choose your own adventure

As you may have read, I'm no longer moving to the USA for the position with RVA. Elsie and I ran into a lot of obstacles getting the work visa and after so many complications (and my move date looming), we reassessed and both decided that it didn't seem meant to be. We were really looking forward to working together for a few years so it was a sad time for us, but we're friends forever and we'll still work together long distance like we did before... and I might travel down to Missouri for a few weeks in the busy seasons to help Elsie and RVA. Good things will still happen :)

I had a huge list of things to do before I moved that included putting a new roof on my house & finishing renos, finding renters, preparing my online Sewing Class (coming in August) and all the things that come with moving away... so when we made the decision, it was kinda a relief b/c those deadlines didn't feel so urgent. I've felt really excited to plant my feet again now that I know this is home and I've been hunting for my dream thrift items (lol, priorities) :) Yesterday I found this atomic green kitchen table (for $3!!!!) and I set up my dining room/studio... and since I donated over 15 garbage bags of stuff in prep for my move, I feel guilt free buying new pretty things :) I'm starting to feel really proud of my house and it's so exciting :) It's just me and Lola here for the first time so I'm building our home & I even bought a plant!

Today is Canada Day and I'm feeling especially sentimental :) The best thing that came out of this big decision was that from March to June, I thought I was moving away and I spent way more time with my friends and family than usual. I've been a workaholic for the last 4 years and through these last few months, I realized works not everything (but I still totally love it). It was a really amazing realization for me and I appreciate my family and friends so much more now! As I settle back into Freckled Nest as my career, I'm working very hard to keep a good balance of a work life AND a life life!

It's exciting to make new plans for Freckled Nest and reassess my companies vision and purpose. Ultimately, my heart is for women and girls to discover and realize their beauty. I'm still thinking it all through but I've got some ideas that feel really special and promising :)

Thanks for reading,
Love Leigh-Ann
(i chose this one because the flowers look like asterisks*)

ps. I'll draw the winner of the Fisheye Camera Giveaway tomorrow. enter to win here.
pps. Happy Canada Day!!!!!

35 comments:

  1. I totally know how irritating the moving process can be for canadians! I spent 18 months dreaming and planning a move to portland (oregon: crafting central!) only to be foiled again and again. but let's face it: canada needs all the cute crafters it can get! I'm glad you're staying put :)

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  2. everything works out for a reason. Your such an inspiring person. keep up the amazing work.
    carrie
    http://theappleseedblog.blogspot.com/

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  3. It's so great to hear you are looking at the bright side and really happy about not moving :). I was so sad for you when I read Elsie's post and I'm happy to see that really good things are going to happen for both of you (the three of you, actually, including Emma!) as a result of those obstacles. I'm sure you are still going to do really good things together, even if a long distance separating between you :). Can't wait to see what you will come up with!
    :)

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  4. sewing class? did you say sewing class?! i just eeked with excitement!
    <3

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  5. sorry to hear the plans fell through, but yes! things will still happen and goodness will still come from it.

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  6. love you, friend. I'm really happy that you're happy and that despite a change of expectations with where you'd be spending your next two years, that you're really happy getting to stay. Looking forward to your next visit!!!

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  7. ok, you are amazing. and..did you say sewing class? yipppeeee!! :)

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  8. I went through a similar thing recently, except it was the possibility of moving to a house in my same town instead of our townhouse. I was so excited about having a yard and being in a neighborhood where I could take walks with my daughter Piper. Things never did work out though. Now that I know I am staying here, I have a renewed vision for our life in this home. I realize I can make alot of the things I wanted to have in another home happen here, while still keeping all the things about here that I love. You'll do great LA. You'll bloom where your planted.

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  9. Hey sorry to hear things didn't work out but I'm so glad things are still going well for you! It's good that you have a refocused vision on what you are doing! Can't wait to see what's in store for you now!

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  10. I was sad to read the news that you aren't able to move here, I was really hoping to meet you some day...but I am happy that you are happy! Can't wait to hear about your plans! Happy Canada Day!

    xoxo~Meg

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  11. Happy Canada Day! You are so lovely and I love you!

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  12. Everything happens for a reason...ALWAYS! Every obstacle is for a good cause. Even after the greatest disaster comes something incredible good. Maybe this was the fresh start you needed after the ruff times that you dealed with recently. Set up a new home all over again, with new things and fresh thoughts. Or even you needed to reevaluate your relationships. Whatever it is... something good is coming out! Good Luck with everything!

