What I Did On My Summer Vacation Part 1

It has been so long since my last post, and I have done so much that I feel like I am in school writing the dreaded summer vacation essay. I did update a little about being in Wisconsin but wanted to show you all the fun we had.

The trip up by train was interesting to say the least. The train ended up sitting on the tracks for hours at various spots. I will say that the seats were comfortable and had tons of leg room. This is very important to me as I am 6'2. There was a car with glass sides and comfortable chairs and tables. I had packed food knowing that food on trains leaves much to be desired. I also could roam up and down the hallway without bothering people. One of the things I hate about traveling is feeling stuck in my seat.

The Chicago bus station is very large and cacaphonous. There was a very nice railway worker at the end of the platform giving directions. Without her, I would probably have been wandering around for hours. She pointed me to where I could get caffeine and find a bathroom.  I luckily got into Chicago in the nick of time to catch the bus to Madison. I had missed my original bus and didn't want to wait around for another 3 hours to catch the next one.

Arriving at the bus stop a bit dazed and confused from traveling all night, it was heaven to see my friend Anne's smiling face waiting for me. We hugged and had a good squeeze. I miss her so much. She had become one of the few people I got to know well in Cleveland and is a kindred spirit through and through.

We had never really had any good pictures together so I had her husband take a series on one of the last nights I was there. I laughed so hard as I was downloading them. I used the app A Beautiful Mess to create the collage. 

Madison is a couple of hours outside of Anne's town Viroqua. The drive was lovely. I hadn't realized that Wisconsin had hills and mountains.  

We finally made it to the house. There were flowers blooming and puppies at the door waiting to greet me. 

Matthias and Anne in front of their cute house.

The first night we chilled, ate, and watched some Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Always fun. I stayed in the basement. It was like a little apartment with my own bathroom and TV. Matthias is a Mac guru guy and has Apple TV. I could play stuff from my iPod on their TV. It was like magic to me. Anne had put flowers around and made me feel at home.

I don't remember the order of things we did. There was a lot of hanging out in the garden. I slept a lot. To the point where one day poor Matthias thought I might be dead. Never underestimate my ability to sleep. 

The first thing we did was go to Anne's parents farm. We went there several times to eat, wander the garden, and visit the chickens.

The farmhouse and front gardens. 

When we first arrived it was a bit gloomy. The weather turned sunny and we explored the wildlife a bit. I love frogs and there were many different kinds hopping around. Anne caught some for me to see. 

We also paid a visit to her mom's chickens. 

The rooster is the one with the crazy hair. I forgot what kind of chicken he is. He was definitely large and in charge of his ladies. He had a loud voice and liked to announce himself often. I was a little scared like I usually am around animals but got through it ok. 

The golden chicken you see Anne's mom Sharon holding was the only one I touched. If I remember correctly her name is Lady. Her feathers were so incredibly soft to touch and the gleamed in the sunlight. She was a very pretty chicken.

The girls preferred to sit on the nest more than running around. They had a large area to move around in with a wild bit of tall grass that the rooster liked to hide in. 

What I enjoyed the most was just relaxing outside and wandering about. The farm is set up a bit from its surrounding and every view was beautiful.

We also did some shopping at great secondhand stores. I got some shirts and scarves. In once place, there was this bit of brussels lace that I bought. I want to try adding it to a blouse or fancy jammies. 

One day we went for a drive. There are lots of little towns around. We went along the Mississippi and across it to Iowa for lunch.

We had lunch literally hanging over the river. You can kind of see the restaurant in the last photo. The barge you also see in the last picture stopped for lunch as well. We saw it pull up to the other shore and stop. When we left, we saw a rowboat with the same name tied up to the landing. It was funny to think of the sailors stopping for a quick bite.

I didn't get any pictures of it, but we drove through a nature reserve to get across the Mississippi. It was strange to see that the area looked similar to the Mississippi area in Louisiana. The trees and marshy bits made me feel like I was back down south.

On my last night we went out to the farm for dinner, fireworks, and Peepfest 2014. 

We let off brightly colored smoke bombs and sparklers and ate roasted Peeps. I love roasted Peeps. They remind me of crème brulée. Crunchy sugar coating with sweet filling. It was a nice way to end the trip.

The time went by quickly. We didn't craft nearly as much as expected. We did get some time in helping me learn to use watercolors and playing with Sculpey. 

