shop update: passing the torch

::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.

my {funky} new wallet

I love Twitter. I really do.

Twitter is great for . . . .

mindless rambling

searching for random things {quicker than Google}

fashion advice

tips

snorting

and on and on and on and on!

A couple of weeks ago, I put out a plea on Twitter for links to handmade wallets. I needed one. My mom had given me the one I had been carrying around about three years ago. Maybe. It was literally coming apart at the seams.

One specific, beautiful face popped up into my @ reply stream ~ Tara Dara.

She sent me a link to check out her beautiful wallets. I was immediately smitten. Then, guess what? She mentioned maybe we could do a trade – a couple of my {Imperfectly} Pleated Scarves for a wallet of my choice. I jumped on that like a tick on a mule.

Uh . . . .

I have no idea where that simile came from. I apologize. It won’t ever happen again.

My wallet arrived last week and I adore it. It’s so bright, happy and funky. I’ve received compliments on it every time I’ve taken it out of my purse at the store.

How about a lil’ tour?

See. Told ya.

Bright, happy and funky.

This is the front with a button closure. It’s very easy to open and close.

Annnnd the back.

Cuteness.

Let me apologize for the excessive bokeh going on in these shots.

Again, I need to step away from the 1.4.

I love the contrast between the outside fabric and the inside.

It has a spot for you to slide your checkbook in and six different slots for IDs, credit cards and Starbucks gift cards.

I’m not the only one who carries Starbucks gift cards around. Right?

There is a pocket to store more cards, cash or whatever you desire behind the six different slots. I have our library cards in that pocket.

Just in case you were wondering. Big cheesy grin.

There’s also a pocket on the underside of where your checkbook slides in. I’ve been putting my receipts in there.

There’s also another pocket on the other side of the where your checkbook slides in. A great spot for cash, maybe? I think so.

The wallet is well made, easy to use and has lots of nooks and crannies to store stuff. We all have stuff that needs storing, right?

Tara doesn’t just make these adorable wallets. She also makes card holders, passport covers, brag books, cup cozies, iPad covers, and Kindle and Nook covers. All of them just as bright and funky as my wallet.

Here are some places you can find Tara on-line:

Blog / Twitter / Etsy / Big Cartel

Tara is offering mah readers, peeps and lurkers an awesome discount. Use the code VDAY20 to receive 20% off of your order. This code will be good through Friday the 18th.

Check her out, y’all! And tell her I sent ya. ;-)

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