Book Review: Songs of the Humpback Whale

I really liked this Picoult book better than my last one, Picture Perfect. While she has a knack for writing annoying characters, the supporting characters and fascinating plot kept the book moving for me. This time, my character pain was the main one - Jane Jones. She is a whiny wife of a prominent humpback whale scientist who takes her daughter and up and leaves him one day after a fight. The course of the book is Jane's brother, Joley, charting them across the country to get to him in Massachusetts: which was really cool, because living here it was cool to see references to Massachusetts people.

The storyline also bounced back and forth, using her famous "gasp" moment by starting at the end when you are totally confused and not yet invested in the characters. Then, it takes you through the events leading up to it, and you are more and more horrified knowing what is about to happen, but not knowing how or when. It was a really cool concept.

I liked the notion of driving cross country, (it even got me thinking about that elusive huge road trip that I'd love to take one day!) and the plot was filled with interesting obstacles and scenarios. For instance, her daughter, Rebecca, was in a plane crash that she doesn't remember when she was two: they visit the site of the crash. They also visit the Grand Canyon, and Salt Lake City - all places I want to visit one day. Okay, so the Grand Canyon's a bit tourist-trappy, but my best friend living in SLC and it's one of those places that I think would be cool to visit! So I guess you could say I was kind of living vicariously through these characters on their trip.

So overall, I wasn't happy with the ending and Jane drove me crazy with her immaturity and whininess, although she did have some poignant moments for me, revealed later in the book. One of her quotes was how she lives such a mundane life with a husband that ignores her, that she says that if she could just have 5 minutes of something amazing, she would go back and serve the rest of her life in that horrible day-to-day. I thought that his spoke a lot about how if she just had something to dream about, she would not be so sad everyday. I think I feel that way sometimes, too.

Bottom Line: wouldn't run out and buy it, but good for 1.5 hour commutes, which I'm currently dealing with in my life and going through books like I go through gum. Almost 4 stars.

Trusting Your Gut: Knowing When to Say “No” to Freelance Clients

Freelance can be hard. I’ve been at it with my wedding calligraphy business for 5 years now. It can be especially difficult when you are desperate for cash to say “no”. But every once in a while, when speaking with a  potential client, you get this nagging feeling that this person can, and will, make your life a living hell for the next few weeks in your contract.

I have had great brides for clients: respectful, easy to communicate with and have been ecstatic with the end result that I deliver. About a year ago, I sat down with a bride and her fiancé, which isn’t too common, but I have seen it a few times…mostly the guys just sit there and nod, maybe ask a question or two. What was unusual about this couple was the bride sat there and said nothing at all, while I consulted with the groom.

Again, I was fine with it: that is, until the consultation dragged on and on, while he asked the same questions and flipped through my calligraphy portfolio over and over. He commented on a few totally different styles, and wouldn’t commit to any of them. If this wasn’t enough to give me that “I shouldn’t work with you” feeling, he asked of my 50 page sample book, “Is this all you have?”

Unfortunately, I felt caught at the time. This was back when I had intro calligraphy pricing – which was very low and beyond reasonable – and he already had his envelopes and deposit with him. So, I reluctantly had him sign my freelance contract and took the job – which also had to be completed within one week instead of 2-3.

When I returned the envelopes, he gave me the amount outstanding plus a tip that he expected me to fall over. Considering the amount of effort I had put into the job, a small tip – especially on top of my prices at the time – was not unusual. That night, however, he went through the envelopes and found a “mistake”, which he refused to disclose to me as I had the original list I wanted to check against it. I offered to re-do it of course free of charge, but he not only declined but continued to harass me with at least 5 emails on how disappointed he was. I knew he wanted his money back, but he had signed a contract. So I respectfully asked him to stop emailing me.

Honestly, it ate me up. I hate when customers aren’t happy with my work. Granted, it had never happened before or since, but as an artist you need to step back and realize that this person just has issues that have nothing to do with you. After you do everything – within reason – to make things right, and they are being disrespectful of you and your time, you just have to let it go.

Have you ever had a similar experience? Was there something you believe that I should have done to deal with this differently? Let me know!

Ash Tree Designs Article in the Patriot Ledger!

The Ash Tree recycled sail products have been featured once again in the local South Shore MA paper, The Patriot Ledger. Born out of the recycled sail bags line, "Bowline Bags", the Ash Tree recycled sail wallets were an effort to recycle even further by using up scraps left over from making recycled sail tote bags. The result has been a wildly successful product due to its "green", unique design.

The Ash Tree's Recycled Sail Wallets Featured in the Patriot Ledger!

Above is the full "Window Dressing" article, and below is a detailed view of the article featuring Ash Tree Recycled Sail Wallets. The image used is a long, limited-edition Women's Sail Wallet that is available through special order only with limited quantities available. It is enclosed with a magnetic snap, and holds cards, bills, and even a checkbook.

We haven't been able to keep these great wallets in stock at 6 In the Shipyard, so if you want to place a custom order, act quickly! The most popular design is the Tri-Fold Wallet, $36, which comes embroidered with the "sail" number of your choice in navy, hunter green, or red.

Contact us today to place your customized recycled sail wallet order today!