White Space

Every year for Christmas, Eliza’s mom gives her a calendar from Ocean State Job Lot. They’ve started showing up under the tree for me, too. These calendars are perfect for sketching out the work schedule for the upcoming season. It’s become a yearly ritual.

Here we are on January 1st, the first day of 2025. As I spread the calendar across the table and look ahead, I see four months of white space. One-third of the year might sound like a lot, but in stonework time, that’s just one or two projects. Or maybe just a single phase of a big one.

I love that white space. It’s a blank canvas, full of potential. I want to protect it. Fiercely.

I don’t want to rush to fill it. I want to wait for something I can’t say no to.

But waiting isn’t easy. There’s a tangible feeling of stability in seeing a filled-in calendar. The desire for that comfort often leads to saying yes to things that are “okay” or even “good.” But that’s not what I’m after.

That’s why I rely on my 3 P’s: People, Project, and Profit. They help me pause, reflect, and choose work that truly matters.

If you’re listening, Universe, here’s what I’m looking for: a project that’s creative, artistic, and engaging. Something with great collaborators, set in a beautiful location (preferably not too far from home), and pays handsomely.

I don’t think that’s too much to ask.

I’m grateful for every opportunity that comes my way, but that doesn’t mean I have to say yes to all of them. In fact, it’s my responsibility to say no to most of them. With only four open months available, I have to be intentional with every yes.

It’s not just about this year.

At forty-six, I can’t help but wonder how many years of stonework I have left and how many projects will fit into those years. Whatever the number, it’s finite.

Shouldn’t every project I take on be as fulfilling as possible?