Doors Closing, Windows Opening

When a door closes, a window opens.
~Dutch Proverb~

Five years ago, I opened the doors to BessieMary.

It was a little shop, named after my grandmother and mother, specializing in fabric and supplies for heirloom sewing and smocking.

It also stocked various gifts, especially sweet little baby things.

Now, the lease has expired.

I will begin moving the merchandise to an unused portion of our home, from which I will continue to run the  website of BessieMary.

Over a year ago, I decided not to renew the lease in this location.

My plan was to move the store to a different location; one closer to more of my customers.

However, recent health issues, the possibility of additional eye surgery later this year, a longer commute for me and ever increasing gasoline prices have caused me to reconsider.

I have experienced every emotion.

I have cried, I have breathed huge sighs of relief, I have laid awake at night thinking, and I have pulled the covers over my head and just wanted to hide.

For five years, I have spent more time within these four walls, than anywhere else.

Actually, if you count the months spent renovating, it is more like 5 years and 6 months!

My days often started much earlier than opening time, and extended well past closing time.

It will seem odd, not to hop in the car and head this direction.

But, I think my little people and I may soon appreciate the slower pace.

There might even be moments for me to sit down!

Or, maybe I will set up the cute little cherry covered cabana from my classroom and play, just like so many customers' children over the years!

I hope there will also be more time to spend sewing and creating.

There is a major misconception that shop owners can easily pull fabric from the shelves, lace from the drawers, and while away the day stitching.

Nothing could be farther from the truth.

Just want to clear that up!

I have truly loved playing in my shop, greeting customers, and making friends.

Hopefully, they also enjoyed spending time there.

I tried to make it an inviting place,

an inspiring place,

with a touch of sweetness,

a dash of whimsey,

and a sense of humor.

For just a moment, I hope time did stand still and my guests did a little daydreaming.

BessieMary may no longer be a brick and mortar store, and I may no longer stand behind this counter.

I do hope to continue encouraging, inspiring and helping others to make stitching dreams come true, through this blog and BessieMary's website.

Maybe someday, the doors will reopen, and we will once again meet across this counter.