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Entrepreneurship:  Following my Bliss  |
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Lady Woodworker
True Blue Farmgirl
259 Posts
Karen
Chamberlain
Maine
USA
259 Posts |
 Posted - May 02 2011 : 5:31:50 PM
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I have been praying this day would come.
After four years -- I gave my notice today. I'll be out of here by mid-summer.
What an exhausting day this has been. I was so nervous when I talked with my boss. All went well though. Phew!
In August and September I'll have time to go sailing with my husband and drive to Illinois to help my niece and her husband with the start of the fall harvest. Work has kept me from almost all summer and fall fun for these four years. I'm in heaven...
Then, in November, I will begin a 12-month long Studio Fellowship to make fine furniture. This is like receiving a large grant to create new work. I will have my own bench in a large space shared with three or four other professional-level furniture makers. Our small group will share a large, well-lit, fully-equipped woodworking shop.
I have some ambitious projects (and I hope to write a book about my processes) so I can hardly wait to get started!
In the following summer (later on in my experience there), I'll be there during the school's summer workshops. Studio Fellows can join or sit in on classes all summer long. Those will be so helpful to me because the instructors will be able to give me useful feedback on my work.
People from all over the world come here to do this--but for me--the place has the added bonus of being near my home.
As I have mentioned in other posts, I currently drive 100 miles to work in a little town, far from home, having to pay to keep an apartment and stock a second refrigerator and all that. I'm lonely every week night that I'm here and I can't tell you how happy it makes me to think of spending every night at home!
I have been keeping this to myself for months and it feels so good to finally be able to talk about it.
I don't yet know what the future will bring. I used to teach woodworking so maybe I'll return to that. I have been working in the magazine business so I'll certainly write articles from time to time. For now though, I'm content to sharpen my tools and plan my projects.
Once I finish up here at the magazine, I'll have more than a year before I have to worry about the "real" world again.
Thanks for listening. I sure appreciate it,
Karen
Farmgirl Sister # 2419 |
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embchicken
True Blue Farmgirl
1487 Posts
Elaine
Ocean
NJ
USA
1487 Posts |
Posted - May 02 2011 : 5:40:15 PM
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Karen~ Congratulations and the best of luck to you in this new phase of your life! Following your bliss...awesome!
~ Elaine
"Be the change you wish to see in the world." - Gandhi
Farmgirl sister #2822
http://embchicken.blogspot.com
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HollyHobby
True Blue Farmgirl
78 Posts
Holly
Astoria
NY
USA
78 Posts |
Posted - May 03 2011 : 05:03:04 AM
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That's wonderful Karen, you're blessed to have such an opportunity!
Farmgirl Sister #2942
Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things. ~ Robert Brault |
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Fiddlehead Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
4562 Posts
Diane
Waupaca
WI
USA
4562 Posts |
Posted - May 03 2011 : 05:27:00 AM
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Karen,
How exciting! Make sure you keep us posted on how it's going for you. Working with wood in a studio...it doesn't get much better than that!
http://studiodiphotosite.shutterfly.com/
farmgirl sister #922
Happy to be a "Raggedy Ann" in a Barbie World!
I get up every morning determined to both change the world and have one hell of a good time. Sometimes this makes planning my day difficult.
- E. B. White |
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LeighErica
True Blue Farmgirl
306 Posts
Erica
PA
USA
306 Posts |
Posted - May 03 2011 : 06:39:17 AM
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| Karen, so happy for you!! This sounds so wonderful:) Keep us posted on how it is going...would love to see pictures of your creations:) Hugs, Erica |
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cynfullypurple
True Blue Farmgirl
190 Posts
Cynthia
Endwell
NY
USA
190 Posts |
Posted - May 03 2011 : 07:23:42 AM
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Karen,
I'm so happy to hear your dream has come true! So exciting to take your life in a new direction and one that you've longed for. I am truly happy for you!
Good luck and keep us posted on what you do and how things are going in your new adventure
Cyn~
Farmgirl #2817
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
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SusanScarlet
True Blue Farmgirl
317 Posts
317 Posts |
Posted - May 04 2011 : 1:09:59 PM
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| Karen - Congratulations! I can "hear" the excitement in your voice. The day I "came home" from my job was one of the happiest in my life. Enjoy every single second of having the time to do what you want. |
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missusprim
True Blue Farmgirl
400 Posts
Karen
Fostoria
Ohio
USA
400 Posts |
Posted - May 04 2011 : 6:52:14 PM
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Congrats! I am envious at your having a stocked shop. I will say that I miss the smell of fresh cut wood but I can't find my fence for my table saw since we've moved. I'm lost!
If you recall I was the one a few months ago who mentioned the mag Woodworking for Women and how it is no longer published. Maybe you could resurrect a mag for women who enjoy this craft? Something more upscale than what WFW was? A book would be nice as well!
Oh, I can't imagine having to spend so much time away from 'home' - even if it is for a job. Am so glad you are able to now be home and to have so many good things fall into place for you. You truly deserve it!
A few months will fly by and you'll then be off on your adventure. I wish you well and do keep us posted on how it's all going for you!
