I hope that everyone out there in #ilovevintagefabric land has been doing well in this extraordinary pandemic. My best advice is to wear those masks, practice physical distancing, stay home whenever possible, but also get fresh air and sunshine every day!
I know this is hard on many folks, both those who are working at home and those who aren’t.
I’ve worked from home for 25 years so for me not a lot changed. But now a lot of others are now at home, too. To me, the pandemic made everything feel like it slowed down, and that made me feel less isolated as an at-home worker, and maybe more able to compete with the rest of the fast-paced working world dominated by big cities and in-person businesses.
Everyone has their story and their perspective during this time. For my part, I feel the best we can do is to be understanding, loving, generous, and patient both to others and to ourselves.
Christmas in July
We could all use a little good cheer, so one way (other than local outreach to those in need) that I want to be generous is by holding a Christmas in July sale in my Etsy shop. From now through the end of the month everything in the shop is 20-40% off, with bigger discounts than ever before in my vintage fabric section. I want this sale to help my customers to get fabric they’ve been hankering for at a better price so that you can get those projects done.
I’m planning to add more fabric listings in the next week and they will also launch on a sale price.
I remember once about 20 years ago when I was a single mother just barely getting by that my step-grandmother, Helen, out of the blue sent me a large check and said, “Happy Christmas in July.” It was a saving grace that allowed me to fix my car, get some clothes for me and the girls, stock up on groceries, and put a little bit of money aside. We all have our salad days.
I think Christmas in July is that reminder that sometimes pennies from heaven are just what we need!
All About Family
In other news, I’m so thrilled that at long last my older daughter Anwyn has returned from Paris where she was working as an au pair. Not only did she stay in Paris as the borders were being closed this Spring, but she also got COVID-19 while she was there! 🙁
I’ve spent the last five months in a constant state of anxiety.
While she was sick all I could actively do was pray, and hope, and try to talk myself into calm. But when I was on autopilot, I too often defaulted to nervousness and worry.
Mothers will know what I mean when I say being separated from my “kid” (she’s 25) while she has coronavirus in a worldwide pandemic was almost too much to bear. She still couldn’t taste or smell 21 days afterward. But fortunately, she came out of it ok.
Now she’s home and planning to live with us for the foreseeable future. With few jobs to be had right now, we’ve agreed that she can help out around the house cooking and cleaning while also stepping in with Lady Virginia Vintage to support the shop. Since multi-generational homes are the historic norm, I’m embracing this new arrangement with joy!
I’m trying to encourage her to make some of her amazing art for the shop, and even write something here on the blog. As for today — I’m just happy to have meals together, talk every day, listen to her playing piano, and stream some of her top French video picks, including Dix Per Cent on Netflix (which I’m loving!)
Continue to stay safe and hold YOUR dear ones close, visit my shop for big discounts right now, and be kind to yourself.
— Lady Virginia
