I have focused most of my production for local markets this year- two shops I'm thrilled to be associated with, my local farmers market, and my long time customers, friends, and family who live in and around Memphis. I've really neglected my online customers and my Etsy shop this year. I had big plans for listing things online near Thanksgiving, but low- Thanksgiving is this week and everything I've managed to make is either for local stores and shows or a really big thing that's coming up in mid-December, completely unrelated to the holidays. I think, realistically, that I won't be able to do a big update this year. If you were counting on it, I am so sorry. One of my 2011 habits-to-work-on is to update Etsy once a month.
Today, though, the idea of adding ten more honeypots/berry bowls/butter crocks to my to-do list makes me want to find a new profession. I was thinking yesterday as I was cranking out 15 of the same little item that ten years ago I'd grandly thought that I wanted to be a production potter, and how fulfilling and wonderful that would be. Now that I almost have become one, it is wonderful, and it is incredibly gratifying to have people tell me how much my work means in their daily lives, I'm realizing that it's also really, really physically tiring.
So. I'm letting myself off the hook for a holiday Etsy update. I'll put up some of my birds nest ornaments by Dec 1, because I did make those specifically for etsy, and I'll share my big news (the reason for the production pottery) in a few weeks. I hope you have a peaceful, family-filled Thanksgiving. And if you're shopping this weekend, I hope you'll make an effort to support local small businesses. The families that run them will thank you, as do I.
*Happily, thankfully, blessedly, my husband found a new position almost one year to the day after his layoff in November 2009. It is a good fit for him, an I'm grateful that it came along when it did.
11 comments:
kudos to you melissa. taking a moment to breathe, reevaluate, and adapt. there's a huge lesson in this for all of us. thank you for being so transparent for all of us to grow along with you. xo
what Jade said. Take good care of yourself, friend.
What Jade and Sarah said. May your Thanksgiving overflow with blessings and peace, and just a wee bit of relaxation!
Just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving and, again, congratulations to you about the new job!
xoxox
you have said what i am feeling. and you are always just what i need. you are like a reminder angel. corny? no way.
now, take "your" time. find "your" peace. it is much deserved. wishing you love this thanksgiving! hugs lady!
Blessings to you and yours this Thanksgiving. Good for you for remembering it is ok to say no sometimes. :)
good for you! I am much in the same boat. it helps to be kind to oneself when going through such hard times. and a big happy birthday to n from all of us!
You have had quite a year, I know. I am so thankful for you guys and your friendship with our family. That job is an answer to so many prayers. Many blessings are coming to you my friend.
Melissa,thanks for your honesty! I can totally relate having lost my job almost a year ago. It's been amazing, it's been difficult. I find myself being my own hardest critic and I know I'm also the only one that can really truly accept myself and let me off the hook when needed. So, GOOD for you, the etsy shop will be there. You will find new customers, maybe loose a few old ones but mostly you should be doing this because it gratifies you. Stay true to yourself.
oh my goodness, now i feel like an even bigger jerk about my email. you're so good to know yourself like this. and to pay attention. good woman. xo.
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