{right back where I started}

by | Nov 5, 2011 | buying & selling antiques, Running a Business | 81 comments

This post may contain affiliate links.

This phrase is usually about something negative.  Oh, like…I lost 35 lbs, but now I’m right back where I started.  Not that I have any idea at all what that feels like.  But in this case, it’s a great thing.

 Many of you ask how I do all of the things I do.  When I sleep.  Is my energy for sale.  Am I bionic.  (I’m double-jointed, but I’m not sure that does anything for me other than making my thumb bend back at an angle that grosses people out.)  I wrote a post answering that question a while ago, but since then I have taken on even more and despite my boys in preschool and bringing in babysitters to help out, I’m still struggling to keep up with everything.  AND I have more exciting things around the corner, so the time came to reassess things.  What can I give up?  My blog?  Nope.  My freelance writing?  No way.  Lucketts?  Absolutely not.  Sleep?  I don’t think that will work too well.  People get pretty crazy when they are sleep deprived.  I like everything that’s on my plate right now and there’s nothing I want to drop.  So, I had to look at what I could scale back.  I talked to Karen, my friend and fellow vendor at Lucketts, about it and she came up with a great solution.  I could switch spaces at Lucketts with Jane, the woman who currently sells her grogeous stuff out of an alcove in Karen’s room.  Jane wanted more space and I needed less.  It’s a win-win.

 

 

I first came to Lucketts through Karen, selling furniture out of her room.

 I then moved to a pavillion…

…and at last to the third floor.

 

Now I’m moving back where I started.  It’s a little bitter-sweet, because I love my room on the third floor.  It has great light and I just painted it and it is so spacious.  I did have to carry everything up three flights of steps, though, which was tolerable, but the real issue was that I was having trouble keeping that big space filled.  It seemed like it was almost empty every week and the pace was just too fast.  I want time to work on my own house and other projects without being a slave to my space.  I had no desire to leave Lucketts, so downsizing was the best option.  We’ll be making the switch soon, so I’ll let you know where to find me.  Until then, you’ll still have to make the trek up the stairs to the third floor. (It’s totally worth it, though!)

Before I end this post, I want to share a few new features on my blog.  As you’re reading a post, you may notice an arrow on the middle right of the page.  If you’re reading an older post, there is an arrow on both sides.  You can click these arrows to move to older and newer posts.  Nice, right?  We also installed a translation widget, for those who have been leaving me comments in French and other languages.  Of course, if you don’t speak English, you won’t understand this unless you find and click the translation button, so this announcement is a little silly.  I realize some buttons are still not working properly and the site looks strange on some cell phones and we’re working on all of that.  Thanks so much for the feedback and hopefully everything will be settled soon.

Since I worked at the Lucketts Holiday Open House all day yesterday, I chilled in my jammies until about 1:00 today.  It took me that long to catch up on my e-mail.  I have a sinus infection (I think) that has been giving me terrible headaches, but I still got some cleaning done and started working on a hand painted sign for my kitchen.  Some of you have been begging for a sheet music wreath tutorial (as well as one for the mini wreath ornaments and the tree toppers), so I will try to get those to you this week.  I also found a fabulous chippy side table for my family room at Lucketts yesterday and I can’t wait to show it off.

Lots of fun stuff going on.  Stay tuned…

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    81 Comments

    1. Jaime Costiglio

      Marian glad you realized your situation and were able to make the best decision. We’re not machines and being Mommy comes #1 despite how much we desire to do it all. I’m in your boat, I can never say no to a project and they always want it asap. I too have a bad head cold and my hubby blames it on lack of sleep because I stay up too late working on projects. Balance is good but so hard to achieve sometimes!

      • Miss Mustard Seed

        Well, we’re two peas in a pod. You just about described me to T.

