Okay, I've been a very, very bad blogger. Period. No ifs, ands or buts about it. I've tried to put my thoughts into a post several times, but the truth is, I have been way too stressed to make any sense. Trust me, and be glad that I've spared you my incoherent ramblings and taken this little vacation from Sprouting Daisies. I'm back now, and that's all that matters, right? I'm still stressed, but who isn't these days? My worries are no bigger than anybody else's, but they are relative.
I have been swamped with work, between the loose ends of 2008, and Jordan's departure. (I know, it's not a departure, it just feels like one.) The Roadrunner is surprisingly going strong and there is even some talk about a couple of V.I.P.'s coming to check it out and (cross your fingers) give us some free press. That has naturally sent me into a panic. My other business, however, is suffering from this fledgling economy, and I can't even make a dent in my stack of past due bills. Supposedly, one quarter of American retail establishments are expected to close in 2009, and according to my Yahoo homepage, clothing is among the first luxury consumers plan to cut. Rest assured, concerned friends, Root has a very good chance of survival. But I am aware of what is going on in the world and realistic of all the possibilities. (Anybody know what a pair of alpacas is going for these days?) I am trying to keep my overhead costs to a minimum by taking advantage of my own dirt cheap (free) labor and being there as much I can, but that isn't as easy as I had naively hoped. Willa is only entertained for about 10 minutes in her brand new fully-stocked play enclosure, and wants to be up front where she can eat raw lima beans out of the jewelry display and make me completely paranoid that she might slink out of the front door and onto U.S. Highway 290. (Just in case anybody is wondering what the big deal is and why I haven't taken Willa to a sitter, well, stay tuned...I'll explain it in a future post, entitled The Scars of My Infertility, and you'll wish you had never asked.) I'm aware that I am a tad addicted to Willa's company, but I honestly just want what is best for her. And what is best for her right now is to be with ME! So what am I to do? (Don't answer that.) To make matters worse, in just two short months, I will be leaving Willa behind for the first time, as I travel to L.A. for several days of market. And there's one more thing... I am still breastfeeding, and this upcoming trip will also bring the dreaded, yet inevitable end to that!
It's certainly not anything that I can't handle. In fact, I feel better already. This venting has cleared my head and I feel like blogging again. You'll be hearing from me soon, with optimism...and new pictures of Willa!
5 comments:
Ok Cassell, so you know what I think it is? As adults, we slow down, we take our time usually, dwell on things for a long time. As a result, change comes very slow for us. But our children change so fast, right before our eyes, before we are ready. One day, they are our breastfeeding babies, and the next they are walking, talking toddlers. Just know that once you've settled into the next phase, the next is not far behind....just breathe and enjoy every second...that's all you can do.
So what is the VIP story...I'm dying!
I am dying to find out about the VIPs too! Exciting! I will be praying for you and your family, the store, etc. I know... things are tough right now for so many. My parents still haven't sold their house in Fbg and it is draining their "security blanket". It kills me!
I can't wait for you to actually have an alpacha farm (ranch?)! Maybe mine will be right next door and we can grow old together!! You are amazing and I know you will get through this rough patch gracefully. Love you! xoxo
hey there stranger! Not sure if Lori told you but I venture into retail this past year too. Bought an existing Bath Junkie in Feb. 2008 in New Orleans and then just opened a second one in Metairie in Dec. It is SCARY being in retail in this economy. I hear what you say about cutting costs, etc. - but it's still so hard. I know we can stick in there.
On a better note I love reading your blog and catching up with you and hearing about your family!
Jennifer Badeaux
A writer from Daily Candy Dallas is coming in March to do a story on the shop and the B&B. And Design*Sponge is planning a trip to Fredericksburg around the same time to visit another local store, Red, that advertises with them. Red has kindly passed along my name. Nothing may come of it, but it would be sooo awesome it it did. By the way, I am so lucky to have friends like both of you. I just love y'all both so much. Thanks for the great advice and thoughtful words.
Jennifer Badeaux - long time no see! I'm so happy to hear from you! I checked out your blog and commented there - wasn't sure where you would be more likely to check. Anyway, Congratulations on your stores! I hope to visit them one of these days. And you hang in there, too.
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