Monday, September 15, 2008

WINSTON CHURCHILL

There are very few occasions when a quote by Winston Churchill can’t perfectly sum up the situation.

For example, Churchill once said: “However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results.”

I spoke to Christopher Robbin, the CEO of Gibbs Smith, and he said Waterside Cottages is NOT coming out this season -- despite my
“spunky blog campaign."

Churchill also said: “It is a mistake to look too far ahead. Only one link in the chain of destiny can be handled at a time.”

Mr. Robbins feels that after nearly a week of sales meetings with the major book distributors, the economic situation is even worse than he originally anticipated.

Because of this, Gibbs Smith will be postponing 90 percent of the decorating and architecture books that they were originally going to be published this season and next.

He hopes the postponed books will be published within a year.

Gibbs Smith owns the rights to Waterside Cottages for five years. If they do not publish it by 2011, the manuscript is mine again, the photo rights revert to Dan, and we are free to take the book to another publisher.

Churchill said, “We are masters of unsaid words, but slaves of those we let slip out.”

With that in mind, I will leave much unsaid. However, Dan and I want to let everyone know how much we appreciate your support.

And finally, Churchill said: “Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.”

So, I am not 100 percent sure what my next “big project” will be. Future posts may wander far and wide as I explore new inspirations and start new projects.

Since my heart is always happiest at the shore, you can bet there will be more Waterside Decorating ideas, too.

Thanks for supporting me, not only with my book, but by reading, and commenting on, my blog. I hope you’ll stick around.

32 comments:

One Shabby Old House said...

Oh Barbara I know that I only share a small amount of the disappointment you must feel nevertheless I feel it. I took an evening and just went through your blog and I really kept coming back to see some of the beautiful pictures you have taken. You are a true artist. I know that when one door closes another one opens so I am going to pray you have a big FL Lanai size sliding glass door of opportunity open for you.
Sincerly
Becky

Ewa said...

Frustration? Anger? That will pass.
best is to concentrate on new project.
I loved your pick Churchill quotations.
Greetings,
Ewa

Anonymous said...

Oh yes, because that is the answer...to not publish 90 percent of really good books...yep, that is the answer to these crappy times we are facing...why would people want to spend money on books?...HELLO....does anyone truly listen to themselves anymore?
All this crap they are shoveling us has now gone down to the books we read.Hang in there Barbara..and decorating book and magazine readers UNITE!!!!!
Geneen from Calif

Anonymous said...

Well said! Unfortunately it doesn't begin to express the
disappointment we all feel-and even more so yours and Dan's-at Gibbs Smith's decision. But, knowing your resilience and skills no doubt you will only go on to an even bigger and better project.
You do know that we all await your next project with great anticipation and excitement and that we love you.
xoxo
fifi

Anonymous said...

Barbara, I cannot even imagine how disappointed you are, after all your hard work and that of Dan, also. I will continue to visit your blog. I hope you keep it going. My best wishes for your next adventure!

Julie said...

I am so sorry to hear of your book delay...but good things will come and I am sure it will be published soon.

Anonymous said...

How disappointing! I admire your positive attitude and will definitely keep coming by to read what you're doing.
xo,
Lynda

Outi Loimaranta said...

Barbara, I can only guess how you must feel at the news of postponing your book! How wise of you to look beyond this disappointment and to remind us all that dwelling in sadness in not taking anyone anywhere. But I do feel for you! I'm looking forward to your future posts and projects. Take care!

Garden Antqs Vintage said...

Hello, thanks so much for checking on us. We now have electricity, internet and cable all in one day. We are happy!

Vintage Rose Collection said...

Dear Barbara,
I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason, and that reason always turns out bigger and better then you ever could have hoped of..Your best hasn't happened yet, but just begun!
I'm excited about what you next venture will be; your very OWN magazine perhaps?
Love to you,
Jo-Anne

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Barbara, I am also very disappointed! But, I know that it will be published and will be worth the wait.

Now - look at the big wide wonderful world of opportunities in front of you! I can't wait to hear what your next adventure will be.

Sending you big hugs!
Penny

Susie Q said...

Oh heck Barbara! We will all stick to you like glue! I think I could speak for all whp visit you, we LOVE you and your blog. We share your frustration and yes, even your anger. You have every right to BE angry.
I have to wonder if these *suits* ever speak to real people? When economic times take a down turn, people look within and stay at home much more. I for one am always looking for ways to make our little house prettier and more comfortable. I always use my decortaing books as a mini 8getaway8 and was really looking forward to yous. I was already imagining reading it, with a cuppa hot tea, on a blustery Winter day...dreaming about a cottage on the shore.
I can not even imagine how truly disappointed you and Dan must me but we all share in that as well...all of us know how talented you are and consider it a joy, a huge treat, to be able to visit with you here.

I know that something wonderful, something exciting is waiting for you around the corner...

Love,
Sue

Unknown said...

So sad to hear about the unfortunate news, perhaps things will be the ideal conditions for the release of your book in the future and you can have this goal realized.
I did enjoy reading your insights coupled by Winston Churchill's words. Inspite of the discouraging news, it was still and inspiring post to read. Good work!

Barbara said...

I imagine that you have visited Churchills home when you have been in England?

FrenchGardenHouse said...

I agree with Jo-Anne. Having said that, I am so sorry. I know you must be terribly disappointed, and Dan too. I feel for you friend.

