A couple of weeks ago I shared my quandary about having....ehem...a little too much on my plate. After a ridiculous amount of
So.
I will be giving up my booth space at Camas Antiques at the end of June.
I know. I still kinda can't believe it myself. It has truly been a dream-come-true being down there. So many amazing vendors...a gem of an owner to work with.....So many good friends....such inspiration..but I had to face the bottom line, and that was the fact that, although I love every aspect of having a booth space, it hasn't been financially worthwhile for me for the past several months. For the life of me, I cannot figure out just why this is, but since so may other vendors in the mall are doing just great while I am not, and while at the same time I seem to do amazingly well at shows, I feel like it was a message to me, loud and clear from above. Landing my new full time job back in the field I left pushed things to a point that I knew meant having to make some adjustments.
Once I was still and listened (okay, and once my daughter asked me just how many more signs I needed...) I knew this was the right thing to let go of, and not try to force things. I feel my booth space, with all of the time, effort and money for inventory and supplies invested in it, is the thing I need to step back on, for the time being at least.
The stress all this was bringing on, worrying and wondering about my sales, and having my little Barbie Condo looking like some crazy version of Santa's Workshop 24-seven made something that was so much a part of my bliss...notsomuch. Like my Rock n' Roll Buddy always says, "Stop doing something when it isn't fun for you anymore."
Of course I will still frequent my most favorite of my favorite shops, and share pictures on my blog of the fabulous window displays, (in fact, wait until you see what Julie has done in there now!) and always be a huge fan of Camas Antiques, and all this this jewel of a shop has to offer.
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Listen.
ReplyDeleteYou are strong.
Tough choice.
Whew.
Good for you, Tracey. I'll bet despite the bittersweetness of it, you can already feel some of the weight lifted off your shoulders. I think you'll feel liberated, and have more energy to jump into your shows with even more enthusiasm. The best is yet to come......:)
ReplyDeleteI think you've made a very wise decision. Junking/thrifting should be a pleasure, not a chore. Do it for yourself if and when the spirit moves you.
ReplyDeleteYou will do just fine, cutting back is facing the fact that you need to take care of you!!!! Hugs Mary........PS let me know how your are doing in a Month.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Julie with us!!
ReplyDeleteL.O.V.E. her blog!
♥'s
Sherry
It feels good doesn't it to finally make a decision and move forward. You will continue to create and enjoy life and have much to share on your blog (hint hint). And who knows what may develop that is even better than you ever dreamed possible!
ReplyDeleteLife goes on and this sounds like a good move for right now Tracey. Many down the line there will be another opportunity for you to shine with another venue but for right now simplification sounds like a great chair to be sitting in.
ReplyDeleteAhhh.... You must feel a little lighter now that the decision is made. {hug} Now you can settle into your job and little home, go junkin' for the joy of it, and do shows when it feels just right, AND be open to wonderful new adventures!
ReplyDeleteOh Bummer! I will be in Camas at the end of July and was looking forward to visiting your booth. I guess I'll miss you by a month.
ReplyDeleteI am however, very proud of you for saying no when you need to say no. It's hard.
Best Wishes!
Longtime reader in Florida Amy
It's never easy to let go of something you love . . . but, in these economic times, one must base certain decisions on the hard, cold facts of "is the time, effort, and expense worth the return". I bet you already feel a sense of relief knowing you weighed your options and made a decision . . . with no regrets.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy that you are continuing with this blog -- I look forward to each new post!
Just wanted to drop an encouraging note -- sometimes the wisest thing we can do is knowing when to say when. I'm in the middle of that struggle myself with some things in life and I'm encouraged by your wisdom. Thanks for sharing, and I hope you'll still inspire us with whatever comes to you from time to time!
ReplyDeleteI know what a tough decision that was. I struggled with staying with a job or moving on for months, seeing all the signs LOUD and CLEAR (an ignoring them). Finally when it was time (for me), I let go.
ReplyDeleteI know you know your decision was the right one for you.
Create a vacuum and the Universe fills it in with something even better.
