I wonder if we knew the journey… would we still take the same path?
What started out as a longtime dream turned into a love affair. I have loved, lost and lived thus far a life full of twists and turns, some much darker than others. But through this – all of it, the good, the bad, the flat, the happy, the pain – I would take the same path!
There are times in one’s life when the proverbial fork in the road can change the direction one takes, maybe temporarily or lifelong. When I was 20, I took a path that I innately knew would forever change me. My conviction in this path never wavered for a second … perhaps it saved me from being afloat.
I speak of having my first child and all the trials and enormous joy that experience brought to me. I always adored my children; they felt like a natural fit, though I didn’t know the gravity of raising humans, it never occurred to me.
I want my children to know that through all of the muck and the light, I can truly say these are the most amazing humans I know! My mother told me to raise my children so I would want to be with them, and I inadvertently did just that! (This history is going somewhere, I promise!)
I put my aspirations aside at a young age. The life I had was not my plan, but in the end, it was the best plan for me. I now see myself again at said fork in the road, and again the path seems clear. You see, I choose me, my family, my beloved dogs, my home … to enjoy and savor the sweet snippets in life I want to freeze-frame.
I have lived long enough to figure some things out (too bad this knowledge is bestowed so late in life).
So many of you have reached out, wishing me well and wondering why I would let go of something so wonderful. The simple answer is I want to savor my life, take a deep breath and slow down.
Oh, the joy I have found in creating this little nest! Whatever I could conjure, l could create (with hours and hours, and many people helping – Blanca and Norma, I could never have done it without you).
I am so very grateful for all of you who came, believed and supported this dream. I still can’t truly believe the outpouring of love and support you have shown me. Humbled I am to have had the honor of meeting and knowing so many of you.
This little lady who has stood tall and proud for more than 100 years has seen her trials, through fire, changing times, darkness and light. She is a testament to the perseverance of soul. I feel those who have walked these floors, and I sense the hard work and sacrifices made to survive life.
You have all now become part of her history.
She holds many secrets, has seen me through many different things in a very short time.
I will never forget my time as guardian, nor will I ever forget all of you.
Thank you for being a part of my story, for showing up to help me understand that although we may not know our own strength or what we are capable of, life puts us in the path to find ourselves.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with me.
I cannot leave these words behind without expressing to my daughters what smart, capable women you have become. The Winsome Nest would have never been without your help.
To my husband…. You always have believed I’m able to move mountains and hearts with my actions and words. You are and have always been my hero. I thank you for tirelessly supporting me, cheering me on and thinking I am extraordinary. I love you.
-Liz
Liz
I remember the somber day I was feeling after weeks of receiving the news of my moms health and her not feeling well.I had recently heard of your Windsome nest and needed a nest to fly away to.I ventured to the delta to find your place knowing I needed a day to explore and get away.I first met you upstairs looking at the hanging beautiful bells.We introduced ourselves and had a nice little chat sharing some hardship we were both going through at that moment.You were so kind.And that little venture is what I needed that day!I purchased a couple of bells and found some other treasures as well.
Later on you shared some of my Studio4 crowns at one of your Windsome nest events.I so appreciated.I always loved looking forward to venturing down to your events to find another treasure.And see the beautiful displays you had created!What talent you have!The Windsome nest will be missed.I’m so glad our paths crossed.Everytime I see and hear those bells I will remember that day I needed venturing down to the Windsome nest.
All my best to you,we don’t get these days that go by so fast.Enjoy your days ahead filling with family,friends,love,many blessings and all your heart search’s out for!
Christine
From the moment we stepped foot into your sweet shop on the block, we knew found some place special!
Maya Angelou once said, “Do the best you can until you know better. When you know better, do better.”
You have wrapped your soul around this beautiful Nest and it showed. You ushered in joy & light to all those who visited and now it’s time to feed your soul with everything that life has waiting for you.
You now know better so go out there and do better!
xoxo
I know our paths will cross again
It’s sad your closing . But so awesome you are on another adventure in life and enjoying it to the fullest . You are such a caring and loving person. I cherish my talks and help through my rough times . Love you and Les and especially those fur babies. ♥️🐾🌷😘
From the moment we stepped foot into your little shop on the block, we knew it was some place special. A sweet gem which transported us to a place of beauty and awe amidst a world that often felt chaotic. You ushered in joy & light and I instantly felt you were a kindred spirit.
Maya Angelou once said, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
You have wrapped your heart around your Nest and now it is time for you to feed your soul with more. You know better and now you will do better!
Our paths will definitely meet up again and I will always remember your beautiful shop from where our friendship began. Cheers to more that awaits for you!
Liz, I don’t think I formally met you when I visited the Winsome Nest. I accidentally stumbled upon your site in Facebook. So happy I did. I took some friends for a ride and ventured out to the winsome nest from Folsom one day in September a couple years ago. I bought these great cow bells that I put on my door wreath during winter season. They always remind me of your Winsome Nest and the great day my friends and I had.
I look forward to venturing out one more time. Im sorry to see you go but wish you all the best in your next chapter and new adventures in life.
Best regards,
Martie
So sorry for us, but happy for you and your family! Best of wishes, DeDe
Your creativity and kindness towards people will be in my heart and always continue in life. . Wishing you much happiness and love. You will be missed.
Liz, I loved reading this heartfelt letter to all of us. It’s beautiful.. and I’m happy you are taking care of you and what is truly important. Life is short .. happy you have and will always savor the moments. All of them.
Huge hugs and much love ..hope our paths cross again. Your friend, Debra
Ps; I treasure the vintage bath tub on stand I found I your shop… I think of you every time o see it. You are treasured. 💗
You are an extraordinary woman and I wish you the best in this next chapter. Thank you for your friendship tom
Great Blog….all the best as you open a new chapter in your life. Here’s my 2 cents…time is more valuable than money. Enjoy the kids, grandkids, the vacations…all of it.