The Permanent Collection Of Hannibal Square

On View | January 15–June 1, 2024

Opening Reception & Artist’s Talk: Monday, January 15 | 4–6pm

The Hannibal Square Heritage Center is the permanent home for the Heritage Collection: Photographs and Oral Histories of West Winter Park. On display will be pieces not normally on view, including newly unveiled images and oral histories from Peter Schreyer’s 1994-95 Winter Park Library historic research grant project, depicting life in Hannibal Square in the mid-1990s.

HannibalSquareHeritageCenter.org

Actor Sherman Hemsley, who starred as "George" in the hit television show The Jeffersons, was 35 years old when he finally got his breakout role. He took acting classes at night while working a full-time job at a local post office during the day. Stan Lee created the legendary Marvel Universe, including characters such as Spider-Man and the X-Men, which became American cultural icons. He didn't complete his first hit comic, The Fantastic Four, until he was almost 39 years old. Martha Stewart, the home and kitchen icon, found real success at age 41 when her first cookbook was published. The name Sam Walton may not be an everyday name to most. However, the company he founded in 1962 at the age of 44, Walmart, created a path that led to astronomical success.

One of my favorite all-time quotes (you should know by now that I love quotes) says that "overnight success usually takes ten years." On the outside, looking in, it may appear as if someone just got lucky, and their idea took off and they became "famous" overnight. What is usually the case, however, is that the person had spent, on average, a decade of late nights and early mornings trying to get that breakout role, the right investor, or the perfect song producer to help craft that ideal hit. One of the most remarkable aspects of achieving success later in life is the depth of experience and maturity individuals bring to their endeavors. For the more mature person, you learn that wisdom becomes a formidable asset, allowing for more informed decisions and a broader perspective. The trials and tribulations endured throughout the years become a cornerstone of resilience that propels individuals toward their goals despite obstacles.

Some readers might be trying to figure out my direction with this narrative, so I'll let you in on a little secret. I recently celebrated my 49th birthday. As I experience my last year in my 40s, I am not where I thought I would be approaching 50. Now, don't get me wrong, not for a second am I ungrateful for where I am in my life. However, it is easy to compare your accolades to those of others and have feelings of doubt and insecurity. According to social security rules, the full retirement age is 67, giving me approximately 17 more years to work. While I would love to retire at that age, my savings might say otherwise. Did the decisions I made in my 20s and 30s coming back to haunt me. When I decided to quit a well-paying job at age of 32 to start my own business, it seemed like the right idea at the time. After all, I was supposed to be one of those overnight celebrities! My business was supposed to take off, and my name was to be included as one of those who became famous for their creation. Unfortunately, that was not the case. But life isn't over. There is hope in tomorrow. I have managed to dust myself off, and I am trying again!

I remain hopeful that 2024 will be a transformational year. I was born on the 24th. I turn 50 during the year, and things are lining up nicely. I want to encourage any reader who might be dealing with doubt and fear to remember this quote: "Fear and faith do not exist at the same time!" Be bold. Be courageous and exercise your faith. Even that mustard seed faith can work wonders.

Cheers to the New Year!

-The Editor