AUGUST 5, 2026

It's finally here!!! After months of talking and planning, THIS week I got the keys and am feverishly working to make this gallery a reality! (Wow…that's kind of rhyme-y tongue twister…lol.)

It's hard to put into words all of the things swirling through my mind this week but I'm gonna try. Buckle your seatbelts, Folks.

Panic…can I get it all done in time for the soft launch this weekend? Maybe not. Okay, by the public grand opening then. Deal.

Imposter syndrome…what am I doing?!? I don't know anything about opening an art gallery. Pause. Yes, actually I do when I stop to think about it. And, what I don't know, I have a phenomenal support system and will figure it out. Got it.

Fear…what if this fails? It might. Let's define success though. If I break it down, there are countless opportunities for success (and failure). Having this idea and taking action…success. Finding the space, or rather it finding me…success. Starting a company…success. Launching a website…success. Writing a gallery management application myself (lookout Artlogic)…success. Creating my own work to put on the walls for the opening…to put it in the words of one of my best friends…that's a big baller move right there, LJ. Alright, I can get on board with this definition.

Determination…is the track lighting ever going to be right? Patience is a virtue. And yes, yes it is. But that's a side note. Moving on.

Pride…whoa, wait…pride…should I be feeling pride? Isn't that bad? Laura Johnson, you have worked your behind off for this. It's okay to pat yourself on the back for a minute. Cool. Atta girl.

Overwhelming gratitude…how fortunate am I? Making a dream reality. There it is again…no words. Deep breath. But now words. This is HUGE. I have to keep sitting with that. The significance. How many people get an opportunity like this? I will not squander it. And I am not doing this by myself. There are many amazing people in my life. Whether they are cheering me on from afar (and sending me an SG wax seal stamp), or coming all the way from Sonoma to celebrate at the soft launch (make sure to bring that wine), or getting up on a scaffolding to help hang the hanging system (yes, it is level). What a village and I am eternally grateful for each and every one.

This is just a glimpse and any/all of these things are running through my mind at any given time. Through it all, I am choosing to be present and savor it all (the good, the bad, and the frustrating) as much as possible. I have a good friend who regularly reminds me that if you're not uncomfortable, you're not growing. Let me tell you…at this point, I am on track to metaphorically be eight feet tall.

Here's the thing. We get one shot at this thing called life. Planning the future is great. I do my fair share for sure. Daydreaming. Love doing that too. I'm learning I need to be present to experience the life happening right now. There's no time like the present, right?

Presently for me…have the keys, still working on the lights, and there's lots of action.

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