Every. Single. Time.

I am very happy that I will be showing a selection of my photographs at Portal 18 this weekend. I never remember how labor-intensive preparing photographs to show is, though. The process usually goes like this:

1. Print/have prints made;
2. Wipe down work area before matting/framing;
3. Mat each photo;
4. Write title of photo and name on the mat;
   4a. Screw up on penmanship and/or the pen coughs up a hairball;
   4b. Get a new mat and start over;
5. Take the back off of the frame and wipe down the glass
6. Put matted photo in the frame;
7. Flip the frame around to inspect for dust/smudges;
8. Remove photo and wipe down the glass again;
9. Replace photo and flip frame around again;
10. Remove photo and wipe down the glass again;
11. Replace photo and flip frame around again;
12. Find another piece of dust;
13. Wipe down work area again;
14. Remove photo from frame and wipe down glass again;
15. Replace photo and flip frame around again;
16. Find a cat hair on the mat;
17. Cuss/cry;
18. Make a cup of tea;
19. Remove photo from frame and wipe down glass. Again.
20. Replace photo and flip frame around again;
21. Find a small speck;
   21a. Decide no one else will notice, and so what if they do because if I have to take the photo out and wipe that damn glass on more time, I’m going to smash it.
22. Seal up the back of the photo;
23. One last wipe down of the glass and frame;
24. Vow that the next time I will pay whatever sum of money necessary to have a professional frame the photos.
25. Admire your lovely framed photos;
26. Deliver photos;
27. Find the nearest cupcake provider BECAUSE I’VE EARNED IT.