My house was broken into last week, while I was in Seattle.

It's the third time.

We're moving. As soon as we can.

But, of course, it's not as simple as that.
It's the feeling unsafe when we're home, worried when we're gone.
It's never feeling really home-y.
It's knowing how much we love this house, how much it symbolized (my first studio! Our first not-apartment!) and how we've lost all that fondness.
It's the wondering if they're watching us or if they know us or if if if.

It's not knowing how we're going to afford everything involved in moving (deposits, rent, getting all the utilities turned on, moving truck).
It's feeling like someone else (some very bad, very violating person) is dictating the timing of this big decision.

I considered not writing about it.
It feels personal. And raw. And scary.
But my goal with this space is to share my own experience in crafting a business. And that means sharing these unpleasant aspects where “personal” comes crashing into “business” and everything feels like it might crack apart.

Also, this impending move is prompting a bit of a sabbatical, which I'll talk more about tomorrow.

Until then, I'd appreciate words of encouragement, but no you-should-have-alreadys, please.

19 Comments on The recent unpleasantness

  1. Nathan Briggs
    December 13, 2010 at 6:36 pm (13 years ago)

    *cuddles*

  2. Brie Rudy
    December 13, 2010 at 6:40 pm (13 years ago)

    -hug-

    I hate not feeling safe/happy/comfortable in my own space, whether it be because of mortal danger, a messy kitchen, a bad roommate situation, theft, or whatever. It’s the worst feeling I can think of.

    I’m wishing you peace of mind, support, smooth transitions, positive energy, and the best kind of change.

  3. Riin
    December 13, 2010 at 6:46 pm (13 years ago)

    Aw, that sucks. Do you know where you’re moving to? Can you look at a map of crime reports to find safer neighborhoods? I live in a pretty low income neighborhood, and oddly there is very little crime here compared to wealthier neighborhoods. Maybe all the thieves feel there’s nothing worth stealing here. I hope everything works out for you. (hug)

  4. Anonymous
    December 13, 2010 at 6:56 pm (13 years ago)

    Thank you Brie!

  5. Anonymous
    December 13, 2010 at 6:57 pm (13 years ago)

    Haven’t found a place yet!
    Thank you!

  6. Shannon Okey
    December 13, 2010 at 7:05 pm (13 years ago)

    Aaaaghhh. That SUCKS. I am so sorry to hear it! Let me know if I can help in any way — really.

  7. Esther Rodgers
    December 13, 2010 at 7:23 pm (13 years ago)

    Tara..I’m so very sorry, and I feel your pain..
    a couple of years ago my house was also broken into 3 times (by the same people)!! It’s so violating and scary!!
    A Couple of things that helped us begin to feel safe (since we were stuck in a rental house that refused to let us out of the lease without a lawsuit, so we had to STAY for 4 more months ..)
    1- get a safe!! Small fireproof safes are very inexpensive (less than $100). they are big enough to fit your valuables, important papers, extra checkbooks etc that you have in your house. Bolt it to the floor.
    2- Get an alarm system! They are really SO much less expensive than I first thought. you can usually get a deal with installation then it’s usually $35-40 a month.. ours connects us to the police, fire.. I have a keychain with a panic button . We did pay quite a bit extra to have every one of our windows have alarm contacts.. but the basic install is quite affordable. Even in your new house.. an alarm will help make you feel safe about leaving your house. It is also a tax write off for your business.
    3- Rental/Home insurance- you MUST have it! I’m sure you do because of your business, but it’s so important so if it does happen you are at least covered.
    Hang in there..
    xoxo
    Esther

  8. Tricia McKellar
    December 13, 2010 at 7:42 pm (13 years ago)

    Ugh! I’m so sorry Tara 🙁

  9. Kelly Parkinson
    December 13, 2010 at 7:58 pm (13 years ago)

    What a nightmare. I’m so sorry this has happened again. You deserve a place where you can feel safe. You’re in my thoughts.

  10. Dryden
    December 13, 2010 at 8:46 pm (13 years ago)

    Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home. It’s a shame that someone has violated that over and over again. I am sending you guys safe, protective thoughts.

  11. Anonymous
    December 13, 2010 at 9:17 pm (13 years ago)

    Thank you, Dryden, it means so much!

  12. Maryann Devine
    December 13, 2010 at 11:58 pm (13 years ago)

    Oh, Tara, how awful. Sending good vibes for a lovely, safe, home-y home for you.

    xo

  13. Kirsty Hall
    December 14, 2010 at 11:45 am (13 years ago)

    It sucks so much to be burgled, Tara – you do feel very violated and unsafe. I hope you find somewhere better and happier soon.

  14. Sharon Rowland
    December 15, 2010 at 8:25 pm (13 years ago)

    How awful! So sorry to hear this. I hope you are able to find a safer place! I will be thinking about you in this transition.

  15. Goddess Leonie
    December 15, 2010 at 8:58 pm (13 years ago)

    Oh sweetie. Oh sweetie pie. That sucks ginormous donkey balls.
    I love you, angel girl, and you deserve the very best.
    Whatever you need – support, fist-shaking + crankily worded letters (you know I do those brilliantly), brainstorming, loving up…
    I am right here for you.
    I love you so much!!!!

  16. Luna
    December 28, 2010 at 2:36 pm (13 years ago)

    Best of luck to you and as you say, from turmoil, comes new directons. Your new place will be awesome.

  17. Embroidery RAT
    December 29, 2010 at 4:22 am (13 years ago)

    Hi Tara, I’ve found you because you were listed in Kari Chapin’s book titled, “The Handmade Marketplace – How to see your crafts locally, globally, and online. I am loving the book and I have spent all evening exploring your site, reading blogs, and watching video. I’m an embroiderer who is fascinated with stitches and color and fabric. Wondering if the CraftyBiz Kitchen thing might be something I want to join up with??? I have no inventory, no product, no vision, so I am following nudges at this point. I am sorry to hear your house was broken into. That is such a terrible feeling. You feel completely victimized and the loss of privacy and security is just yuck. Thanks and will be checking back in soon. Romy the Embroidery RAT