This was followed by a a two day trek with lots more fun and laughter down to San Diego where I hosted a Sabine workshop in my home. Again a wonderful, electric time. I love hosting artists in my home as I have a houseful of friendly beaders by day and a chance to share more special quiet time with my guest bead artist. It is something I can see myself doing more of going forward.
During all this time I was preparing for the June Bead and Button master class as well as working on projects for a third book. It got to be a lot of keeping up, with every day having demands that needed to be met.
This is not a complaint at all, I am very fortunate to live the life I do and I was heartily reminded of this when I traveled to New Hampshire last week and got to share my time with so many wonderful beaders. I do love to be out and about in the world connecting with other beaders, it is always very energizing.
I took a hard look at what could change to insure that I still had time to be creative and to enjoy special times with my husband and family. With that in mind, and with the second book 'Beads in Motion' complete and due to be released this August, I have decided that a third book is not where I can best spend my time.
I've let go of completing 'The Bead Within' as a book, however many of the projects that I am so happy with will soon be making their way to a teaching venue near you or to the website in the form of kits and in some cases tutorials. That will be new for me and I will be thinking through how that part of things will work.
(It occurred to me that this might sound like I don't take my commitments seriously, and I can assure you that I take them very seriously. Adding to this decision were some changes in the publishing world that impacted revenues, so there was a component to this decision that had to do with financial viability as well.)
In the meantime some of the older kits will be retired to make room in the studio for newer projects. Since I've been enamored of cubic raw lately and since size 15 cubic raw might present a challenge, I will be offering some of these projects as 'advanced' kits for those of you who enjoy that challenge. I have some simpler and pretty projects as well.
These pieces will be among those that will be added to my teaching workshops in the near future.
I will keep a fairly full travel schedule, traveling to some of my favorite places in the world and visiting with some of my favorite people.
I believe I've found appropriate balance and look forward to seeing many of you in my travels.
14 comments:
I like how your post on finding balance includes photos of a perfectly-balanced pendant as well as perfectly-balanced earrings (which I love, BTW. Have I said that enough?)
Marcia, I'll bet you feel so much better since you've decided to abandon the book project. Several years ago I was approached to write a book on Mixed Media. I thought at the time, "Why not...this could be fun!" It wasn't fun, in fact it was consuming my life, and after several weeks I abandoned the project. I learned that I dislike working under pressure and deadlines. I felt the weight of the world had been lifted off my shoulders once I said "No, I'm not going to do this."
Right on, Marcia! I know how much you must have struggled with this decision, so kudos to you for being brave and following your heart. xoxo
Balance is key; I'm glad you found yours.
Sounds like you have been contemplating your path in depth Marcia. Glad you are clearing the decks for an easier life ahead.
It sure seems like you are readying yourself for that shiny mobile home you have plans to travel around in.
What wonderful things to look forward to. More power to you (Hugs)
Sadly Patrick, the airstream cannot travel to Australia. Are you planning a trip her?
Bravo Marcia. Knowing the things you love and making time for them is a sign of intelligence, maturity and good common sense. I applaud you!
Bravo Marcia...your friends and fans support your decision - and look forward to more of your wonderful creations.
Marcia are some spectacular pieces, I'd love to perform.
Sometimes it is best thing to step back & realize that you need time to relax and create. And you know we'll all enjoy all those new things you come up with as you are such a sharing & caring person with us your students. Enjoy relaxing...enjoy that Airstream.
Kits and tutorials seems like enough work to me. If you're going to retire kits, are you thinking of making the patterns available as downloadable tutorials?
Kits and tutorials seems like enough work to me. If you're going to retire kits, are you thinking of making the patterns available as downloadable tutorials?
Bizzy B, I may turn some of them into tutorials....still to be determined.
Bizzy B, I may turn some of them into tutorials....still to be determined.
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