At Least It Ended On A High Note

[teddy_radiator]

Well, the day arrived. The Hubs and I announced to the world that as of Saturday, April 9th, we would close the Tea Room permanently. As of that date, the Victoria Tea Room is no more.

I am terribly sad, but philosophical. We honestly tried our damdest to keep it going, and friends rallied around in all sorts of wonderful ways. We are a little overwhelmed with all the stuff we have to do to clear out the building, but we have given ourselves a week to do it. At the end of that week, we will be having a huge 'Yard Sale' at the shop and try to sell as much as we absolutely can. Please keep fingers and toes crossed for us.

Our largest shop fitting was bought today, so that takes a little pressure off us for the short term. Our personal household expenses aren't too big, so we don't have to search for high powered jobs to keep us afloat. Wish us luck.

At the end of a very dismal week, I received a package from the amazing tally1302 . It was something she'd told me to be on the lookout for, and it was for my writing wall. Aside from the fact that the envelope was covered in beautiful stamps from South Africa, it contained two originals, and this was the one that made me literally gasp, and the Hubs to say, "That is Incredible!":

Are those not the most haunted eyes you have ever seen? It is labeled, Lay Me Low, and I believe it's from the chapter where Severus walks with Hermione through the shell of her parents' burned-out home, and they grieve together. It just tears a hole in me, it's so beautiful. I am so looking forward to finding a lovely matt and frame for this. She also included a lovely little sketch of Hermione throwing herself in a surprised Severus' arms. It is adorable, and is also going up on the wall. To know that something I wrote inspired something this beautiful is so humbling. First Sempra, then Taffy. I have three originals, all done for me, and they are the treasures of my heart.

Friends remind you that there is lots to look forward to in life. Thank you, Taffy, for reminding me that darkness and dawn are soulmates and you can't have one without the other. It really helped put the sad events of the day in perspective, and gave me hope for tomorrow, when we start the dreary process of informing everyone and dusting off our resumes.

Finally, because laurielover1912 did it and was so outraged that her ideal mate was Voldemort, I had to try it. It also helped take some of the sting out of the day. As if there was any doubt:

Who is your Harry Potter Mate Your Result: Severus Snape   You like your mate with a dry wit and a sharp tounge. You do not mind the emotional baggage that comes with him. You may have to drag him kicking and screaming from the potion lab, but once his love is given, it will never waiver.
Lord Voldemort
Remus Lupin
Ronald Weasley
Lucius Malfoy
Draco Malfoy
Harry Potter
Albus Dumbledore
Who is your Harry Potter Mate Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

Comments

[shiv5468.livejournal.com]

Good luck. I'm sorry that things didn't work out well for you.

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

Thank you - friends make it easier to bear.

[irishredlass.livejournal.com]

Ahh honey so sad to hear. I know this is a decision you have been struggling with for sometime. I hope now the decision is made your mind may be eased if not your heart.

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

Eloquently and perfected said, as always, Irish. Thank you for your comforting words.

[irishredlass.livejournal.com]

{{hugs}}

[sandlappershell.livejournal.com]

So sorry to hear about the Tea Room. Just remember, everything happens for a reason whether or not we like the way it turns out. Something better is always on the horizon! Hugs to you and yours and if you need anything...let us know!

[justpinkpastel.livejournal.com]

I am so sorry to hear about the Tea Room. Everything will work out with you and the Hubs. I know it doesn't make the decision any easier, but you have to do what is right for you and him right now. I am sending good and kind thoughts your way.

That drawing is absolutely stunning. She did an amazing job on it. I can completely see where it fits in with the story.

And yay on the results of the quiz! I'm glad the picture and the quiz were able to cheer you up a little.

Hopefully the transition will be easier than you expect and the road a little less bumpy...

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

Thank you, Karen, for your comfort and kindness and support - you're a lovely, giving friend.

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Shell. I feel the warmth and concern of my friends, and it is a balm to my spirit.

[mimimanderly.livejournal.com]

Severus Snape is apparently a closet Mormon with all these wives turning up -- yes, of course, me too. Was there ever any doubt? I might, however, take the test a little more seriously if they didn't misspell 'tongue' and use 'waiver' (a legal document) instead of waver (become unsteady or unreliable). Yes, I AM Picky McSmartass tonight!

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

McSmartass? Is that the new "I'm Lovin' It" range from McDonalds?

