Once I made the traumatic decision not to renew my lease at the shop in falls Church I was at a loss. What to do next. Fire Sale? Shut her down and walk away? Neither of these are options as, I think I have mentioned, I actually love what I do. So how to create a new paradigm? As I pondered- the same day I made the decision I saw a Facebook post from a shopkeeper I admired mentioning that he had an opening because one of his vendors had expanded and had left to open her own shop.
Really? this was interesting as I really liked the shop layout and their style. I actually shelled out retail bucks with them (and THAT is saying something!). One conversation later I was offered an opportunity to join them. (click to read more) Think, think, think. What DO I want? I already had a list-
Discover and sell vintage goodies. Make more art. Write more. Actually write the Thriving Creatives blog/book mag/whatever it is that I have had in me for years. Spend time with ailing family members. Hang with my son before he slips off to college. Teach more. Sleep in occasionally.
How to do this? How to keep connected to the relationships that I have nurtured over the years? I am still working on multiple options for here in Falls Church but the space at the Old Screen Door seemed a wonderful opportunity to put SOME of my goodies in a space that speaks to me. Lewes Delaware is a lovely town (we have a farm house 5 miles from the beach there). Lewes was so supportive when Bob had lost his leg and was rehabbing. This little beach had handicapped facilities including a beach wheelchair for heaven's sake. Anyone that follows along with me knows how much I love my Bay sunset shots!
So I took the plunge and signed a lease on a space at the Old Screen Door. Am looking forward to my "debut" in April. The 16th is their Sip and Shop event so if you just happen to be on the shore that weekend - come see me. More details to follow.
This next week is crazy. We have a fantastic week booked at Stifel & Capra - one of my dearest friend and neighbors, Howard Cincotta is doing a book signing on our last FIRSTfriday at S&C, old friends are coming in from out of town for the event and I
still have a COMPLETE debris field in my basement from the hot water heater pipe bursting. My studio and the anteroom look like something exploded. While getting ready for my de-stash sale. AND writing the newsletter by tomorrow.
And planning the logistics of moving everything out of the shop while negotiating details of a local lease so I am not simply banished to my basement while pondering which shows and events to sign up for.
Life may be nervewracking and complicated. But it is NEVER dull. Stay tuned.
9 comments:
Snif. 😥 So bummed to hear this, Theresa, but we all saw it coming. FC is finally getting on the development bandwagon and you're occupying some prime real estate there. I will follow you, for certain. (Your items are in many places throughout my house, not to mention in families and friends!). I'll definitely stop by tomorrow!
The soul of the city is being sucked out, to be replaced by high-end businesses that sell stuff priced high enough to pay the increased rents. Goodbye, Little City. (At least the landlord will be stuck having to fix up all the busted stuff in the building!)
So where in the world is the Old Screen Door? Don't leave us hanging!
The "read more here" link wasn't live for me.
So good to see you lovely Ellen! PLEASE stay tuned. Things happen for a reason and all will be well, darnnit!!!
After March 31st the parking lot and falling plaster will be all on him, that is for sure. Please stay tuned as we re-invent...
I need to re-educate myself on how to view these blog formats- I prefer the prior one and my technically challenged self it trying to figure out format. If you simply click on the post it shoudl expand and you can read the whole post. The Old Screne Door is in Lewes, Delaware. Am still working on a local venue. and waiting. Stay tuned- PLEASE!!!
I reformated the format- is it easier to read now?
Wow -- a shop in Lewes -- that's great news. sorry to hear about all the misfortunes
Post a Comment