Tuesday, July 23, 2019

5 Months Ago...

"The Sisters" - February 23, 2019
It was exactly 5 months ago today that we closed "the store" - The Paper Pickle.  I will tell you that it has been a major change.  I will tell you that I miss it....that I miss you!  I was very confident in my decision to close the store but never did I imagine the range of emotions I went through following February 23, 2019. 

A wild 7 days of packing followed.  I must thank Debbie for all her help!  She kept me organized for all these years and she helped keep me organized in the final days.  It is amazing what one accumulates in 15 years. 
One last photo
Then on Sunday, March 2, an incredible team of family and friends helped to move everything out of 44 Fourth Street.  Oh my goodness.  Moving is terrible but I was so very thankful for my crew of helpers.  My garage and home was FULL!
Tilly
Now listen to this story.  You won't even believe it.  So within minutes of everyone leaving my house, I was standing in the garage looking at all my "stuff" trying to figure out where to start...how to incorporate these treasures into my home.  Next thing I knew, Julia was running into the garage telling me something was wrong with Tilly (our cat that we got the year we opened the store).  I ran into the house the find the cat collapsed near all my banker boxes of paper scraps that we just moved in.  I tried to figure out what to do for her but before I knew it, she was gone.  It was wild because she showed no signs of being sick.  I couldn't believe my 15 year old cat died on the day the store was wrapped up for good.  Universe, why don't you kick me while I'm down!

A little collage of memorabilia
I pulled together for the last day 
I noticed I was not myself for the next three months.  My routine was gone.  My store was gone.  I felt like I had lost a friend.  It is amazing that I had to go through somewhat of a grieving process.  Again this seemed so wild to me as it was only just a store, not a person. 
Daddy Daughter Dance with my Bike of course!

Creative kids energizing my spirit

I took part in a few events that really made me happy.  The Zonta Cardmaking Extravaganza, the Mother-Son Date "Knight" and Daddy Daughter Dance allowed me to create and share my love of crafting with others.  This helped me tremendously.  By crafting, I was able to heal.

Fun little tags on the patio Canada Day weekend

The good news is that 5 months later, I am back!  I feel calmer.  I feel I have more time - two full days off in a row feels like a vacation, each and every week!  I can be a Sunday AND Saturday soccer mom! 

And I am crafting again!  Have a look at some of the fun little projects.  These make me so happy. 
A little care package I pulled together for Julia's big school trip

A card for Julia's friend's Grade 8 graduation

Patio fun
 Did you miss me?  I've sure missed you!

♥ Kim