Gratitude

So, I've had some clear messages recently and thought to take a moment to express my gratitude. I'm a quest kind of person... okay, it's late and I'm not sure that's exactly the right word... seeker is maybe more accurate. I'm a seeker. I love learning new things, trying new things, etc.  Also, I crave meaning.  So, I usually have a lot of questions swirling around. That's just normal for me.

Sometimes I get too caught up in a question and it's too consuming and not all that productive. Sometimes a question will be overwhelming or scary and I'll put it in a 'box' and ignore the heck out of it - not all that productive. Most of the time though, I let those questions just whirr (how do you spell that word?) in the background and eventually they are resolved.

Lately, I've been trying not to put things on boxes. As Brene Brown says, I'm trying to lean into the discomfort, lean into vulnerability. So, in wrestling with a question that makes me sweaty and nervous, when I really just want to run, I've been leaning in and trying to find resolution. And by golly, it's arrived. And it really wasn't as scary as it was at first glance. Ha!

Generally, I hate it when people write cryptic crap and then don't explain it. But, some things are just personal. Period. But I also fully understand the power of the written word.  I feel so strongly about this moment that I'm putting gratitude above whatever else is going on.  It's okay. It really is.

Thank you loving universe. Thank you. Thank you for the sweet and loving people who show up at just the right moment to teach me or show me or model something that I really need. Life is a magical and wondrous happening. 

Off topic but not totally... I'd also just like to express my extreme gratitude for being the age I am. I love my 50's.

How are all of you?

Birthday Party

Today my youngest is 21. It's a good day and just a little wistful. 21. Such a momentous occasion. Always on their birthdays, I find myself flipping through the photo albums in my memory of all the years.

He arrived 5 weeks early and has been on the move ever since. He's amazing and wonderful and challenging and smart and it's a pleasure and an achievement to be his mother.

Happy birthday sweetness!

Of Human Tornados and Growth

Yesterday was an interesting day. Work was filled with drama and angst and tension, all of which arrived with and stemmed from one single person.

Thankfully, it wasn't me.

It's disconcerting to watch a human tornado in action. Leaving chaos and confusion in it's wake.

For most of the day, I held myself separate. It's a skill I've been practicing for some time. You know the phrase "in this world but not of the world"?  I've been developing the skill of witnessing, without committing emotional energy.

So yesterday, I was in the chaos, but I was not of the chaos. Until the last 30 minutes of the day, when I let myself swirl around in it. And then it affected my evening, as negativity is wont to do.

Because it did, I realize how much work I have to do. At the same moment, I realize how much work I have done. I mean, I was separate for most of the day. Focused on my own goals and accomplishments, I was aware of, but not involved in the tornado. Each time it approached me, I smiled and moved myself out of the path. This is good to recognize. I feel lighter, happier and accomplished realizing it. Yea!

Turns out I don't begrudge having work to do. This is also growth! There have been times when I'd beat myself up for not being more, better, perfect. Those times are past. I no longer expect or want perfection. Hooray! Hooray! Hooray!

My goal is to be love. In every situation, every relationship and every interaction, my goal is to express love. Which is not to say that I give up my needs or wants to keep the peace. It is not loving myself to constantly give in or not express my feelings or to take verbal abuse from anyone. What I mean here is that there are ways to say what needs to be said without leaving destruction in your wake and that is my goal. Some days I am really good at it. Some days I recognize situations that trigger negative responses and know I have work to do.

I found this quote from Deepak Chopra. It made me think of the number of times I've said "I didn't have a choice". Kind of a cop out isn't it? I didn't have a choice means, I made a choice I don't think you will like or I made a choice that does not live up to my expectations for myself. So, I'm repeating it to myself each morning. Because I always have a choice, I choose Love.

Love is the answer. 
I choose Love.
Love is all you really need. 
Love. 
Love.
Love. 

Look at this!

My favorite husband made this! It's stunning! He makes everything hold together without nails or staples. No really. Reclaimed lumber, too. He is amazing!


He made one for us several years ago that we use as the manger for the 'play safe' nativity set. When our kids were young, they spent time every day of the advent moving the animals or angels around.

Ahhh, memories.

How fun that someone else will be able to make memories with this sweet barn, available at our Etsy Shop!

Big week...

It's been a big week at our house! In and amongst the normal day to day stuff, there were some big events.

Best Hubby and I celebrated #26 with a nice dinner out, just the two of us. It was fun, the food was good and the company outstanding. ♥ that guy!

I sold 4 things, on the same day, at the Galena Vault. Woot! My new business is picking up and I'm very excited at the prospect. More than that, I'm so hap-hap-happy being creative. It's wonderful and I'm filled with gratitude!

