Just wanted to give a shout out that I'm still alive and kicking. I appreciate the emails asking if everything is OK; and those wondering why there have been no recent blog posts.
Life! That's what is happening. 2013 has been a year of reflection, a year that reminds me there is more to my life than running a business. When my dear friend, Renae, was diagnosed with breast cancer in early August, it was a wake-up call. She had a double mastectomy and is currently undergoing chemo and radiation therapy. She is 43 years old, a mom, wife and fighting for her life. Posting on my business blog and Facebook held little importance as I spent time giving, helping, supporting, and being there for my friend.
This summer I lost several family members. That, too, has given pause to running a 24/7 business. No, I'm not closing the doors; but I am slowing down with an awareness that life is short. I have three grand kids and I want to spend as much time with them as I can. I don't want their memories to be, "NeeNee never had time for us, she was always working and typing on her computer."
I have an 82-year old mom who also needs me. My daddy passed away five years ago and my mom is alone. She won't always be here and she will always come before my business. That's not to say GoPlanetEarth is not here to service your soaping needs, but when push comes to shove, my mommy will win every time.
Recent travel has also taken up a big chunk of my time. I have had limited time to devote to tutorials and special soaping projects. But, since these are offered for free, I find it hard to apologize. I recently returned from a California wine trip with my husband, daughter and son-in-law. That trip was followed by another California trip my husband earned through work. We also traveled to Florida and Northern Michigan; and, hosted a family reunion.
My husband and I purchased lakefront property this summer with plans to build our retirement home within the next five years. I finished my first children's book which I hope to have published next year. I am currently working on a devotional book that will include some of my daddy's writings as well. He was a very gifted writer.
Then there is the Bunco Bites recipe book I am compiling as a community fundraiser. I belong to a Bunco group of sixteen women. We meet monthly and host a sold-out Bunco event every November to raise money for our community Angel Tree program. Proceeds from the recipe book will be donated to those in need.
And finally, I am working on obtaining UPC codes for all our Mold Market molds. This will allow us to sell these molds in retail store settings. It's a huge undertaking. I'm not sure everyone knows, but I own both GoPlanetEarth.com and MoldMarket.com. Maintaining two web sites, designing new molds, marketing and keeping up with social media is more than a full time job, even with the incredible help of my staff.
So....when you wonder what I've been doing, why I haven't been posting, why there have been no newsletters...there you have it! Quite honestly, I've been enjoying life, just like most of you are doing. I'm still here for you, my friends;, but enjoying family, close friends, good health, and living is tops on my bucket list. When I die, none of you (my customers) will be at my funeral. Unless you need a mold or product you can't find elsewhere (heh-heh!); I won't be remembered. Poignant, but very true; so please don't take offense.
At this time in my life, I am creating lasting memories with my daughter, husband, grand kids, sister, mother; and every other family member and friend I hold dear. Yes, all is well; and I sincerely thank you for asking.
