Crafts

On a whim yesterday, I thought it might be fun to do something different with the Christmas cards we’ve been getting in the mail. I usually place them around the bookcase in our great room, but they kind of get lost in there.

We had three little trees sitting up in the attic that I hadn’t felt like doing anything with. We brought them down and made some Christmas card trees. I’m loving it. The children keep walking over to it, looking at them and asking about the families.

Some of the cards are from friends we were stationed with way back when . . . before the children were born or could remember. They’re curious about their stories and our connection.

A lot of the cards are from friends I’ve met through blogging. In fact, this is the first year I’ve received more cards from friends in my computer than anyone else. It makes me smile.

What do you do with the Christmas cards you get in the mail?

::deep breath::

This is going to be a difficult post for me to write. Bare with me, y’all.

During this summer break, I’ve done a lot of thinking. A lot of thinking. Thinking about what I want out of life. Thinking about dreams that I have. Thinking about my life in general.

I asked myself some hard questions. Some uncomfortable questions.

After reading 168 Hours awhile back, I knew I could do anything I set my mind to; however, I didn’t know if I wanted to.

Let me explain.

My problem wasn’t if I could handle homeschooling, running a handmade shop, starting up a photography business, taking care of my house, or being there for my husband . . . I knew I could fit it all in, but I decided I didn’t want to live my life burning the candle at both ends. I want to enjoy life! I don’t want to see life passing me by while I’m checking things off my to-do list. I want to focus on a few things and give each of those things my heart and energy. I want to do those things well.

When the time finally came down where I needed to make a decision about what to do, I knew right away. The answer had been lying in my heart and mind for awhile.

I needed to pass the torch to someone else. Someone who I respected. Someone I knew would treat and value customers the same way I do. Someone who would provide a quality product.

That someone was Maggie Whitley ~ better known as Gussy.

I gave her a call several weeks ago and poured my heart out to her. I wanted her to take over my product line. After quietly listening, she agreed. ::happily skips around the room::

I’m in a good place. I’m happy and content with my decision. It’s the right fit for me and for my family.

This is a new chapter for me. A new chapter for Gussy.

And guess what? . . . . She’s calling the line “Eclectic Whatnot by Gussy Sews” . . . I feel my eyeballs starting to get a lil’ sweaty here, y’all.

I’m excited for myself and the dream I’m pursuing. I’m excited for Maggie and the expansion of her business. I’m just plain excited!

Before I go any further, I just have to say . . .

Thank you to all my customers. A girl could not have asked for better customers. I’m completely serious. I love y’all. You made running my shop a joy.

Thank you to all my cheerleaders and encouragers.

Thank you to all the friends I made in the homemade community. Each of you are so dear to me. You’re an inspiration to me. xo

Thank you to my family. For ya know . . . putting up with me. ::snort::

::deep breath::

Where was I?

Oh, yes . . .

I would love for all of you to stop by and check out the new product line Eclectic Whatnot by Gussy Sews. Maybe give my girl, Maggie, a sweet word of encouragement as she starts a new chapter.

Displaying our Christmas Cards

shop update: passing the torch

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