        • Shaunna

          consider us three peas, then. Right there with ya.
          😉
          shaunna

    2. Becky@OrganizingMadeFun

      I think you are so smart to downsize. When talking to friends who have too much going on, I always tell them that they have to give up somewhere, something. It’s not always what we want, but we just can’t do it all. And, quite honestly, doing less is probably the most freeing feeling. So, I think what you did is so smart and wise. Your little ones will only be little for so long. You will always be able to do more once they are in school and beyond…I can’t see how some moms with very little ones have the time to blog. I can barely do it with my two kids in school all day, and teaching piano lessons two days a week. I also made a decision, like you, to cut back. I said “no more” to any new students at all – period! I am full and I can feel that same feeling of just too much creeping in – and not being able to keep up with my home and children. Yay! I bet you feel so much better already!

      Becky B.
      http://www.organizingmadefun.com
      Organizing Made Fun

    3. Vicki K

      Good call, Marian, sometimes we wait too long to make such a decision and then everything kind of topples in mayhem. You can keep your toe in the door at Lucketts until you have more time to fill a bigger space!

    4. elizabeth

      for your sinus infection you should try oil of oregeno, I had one and it did the job.

      elizabeth

    5. Sissie

      I can certainly relate but maybe not on such a grand scale as you. I do not have small children but I can remember how difficult it was to juggle a career and being a Mom. I think you are wise to downsize your booth. Makes sense not to give up something you love so much. You are fortunate that you are able to switch around and take the smaller space.

      Family and your own home are important and I think sometimes we just need to slow down and take care of the things we love the most.

      hugs
      Sissie

    6. WC Wagner

      Just thought you’d like to know the Russian and German translations are excellent. That’s an excellent feature and a great addition to your blog for non-English speakers. Love, Dad

      • the brown shed

        Your dad reads your blog???

        I love it… that’s awesome!

        • Farmer's Wyfe

          Your dad reads English, German, and Russian? THAT’S awesome!!!

          • Miss Mustard Seed

            Yeah, he’s really good with languages and yes, he reads my blog. 🙂 So sweet, right?

      • Carollynn

        I love the Polish/Russian! Great blog site! I live in 65 m2 with my family of four, so any good tips on organizing and decorating tiny flats/homes would be great!

    7. Kathy Saldana

      I have to say that I am so impressed with all of the bloggers out there…you are all so talented…”craftying” and I really hate to use that word has come a long way since blue hearts,ducks and the cows…I have been doing this for years I am 65 and still get lots of inspiration from all of you out there especially you Mis MS..you floor me sometimes with your enegry and creativeness…and I’m always saying “I can do that”…..don’t know If I would have continued doing….if it weren’t for all of you creative lovelies out there…now I’m going to start my own red /whitecross chest….just because of YOU….thanks a bunch…your senior fan!

    8. Kathy Saldana

      That would be your #1 senior fan!

    9. Lakeitha Duncan

      Scale back. That makes perfect sense.

      Marian, you just saved my blog:)

      • Funky Junk Interiors

        Ditto!!!! My heart stopped beating for a moment when she said the blog thing…

        Donna

        • Rebecca

          Mine did too! Love, me

    10. Michele R

      It’s important to know what you love and love what you do. You are fortunate to know this and that more is just more… not better. If you’re stressing to fill the room at Lucketts, then you are less likely to love what you’re doing. Finding the balance is fabulous. And who knows, at some point in the future it might be the right time to move back to the third floor. Nothing is permanent in life and that’s exciting too., because who knows what adventure is right around the corner. All the best…

    11. Linda@Coastal Charm

      OH I know just how you feel…I have been there before and you will be much happier with the smaller space. I am just getting back into the business after being away from it since 2005 and have just returned from an awesome buying trip. Very excited to get my new business up and running!!!!

      Blessings,
      Linda

    12. Nana Diana

      You know, Marion, sometimes a step back is really a step forward in another area…and I think that is what you are doing here. How wonderful that the option to do that is available to you! xo Diana

    13. Tammy

      That is bittersweet!–sweet also because that is a good thing that it seemed like you needed to keep it filled–that means you are selling(sweet) 🙂 Glad things are working out for you. How was the Open house.

