End of the chapter

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

Comments

[SandyN]

Dear Cath, (sorry I havn't been around... I havn't been very well). Wow I was shock to read your post. LOVE your designs but I hope your dreams come too.. in your next chapter of life.

Sandyn

[francoise]

Hello from France! I am already missing your posts... that is life, I am sure your choice is good. Farewell!

sweetoo

[Robert]

Wow Cath!! Its been a while since I last checked in but just in time I guess. Ever since discovering your blog during your Dan River mills posts a few years ago I have kept up with it from time to time, enjoying your wonderful photography -- you do have quite a talent here too, and it has given me much inspiration for my own photography. As for reaching the end of your blogging, I can completely understand as I once had a blog that lasted about 3 years until I realised it took over a lot of my free time that could otherwise be used for things close to my heart.

Best wishes to you and your family and may many wonderful adventure greet you all in the years to come.

Cheers!
Robert

[Cheryl]

Does this mean you're gonna go and drink that whole bottle of wine without me now....?
Nah... wine keeps for a few years! I'll be in your neck of the woods one of these days.
LUV your stuff, will miss it but look forward to the 'Kate' thing one day
See ya round the facebook traps!
Cheryl xxx
ps.. I made 2 Dear Jane blocks 3 years ago. Good on you for getting stuck into them!

[Stina]

Hello from Sweden.. :O)
Wish you all the luck whatever you will do... will miss you for sure.. happy you still are around ... Take care..and ENJOY life.. its too short to be wasted!! :O)) HUGS

[Sandy]

Oh dear sweet Cath...I will miss popping in to see what new adventure you have enjoyed, your great shopping finds, and of course the beautiful stitcheries. I'm sorry to see this chapter come to a close, but understand. Wishing you and your family the very best in your next chapter. {{{HUGS}}}

[Helen Stubbings]

Cath, I just heard the news and came to find out for myself. Congratulations on making this decision, I know it could not have been easy and I am sure we all think about it often. You are brave and sensible and know what you want and I admire that. We have enjoyed your work and admired it for many years. all the best and enjoy that family and your new life...

[michelle mcconachie]

I'll miss your blog, too, Cathy! Sounds like lots of good times coming up. Take care and be happy, michelle

[Leanne]

I applaud your decision Cathy! Family always comes first in my eyes. They grow up way to quickly and you really don't want to miss any of it. Will miss your blogs but will keep an eye on you through facebook. Good luck and giddy up girl!

[Barbara K]

Well Cath it will be very strange not logging into your blog every few days. It always cheered me up if other things got me down. But all is not lost as I will always be in touch via email or phone. Maybe now is a good time to join facebook. I wish you all the best with your plans and don't forget to Jeep Wrangler over to SA soon (a good excuse to 'run in' your new car). All the best Cath. Lots of love Barb XXOO

[http://marianedwardsdreamweaver.typepad.com]

Cath, at first i thought no this isn't really happening, she's just pulling our leg, and then as reality started to sink in i just wanted to cry. But i kept reading and when i got to the end of your post i smiled because i GOT it..i honestly did! I totally understand! there is so much more to life than this and in a blink of an eye your two wonderful young sons will be all grown up and doing their own thing. Good on you for persuing your outdoor passions, horse riding and hooning in your new jeep LOL!!
Thank you for all your wonderful designs & entertaining posts over the years, Cath..i will miss them :(( Your blog was my intro to the wonderful world of Blog back in 2007 and my life has never been the same since LOL!!
I'll be watching you on facebook and i look forward to our next get-together!
warm hugz..Marian xx

[Robyn of 'Robyns Nest']

I'll miss reading your blog(even though I've been very fortunate to go on many trips (explorations) with you. Your beautiful photography shows us how you see the world & what a keen eye you have for detail.The way you've written about our day trips has been fantastic, I can go back & read them & relive the trip all over (even the time I couldn't figure out the GPS!)
Mmmmmmm & the 'Kate' thing's go tme puzzled

[Doreen B]

Good luck to you and your dreams! I have enjoyed your blog and even winning a few of your giveaways and stitching up your patterns!
If you ever come to British Columbia, Canada
please come a calling! Would love to meet you in person.

[Jan]

Oh Cath, I'll miss your blog posts; it's been lovely getting to 'know' you over the years. And I think that what you're doing is lovely, too. I wish you lots of fun and laughter and enjoyment in this next important chapter of your story. All the best. xx

[Julz at Simple Stitches]

Cath...all the best for your future plans...may they all come true!

don't be shy...come and say Hi sometime...(Robyn will show you where to come!) and we really must have that cuppa one day sooooon!!!!

Julz

[Helen Yann]

Wishing you all the best in your new chapter of your journey. Keep in touch. Cheers

[Jeanette]

I will miss you & your blog. Good luck & all the best. Hugs,

[Christine M]

Good luck in your new adventures. I have enjoyed reading your blog.

[Sew Create It - Jane]

All the best in your new endeavors, time with your family and following your new interest.

Thank you for all the inspiration over the years.

[Bronwyn]

ooooo Cath!!! Thats what I first Thought when I read the heading. But now that you have explained it, good on you.I will have to follow you on FB, 'cos I love your 'guide' to stuff in Melbourne.Good luck with the horsey thing. But you do realise.. poverty is owning a horse.Maybe you could design some patchworky things for the equine people, they would buy them. I know I would.Just one question, will you continue to sell your current designs or are you shutting shop totally? Nice to have met you thru this "business" you did yourself proud. Hope to see you out and about. I might even get back in the saddle one day.

[Joy :o)]

Awww Cath I'm gonna miss your lovely blog posts ... but I totally understand your need to follow your dreams. Enjoy your horsey endeavours - I hope you have a blast :o). I'll catch up with you on facebook.
Love n hugs,
Joy :o) xxx

[Gina]

Oh no! does this mean you won't be posting anything at all on your blog now? I don't do Facebook, so I guess I'll miss out on your activities for a while - sigh. Hope all goes according to plan for your plans for this year. If you get time one day, pop out to Eltham and visit our opshop!
(Email me first to let me know when you are coming)

[Jenny M]

Sue is right, sometimes you do have to make a choice about how far you can stretch yourself and how to keep your life running smoothly. Wishing you all the best with your riding adventures and finishing your Dear Jane.
I shall miss keeping up with you thru your blog, seeing what you have bought at the op shops & l'uccello and seeing your latest designs....but life doesn't stay stagnant and maybe in the future when the season is right we will see what your creative mind has been up to once again. Take care dear Cath. Jen x

[Sandy]

All the very best, Cath. I live in a family dedicated to horses....husband and son who campdraft and breed Australian Stock horses, so I understand that drive, although I am not the bitten one around here.....enjoy the wind in your hair, and spending time with loved ones, after all those are the most important things.....cheers, Sandy

[Sue Evans]

Good choice Cath, I will miss your forays into the oppeshoppes, and all your beautiful designs, but hey, I still have a couple in the cupboard. I hope we will still see you on FB tho, especially shots of the equine adventures. Some times somethings gotta give so that you don't fall apart. Enjoy your hubby and family.
Sue

[Beth]

My dear friend I know I will miss reading your blog but time for yourself and family is soo important .I will keep an eye on facebook hugs and best wishes Beth