This week brings me full circle on one of my hobbies. I am contemplating the end of my handmade jewelry business. I have been at it for twenty years, eighteen of which I’ve had an Etsy shop. It’s getting harder and harder to sell my pieces, as supply prices climb.
A lot of serious thought has gone into this decision, and you can read more about it on my Medium.com page, shared with a friend link, here.
This comes at an odd time, as I’ve spent the last two and a half months creating new jewelry pieces daily as part of the 100-day project challenge. Several other wordsmith’s that take part in Poetry Friday are also participating in the 100-day project. It’s been fun to participate, but one can only make so much inventory and then…it has to go somewhere.
My outlets seem to be drying up, and that is sad, but as I told my husband, it’s been a good run. Now, I just need to decide how I’ll use the free time – roughly a couple of hours a day – going forward.
The area we live in is rural, which, while good for the soul, severely limits opportunities for volunteering, community involvement, and even socializing.
I seem to be at some kind of crossroads, with a change in friends needed (or at least some new friends) and new activities to keep me busy.
My husband and I have several trips planned (through February of next year) and one is approaching at the end of this month. We have a family wedding (our first) that will be both joyful and enjoyable in the fall. And, I’m supporting my husband’s venture in the juried craft show market with his segmented wooden bowls.
But what I’ll get involved in next is anyone’s guess… more crochet, more photography, more writing, more gardening, and more reading. I do need to be more active, too. Most of my hobbies, aside from gardening, are sedentary. I need to move more, so that will be a focus for me, as well.
As far as writing goes, this week I spent a lot of time revising my picture book. It is coming together nicely, and most importantly, I’ve enjoyed working on it. I like that there is a finite number of pages in which you’ve got to fit the story.
Lastly, since it is Poetry Friday, I’ll share a recent haiku inspired by our feeder cam:
Hungry Goldfinches
Eating their fill in the sun
Until squirrels move in
Thank you for your patience as I get my website (and hobbies) figured out.
Today’s Poetry Friday host is Cathy Senquist at her website: https://www.cathystenquist.com/. Thanks for hosting, Cathy!
One door closes so another can open. You will find your way.
You are right, Margaret. I have to keep that in mind Thank you so much!
So many thoughts come to mind–you are so multi-talented! You will find your way, Carol. I’m wishing you joy on the journey.
Thank you, Linda. I bought myself a little time with both consignment stores letting me know they want more jewelry from me. Now, I can relax and decided how much more I want to produce. Maybe, I can wind down slowly. I appreciate your support and kindness.
As the others said, a multi-hyphenate like you will find the next interesting door to walk through! I enjoyed your haiku and the sweet pictures that accompanied it.
Thank you, Karen. You are always so supportive and kind.
So much talent Carol! Enjoy the journey and follow your heart 🙂
Thank you so much, Cathy! I’ve enjoyed reading your (very creative) posts and getting to know you.
Carol, you are multi-talented and honest. I love reading your thoughts about what is finished and what the future holds. Enjoy the journey! The goldfinches are so beautiful, and those peky squirrels–acrobats of thievery, they are.
Thanks, Denise. I am very self-reflective and always have been. It’s both a blessing and a curse! I am trying to just be joyful in pursuing what I am able to. I love the goldfinches, too – yellow is my favorite color! Take care.
Carol, your goldfinch Haiku is delightful and so true:) It sounds like you have many hobbies and passions, I do too. I wish you well as you reflect on the next path (or paths) in your creative journey:) Jill
Thanks, Jill. I updated people today, as I’m hosting PF this week. I’d love to hear more about your hobbies!