[mimimanderly.livejournal.com]

Just don't ask them to super-size it....

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

I'm lookin' in the mirror - it looks like they already did....

I'm never gonna get one over on you - you're too quick for me, Mimi darling!

[darklotus1211.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry to hear about the tea room.

As they say, as one door closes, another opens... and who knows what opportunities this may leave you with the ability and freedom to investigate? I'm hoping there will be many, many positive, interesting ones.

The timing for your friend's lovely present couldn't have been better, and the drawing is beautiful.

I got Severus in the quiz, too.

[droxy.livejournal.com]

Hugs you!

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much for your comforting, encouraging words. It's tough. I just updated our website by cutting out all the information except that we will be closing. For some reason, that act alone made my heart ache very much.

We are trying to be positive, but we know we have to go through the grieving process as well. Having good, caring friends both here and in the real world makes a world of difference.

I thought the drawing was just incredible. It still brings tears to my eyes every time I see it.

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Droxy. Snape hugs are very welcome right now...

[alabastard.livejournal.com]

It's sad that the tea room didn't work out, but there may be something even mire fabulous just around the bend.

[juniperus.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry that things didn't work out as you'd both hoped--but I do hope that in a year's time you both see that the journey has taken you somewhere marvelous, despite the disappointment. <3

[tally1302.livejournal.com]

Am so glad you like it and that it came on a day when it could cheer you up :) Yes you are exactly right, that is the scene that it was based on! I had to include the other little sketch because this one was just so sad. But I remember you said something about how emotionally sad art inspired you (referring to the deleted scene from HBP), and I'm all about feeding the muse.

I am sorry to hear about your tearoom, but hopefully there is something equally exciting and enthralling on the horizon just waiting for its chance to happen.

[laurielover1912.livejournal.com]

So sorry to hear the news. I am sure it is a very very sad and soul-searching time for you, but time will pass and time will heal and bring new opportunities.

In the meantime, and in all seriousness, fandom, writing and LJ do help and comfort and we are all here for you ...as is Severus, according to your result- you lucky girl!

[tonksinger.livejournal.com]

*huge hugs* So sorry to hear about the Tea Room. I hope future opportunities make you just as happy as the Tea Room did.

[talesofsnape.livejournal.com]

Just hugs! I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that something just right comes along for you both.

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

Thanks, tales! We have lots of hugs and love coming our way and we feel it.

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

Thank you, hun, we appreciate everyone's support so very much. It means the world to us.

[m-mcgonagall-65.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry you have to close your store. I'll be thinking of you as you try to get things sold and your financials in order. *hugs*

Wow! What a beautiful drawing!

[clairvoyant.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry to hear about the closing of the tea room. Your realistic attitude will keep you going through tough times, however. Keep your chin up while you take your next steps down the path of life.

*hugs*

[ayerf.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry about the tea room closing. Fingers crossed for you.

[alwaysimploding.livejournal.com]

I´m so sorry! At least the decision is made now so you´ll both be able to look forward.

*hugs*

[quaffswinegaily.livejournal.com]

Shutting the tea room may be hard, but it would be harder still to carry on with a venture that is not working for you, letting it grind down you and the business. Making the difficult decision is really tough, but allows everyone, including your staff, to move on to something else. I hope you come through the rough times to an easier place in the near future.

[aurette.livejournal.com]

Well, that is a suck ass day. Lovely artses don't make it all better, but they do help. Yes?

*hugs*

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

Art and love and support from friends always helps. Thank you, Aurette. Your wondrous talents have lifted me up more than once during this ordeal.

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

I've always been told that a lady knows when to leave a party, and we are leaving with our heads high, surrounded by friends and loved ones who have supported and bolstered our courage, and who are stopping by in droves wishing us luck.

We are a small little place, but we made an impact on people, and leave behind a legacy we can be proud of, and we made the most amazing friends through it. I would not be here, had I not met my best friend through the shop, who turned me on to fanfic, which inspired me to write my own, etc. Everything I am to this point was touched by our shop, and I will always be greatful for it. Thank you for your kind words of support.

[andyissadangel.livejournal.com]

Sorr to hear that you'll be shutting down. I really hoped that you'll be able to survive this damn crisis.

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

Absolutely! I said in another reply - I met my best friend because she and her husband came to the shop, and she turned me onto fanfic, which inspired me to write my own, which enabled me to come here to LJ and meet everyone here. Just one of soooo many examples of how this place opened doors for us. I am saddened more than anything by the thought that we will no longer be associated with it anymore.

