I have been working on several leaf patterns. Autumn is my favorite time of year and I am inspired by the hand dyed thread possibilities that lend themselves very nicely to leaf patterns.
In the photo are my own hand dyed tatting threads and the "tigereye" is Marilee's.
Sherman has passed away due to the cold weather. I took to bringing sherman in at night to keep him warm and then I let him out during the day...but I am afraid I just prolonged the inevitable. Wikipedia says that the female mantids pass away when winter approaches and it is my guess that sherman was a full grown long lived female. It still makes me sad.
Also I have recently made a pretty major life decision and a tough one at that. I have refrained from blogging about it because I have been so emotional, but now that some time has passed I can view it more stoically.
As I have stated before, the military is sending my husband away for a year. Wives and families are not supported or encouraged to go along on this particular assignment. However, they cannot stop me from going along if we pay for myself with out of pocket expenses. It was a heart breaking decision in many ways because I will have to give up pottery for a year and lose that business. It has taken me years to get where I am and it is like taking 1 step forward and two steps backwards by abandoning it at this point.
We will have to pack up all of our belongings and put them in storage. We have to give away our kitty (whom I will miss so very much.) We will be renting out our home so that we don't lose it (cannot sell it in current market conditions) and we will sell our vehicle.
We have lived here a little over two years and it has been the best experience of my life as well as being the longest I have ever lived under the same roof....ever. I don't want to leave. However, my husband and I have been separated for more than is humanly fair and I cannot take it anymore...so I am willing to sacrifice my sanctuary and stability to go and be with him. It's the best thing for our marriage.
The best news is that I am going to take all my tatting with me since it is so portable and I am hoping to make a bunch of shuttles before I leave and take them with me so that I can still sell them.
I am looking forward to many new adventures and traveling and who knows what great things I will learn? The excitement is starting to catch up and will soon overtake the feelings of loss.
I still have a few months before all this takes place. Love will prevail as I get to be with my husband and best friend!
13 comments:
Your leaves are beautiful, Sherry! Do I see a leaf pattern book in your future? I'm sure it will be hard to leave your home and your pottery behind, but staying near your husband/best friend is obviously of the utmost importance to you. I wish you both the best. I sure am glad that tatting is so portable!
As you follow your bliss, it will come back to you over and over.
We'll be looking forward to hearing about your adventures. Where are you going?
:-) Gina
What a difficult decision! You're a brave woman, Sherry. I think living a military life is a tough row to hoe. But with more tatting time, dare we hope your next book will be leaves?
Aww yeah I knew Sherman would probably be passing on, but it's still hard, I know it was hard for us too. Now I try not to get too attached to them, but they are so cute and helpful in the garden!
And I hope you have fun for the one year tour, it sounds like you are excited despite the sacrifices. Plus a year will go by very fast and you will be back to setting stuff back up in no time. Are you going to keep your blog going while you are away?
Sherry, I think it's a great idea, as you will meet lots of new people, and travelling is really interesting. I can't remember if you said where your husband had been stationed, but I look forward to hearing all about it.
I understand that leaving the kiln will be a wrench, and your kitty, but it is just a temporary thing...and you may find new possibilities where you end up. Best, best luck.
Good luck with everything, Sherry. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Thanks for all the encouragement! I knew I could count on my tatting friends for kind words.
Gina, we are going to South Korea.
Melissa,
I hope to keep the blog going, but there may be a large down time during the transition.
Diane and Marty...a leaf book? Sure...why not?
Do you have any pottery stock accumulated? Is there anyone you trust to handle a dribble of sales? Even if you only offer one or two a month, that may be enough to keep your 'name out there.' Please keep in mind that I have no marketing experience & therefore my advice is worth what you paid for it.
Congratulations on your bravery in leaving your comfort zone. Someday you will look back on your life & you will regret that things that you did not do, rather than the things that you did. Good luck in South Korea.
Wow. Lots of news and lots of good advice and encouragement. I am sorry about your mantis. It was inevitable, but still hurts I know. The leaves are beautiful and already look like a book cover! I applaud your courage in leaving your comfort zone to go with your husband/best friend. I especially like Gina's advice. Follow your bliss, it will come back to you over and over. We all love you and you will both be in our prayers.
All the very best, you are extremely brave and all our prayers and wishes are with you. Keep blog’ing, that way we will still keep in touch and encourage you in whatever endeavor you take upon (Knowing you I am sure you will take on something exciting there was well. :-)) Good Luck to you and your husband as well.
Sherry,
good luck with your move. I am very sorry you will have to leave your pottery behind, and feel awful about your kitty. I do think with your adventurous spirit you will really enjoy S. Korea, and what better way to see new places and meet new friends than with you husband/best friend. You know all your blogging friend's wishes and prayers are with you.
Life is about making sacrifices. Keep looking at the good side of things and enjoy the new place. Good luck and best wishes on your move.
Hi again Sherry, I was wondering when you are leaving for South Korea? I do hope you will be able to still blog. I would so much still love to be able to see your tatting adventures. I agree with Gina... YOu gotta follow your bliss. I think you will find you will have more comfort being with your husband than being without him for so long. I will keep you in my prayers.
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