    14. Sarah

      I’m so glad you realized the issue & had the opportunity to make a change before you got too overwhelmed. Congratulations on doing what’s best for you & your family. I’m sure you’ll now have more time to focus on your writing & your projects will be even more amazing & well thought out since you wont have to focus on just getting things done all the time. 🙂

    15. Jeannie-JB

      You’ll never regret giving up anything to spend more time with your family. I made that choice when I was making great $$ and climbing the ladder, but my daughter needed more of my time. I knew I would never look back and say “I wish I would have spent more time at work,” so even though I loved that job, I made a similar choice to spend more time with my family. I realize that lots and lots of Mom’s don’t have this choice, but I had (have) an awesome husband and I’m glad I “downsized” my life when I did. I love love love your work and your store and your blog and I’m sure you won’t regret it!

      P.S. I for one can’t wait to get the tutorial for the sheet music wreath and ornaments!

    16. Sheila

      Sounds like you are a busy lady! I have wondered how you keep up.

      Have you ever considered hiring someone to clean your house for you? As a babysitting grandmother ( I had 6 within 4 years!) I could not keep up with my housework. I hired someone to come clean every other week & it has helped so much! Now the grandchildren are all in school & I don’t have them as often. But I still have my cleaning lady! ; ) I feel like it is something special I can do for myself.

    17. Sarah

      Marian I am friendly with Kathy Wall who used to have a booth a Lucketts- she told me she would be driving home from stocking up her room at Lucketts and get a call that several pieces already sold. Great for business but such a crazy pace to keep up! Having heard that story I can certainly understand why you would want to downsize. I hope this helps strike the right balance. (Meanwhile I was at a craft fair today just hoping someone will buy something! But this is just the beginning for me and maybe craft fairs are not the right fit!)

      Sarah

    18. Kathy

      I’m very glad to hear this too. I’ve been guilty of burning the candle at both ends in the past. That just leads to burn out. We all need balance in our lives to be a peace. Enjoy!

    19. Karen

      Downsizing is a good thing. I recently made the decision to not take as many clients for commission work. I was working way too much, and my home was being neglected. It feels so good to have a better balance and actually finish projects and FINISH painting rooms that have been half done for too long. Love the new look by the way! I truly believe there is a season for all things that are good in our lives. My season is my family and children at this time, with work that I love on the side. My kids are starting the time of life where I am running around with them constantly, and they need mom to really pay attention to what they are saying. Esp. the teenager., who is wonderful (but not liking the teenage years so much….). I know the season will come again when I can do more of what I love, creating, but for now, dialing it back a bit was the right choice. I am sure you will be grateful you are not a slave to filling that big space right now. Besides, your talent and stardom will only keep growing, keeping it at the right pace for your and your family will be the hard part. Have a lovely (and I hope restful) Sunday. -K

    20. Junker Newbie Stephanie

      What a mature decision to know you need to downsize! It’s not always easy taking a step back – we’re so programmed to always want more, bigger, faster aren’t we?

      I’m in a bit of the same boat…I’ve taken on a new booth, my first holiday fair, and some other things all while having a full-time job and family. I think everyone thinks I’m crazy. I just love it ALL and it’s hard to give something up.

      Good luck to you in your new/old space!

      Stephanie

    21. Lynn Ehrlich

      I was at Lucketts today and loved your space! Keep us posted with your new location. I love your blogs that include chalk paint and Lucketts!

      Lynn

    22. Eileen

      What a smart way of thinking!! Being overwhelmed is not a good feeling(how do I know that??!!!) and downsizing still keeps you “in the game” at Lucketts. It’s sounds as if you made a good decision.