The family minus Jerome the cat who was probably sleeping in his chair in Anne's studio.

These guys are awesome. I hope I can go back soon.

Stay tuned for the next installment. 

Fabric Swap Finished Product

Hello all.

It has been a while since I have posted anything. After returning from vacation, life got very crazy. I left my job. My mom and sister both had stints in the hospital. And we are madly preparing for some german friends to visit.

The deadline for this project was today. Yesterday I made myself work hard to get it done. I had just finished hand stitching the hem, when I got an email from the blogger organizing the swap extending the date. Oh well. I am glad it is done. I can send off the pictures and the link and start working on my next project. I am participating in a huge yarn bomb next Friday. There will definitely be pictures of that when it is done.

I posted previously about my plans for the project. I received some great bits of blues and greens with with yellows mixed in. I added a couple of blues for balance. This is my first piece work, so don't look to closely.

You can see the different fabrics in this picture. I substituted the plain yoke for a pieced one. I think it turned out very cute. 

 This is a full picture of the product. My sister and nephew think it looks like an apron. It does have a pinafore look about it. I like it actually. I am thinking of adding some pockets to make it more useful.

What do you think?

A little help from my friends

The only mistake you can make is not asking for help. 
-Sandeep Jauhar

Hello all.

It has been a while since I have posted a good long post.  I am still working on the post about my Wisconsin trip for Wednesday. This is a slightly different one than the normal updates.

I have started a gofundme campaign to allow me to spend some devoted time to Renegade Lily. I explained what I need and what it is for in my message there but I will repeat it here too. 

I made a goal for myself this year to open an Etsy shop and start a blog to share my journey into craftiness and have accomplished it. The stumbling block I am running into now is having time to invest in making product to sell and putting my stuff out there more at art fairs and galleries. What I need is a month or two to work steadily, get out to galleries, and sign up for some fairs. Basically I am asking for some good old fashioned patronage from my friends and relations. My living expenses are at a minimum living with my sister. I just need a little to squeak by, pay for entrance and table fees for fairs, and what ever few supplies that I might need as I work. The timing is right to do it now. Lynne, the sister I live with, is having surgery in September. I had already planned to take most of the month off to help her recover. This way I can work on my crafts for 2 months and then be there for her. In October I will start the new job search. At that point my shop should be full and I’ll have some fairs planned.

Here is the link to my page.

http://www.gofundme.com/avifzw

I figured it doesn't hurt to ask. I would appreciate any help I can get.

Thanks

Danielle

Coming to an end.

My vacation is coming to an end. I am sitting on Anne's parents porch petting the puppies and rocking on the swing. It has been so nice and relaxing. 

I have lots of photos and stories to share when I get back to my desktop.

I hope you all are having fun summer days.

Vacation, all I ever wanted. Vacation, had to get away.

Hello all.


Another Wednesday has come. Actually, because I am nocturnal, it is technically Thursday, but let's not dwell on that.

I am still trying to get everything done. I have done quite a bit of sewing. I finished another project.

It is hard to see because of the sun, but it is a fluffy sleeveless shirt in a cute birdie print. It was fun to make and really fun to wear.

I really hope I can get all the sewing that I want done by the time I go on my vacation. I am feeling a little less stressed. I sent off a box of heavy stuff today. Got my suitcase out of the closet. I am almost done with some gift projects. I cleaned my room. Most of my laundry is done. I have a list of things I need to procure before I leave. All in all, I am doing alright.

I can't wait to relax. It has been a long time since I did some traveling. I feel sometimes that my life has become so confined these past few years.

When I was younger, I loved to move about. When I first got my car, I would go on long drives. Just get out and look around at things for the change. I can't do that anymore. My car is old and on its last legs. The few friends I have left in town live on the west side of the city. It seems so hard to get there that I may as well still live in Louisiana.

I go this short distance between work and home. Everything I do is between those two places. This is starting to wear on me. I am starting to feel like a caged animal.

So I guess this trip is coming at a good time. I love to travel. As Anne Shirley would say, there is such scope for the imagination in traveling. I love that transient feeling I get when I don't really belong to where I am. It frees me up to be different. I can evaluate my life differently and sometimes more objectively because I am currently not the me I usually am.

