If you've stopped by the shop since I reopened on Wednesday, you've probably noticed some sales. There have been quite a few emails from inquiring customers, so I guess it's time to talk. I've always been an open book.....why stop now? Here's the honest-to-goodness truth.
When I laid the plans for One Hundred Wishes, 2 years ago, I envisioned a shop with unique and beautiful items for creative customers. In my mind, I saw myself puttering around in my studio making pretty things and once or twice a week sitting down to pack a few orders. I thought it would give me the best of both worlds, getting to stay home with my children while still having my own little "thing". I never did it for money. I did it purely for pleasure and the pursuit of a long-time dream.
Well, the truth is, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine it would grow to become what it has. And quite simply, as grateful as I am, it's become more than I ever wanted it to be. Keeping the shop fresh and interesting consumes an incredible amount of time, and I'm just not willing to give up precious minutes with my family any longer. So, it's time to slow down this ride (where are the brakes?) and scale back considerably. I am not closing up shop, just downsizing and keeping the best of the best. My very favorite things.
I will continue making jewelry, and there are some other creative plans swirling in my head and written in my journal as well. All in time. There is no rush, no time line. It's all about doing what feels right. And right now, I gotta tell ya, this feels very right. It's been a long time coming.
I want to play more with my boys. And sit on the couch watching movies with my husband after we put the kids to bed. I want to bake more. And create more. And relax more. And clean my house better. And do more yoga. And I can't wait to work in the garden and have Mario there digging by my side. And I want to have free time to meet friends for lunch and catch up. I want to enjoy these days, because I know how quickly they will fly right by me if I don't make the conscious decision to savor every moment. Sam is so big. When did he get so big?? Was I packing orders while he was growing? Was I too stressed out to notice that Mario doesn't want to play trains alone. He wants to play with me. And I want to play with him. Because someday he won't want to play with me. Right now, I'm his best friend. He told me so. And I want to bake {not buy} every birthday cake for George, Mario and Sam from now until forever. Not because I have to, but because I want to.
So, there you have it. The raw truth. I hope I don't come across as sad in this post, because I am as happy as can be! I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. It feels like everything has come into a very clear focus for me. Those of you who are close to me know this has been on my mind for such a long time. It's so good to set it free. Simplify.
I have also decided {after much consideration} that I will no longer be shipping orders internationally. For domestic orders, I ship everything through USPS Click N Ship, right from my front porch. But, international orders require additional paperwork and trips to the post office with the kids in tow, several times a week. I have greatly appreciated every international order I've ever received and want to say a big thank you to each one of my faraway customers and friends. Orders have been shipped to South Africa, Italy, Malaysia, England, Peru, Canada, France and everywhere in between. How amazing the Internet is. Thank you for your support and your loyalty. It truly means so much to me.
Whew. I'm long-winded today! Glad I got all of those thoughts out though.
So, what does all of this have to do with these pictures of pretty velvet strawberries? A fair question, I would say! I purchased these handmade berries for my shop late last year, and they arrived in the mail this week. One last shop update for a while....and a very pretty one I think! These strawberries were handmade by one of my customers, Kimber Van Heukelom. Each one is topped with hand-dyed wool and dotted with seed beads. Kimber also made the adorable tuffet with the tiny berry emery. As you can see, she does beautiful work. I love them and I love that they are handmade.
There are a limited number of these strawberries in the shop now, and I also put one aside to do a fun little giveaway. If you'd like the chance to win a velvet strawberry, leave your name and email address and I'll draw a name on Monday!
You can also contact Kimber directly for special orders. (515) 993-4005 or tkhook@msn.com
Happy Weekend everyone! Don't forget to make it count. Thanks for reading this far....lol....
xoxoxoxoxoxo Andrea
Andrea, You have found the truth. We cannot have it all all at the same time. Life has a way of forcing us to choose priorities and you have chosen well. I raised three sons and I can tell you that they will not need you when they grow up as much as they do now. So cherish the days, they do fly and enjoy being the most important woman in their lives. Your blog is delightful and your shop full of so many beautiful things. I have just started my blog and am still learning. I would LOVE to win one of those strawberries! Linda
Posted by: Linda | January 16, 2009 at 06:17 PM
Beautiful I want it!!!
Posted by: Laura James | January 16, 2009 at 06:25 PM
Yeah, just bought a strawberry!! I stayed home when my kids were little and wouldn't trade that for the world. Success can be a wonderful thing and I love your little shop. However I have wondered how on earth you got it all done. Do what you can and want and trust me, we will be happy and certainly want you to be. Hugs to you all!
Posted by: debe | January 16, 2009 at 06:27 PM
Wonderful choice! Lucky you for coming to this decision to spend more time with your family. I am now the mother of a 15 year-old girl and can tell you the time flies by. You will never regret the choice to be with family.
And I love the strawberries too!
Sharyn
Posted by: Sharyn | January 16, 2009 at 06:29 PM
A hard decision, I agree, but one that sounds right for you. I went through similar thought process when my daughter was born, gave up a teaching job I loved so that I could treasure every moment with her. I returned to teaching when she entered first grade, but count my blessings that I was able to have that time with her (and still enjoy all our 'together time' every summer!) I think your shop and blog are wonderful.
Please enter me in the contest for that adorable velvet strawberry!
Sue in bitter cold, but still snowless Maryland.
Posted by: Sue | January 16, 2009 at 06:39 PM
You must always do what's best for you and your family. Be grateful for the success and loyal customers who are SO glad you're not closing up shop and for the gift of those precious boys and this time with them. You have amazing taste and I look forward to seeing the best of the best from you in the future. Take good care, Andrea!