    23. Willow Decor

      So glad you were smart enough to take a moment and re assess! I have been dooing the same recently. So many wonderful opportunities, but all pulling me in different directions. I think all aspects of your life will be better for you! You are such an inspiration to me personally so I can’t wait to see whats up next! Great blog changes too.
      xx-Gina

    24. the brown shed

      I admire you and the thoughtfulness you put into your decisions. You are a great model in so many ways. Not perfect, I’m sure, because none of us are perfect. But you seem to do a pretty good job of it all.

      I have learned so many things from you… thank you so much!

      It’s always a treat to stop by and read your blog! Hope you feel better soon.

      Christi

    25. Megan

      youre a smart woman to know when somethings got to give. great choice on your part!! Im sort of at a cross roads with things myself. im not nearly as busy as you- but its heading there fast. i need to do some rethinking.

    26. Farmer's Wyfe

      Perfect decision: you can still keep your cake and eat it, too. 🙂 Forget the 35 lb weight loss. Who does that? 🙂

    27. Leena Lanteigne

      Well, like I said in my comment to your last post, Karen’s shop is always my first stop once I’m inside Lucketts, so now I can visit both of you without going all the wayh upstairs. LOL! I’ll still be going upstairs though, I can’t resist! I hope that you’ll have enough room now to fill exactly as you want and can so that things won’t be so hectic. Good luck – can’t wait to see and hear what else you’ve got in the works! Hope this weekend’s sale is stupendous! Hugs, Leena

    28. mickey

      Love the addition of that arrow! 🙂
      mickey

    29. Laura @Ms Smartie Pants

      Good for you to realize what you can and can’t do. At some point “crazy” can take all the fun out of things! 🙂 Sounds like the perfect plan.

    30. Dawn

      So interesting the timing of this post. I just recently upsized my booth and now am having some serious reflection. I am ‘addicted’ to staging my booth, the thrill of the hunt for the items to sell there, but there just doesn’t seem to be enough time in the day to spend in the garage painting, etc. Oh… and no minor point… I also homeschool our 3 kids. Yep. Having a hard time chewing what I’ve bit off. Its all in the timing. Never want to wish this time with my kids away. What a blessing ‘reassessing’ can be! 2012 will definitely call for some strategic prioritizing… nothing to fear, postponing what has become a near fulltime business just may need to wait for a few more years. Thank you for letting us follow your business and the ever important roles of mom and wife.

    31. Desiree

      Thank you for your honesty… I have a blog that is NOT huge but I am already starting to feel the “too much to do” and not time to do it feeling…

      You are amazing !

    32. Donna

      First it was the highlight of my “Lucketts” visit to finally meet you!!! You keep doing what makes you happy, this time in your life, raising kids, can have it’s many challenges, and it is always important for you to feel like you are doing something for “you”. This time will fly by, so scale back where you have to, never scale back when it comes to your kids, you will never, ever regret all you do for them. I for one will visit you downstairs, not a problem. I have to tell you a story about friday’s Holiday show. A woman followed me up the stairs (of course I walk in the door and walked straight to your room first), and she was talking about you non-stop, she was saying how she followed your blog and that she was so inspired by all that you do…her husband following behind her. When she stepped foot into your room, her face lit up, she almost screamed! She was touching everything, saying to herself, “she painted this, she made that…and oh I want that!” As I was frantically trying to stay one step ahead of her grabbing what I wanted also….lol!!! Thank you for bringing all that silver! So finally, Thank you for all you do!!! All of it, even what I don’t see…Donna 🙂

      • Miss Mustard Seed

        That is so funny! Thanks for sharing that story with me. Stuff like that makes me smile (and blush a little.) I hope you have a great time at Lucketts!

    33. Wanda @ Centsible Chic

      I’m so glad you found a way to continue to do all the things you love, especially your blog. Your furniture transformations are amazing and your tutorials so appreciated..

      Hope you feel better soon.

    34. Fay

      Glad you were able to find a place that will serve your needs better. I wish I lived close enough to visit Luckett’s.

