If I don’t do it this year, will I ever?
How do I overcome the fear of the “WHAT IFS”?
In case you have no clue as to what I am ranting about, let’s recap the past umteenine years. I have dreamt about having a little shop of my own ever since the late 1990’s. I worked at that time at the best little shop in the area, tucked way back in the woods of Island Lake. I loved that shop. I loved the smell, the sights, the products, the unique way of decorating the owner had. I loved everything about that place and I loved the owner. After she passed away, her family tried to keep the shop going but without her presence there, it just wasn’t the same.
That’s when my dream started to grow.
So let’s fast forward 15 plus years to 2016. I am 61 years old. Life’s parade is passing me by. Do I jump on my float now or just watch that last marching band march on by?
I am in a unique position right now in my life. Over the years I have gathered enough crafting supplies and collected enough stuff to be able to actually stock a small store and my husband has begun fulfilling his dream of owning his own business and he has gorgeous hand crafted toboggans, children’s sleds, snow shoes of all sorts, wall plaques, Adirondack chairs, bookcases and more but he has no real place to display his products. So I am trying to convince him we need a store so you can all come and see what he and his talented crew can make for you.
I have this vision of our store. It would have two rooms, side by side, one side would feature all his works and would be “decorated” in a old time logging decore. My side would be wild and colorful, full of all the things I love and love to create. I would have a large, comfy couch for those who would love to come and just sit and knit (or whatever) with me. Visiting would be so encouraged! And I would have a large table with quirky lighting to hold crafting classes for both adults and children. I would love to be able to host crafty birthday parties and wedding showers (you bring the food, I do the rest!)
Each of us have special God-given gifts and mine is hospitality. I am never happier than when I have folks to fuss over and serve. I have also been given an ability to take the mundane and turn it into something special and unique. My goal is not to make money (Scott will attest to that….sadly) but to make someone happy and to feel loved and precious and worthwhile. I believe everyone has a creative side and I want to be able to help you find yours.
I was in my thirties before I tapped into mine. I have always had a knack for decorating my home (my tried and true philosophy is: IF IT MAKES YOUR HEART SING~BUY IT) but it wasn’t until I wanted something that I could not afford but found a pattern for it, that I tried sewing. I made every mistake possible. Sewing to this day is not easy for me, but I have literally made hundreds of things using my sewing machine. (To my MPHS friends; Mrs.Carlson would be shocked at how I turned out!! LOL)
You do not need to think yourself creative at all, you just need the courage to try! I have found throughout the years, that I am good at things I NEVER would have thought possible because I never had an interest in them, nor did I have an opportunity to try to do them.
I was never artsy-fartsy in school. Hated home-ec. Never was in choir or band. The only thing I did that was remotely creative was making up Pom-Pom routines with my co-captain.
So you see, you will not know what you can or can not do UNLESS you try!
And that is where I hope to help you find your creativeness. “I can’t do it” and “Mine looks terrible” are two phrases that are not allowed in my crafting classes!
So my friends, tell me….what do you think of this idea? Do you think I could make a go of it (at least make enough money to pay the rent on on the shop!) Would you support me by coming to my place and checking it out and maybe taking a class or two? Come visit me? Tell your friends about me?
How far would you travel to my shop? I am hoping to find a spot in Cloquet on Cloquet Ave. but if not, what about Morgan Park or West End or Carlton or Lakeside? Are there areas you would not feel safe in coming to a night class? Downtown Duluth is not an option for us nor is Canal Park or up by the Mall area. Rents would be out of my price range.
I really, really would like input from as many as you as possible. If you want, just leave a msg on FB instead of in the “Comments” area of this blog. I really need to “poop or get off the pot” and your thoughts will help me decide!
Your friend and Queen,
Robyn
rantingsofamadqueen 