I have met and worked with some fantastic people on my journey over the last thirteen years of Leanne's House and continue to do so. A few months ago, while updating this blog and making plans for making it better for you, a wise woman suggested that I think about what Leanne's House is. What my philosophy is behind what I do. I spouted off the answer in a matter of seconds. Then (isn't it funny how things happen) I received a lovely email from a reader of Vignette magazine letting me know how much each issue meant to her and how she loved my philosophy behind Leanne's House; how my words about taking time out for yourself had literally changed her life for the better.
Well, wouldn't you think an email like that would make me happy beyond belief? Initially it did. But then her words started to enter my thoughts every time I said no to family, everytime I was working in the office and the clock said 3am, everytime I was ill because I was simply exhausted. Simply, I felt like a hypocrite. So I have realised it's time for some changes for me (I will get to that).
Before I even launched Leanne's House my background in marketing and sales mangement had me writing out plans and objectives and mission statements. Really though it was pretty simple. I just wanted to show other women that with even a small amount of time each day they could take time for themselves and in doing that have so much more to offer others around them. Leanne's House patterns (as it began) would give women an avenue to do that. To sit, stitch, share a recipe or a garden tip and have a cuppa 'with me'.
As time has gone on and we now have the gift of the internet and social media I have even more ways of communicating with you. Looking back at my very first blog post (October 2006) I signed off with "May your heart make you grateful for the simple things." This has been the core of my heart for a very long time, appreciating the simple things and the everyday. This is the essence of Leanne's House.
I dreamt of having a magazine for a long time. Then a few years ago I took the plunge and dove in head first. It has been so exciting for me to bring a quarterly publication to you, essentially sharing the philosophy of Leanne's House. Vignette has also meant that I have been able to share all of my loves and passions with you: Stitchery, patchwork, quilting, letting you know about other Designers and patchwork stores, cooking, journalling, gardening, creating a cosy home, travel and of course photography!
As always in life, when we don't learn the lessons we are meant to the universe keeps giving us the same lesson until we learn it. I have had a lot of that recently! Culminating in my doctor letting me know that if I didn't slow down and get rid of all the stress I had I simply would have to walk away from Leanne's House. I tried to explain that what I do isn't simply my business; it's about making other women's lives better, happier. She didn't really understand until one of the ladies who reads Vignette and has joined me on many Leanne's House Events visited her as a patient as well and talked about what it meant to her. On my next doctor's visit we sat down and made some plans for moving forward, hence this (somewhat long) blog post.
So girls, I did not take the option of closing Leanne's House but rather am feeling very excited about some, shall we say, 'rennovating'.
What does that mean for you? It means that I will be going back to the core of Leanne's House and sharing with you the things that make my heart sing. I am taking a break next year from trying to spread myself all over the countryside and wear myself to the bone. Instead I will be here, sharing all my passions on the blog, writing Vignette for you (my greatest love)(also attempting to get one issue ahead so no technical difficulties will delay it getting to you on time) and creating new projects to stitch along with you. I also have some new ideas that I have been working on the past few months and need to put love and time into these to make something special for you.
What does it mean for me? Maybe taking weekends to spend more time in my garden, take more time with my precious family and friends and live and practise what I am always preaching!
Many of you have also joined in one or some of the Leanne's House Events over the years and of course I will continue to indulge you in my favourites. I am thrilled that so many of you have already booked into my great travel and stitching adventure to China and that so many of you are eager to join me at the stitching events I love to hold at The Novotel in Glen Waverley.
I hope I haven't bored you to death with such a long post but I just wanted to share a little of my heart on this Sunday afternoon. I also hope that you will continue to be patient with me as I endeavour to get Vignette Issue 11 out as soon as possible for you to enjoy.
May your heart make you grateful for the simple things,
Leanne Beasley xxx
P.S. If you love Facebook you can visit me there too at: Leanne's House.