      Probably TMI but as for your sinus infection, have you tried a Neti Pot? I had heard about them, thought it disgusting and promptly forgot about them. But this week, I have been dealing with terrible congestion. I can’t take decongestants due to HBP and it usually makes me feel weird anyway. I finally bought a Neti Pot. Oh my word! I’m now a believer! It’s helped keep me clear which has reduced my headaches. I feel like I’m winning the battle 🙂 I hope you feel better soon!

    35. Stephanie

      I wish I could live in your Luckett space. Always so charming. I love the layers.
      Miss Mustard Seed – I need your help. I recently bought an old suitcase to use as display but the inside has a pretty offensive smell. Is there anyway to rid this little treasure of musty/sour smell? It’s been airing out for about a week and although it is a little better ~ it’s still smelly. Thank you!

    36. Chris

      Sometimes the hardest thing is figuring out what to let go, and then doing it. For this season of your life this sounds like a great decision. You inspire me in so many ways. Thanks for all you do – keep taking time to enjoy the important stuff! 🙂

    37. Betsy

      It sounds like you have really thought this through and are making a great decision! You are such an inspiration to so many! Thanks for sharing your personal struggles. It helps all of us think through our own. I’m caring for two aging parents. I consider it an honor, but do struggle in balancing time, chores, projects, etc. Thanks for being so candid! Good luck with your new area in Luckett’s.

    38. Dina

      Get well soon Marian!!

    39. Doris

      So good to hear you’re not trying to be “Super Woman”; although I believe you are! Even as you downsize. Your life will still be fulfilling regardless of the size of your space! Thanks for your inspiration!

    40. Tina

      Oh goody, I was just going to look for the wreath tutorial. Thanks for saving me the search. I will be checking back for it.

    41. Melodye

      Marian, recognizing that you need to edit your life and then actually doing it is a good thing! I had a forced edit yesterday — all of my accounts were hacked 🙁 In the end, it probably isn’t a bad thing! If you got an email from me saying I was stuck in London and needed $$, it isn’t true! I have listed my new email address… you are my inspiration and I am glad we have had a few email interactions… but I am NOT in London and DO NOT need money 🙂

      Take care of that sinus infection. It could get worse and with the busy time coming up, you don’t need it to put you in your bed! Okay, I have done my motherly duty today 🙂

      You are following your instincts. Trust them!
      Melodye

      • Miss Mustard Seed

        I didn’t get that e-mail, but I’m glad to hear you’re not stranded and asking me for money. LOL! Thanks so much for the mothering.

    42. katieQ

      It sounds as though you have made a decision that works for you and your family right now. Your talent shines so bright that I am sure it will light the path to the next step in your creative path.

      I received the reproduction antique wash basket I won in your giveaway. It is just beautiful! I can’t wait to use it as part of our Christmas decor. We just got our internet service back yesterday so I wasn’t able to thank you sooner.. We were without power until Thursday night due to the snow storm here in the Northeast. Thank you for the fabulous gift and for choosing to keep your blog going to inspire and instruct all of your fans.

    43. Lisa

      can i be you when i grow up? 🙂

      just teasing. supposedly I’m already grown up. i’m just a fan of you (and your blog) and this decision speaks volumes to continuing to do what you love but also balancing LIFE.

      🙂 kudos.

    44. Rebecca

      You are so wise in your growth! I cannot wait to see what awaits you! Thank you so much for allowing us to learn from you. I see your generosity being returned 70×7……..well deserved. Love, me

    45. Lorrie

      So glad you were able to come up with a solution without having to give up anything entirely! You are a very smart talented lady, and you provide so much inspiration to so many. Wishing you well, and waiting to see what’s up next for you!