We have a new baby in the family. He's sweet and adorable and spent most of the time I was holding him, looking right back at me. LOVE that connection. Babies, brand new, fresh from the presence of God, are a wonder and a treasure.

We also have a high school graduate in the family! We spent hours in the car to celebrate with him and it was good. The look on his face, the appreciation, the excitement, the joy. Oh, so worth it (have I mentioned I don't like long car rides?). I took a pic of him on my phone and said Oh, what a great picture of you... then showed it to him. He shrugged and made non-committal, noises. I said, No, look at this. This is a great picture. Of you! He looked again and smiled ear to ear. Yeah, he said, it is. I love kids. I love when they get an inkling of how great they really are.

This was Washington DC week for the 8th graders in our family. For some it was the longest trip away from Mom & Dad, which of course was harder for the parents than the kids.

Two new homes this week as well. Crazy right! Two different family members found the homes of their dreams and will be moving to them in the next couple of months! One is moving much closer and one a little further away. I, of course, think everyone should live right around me so I can see them whenever I want. Wait, is that selfish? Yes, well, I suppose, but there you have it.

We also lost someone this week. She was 86 and had lived a long life and was loved well and truly by her family. She will be missed and it's a difficult time for those who loved her. Godspeed and God's Peace.

Life is a jumble and comes in a mad rush at times. So much to be grateful for, the beginnings, the endings and all that comes between.

Whew!

MY HUSBAND IS AWESOME!

I said to him last Tuesday that I was basically working two jobs, between my 'regular' job and my new online business and I just couldn't get it all done. I said, I'd like to take 30 days off from cooking.

Without a moment's hesitation, he said "Done." And I haven't cooked or ordered or picked up dinner since.

What a guy! Am I right?

You know how sometimes it takes a little while before you can feel the change? Today, I feel the relief. Today I felt like I had some time, so I've actually posted to my blogs and set up my email to work correctly and written an email to address a situation! I also ordered supplies for my new business, which is going gangbusters! It's a really, really good day.

I'm off now to give that great guy I married a big smooch.

New Dryer rejoicing

We purchased a new dryer, that arrived yesterday. It actually dries clothes. No, I mean it literally dries clothes. If you've ever needed a dryer, not just bought one because you wanted to upgrade or moved, if you've ever actually needed a dryer - you will understand what I'm saying here. The new dryer actually dries clothes.

My husband is a laundry fanatic. He likes doing it. Weird right! How blessed am I that he enjoys doing the laundry!

The new dryer actually dries clothes. And there is much rejoicing.

What's been going on...

Okay, it's been a little while since I've posted, so I thought I'd bring us all up to date. First, I'm displaying some of my wares in a local art and antiques shop... Just for a moment, I need to say, OMG! I'm still a little in shock. In truth, you may want a thing that never seems to materialize, but this is something I've wanted, badly, and it has come to pass. I'm a working artisan. OMG! And I've actually sold things, so... OMG.

This year has been truly amazing! Truly. And it's only April 6th. Can't wait to see what is coming next.

Today I'm putting more things in my etsy shop. I've been coasting on Etsy for a little while, getting things ready for the retail shop, but today that changes. I found these amazing neon Swarovski pearls and created this little beauty. Nothing says summer like neon!

You can view it and more pictures In The Shop!

My oldest son has found a new job and there is much rejoicing in the house! He's been working for a company that quite simply does not appreciate it's employees. It has been very difficult for me to watch the toll it was taking on him. It was more challenging than I acknowledged because when I learned he had a new job, I cried in relief.

Yesterday my favorite husband and I had lunch out, bought a dryer, some craft supplies, and I found a new pair of birkies, for a serious bargain! Cute aren't they! This color is my current obsession. It's the accent color in the kitchen, keeps showing up in the jewelry I make and the clothing I wear, so it was fate they were waiting for me when I went to the store looking for a basket to hold my yarn!

It's been a good and fun weekend, filled with family, friends, new things, old things and love.

Hope yours has been the same!

It may be April 1st, but I'm not foolin'! I'm clapping - join me, won't you :)

Be Bold

This photo came across my fb today. Had to share. To everyone who reads this blog, thank you. Knowing that anyone is visiting gives me a kind of impetus to share that if I thought it were just for me, I might have stopped long ago. Your virtual presence makes a difference in my life! Thank You!

Tomato Soup

Remember the Harvest Soup I made a while back. Well last weekend I wanted some tomato soup to go with grilled cheese. Yes, I'm using food to combat the cold, blustery winter we are experiencing!

