sometimes life is not a bowl of cherries
The "Life is a Bowl of Cherries" Bowl of Cherries
My apologies:
Because I'm going to be more wordy than usual.
For almost a year, a giant elephant has been standing in the room, taking up precious space. He started out rather small. But as the months went by he grew and by January he was enormous. My hope and intention was that you never noticed him. Not because I like keeping secrets. It's because I wanted this to be my safety zone - a place where I wasn't allowed to talk about the ugly thing that was consuming my life. Now I can talk, let it go and move on.
The Elephant:
Last year we learned that Mr. W's employer (I won't tell you who but it's the largest soft drink maker in the world) was planning a huge company restructure - another way to become leaner and meaner...during a recession. To make a very long story very short (and in an effort to avoid bashing the largest soft drink maker in the world) they did and his job was eliminated. During a recession.
To say we've been terrified would be an understatement. As you're well aware, there's a reason they call my vocation "starving artist".
The stress of this secret along with my mom's passing in January has been unbearable for us all and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. Luckily whenever I was in full panic mode Mr. W held me up and vice versa.
Why am I talking about it now?
As you may suspect, Mr W is going back to work soon and we will be moving away from Atlanta. Can't say exactly where to yet. But when the location is etched in stone I'll spill big time. I'll bring you along on the house hunts and the decorating. P.S. It's my turn to pick a house and I prefer the older ones with more character. :)
A message to you:
This blog means so much more to me than business. It's become a bright, warm, inspirational spot in my life and now I can finally tell you what your unknowing support has meant to me.
The saying goes that you never know the effect you have on another person's life when you offer a kind word, a visit, or sweet gesture. Your presence alone can save a person's life. From the bottom of my heart, thank you dear friends. You were angels and you didn't even know it!
Now let's move on.
P.S. If you're going through this and would like someone to talk with discreetly - someone who's been through it - just give me a shout.
Oh how exciting to be getting a chance for a new beginning! I am with you , I LOVE older homes, warm and full of character. My last house was built in 1865 and I adored it. We outgrew it, the house was only a 2 bedroom and around 1000 sq ft. Didnt quite work with 3 kids....lol. Anyway sold it and bought a 1970's ranch, which I still HATE. Sorry you have to endure the rough patches before you get to the fun. I am sure things will work out and you will be even happier than ever. It will be fun to watch your progress. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy you have something to look foward to! XOXO
ReplyDeleteI am glad to hear that things have worked out well, and I can't imagine the stress you have been through. My hours were cut this year for the first time in 24 years, and it has changed our lives dramatically. I also treasure this blog as a beautiful haven of friendship, and anything I can offer to you is yours.
ReplyDeleteFantastic that things are working out and you can pick a new home and all the fun that goes with that. A lot of people are going though tough times now and they keep quiet about it. Remember you are not alone. They may not want to talk or can't talk for fear of cracking. Hugs too!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to hear that the elephant has been captured and returned to the zoo!! It will be so much fun to start anew and go house hunting for another place to put your love into and make a 'home'. Looking forward to going along for the ride! xxoo
ReplyDeleteCillaw, you are SO right! If I knew one thing it was that I didn't want to talk about it. I already know so many who are going through this. It's a tough time.
ReplyDeleteOh this life isnt for the faint at heart is it?! I know I can really relate with you. We had to move but 1300 away from my family and I cannot see my 88 yr old Mother much, and that really was what I never intended ever. But weve got to be of good courage! Lori Im so glad things are working out so well. Hopefully you wont have to move so far away as we did for work! Lots of huggs across the miles! xx
ReplyDeleteI know you have been in a dark place but now you can see some light. Beginnings are so exciting. Don't have a clue where you are heading but we sure have a lot of OLD houses up in my neck of the woods. Can't wait to hear what comes next in your future!
