I grew up in a really old farmhouse. We didn't have heat upstairs and in the winter some mornings snow would even line my windowsills. Sounds crazy right?? Kinda like camping, but not! Because of the cold our pipes froze to the upstairs bathroom when I was little. Like maybe three or four years old little. So for all those years we only had one bathroom...downstairs. No biggie except that the doors creaked, the stairs creaked and there was NO HEAT! Oh and never mind that when there's no bathroom you have to get up at least 10 times a night right;)??
Anyhoo this summer when I went home I finally got to see the bathroom restored. It was bliss let me tell you. BLISS:)) I spent as much time in that room as I could. The window was cracked open to the countryside...a cool breeze coming in. I'd soak in the tub and reminisce.
I thought about when I was a little girl and took baths up there. I thought about the chigger bites on my legs my momma put cream on. And that was about it. I can't remember anymore because it's been SO long that bathroom hasn't worked!! I do however remember my mom and dad talking about getting it fixed FOREVER.
My dad...God bless his soul...is probably the biggest procrastinator there is. He's slow. He's deliberate. He really doesn't know what to do to fix something, so he puts it off...and off and off. And for as long as I can remember my mom has nagged him about something needing done. I grew up hearing that banter. I grew up seeing my dad rarely finish a project, and something resolute set in me. I knew I didn't want to be that way. I wanted to finish what I started. I didn't want to put things off. I wanted to be a completer!
Well here I am all these years later. And I can say that up until recently I've been that way. I've never been one to procrastinate. If there was something to be done I didn't dilly dally. BUT I've seen a shift in me, and I don't like it. Laundry can sit in baskets folded for a week. Just because I don't like putting it away. My bathroom can be disgusting. And what would take 2 or 3 minutes to remedy can annoy me for days.
It's seeped into my work as well. I've gotten to the point that I put off custom painting because it's not what I want to do. The desire to paint something specific...something other than what I want, makes me not want to even begin. I know there are reasons for the shift. Have I become lazy? Am I afraid to start??...wanting it to be perfect. There is always a reason. And as for my dad I'm sure it was probably overwhelming because he didn't know exactly what to do...so he did nothing.
I'm thinking that for me it's more than just laziness and the strive for perfection. I've had a project on my heart forever, and I haven't really known where to begin. Then other things keep me distracted and busy and, and, and...I just never begin.
So I'm carving out time. I've felt led to close my shop down December 15th and I'm leaving it closed until Feb. I'm hoping this little break will allow me to focus. Oh and I'm no longer doing custom house paintings...eeek!! It's time to move on. All that to say...if ya want something...a cuff, necklace...something made just for you. Let me know now:)
I've got a few coupons out there. My friends Tiffini and Carissa have one going and there will be a couple more. Thank you so much for supporting me. I promise I'll reopen. And hopefully I'll have some exciting new things in the works:)
Have a blessed weekend.
817. my little chick's 9th bday...more pics to come
818. the privilege of motherhood
819. donuts
820. new tennis shoes
821. knitting;)
822. mom and dad going to AZ today...praying they get their final goodbyes in
Hey sweetie girl! I'm excited for you to have a break to regroup and rest and get things done. You are such a diligent worker... I always admire that about you! I better hurry up and decide on some Christmas shopping!! Oh, and Julie's painting looks amazing! Can you tell we live right next to each other?! I'm glad you're moving on because you're freeing yourself up to create and do more of what you love. Happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain. I grew up in an old farmhouse with no heat upstairs and only one bathroom downstairs PERIOD. My kids don't understand how my sister, mom and I can share a bathroom so well. We did it for a LONG time.
ReplyDeleteLove the new look.
that bathroom is amazing!! i love that tile floor...i think it's the same i put in our bathroom in our old house. and that TUB?? can you tell me if it's new? where did they get it?? my dream (well, one of them) is to have a clawfoot tub. love it!!
ReplyDeleteand way to focus, my friend. i just reopened but didn't put in anything new yet...the goal is november 1st with a holiday line, but i'm sooo not getting anything done. wish me luck!!
