I wrote the most intense, epically awesome blog. And then I accidentally erased it. Bear with me, my feathers are ruffled! But I will try to recreate some of the awesome.
It has been quite the journey.
I am learning to control the things that are within control, to not complain about the things I can't change or control, and to just be grateful for what is within reach rather than be forlorn over what is unrealistic. It's taken a lot of cursing the world and aggravation to come to this conclusion, but I am at peace with a lot of things.
We are here! We are open! It's finally all happening.
Mike (employee of the month, and my husband) and I spent a week before we opened tirelessly assembling and decorating. Putting together a 3,500 square foot operation is no easy task; when you have a 2-person team, it proves to be more difficult. I used to manage a big-name retail store. On our store opening, we had a team of 20. The lesson we learned: one cannot rely on the kindness of others. I'd like to think that was the best possible obstacle, because it allowed me to spend quality time with my husband. I considered it a huge bonding opportunity. I'd like to think we are a spectacular team, and I think you will agree when you see my slideshow.
That's right!! I have prepared for you a delightful little photo show that displays our before and after pictures; a work in progress as it all came together. I am so proud to show off my studio.
As I sit here by the cash register and just relish in this moment, I cannot help but feel a twinge of sadness. The store opening comes at a bittersweet time for me.
In order to explain why, I have to take you back in time 4 years. It was 2008, and life was in a transitional phase for me. (Isn't it always?!) I was living at my parent's ranch in Turlock, California, where I grew up.
In high school I was involved in drama and theater. I completed the necessary volunteer hours to become a member of the International Thespian Society, a prestigious academic honor. In drama I met many of my closest friends; many are still close friends today.
Mark was one of my favorite people in the entire world. He would cheer you up just by looking at you. He wore hawaiian shirts and plaid shorts- together. As in, one outfit. It was like a golfer and a funny fat man all rolled into one.
In the summer of 2008, Mark was brutally murdered by another man. It was singlehandedly the most tragic experience of my life, and I would be lying to you if I said that it doesn't affect me still today. I have learned to understand that life will not always turn out as you see fit, but instead by God's will. The journey that I have been on since his murder has been an emotional roller coaster.
In April, almost 4 years after his death, the murder trial is finally happening. In the midst of my store opening in Texas, I have been subpoenaed to be a witness at his trial. I couldn't be more torn with emotion-anxiety, frustration, hope, pessimism, regret, desire for closure. This is what we, the living victims, have been waiting for for so long. Then why doesn't it feel vindicating?
We honor the ones we have loved and lost by living the life we truly were born to live. As sad as I am that he is not here to relish in my victory, I know that it's not a good excuse for me to not be successful. He would have wanted me to be happy and prosperous. He would have been there, every step of the way.
My best friend Alisa and I keep him alive in our thoughts and our memories, and we constantly remind ourselves of our goofy friend who taught us the meaning of unconditional friendship.
That being said, good things are happening all around us. Our friends at the
Austin Modern Quilt Guild are having their monthly meeting at our shop tomorrow nite. I am so excited! I can't wait to meet everybody and for them to see our new home.
Friday is FabricDay! We are FINALLY receiving our shipment of
Parson Gray's Curious Nature! I have been biting my fingernails waiting to get my chubby little fingers on it. YESSSSSSS!! I promised my Dad I would make him a cool quilt, and I think I'm going to make good on that with Parson Gray.
We should also be receiving
Valori Wells' Caravan pretty soon. I love her greeting card sized patterns-cheap, cute, and easy to stitch up quickly!
I really can't wait till you see the store. You're going to love it! Our address is 10435, Burnet Road, Suite 106, here in Austin, Texas. If you get lost, call me, and I'll guide you. 512-821-1511.
Without further adieu, introducing.......remnants:fiber[culture], a place to grow and sew with your friends.
Labels: mark, remnants, store opening