Farmgirl Sister #2984
"Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms." George Eliot
http://farmchicatheart.blogspot.com/
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
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knitnpickinatune
True Blue Farmgirl
1140 Posts
Sherrie
Gardena
California
USA
1140 Posts |
Posted - May 05 2011 : 06:52:58 AM
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Congratulations and I'll be following you soon. I've been getting nervous too about giving notice-must be part of the process. I'm proud of you for following your bliss and your calling in life-you're an inspiration. Best of luck and keep us posted on how your fellowship goes!
http://www.mandolinbabe.com
http://www.fiddlebelle.com
http://www.gigulele-bag.net (Zibbet Store)
@MandolinChick on Twitter
mando pickin,uke strummin, & fiddle sawin' Farmgirl #702 |
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walkinwalkoutcattle
True Blue Farmgirl
1675 Posts
Megan
Paint Lick
KY
USA
1675 Posts |
Posted - May 06 2011 : 12:21:48 PM
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How wonderful! I, too, was just able to quit my job to be a stay at home mom. It's something I've wanted to "Be" as a little girl. I feel super lucky I'm able to watch my little girl grow up!
Farmgirl #2879 :)
Starbucks and sushi to green fried tomatoes and corn pudding-I wouldn't change it for the world.
www.cattleandcupcakes.blogspot.com
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Lady Woodworker
True Blue Farmgirl
259 Posts
Karen
Chamberlain
Maine
USA
259 Posts |
Posted - May 07 2011 : 2:40:03 PM
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Thank you all so much for your kind wishes and your support.
I am finally staring to realize that this job will end--and the new phase will come.
I'll definitely post pictures as I begin to build once again. You all are so wonderful...
What a gift it is to have you all in my life,
Hugs!
Karen
Farmgirl Sister # 2419 |
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sherrye
True Blue Farmgirl
3775 Posts
sherry
bend in the high desert
oregon
USA
3775 Posts |
Posted - May 07 2011 : 6:03:53 PM
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this is so wonderful. what a fine accomplishment. you have every right to be happy with your farmgirl self. happy days for a long time for you sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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BalancingAct
True Blue Farmgirl
297 Posts
Jackie
Hoosierville
USA
297 Posts |
Posted - May 13 2011 : 8:48:09 PM
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Karen, I just found this thread. I am so happy for you! Please keep us informed of your apprenticeship. It sounds like so much fun! I can see a lot of good coming out of this for you. What's the saying? Ummm...."When you're happy doing what you do, you'll never work a day in your life"......or something like that. Good luck!
Farmgirl Sister #2851 -"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson |
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adnama
True Blue Farmgirl
171 Posts
inge
fargo
north dakota
USA
171 Posts |
Posted - May 16 2011 : 5:33:58 PM
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| This sounds like something that MJ magazine should be getting on board with, regarding the women in woodworking... maybe it's been done, please tell me if thats the case, but I would much rather read it in maryjanes magazine then any other one. |
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CurlysQuilts
True Blue Farmgirl
569 Posts
Sarah
Northeast Kingdom
VT
USA
569 Posts |
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Lady Woodworker
True Blue Farmgirl
259 Posts
Karen
Chamberlain
Maine
USA
259 Posts |
Posted - May 18 2011 : 3:37:25 PM
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Thank you so much!!!
I'm flabbergasted by all your kind responses.
Yes Karen (missusprim) I do remember you and I wanted to get in touch because I think I may have some extra copies of Woodworking for Women that I could send along to you if you're interested.
Thank you Sherry for your good wishes for me to happy with my "farmgirl self" -- I love it!
And yes, Sarah, finally, we can meet!
Today I signed-off on my "second-to-the-last" issue of the magazine I work for. Only one more cycle and I'm 'outta here!
Woohoo! The countdown is on!
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE magazine work. I have worked for two magazines in my career. But in this case, the long distance from home plus some unfortunate problems here make this job WAY more stressful than it should be. It has become an untenable situation.
But things happen for a reason. I believe that.
I feel so much more relaxed now. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your kind support.
Hugs!
Karen
Farmgirl Sister # 2419 |
Edited by - Lady Woodworker on May 18 2011 3:38:06 PM |
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bboopster
True Blue Farmgirl
1140 Posts
Betty Jo
West Bend
Wisconsin
USA
1140 Posts |
Posted - May 19 2011 : 11:42:01 AM
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Hello Karen, Congratulations!!!!!! I know just what you are feeling. I got news last week from my employer that my job (for the second time in two years) will be ending. Even though they have offered me a new position I too said Good-Bye. Scary not having an income or benefits to fall back on but my Local Food Market is almost open and I am following my dreams too. P.S. Sleeping at home every night with my hubby will be awfully exciting too as I am sure it is with you too. 
http://www.bboopster.blogspot.com
Nana to 5
3 Blue Star Mother and Proud of it!
Pray for our troops to come home safe and soon.
Enjoying the road to the simple life :>) |
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Entrepreneurship: Following my Bliss |
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Following my Bliss
