What an amazing year 2013 was!!
Family first (always): Lindsay graduated from high school this past June. Garrett graduated the year before, so both kids were in college this fall!! How can I have kids that old? LOL… My mom was here twice this year – once while we went to LA for the week, and then shortly after for Lindsay’s graduation. Lindsay passed her driver’s test, bought a car and started college all in the span of about 2 weeks, so that was a little crazy, but Garrett was happy that he didn’t have to continue to play chauffeur lol. Garrett had some health issues near the end of the year, and I confess that I was humbled by some of that for a bit.
Lindsay’s Graduation
Brian had been doing some long-term contract work, which gave him great flexibility, and the company saw his value, and offered him a longer-term full time contract. I stopped teaching days completely, both high school and college level, and now just teach online, with an occasional in town night class session here & there. These 2 things were helpful, because…….
We attended every US pen show in 2013 – that’s 14 for those of you who keep track !! Plus 2 extra trips of over 2000 miles each, for A LOT of time on the road!! Each show has its own personality, and we are so blessed to be able to meet so many new people, and to also renew friendships with those of you we only see a couple of times a year.
DC Pen Show with Huan
Other business news: we added several new lines this year, such as Sailor, Private Reserve, Lamy, Visconti and Jac Zagoory. We expanded several other lines, and we are not done yet!! We also opened a retail storefront, and we have been so excited to see how well received it has been. Who knew how many fountain pen collectors and enthusiasts there were in our area??!! Believe it or not, adding the responsibility of the store has helped create some much needed balance to our lives. Now, when we leave work, we leave it there. At home, we are “at home” . It’s been odd to be able to get caught up on laundry or groceries, or to actually have time to relax – I LIKE IT!!
Wall of Ink
2014 has so much potential, that it almost scares me LOL. I asked for some pen pals at the end of the year. Yes, that means I’m already filling up some of that spare time I just created, but staying connected is very important to me. There are millions of websites out there, and you can buy products from companies for years, but never know the people behind the site. That’s not our style. I wanted penpals, and my 1st batch of letters arrived last week. I’m so excited to start on replies this weekend!!
We plan to add to our online and in-store offerings. Did I mention the new website and new upgraded shopping cart? Yup, did that too. Next up in 2014 – continue with our weekly Tuesday night podcasts, get back to blogging on a regular basis, and hopefully videos, too. Are you ready for that? I think we are!! We do intend to continue to attend shows – I think our plan is a mere 12 shows this year. That’s sounds a little less chaotic lol. Wait, that’s still 12 shows in 11 months…..lol.
We are grateful every day for so many things…. For good friends both near and far, for a healthy and happy family, for work that fulfills and sustains us, and for relationships that nurture us. We wish each and every one of you great health and happiness for 2014.
Lisa & Brian