Closing my art shop door and swinging others wider.

They say when one door opens, another closes. 

Funny thing is though, they never say who opens and closes the doors.  I'm figuring out we have the power to do just that and taking the reins on our yeses and no's is powerful.  This week I made a decision to close my Etsy shop, my little art spot on the web.  The decision didn't catch me off guard at all, but it did some of you. Thank-you for the kind texts and messages, asking how we're doing and wondering about the shop closing. 

It just goes like this: last summer we opened our home for foster care and we had a few little ones stay for a night or two.  But then in the fall we got a little one and were told it would be a longer placement.  It has been and will continue to be.  My heart and hands are so very full with my family right now.  As the door to foster care swung open I knew something had to give. 

We cannot do it all. 

That's worth repeating. 

We. Cannot. Do. It. All.

Foster care comes with extra everything-paperwork, appointments, texts, phone calls, car time (lots of car time).  It also comes with more joy, love, heartache, and depth than I could possibly ever describe.  

I closed the doors on my art shop, but not on my art! Just on the shop part. I still adore painting! Now that one less thing is on my plate I can swing the door to self-care (like exercise!), my family and friends, and photography open even wider.  

In order for me to continue taking really great care of all three of my kids, it means I must also take great care of myself.  I am a sometimes slow learner in this area.  I just like food so much! But I am learning discipline and love the feeling of energy and no pain in my head or gut or anywhere! When given the choice to paint for an hour or exercise, I'm finding the exercise is needed first. I might not like that, but I'm 34 and finding it so necessary for the rest of my life to go well, this has to be a priority. 

(I must share, I'm finally back to pre-pregnancy weight! Only took me five years after my last baby, lol.  We live by "better late than never" around here!)

We aren't allowed to share photographs of our little one so these posts always feel strange, like one is missing! But we've been busy, busy with parties, birthdays, cousins, kindergarten, Christmas, and all things farm.  Here's a little peek at the rosy in our routine lately!

I mentioned swinging the door open a little wider on my photography. I have been so honored to those of you who have asked me to capture your precious families this fall.  Once the holidays are clear (because we are in FULL holiday mode) I'm going to clear the cobwebs and make some goals for my photography and learning.  This is such a passion of mine and to me, lifelong learners are the most wonderful artists.  Any online classes/books/people I should learn from?

You can always read more about my photography sessions on the page tab above or contact me at sunshinebysara@hotmail.com and I am really, really wanting to teach a class this spring! Locals, keep it in mind and watch for more details! 

Now, your turn:

Have you taken anything off your plate lately?  

Are you trying to do all the things? 

What is adding some rosy to your routine? 

Are you looking forward to both the holidays and a fresh start in the new year like I am? 

What are you reading/listening to?

I'm leaning in close and would love to hear.