I know you will come up with something wonderful, and I'm eagerly awaiting it. It will be fabulous, of that I'm sure.

Keep a stiff upper lip. (since we're going with British quotes)
Love to you,

Lidy

Anonymous said...

So eloquently put as usual Barbara. I have no doubt you will find yourself involved in an even bigger and better project. There are no limits with your incredible talent and creative spirit. You have been my mentor, guidance counselor and part time therapist! I cherish our friendship and know you will succeed at anything you choose to do.~xo

ps: Here are some quotes for Gibbs ("spunky" campaign and all)

my favorite:
The smallest bookstore still contains more ideas of worth than have been presented in the entire history of television. ~Andrew Ross

A good book on your shelf is a friend that turns its back on you and remains a friend. ~Author Unknown

It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it. ~Oscar Wilde

LOVE & HUGS TO YOU BARBARA!~xo

NeereAnDear said...

Hi Barbara...

I too voice the sentiments of all here...

It is a great disappointment to imagine that your hard work will not come to fruition this year...

However... I know that your talent and words of encouragement is neverending and I know that there is a bigger and better project waiting in the wings for you to tackle..

Looking forward to it with much anticipation...

Lots of Hugs to you

JO

Anonymous said...

All in good time Barbara. Just 'be' for now. Everything else will fall into place. I share in your disappointment.
A big hug for you and Dan.
xo Roberta

My Petite Maison said...

Hi Barbara,
I'm sorry to hear your news. There are so many of us that want to purchase the book for ourselves and gifts for our family and friends.

I know I'll stick around and see what your next project will be. Go to the water, and it will speak to your soul ;)

I also looked up a few quotes by Winnie after seeing your post ~ I thought this one was appropriate:
Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential. (And we all are looking to your next piece filled with much potential!). You never disappoint.
xo~Tracie

Gypsy Butterfly said...

Hello Barb, I'm so sorry that this has happened. I do hope your book will be published soon.
Wishing you a pleasant weekend, Lydia

Sandy said...

Barbara,
I am so disappointed to hear your news on the book. I am sure you have something equally as wonderful in your future and I look forward to your blog journey of discovering what that is. Wishing you much success on your new path!

The Old Painted Cottage said...

Dear Barbara, I am so sorry to hear the news. You have such a positive spirit, I know that you won't let this bring you down. Onward and upward..to the next project that is. We'll all be here waiting and supporting you.

oxox
Jennifer

Anonymous said...

Barbara, I loved the way you intertwined Churchill's quotes within your story. Sorry it didn't have the ending that you wanted. Who knows where this will take you? I'm sure it will be good!

Joy

Anonymous said...

Hi Barbara,

Loved the Churchill quotes and your attitude! It's a hard thing, but indeed you are a "Woman of Substance" as I mentioned earlier with a "spunky blog" and many talents. No doubt your pluck will carry you forward in a positive way, of that I am convinced. I'll be awaiting your next announcement of something great that appeared in your life path and will be checking your blog off and on.

Grace to you! Kathryn

Ele at abitofpinkheaven said...

so sad.

Tutti Chic said...

I'm so sorry about the dissapointment for you barbara~Another door will open for sure! :) xo chris

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Barbara, Keep looking forward like you do. You are an inspiration even in disappointment. I know you will only go on to bigger and better projects with your talents and artistry. Still for us your book will remain something to look forward to in the future. Your blog is always a wonderful place to visit and truly a favorite.
Thank you for what you give to the community.
Blessings always!
hugs, Celestina
la rea rose

shabbyfufu said...

Very frustrating indeed Barb, I feel for you. Don't worry, those who support and love you will stick around for your next big accomplishment. Cheers and hugs, Janet

*The Beautiful Life* said...

Hi Barbara,
You've given us all great insight into the inner-workings of an industry that maybe few of us felt would also be so closely affected by this latest economic downturn. Oh they just simply can't take even our beauty away from us! Someone has to keep turning out the beautiful "escapes" (books), as many will undoubtedly want to turn to their pages when they can no longer afford the actual trip to the waterside...visiting there by way of the printed page (which will now not be printed afterall...). Well Barbara, perhaps our Winston would have just said "No matter, my dear girl -- its off the shore for a cuppa tea anyway. Now off you go."
Perhaps its times like these that make us appreciate the "real" scenery around us, vs. that which we can purchase? Enjoy the scenery around you -- whatever it may be. :)
--Ruth

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear that. I wish you the best in whatever endeavors you pursue in the meantime!

~ Jennifer

One Shabby Old House said...

Just stopped by to say hello.
After ready your post I did some research on my family history. Like you I find the past so intriguing.
I look forward to your next post.
Becky

Unknown said...

Hi Barbara, I am so very sorry to hear about the postponement of your book release. I have the second volume of my Design Directory series in the pipeline right now with GS scheduled for release in Fall of 09' It's currently being scanned and edited and I haven't heard anything about it being postponed yet (knock on wood) but I also haven't had my new proposal for a third book green lighted either.

It is a bitter price we have to pay for our countries over indulgences! I will send out good thoughts and wishes that they resume their regular printing schedule soon. In the meantime stay strong and look for other avenues to showcase your considerable talents. I know how disappointed you must be. Writing a book is like giving birth to a child and to never see it come to fruition is a terrible shame. I admire your positive attitude and I know that good things will come from this painful situation.

All My Best Wishes,
Jackie Von Tobel