I also like meeting new people. As anyone who knows me knows, I can talk to just about anyone about everything. I will get your life story out of you before I am done with you and tell you mine. People are so interesting sometimes. Travel puts you in the path of different people who have different experiences. People whom you might never meet in your day to day life.

All this just to say I am excited to be traveling a bit. I need a change of scenery.

I don't know if I'll be able to post anything for the next two weeks. But there will be many pictures and much story telling when I get back.

Have a great week and try to get out there and see what's new.

Last week was not a good one. I was in a bad funk and couldn't get out of it. I am doing better now. Back on the horse. There is much to be done and so little time in which to do it.

A couple of fun things happening this month.

I am participating in a fabric scrap exchange arranged by a lovely blogger The Teacup Incident.

http://theteacupincident.typepad.com/the-teacup-incident/2014/05/the-fabulous-scrap-fabric-swap.html

I just sent of my scraps and can't wait to see what I get. Here are some pictures of my package.

I haven't been doing much jewelry making now. I have been trying to sew up some new summer clothes before I go on vacation.

I made up two really simple shirts. One is already worn and in the hamper. I finished one tonight which is why I am posting so late. I took a selfie in it because everyone else is asleep. It is horrible but it is what it is.

This one my sister called my Lucy shirt as in I Love Lucy. I have to agree. I think it would cute with a belt. Going to have to look into making one.

My next project is to make this.

I am going to make it long and were a cute T shirt underneath with leggings or something. I want to use the scraps I am getting from the exchange to make some cute appliqués or patch pockets. I'll have to see what I get.

I have other projects planned if I can get to them. Some dresses, skirts, and a couple different tops.

I am heading to Wisconsin soon to see some friends of mine, Anne and Matthias. The live in the country. I'll be going on walks, working on Anne's parents farm, playing with the puppies and hanging out with cool chickens. Plus there will be good food and good talk. Anne and I have planned enough crafting to keep us plenty busy. I can't wait.

I leave in 12 days and still have to gather things, pack, and figure out how to change from the train to the bus in Chicago. Arrgh!

Ok, I need to get back to sewing.

See you next week.

When nothing goes right, go left.

I have been feeling out of sorts and dead tired this last week. I keep working myself up into a frenzy about all the stuff I have/want to do so that I am too strung out to get anything done. I then proceed to sleep for 10-24hrs and wake up feeling guilty for wasting so much time sleeping.  One would think that in all my 37 years I would have learned better by now, but one would be incorrect.

This phrase has been with me for years as I struggle to keep things in balance. For those of you who know the song, I know is it kind of cheese ball but it helps to sing it. If you are unfamiliar with the song, take a minute and find it on you tube. It is a lovely old gospely song that is fun to sing at the top of your lungs in your car or when cleaning the house.

So that is what I am trying to do now. Find balance one day at a time.



My Etsy shop is no longer barren. Come check out the fun new bracelets that I made. I want to make a few more by the end of May. I have been ordering beads like crazy and go to Joann's and Michaels every week trolling for new stuff. Here is the link to my shop.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/RenegadeLily


I still want to start making more of my own beads too. I took some books out of the library on polymer clay and read them at night before bed. Sometimes it is hard going to sleep because I want to try all the cool things they have talked about in the books. My two favorite so far are:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7476977-the-complete-book-of-polymer-clay

and

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17659891-the-polymer-clay-artist-s-guide

They are very practical and explain techniques in a step by step manner. Lots of pictures for the visual leaner. And some beautiful inspirational project photos too.

I also started reading this book:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18210768-the-lost-art-of-dress?from_search=true

It is a history of what the author calls the "dress doctors" of America. What fascinates me is how these women used the principles of art and applied it to dress. I am in the section where she discusses proportion and color balance. I have been reading about these same rules or guidelines in other books about color and painting. I never really had a vocabulary for describing what I find appealing about certain clothes or styles that I have worn, but these ladies sure do. I am now analyzing all my clothes to see if they would approve.

Last few things to wrap up this post.

It has been sunny and nice here for a couple of days and my sister as been tirelessly working on fixing up the backyard/pool area. It is beginning to look so nice. I'll post pics when it is all done. It will be fantastic to sit out there relaxing after a swim on those hot summer days. I tell you this because I made her take a picture of me outside with this new purse she got me from her homeschooling convention.

