With great regret and personal shame... I apologize to all the members of Country Samplers Prim Sister Club and to the owner and shop girls of the store. You were counting on me... and I let you down in a terrible way. Please accept my sincere apology.
There is no one to blame but myself. As you all know, there have been some good, but extremely stressful, changes in my personal life over the past seven months. My family and I are still adjusting to all these new changes. We are all healthy and happy together in our new home ~ and I do find enjoyment with my new job at ReRun Consignments in Council Grove... but we are still adjusting.
I made a commitment to the Country Sampler to provide two patterns for the Prim Sister group for this year. I am unable to fulfill my commitment. It is with great shame... that I did NOT contact the store owner to keep her informed with what was going on with my personal life... to see if we could make any adjustments to the group. I didn't do that intentionally... rather, I kept telling myself that I would get it done ~ that I would fulfill my promise. "I will do that next week... or I will do that tomorrow." But then, I didn't do it at all.
Jeanne, the store owner, sent her weekly email newsletter yesterday to inform everyone that she has not been able to reach me and that I would not be a part of the group... that I would not be providing the final pattern promised by Primitivebettys. I have not received any phone calls or emails from Jeanne... I'm not sure why. With my 18 hours days... I do still check my emails and voice mails. (my cell number has not changed) I'm not blaming Jeanne for anything
though. She is a nice lady and has an extremely nice store and
business. She must do what needs to be done for her shop. Again... the
fault is all mine. I I did try to reach her this morning and left a message with one of the shop girls for her to please call me back. I need to apologize to her personally.
A year ago, I never would have foreseen the changes we have made in our life. Who does, I guess? I feel very fortunate to say that all the changes we have made as a family have been good. Thankfully we are all still together and we all still have our health.
Again, I do apologize for my lack of commitment. I apologize for not keeping my promise. I apologize for letting you down.
.... Betty
Oh dear, do not feel guilty or anything else like that !
ReplyDeleteI hope that people will understand that we cannot guess what will happen in the future.
The most important thing is that you and your family are fine ... the rest is not important ...
Take care and do not worry anymore
Love
Nat
Thank you for your kindness, Nat.
DeletePlain and simple if you can't keep a commitment let the people that are counting on you know, I'm sure that everyone would understand but I really can't figure out why you wouldn't let the store owner know, thats her reputation on the line, and she has one of the nicest quilt shops in the country, it would be an honor to have your designs featured by her.
ReplyDeleteI understand and agree completely. It is my fault and my fault only.
DeleteSometimes real life just takes over and things like this take a back seat and for those who don't understand that or are mad about it and go into commitment speals.... Well I have this to say. Our families are and should be our number one commitment and you kept your most important commitment. The day that our hobbies and such take precedence over our family is a sad day. If it was important enough to the store owner she could have contacted you to see what was going on. So don't beat yourself up. In the end none of this will matter--except your family. ♥
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cathy. I do still feel horrible for my mistake. But... this too shall pass. I'll continue to work on picking myself, brushing myself off... and moving on. My family is and always has been my most important matter... and they will always be. Thank you <3
DeleteI'm not a part of this year's Prim Sisters (although I was last year) and I know I've always enjoyed getting my offerings when they came and since you're one of my favorites, I would have been disappointed. That being said, I guess those "without sin" should cast the first stone. We have all been guilty of forgetting something ~ including something important as this, especially during such a stressful time as moving, etc. I hope that everything works out well between you and Jeanne. I certainly can understand how things just got away from you!!!
ReplyDeleteHoping you and your family have a lovely Christmas in your new home!!!
Hey, Betty, re-read Cathy's comment. I'm a member of the club, I have a family and commitments, I too have been through some demanding times, and, unfortunately, sometimes life happens and maybe, just maybe, our true priorities float to the top. I do love my cross stitch and quilting, but, just read Cathy's email again. I have missed your blog posts, and look forward to more after you get settled. Please do not feel shame. INMHO it's cowardly to send an anonymous message such as you received, that's the person who should feel shameful. Cyber hugs to you and best wishes for a peaceful and merry Christmas.
