Abby here...and man, does it feel good to write those two words again! It feels like it's been forever since I've really sat down and blogged like this....so long that I actually forgot how blogger works...oops.
Anyways, I am super excited to be posting on the American Duchess blog for the first time! So, for my first post, Lauren and I thought that it would be a good idea to (re) introduce myself to ya'll. So here we go...
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I'm not usually this serious... |
If you had told me a few years ago that I would be sitting here, writing this blog, living in Reno, NV (seriously), and working at AD & RV I probably would have looked at you like you were completely mental...but here I am, and I am beyond thrilled to be here. If you've ever read my blog, Stay-ing Alive (warning, it's very GIF heavy at the top...my bad) then you know that I've been a scholar and maker of Historic Dress, with an overwhelming focus in the last quarter of the 18th century. I have an MLitt in Decorative Arts & Design History from the University of Glasgow, Scotland that was focused in Dress History (my dissertation was on stays), and I've spent the past 5 years working for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation - the last 3.5 years specifically as the Apprentice Milliner & Mantua-Maker at the Margaret Hunter Millinery Shop.
I'm not gonna lie, when this whole idea of working for American Duchess/Royal Vintage came about, it was a very difficult decision to make - to leave Colonial Williamsburg & my apprenticeship unfinished....I'm not a quitter - I wasn't raised that way, but I also knew that working with Lauren would be a life changing opportunity and something that I would regret if I passed up this "once in a lifetime" chance. The Swede (my husband) also pointed out when we were discussing whether or not this was something I should do, that I didn't want to end up like Walter White in Breaking Bad....
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no really...that's what he said... |
And seeing as how that life path wasn't really on my list of things to do, but understanding that his joke was actually quite profound, we made the leap! My mother, her best friend, and I have spent the last week driving across the country to Reno, NV, getting settled in, and causing mischief and mayhem in Virginia City...
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Yep...that's me...in a barrel...what I am wearing under the barrel was the most embarrassing...:D |
Until next time...
<3 <3
Abby
Abby
Welcome to Nevada Abby! When you've settled in a bit, I highly recommend nagging Lauren to take you to the Marjorie Russell Textile Museum in Carson City (I live just down the street)It is a wonderful tour and resource.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Miss B
Flying VS Farm
Yes! I've already told Abby all about it and we are definitely going to give Jan a call and see some cool stuff. :-) --Lauren
DeleteI'm so excited for you! You really got a dream job!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Richard!:) Hope you're well!
DeleteYay! So neat! :)
ReplyDelete:D
DeleteYou need to have another podcast soon. There is a question in the queue already.
ReplyDeleteBAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA - <3 it
DeleteYou need to have another podcast soon. There is a question in the queue already.
ReplyDeleteWow, how cool!
ReplyDeleteYeah! :)
DeleteCongratulations to you Abby and Lauren! What a wonderful new adventure you are going to have! I am so excited for you!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Gina
Thank you, Gina! We're super excited too! We're already having a blast!!
DeleteCongratulations on your exciting new path, Abby! And congrats to Lauren on the growth of your fabulous companies! Here's to your success!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteCongratulations! And welcome to Nevada!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm really enjoying it so far!
DeleteCongratulations! You two will make an awesome team, I'm sure! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sanna! We're inclined to agree with you. :)
DeleteCongratulations! Sounds like greatest mischief and fabulousness to come. Can't wait! ;)
ReplyDeleteOh yes! All the mischief & all the fab! :)
DeleteWelcome into your new life Abby!
ReplyDeleteDear Abby,
ReplyDeleteWell, for Pete's sake! Can understand it being a tough decision -- Williamsburg is amazing in so many ways -- but glory be, what a super opportunity. It has been so neat watching American Duchess take off these past short years, and looks from this vantage point like you all are in a sweet spot for soaring. Looking forward to your sly, wacky humor and news about super new offerings!
Very best,
Natalie in KY