Posted by: psmullican | January 16, 2009 at 06:49 PM
Andrea, Good for you! It makes my heart smile to read about your priorities being in the right place, at home! Your items are wonderful and we'll shop, even if there's not as much! Suzie
Posted by: Suzie Button | January 16, 2009 at 06:51 PM
The days do go by quickly, children grow up so fast. (When did my daughter turn 18? She was just born yesterday!) I applaud you for knowing what you want and taking control to obtain it.
Posted by: Mary | January 16, 2009 at 07:09 PM
You'll never look back and wish you spent more time on your shop--but you may look back and wish you spent more time with your family, so you're 100% making the right decision!
LOVE the strawberries! What little treasures they are. :)
Posted by: Heidi German | January 16, 2009 at 07:12 PM
Hi Andrea.. I understand how you feel between juggling with kids and home business, we miss a lot of things in between and I am happy you decided to spend more time with your boys as this is the right time do so..
but on the other hand I am sad as I no longer can shop at your OHW. I was about to order some possies from you.. :-( I do hope one day, when the right time comes again, OHW will take international orders.
oh do count me in your giveaway! I would love to win!
Thank you and have a great weekend!xo
Fitty
Posted by: fitty | January 16, 2009 at 07:19 PM
That just sounds right and you never know maybe one day you will have a little one all grown up helping you in your shop again.
My daugter was such a wonderful helper in mine.
So enjoy those little ones they grow way way too fast.
Becky
Posted by: becky | January 16, 2009 at 07:32 PM
Good for you.. each life has a season and time now will never come back to you but good business will.
Maddie, mom of 6
www.domesticanarchy.blogspot.com
Posted by: maddie | January 16, 2009 at 07:34 PM
I'm so happy for you. You always know the right thing to do. I recently did the same thing. Switching from a partner of just be to managing a smaller portion. While we would like to do it all, time doesn't grow in a day to allow that. Choices have to be made. Your sons are lucky to have you! Best wishes!
Posted by: Jeni Carlson | January 16, 2009 at 07:41 PM
Andrea, I totally understand you on this! Life is too precious and our babies grow up way tooo fast! You blink and they are 26 and 21! Yikes! When reading your post, I remembered back to a picture you posted a while back. It was a mound of boxes that were ready to ship. I can only imagine how much time you have worked, and all that you missed out on! Enjoy your hubby and children! I would LOVE to be in your drawing for one of the strawberries! Have a lovely weekend with your family.
Blessings,
Rebecca
mizabecca@yahoo.com
Posted by: Rebecca | January 16, 2009 at 07:42 PM
Andrea, How wonderful to keep sight of what really makes one heart sing. Your family is so blessed to have so much love and care surrounding them. I have never been so creative since I found your blog and shop last year and that's all due to you sharing more of yourself to all of us.
I look forward to your new inspirations and wish you 100 wishes on your journey in 2009!
Posted by: Laurie | January 16, 2009 at 07:45 PM
You are such an inspiration, I think if you follow your heart, you always make the right choice. Your selflessness is very admirable, something I am sure your family already enjoys. Enjoy baking those goodies!!! Maybe you could give us some yummy recipes!
Posted by: Brandee Smith | January 16, 2009 at 07:46 PM
You are such an inspiration, I think if you follow your heart, you always make the right choice. Your selflessness is very admirable, something I am sure your family already enjoys. Enjoy baking those goodies!!! Maybe you could give us some yummy recipes!
Posted by: Brandee Smith | January 16, 2009 at 07:49 PM
What beautiful strawberries- please enter my name for one! And good for you to stop and smell the roses (or maybe it's strawberries!).
Posted by: Jenny M | January 16, 2009 at 07:54 PM
how bittersweet. I've just found you!! but you will not regret the decision. To everything there is a season. Blessings to you in this new season.
Posted by: terry sweet | January 16, 2009 at 07:59 PM
I think you are doing the right thing... you can never get these days back with your children, but you can always go back to your shop. Good for you!
I would love one of those fantastic strawberries!!
Posted by: Melissa | January 16, 2009 at 08:07 PM
Oh Andrea!! You are right about time flying fast. Enjoy your family. Little ones grow up fast. Time with them is priceless.
Posted by: SONIA | January 16, 2009 at 08:11 PM
I would love a chance at a strawberry.....I admire you for taking back your life.Family is important and so is your time.
Posted by: Amy | January 16, 2009 at 08:21 PM
I have always loved your shop! but, yes you are right in laying claim to your family because they do need you! I'll always be "checking in" to see what's new!
Posted by: michelle cummings | January 16, 2009 at 08:25 PM
Andrea, I think it's just wonderful that you've recognized what you want and are doing it! Too many times we try to do so much as women, over committing ourselves and then we do nothing really great...and everything suffers. There will be a time in your life to work a larger business but now you can clearly see what makes you happy!! I would LOVE to win one of the beautiful handmade strawberries ~ xxoo, Dawn
Posted by: sewmanyroses | January 16, 2009 at 08:25 PM
WOW!! That is impressive! It can sometimes be really hard to do what is right for ourselves. That's probably why you had been thinking about it for so long. We sometimes get our pride caught up in things. We think we have to sell a lot to be successful. Right now, you are THE most successful person I know of.
Congratulations. Enjoy playing choo-choo and baking. You and your family deserve it.
Posted by: luckygirlgifts | January 16, 2009 at 08:30 PM