ReplyDeletewhen people need to make a comment, they really should show who they are, and not hide behind *anonymous*...
ReplyDeletesorry but things happen and no one knows another's circumstances or what's going on in their lives...sometimes, *crap* just happens...
betty, you're one of the most industrious ladies i've *known* and sometimes other things have to come first...
God bless you Betty. You are humble, kind and good through and through. I can "hear" in your post how badly you feel about this. This was an unusual set of circumstances for you and I understand how you would feel you would get it done. Sending you a hug
ReplyDeleteHey ya'll, Betty is my cousin and I KNOW that she would never have done anything intentionally to hurt anyone or let anyone down. She has been forthcoming and honest, explaining her "mistake (?)" and deep regret. "Anonymous" really didn't have to say the things they said, as Betty had already said it herself. Cous, I luv u and don't want u to live with this weight. U have expressed ur apology and I pray that alone has given u peace. <3
ReplyDeleteMy thanks to all of you for your kindness & caring. <3
ReplyDeleteYour one of the sweetest ladies I know Betty....those who know you will agree........life happens.....and yes, your most important priorities are your family and so they should be..........Don't let this get you down......Big hugs to you my friend.
ReplyDeleteKudos to you Betty!
ReplyDeleteYou handled this like a true lady. Life happens, others need not speak anything other than kind words lest they have never forgotten or failed to meet a deadline. My life is nothing like it was two years ago and I have been forced to make difficult choices also. Please don't beat yourself up, your only human.
I hope life calms down for you and congratulations on your beautiful new home.
Hugs,
Tisha and Skippy
It is so difficult to keep promises when your lives get turned upside down but honestly, it only takes one minute to send an email and explain that you are unable to fulfill your promise. No shame, just allowing the shop owner to find someone to full your spot. I am sure this put her in a difficult situation.
ReplyDeleteIn the end it really is about manners and sometimes we just have to admit we are overbooked and can not keep our promise. I am sure the shop owner is feeling a little hurt being left on the hook with no explanation. We have to bring back manners and maybe it starts here! Why don't you contact her and offer to make a mends? Dianntha
Dianntha, you are right. I should have simply called or emailed Jeanne. I know I put her in a difficult position. It is my fault and my fault only. I didn't do it to be rude, I just couldn't admit to myself that the deadline couldn't be met. My life has been turned upside down, but that is just an excuse.
DeleteI didn't mean to be rude or loose my manners. I'm sorry for the troubles I have caused.
Betty
Very impressed by your heartfelt apology...
ReplyDeleteCommunication is the key. It has nothing to do with putting your family first last or in the middle. It only takes a few minutes to make a phone call to delay or cancel a commitment. I would love to be honored by my peers to want to buy something I designed. How lovely that would be.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness .... I don't know either one of you so I'm completely neutral. In the over all realm of things this isn't that big of a deal. An apology was given, it should be accepted. Forgiveness .... it's so liberating. As for anonymous, if you have something important to say for heavens sake sign your name to it. It always appears to be somewhat cowardly not to.
ReplyDeleteShe indicated she did try to contact her!
ReplyDeleteAll this nonsense about loving family and putting hobbies first is just avoiding and distorting the facts. Its about being courteous and not expecting a busy store owner to have to track an adult down that has made a commitment. She had probably already wasted time on numerous phone calls from angry women looking for what they were promised. I'm sure in your so called 18 hour day you could have called or emailed, give me a break. Janice Wilkenson
ReplyDeleteDon't beat yourself up Betty. I know all too well....LIFE HAPPENS! Move on girlfriend....You know what your intentions were...you've apologized and it can be accepted or not. For some people you could apologize from now til doomsday and it wouldn't be enough. ENJOY your new job....your new home....and most importantly....your family!
ReplyDelete