    46. Debbie Gilbert

      Marion,

      Funny how God sets situations in place to help us put the focus back on Him and your family. You really are a blessed woman with an awesome gift. I look so forward each day to reading your blog and you have stirred something back in my heart and I really am thankful. I used to be an artist then something inside me died and your blog has been the catalyst to help me back. I heard a celeb on Oprah say one time, “We can have it all,, we just cannot DO it all”….never forgot that.

      I will be thinking and praying for you…

      Debbie

    47. Lynn @ TheVintageNest

      I was there!!! I traveled up those three flights of stairs to see your sweet room. It’s fabulous and loved everything and all those ornaments……oh my! I also saw the amazing Design House and wanted to claim one of those bedrooms as my own. 🙂 I could have just crept right in with all those white bears. 🙂 Sherry and I traveled from Richmond and are so sorry we missed you but maybe next Spring. We had such a good time and also had so much fun traveling the back roads “treasure hunting”. Take care of yourself and making the decision to downsize was probably a very smart thing. We truly are super women but can’t do it all. xoxoxo Lynn @theVintageNest

    48. Jane H

      You gave so many women inspiration to follow their dreams, and now you give them pause, and permission, to be the best they can be, at a pace that is right for them. Powerful messages, indeed! We do our best work when we are willing to share not just the best and brightest of our work, but also the toughest…Clearly you inspire through your honesty!

    49. Sheryl

      I just wanted to drop you a line to say Thank you for all the inspiration. I have been “hoarding” collecting vintage ornaments and sheet music for a few years. They are now unique wreaths that are destined to be one of a kind christmas gifts. I have the wonderful opprotunity to redecorate and stage events at the Palmetto shop here in Historic Camden at the old court house, a wonderful 1825 building .. I checked your blog for decorating and display ideas. Thank you for sharing , God bless. Sheryl

    50. Sara@Mutli Level Life

      Just because we CAN do it all, doesn’t mean we HAVE to!!!!

      It took a long time for me to figure that one out, glad you are finding your balance sooner rather than later. You are so talented at each of the things you do, I’m selfishly glad our changes won’t be negatively impacting us out here in MMS-land.

      Thanks for everything <3
      Sara

    51. Jessica

      Good luck in your new space and hopefully the change gives you the space YOU need to thrive!

      Jess

    52. Vickie

      You are wise beyond your years. It’s hard to know where to draw the line sometimes. I had a decorative painting business ( and a part-time job ) for a number of years and found it hard to please everybody. I finally came to my senses when my customers wanted special orders after my annual sales. I just told them that if I said “yes” to them I would have to say “no” to my family and they were very understanding. I found my “happy” place and it seems you have, too. Best of luck!

    53. EllaY

      First, thank goodness you’re not stopping blogging! I check your blog every day (sometimes multiple times a day), and you have one of the best blogs out there! I think it’s sweet that you answer so many of the comments, but I know that we would understand if you had to cut back on that, too!

      Also, your space in Lucketts is incredible (I live in Northern VA and get to visit pretty often!), but it’s a big space. It seems like a delicate balance vendors there have to strike-some stuff their rooms full of stuff that sits there while other rooms feel a bit empty. I can see it feeling stressful to keep it looking full enough and staged, too. Good for you for taking a step back and for re-evaluating where you’d like to spend your energy.

      Can’t wait to see what you do with that reclaimed energy!

    54. JennyLynn

      It is really good that you are showing other women that it is “OK”, to cut back a little or scale down. Hope you feel better soon. I always love a quiet Sunday to renew my energy.

    55. gertie @ The Old Block House

      I’m looking forward to the tutorials this week. I have sheet music that is calling (or is that singing) out to me to give it new life in either a wreath or ornament. A few sheets have already been earmarked for a special project, but I’m hoping to get new ideas from your tutes.

    56. Liz

      Marian,

      I think you inspire me more and more each day. It’s not just your creativity that inspires me but your truthfulness and your “real life” appeal. Thank you for this post. It’ makes me feel like it’s “ok” to be a small vendor in such a big big world. It also makes me realize that as a mother, wife and antique dealer there has to be a balance. Finding it is what is hard. I relate to this post so much. I had to leave a comment. I have said this before and I will say it again–YOU ROCK!

