Firstly I want to thank you all ssssssssssssssooooooooooo very much for following my blog and for your companionship over the years. I have loved our chats and the many things we have shared together.
I have been fortunate enough to meet a lot of you face to face - and some of you have become very close to me. I love going to op shops - antique stores - gardens - your house - my house - train stations in the middle of no where - the cafe - and all sorts of crafty/insirational places with you. I am so blessed to have you in my life - and without my blog I probably would never have met you - even though you live in my neighbourhood! xo
There are others that I probably will never ever meet - you live so far away - and yet our emails have made us friends forever with a bond so strong. Its lovely to communicate with you and learn about your life and adventures - so different to mine. I hope we get to meet one day - until then the world is a small place via internet and good ol' postie ;-)
I want to thank wholeheartedly the incredible hard working shop owners that have supported my designs over the years. Your belief in me has meant the world! THANKYOU!!!! I wish you much success and happiness as you work at doing what you love!!!!!
I must also thank Catherine Sanchez xo and her team @ Homepsun for the fantastic opportunities sent my way. Publishing my projects has, and will always, make me feel so very proud and humble. THANKYOU!!!!!
A big shout out too to Helen Stubbings for inviting me to be a part of Quilt Aid. THANKS Helen!!! xo Get on board this project - what a fabulous cause!!!!!!!
The things I picture myself doing in the next 12 months dont seem to leave room for Willow Valley Store and so I have decided to close this chapter in my life.
This has been brewing in the back of my mind and so its not a snap decision. I know the time is right. Because the time is right I am not sad. I have loved the journey - and now its at its end.
I have pretty much achieved everything I set out to and so it is with a big smile on my face I run over the finish line with my hands in the air and shout Whoooo Hooo!
I have recently rekindled my long lost love of all things equine - and am excited about pursuing this full gallop. My desire is to increase my horsewomanship as much as I can. A dream left on the shelf for far too many decades.
You might smile if its got a hold of you too - but I am really into my Dear Jane blocks and the most important stitchy thing to me right now is completing my Dear Jane, quilting it and sleeping under it. I learn a little (and often large!!!!) lesson from each 5" block. I feel excited that each one makes me a better quilter. Better accuracy. Better confidence. Better skills. I made 8 yesterday!
Over the years I have bought many beautiful patterns and books from such talented people here in Oz and O/S. I have never given myself the pleasure of time to do anything with them. They have all been put away for later. "Stitch and sketch" time had to be about me producing to extend my business - otherwise I felt guilty. In stead of my 'design studio' heeheehee love those words (this is the part where you LAUGH out loud if you have been to my joint) being a place where I could go to and relax - it somehow has become a place of pressure and stress. Printing patterns and deadlines. I want that "ahhhh" feeling back when I walk into this room. I want to be able to spend time here after a hard days work and it to feel like a haven again.
I feel as if I finish work and then come home and face another job.
The time has come to choose just one for now. I happily choose long before I break.
We bought a Jeep Wrangler! It arrives in about 4 weeks. When Brian and I met in 1989 we used to get around in Mini Mokes. I am looking forward to having the wind in my hair and going places - nah we arent too old for that!!!!We have joined the Jeep club and we are going to spend more time together as a family hooning around. Might add some camping to that?!?!
And so - I am off to the outdoors - having fun with my gorgeous family - hubby of 21 years and our fabulous teen boys - having some adventures...lots of horsey ones I hope. I really must get that vege patch going too. Have had a desire for ages to feed us all from the produce in the backyard.
I will stay on facebook - so please join me there!
I have some ideas for the future about my next chapter - because the story isnt over yet!! I have a name decided too! I will give you a clue - watch out for a business name with the word Kate in it. I will be back when the season is right.
Much love and hugs
Catherine xoxoxoxoxooxoxo
