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.

[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.

[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...

[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!

[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!

[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.

[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*

[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.

[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