You can kind of see the flowers around me. I love this new bag. It is handmade by someone in Swaziland. Her first name is Lindwe. You can go to the website and find out about the person who made your bag. How cool is that? Here is the website. http://timbalicrafts.org It obvious a women made it because it has good deep pockets on the inside and outside. I recommend checking them out.

While I was outside waiting for her to be ready to take the picture, I happened to look down at the new hose she bought.

It has ladybugs on it! I have never seen something so picking cute. It totally made me get out of my crabby mood.

I think I am going to call it quits for this week. I think I have covered all that is happening in Lily land. Have a good week and remember one day at a time.

Coming to terms with calling myself an artist

Two weeks ago, I stopped at the gallery in the mall that displays the beautiful glass things I posted about earlier. I wanted to find out who were the artists who made the ones in the window. I told the women I had posted them on my blog and wanted to give credit to the artists. (I can't find the little piece of paper I wrote the info down on. As soon as I do, I'll update the earlier post.) She asked what kind of blog I had. I had to stop for a moment and think about how to respond. I ended up saying this.

My blog is about me working through my own creativity and my exploration of different mediums. It also is about what inspires me and pushes me further.

This sounded good. This sounded like I know what I am doing. I felt like a fraud saying it. I wanted it to be true. I left the gallery in a hurry lest she ask me for a card. She would find out I am not really that cool and am just a big fake.

The next day at work I had a great moment. An older lady came up to the counter looking for a book called Art and Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/187633.Art_and_Fear

We started talking about creativity and art. I asked her if she had ever read The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp. One of my all time favorite books about how to live.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/254799.The_Creative_Habit?ac=1

She then asked me if I was an artist. I sort of made a babbling humming noise until I finally sucked in a breath and released a yes. She was so funny. She said there you go. You just have to admit it to yourself and move on. They way she said it reminded me of the way people talk about addictions. The first step to getting help is to admit you have a problem. Hello my name is Danielle and I am an artist. 

Maybe this way of thinking actually got through to me. At least it helped me realize that being an artist or a creative person isn't some sort of pretense. It is a part of me. So now I am going to be owning it. I am getting much better talking myself up to people when they ask about my jewelry and other things.

When in doubt, consult Julie Andrews.

Otherwise I am just trying to make some more bracelets. The lady who bought all my other ones might want some more. And my Etsy shop is still barren. I asked for some time off next week and hope to get a lot done on those days. I have been working my day job more than usual for the past couple months. It is hard to get any crafting done.

Here is a sneak peek at what I am working on now.

Have a good week. And thanks again for stopping by. Comments are always appreciated. Let me know what you think.

Day late.

Hi all. Yesterday was a yucky day for me so I am just getting to posting now.

I may not have been feeling physically well, but it was a good day for Renegade Lily. My thoughtful sister passed around my cards to the people in her office. One of the ladies checked my stuff out on Etsy and said she wanted to buy what ever I had. This is awesome and amazing and many other adjectives.

Now my little shop is barren. I am going to try to furiously make up some new things.  Some of the bracelets that were sold I don't even have a picture of because I never got around to taking them. Note to self: even if they are poorly lit, take pictures as soon as something is done.

I had this long post started about being an artist and all this other stuff, but it seemed more important to share the news of my big sale. I will finish it and share it on Saturday. I will have gone to the career counselor person too. I am interested to hear what she says and if there is any hope for me to become self-sustaining again. Maybe I'll have something to share about that too.

A little eye candy to leave you with. It is a Chihuly instillation at the hospital where my doctor has his office.

I had walked past it on my way to get a blood test at the lab. It didn't register until I was leaving. I stopped and stared at it for a while. What an amazing sight to see in a place most people don't really like to go. I thought about being a patient here and being uplifted by this beauty. I was uplifted in a way only unexpected beauty makes me.

See you all later.

Hello everyone.

This week's blog is going to be short and sweet.

I made my first sale. Yay! My Aunt bought my Flapper Girl bracelet. She seems to be happy with it.

I am hard at work making more things for the shop. I have 2 bracelets waiting to be photographed and 2 that are in the final stages. I want to finish them and take pictures tomorrow. It has been gray and rainy here so the light hasn't been great.

Here is a sneak peek at what I am working on now.

I'll post again when the shop is updated.