I can relate to that "shift" thing... a lot. It's the same, for me, as you described - waiting on something to get it done but not fully decided on what? or How? So why get into it if I'm going to get interrupted with the Littles running around, etc.?
ReplyDeleteyes!!!
I love the finished project. Whenever it happens. And once in awhile - I'm very proud of myself because of it. ;)
~B
PS: I love that bathroom. That tub. I'd probably sit in there a long time, too, and most likely ponder the next project, whiling away the time to get it done.
your parents bathroom is beauuutiful and i can totally understand cold houses!
ReplyDeletewhen i lived in my in-laws huge old farmhouse, the bathroom was SO old and so rotted that i said a prayer every time i sat on the toilet...begging God that i wouldn't be the one who would make it fall through. :)
as for your shop news? i guess that just put me into major overdrive to order something! been eyeing up a cuff forever. :)
can't wait to see what's new!!!
ps. i used to be the queen of laundry, and now it sits for days...who am i kidding? WEEKS in piles. :/ oy.
xo
Is your father related to Mr. Cozy? Big hearts just slow fixing skills, hah.
ReplyDeleteI hope it goes okay for your parents. Really hard, I know.
Good for you. You know what you need to do and you do it. Instead of adding to your plate you cut back. Your family is most important now and you need to do what feels right for you.
((((((HUGS)))))
I'm so excited for your break from the shop. :)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy that time!
hello again...meant to also say that your dad and my dad could be twin brothers. :)
ReplyDeletekings of procrastination but such good men, we can hardly hold it against them.
beautiful bathroom! loved this post so much! hope to get some goodies from your shop, you are a delightful creative soul. xo
ReplyDeletewell, i'm headed to your shop to buy a cuff....not sure i can wait until february!! i love that bathroom by the way! what a tub? the faucet? i love it all!
ReplyDeleteI am glad they finally got the bathroom fixed. My Daddy isn't good at fixing things either. I don't think it is about being lazy as much as it is about just making do : ) My Mom and Dad grew up when making do was the thing to do. They didn't have Home Depot to run to at the drop of a hat. And even if they could have gone there whenever they wanted, they didn't have enough money to go. Sometimes I think we are spoiled. And selfish. I know I am.
ReplyDeleteI hope your break is wonderful and revitalizing.
You are a beautiful person. It seeps through in everything you do.
Happy Friday Beck!
I can't get my mom and dad to spend the money. They've got it, they just won't spend it. I've stopped barking up that tree. Gorgeous bathroom. Love the pump-style faucet. Have a wonderful break. Catch up and get back on track. You are a "git her done" kind of girl. I hope blogging isn't off the books, too. I'd miss you too much. :)
ReplyDeleteFirst, I have to tell
ReplyDeleteyou that I adore that
pic of Big Chick at
the vanity. Felt like
I could see her in the
future ~ who she is
gonna be. Beautiful,
of course!
I was just writing about
how long we have lived
in our current house and
what it means to me, so
I hope you will still do a
house painting for me,
someday. When you feel
inspired : )
Totally hear you and am
in full support. It's so very
important to listen to your
heart.
Happy Friday, girlie.
Love you!
xo Suzanne
Do that project girl!!! You're CALLED to do it! And I will buy the first one!!! :) LOVE YOU! Guess you got the email thing figured out! Cute pic of your girls!
ReplyDeleteoh! And I hope little chick had a happy happy birthday!
ReplyDeleteThat bathroom is beautiful, when my son graduates from college in two years that is my first thing on the list to be done the bathroom! A break yay for you, a sabbatical of sorts, we all need this for one reason or another.
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend!
Praying for your mama today that she is able to have her goodbyes and I'm so excited for your new venture
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it will be fabulous, since Lissa is buying the first I will buy the second;)
Thank you for sharing your Story! Change is always a good thing to help you move forward and embark on a new journey.Blessings Kim xox
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I adore that first picture!!!! and also your new profile pic!! LOVE LOVE LOVE!
ReplyDeleteI think the next time you come to Illinois we should carve out some time together because THIS post...I SOOO get it. I am the same way. For me, it's those little things (usually having to do with technology) that keep me from trying anything new. Good for you for shutting it down for a little bit! :) Proud of you for that...and you'll be better for it on the other side.
