A few weeks ago, I made a decision to do something (or rather, to not do something,) and it changed my life.* If you're just here for the pictures, you may want to scroll to the bottom of the post.
*Before you read any further, my curious kitties, please know that I am still eating truckloads of chocolate, helping myself to the not-so occasional frosty adult beverage and most definitely am NOT pregnant. I said "life changing", not Altering My Existence So Entirely That I Cannot Recognize My Own Name Due To Maniacal Moodswings, The Inability to Properly Relax and Extreme Sleep Deprivation. Chances are, my ideas of altering my daily life patterns differ greatly from yours.
Anyhoo. I decided that, although we are at the beginning of tourist season 2009, or The Months That Make Living Worthwhile, instead of extending business hours this year, I wouldn't. That, while it would be super-accommodating of me to open up shop at 10:00 a.m. every morning, I'm not going to. Because I've been rather enjoying the extra hour at home. Doing the things that normal people do. Throwing a few loads of wash in the machine. Starting--and sticking with--a kick-ass workout regime (thank you, P90x!) Having a cup of tea. With a book. You know, living life.
Every summer since I've had the shop (working on number four, thankyouverymuch!), the entire season flew by in a wooly blur. That's just the way it goes--come warm weather, it's crazy busy here in God's Country. Insane. Which I LOVE.
But the one thing I don't love about life Up North is the fact that I've missed out on a lot to participate in the retail madness over the years. Not just since I've had Inish Knits--I've worked in retail locations all around Leelanau County for the past fifteen years. That's okay; with every decision you make in life, there is a coordinating compromise. I guess that for me, the downside of growing up in the most beautiful place in the world is the fact that I've never been able to attend the Leland Wine Fest. (Insert the ultimate "boo-hoo" face here.)
It's ridiculously easy to totally immerse yourself in work during the busy tourist time. You think, you know, if I went in a little earlier, I could make my coffee at the shop and catch up on a little filing. Or, if I don't offer classes every day of the week, no one will take the shop seriously. Or, if I'm not open thirteen hours a day, the customers won't be happy.
But this year, I'm not listening to the voices. The work will get done. It really will. It just requires a little bit more efficiency on my part. Less dinking around. (Sorry, Twitter.)
And opening at 11:00 a.m. every morning Monday through Saturday (instead of 10:00 a.m.) isn't going to change life radically for anyone else. I'll continue to stay open until 6:00 p.m. every single night--year-round--as I've always done. I'll be open until 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for Spinning and Knitting Nights, as I've always done. I'll be open on Sundays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. May through December, as I've always done. This year, though, the mornings are for me.
You may not think that an hour means much in the grand scheme of things, but I am here to tell you, I'm a changed woman. I'm proud to say that I've been taking time to enjoy all the lovely little bits about life. Curling up for a moment with a sleepy kitty. Lingering a little longer at my local coffee shop. Pushing my fitness level a little harder. Making a more comfortable home for my husband. Enjoying the flowers in the garden, both literally and metaphorically.
See?
I sat on my front porch for a half hour this morning with a cup of yerba mate, just admiring at these beautiful botanicals. And I can't begin to tell you how fabulous that felt.
