Two years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
It came as an absolute shock, and obviously, at the most inopportune time for my new business.
My baby had just turned one, and so had Piece Love Soul. We were rocking and rolling, and then cancer came in like a freight train.
Immediately, I had to cancel business appearances. I had to find friends to go to a few events I still wanted to keep on the calendar.
The following year (2024), after active treatment, I tried to get back in the swing of things -- even adding a couple of new puzzles.
But, it was clear to me that I did not have the energy I had before. Side effects from chemotherapy, surgery, 30 rounds of radiation and now endocrine therapy continue to drag on.
Juggling everything as a solo mom is hard on the best days, but cancer made it nearly insurmountable.
I'm doing the best I can, but I've decided that I will not be adding additional puzzles -- or even thinking about finding new artists -- for the foreseeable future.
The inventory I have is the inventory I have, and that's that -- for now. Some of you in our puzzle family knew I was dealing with cancer, and I so appreciate your kindness and discretion.
As we enter the holiday season, I've discounted all puzzles by half. Grab puzzles for yourself, your friends, and your kids' teachers. We could all use a little bit of puzzle art on our walls!
If you reached the end of this message, you're a trooper. Thank you for reading! And, as always, thank you for supporting Piece Love Soul.
And, also, please, please, please for the love of all things: Pay attention to your body. If something doesn't "feel" right, go get it checked out.
Your life could depend on it.