    57. Beth Marohn

      Isn’t it funny how things have a tendency to come full circle? Even the world comes full circle, so it’s definitely a good thing with this change your making for yourself and your family. I certainly hope your sinus infection improves quickly cuz those ain’t no fun. :^( But, if you can get it out of the way now, then maybe you’ll be more immune to them before the holidays and not have to deal with one then. Hope you did well with your open house at Lucketts too!

    58. Lee Shanes

      I’ll add my comment to all those who’ve gone before. Until a year ago, I was part owner of an antique mall outside Richmond, and waking or sleeping, I became a slave to the shop. Now, as a part-time antique dealer in a rented booth, I have more time to spend with my g’kids, more time w/my sweet [partially-retired] husband and time to generally love life. Not to mention more time to find treasures! It was a tough decision, but I’m happier than I’ve ever been. You are a smart woman to arrive at this decision now — you won’t regret it. Love, love, love your blog. Thanks for your generosity to us all.

      And as for the sinus problem, I’ve taken herbs for years and find that fenugreek and thyme (comes in capsules) helps a lot. I take it with hot apple cider and it helps keep my energy up. Good luck! Love, Lee.

    59. SueAnn

      Sounds like you came up with a good solution for your overload! It is tough too keep all the irons going in a fire! So I hope this all works out for you!
      Hugs
      SueAnn

    60. Tracey

      Congrats on the new space~hopefully it will give you more free time to relax, and who couldn’t use that!! I have a totally unrelated question, though. I just bought some ASCP, and I was wondering if you could tell me if you use the wax when you stain the top of a piece of furniture and paint the bottom. Do you wax the stained portion, too? Does the wax work over stain? Thanks so much!
      Tracey

      • Brandi GInn

        Hey Tracy, I know I’m not Marian but the answer is yes, and yes! 🙂

        • Miss Mustard Seed

          Tracey, yes, Brandi is right. I love using wax on wood. It gives it a gorgeous hand-rubbed luster that is the total opposite of a factory finish.

    61. Karen - The Graphics Fairy

      I’m looking forward to all the fun that we’ll have being roomies again!!!
      I hope you feel better soon!

      • Miss Mustard Seed

        Me too. 🙂 I know it’s going to be a great move!

    62. Brandi GInn

      I love the feature of the arrows in the middle of your blog! I noticed the arrow on the left actually moves you forward or to a more recent post and the arrow on the right moves you backward…or to a previous post. Are they supposed to be that way?

      Brandi

      • Miss Mustard Seed

        Yes, they are.

    63. Tracey

      Thanks, Brandi! I appreciate the advice!

    64. Ruth

      I love how open and honest you are. It is difficult to find the time to do everything we want. We cannot do it all and somethings have to go. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.

      Ruth

    65. Heather

      Great post Marian! Great honesty 🙂 The perfectionism in us wants to ‘do it all’ but the reality… oh boy 🙂
      I’ve hired my sisters to clean / babysit 2x a week and it is AWESOME! It can be so tricky to figure out how and where to grow without sacrificing things that are most important. I don’t worry about having the perfectly balanced day but I am constantly analyzing if my week/month/year were in balance with my priorities.

    66. Bonnie Boyer

      I had to Laugh out Loud at your comment about your double jointed thumbs that freaks people out!!! I too have thumbs that are double jointed! My husband said I was asleep one night and he noticed my thumb was stuck on my PJ’s and was bent back at an odd angle! He totally thought I had broken it somehow during the night…Silly boy! My thumbs have always been like that, and although I never really thought anything was wrong with them, he had to point it out to me how weird they were, and now I have a complex!! I am so happy that someone else has the same affliction..lol..I am no longer alone with my weird thumbs!!
      Thanx for sharing!
      Bonnie

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