Hope the week is going well for you all.

Hello.

I hope you all got a chance to visit the shop. I am working away at my items to add. I had fun doing the photo shoot for the listings. It seemed so silly draping fabric and arranging everything. I think the pictures came out well. I got to use my sister's fancy schmancy camera which really helped. Hopefully I'll get some more time on Saturday to photograph the things I am making now and get them listed.

Another aspect of setting up the shop that was surprisingly fun was coming up with names and descriptions for the things. I hope to make customers giggle or smile at the crazy descriptions.  I still need to work on pricing and policies. I put some things together just to get started. I'll post any updates on the blog and on Facebook.

Today I got my business cards in. 

I am completely freaked and excited. I think they look fabulous but feel weird about having them. It seems kind of phony. Like all this isn't really something to take seriously. I doubt that anyone would be interested in what I am doing and in my stuff. It is very hard for me to shake those feelings off. But I continue. I am going to see this through. I am going to tell the Negative Nellie part of me to shut the frack up and keep on.

Otherwise, things are much the same. I made an appointment with a career counselor at the local public library system. I am interested to see what they have to offer. I am really really ready to move on with my life. 

It is finally starting to be Spring here. I even got a chance to repot my house plants.

Both of them were very root bound. I hope they survive the transfer. The calla lily is very droopy too. I hope having some more room will perk it up a bit. The geranium is a monster. I may need to get a bigger pot before the summer ends. It is going to turn into a bush. I love it. 

I love the smell of geraniums. I worked for a greenhouse one summer during college. Every once in a while I had to trim and clean up the geraniums that lined an entire section. I loved doing this job. I would be sweaty and completely covered in dirt at the end, but smelled like geraniums. I learned that geraniums have a thick sap inside. It smells wonderful and makes a lovely glue for dirt to plaster itself all over. Just writing about this, I can almost smell the green sweetness and earthiness of the greenhouse. That was a fun job.

I hope you all had a good Easter or Passover. And that Spring is bringing sunshine and greenery.

I am going to try to finish some more things and go to sleep.

See you all next Wednesday.

The shop is finally open!

I hope you all are having a good weekend.

Just a quick note to announce that I got the Etsy shop up and running. If you have a minute, come see what you think.

Here is the link to the shop.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/RenegadeLily

It's Wednesday again. It seems like the days are just blurring together. I feel sometimes like I am trapped in my own version of that Groundhog Day movie. Repeating the same actions over and over again and not really getting anywhere. It's making me crazy.

I did manage to complete two bracelets. I finished the one I call Hearts-a-lot and created a new one.  I am not sure what to call it. It is very pretty and it just came together. I wanted to be able to have you all go to the Etsy shop to see them but it still isn't ready.

 I have been looking at some books on how to start a shop and have become a little overwhelmed. There are policies to set and all kinds of other things to think about. My goal is to have it up by Saturday. I want to finish a couple more things. I also need to take some photos. Everybody has such pretty photos in their shops. I need to come up with a good idea to make my things look pretty.

I did have a lovely surprise come in the mail this week.  My friend Anne has a blog. http://www.mygiantstrawberry.com Every year she has a handmade joy exchange. This is my second year participating.

I forgot to take pictures before I sent my package off, but luckily I made something very similar for another friend.

I made a fun little bracelet.

And then I made a little box to put it in.

I also made a card with my favorite stamp.

So that is what I sent. I hope the person likes it.

I received yesterday my package. I was so excited.

It was from a lovely Italian girl who lives in England. She sent me a cute little pouch with some MaltEaster bunnies. Yummy.

She also sent a nice note and a cute bookmark.

This is her shop. http://en.dawanda.com/shop/laubao

When I get things up and running on Etsy, I'll post again.

I hope spring is coming your way soon. I know I am hoping for some warmth and sun.

This past week has been rough. I still don't have the hang of this whole living thing.

As you will have noticed by now the blog has a new look. I think it is amazing.

On to more crafty things.

I got some new beads in for bracelets I am making.

I have one I am making that I call Hearts-a-lot. I had found many different kinds of silver hearts but nothing colorful. I found these on Etsy.

I thought they looked like candy. They are so colorful, shiny and round.

I wanted to make some special Shrinky Dink beads. So I came up with this idea.

 I think this bracelet might be a little bit 80's when it is all done.