Well, my freezer was fresh out of the harvest base I'd packaged from summer, so I made it with canned tomato products. Of course I started out with all the extra veggies from my fridge and the standard, onion, celery, carrot and garlic, which I let saute until soft in a small amount of butter. Once soft, I added a large can of crushed tomatoes, a large can of whole tomatoes and 4 cups of chicken stock. I added two tablespoons of tomato paste and some dried oregano and basil. Once this was warmed through, I whirred it with the stick blender until smooth. I left this to simmer for 15 minutes and tasted. It needed pepper, but I think everything needs pepper, so you decide. I also added heavy cream. I did not measure, but if I were guessing I'd say about 1/2 cup. I added enough to get the classic orange-y red color, but what cream also does is add a level of silkiness to the soup I haven't been able to achieve any other way. (ooo, it sounds like i'm justifying the use of heavy cream... well, i suppose that's because people are so judge-y about food. please feel free to leave out the cream if it offends your eating habits.)

The point of this post is to tell you that even with canned products, the tomato soup turned so great. Much better than canned foot. For very little money, I ended up with enough soup for dinner and two workday lunches. I love a bargain, but it's got to be good or it's not really a bargain in my book. This soup is good.

Try topping with homemade croutons! We had grilled cheese, so no need this time, but every single time I've made homemade croutons, the crowd's gone wild!

Happy Sunday people!

“I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge. That myth is more potent than history. That dreams are more powerful than facts. That hope always triumphs over experience. That laughter is the only cure for grief. And I believe that love is stronger than death.”―Robert Fulghum

Valentine's Day

Yesterday was Valentine's Day. It was a magical day that started the night before when my husband told me that I would be treated to dinner prepared by my husband and oldest son. They planned the menu, shopped and would do all the cooking, AND all the cleaning up.

Usually I lead the charge on Valentine's day. So, this year has been a fun and unexpected surprise. It's proof positive that you always get the thing you need when you need it most. With a busy week at work and trying to finish some orders for my new venture, I was behind on the Valentine's Day preparations. But, with their announcement, suddenly my day opened up and a weight was lifted!

So, I went to work for a couple of hours, then went on an adventure with my son that began with a delicious lunch including guacamole (have I mentioned my obsession?) We wandered around some local antique stores in the afternoon. It was fun and interesting and I found some great pieces. (I'm going to feature a post on a couple of items I purchased later, so you'll just have to wait for that bit of goodness.)

We did a little decorating and then I just lounged (and knitted) while preparations got underway. The snow started again, so there was grilling in a snow shakeup. The food was delicious. The whole day was sweet and wonderful and delicious! And red, red tulips.

Hope your day was filled with what you most needed. (If not, make a list, will ya? [see this post]

The King on Valentine's

Any day that seeks to celebrate love is a winner in my books. I know not everyone feels the same way I do. It's what makes the world an interesting place. How dreadfully boring if we all felt exactly the same about things. 

During our wedding, my sweet husband sang Love Me Tender to me. A big surprise! So I have a soft spot for this song. And it's perfect for Valentine's Day. 

No matter how you feel about "Greeting Card" holidays, hopefully there is some room for the King on any given day!

Love me tender,

Love me sweet,
Never let me go.
You have made my life complete,
And I love you so.

Love me tender,
Love me true,
All my dreams fulfilled.
For my darlin I love you,
And I always will.

Love me tender,
Love me long,
Take me to your heart.
For it's there that I belong,
And well never part.

Love me tender,
Love me dear,
Tell me you are mine.
Ill be yours through all the years,
Till the end of time.

(when at last my dreams come true
Darling this I know
Happiness will follow you
Everywhere you go).

Love is the answer

Well, isn't that the truth! I love Valentine's Day. I've probably mentioned that before. I like to make a fuss for my family. It kind of makes me sad when people say it's a greeting card holiday because they are missing the point. Every holiday and event has a commercial side to it... Think about it. When was the last time a baby was born that didn't involve a baby shower? Birthdays - cake, balloons, presents. The Olympics, the Super Bowl.  Christmas, Halloween.  Everything has a commercial side. The point of Valentine's Day and every event is not what can be purchased. The point is the other people in your life.

For me, Valentine's is just one more way I can show the people I love that they are special. We never go out for Valentine's. I always make dinner - I made heart shaped mini-meatloaf once. I also decorate the kitchen somehow. Hearts dangling from the ceiling is my favorite.

Anyway, love is the answer. It always is. It doesn't require money or fancy gifts, it just requires attention. Some of my very favorite, most treasured things my boys made with their hands and found objects. They are sweet and real and heartfelt.

February always gets me to thinking about how to make Valentine's fun and this morning I woke up thinking about it. I love waking up thinking about love! (hee hee - too many loves? No, can't be that!)

I'm ready to head out into the world today. We've been housebound with another winter blast :-/, but today I'm going out into the world and looking forward to it!

Hope your day is terrific!

First Sale!

