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Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Free to Be Me...

Hello my friends...
I hope this finds you all well and happy.
Yesterday was an interesting day for me,
to say the least.

It started out all warm and cozy here in Minnesota
and we had our first truly warm day
for like 8 months, which then
 ended in massive storms with tornados and hail,
thus chasing our family into the basement.

Photos: Richard Burns
via ~  http://www.allaboutyou.com/

Here's what else came my way.

Many of you may know 
that I've worked an office job
in addition to my jewelry design for 4+ years now.
It was always a juggling act...
further complicated by the fact that
my busy time at the office
which demanded me to work more hours,
correlated to my busiest show times for my 
jewelry which was the Fall each year.

You see my position was created 4 1/2 years ago,
and was considered a permanent part-time position.
So yesterday, I finally heard the news...
after not being called into work for 9 weeks,
I finally contacted my office to see what was up?



Turns out my job was being eliminated.
 Restructuring that has taken place the last two years,
and a lack of large projects and extra work 
that they had needed help with
in the past, was no longer happening.

A relief in many ways...
as my jewelry design business 
consumes my life, 
and I feel like I never have enough time
as it is to get everything 
that I need to do done.

Do you remember my word for 2011?


So, with a tinge of sadness
closing one chapter of my life,
it is with excitement that I am 
now able to do what I feel I've
always been called to do...
and that is to b
an "Artist" full time.

Although this is a bit scary and a change for me,
it really isn't all that new,
but rather I now have a new mindset.
I now accept that I am an Artist
and have confidence
that God is directing my journey.

However, it still feels weird to say this,
but I do at times have self doubts 
brought on by the enemy
often by using those people closest to me, 
 to doubt my worthiness of this label.

~ Redesign ~
It appears the Lord is redesigning my life...
little did I know when I chose this word late in 2010 for 
2011, that this would be part of that redesigning.

So, I will set my eyes on Him,
 the future,
taking one day at a time,
and see where God 
directs my future path,
 my Artisan journey,
and seek my comfort
 and self worth from Him alone.

People may mock me along the way,
for being an Artist,
but I will choose to keep my sight on Him,
as well as what He's doing in my life
and where He chooses to lead me.

You my trusted and loyal friends
may have to occasionally redirect my eyes
to Him and keep me grounded.
I ask you to do that...
and to hold me accountable.

I am with a thankful heart.
I should now be able to
create more freely.
No more concern as to when I have to work,
my schedule is totally mine,
and no further wondering as to when my 
"pesky day job" 
 will be calling me into the office
away from what I  love to do...
~Create~ 
:)

I am one of those people that 
truly need to have
a creative outlet in my life,
 or I'm afraid I'd wither up and die.
So excited to be free to be me.

So that's what is happening
in my little corner of the world.
What's new with you?

11 comments:

  1. what a wonderful new journey you are on now that your other job has ended. a door closed...a window has opened. bonne chance to you! You're a talented designer/artist. you will soar!

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  2. Sounds like you are comfortable with the change. I wish you much success. It is to bad "they" did not let you know what was going on. Sorry about the nasty weather - we have had more than our share of severe weather here in the MidSouth.

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  3. "When God closes a DOOR, somewhere he opens a WINDOW"...

    In your case, he opens a CHIPPY, RUSTY GATE to a world of junk-filled elements for you to make jewels out of for your friends, family and jewelry-loving fans!! :)

    Never doubt yourself, my friend. Hugs to you!

    -Andrea

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  4. Hi Gretchen,
    While I feel for the shock you must have felt in hearing about your job.....I think it is really exciting news. To be able to design unencumbered by thoughts of the day job will be a great relief!!
    BELIEVE in yourself and all the talent you possess...!!!
    xojanis

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  5. oh gretchen i am happy for you ;).so enjoy it will be ok cause you are blessed with such great talent. we were in okaboji yesterday and ended up south of sx cy iowa. it rained but that was all. good thing since we are in a travel trailer.

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  6. Hooray for you!
    How great that your
    word came true. Mine
    is LISTEN and I'm
    trying!!!
    xx Suzanne

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  7. I understand the bittersweetness of this news Gretchen, but I know it will not take you long to jump into "Artist" with both feet!

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  8. Best wishes on this new chapter. And congratulations are being an Artist!
    I hope to see you again at Junk Bonanza this year!

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  9. That 'enemy', those often closest to us that doubt and plant those seeds of self-doubt, I think we all have them and I guess they are the ones closest to us because they feel they can open up and speak their feelings. Just remember, they love you and will be your loudest cheerleaders with every success you have!! I, too, have always needed a creative outlet in my life, it's just in my genes--passed down from grandmothers!! I have a hard time fitting it in since my husband still doesn't get it! I wish you all the best!!

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  10. Congratulations Gretchen on following your dreams! I too hope to someday have more time to create instead of being a slave to a schedule. Good luck!
    Breana.

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  11. Gretchen
    I had a chance to sit down a write to you for a few minutes and I sent you an email. Congrats on your new adventure I know that this will be such a blessing for you. Thank you again for your letter it was such a happy spot in my week. Wishing you all of the best as you begin this new & exciting chapter in your life!

    xoxo
    Kate

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I am so thankful you took the time to let me know what you think about what I write and for taking the time to share your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and visiting my blog. :)

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