To be continued.......

Today was kind of a milestone for me. 

I quietly closed my shop.

yes,  just .like .that. 

I didn't want to make a big deal out of it because it's unfinished business really.
I just need a break.
i've been thinking about this for a long time,  and today just seemed like a good day to take a leap, and move forward,
sometimes, you just gotta do it.
  Needless to say,  2011 was a tough year.
I know it was for many people.
for me,  it was both good and bad.
I dealt with a separation,  leaving my home and comfort zone to moving to an apartment downtown.
broken bones,  and staples to the head with my skateboarding son, along with a ton of teen age angst and rebellion,  Student council leader and straight A student with my daughter.  yes,  two radically different children that  I think are both growing into some amazing people.
I had tons of fun with friends,  partying and socializing,  meeting new people.
and dealt with tremendous sadness at the loss of some of my friend's parents.
I created a lot of Art work, did commissions and made it into several books and magazines,  landing on the cover of a book, AND a national magazine…I started teaching classes, focusing on what really makes me happy.
 I worked hard and played hard digging deep to try and see what I want out of this life.
it's exhausting honestly,  In fact I created a little Flickr photo album of some of the images of things I did in the past year.   you can check it out here if you'd like.
what.  a.  blur.
they say what doesn't break you will only make you stronger,  well I can say that is for darn sure.
  So it was with mixed emotion that I closed my business today,  while yes,  there is a certain melancholy to it,  there is also a strong feeling of relief and excitement to start something fresh,  something new.
  The New year always seems to be all about that,  Fresh starts and resolutions.  I've never been one for resolutions,  they always seem like something to fail at even though they start out with good intentions.
So I am approaching this as a new beginning,  a new adventure.
I am re-inventing Red Shoes into something that is more ME.
what I was meant to do from the start.
Honestly it was always about the Art,  but for some reason I feel like I wandered far away from it trying to make other people happy.
well,  I've finally snapped out of it and gained some sort of murky clarity.
So in the next month or two I am going to take some time,  to further cement my vision into something new for Red Shoes.
I will be going back to my roots, making more of my own work, and gathering up other artists and vintage goods to sell at my shop when I re-open it sometime in february,
so don't be sad,  I won't be gone forever,
I'm just taking a little much need break,
this is a good thing.
 stay tuned…..this is
to be continued………….
XOXOXO

Comments

[Kristal Leaver]

I wish you all the luck in the world on your new adventure! Yes, 2011 was a hard year on a lot of people, my husband & I had to file for bankruptcy...:0( But I am looking forward to the new year and I too am hoping to get a fresh new start. I still hope to make a trip up that way and come visit you in person one day!!

XoXo,
Kristal

[Kim]

Good luck with your new endeavors and I hope 2012 is a less tumultuous year. I've enjoyed your blog and had hoped to get to your store one day as I am in Grand Rapids. Happy new year!

[laurie magpie ethel]

Enjoy that much needed break and reconnect with the path you want to take. Hoping 2012 is all you dream it could be....

[Kathy Kupferschmid]

Thanks for sharing so much of who you are...always appreciate your honesty and realness! :) Wishing you much peace, love, and joy in this New Year!!!
Take care,
Kathy

[suzanne b.]

Catherine! You know I am a big fan ... but I'm a fan of YOU, not of your store. I mean, I loved that store (online)(and in photos)(I will get there one day) in the ways it reflected you and your creativity. But my favorite part has always been your artistic flair rather than the product ... the way you display things, the colors you choose, what you choose, how you put things together so they don't look like anything else ... all this to say, I am sure that whatever you end up doing, I know it is going to be you and is going to be great. Just know I'm cheering you on and am excited for you. xxoo

[Barb]

A friend and I took a road trip from WI (me) and IL (her) to Ann Arbor to visit your shop two summers ago. It was a perfect summer road trip.

I can't wait to visit Red Shoes again to see what you transform it in to.

Best wishes in 2012.

[mpallen]

Change is good. If everything always stays exactly the same, learning and creativity stops. Really, what fun would that be? Happy New Year!

[Rachel Miller]

I saw some of your fabulous art on Pinterest and checked out your blog! I really enjoyed reading it and then was even more thrilled when I realized you were from Michigan (me, too!) My dad used to own the Blind Pig in AA. Good luck to you in the new year 2012- I enjoyed seeing a bit of your cool life.

[Kathy Welsh]

So excited for your new adventure, Catherine! I've followed your blog for a long time and have enjoyed it thoroughly.

I also saw that you're looking for artists for the new business and I would love to be considered. It would truly be an honor to be included! I'd love to send out a goodie bag to you to give you an idea of my style and see if it would be a fit with what you're looking for.

If you'd email me at scooper550@hotmail.com and give me an address to send to, that would be great. Thanks so much, and many good wishes for 2012!

[Nora Yuen]

I am lost for words. Just want to wish you the very best.

[PhotoGirl]

Well, I AM sad because I'm selfish and because I hate to see yet another terrific, woman-owned, Ann Arbor business close its doors. But I get it. Believe me. We could exchange war stories.

That said, I completely agree with the poster who wrote that she is "a fan of YOU." Very well said, indeed. I hope this season of change is a good one for you and I'm excited to see what happens next. (And that years-old offer of the photos still stands. I've always wanted to do your portrait.)
Be well.

[PJ Hornberger]

Think of me when you're looking for artists. I can relate to the people pleasing... we need to learn to stay true to ourself, our true self. 2012 is going to be your "go forward year!" With a smile on your face, cause you're gonna be happy! hugs, PJ

[JillAnn]

Catherine,
Best wishes on your new adventure. You are a brave beautiful woman. Rock on.

[Christine Schopieray]

Catherine,
You're being the change you wish to see in Your world. More power to you! See you in February.
-Christine

One of my favorite quotes to share with you:
"The seed of the new is present in the shell of the old."
I always find that encouraging.

[deb]

You deserve a fabulous 2012!! The year of Catherine. :) Hugs my friend. Enjoy your break from the world. We'll be here when you come back.

[nik]

Love your artwork and craftwork, especially your house pillows and paintings. Looking forward to your new projects!
Arrived via Today's Creative Blog...Kim featured you again! :)
Bountiful blessings to you in 2012...Cheers!

[Jamie V]

I have been a blog fan for years and had the opportunity this summer to visit your shop when I came to Michigan to visit my daughter (she lives in Canton. I told her I HAD to visit Red Shoes. I am sad for the closing but so excited to hear about your new venture! I love your creativity and inspiration! Jamie V in MT
http://rem-nants.blogspot.com
jamievowell@yahoo.com