Today was to be a really exciting day for us. For months we’ve been working 7 days a week to prepare for our first showing at Quilt Festival in Cincinnati. We developed what we thought would be a really beautiful and unique booth that would be about encouraging creativity and fun projects rather than just selling fabric and patterns. We hired people to cut fabric for us (about 40-50 bolts per week) and made hundreds of kits. We sewed new samples and found beautiful accessories to style the fabrics and kits. We had some fun aprons made up with our logo on them, had books sent ahead to our hotel, purchased flooring, lighting, shelving, printed new patterns, the van was booked, the quilts made, the boxes packed, the housesitter was arranged. You get the idea.
Then last week Bill developed fevers over 103 and a rash, which turned out to be Strep Throat. Determined to carry on, I was going to go with a friend and save the day. I wanted to meet everyone and was so excited about seeing our booth come to life. Then yesterday I got sick, really sick. Bill and I sat there trying to figure out any way possible to still be able to go. Then I remembered October of 2008 when I went to Quilt Market in Houston with a really bad respiratory infection. I remember driving on the highway pumped full of the medications that my doctor had given me to get through it. I remember thinking at the time, “I shouldn’t be driving. I’m too sick. These drugs have really dulled my senses and reflexes.” I was so disoriented that I couldn’t find my rental car in the hotel garage. It was really bad.
Last night as I struggled to walk up the stairs to brush my teeth before bed, I tried to imagine myself driving a cargo van 5 hrs, unloading it and assembling our 10′ x 20′ booth. “Game over,” I thought. It’s so hard to let go of dreams, especially ones we’ve worked so hard to build. In the big scheme of things, this is nothing compared to what my Japanese friends are dealing with. But given that this is the first time in 12 years that Bill and I have been sick at the same time, we’re just sad facing to be facing the miserable task of undoing months of work and planning. So if you go to Quilt Festival this week and see our empty booth, please know that we had really looked forward to seeing you and talking with you about your projects. Some people tell us that we have inspired them but what they might not realize it that they inspire us too. Ever since we signed the contract to have that booth, our only goal has been to have you walk out of that space excited about the possibilities of some fun new projects. You, us — we would have had a blast.
craftnectar.com 
Feel better, body and soul, Weeks & Bill. (Selfishly, I’m hoping you’ll reschedule for the Houston event)
Get well soon (both of you! I feel your disappointment. I am sure if you do a virtual booth on your blog you would sell those kits…I know I would want one. Just tell yourself everything happens for a reason and so there is a reason you both aren’t there. It sucks, but next year!
I’m hoping that you both feel better soon. On the upside you’re ready early for the next event!
I’m so sorry to hear that you’re not feeling well – imagine – both of you at once! Such a shame after all that work. It’s true that things happen for a reason….and that reason isn’t always clear. Hope you’re feeling better soon – and inspiration will tell you know what to do next…piece.
Get well soon!!! I can imagine your disappointment but your health and safety is so much more important. I’m sure you’ll be able to have a rockin’ booth another time.
So sorry to hear how sick you and Bill have been. I hope you are on the road to feeling better. I agree with Andee, you could sell your kits here. I would certainly be interested in taking a peek at everything! Have a showing at your studio!
You have obviously been working so hard, and it is oh so sad that you are both sick! I feel lucky that you were healthy for Oshkosh! I came home and quilted Party of Four and have now finished the blocks for Crazy. What fun! Too bad the show wasn’t still in Chicago!!!
So sorry :( But I hope you both feel better soon. Strep has been going around in our area too. My daughter and I will be thinking of you when we see your empty booth.
Sometimes these things happen for a reason… movies have been made and books have been written about that! Rest and get well – the worst thing is that we always seem to get sick when we’ve overextended ourselves for a special event.Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Ann.
Weeks and Bill, I am so disappointed for you both. I send you love and good wishes!
Judy
I agree with Linda. Have a showng at your studio! Hope you’re feeling better.
What a bummer! And you were right to stay home. Been there, done that, had Swine Flu last year and it was not pretty. Hope you are both on the mend and Sophie stays well.
Becky
I just returned from Cincinnati – my first time at any quilt show that big- It was wonderful, but would have been even better if your booth had been there. You were missed, for sure. Hope to see you there next year.
One day, somewhere, I hope to see you & your husband & your wonderful creations.
Warm wishes from Dubai !
Get well soon. Wish I could go and stand at that stall for you. I would if I could.
love
K
Oh, that is just lousy. I’m so sorry. I hope you are feeling good now and making plans to take all that inventory to an even bigger and better show!