New blog post: July 2026
Keeping things light and airy because, frankly, in this heat, that can be the only aim. It’s hot, it’s sticky, and I think productivity has most definitely dipped. Largely, on a personal level, because our children finished up with school weeks ago and, unusually, we did not depart on our summer holiday there and then. That (genuine) joy is yet to come, but not being able to put the brakes on as yet is somewhat taking its toll!
On the subject of putting the brakes on, though, and in the spirit of being as frank and open as possible around the building of this business, the brakes have officially come on. Which makes it somewhat nonsensical that I’m writing this at all, really, because, without a website, who will see it? Basically, have taken the difficult decision to put our storefront on hiatus. This is absolutely a case of ‘farewell’, rather than ‘goodbye’, but it stings nonetheless. There’s something to be said for realising when it’s time to bow out, and that time is now.
There’s no point in going into the ins and outs, but, for context, running everything in life and building at the same time is just not always possible. Having had the revelation that it is possible to have “it all” , but not at the same time, there had to be a dose of realism; of accepting that a fast growing business, in this season of life, might just not be where it’s at.
Am sure have said it somewhere before, but this all started as an innocently ‘fun’ venture. Drew some things, put them on stationery and opened an Etsy shop. Blam. There were a few of my interest all slung together and packaged up and turned into a business. The thrill of first sales was something not felt for some time. Notable, also was having the creative space to come up with things on my own terms – the brand identity, what to sell etc. etc.. But what this started as could not keep pace with ideas and human limitations could not keep pace with those ideas.
All that to say, this will be a period of re-building. Not entirely sure into what, but that’s the exciting bit, I think. A few months to draw on creativity because of desire, not need (it’s really hard to do anything because one feels one has to do it…).
That was all rather self-indulgent, thanks for sticking to the end!
What’s keeping us sane?
The usual, really; journalling and planning. But turned up to MAX with the school holidays in full train. Here’s a few questions that helped in the run up to the dreaded end of term madness. Which ones will you take forward into your journalling practice next time?
1. What are the three non-negotiables for our family over the next two months?
2. Who are we grateful for following the end of this school year?
3. What would I like my children’s takeaways from this summer to be?
4. It’s the last month of term. How can I break each week down into more manageable moments?
Appreciate these won’t resonate exactly for everyone, but they are easily adapted!
Sunday Saves (what we’ve been saving on our Sunday scrolls):
We’re looking ahead to the Edinburgh Festivals. In particular, we’re eyeing up this for some (surely) unbridled joy: https://assemblyfestival.com/whats-on/ndlovu
This shop is also a total joy-bringer: https://deptofjoy.co.uk. Keen for one of everything!
Reading:
LOVED ‘Clear’ by Carys Davies. Sort of set in Scotland, so a winner, naturally. A short, sharp dose of raw and rugged emotion, all set to a historical background amongst the highland clearances. Did not expect to love this as much, but needed it to continue. Could hear the voices, taste the rainwater and feel the wind buffeting off every page. A true delight, that everyone should have on their summer TBR.
Watching:
Not a lot, in honesty. It’s what gets pushed out first when life is a bit much. That said, we’re managing bite size chunks of BBC’s ‘Race Across the World’ (obviously in iPlayer, because we’re too behind any curves to watch in real time). It’s a true breath of fresh air in a world where misery and suffering seems to be the name of the game in most media! Did, though, attempt to sit down and watch ‘Hail Mary’. Anyone with small people knows that a long film in one sitting is a stretch, so watch this space. Will report back!