Thursday, July 17, 2014

Saying it out loud makes it real….

In 2004 I retired from my corporate job and had a bit of trouble finding what was next that made sense….I had beaded, I had taught beading, I just didn't know.   And then Susan asked if I would come teach, and then Carole and then Blanche and the second of my 'accidental' careers began.  I had taught for all three while entrenched in my corporate career and we go back a long way.  They believed in me when I was brand new and unsure and I love them all for that.

Lark Books called and asked if I would be interested in writing a book. Interweave's Beadwork magazine began their Designer of the Year series and asked if I would participate.  Bead and Button  Show accepted my classes, nominated me a top ten teacher and asked me to teach a Master Class in 2013.

I've traveled the world including Australia, England, Germany, and Japan.  I've met loads of really lovely beaders, on line and in real life.

I wrote two books and curated one, and contributed to a few others.  I've designed a lot of beadwork, learned illustrator to write directions, and put together a few kits.

I am fully engaged the rest of this year, but slowly….whispering…..I've been hinting at 'retirement' from this second accidental career.

I'm now saying it out loud.  I will not disappear from this wonderful bead world of ours, the one that has treated me so well and gained me so many friends.

I presume I will continue to design and I know that I will accept the odd engagement that really touches my fancy.  I have another video planned because I loved working with the Interweave team and I want to do it again.

I will continue to partner with friend Susan to bring you Beading by the Bay, and I would sure like to continue to teach for Bead and Button if they'll have me.  I have a couple of more European plans in store, and some far reaching, fun venues in the next couple of years.  There may be a cruise in my future as well.

But I want to balance all of that with hugging grand babies, spending time with my children, exploring this country and this world with the love of my life.  I'll bead of course and I'll knit, and I'm not sure what else.  I doubt I'll garden although I fantasize about it, I really don't like the dirt…..I'll read, I'll nap, I'll visit with dear friends.

I may bring artists into my studio, I'll for sure travel more in the airstream, I'll walk more beaches, hike more trails, enjoy more quiet time.  I'll cook more, and savor the recipes and I suspect I'll still bead.

I'll bring you new designs….I have a plan to revisit some older designs and make them better with new knowledge.  I hope that kits and at the least tutorials will be something I will share in the years to come.

I relish the rest of this year and all of the many bead friends I will spend time with.

And I relish what the future holds.

10 comments:

Just Beady Jules said...

Marcia, you deserve a break and you have been going at it full speed. I am privileged to have been in one of your classes and had the opportunity to meet you. Your doing it the right way and retiring on a high note. You have beautiful grandchildren and a hubby that has been kind enough to share you with all of us. Have fun being a grandmom (the "third accidental career" that is just around the corner). God Bless and hope to see you in person again one day... don't be a stranger.... <3

Unknown said...

Marcia,

I wish you all the best!!! Enjoy each day, for life is too short!

Thank you for all your inspiration, your designs, your "seed bead" passion that I share, and know that I have paged through your book, Beaded Opulance hundreds of times, and made several of your designs.

Wishing you all the best!
Happy Retirement!

Chris White

The bad Liz said...

Certainly does make it real. I cherish the time that we have together, and who knows, with this perhaps we will have more time together!!

Cyn ~ The Wingedneedle said...

Bravo! And the very best wishes for a bright future bringing you everything you hope for! You so deserve it and have earned it! See you at BBTB!!

beadyknitter said...

I'll always treasure the time I've spent in your classes. You've inspired me and I've learned a lot. Have a great time slowly retiring--enjoy the grandbabies, your children and those times with Mark. Tom and I have traveled all over this country in the past few years--it's a wonderful place to explore--enjoy!!

beadyknitter said...

I'll always treasure the time I've spent in your classes. You've inspired me and I've learned a lot. Have a great time slowly retiring--enjoy the grandbabies, your children and those times with Mark. Tom and I have traveled all over this country in the past few years--it's a wonderful place to explore--enjoy!!

Rita said...

Marcia, you deserve everything you want and feel that you need. You have inspired me tremendously and I will be forever grateful! Enjoy yourself!

Annie Hesse said...

Love you whether you are teaching, knitting, playing with Ms Maya, or anything else your little old heart desires!

Dixie Randolph said...

I was only able to take one class with you...and loved it! Then moved 2200 miles away to Idaho. I wish all bead instructors would make videos since a lot of us can't afford to travel to shows, but we learn by watching!
Best wishes on your semi-retirement & keep beading please...I love your designs!

O_Nifty1 said...

You have most definitely inspired me on my journey. And meeting you was a buzz. But I have really enjoyed seeing you explore yourself, and sharing your grand babies with us, and watched you venture out in the airstream.... Whatever you do, and wherever the next part of your journey takes you, I know you will continue to share and be an inspiration... Just have fun, relax, breathe and enjoy.