Winter Doldrums (and a calendar)
Here I am, popping my shaggy groundhog head up to say hello after what seems like the longest, coldest winter ever. I know it’s not Groundhog Day, but it’s winter, and I’m in that awkward shaggy stage of growing out my hair. Bug says to wear pigtails because I look ancient now that the blonde is gone. I can’t win at this stage. It matches my mood.
Things have been hard lately. For everyone I think, right? The flower business is on hold. I didn’t sell enough t-shirts to get any actual t-shirts so those of you who bought them should get your money back. I have $126 going toward the brake job for Florita, but I don’t know when it will happen. I lost my shirt on the last flower pop-up, so I’m taking a break. Not forever. I do have some weddings lined up for Spring. The cost-benefit analysis did not work in my favor to do one or two weekly deliveries.
I had a fun whirlwind visit to San Francisco to celebrate New Year’s Eve with Matt. We always have a good time together. I love dressing up fancy and going out to dinner in restaurants with luscious velvet chairs and pretty bottles all lit up in a bar. I’ve lost my nerve to take selfies in pretty locations, but I try to snap a few random shots for Instagram.
I also got out to the sticks for a rare visit. The skies are so blue, and the desert is so welcoming. When I’m stuck on the coast in the gray winter, I sometimes forget that the sun shines in other places. It was good to see my parents. They were happy to see their grand dog.
Other than that, not much has been going on. I’ve been focusing on work and not being very creative, which is unlike me.
We will be celebrating Bug’s 18th (I KNOW!!!!) birthday this weekend with a bounce house and a pinata at the park, but Bug has been planning the whole thing herself and wants very little input from me, so I have no fun prep pictures to share. I’m sure I’ll have more to share when I’m baking 100 cupcakes this Wednesday.
Also, here’s your fixed-up calendar. Only one person submitted edits, so if it’s wrong, it’s your fault. Just kidding. I’m sure I can put out another version if there are some embarrassing errors.
xo
4 Comments
Cathy
Aw, I’m sorry I didn’t get to proof your calendar and I’ll be honest, it’s already printed out and hanging at my work desk. It’s my favorite out there, truly and I don’t care if there’s a mistake or three, it’s the drawings that make it fun. And rats, was looking forward to the tee shirt but I get it. If you haven’t refunded mine yet, put it towards Florita please. And OMG 18, it can’t be true! It’s going to rock, I’m sure -eat a cupcake for me! And all good things for you two in 2024!
Gingermog
Hi I am sorry you didn’t sell enough t-shirts to raise the money to get Florita’s breaks fixed :( One the other hand we are ‘Wintering” right now and I feel quite sure that the impetus to kick start your flower business will happen as we get closer to spring. The spirit of Imbolc! Everything you ahve done has been research, a soft launch, to see what works and what doesn’t. Thank you for being such a splash of colour.
It’s hard to fathom that Bug is going to be 18! I’m sure her party is going to be blast, the apple has’nt fallen far from the tree. :) xxx
Heather
Your salt & pepper hair looks amazing! I’m dreaming of equal parts salt to pepper, but I’m not sure which is happening faster for me, hair loss or hair turning white. This aging business sure is a bumpy ride. I can’t BELIEVE Bug is going to be 18. I’ve been reading your blog since BEFORE she even existed! Now I really feel old!
The floral business is incredibly tough, the margins are super thin. Your talents are varied and you have experience in so many things, something new and wonderful will pop into your mind at 3 am and things will get better… chin up!
Helena
Thanks once again for the calendar! Been hanging in my office as per usual. xo