or if I'm uncomfortable, I accept that as a warning to exercise caution or to flee. I accept the fact that not everyone is honest or has my best interests in mind. Trust is not something you give away. Trust must be earned!

Doggone it, I wish the world were a safer, better place in which to live; but sadly, it's all we've got. So as they say in Florida, "You take care, ya' all!"

"India Rising -- the Found"  18x24 mixed media
NOW 50% off due to small puncture in canvas that has been repaired

Peddlers of Optimism and Hope

"Dainty Diva" 24 x 20 OIL on Canvas

New apps and sites are popping up everywhere. Each one promises to do more for your business than the last. I’ve tried them all. Most of them are free, at least in the beginning. The success of the app seems to be in proportion to how much you are willing to spend on your dream.

Many social networks are selling something that will make them richer while depleting your budget. Few deliver what they promise. Many of the sites I’ve tried have already petered out; unsuccessful in their attempts to make “the sale.” There’s always a gimmick or a hook to reel you in, but not enough to permanently keep you.

"Flash Dance" 16 x 20 OIL on canvas

What they offer is optimism and hope. “Try us and we’ll bring you oodles of customers.” “Try our service for 60 days and we’ll bring you 1,000 new hits.” If your hope is still there after 60 days, there’s a charge; but you may be willing to fork out a few dollars per month to keep your dream alive.

Peddlers of hope tie into our gullibility. They, too, have a dream but they’re counting on you to make it come true. So we bite! We take the bait and run with it, hoping that eventually we’ll make up for our losses. After all, “it takes money to make money,” or so we’ve heard.

"With These Hands -- Hope" 16 x 20 OIL on Acrylic underpainting

Our insecurities add insult to injury. We begin to believe the network hype. We’ve bought into it before when we try a new product or test a new theory. We’re sold when our hopes and our vulnerabilities meet at the tipping point. It’s like a global game of chance. You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours. You follow me, I’ll follow you. You befriend me and I’ll befriend you. You look at my stuff and I’ll look at yours.

If we’re lucky, that rare interested person comes along and takes the time to look at our wares. They may even consider buying. A purchase here or there keeps our dreams alive, and we’re off chasing rainbows on the next latest and greatest app or social site.

"With These Hands -- Love" 24 x 18 OIL on canvas

Time is a valuable commodity. How we use it and where will determine our own personal success. Connecting with the appropriate online audience and with targeted customers is the key. 

We must be shrewd as well as friendly. We must learn to weigh the value of each opportunity. Otherwise we may end up spinning our wheels in a kaleidoscope of schemes and distractions.