Here's an idea in case you haven't thought of it! You have undoubtedly made many many friends at Camas Antiques. How about talking to some of your buddies with full time boothes about taking an occasional piece that you recreate and sell it on their booth for you, sort of on consignment? This way you would still be able to enjoy your creative outlet as you have the time without the stress of filling up a whole booth to keep stocked all the time. Likewise, your booth friends who are still in this bigtime could look to you when their inventory is low for a piece to fill in their empty spaces to keep things fresh and full. A piece here and their, your banner kits, etc. and you could still exercise your creativity without biting off more than you can chew! Just an idea! Best of luck to you as always! You inspire me, not only with your creativity and love of home, but with the way you share your thought process along the way to some very tough situations you have faced. And you always come out smelling like a rose- there's alot to be said for that! We are all in that same boat at one time or another in our lives and having you pave the path into the unknown is truly an ispiration for us at the end of the diving board thinking about taking the plunge! Keep on keepin' on!
ReplyDeleteYou'll always be a very clever gal. Right now this makes perfect sense. Work on your Barbie Condo, new job and enjoy the season. When play becomes more stress then play it's time to make a change. It can't be fun to be pulled in so many different directions. I'm happy for you! I've followed you for years. You clearly have the creative gene this won't change that. Now you can REALLY play.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Kathy
Best,
Kathy
I can truly understand how you feel. One of the many reasons I no longer offer my decorating services to "paying" customers....started to feel more like a job instead of a "My Bliss". A very hard decision to accept; however I think you have made the right choice "for this season of your life".
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Bravo Tracey,
ReplyDeleteYou have come a long way since the big D. Crossing thestepping stones of life. Things happen for a reason, I'm a firm believer in that. This too will just blossom into something bigger and better for you, adding another stepping stone. The main objective is to be HAPPY.
Put on a pair of your fancy shoes and kick up your heels, reward yourself
for making a hard decision.
Gena
I had the privilege to visit your booth last summer when I was visiting my two daughters in Vancouver, Wa & was looking forward to doing so again when I visit the end of July. I love to vacation out in the pacific northwest in the summer!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes on your new job & I will continue to look forward to reading your blog!
Blessings, Lena
Good Choice! To look so small, sometimes booth spaces are huge when you are trying to fill them.....and keep them filled. Nothing uglier than a bare space. The wonderful thing about this crazy internet we have now is you can have a virtual store (or booth space). The horrible thing about this crazy internet is that there are fewer and fewer Mom & Pop stores. I read the newspaper online, but I really miss holding it in my hand....(sad).
ReplyDeleteBest Wishes Alwasy,
Helen
I just saw the darling pictures of your beautiful grandchildren. What part of Asia is your granddaughter from - she looks so exotic.
ReplyDeleteYou must be a proud Grandma.
Catherine Washburn
Whew!! I was holding my breathe thinking you were going to quit blogging, boy am i relieved!! I know it must be a tough choice for you, sounds like this is the right choice, praying you have peace with your decision. Glad i can still check in with you here, makes my day! Rachel Beal
ReplyDeleteHello Tracey,
ReplyDeleteMaking the decision to stop doing something-- especially something we are good at and enjoy-- takes a lot of courage -- good for you for thinking it through as you did and taking action!
Sometimes we just need to let go of something because even if we don't know what it is right now, we need to make room for something really wonderful to come into our lives.....at least that's what I think. What do you think?
Have a great afternoon,
Nan
OK I still want to get together for coffee. Whats a good time?
ReplyDeleteHope you are enjoying the sunshine!
Hugs my friend
Julie
Oh, GAH! My sister and I had been planning to go see your booth at Camas Antiques this August . . . We are both filled with admiration for you and your creativity. Maybe someday that door will open again, and in the meantime I look forward to reading about your endeavors. Best of luck to you!
ReplyDelete--Mary
I just found your blog a few weeks ago when I googled robin's egg blue paint color! I haven't got to read everything yet but love what I have read so far. Wish your booth wasn't so far from where I live. Do you think you would ever travel? Check out An Affair of The Heart website. It is very popular here in Oklahoma-Texas area.
ReplyDeleteLOL! Oh, Catherine. Little Isabelle isn't from Asia. Her mama is 1/2 mexican and her daddy is a mutt (I say that with love as he is my brother, making me a mutt too). Thanks for the laugh. She is beautiful isn't she?
ReplyDeleteI'm dwelling in the possibility that you haven't given up blogging!
ReplyDeleteI love the sign..."DWELL IN THE POSSIBLITY." I so understand where you are coming from...and last Sunday in church I gave a lesson about Why Do We Run Faster Than We Have Strength???? I think soooo many women totally are feeling this......we are trying to pour from an empty vessel.......and we are forgetting to "sit a spell" and fill ourselves back up.....from what I have noticed on your blog YOU ARE AMAZING......Just REMEMBER that!!!!!
ReplyDelete