I cannot remember if I mentioned this before, but I am a creative writing for entertainment student and also an independent filmmaker in addition to pursuing my equestrian interests. I was asked in my last blog post how I can juggle it all. I haven't even mentioned the fact that I am also a sideshow performer that travels the country for shows on occasion!
So how do I do it? I honestly don't know. I have to be constantly busy or else I fall into a deep depression, so unless my schedule is packed full of interesting activities, I'm probably contemplating suicide. That probably isn't a very funny joke considering my history.
I am grateful that often my interests and pursuits collide. I was filming the demo for fellow circus performers last year and while I was at the festival they were performing, I also filmed things around the festival (lots of horses, as it was the Old West Festival), and this year that turned into the commercial for the festival that aired on television.
Then also, this past week I was working on an assignment for which I was able to film my trainer's day as research for a film treatment that I'm writing for class.
I created a business combining my love of media and horses this past year and my husband and I are still working to build it up. We offer media services to horse people. (Obligatory website plug) Combining my interests definitely helps keep me going and able to do all the things that I love.
I think the fact that I am going to school online is a big help for my crazy lifestyle, too. I also do not have a regular job that I must be at everyday as I currently earn my money by grooming for the polo club (although not now because it is the off-season), house-sitting, and my occasional performances and media gigs. However, because I don't have a regular or consistent income, I have to say no to going out often and I have to barter for the things that I want. For example, I have to work in exchange for my dressage lessons.
My life is really complicated because of the things that I do or do not do, but I get by. It's a constant struggle trying to get on my feet and be a self-sufficient adult when I have such strange standards and cannot stand doing anything that I do not enjoy. I'm hoping to move later in 2013 to somewhere that is more friendly toward the foods that I eat, the type of work that I do, and everything else (Portland, Oregon, if you're wondering), but it's going to take a lot of work to get there... and all I do is work, even if I don't get paid for it.
So those of you that are pursuing your equine interests, but also want to pursue other goals, it is possible to do more than one thing. I'm proof. It just takes a lot more work than normal to get good at anything because you're dividing your time.
In somewhat related news, I was voted best groom of 2012 for the Cincinnati Polo Club. :D