But it was a wonderful dream that we made come true for 2 1/2 years, and I wouldn't take a moment away from it, and I don't regret a thing. It was our dream, and we made it a reality.

Like the song says, I could have missed the pain, but I would have had to sit out on the dance, and the dance was wonderful while it lasted.

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

Tally, bless you so much. I am just so humbled and grateful for friends like you. The Hubs and I are two fortunate people who had the chance to make our dream a reality, and we are grieving, but we are just thankful we had the opportunity to make it happen, and we did it right, and we are so proud of it.

You are such a talented artist, and I will treasure your drawings for the rest of my life. I look to the future knowing we are surrounded by those who care about us and if good wishes and love and support count for anything, we are rich indeed.

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

Thank you, Laurie! The friendships I have made here are strong and I feel them from all over the world, and it is an uplifting feeling. I am sad, and we are grieving, but we are also proud of what we accomplished, and we know we did it right, just not perhaps in the right place or time. We will take all the positives from this and proceed, knowing our friends are there for us no matter what.

And you're right - reading and writing has been my sanity saver more than once during this time, and will continue to be. I have a lovely, sweet Muse who is always comforting and petting on me, and he helps more than I can say.

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much, Tonksie. All the support and encouragement here has been a balm to the spirit.

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

Thanks, professor. We feel very sad, but also very supported and loved, and we hope to find new jobs and get on with our lives. The support here has been so comforting, and we feel everyone's encouragement and good wishes. Believe me, it helps.

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

Thank you, Clair. We know we will have to grieve, but we know we have done everything we could do, and we can close knowing we gave it all the love and dedication we could, and it's time to move on. I was so afraid I'd feel like a failure if we had to shut down, but I don't. I feel like we made a big dream come true, and now we have to move on, and grow. The shop opened a lot of doors for us; now we have to find the right one to walk through for the next stage in our lives.

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much. Friends are love, and love helps more than we can say.

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

Thank you. Yes, once the decision was made, we are now able to grieve, yet we are looking forward now, instead of treading increasingly deep and treacherous waters. It's very sad, and I haven't finished crying over it, but each tear I cry is one less I'll cry later, and we are surrounded by friends and loved ones who care very much about us, and that means the world to me.

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Blue. We will be alright. We are healthy, we don't owe huge debts, we have friends who care. We'll still grieve for the loss of it, but we can move forward now. It's scary, but we know we'll survive, and we will leave behind something we were proud to be a part of.

[dickgloucester.livejournal.com]

*hugs you hard*

I'm sorry this hasn't worked out, but you might find that it turns out to be a splendid new opportunity. You never know.

[beffeysue.livejournal.com]

Oh, teddy. I'm so sorry that the decision had to be made and announced, but I feel in the bottom of my socks that you and Hubs will be led to something else that will bring you happiness.

The art that tally1302 sent you is wonderful and I think it goes perfectly with that chapter in Lay Me Low. It goes straight to my heart.

Take care of yourself and know that I send you lots of hugs and kind thoughts.

XOXOXO
Beffey

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

I feel a peace about it...just trying to help the Hubs, but he's coming to terms...we know there will be grief, but we are looking ahead, and remembering the joys.

Like the song says, our lives are better left to chance, we might have missed the pain, but we'd have had to miss the dance...and we got to dance, and we learned new steps, so we'll just keep on dancing down that yellow brick road...

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

We are proud of what we made, and we had a chance to make our dream into a reality. I don't know what the future holds, but I feel peaceful about it, and I am ready to look forward and see what tomorrow brings. We have been so blessed with support and love, and that makes it loads easier.

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

Well, we are trying to be positive, and just remember that we did what we dreamed, and made our dream come true, and we will look forward and try to make new dreams now.

It will be hard, because our identity is so tied with the shop, but we are strong personalities, and hopefully we will be remembered not only for what we did, but for who we are.

And support and love from friends and family takes a lot of the pain away, I find.

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

Thanks Beffey, you are always a great encourager and I appreciate it so much. We are sad, and have some grieving to do, but we have so many positive things in our lives that I am hoping we can just go from there. I worry about the Hubs, as he is taking it very hard, and I'm a little more peaceful about it than him, but I do know we have made the right decision. I feel relief, to be honest, even though I'm nervous about job hunting.