I lean in, examining the yarn closely. The colors perfectly mimic the breathtaking sunsets we often witness from Heather’s back porch.
“It’s gorgeous, Heather,” I reply, genuinely impressed. “You’ve outdone yourself this time.”
Heather beams at the compliment. “Thanks! I’m planning to feature it in my next subscription box. I think it’ll be perfect for a shawl pattern I’ve been working on.”
“The subscription boxes!” I practically bounce in my seat. “Heather, I can’t get over how smart that is. Sending out all the materials for a monthly project, and then encouraging everyone to share their finished pieces and tips on social media. You’re a genius, you know that?”
Heather’s smile widens at my enthusiasm. “I’m so glad you think so! Setting it all up has been a lot of work, but seeing people share their creations online has been incredibly rewarding. It’s creating a real sense of community among crafters. It doesn’t hurt that it’s boosted sales as well.”
“For sure,” I say, nodding. “This isn’t just about the yarn – it’s about getting people together, and teaching them new things. Honestly, Heather, it’s amazing.”
Heather pauses, giving me a thoughtful look. “Actually, Rose, would you be interested in doing a commission? Maybe a painting or drawing of the New Mexico desert at sunset? Something our subscribers could hang up while they work on their shawls –like a mood inspiration. Something that captures the essence of the New Mexico desert using colors similar to the yarn. I’d love to include a postcard of your artwork in each box and feature it in the online tutorial.”
“Are you kidding? Of course, I will!” I grin, clasping her hand in mine. “Heather, I’d be honored to be part of your subscription box.”
“Really?” Heather brightens. “That’s fantastic! And obviously, I’ll pay you for the commission. It will be perfect – your art will inspire the knitters and give you a chance to showcase your talent to a new audience.”
As I look at the freshly dyed skein, ideas start forming in my mind. I can envision a piece that captures the warm glow of the desert sunset, mirroring the colors in Heather’s beautiful yarn. “This is going to be wonderful,” I say, feeling a surge of creative energy. I can’t wait to get started. “I’ll have to do it quickly, but I think I can get you a mockup before the end of the month.”
As we make our way back to the front of the shop, Heather’s rescue dog, a shaggy mutt named Purl, trots over to greet us. I scratch behind her ears, earning an appreciative tail wag.
“So, how are you doing, Rose?” Heather asks, settling back behind the counter. “I feel like I haven’t seen you in ages.”
I sigh, taking a long sip of my wine before responding. “Honestly? I’m exhausted. It’s been nothing but work, work, work lately. I’ve worked hard to build my portfolio and expand my client base, but I feel like I’m burning out.”
Heather nods sympathetically. “You have been pushing yourself hard. Maybe it’s time for a break?”
“That’s just it,” I say, running a hand through my hair. “I think I need more than just a break. I need a change of scenery. This heat, this endless desert… I’m craving something different. Something cool, maybe near the ocean. I haven’t been to the beach since I was a teenager.”
Purl pads over and rests her head on my knee. I smile down at her, grateful for the simple comfort.
“You know,” I continue, my voice taking on a dreamy quality, “Maris Richards’ work has always inspired me. Her watercolorsof the Maine seascape are part of what inspired me to become an artist in the first place. I’ve never even actually seen the Atlantic in person. Maybe it’s time I did.”
Heather’s eyes light up. “Rose, that’s brilliant! You absolutely should take a vacation. You’ve worked so hard on your career; you deserve some fun. And hey, with your job, you can work from anywhere as long as you have good Wi-Fi, right? Why does it have to be in the desert?”
I feel a spark of excitement ignite in my chest. “You’re right. I could go somewhere else for a while, couldn’t I?”
“Absolutely!” Heather exclaims, already reaching for her laptop. “Come on, let’s look at some options right now.”
We huddle around the computer, scrolling through vacation rentals and travel sites. Purl, not wanting to be left out, props her front paws on the counter to peer at the screen.
“Oh, look at this!” Heather suddenly exclaims, pointing at a listing. “It’s a houseboat for rent in a place called Lublin Harbor. And there’s a discount for first-time visitors!”
As I lean closer, Heather reads the details aloud. “Scenic coastal town, guided water-based activities included for a week… Look at all the options you can choose from – fishing charter, kayaking, kiteboarding, sailboat trip, oyster farm tour… Rose, this sounds perfect for you!”
My eyes widen as she scrolls through the list of activities. “Bird watching, lighthouse tours, coastal foraging… oh, and look! The houseboat has all kinds of extra amenities – kayak, paddle board, fishing gear… They even have shipwreck diving – oh shoot, you need to be scuba certified. But look at all these beach activities…”
“It’s like it was made for you,” Heather says with a grin. “What’s the price like?”
My excitement dims slightly as I look at the rates but then brightens again. “You know what? If I work part-time while there, I could afford to stay for the week.”
Heather’s eyes light up with an idea. “Rose, why don’t you stay for two weeks? One week for all these amazing activities, and another just for you to relax and paint? You could use that time to work on the piece for my subscription box and create some new work inspired by the coast.”
I hesitate, considering the idea. “I don’t know, Heather. That seems like a long time to be away…”
“Come on, Rose,” Heather urges, her voice gentle but insistent. “You’ve been working so hard. You deserve a vacation and time to reconnect with your art without any pressure. Think about it – have fun for one week and then a whole extra week with nothing to do but paint and explore at your own pace. When was the last time you gave yourself that kind of freedom?”
I bite my lip, torn between practicality and the allure of what Heather’s suggesting. “It does sound amazing…”
