13 March 2009

Auspicious beginnings and endings



Happy Friday the 13th to me! The picture above is of me as a mere babe (of course, I'd like to think I'm still a babe, lol) and my mom outside of the house of one set of grandparents in Queens NY. Today we're both a number of years older, but no less cute than we were then. I think it's auspicious that, on the cusp of re-inventing myself for the next phase of my life, my birthday once again falls on a Friday.

Mom and I have worked together for the last 18 1/2 years at the shop we opened in 1990, The Country Quilter. What a ride it has been! We've seen trends and fads come and go, we started our own pattern design business, we've taught hundreds and hundreds of quilters and we've a blast doing it all. We've never had an argument or serious disagreement - which, if you had seen us doing my teenage years, you wouldn't believe. My mom is an inspiration and it's a joy to work with her. She and my dad are now retiring and planning to spend a lot of time at their house on the lake in the Adirondacks, traveling, and enjoying each other and the family. Richly deserved and highly anticipated!

So, this left me at a crossroads and I decided to take the path less traveled, the journey less certain. The shop closes in two weeks and I start a new chapter in my life. I will be expanding our online business of art quilting supplies, continuing our pattern business and exploring new avenues in teaching, writing and designing. Very exciting and a little bit scary all at once.

I am looking forward to being at home on Saturdays, not having had weekends off in nearly two decades. I'm also looking forward to having more time for art, family and friends, and to being open to whatever comes next. Stay tuned!

17 comments:

Norma Schlager said...

Happy, happy birthday, Jane! Good luck with your new adventures. I'll sure you'll succeed in whatever you do.

Carol Sloan said...

Happy Birthday Jabe! Mine is tomorrow. I would say "good luck" witht he new venture, but how about "you're going to do a great job!" instead. The world is your canvas -

Deborah Boschert said...

Wow. Congratulations. That's huge. It sounds like it may have been one of those life decisions that seems so daunting and confusing, and yet when you really think about it, the answer is very clear. Good for you.

And Happy Birthday!

Candied Fabrics said...

Happy Birthday! Yup, sounds like a big scary step, and it also sounds like you've gotten some clarity surrounding the decision. I find that often the worst part of these type of life changing events is the decision itself is the hardest - so YAY! you're through the hard part ;-)

Now, it's time to enjoy the ride!

Jane Moxey said...

I send you warm wishes, not only for your birthday, but also for the New Adventure. I'm sure you will be much in demand as a teacher, especially with those two gorgeous books (and a nice DVD!) on your resume!

Jamie Fingal said...

Wishing you a very Happy Birthday! Do something totally fun. And I know whatever you do in your next chapter in life, you will be successful, because that is who you are. Always striving forward with a smile and determination on your face.

Karen L R said...

Happy Birthday Jane! The next chapter will be a grand adventure, full of opportunities and possibilities! There is a huge community of folks that you have created with your friendliness, openness and generosity. We are very fond of you and we are keeping you in our thoughts today and going forward.

Cate Rose said...

Happy Birthday Jane, and best wishes for successful (ad)ventures!

Lisa Walton said...

I live by the expression "Leap and the Net will Appear". There is no need to wish you luck as you have already starting jumping. I am sure you will enjoy the next stage of your life.Regards
Lisa in Sydney

Vivien Zepf said...

Happy Birthday, Jane! Best of luck in all your new ventures; you certainly deserve it.

Terry Grant said...

Happy Birthday Jane! As a former shop owner I can relate to your decision. It is like having another child--so much responsibility, so much work, so much worry, but so much joy. It is hard to let go when the time comes, but it is always because life is all about moving forward! You are such a creative soul and do everything so well, I can hardly wait to see how your journey progresses from here. Hope you are celebrating!

Renee said...

Oh Jane... you and Mom look sooo CUTE! Happy Birthday! I can't wait until the second phase of your life starts as I am waiting for the party on the 28th and those classes in the barn!

oh yeah... I am so envious of your Mom.. I want to sit in those Adirondack chairs and fish and stitch.

Cheers!

Diane said...

Happy Birthday Jane! Best wishes for all your new adventures.

Susan Schrott, Artist said...

Jane
I wish you only the very best on your new path. Knowing you, it will be filled with creativity, meaningful relationships, surpirses and of course (knowing you) chocolate.
Susan

Natalya Khorover Aikens said...

go Jane go!!! can't wait to see where the journey takes you!

Jane LaFazio said...

yup. I think the timing is right and the decision is a good one. congrats on a successful long term business...!exciting things on the horizon.....

Eileen said...

Congratulations on your birthday, on your new life and on having weekends off.
You and your Mom not only had a quilt shop, you had a destination. Whenever I went to Somers, I had to stop and see what was new. It was a wonderful place to shop.
Even though your store will officially be closed, I hope we get to see you at the Northern Star show.