5.04.2011

let go and fly...

That is a phrase my daughter suggested when I was trying to think of something to stamp on a necklace last year.  I liked it.  It sums up the past year for me very well.  I let go of fears about some things and started this blog and my jewelry business and right now I feel like I'm flying - and I like it.

In March I opened a second vintage shop on Etsy - Maude and Lola (after my grandmothers) and decided to take about a month off to really devote myself to both shops just to see what happened.  They took off.  My jewelry business has never been better, both online and locally (with real life customers) and the launching of Maude and Lola is slow and steady.  I realized to get out of these ventures what I want, I need to put in about 12-15 hours a day.  This leaves no time to read blogs so I have to let that go.

I know people eventually stop coming to your blog if you don't go to theirs, that whole thing has become a bit interesting to me.  I have been asking myself why on earth I care about how many comments or followers I have.  Sure it's nice but what does it all mean?  For me, well.....I'm just not sure.  Do I continue to post on my blog knowing everyone who comments will eventually stop coming because so many people come just to get you over to theirs?  I don't know.

I do know that some of you came by, even when I wasn't knocking on your door.  You emailed or sent notes just to check in and sometimes it made me a little teary to know the connection I felt was more than just about comments - thank you very much.  Other people disappeared completely and that's okay.  We had our time.  I'm going to take like a loooong break now and stay focused on my shops.  I won't say I'll never be back because for some reason, I can't.  I might post something once in a blue moon.  I hope to be able to check in on some of you from time to time and wish you all the very very best of it all.  Email me if you feel the urge for a little chat. 

Quick updates because gosh, so many of you have asked....
The daughter is doing great, has one more year of law school left and will be interning in Washington D.C. this summer - very excited for her!

Andrew Henry is just as fabulous as ever.  He has become my assistant (when he gets home from his regular day job) and is polishing the jewelry and things for my shops till he gets blisters on his hands.  We are still playing cribbage every morning over breakfast but we stopped keeping score.

We are going to England this month to spend a week in Cornwall wandering the countryside and then to China in October - crazy crazy world.

Wishing you all the best of the best and hope you'll keep in touch!

35 comments:

Ren- Lady Of The Arts said...

So glad that everything is going well and that your shops are taking off- Sounds like some exciting travel plans- I do hope you share some photos from your travels here.

jandjhome said...

I'm so glad your ventures are going well. Whatever brings you happiness is what you need to do right now. Enjoy and have fun. I will be around whenever you 'pop' in. :) Enjoy your trips. They sound amazing.

Anonymous said...

How wonderful about your second Etsy shop! You are one busy lady! I will have to check it out. Glad to hear things are going well. xo

Unknown said...

Jeanette - you are an amazing woman! Reading your blog was part of my morning routine - I love that technology gives us all yet another way to stay connected. Good luck with the shops - you know how much we love the first one - and I'm sure we'll be regulars on the new shop as well. I love that I can purchase beautiful gifts for friends and family while supporting a good friend - its a win/win!

Our love to the daughter & AH. Happy Mother's Day and safe travels my friend!

-d

jeanette from everton terrace said...

Thanks Dani! I do love shipping jewelry to Illinois :)

Jillian said...

I am so happy that your business is doing so well. I love how close you and your husband are, the two of you are a truly inspirational couple.

Keep us posted on your trips. it is alwsy good to hear from you.

God Bless.

Reya Mellicker said...

How the heck did Andrew get that pic of the hummingbird. And how do you know she's pregnant?

Glad you're back. Email me if you want a tarot reading rmellicker@comcast.net.

Mazel tov on your etsy shop!!

k said...

aw jeanette, i will miss all of your inspiring photos and quotes while you are on break!! but please pop in every now and then, k???

k said...

PS. I really like Maude and Lola!! there is some really cool stuff in there, I like those kahlua statue things :)

jeanette from everton terrace said...

Thank Krystal! I SO appreciate you hearting my shops. I thought those Kahlua bottles were awesome too when I found them :)

Nicole said...

you have some very interesting vintage pieces there!!! You're doing great!

Carol {Everyday Delights} said...

So happy everything is going so great for you!

Beatnheart said...

Well I’m not gonna let you go and your not getting away that easy. I have finally gotten on Etsy myself. The shop was set up over a year ago and sat empty. I decided to fly on April 30th. Of course I didn’t know it was the last day of the month and I’d be charged for the whole month. ha ha. Sold my first item the second day so that has kept me at it. It does take alot of time...whew. I need to chat with you. email? phone? let me know...China? Corey inspired? you lucky lady...follow her trail!!!! next thing you know you’ll be going to France. Hey, keep in touch...we’re buds right? lots of Love Cynthia at
Beatnheart ETSY...

