Hi there.

After a quick run to the doctors to get my Covid booster jab, I spent the whole day alone , doing art prep. Some for packaging on a new set of rather fabulous stencils that you will LOVE, some for Friday’s Clarity TV LIVE show at 10am and 2pm. I hope you can join me. Lots of tricks n tips!

I don’t mind working alone and in silence. I get a lot done. But then the head gets too full, there are too many thoughts buzzing around, too many windows open – and I have to stop, step away from the chaos that is my workspace, and have a cup of tea. The cats usually rock up right on cue, for food and a cuddle. It’s as if they know I am looking to decompress, chillax.

The lights are still off at Create & Craft, but that doesn’t mean anything other than that the lights are still off. The rumour mill is not something I have any time for, and conjecture is just that: conjecture. Definition: to form an opinion or a conclusion based on incomplete information. Waste of time and energy. Just gets people wound up. We really don’t know what’s going to happen. I have been told that negotiations for a new investor are ongoing – and I’ve been told that by the man who is heading up the negotiations! So I have to trust that he is giving me a fact there. Other than that? We wait. And we try to keep the Clarity business going independently.

So when you hear me saying I’m doing art prep, which sounds pretty much like what I always seem to be doing, there’s never been a more important time than now for art prep and creative ideas! Time to make lovely, irresistible art products for our Clarity friends!

Don’t think for a minute that I am in denial, or ignoring what is going on. Really not! Nothing could be further from the truth! But I know what I can and can’t control.

Also, I’m avoiding Facebook, because it just winds me up. I’ve seen a lot of unkind ugliness and thoughtless vitriol on Facebook, which serves absolutely no purpose. People who really haven’t got a clue about how business works, mouthing off, pointing fingers, digging deep and coming up with theories. Honestly! Don’t these people have better things to do with their lives? And don’t they realise that there are hundreds of jobs at stake here, there are huge outstanding debts which may well wipe companies out? Maybe it provides a platform where they can vent about something that doesn’t affect them, but gives them some warped sense of importance. Who knows.

In the words of Abraham Lincoln…

Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt.

My Dad always said, “civility costs nothing”. So did my Grandad. And I bet his Dad said the same. So let’s just wait and see what happens this Friday.

And in the meantime, we do what we can. The Clarity Weekend sale was huge! That certainly helped calm the stormy waters! Running a business is not that different to running a household. Bills are bills, and they need paying. It’s also good for the team to be busy. Everybody is much happier when work is pouring in. Gives us all a sense of purpose and hope. You understand.

Anyway, time to go find Dave. He’s had a long day too. We have to be very nimble at the moment – and just when he thought retirement was on the horizon.

Easy does it – SHAC tomorrow evening at 7pm, remember! Appropriately, we are on LOVE…

Love always,

Barb x x x