ReplyDeleteCannot WAIT to see what you're cooking up!
You are so wise ~ you know when you need a break and are doing it. I laughed when you talked about your Dad and the procrastination ~ my Dad was the same way and guess what ~ I married a man just like him and it drives me crazy! Happy Birthday to Little Chick ~ 9 candles ~ wow ~ where HAS the time gone? Big chick looks so grown up ~ she is gorgeous Becky ~ she really is. Praying that your folks make it to AZ in time. Hugs to you sweet girl. xo
ReplyDeleteYour girls are so darling.
ReplyDeleteI hope your time off is very good. I procrastinate like it's my job. If I got paid for it, we'd be rich, rich, rich. ;) Joking aside...it's not a great thing to teach your kids! (My kids, I mean.) Good for you for knowing yourself, taking the steps to move forward. I think it's neat that your time off will coincide with Christmas, too. :)
Time off is good... It saves us from staying stuck in a rut... Can't wait to see what new things you'll be working on in the new year. I do plan on ordering a cuff for myself before the end of October... Now I'm feeling the sense of urgency! I hope Little Chick had a fabulous day, she's adorable! And I can't even go on about how great I think Big Chick is! Love her! Hope your parents get out to your grandma safely and in time... I'm sorry about that. Love and hugs... :)
ReplyDeleteWe all need a break from time to time.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the rest and allow your creativity to flow freely.
I look forward to what is yet to come!
Very courageous! I know this was not an easy decision. God's blessings to you as you continue your journey to learn more about yourself.
ReplyDeletethat is a delicious thought, closing the store for awhile.
ReplyDeletei love that....feels spacious.
playing with it for myself
and sending thanks for the sweet idea.
(and swooning over that tub)
-Jennifer
Becky I hear you loud and clear. I have been the same for quite some time now and it's been since the kids have not needed me. I am lost! I don't know what to do or where to start.I waste time thinking about doing stuff but not actually doing anything. I use to be very crafty and even had my own business and would be up late at night but now, I can't even get something started. I miss creating. I sit there with an idea for hours and then just walk away. All too hard. I am hoping to get my life together again and maybe realise that the time now is for me. I miss my kids needing me and I know, this has been a life changing experience for me and I feel empty. We all need time to evaluate what is important and what we want in our lives and what will make us happy. Time to move on!!!
ReplyDeleteRest, my sister, rest! Renew your strength as you wait upon the Lord! God bless you! Kl
ReplyDeleteI wrote a blog about my time in my old house and my old tub just this afternoon - so it was interesting to stop by yours and see the tub photo.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your time of rest.
You precious thing.. you deserve a break! Love that cute bath... and that photo of big chick and your daddy. sweetness!
ReplyDeleteyes to all of the above. i get it..i do
ReplyDeleteit is worth caring for your heart and allowing what needs to grow there
to grow
often we get so busy in the tasks of everyday that we don't take that
hard stop when God quietly has been telling us.
for me..there are lots of fears if i do
so i am NOT saying i know anything
but i am for you and believe in you and KNOW there is something
new for you.
it seems it has been coming for a long time
big hugs
xo
when art becomes work, well, then it's just not art anymore. you're making the right choices! i hope you have peace with that!!
ReplyDelete{i'd better high-tail it over there!}
i'm not a good finisher, either, so i hold things over my own head (you can't start this until you finish that, etc)...
here's to being a better finisher. soon. ;)
xo
Afraid to start...wanting it to be perfect. Oh my WORD! You hit the nail on the head!
ReplyDeleteoh ipad.....you poop! Anyway, was going to say that I always describe it as "paralyzing"......why?
ReplyDeleteI so relate with your dad :) If I don't know how to do it, I don't even start. BUT THERE IS SO MUCH I WANT TO DO! Aaaahhh....
So happy for you to take a break....I told my friend to hurry and order a cuff.....she"s been drooling over mine :).
We didn't have heat upstairs, either! Totally get the frost on the windows/walls thing. It didn't seem quite so crazy at the time! :)
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see the project you have up your sleeve...I feel like I should warn my readers. I get asked ALL the time about my iconic cuff. :)
love you, Becks!