I’ve never been good at good bye

Richard Charpentier Notes from Rich 2 Comments

I’m 41 years old, and I still suck at good byes.  It’s true.  And I’m willing to bet for almost every reader out there, you feel the same way.

In our lives we’ve all had the times where we have to say good bye.  Loved ones eventually pass away, your favorite pet’s time comes to a close, friends move away, you move away for a new opportunity, etc, etc, etc.  And for me, every time I head off to the next step in my life the new good byes remind me so much of the previous ones.  I’m a Scorpio.  We hold on to stuff like you wouldn’t believe.

Over the past week and a half I’ve been saying my fare wells a lot.  Favorite clients get me all choked up.  Not so favorite clients make me glad I’m moving.  Friends most definitely get me to the edge of water works on a daily basis, and often the dam breaks and I can’t help but tear up a little.  And there are moments when I’m alone that I get pretty down over one of the big things I’ll be saying good bye to.  The business I’ve been building over the past 4 years.

Unless you’ve sat down and actually created your own business you won’t fully understand this.  It is a labor of love for what you do.  And pouring countless hours into your creation along with tons of start up money, survival money, and finally depleting it all and hoping the biz will start paying is the toughest work you can ask for.  Running giant national networks with someone else funding it all is a cake walk compared to what I’ve put myself through over the last four years.  And after all that struggle it is a very hard thing to say…….but it has to be said.

Good bye R.L. Charpentier Photography.  It was an interesting time, but it’s time for something new.

I’m heading out in a few days now.  Everything is nearly wrapped up at the gallery and studio.  For everyone reading this in the Prescott area, thanks for hosting me for a few years.  I’ve made some great friends, and you’ll be missed.  Fortunately with communications technology we won’t be that far apart, and we’ll stay in touch I’m sure.  Go figure, even knowing that I’m still tearing up once again.  Man, sometimes I’m just too soft.

Comments 2

  1. Rich, ever since meeting you while camping in the Anza-Borrego Desert 5 years ago, we have been impressed with your positive energy, eagerness to share knowledge, joy in hiking, photography and life in general, and especially your friendship.

    Thanks for your help with my first field report:

    http://airstreamlife.com/historysafariexpress/2008/03/01/first-field-report/

    Rather than saying, “Good bye”, let’s just say “Hasta la vista!”

    And cherish the memories…

    http://www.airforums.com/forums/f396/silvergates-safari-is-home-at-last-29471-7.html#post354957

    Vaya bien, mi amigo!

    Bill

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