Hosting my last events

As many of you know I love hosting events.  They bring me considerable creative and personal joy. But I'm also finding they are not making me as happy as they used to.  There are a few reasons, hosting even a small event requires attention to details and lots of planning... things I enjoy. But trying to balance all of that and then to have such low numbers actually show makes my efforts feel in vain.  I spend months planning, carving, planting and pulling together small diverse details so that everyone has what they enjoy at my events.  Most of those that do attend - while they might grumble at some of the things - tend to go away feeling like they've had a good time.  It also requires lots of time doing something I alone enjoy.  Ashley is moving to NYC in a few days- so the one family member that would do any boxing with me is leaving.  So it makes me think it's time to do something different with my time.
Like everything in life - things ebb and flow... so it is with me and events.  My discouragement at having lower attendance at my events year after year has helped make the decision easier and not having my planting partner aided in my decision as well.  It's time for me to find things to do with Christopher - and change the path I have been traveling for a while now.
So that being said - I have two events left to host, and then yes I will be done.  LLBean has been gracious to offer their store for three great events. A unique way to get inky in the middle of the winter and in the middle of the night.  I'm fortunate to work for a company that relishes in helping to promote activities that support the outdoors and all of the letterboxing values.  We will go out with a bang... and I'm hoping that if you've ever wanted to event an event that goes until wee hours of the morning and pretty much takes over a retail campus - you decide to join us.  It will be worth it.
My final event will be a smaller one... though full of more thought provoking clues than most.  My library event will have your brain working overtime and give what I hope will be a great final event in my history.
One final thing - I know that others host events as well.  The amount of work they all put into them is incredible.  Details to planning, plotting and hours of trying to make an event possible is not something that should be under appreciated.  If you do sign up for someone's event - please go.  And if you cannot - drop yourself from the event and tell the host why.  Planning for 100 when 20 show up is frustrating - and if the trend continues, folks will stop hosting.  Events are an important part of our hobby.  Through them we meet great people who turn into much treasured friends.  So treat them like the extended family that they are and be courteous enough to let them know if you are unable to attend their event - they had planned on your attendance so if you do not show up - it has cost them not only time, but usually money and resources.
This hobby is a joy - it has afforded me opportunities to visit places I wouldn't have gone had it not been for the hobby.  But more important - it has brought me a treasured group of friends that I consider my extended family.  Whether they live in Maine or across the country in Oregon... they are relationships I have built in person or via e-mail that have made this hobby what is important to me.  For that I will always be grateful.