Leanne's House by Leanne Beasley...(a long post)

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.

Comments

[parajumpers outlet]

parajumpers norge ndt, men hans sanne kjærlighet er skriftlig. Hans score kvalifiserer ham for opptak til en prestisjefylt prep school, der han sliter med å få plass i.

[Dianne Ross]

Take care of yourself first. Will wait patiently for the next issue. It will be better to receive it in the New Year when we all have more time to enjoy. Ha ha.

[Ondrea]

Leanne, it is so good to hear that you are now listening to the messages. After all, what use are we to others if we don't take care of ourselves? I am thrilled that Vignette is still on your list and the Novotel events but most of all I am pleased that your are taking time out for yourself and to spend time with your precious family and friends. Many angel blessings to you.

[D]

Must be something in the air. I too, took drastic steps today to change my work / life relation ships - loved my job, but sometimes you just know when enough is enough.
Good luck with plans of slowing down and looking after yourself.
Anna

[Dawn]

Oh Leanne I hear you..I think you have spoken to many of us!...We sure do get so busy with the things we love that sometimes we are not kind to ourselves. You have a very wise Dr who is looking ahead. I love all your designs and everything about Leannes House, your an inspiration and yes you do make my heart sing when I read your V or look at your projects. Do take some time for YOU, the precious people who love you to bits are more important than that deadline for stitching or mag, I know I just wait for it...(maybe I am learning a lesson of patience waiting for the next V to arrive) ..he he. I too this year have found a valuable lesson in whats important. Praying God's abundant blessings for you.
Hugs Dawn x x

[Tessa Townend]

Good for you Leanne, enjoy some well earned "down time ".Your latest patterns say it all -live simply, and enjoy today.
kind regards,
Tessa.

[Trudy]

Thank you Leanne for allowing us to enter into what your world has been like the past few years. I was always amazed at what you accomplished but of course there is always a sacrifice. So I too am glad you have listened to your doctors advice, we your loyal followers will always be here. Take time to spend with your family and enjoy those precious moments as time moves way too fast for all of us.

[Fiona Hawdon]

Thankyou Leanne for sharing your well timed thoughts with us all. I'm glad you listened to your doctor and will now take time to "smell the roses". May your heart truly make you grateful for the simple things. Treasure your family and friends and enjoy your garden. And if you have a little time left, share your wonderful creativity and ideas with us all. Enjoy a relaxing Christmas and New Year with your beautiful family and slow down and take each day as it comes in 2014. Looking forward to seeing your smiling face for many many years to come! xxxx