07/04/2024
Since closing the shop just over a month ago, I haven't made a single post. Not one. I've thought about it. A lot. I've also consistently moved it from one weekly to-do list to the next; never quite being able to cross it off for some reason. I've beat myself up a little over it, I'm not going to lie, but I just wasn't ready, I guess. 🤷♀️
But today....I'm ready. Ready to OFFICIALLY turn the page to the next chapter. 🙌
The burnout was real. Talking to more people than I could count for months and months about moving on to my next chapter and why, closing, packing up the entire store, selling my building, throwing a graduation party for my bonus kid the day after selling my building, getting my son finished with the first semester of school (virtually) and moved on to the second to be completed over the summer, finishing projects at home that had been set aside time and time again, appointments, yard work, many trips to the library, a funeral 😪, a root canal, some quality time with my husband, visits with family, and a couple of lazy days....
All of this and then some while trying to process my feelings as I try to figure out who I am outside of The Rusty Star and while trying to find my new "normal" has made this past month a literal whirlwind. Picking up the pieces of things that were set aside over and over just so we could put the store first has been exhausting to be honest. But slowly...one day at a time...I'm starting to figure out who I am again.
I want to take this moment to say THANK YOU. THANK YOU to those who supported me these past several years. THANK YOU to those who didn't...you made me work just a little harder. THANK YOU to my friends and family who listened to 7 years of excuses as to why I couldn't make it to...well...pretty much everything but never gave up on me. And THANK YOU to those who have reached out this past month just to "check-in". It's all so very much appreciated. Also, a big THANK YOU to my very patient and VERY supportive husband. (For those of you who know him...yes...he really is a big softy, so don't let him fool you. 😂) I promise to take an actual break and not move on to another big project for a little while.
While I certainly miss having my brick and mortar in downtown Montello, I am loving stepping out of survival-mode for the first time in a very long time so that I can be a mom and a wife and put my family (and myself) first for a change. I will post any future updates as to what I decide to do with The Rusty Star, but for these next several months, I'm going to step away from my business page...guilt-free...and enjoy life for a bit. 🩷
I hope everyone enjoys this holiday weekend! If the weather cooperates for fireworks in Montello, I'll be serving popcorn at the Lions trailer at the Montello City Park on Friday. Please swing by and say hi! 👋🎆 Have a great summer!
~Heather 💜💜💜
Want to stay connected with me personally? Although I'm not on Facebook a ton...I'd still love to keep in touch! I'll post my info in the comments. Feel free to send me a friend request! 😉
