::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.

Three weeks from tomorrow, on July 1, I’m going to be closing up the shop for two months.

If you have a birthday this summer, or you have a friend who has a birthday this summer, or you know someone who knows someone who knows someone who has a birthday this summer, then you might want to get your order in soon.

Of if you just want to treat yourself, or someone you know, or someone who knows someone who knows someone you know.

Follow?

Clear as mud?

The last day to get orders in is June 30th . . . .

After that date, I plan on lounging around on the back patio, being fanned by one of my children while the other ones feed me grapes . . . or bon-bons . . . or something equally tasty.

::snort::

I sooooo wish that were true.

P. S. Today thru Sunday night, you can save 25% off your order by using the code SUMMER during checkout.

P. P. S. Over and out.

this is so not the post i had planned for today.

also, i’m typing in all lowercase because i slept through my alarm and now i’m majorly behind schedule.

::snort::

but, i’m on the computer?

i crack myself up.

but, seriously. i literally gasped out loud when i woke up and looked at the clock. then, i jumped out of bed and said {and i quote} “oh, no!”

have you ever been there?

ok. i better wrap this up.

like i was saying . . . this is not the post i had planned for today.

that other post had lots of pictures and witty comments.

that will have to wait for tomorrow.

today, i’m headed to the dentist with my boys. then, i’m packaging all eighty-six of those orders to go out in the mail tomorrow.

tomorrow is friday. can i get a happy dance? anyone?

cheers and adios! i’m outtie.

This code will be good through late Monday evening. Have a fabulous weekend, y’all!

Are y’all excited? I’m excited.

::jumps up and down::

Gussy and I have been sitting on this for . . . . um, a couple of months. It’s been so hard to keep quiet.

I’ve had to literally bite my tongue on occasion. Ok. Slight hyperbole.

::snort::

This Gussy pouch is the perfect addition to your camera bag. It holds so much! For kicks, I put my manual, biz cards, speedlight, remote, and lens cap inside. It all fit perfectly with spare room. {Ha! I just thought of that scene in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Ya know . . . . Spare Oom. Did I just lose y’all?}

I slid the Gussy pouch right inside my camera bag. It made it so much easier to find my stuff. No more digging around searching for something. It was all right in one spot. I just pulled out the pouch, unzipped it and voila!

I also played around with other combinations ~ my 50 mm 1.4, extra battery, memory card, Ziploc of snacks, lip gloss, on and on and on. You get the general idea. ::wink::

There are a very, very limited number of these sets. All sets are ready to ship.

Soooo, whatcha waitin’ for? Get thee to one of our shops and check it out. You can purchase it in either my shop or Gussy’s shop.

Be sure and stop by Gussy’s blog and see her post on this ruffilicious combo.

One year ago today, I opened my shop. You can see that very first post here. I’d like to think I’m older, wiser and far more mature than I was this time last year, but I’m not going to kid myself. I’m just older.

::snort::

I can’t let this momentous occasion pass by without having a sale. Right?

This sale will only last two days. Only two. Today and tomorrow. And guess what? Tomorrow is the last day to get your order in for Mother’s Day. Convenient. I know. {I don’t know where my sass comes from.}

Here are the details on the sale:

Thank you to each and every one of you for your support this past year! xo

How fun is this?!

Have you been able to see the musical Wicked? It’s by far one of my favorite Broadway musicals. If it comes to your area, you will not want to miss it.

You can see the collection listing here and the Tin Man listing here.

I’m curious . . . if you’ve seen the musical, what was your favorite musical number?

{bonjour} blue hour in the city

{bonjour} crazy fun canvas print

{bonjour} goofy picture

{bonjour} aisle to aloha painting

{bonjour} ma belle fille ~ my beautiful daughter

{au revoir} sugar . . . . for the next 47 days.

{bonjour} my favorite item in the shop . . . . {bonjour} 20% discount code NESTER20

Have a fabulous Monday, y’all! xoxo

Winner #1 ~ #11 Jennifer @ Always in Wonder

Winner #2 ~ #196 Alicia @ Twice the Love

Congrats to you both! If y’all will shoot me an e-mail with your mailing addresses, I’ll get your prizes out to you.

If you didn’t win, don’t feel like a loser! ::snort::

I’ve got a discount code for y’all. Use the code NESTER20 during checkout and you’ll receive 20% off your order. This will be good for one week ~ through April 16, 2011.

Have a great Saturday! xoxo