Woo! I have a business! My first sale. I'm so excited! I also have an order for three more scarves! I'm totally grateful and super excited. Oh wait, I've said that twice. Well, it must be true then... :)

Birthday Wishes

Two days ago was my husband's birthday. It's been a busy week and I just didn't manage to get the post on time. He's a winner, is my husband. He works hard, is warm hearted, genuinely kind, willing to help anyone and loving! We made a big fuss, had dinner and I stopped by the wonderful place called Just Pies.  If you live in or around Columbus Ohio you may already know. For those who don't, they make the most delicious pies - - okay, truth is I don't really like pie. The only pie I kind of like is Fresh Strawberry, but then I don't eat the crust...  But my husband, he loves the pie! Virtually all pies, any time, all day long. So for his birthday I picked up 5 different little 6" pies and he was and still is, in heaven.

No, I'm not a paid endorser, just a happy customer (which is really the best sort of endorsement, don't cha think!).

Happy Birthday sweet husband of mine. ♥

Puffy Heart Pin

I added this little beauty to the shop this morning. Made to order in a variety of colors. It's a wee little pin 1.5" by 1.25". Great for Valentine's or anytime cause when is a heart not in style!

Comes with a standard pin back with swivel catch. It will securely attach to your coat, hat, scarf, purse... Bookbag... lunch bag... suitcase... Well you get the idea!

Get yours today!  Puffy Heart Pin Link



Couldn't resist including this pic cause my 25 anniversary ring just made it in the corner. The ring says love as much as the hearts do!

Hearts Galore!

A friend with a second grader is planning a Valentine's Day party. I volunteered to make puffy hearts, which you may have noticed, are a favorite Hearts a plenty and Puffy Pins. I have loved hearts my entire life. Not just because of the shape, but because of what they convey. Love really is what it's all about. Love, love, love.

So I made some hearts for my friend and her daughter. It was fun!

There is plenty of time if you want to whip up some of these yourself! This is a pattern I created with inspiration from here. Because I've made these puffy hearts so many times, I've altered the original pattern to suit me and the project at hand. But the bookmark was my original inspiration and I like to give credit.

 “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”  Lao Tzu

Thoughts about selling.

Why would I put handmade things into an Etsy shop? Especially when this blog is filled with things I make. Well, I'll tell you... Sometimes you just want to buy a thing, not make it. Etsy is filled with things, handmade and not. I decided to list some cowls and scarves on a whim really. I want an outlet for my handwork and I'd already had the shop from before. I feel marginally uncomfortable listing items... primarily because I feel vulnerable. As if the value of what I do is determined by whether or not it has been purchased. In my rational mind, I realize that my items a drop in the bucket. There are literally hundreds of thousands of items listed on Etsy. The chance that someone will happen upon my work is small.

So again, why would I list items on Etsy? Well, I think it's great if someone does find my stuff and buys it. But, the real reason I did it is the joy and the hope and excitement and expectation AND because it makes me feel vulnerable. Really. Since reading Daring Greatly, I've been leaning into the discomfort of situations and have found something really great, really delicious every time I've done it. Whenever I feel like it's 'outside my comfort zone', I know it's the time to lean. Don't get me wrong, I'm not always 100% successful with things - in fact sometimes I fall flat. But, being flawless or perfect is not my goal. My goal is to be a better me. I've found out something about myself each time I've pushed into the void and that is great in a way I've yet to find the right words to describe it.

So, selling things on Etsy... Yes I am. I hope someone finds something they like and enjoys the heck right out of it.


This cowl is my own design. It's lovely and slouchy and warm. As we are in the midst of negative temps, warm is welcome here! Check out the shop if you would like to purchase. Check out the shop, even if you don't. I'm a little proud, can you tell?

Blissful Christmas!

It is New Year's Eve, but I wanted to include a brief entry filled with gratitude for this Christmas week. I've been on vacation since the 19th of December and it has been fabulous. We've taken each day as it arrived without expectation and let it unfold. Heaven! Sure there have been things to do, but the freedom and peace to allow each day to just be has been magical.

I was talking to a friend yesterday who asked about our Christmas and blissful rolled right off my tongue. It was really and truly blissful. Quiet, loud, busy, active,  This year I made a point to watch the faces of my kids as they opened gifts. Watching the emotions flicker across...  In those moments, I felt transported through the years, yet totally present in this one. It's the weirdest parental phenomenon, to look at your adult children and yet see them through the ages, like layers in a kaleidoscope. I love being a parent. It's the most challenging and joyous thing I've ever done and especially during this time of year, I am overwhelmingly thankful.

We bookended Christmas with two family gatherings on the Saturday's before and after. So it really has been a Christmas week for us. One for the books. Or rather just one book, the book of Love.