Do you ever get distracted? I know I do! There’s a wonderful place called the internet that is filled with endless distractions. But this week, instead of falling into the internet black hole, I’ve been captivated by a children’s book I randomly grabbed off the library shelves. Initially, I got it for my kids… but I’ve read it and looked at it more than they have!
It’s called The Secret Life of Squirrels and is an entertaining story of Mr. Peanuts and his cousin, both of whom are squirrels. Every page of the book is a photo of the squirrels getting into hijinks at home and out and about. The pictures are as ridiculously cute as you would expect for a book on squirrels, but the part I’m obsessed with isn’t the adorable squirrel poses.
The author, Nancy Rose, builds every squirrel set by hand out on her deck (and each page in the book is a totally different set). Each set includes details, from tiny books (with squirrel-themed titles on the bookshelves!) to tiny furniture to tiny clothes, food props, and more! Then, she waits in her deck-adjacent kitchen to take photos of the squirrels.
She has found a way to seamlessly blend her talents AND her interests into one fascinating job! My kids were as astounded as I was that squirrel photographer is a viable career option and they were very excited to dream up all the other animals they might want to capture by camera.
It’s not all fun and games down at the tiny, hand-crafted squirrel set though. Rose shares that she might spend a whole weekend waiting and get no good pictures. However, the ones she does capture are SO worth it. Squirrels mailing letters. Squirrels grilling. Squirrels vacuuming. Squirrels on a picnic! Unbearable cuteness ensues!!!
Many of us feel stuck at work thinking there’s no way we can make a living doing something we’re interested in. This is just one very creative example that shows it can be done. You also don’t have to run out and quit your job (unless that was already on your to-do list for today!) in order to make it happen. You can start to bring your interests into your everyday work to make it more interesting and authentic. Squirrel photos optional!
#PositiveAction Do one thing today to incorporate an interest you have into your day job. It might just be the most fun you’ve had in a long while!
Do you need a distraction? As I said, I’ve been obsessed with the unique idea and approach, so I had to take to the internet to learn more. I apparently missed the craze that started back in 2014. Don’t worry, I’ve spent plenty of time getting caught up!!
Image by Alexas_Fotos from Pixabay