Stitchfork said...

Go Jeanette!! Two shops! I'll be around - can't shake me off that easily ;-) Take lots of photos on your trips and enjoy! We were in China in the 80's and it's a fascinating journey.
xo Cathy

Maria said...

We love you Jeanette - not your writing and pix - though we like and appreciate those a lot - it is you we love - and want what is best for you. So while we will miss our daily visits and peeks into your wonderful world - we will look forward to your occasional updates and in the meantime pray wonderful blessings on you, your family and all that you put your hand to.

angryparsnip said...

Good Luck with the second Etsy shop !

Your trips sound fabulous and I hope you will think of possibly posting a few photos...

I personally loved knowing a few Arizona bloggers, Especially the ones around Tucson, it was fun to see when and if we posted about the same thing.

Happy to know all is well (busy) and I will be around when and if you post again.

cheers, parsnip

quintessence said...

Thrilled to hear about how well everything is going!! Good luck with it all and I will always check back to see if you have anything new to report!!

Felicity said...

Thank you for all that you've shared so far Jeanette - you have been a truly sparkling gift from the blogging world.

Best wishes for you and AH in all that you do together & individually, I look forward to seeing your name pop up in my Reader every once in a while.

Until then, I'll be watching out for special feathers to gladden my heart & remind me of you.

xxx Felicity

Anonymous said...

All the best Jeanette and happy travels!

Tess Kincaid said...

I love-love-love the name "Maude and Lola". Enjoy your coming travels. Wow!

Jillian said...

Hi Jeanette! Just wanted to be sure to wish you a happy Mother's day!

shopgirl said...

Hey Jeanette! That's fantastic about your jewellery shop! I have to check it out! It's a shame about your blog, but you're right about concentrating on your business. I do hope you will write in it once in a while.

I was ill on and off for a while, but now I'm getting better.
xoxo

Beatnheart said...

ps..note to AH...my pop was a lead bombadeer on a B17...they hold a special place in my heart. I went on one once at an airshow and couldn’t stop crying..They are an awesome aircraft. He had some amazing stories to tell.

Jen said...

Let go and fly? I love that idea!! Your daughter is a very wise girl :-)

Happy Weekend Dear!

J said...

Every good wish for your ventures! j

OneCraftyFox said...

Hello darling!! I love the phrase for a necklace. It's very free and fitting of life.

And you are right, it does not matter how many people comment on your blog, what matters is the real friends you make in life... through the blog world and the real world. But I must admit, blog comments make me smile :)

Hope you have a beautiful weekend, and a Mothers Day to cherish.

xoxo Diana

Anonymous said...

Happy Mother's Day, Jeanette!! xo

Stacey said...

I'm truly thrilled for you that your etsy shops are flourishing! Blogging is a fickle business, and you were right on the money with your thoughts. Well, i'll be right here for your once in a blue moon posts:-)BTW, baby # 2 is on the way(thought you'd like to know:-)). XX

Punctuation Mark said...

i'm so happy for you that things are going well and that you feel such a sense of accomplishment... keep on flying!

RockinJ9designs said...

I will miss seeing things through your refined goggles, xoxo's

Abby said...

I wish you all the best! Your shop is lovely, and I haven't bought anything from it yet, though I plan to some time.

Karena said...

Janette I must look at your jewelry,very exciting... have missed you!!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

Come and enter my New Giveaway from Serena & Lily! You will love it!

Linda said...

Hope all is going well in your time away from the blog world. Your creativity is shining through in your Etsy work! Your blog is one place I frequently stopped by to view, even though I didn't often post comments. I do miss you! Take good care of yourself.

Joyti said...

I hope you are doing well! Cornwall sounds lovely :)
And I wanted to let you know that I finally made a gluten-free cake :)

La Dolfina said...

Oh wow... I just wandered over here because all of a sudden I realized I hadn't connected with you for a while...
I completely understand your thoughts... I too rarely have the time anymore to visit my friends and leave comments and so any comments I get I feel completely honored and grateful for. I've thought long and hard about why I blog and continue because it makes me very happy. I think it's something about being more mindful and present in my own life. It's sort of become the story of my existence... a record of sorts. All I know is that it has enhanced my life and it's brought many gifts/treasures to me... like you Jeanette. Please know that getting to know you through our mutual blogs made a difference to me and you will always have a part of my heart. Please blog when you feel like it. You are an amazing woman and your blog is so authentically you and that's why it is so wonderful!!!!
I'm thrilled for the success you are having with you jewelry business. I love this quote I heard from Oprah... A woman can do it all, just not all at the same time, which is what you're finding out. Just follow your gut, it's always right!!!
Love you,

Terri