Thursday, September 15, 2011

Letting Go

From the outside looking into my life you might not see the constant creative chaos that I have been living in. I love every second of it, and am so grateful for all of the opportunities and blessings that have been showered upon me. But for this summer it has been too much and I wasn't sure how I would continue to do it all. Then I had a duh moment where I realized I didn't need to do it all and that I am no good to anyone if I am spread to thin. I would have to make the incredibly hard choice of what to let go of, and with the smallest of my responsibilities lying in a cute online shop in Issaquah Washington called Ellen Hutson it was my contributions to the CLASSroom blog, posting projects and tutorials that I would have to let go of.  It was incredibly hard as I love sharing my penchant for all things technique-y and geeky to make this choice, but it is also one of the places in my brain that took a lot of fire power and that was what I needed most to re-arrange. So with much sadness I had my last post there today and have been replaced by the delightful Julie Ebersol who is sure to dazzle and delight with her clever design and quick wit.














So what is it that has kept me hopping?

For the last year I have been contributing to the Graphic 45 in house team, and have loved every second of it. My assignments range from creating projects for special events or the trade shows to writing up instructions for classes. I love this job, the team that I work with is incredible and I feel very blessed to be able to call each of them friend.

On top of that I have been working with a local store called Heartland on their design team and as a class instructor. This decision happened in a very round about way, I was heartbroken when I received an email from the previous owner saying that they were closing down both stores. So when the Bountiful shop was purchased I determined that local businesses need help to survive and that I would do what I could to help them. There are so many great online shopping opportunities that it has really placed a strain on the smaller brick and mortar shops to compete, and what is it that they can offer to bring in customers? People who know and love paper and are willing to share that enthusiasm. Well, I can do that and while it hasn't been easy to fit into my schedule, but I am hoping that it makes a difference.











This is a Magic of Oz class that I am teaching on September 29th. There is a ton of product in the kit, and four projects to make. I am looking forward to sharing my love for Graphic 45 products with those who are able to join me that evening.

With all that life gives us, it would stand to reason that learning how to adjust would get easier at some point, but I think that change actually gets harder and more complicated as relationships develop. Letting go is hard to do.

B-

6 comments:

EllenH said...

I love you B and will miss having you in the CLASSroom! I am just so grateful that I can still have you in my life! "If nothing ever changed there would be no butterflies!" I have repeated that to myself repeatedly through this summer as I prod my mind to realize that change is a good thing.

Karolyn at Paper Therapy said...

Awww . . . such a sweet post, and a very heartfelt goodbye. Good for you for realizing that although we know you're super woman, even super woman needs some breathing room. I'm proud of you for letting go . . . wait till you have to let go of your kids. Now THAT'S a killer!! Wishing you all the best in your new and future endeavors! You deserve it.

Jen said...

oh, i loved what you contributed to the classroom-but so understand the need to streamline!! i love heartland paper--my great friend worked there--and i have been a fan of the bountiful store since it opened!! go girl!!

Jean said...

I applaud your decision to simplify your life and have the strength to know it's okay to not do it all. It was wonderful having a chance to meet you at Ellen's warehouse crop. Best wishes with your creative endeavors!

Elaine A said...

Dear Becky -

While it will be sad not to see you in the Classroom. At least I know you will be blogging and I can follow you here. I wish you all the best of luck with your new direction. Sometimes we feel that we have to do everything so that we don't disappoint people. But we can't do everything. How brave of you to make that decision and step back. You are my idol!

Elaine Allen

Dianne in Idaho said...

Thank you for sharing your talent with all of us who follow Ellen Hutson's CLASSroom. Good luck!