Did I Ever Think I’d Get Here?

Retirement always felt like something far off in the distance, a chapter of life I’d think about “someday.” And yet, here I am—standing at the threshold of a new beginning. It’s both exciting and a little daunting. Who am I beyond my career? What will my days look like without the structure of work? These are questions I’m still figuring out, but I know this: the next chapter is mine to write.

The Transition – Excitement & Challenges

Retirement isn’t just about stopping work—it’s about rediscovering myself. It’s about asking, What now? and realizing that the answer doesn’t have to come all at once. There’s an excitement in the unknown, in piecing together what brings me joy and fulfillment.

One thing I do know? Creativity has always been a part of me, and I’m thrilled to have the time to focus on one of my biggest passions—hand-beadBeadeded jewelry. My brand, Dequa Designs, is something I’ve nurtured for years, but now I have the space to truly invest in it. My first big event in this new phase is coming up—April 26 & 27th at the Lemoyne Chain of Parks in Tallahassee, FL. It’s more than just a show; it’s a statement that this passion of mine is here to stay.

Family, Fur Babies & Slowing Down

One of the greatest blessings of this transition is the time I get to spend with the ones I love. My granddaughter, Liliana, is growing up so fast, and I want to be present for every moment. These next few months, I plan to soak up time with her—swimming, playing, making memories that we’ll both cherish.

And, of course, there’s never a dull moment with my two dogs:

• Ragnar, my gentle Cane Corso giant, and

• Emma, the tiny boss lady who runs the house.

Between family, fur babies, and newfound freedom, my days will be full in the best way possible.

Downsizing & Letting Go

Another big part of this transition has been clearing out the things that no longer serve me—physically and emotionally. Downsizing isn’t just about getting rid of stuff; it’s about making room for what truly matters. Letting go has been freeing, like shedding a weight I didn’t even realize I was carrying. But at the same time, it tugs at the heart—each item holds a memory, a story. I remind myself that memories don’t live in objects; they live in us.

Embracing Change & Moving Forward

I find myself asking, Who am I now? The truth is, I’m still a work in progress. And that’s okay. This next phase of life isn’t about having all the answers right away—it’s about the journey of figuring them out.

To anyone else navigating a big life change—whether it’s retirement, an empty nest, or a new beginning—know this: it’s okay to take your time. You don’t have to have it all figured out today. Just take the next step, and then the next.

Here’s to embracing the unknown, to new passions, and to all the adventures waiting just around the corner.

- Dequa

Life has a way of sweeping us up in its many responsibilities, and before we know it, the things we love to do - like making beaded jewelry - can fall by the wayside. Between work commitments and precious moments spent with family, the creative hobbies that once brought is joy sometimes take a back seat. For me, it was time spent with my beautiful granddaughter, who became the focus of my attention and energy, leaving me with little room for the quiet joy of beading.

But recently, something inside me shifted. I felt that familiar pull to get back to what I love: creating beautiful, unique jewelry with beads, thread, and wire. There’s something so calming and fulfilling about the tactile nature of jewelry-making that I had missed, and it’s been amazing to reconnect with that creative part of myself. Here’s how I’m rediscovering my passion for beading, and why you should consider doing the same if you’ve been away from your craft for a while.

Embracing the Break

When I first took s step back from my beading projects, I felt a sense of guilt-like I was letting my creativity slip away. But mow, I realize that the break was necessary. Life happens, and we need to honor where we are in the moment. Spending time with my granddaughter and focusing on my work gave me a different prespective. Sometimes, our creativity needs time to recharge, just like any other muscle.

Taking a break also gave me a chance to think about my craft in a new way. I’m no longer rushing to finish a project or feeling pressured to come up with new designs. Instead, I’m enjoying the process at a slower pace, savoring every bead, every stitch, every decision. There’s beauty in letting go of the “need” to create, and instead, simply allowing yourself to return to it when it feels right.

Gathering My Materials

The first step to getting back to beading was gathering my supplies and resetting the studio. It had been months, so I pulled out my boxes and dug through my beads, finding old favorites as well as forgotten treasures. The colors, textures, and shapes of the beads instantly brought back memories of projects I had made in the past. It was like reconnecting with old friends.

As I sorted through the beads, I realized that my collection had grown over time. I had accumulated a variety of new materials, tolls, and findings that I hadn’t had a chance to work with yet. There was a sense of excitement in rediscovering these hidden gems - it was like opening a gift from my past self.

Starting Small

After spending some time sorting and organizing, I decided to start with something simple. I didn’t want to dive straight into an intricate necklace or bracelet that might feel overwhelming. Instead, I made a few pairs of earrings. They were small, quick, and satisfying projects that helped me ease back into the creative flow without too much pressure.

I remembered the joy of working with beads in such a mindful way - choosing colors that worked together, experimenting with different patterns, and finding the perfect clasp or ear wire. I was reminded that even the smallest projects can bring a sense of accomplishment and creativity.

Finding Inspiration

Coming back to beading after a break made me more attuned to inspiration. I now find myself looking at the world in a different way, noticing color combinations in nature, patterns in architecture, and textures in everyday life. There’s beauty all around us, and its amazing how quickly it can reignite your creative spark when you allow yourself to slow down and take it all in.

I’ve also discovered new ways to gather inspiration. Pinterest, beading blogs, and online marketplaces are full of incredible designs that have given me ideas for my own work. While I don’t aim to copy designs, I do enjoy taking inspiration from others and putting my own spin on it.

The Healing Power of Creativity

Perhaps the most significant part of returning to beading has been the way it has helped me recharge my spirit. Beading is a meditative process. The repetitive motions of threading beads onto wire or string, the focus required to create a pattern, and the satisfaction of finishing a piece all provide a sense of calm and peace. For someone who has been busy juggling work and family life, returning to this hobby has been a form of self-care. Making jewelry also brings a sense of accomplishment. It’s a way to express my thoughts and feelings. Each piece I create is a reflection of my personality, my mood, and my personal growth.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been away from a creative hobby for a while, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on what it would feel like to return to it. Whether it’s beading, painting, knitting, or any other craft, remember that it’s okay to take breaks. Our creative. outlets are there for us when we’re ready. Embrace the process and allow yourself to rediscover the joy and satisfaction that come with creating something from your heart.

For me, getting back to beading has been a beautiful reminder that creativity is always there waiting for us to return when the time is right. I’m excited to continue making jewelry, not just for myself, but as a way to connect with my granddaughter as she grows and share out love of creating together.

So, grab your beads, take a deep breath, and get back to the craft that makes your heart happy. The beads are waiting for you!