The new studio has met a snag. The new windows are in, they look great from the outside but the inside, need reframing. I guess, I should have predicted this. The windows where old and not really meant to be forever. Someone was lined up to do the inside frame-work, last week, but alas, not done. Not sure I have the energy to do anything about it this week. The retirement sale is taking a lot more energy than I would have predicted.
The shelves have been restocked. So pretty well everything is out on the floor now. My at home stash has only been dipped into. Not sure I am going to get to it before the sale ends, maybe!!
This week I am doing 50% off everything
Still lots of wonderful treasures. Although some things are gone. Things I didn’t have extra of, ie, coloured metal beads, needles if you can believe that, full kits of one-g thread, some of my findings like knot covers and backing for earrings broche backs, strange things. I have to say my delicas looks picked over, yet I still have lots of great colours of 11, which is my biggest seller. The magatamas have not even been touched. I am guessing because they are not with the other seed beads and nobody has noticed them.
Physically I am tired, up and down ladders, moving things around and keeping the shop clean. So much so that I actually take Sunday off and do nothing. I mean nothing- I just sit and stare at the lake.
I am ignoring the emotional aspect of the sale. The collection is going to good homes so I am happy about seeing everything go out the door.
Once again it is relationships!!! We learn and we grow and we become by connecting to people. I have made so many friends over the years. I have learned so much I have grown and become the person I have fallen in love with. It is really really hard to say goodbye. Sometimes I am a little dazed and not sure what to say. I have had 99 customers this week. Many came in, in a daze themselves. They saw the sign and just had to come in and say WHAT is this really true!!! Several were so upset they didn’t want to shop and had to came back later. It is a real compliment to have been part of such a magical place that has been so special to so many people. So far most of my tears are when I am alone.
Both, looking forward to and a little nervous of the coming week.
Beads of Colour 
March 14, 2018 at 3:27 pm
Hi! I took an intro to felting course with you (after being a regular at the shop!) in the summer of 2008,right before moving to Scotland (which was meant to be temporary… Oops). Anyway, I’m still beading, felting, have taught others, and help teach hand sewing too. I always look out for the shop when we’re through Dundas visiting, and I’m so sad to hear you’re moving on. Thank you for everything, and for inspiring me and others with creativity. And keep it up! I’ll aways cherish the fond memories and the lessons learned.