Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Change...

...sometimes the timing is unexpected - but often change is desired, sometimes it can be very bittersweet - yet, peaceful at the same time. That is how I would describe the changes that are happening at Cobblestone. Now, don't let this post disappoint you - because it is not a "sad" post. Many of my wonderful customers and friends have known this lil' tidbit of information for a month or so now. I'm just now making time to tell you - my extended "blogging" family - so sorry I'm a lil' tardy - ya know - I'm always a busy, busy girl.
But simply - sometimes to achieve one dream you have to close the door on another. My husband and I have been praying about this decision for about a year now and it is with a peaceful heart that we have made the decision to close Cobblestone Farms after Christmas. "Why?" you ask. Well - for something exciting - building a house! See Cobblestone is just steps away from where we live now - so it is virtually impossible to separate the two. And since we will be selling our home now - it kind of all has to go together. Are we selling our farm? - no - we couldn't do that. Just a piece of land - that's all.
Our new home will be "across the road, over the hill, and down in the valley" - (and to grandmothers house we go) - hehe. We are building on the "other" Murray farm by the cabin - in a very quite, peaceful place - I'll show you pics soon. So many factors went into this decision - nothing was decided without a tremendous amount of thought, prayer and yes, some tears. See - I simply love what I do - that has never changed in the twelve years I've been open. But I also love my family soooooo much and we all desire a lil' more time for each other. So a lil' "down time" is around the corner - but don't count me out - I'm not selling "Cobblestone Farms" - ya never know where I might end up. Maybe on-line, maybe down the road - my mind is already thinking up new ideas. What I will miss most - my incredible customers - no, not customers - my friends - my extended family. Since I sent out my newsletters with "the news" - the calls, the letters, the cards, the "stop-bys" the e-mails - well, I simply can not put into words what they have meant to me. I have been so touched.
And just like I have loved Cobblestone - I have loved our lil' place too. Lots and lots of great memories here. Happy memories.
Welcome...

...our home...

...a stones throw to the shop and greenhouse...

...one of our barns in the background...

...Casen's play area...

...the greenhouse with pasture in the background...

...I know it will make someone else a great home just like it has been for us.
So... stay with me as things unfold. We are going strong through Christmas. Hopefully the house will be started by then and I hope you will follow us through the building of our "new" farmhouse. It's scary AND super exciting!
And as Henry Ward Beecher once said...
"Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it with the handle of anxiety or the handle of faith."
We choose faith!
Blessings to all my Cobblestone family,
Cathy

24 comments:

Cindy said...

What an awesome family decision ya'll have made!!

Your customers will wait you out.

Have fun and keep us posted with lots of pictures!!

Cindy from Rick-Rack and Gingham

Ribbons -n- Rags said...

Cathy,

I love the comment about "faith". That is how we live also. Move forward with your dreams and never doubt your decisions. When God is in them, you will not go wrong. In our lives are many seasons and you will enter a new season next year. I know that God will truly bless you and your family!

Love ya,
Michelle
Ribbons-n-Rags

Vickie said...

Wishing you the very best of luck in your new "adventure"! We've been in the middle of a transition, too, in the last couple of years, and it's a roller coaster! It's fun, it's scary, it's awesome! Hang on to your faith and see what unfolds! God bless you all!

Unknown said...

You will be blessed! Love your place!

Verde Farm said...

I know this must have been a tough decision for you all but sounds like the right one for your family :) That is the most important thing. I know building a new home will be so exciting. I hope you will someday open on the internet so I can buy some of your beautiful things!
Amy :)

Unknown said...

Well I can't wait to see where this next road leads you. God always "trumps" our ideas of our dreams and desires, doesn't He? I am so glad I get to watch your dreams unfold. Your farm is such a blessing to so many, now let God bless you! Can't wait to see the farmhouse come along. Praying for ya'll!
Blessings,
Becky C

Sheila said...

How very exciting for you, yet bittersweet at the same time! Faith has lead you to the wonderful changes ahead.
I've enjoyed your posts and all you've had to share, (not commenting as often as I should have) and I will continue to stay with you as you share your new ventures ahead.
Continued blessings be with you and yours.
~Sheila
http://seasonsofthyheart.blogspot.com

Elizabeth and Gary said...

Dear Cathy,
Nothing has been lost and your dear family has everything to gain. How wonderful to be able to continue building your family dream, with a new home (custom designed) and still have your "Cobblestone Farm". How blessed you are to have the land to build upon.
Memories are made and stored in your heart and nothing can take those away, so selling a bit of the farm is just a means to building new memories and a family legacy.
Bravo for following your heart!.
I can't wait to see your new "peaceful place". (Home is Where the Heart is)
Big hugs~Elizabeth

Becca's Dirt said...

Good luck. Looking forward to the photos of the progress.

Holly Hills Primitives said...

Congratulations! I know how hard this decision must have been, but good luck on your new journey. Dawn

Holly said...

Congratulations!! What a tought decision, as that farm is so amazing and the friendships you've made are probably very special. I'm glad you're not selling the farm, yet, as you never know what will come up. It's so pretty there and you do an amazing job!!!
Best wishes!!

Angie said...

I am so excited for y'all! I can only imagine how hard a decision this was to make. We have been thinking about selling and buying and we have been so stressed and I have cried many tears, but I think we have decided to just stay put for now. I think you feel much more at peace once a decision has been made. I am looking forward to the whole house building process and going through it with you. You better keep on blogging so we can stay informed!

Christina said...

Congratulations on the new chapter in your life, can't wait to be apart of it, so to speak.

Jessica said...

I teared up a little reading this, and I don't know you. What an exciting new chapter of life your family will embark on! How awesome is your faith, and what a loving God we have!

Linda said...

Love you my sweet traveling chic sister! You're an awesome lady with a talent that no other has! I'm looking forward to your new adventures, and God Bless you and your family!
Your friend always...Linda

Kerin said...

What wonderful changes are coming your way!
And new adventures and memories to make. Best wishes!!

Lisa said...

This is exciting for you Cathy. I hope my friends and I will be able to come to your store before you close. You are going have such fun picking out all the new things for you home. God bless you and your family on this new adventure. Lisa from Ky

Julie B. [Holland] said...

Cathy, I don't post often but check in all the time. I'll miss your posts and great pics. What a creative and wonderful time this will be for you.So happy for you and your family, change is good and I'm sure you're all going to be happy with the decision you have made. My best wishes for a smooth and happy "building" Julie in Holland. :)

Jackie said...

So...will you still have THIS blog, or name it something else. Don't STOP blogging!

Cathy Cobblestone said...

Oh Jackie - don't worry - I'm not gonna stop blogging. And yes, we are keeping the name - I may do something a tad different with it - but we are hanging on to it. All these changes are good - and don't worry - I won't go far!

Tammy ~ Country Girl at Home ~ said...

Oh I'm so excited for you, Cathy! I can't wait to see where you are building and the house you are building! I wish you many blessings as you make these changes!

Tammy

Unknown said...

Aw Cathy, I never did down get to see your place:( Oh well, Cincinnati still isn't that far..I can honk when I go by...hehe. I know this was a late nighter, bulb burner decision, but I'm sure the right one. Can't wait to see the pics.

Tamara Jansen said...

How exciting to build your home from scratch! You are gonna have so much fun :) And if you ever need a shoulder to cry on during the process.....you know I'm here! It's not gonna be easy but its gonna be worth it.

Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage said...

Amen, Cathy! We know we are to "be anxious for nothing." But that doesn't mean that it's always easy to do.

May this new direction of your life be full and blessed. ;)

Blessings,
Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage
http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com