I harbor this deep fear of rejection. I mean, everybody hates rejection, but I HATE rejection. I have a tendency of getting my hopes up about a permission–like the Mount Holly Springs Park & Resort, the Boiling Springs Pond, the Shepherdstown Hotel…. And then I get the inevitable rejection.
The Mount Holly Park & Resort was a big deal in the late 1800’s. There was picnicking and a playground and an outdoor restaurant. At one point, there was even a roller coaster (until a fatality called for its removal.) But now this historical site is home to a ‘marsh preserve’ and the county forbids metal detecting because it might interfere with the rare plant species that grow there. Not sure about you, but I’d take history over plants any day. (I’m still bitter about that one.)
I deal with rejection, but I have a hard time accepting it. I LOVE history. I feel this duty to recover history that previous generations left behind. Even if I have to surrender what I find, I need to know that that piece of history isn’t decaying in the ground.
For instance, The Mount Holly Springs Park & Resort. I imagine all those people that took the trolley from Carlisle to retreat from city life. I imagine them picnicking under the trees, wading through Mountain Creek, pushing children on swings, and strolling down the paths with their parasols and fancy dresses. As far as I’m concerned, their legacy and what they left behind is more important than a couple rare shrubs…
All of that being said, I recently discovered an old cellar hole down an overgrown road. I NEED this permission. The location speaks to me every time I drive by–and I drive by almost every day. But I am terrified of asking for this permission. I might say something wrong or get choked up. I could mess everything up and the history of that site could be lost forever because of ME. That is a lot of weight to carry.
So I decided that I need to really fine tune my approach. I may have gone bit overboard, but I spent an hour this weekend designing a logo to have printed on business cards and a couple shirts–what would I do without CustomInk? Heck, I marketed my business, so why not my hobby? As they say, first impressions are everything. I want to be professional and courteous and leave a positive, lasting impression… with a business card of course.
I’m interested in hearing about how others secure permissions. Please share your strategy in the comments. As someone new to the hobby, I really appreciate your advice and input on all my posts.