In early November 1998, I gave mom a birthday card. That birthday card led us to making the decision. It initiated a series of events and venting sessions, leading us to the inevitable conclusion that we would restructure Elderberry Creations. We decided to redirect Elderberry Creations towards a wholesale and distributor business. (I wrote something like, “Maybe someday we’ll be able to celebrate these occasions properly.” Referring to our birthdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas holidays.)

Making the Decision

We were happily relieved with our decision, to start to decide not to do baskets anymore. A few days went by, not even a week, and I was already on the fast track for an international job. Yes it was just the crack I’d been looking to slip out through. Although I didn’t realize until later, how badly I needed out.

Mom meanwhile mutually decided to “focus” on Candles for Baskets, Lavender Lane, and 911 Gifts – in addition to taking on Baby’s First as west coast sales distributor. She will be quite bee-sy. If she happens to get in the pressure cooker I will come back to help, for a salary, if it’s profitable.

I went through all the steps of quitting at Nordstrom, which was my final shock. However reality hasn’t really hit yet. Only the day I planned to tell Jacquie my manager, that I was quitting, I felt sentimental. And I had to cut my ties to my cute apartment, calling the landlady to tell her. Bridgette, my Nordstrom colleague is practically moved in already.

Next there was the call from Dagmar on December 6th; the call to Michael prior to that; and a surprise shock to Luise on December 25th. They are all making plans (for me) already and expect ‘99 to be a good year. As Luise said, “A good Springtime.”

20 January, 1999