new in the shop (or how i continue to find my way)
new necklaces in the shop
still working on that mountain of things to do over here, but happy to report that i did get a few new items listed in the shop. a small "almost spring" collection and a few ready to ship/one of a kind necklaces.
after a long talk with a friend who let me ramble in circles as i wished for an assistant and the gift of rest, i have decided to close my shop for the weeks surrounding the next retreat (which is the Joy retreat...there are still five spots left!). UPDATE: (realized a few things about my schedule and am modifying the dates i originally put here) so i will be closing my etsy shop from March 28 to around April 18 to give myself some time to focus on the other aspects of my creative business, including workshops, retreats, and some other fun things i have waiting in the idea journal...and i will be working on a fun new spring collection for the shop during that time too.
i am actually organizing and hosting five retreats this year and the first four happen one right after the other (including one in the midwest...have you heard? kelly b and i are really doing it! yep. culver, indiana in may. more information right here). i am so excited about these retreats and the first one, Pen & Paper, unfolded so beautifully (more on that soon) and gently pushed me to continue to own that i do feel like this is my calliing...to gather women to play and create and sit in the quiet and share pieces of their stories. it is a gift to be present at these gatherings.
as i said to my friend, i am at this place where i have to admit that i feel behind in many things because i am a work at home mama to a little one who needs me more than anyone else does, but i also feel like i am at this important place on my creative path. there is an intense push and pull happening inside me at times. and even though i know this is part of it, part of this new mama experience, it still is what it is. and it is happening. and it is going to keep happening. i am learning that i simply must say "no" because life is unpredictable with a baby, especially one who has health "stuff" and daily medication and doctor's appointments and how the list goes on. letting people down can feel a bit like i am suffocating (do you know that feeling?) but i am standing in the truth that letting ellie down is not an option right now.
so as i continue to find my way, i deeply appreciate you being out there reminding me i am not alone as i do this...one breath, one step, repeat repeat repeat.
happy weekend to you in your corner of the world,
liz
finding my way, shop girl in mama journey
Reader Comments (6)
Liz, I know you don't necessarily like to hear this but you are an amazing woman and mother. We have a dear friend whose son was so ill (cancer) when he was two, and I could not imagine how he and his wife managed to even walk around and talk and do other things. They are true heroes in my book. As are you.
Ellie came to the right mommy and daddy, that's for sure.
It is never an option for good mamas... and you are exceptional...
:-)
(((hugs)))
I still find it hard to say no to people, but when I am clear about what I want to do and what I need, it becomes easier. And in that clarity, I can be gentle with myself and with others. You are on a healthy path!
hey you. i took a deep breath when i read this with a little smile.
it is so hard to say no, to slow things down and regroup. i am
proud of you. lets talk this week. i miss you like crazy.
liz-
sounds like we are very much in the same place!
it's so hard, i totally know what you are saying here... i've had to say no many times in these past 9 months too... the old way of working is just not going to fly with the babies around!
but you are doing it. you are doing it so so well! it's a hard balancing act... some days it feels like you are going to fall right off the tightrope, but then the next day comes and it feels like you are flying high, dancing through the air....
i'm just remembering one thing at a time. learning to walk these baby steps right alongside ada.
thinking of you xo *s
You are teasing me with the mention of Joy, LOL.
Love that "Hello Love" one. What a wonderful message to wear on your heart.