The house is quiet, excepting the hum of the overhead fan, the rain dropping softly on the roof, and the regular peeping from the seven chicks living in our piano room. The girls are all still in bed. I considered waking them, but having just returned from a busy five nights at Nana's house and in view of the work I want help with today, I am letting them sleep in a little longer. Besides, I am quite enjoying the peace of the day.
Sitting in front of me is a table strewn with the makings of my new career; newly printed labels and empty boxes awaiting finished pieces of jewelry... watercolor paint tubes and paint brushes sitting impatiently ready to work... wooden forms cut, painstakingly mosaicked and ready for the magic of color... and a pineapple, the mail, my cell phone, a slinky... I have got to get this space into order! And, I will.
Our family has been working towards this goal of my being home with our girls through these last high school years and after 3 years of planning and laboring, yesterday was my first day home in my "retirement". Not retirement so much as a change in vocation. Working from home, tending our herds and flocks and the girls full time. Now that the goal has been realized, I realize I am scared. No. Not so much scared, really as TERRIFIED. Where were these fears when I was working two full time jobs determined to make this a reality? Perhaps they had not time to surface between the work and the seemingly unending task of fending off the well-intentioned opinions of, "You're crazy. That will never work." and "In today's world, you can't farm and make a decent living." or "You have a good job. Why leave that?" and my personal favorite, "You can't make any money if you refuse to cull unproductive animals!" Maybe we can't.
But maybe, we can. The farm has paid for itself this entire year. I guess it is time to see where the chips fall. Place your bets, folks.
Sonja ♥
I'm betting on you. You have the passion and desire--as well as the talent. And..you're young, you have supportive helpers, and cheerleaders here to spur you on.
ReplyDeleteI am still supportive of your decision and I am thrilled it has happened!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI think you are the most capable and determined person I know. If anyone can do this its you! I'm so glad you're finally doing what you want and love. :D
ReplyDeleteYou can do anything you set your mind to.
ReplyDeleteIt will work! I am confident! Welcome HOME!
ReplyDeleteI am wishing you the best and cheering you on!
ReplyDeleteWishing you all the best!
ReplyDeleteI am a new reader and follower of your blog and facebook page. I just wanted to wish you the best of luck. A little over a year ago I was laid off from my full time job of 11 years as a graphic designer. I knew it was coming and had been planning and saving for quite some time so that I could begin my own independent graphic design service working from home. It has been over a year now, and although I am not rich things improve as time goes on. More importantly, I love what I do.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite Steve Jobs quotes: "The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it."
Don't listen to those who say you can't because you know you CAN.
Sonja you are one amazing woman. You really inspire me :) I know for 100% certainty that you Sean and your awesome family can do this...I love to read about all your adventures...I would LOVE to have a farm but all of my family are 'insiders' heehee I am hoping in the future I will be able to...but for now I appreciate very much reading about your adventures and thank you so much for sharing it with us all :) Love you!!!!! My dream is to one day live near you all and I can work side by side with you!
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