When my husband and I first moved to Alberta, we made plans to stop and live in Edmonton for the year. This would gives us the time to look around and plan our next steps for where we wanted to officially settle down.
We arrived in October of 2021; just before the winter freeze hit. I distinctly recall there was one day, while out with my crew for a family walk, where the sun was up and the air was brisk, that I felt this strange feeling wash over me. This was it - we officially Started Over. It was on that walk - feeling the sun on my face - that the realization of our big decision had finally hit me. The feeling was overwhelming. I remember it brought tears to my eyes; and as I was walking behind my husband and two littles, they didn't see the tears taking shape on my face. I wiped them away just as my middle child looked back to me to tell me to "hurry up, mama!" It was a moment I wasn't expecting to happen. I had been living in a bubble for a long time to protect myself from feeling ALL the things that come with moving to a new place and leaving everything and everyone you've ever known behind. My family was literally ripped apart because of the disgusting mess that our corrupt government was putting us through. "For your health" was the biggest lie in the history of lies. My mental and emotional health was a complete mess. My oldest boy was no longer living with us and we had no idea when we would be able to see him next. My husband and I had been through it all over the years, but this place - this newness to our life - was completely overwhelming and all encompassing. It took me a few months to get my footing after we landed. Prior to moving here, I was a full time stay at home mom working as a part time personal trainer. I wasn't unhappy with what I was doing, but I wasn't happy with what I was doing either. I'm sure many of you reading this can relate to how that feels. The space where you're just existing to exist, but no growth comes out of it. One thing was certain though, throughout my whole life, no matter what I was doing - I always loved "fixing" things, Whether it be bodies, or animals (I was a veterinary nurse for a few years as well) or furniture; I recall always being most happy when I was hands on with something, with the end goal of creating something functional AND beautiful. So that's how my Furniture Refinishing business came to be. At first, it was a small dresser and side table - that I spent waaay too much time working on looking back at it now - but those two pieces started it for me. They helped me begin the process of healing; and over the next 10 months, I kept creating more beautiful things and "fixing" broken pieces. All while repairing myself. Fast forward to the summer of 2022 and my little business, was gaining momentum down in the city. My husband, over the course of the summer, had travelled around the entire province with the Honorable Todd Loewen as his photographer and videographer. This opportunity allowed him to see and experience all of Alberta, which gave us the upper hand when it was time to decide on where it was that we wanted to finally move and settle down. He fell in love with the North and we decided that beautiful Valleyview would be our spot. So we made the move in October and once again, started over. This time it was different though. The move we were making this time was by design. It had the element of fear and self-doubt attached to it for obvious reasons, but it was our choice this time. We chose this spot and we were all in. I know it's natural to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about the future, especially when leaving behind something that was going well. But it was and has always remained important to remind myself that starting over is not a failure, but rather an opportunity to learn and grow. I was not going to let fear and self-doubt hold me back. My journey is unique and it's important to remember that starting over can be a chance to explore different paths and try new things that I may not have considered before. It can also be a time to reassess my priorities and make sure that I am on the right track towards achieving my goals. It's a time for me to be open to new opportunities and possibilities. Starting over can be an opportunity to build resilience and develop a growth mindset. It's important to learn from my mistakes and use them as stepping stones to move forward. While the nagging feelings of self-doubt and fear are inevitable and ongoing in the back of my mind, they are also a constant reminder to keep going. Keep striving for more; for better; for something unexpected. Because at the end of the day, I want to look back and say to myself - I did that. I persevered and I made it. Wishing everyone big love and a beautiful weekend. xo Katerina
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As the owner of Five Hearts Refinishing, I know firsthand the many benefits of refinishing and restoring furniture. Here are a few reasons why my customers choose to give their pieces a new lease on life:
xo Katerina This old desk was built by an Amish woodworking company in Manitoba, Canada. The owner was going to toss it out. The after. This piece was purchased after I refinished it as a wedding gift to a soon to be married couple. What a great idea!
Simplicity is often associated with minimalism, but it can also refer to the beauty and joy found in the simplicity of life itself. In a world that is constantly evolving and becoming more complex, it can be refreshing and uplifting to embrace simplicity in our daily lives.
One of the greatest joys of simplicity is the feeling of clarity and focus it brings. When we declutter our physical space and eliminate unnecessary distractions, it can be much easier to concentrate and be productive. This can be especially beneficial for those who are easily overwhelmed or have trouble managing their time. Simplicity can also bring a sense of calm and inner peace. By letting go of material possessions and external distractions, we can find greater contentment and satisfaction within ourselves. This can lead to a greater appreciation of the present moment and a deeper connection to our own values and priorities. Another benefit of simplicity is the opportunity it provides for creativity and self-expression. With fewer distractions and less clutter, we can more easily tap into our own unique interests and passions. This can be especially rewarding for those who are seeking to lead a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Overall, the joy of simplicity is about finding happiness and fulfillment in the present moment, rather than constantly seeking out external sources of pleasure or validation. By embracing simplicity in our life, we can find greater joy, clarity, and purpose. Share if this resonates with you! xo Katerina "As a furniture refinisher, I often encounter potential clients who are hesitant about my prices. That's when I remind them of the old adage: "fast, good, or cheap - pick two."
You see, when it comes to refinishing furniture, you can't have it all. If you want the job done fast, it's not going to be cheap. If you want it done cheap, it's not going to be good (at least not to the same standard as if you paid more). And if you want it done well, it's not going to be fast. This is because furniture refinishing is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. It requires patience, attention to detail, and a skilled hand. It's not something that can be rushed or done cheaply without cutting corners. So when a potential client expresses concerns about my prices, I make sure to explain this to them. I let them know that if they want the job done fast, they'll have to pay a little more. If they want it done cheap, they'll have to be okay with a lower level of quality. And if they want the best possible job, they'll have to be willing to wait a little longer and pay a little more. It's not about trying to gouge my clients or charge them more than they can afford. It's about setting realistic expectations and delivering a high-quality product that will stand the test of time. In the end, it's up to the client to decide what their priorities are and how much they're willing to pay for my services. But I always make sure they understand that with furniture refinishing, they can't have it all. They have to pick two out of the three: fast, good, or cheap." What are your thoughts? I'd love to hear what you have to say! |
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April 2024
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