Monday, June 21, 2010

sometimes things turn on a dime

If you've looked at my blog lately, you may have noticed the lack of an Etsy widget on my sidebar. You may have even suspected the reason for that. Yes, I'm taking another break from selling; but this time, it will be far longer than the one last year.

I've thought about making a change for some time. The products I have offered of late, while enjoyable to make, are not all that profitable. They are also not much of a challenge, which makes me feel I am not putting my skills to their best use. I've thought of changing to more unique, time consuming, and inspired (read: more expensive) products. That would require a big push for marketing.

As I braced for that big push, though, I thought for a minute: My baby is about to start kindergarten, and schooling a younger student takes much more time from the teacher than one Lizi's age. I live in a 2 1/2 year old house that has never had any "real" decorating done to it, just finishing out the basement. And we want to get it reappraised soon, so that we can maybe get some better financing options; we need to do some work before that can happen. I also thought of several other things coming up, piddling little things, but that need to be done and do take a certain amount of time. And besides that, it's hard enough to keep up with the normal chores and responsibilities, without any extra stuff.

It was at that moment that I realized I had to take a break. It was not possible for me to do what I really wanted to do with my business, and take care of my family as well. I would be lying if I said I don't already hear that siren song trying to lure me back; it's enough to make me question whether I'm doing the right thing. But I trust that if I err on the side of taking care of my family, then God will bless it when I do go back to it in a couple of years.

I'm glad I've done the selling thing for as long as I have. I know a lot more about how to proceed now, because I tend to learn only by doing. And I know from experience why my house, literally and figuratively, needs to be in order before I go on; I've felt the stress of it not being in order. So here I go. Stay tuned - some of the upcoming projects could be interesting!

8 comments:

Unkamengifts said...

You have your priorities right! Good for you! HUGS!
Karen

Anonymous said...

I will pray that you stick to that pledge to yourself...God is a God of 'order'. Check it out in the Word. Life works better all around in order, (OCD exclusion-then that becomes your 'god'), saves time and temper when you can actually function in your space with peace of mind.
Love you and miss you and I am sorely missing watching the girls grow up. Thanks for the occasional picture or two.
Melanie

Amy @ Hope Is the Word said...

I understand, Kim. Believe me, I really do. :-)

Faith, Folklore, and Friends said...

I love your words "piddling little things".
Thanks for sharing!

The Crazy Cat Lady said...

I know from experience that sometimes when you have to stop doing something to get your house in order, it's not always the easiest decision. I know exactly where you're at and all I can say is good for you! And good luck ~ you have a lot on your plate already!

luckyone said...

You know I love you. You have been my girl from day one or before, and I am so proud of you, and to know you, for that matter. I am proud that God put you and my son together. That said, The Lord called your husband as a Pastor, and he must put his family first, after God. He also called you as a Pastors wife, and I know that you know that, and the same requirements are on you. I just want you to know that I applaud what you and Chad are doing. Good things are ahead. God is good !!!

G.Dowell said...

I've thought about this same thing recently with my shop. I have two high-schoolers this year that I teach at home. I need to cut back on some commitments, get my house in order, start my girl's transcripts, look at college, etc.

Most of my time is taken up on the computer and I've lost my joy of creating for the sake of creating. Thanks for posting, and may God bless you in your decision!

OrganicMama said...

Ahh... I totally understand!
So many things to do in this short 24hr period we're given each day. It's easy to weed out the bad things in our life, but it's so hard when we have to get rid of good things so that something better can come.

But I'm sure I'll be in touch soon with some idea for a project ;o) You're my favorite seamstress! So incredibly talented! God will bless your efforts!
~Shannon