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  13. I'm glad you're at peace with the decision. I'm so envious (in a good way) that you've made a career out of being an artist and doing what you love. I really want to do that. Good job and happy Canada Day! I was in Toronto a few years ago for Canada Day is the patriotism was absolutely amazing!

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  14. even though the news was/is sad there is another plan for you {and you/RVA}, so that is something to be excited about :]

    bring on the adventure, right???

    xo.

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  15. Oh, immigration. It's hard to get into the states, man. And much agreed that Canada needs to keep cute crafters - lol. :) That sucks, but I'm happy you're looking on the bright side and nesting & looking forward. Plus - now I can pop in and meet/visit with ya, if ever I'm a few provinces over! We're thinking road trip across Canada next summer! Eeek! :) Happy new beginnings at home, lovely. :)

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  16. you're so inspiring on so many levels. <3

    Sarah M

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  17. I was really excited to read about your move, but I think I'm even MORE excited to read about your Canadian thrifting and what-not :)

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  18. Proud of you for staying so positive even when things go kinda sour. Definitely inspiring<3

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  19. So sad to hear that you won't be able to come to live in the RVA world. But, as so many people said above, every does happen for a reason and it just wasn't meant to be. You were meant to stay in Canada and continue with FreckledNest. Big hugs to you and Lola!!!

    Can't wait for your sewing class!!!!

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  20. You are so special and inspiring. 'Good things will still happen.' I love that! Thanks for the beautiful post.

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  21. Miss Ellie-Lou7/01/2010 02:30:00 pm

    I'm a firm believer that EVERYTHING happens for a reason, even if we can't see it/ it feels awful at the time. Now you get to enjoy feathering your 'nest' and making it perfect for you and your pup! That's an exciting time! Enjoy - everything will work out as it should :D xox

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  22. Happy Canada Day, Leigh-Ann! I'm sorry you won't be coming to the States, but as usual, I'm inspired by your positive outlook and can't wait to see what's next for Freckled Nest!

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  23. I love the aesthetic of your gorgeous blog, I love your inspiring crafty posts, and I enjoy reading your Odyssey!

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  24. it was sad to know this when i read it on elsie's post, anyhow i hope everthing goes well, i luv the flowers omg!!! what are they called?

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  25. Sometimes things don't come up like we want but that just means you will get even better opportunities and adventures!

    Good luck!!

    Victoria

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  26. I have pretty much the same sentiment as everyone above. Sorry that it didn't work out for you to move to the states but it sounds like great things are going to happen where you are now and everything happens for a reason :) AND I sooo want to see a picture of that Atomic Green table!!!

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  27. You inspire me. Can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve.

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  28. Happy Canada Day :)
    Sorry things didn't go to plan, but I'm thinking that they seem to have a plan of their own! :) It's great that you've been able to spend time with all of your family and friends and re-assess parts of your life. Things will work out
    Can't wait to see what you have planned (and more pics of your home!)
    x

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  29. I'm sorry to hear that things didn't work out according to plan, but life works in mysterious ways. I try to see the silver lining as much as possible and it seems you do too. Happy Canada Day!!

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  30. Hey missy, I saw Elise's post yesterday and my heart broke. I am always cheering you on. Jeanne and I was so looking forward to driving over to Springfield to visit you. I guess I need to take a trip to Canada to see you.
    I am excited to see what new and exciting things you have up your sleeve. I hope in the near future, you and I can come up with some fun biz ventures. Smooches and huggs,
    Dayle :)

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  31. Happy Canada Day! I'm looking forward to seeing what's next for Freckled Nest, I'm sure it will be wonderful! :)

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  32. I'm sorry that moving to the US didn't work out for you, but I believe that everything happens for a reason. I am looking forward to seeing what Freckled Nest has in store next and I'm glad you are staying (I live in Niverville, MB) We need all your cute, craftiness to stay in province! xoxo *hug*

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  33. i'm sorry to hear that your plans with Elsie fell through for RVA. those work visas are pretty tricky (some friends from overseas stress about it constantly) -- what a bummer. but, i believe that things happen for a reason and wonderful things are in store for us when we don't fight it.

    off-topic: as always, i'm a huge fan of your photography. i love these pictures.

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  34. Everything will work out. ^.^ Have a lovely weekend vacation!

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