ReplyDeleteOh sweetie, you've been through a lot haven't you. I know it isn't easy, especially since you are still grieving the loss of your mother. I'm so glad your hubby has found a job so quickly, but also know it must be a bit scary to move to another place where you don't know a soul. Use this an an opportunity to grow, both in charachter and in your business.
ReplyDeleteI pray you will find just the right home in just the right neighborhood.
Bloom where you are planted!
I hope you both find just what you want and settle in to a less stressful lifestyle. You deserve it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. Good luck with everything.
ReplyDelete:~)
We moved from Massachusetts to Nashville Tennessee 5 years ago. It was our first job move,the company moved and if we didn't then no job. It was scary, but exciting at the same time. We do not regret it at all, it has been a new life full of new experiences. Take a deep breath....you can do it!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes for a happy move where ever that might be. We've just gone through similar and while I don't talk about it much, it's been almost a year of upheaval. At the end of the day, our move has been one of the most positive changes in our lives. We may not have quite as much but we have the knowledge that we can survive anything that life throws at us. I do so hope that you will have a positive experience with this. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice feeling knowing that Mr W and you make a strong team through thick and thin - and if you've been through "thin" recently then you know good "thick" times must be around the corner. Do I have the cheese dialed up a bit? :-) Excited for you for what's ahead!
ReplyDeleteLori you are very good at hiding elephants. Congratulations to Mr. W on his new job, I have quite a few friends who have recently found jobs after months and years of searching. Here's hoping that the economy is moving in a positive direction. Maybe you are moving further North???
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on Mr. W's new job! I can't wait to follow you along on your new journey. I think you are wonderful and adore your blog and your work. Sending you big hugs and praying for a smooth move!
ReplyDeleteLori ~ Good luck with the move (I'm excited to be moving with you and picking out houses (especially old character houses)....ugh... love it! I hope this job, home and move brings amazing success and opportunities! I'm glad you felt you could tell "us" about your situation ~ this community of bloggers amazes me everyday! I also want to mention your not "telling" and appreciating kind words from strangers; really as people WE HAVE NO IDEA what someone else is going through. It is so true that the words that come from our mouths and the actions we show can speak volumes ~ to someone we don't even know!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your move and all the changes to come...all of which can be positive and exciting....just depends on how you look at it. You have each other... And a lot to look forward to.I will be looking to read all about that new, old house and it's location and your journey in this new place.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Jenni
I feel your pain...my thoughts and prayers are with you for a successful new start!
ReplyDeleteYay for a new house! How exciting! I'm so glad that your husband found a new job. I would love to be house hunting right now, we looked into it with a new baby on the way, but we can't lose that much on our house right now. Oh well, a baby doesn't take up much room at first, we'll just have to get creative! Have fun picking out your new home!
ReplyDeleteLori, I'm so glad to hear that things are working out for the positive! I hope you find the home of your dreams (I love older houses too), you deserve it after all the stress in have endured!
ReplyDeleteI wish you all the very best with your move and house hunting when the time comes. So happy to hear that a rainbow may have come out of the storm now that the elephant isn't blocking the sky :)
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about that pesky elephant. Every one of us, at some point in our lives, will experience the heafty weight of this "elephant" on our lives. It is then that we must find solace in the strength of our loved ones. My prayer for you is that you find your dream home and begin a whole new exciting chapter in your life! And I, along with countless others will love you through the process! :-)
ReplyDeleteI had same situation in my family 20 years ago when we had great recession here in Finland. It was hard times, very little money but we managed somehow and now everybody are just great. So I know you will have good times coming:)
ReplyDeletesorry for the panic. enjoy food and wine, and take some naps.
ReplyDeleteJust now seeing this post. I'm not a fan of that elephant and am looking forward to getting rid of my own soon enough. I'm very happy for you and Mr. W that the tide is turning and you have an exciting journey ahead. I can't wait to see where it takes you, even though I know it will likely be far from driving distance for lunch.
ReplyDelete