It’s been a couple of weeks since I closed up shop at Skookum Baby. And, since that time, I’ve had 3 sales. It’s sort of funny, because that’s a pretty busy few weeks for me. In that time others have expressed regret, and let me know that they’re sad they won’t be able to buy my products anymore.

I’m still closing, don’t get me wrong The thought of trying to fill orders in my current state is daunting, and baby Jacob’s still bobbing quietly in amniotic fluid. There’s no way I can give a small business the time it deserves once this little guy makes his debut. Still, this all drove something home for me – I have a customer base. I’ve built relationships, and people like my products. It feels good to know that I made something that is useful and that people (perhaps in very small numbers ) actually want.

It may be time to move on, but I’m deeply touched. And I’m also glad. It’s clear to me that I’m part of a wider community, that there are people out there who follow me and what I’m up to. And that, that part feels really really good.

You know how you look at your odometer, and it’s nearing a significant point, like say 80,000 km? So you think to yourself, as you set out on your way to work, that you should pay attention. Because you don’t want to miss the momentous moment when the numbers all roll over. And then, later, you’re leaving work and your odometer is at 80,006 km and you’re disappointed. Because you totally forgot, and now you don’t get to see all the nines change into zeroes. And it will never happen again. You know?

Or, maybe you don’t know. Maybe it’s just me.

I am not religious, but I do have favourite Bible passages, and one of them is Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. Like many people I am most familiar with this particular piece of poetry thanks to the hippie anthem “Turn! Turn! Turn!” popularized by The Byrds. Even without the catchy tune, though, the words are compelling. In our lives there are many seasons, many times, when we must act or not act. Whether these seasons are directed by God or fate or circumstance, I leave it wiser people than I to determine. I only know that I am coming to a significant season now.

It is time for a new beginning in my life, and also an ending. I will be birthing my second child this summer, and there are few beginnings that are more significant than that. This means that I must also consider how I will arrange my life to accommodate this little person, and I have decided to close up shop at Skookum Baby. I am simply not able to devote the time I would like to this little venture, and I know that this will only get worse. I still have a few items in stock that I am willing to share with friends and family, but I won’t be promoting this business or selling on-line anymore. I also may or may not be willing to sew something new for you. Of course, I am always available to answer your questions about any products you have.

I had some fun, and I learned a lot with my little venture. I have much greater respect for entrepreneurs than I ever did before. It’s a lot of work to create a business, more than I imagined, which is one reason I’m throwing in the towel. I’ve also discovered just how poorly work like sewing is remunerated, and how undervalued handcrafts are in general. These items are truly labours of love, and if you calculate the average wage someone receives after materials and overhead, let’s just say they’re fairly paltry. And I’ve also re-discovered my own joy in designing and producing things, which more than compensates for the hard work, especially if I am doing it simply because I love it.

I will probably keep on sewing sporadically. I will almost certainly feel compelled to make a new baby carrier for Jacob, and I can’t imagine I won’t heed the call of the beautiful fabrics I’ve stored up. This season of my life, this venture, may draw to a close but I will not leave all that I’ve gained behind. And I will have a new little person to carry along with me on the journey. It is my son’s season to be born, and so it is a season of finishing and planning for me. There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens.