A Big Step Forward

Yesterday I opened The Raven’s Cauldron! I’ll admit that I was pretty worried about several things, but I can’t exactly figure out why. I’ve asked myself if it was the fear of not making any sales or maybe that no one would like the shop or that I would just lose the passion for it. These are all silly worries, really. I think, for the most part, it was simply that it’s new and that’s always a little scary. With that opening, I will be building toward the motor home a little bit faster. Of course, a portion of the money needs to be put back into the shop for additional supplies and new items, but the rest? That will go straight into my savings account. Along with any other “extra money” I get.

This has been a strange month so far. As I continue to clear out things that haven’t been used or even touched since we got to Asheville, I can’t help think about the “why” behind their disuse as well as why they were purchased in the first place. Some of the things I am letting go of are simply not needed anymore. Like the stacks of books that are now sitting on my bedroom floor waiting to leave the house (these are going to be donated). Or the other stack of books in my living room that are waiting to be mailed out to their new homes. Or all the kitchen stuff that came out of the cabinets and are now in a box for donation. I haven’t even started on the closets yet.

With the new emptiness and open spaces, it’s hard to imagine that I still need to clear out more to fit into the new home. Even with the clever organization and storage under the vehicle, I know that I need to be very careful with what will come with me simply because I know that the bigger items (spinning wheel, skein winder, swifts) will take up a lot of floorspace. Along with all the business supplies.

sigh

In the middle of all of this, I’m working very hard to keep the tears from my eyes whenever I think about Brianna leaving in February. That is so close! Even though I’ve “prepared” myself for this throughout the years, having it glaring at me in the near future makes it seem all too real. I think it was easier when Anthony left home because I still had Brianna so it wasn’t a complete shock. I truly will have an empty Morrigan’s Nest. Perhaps that’s part of the reason that having a traveling nest is so appealing. And maybe this is why I look at my Yule tree with just a touch of sadness even while it brings a smile to my face.

May you all have a fantastic holiday season!

🎇