Good Morning,
I had a bad day yesterday, I mean it was bad. Nothing seemed to go right, and it just kept getting worse. The crowning point in my day was when I discovered that a custom order that I had struggled with and completed earlier in the day, wasn't even remotely close to what was requested. I managed to somehow combine orders together I guess, because I have no clue what I was thinking. So there's that.
Recently (as within the last week), I've had 4 sticks go in the trash can. That's almost 16 hours of work, for nothing. Then the crowning point of my day yesterday... so, let's make it 5. Comparatively speaking, I haven't screwed up 5 in the last 6 months, so, this is a problem.
You may recall early on that we discussed "stress". Last night, I was a prime candidate for a heart attack, Erin and Ivy can attest to it. The fact is, I have too much that I've tried to wrap my arms around, between the blog, custom orders, and endless ETSY conversations. On a personal front, we just moved my 93 year old mother to a new nursing facility that's much further away and I need to visit her more frequently.
I'm not trying to make excuses, because I asked for all of it. However I'm finding that I'm failing on a number of different fronts, and that just simply isn't acceptable. I think you all know that I truly love what I do, and I don't ever want to put that in jeopardy. Last night in my fit of anger, I told Erin that I'm going to close the shop and go get a real job again. Fortunately sleep has a way of clearing the head, and I have zero intentions of giving up that which I love. Something has got to give however, and this is how I'm going to attempt to dig myself out of the hole that I've dug.
I'm going to finish all of the custom orders that are on the board, and then back off for a while. I'm not saying that I won't do customs in the future, I will, but just on a much more limited basis. I don't need practice, and when things go in the trashcan, that's all it is... 16 hours of practice.
I'll still blog occasionally, but I have to get my act together. I hope you understand, I do truly love all of you, and I want to keep it that way.
I guess all that's remaining to be said is "I'm sorry". I thought I could do it all, but I apparently can't.
Hugs. You and Erin come first. always! Take your time.
ReplyDeleteI love the blue pinecone in the shop now. It temps me so. I'm hoping to hear back on a job soon so maybe I can splurge.
:( sorry for the rough day! Of course do what's best for you. *hugs*
ReplyDeleteNothing is worth this undue stress and no one can do it all.
ReplyDeleteI hope you feel better soon, for your own health and well-being.
Your customers aren't going anywhere :-)
I'm sorry yesterday was so bad and I hope things will get better from now on. I know very well how stress can ruin most things.
ReplyDeletePlease take care of yourself and your loved ones.
I also think I can talk for more than myself when I say that I'd much rather see the customer option be gone (even if it would, which I hope not, turn out to be forever) than for TT to dissapear. I'm not one who buys a lot but I truly enjoy seeing your creations in the shop and in other peoples har.
You have to come first - if you do not take care of yourself, nothing else will follow.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear yesterday was full of frustration. No apologies are necessary. Your well being and sanity needs to be top priority. Hopefully with a bit of time you can regroup and get back to your happy place. Customs or not, I am and always will be a TT fan.
ReplyDeleteNo matter how much I admire the artistry of these gorgeous hairsticks, I've become an even bigger fan of the person who creates them. Please take care of yourself, Doug.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry it got so bad for you, Doug. I a free with all of the above. We will still be here, customs or not. Thank you for everything that you do :)
ReplyDeleteI meant to say I *agree*, not I "a free" :P
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for how you feel, Doug. Unfortunately days like this do come from time to time, and test our limits, and remind us that we need to slow down and take a bit of care of ourselves...
ReplyDeleteIt's just a day though, not a trend, and it is already gone. I hope that today you feel better
Don't start adding yup the losses without adding up the successes! You are doing great, and yes I agree that you didn't need the practice .... Maybe you just need a mini break, here and there....
I know I am of no help here, but you are in my thoughts because I have " things" that I wear and they remind me of you everyday :)
Ah Doug, you can't do it all! And you have to cut yourself some slack. We're not bothered by you slowing down.
ReplyDeleteI think you are happiest when creating things from your own imagination and that's good enough for me, I like to be able to drop into the shop and see a stick that I like and buy it or keep my eye out for a similar one if it's already been snatched up. To be honest I was a little bit sad to not have that option anymore. I hope you feel better soon and I know from personal experience that caring for a family member takes it toll.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you both x x
I hope that you and your family( all including the furry one) are doing fine ... Wish you'd come back soon with renewed energy and all well
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