I  am making an Easter bracelet too. I finally got the beads I ordered.

Little chick, bunnies and eggs. Along with the carrot beads I made before I think this bracelet will be cute. I also wanted to create some special Shrinky Dink beads for this one too.

I think they are pretty cute. 

So that is what is going on in my world. No great philosophical breakthroughs. No great artistic exploration. Just me inching forward. 

See you all next week. 

I just couldn't wait

The logo is ready.

I am still playing around with the blog design. I am still figuring out al this graphic stuff.

I really am in love with my logo. I want to get a tattoo of it! Heehee!

Now I really have to get the Etsy shop open.

See you all again on Wednesday.

I forgot to post about the amazing designer.

http://www.emmacatarino.com

https://www.facebook.com/EmmaCatarinoDesigns

Check out her stuff.

Creative Craziness

 I almost forgot that it was Wednesday. I just sat down after doing some errands trying to gather my thoughts and realized it was post day.

 This week has flown by. I am still working more than usual. Currently I am sitting at a desk covered in beads, empty soda cans, library books, letter journals I am trying to send to friends and other various detritus of this past week. I have a pile of ironing and bottles of paint I recently bought covering my sewing table to the right of me. To the left, on a small TV tray, I have more beads, library books, my box of Sculpey stuff, and some folded laundry piles. There is also a laundry basket on the floor underneath and folded piles behind me on the bed. I left to go do the errands with my sister in the middle of folding.  

 My bedding is in the washer because I felt the need to throw it in the wash. A decision I am regretting now because I'll have to make my bed before I can go to sleep. I am too ashamed to show an actual photos. Believe me when I tell you that my room looks like an I Spy book.

Kind of like this.

 Last night, after I got home from work, I tried to make my own easter egg beads out of this air dry clay I found at Michael's. There will be no pictures of these either because it was a complete failure. The stuff was so sticky it ended up all over my hands. I couldn't form a good egg shape to save my life. It was a fiasco. So there went half the night.

 I spent the rest of the night laying out beads for two charm bracelets I am making for a friend who is leaving and for this homemade exchange I am participating in. I'll post about it when it is over because I don't want to ruin the surprise for the people getting my stuff. The might read my blog.

 I love and hate doing the layout part. It takes forever for me to decide what beads to choose. I usually buy a few special beads for the recipient of the bracelet and then comb through my supply. I can't go near beads without wanting to buy them. I now have some web sites bookmarked that sell all kinds of awesome beads. And then there is Etsy... I have favorited so many bead suppliers and have a cartload of beads awaiting purchase. So there are quite a few beads to choose from.

One of my favorite sites for some off the wall choices is Goody Beads. Check them out. 
http://www.goodybeads.com

This is one of my favorite.

 Then I spend hours rearranging the beads to achieve the right balance and color combo. This can be fun but often becomes frustrating if I can't make it work. I probably agonize a bit too much about it. This is supposed to be fun, right? 

 I finally got the layout for the two bracelets done. I hope that the ladies getting them will like them. I am excited about giving them out. I hope that when people wear my things they feel the happiness it gives me to make something for them. I think about the person looking at the various things and smiling.  

 Now all I need to do is put them together and hang them on the chain. I got these little boxes to put the bracelets in. I am still contemplating exactly how I want to decorate them. Oh, the possibilities.

I still have a long list of things I need to do after I finish these. And now I just volunteered to make seven pairs of earrings for my sister. Oh lord, have mercy on my pitiful soul. I am insane. I like this insanity though. It is creative insanity.

 Next week the blog may look different. I just got the color proofs from the graphic designer. They are so wonderful. Maybe I'll have everything in time to update the blog. If not, then it will be coming soon.

Have a great week. I hope spring is coming soon to all. Go outside and smell the air. Feel the sun. Look at all the green starting to show.

Like pouring molasses in January

I have been struggling with some extreme fatigue these past few weeks.  I don't know if it is stress or the weather or what.  I pretty much sleep whenever I am not working. This means I am not getting a lot of crafting done. I get so frustrated when I mentally want to do things but physically I just can't. 

I am calling the doctor to get my thyroid checked again and am going to commit myself to the green smoothies which always give me energy. I am also trying to give myself a break and let myself sleep. I think sometimes we push ourselves so hard and try to do everything that we end up fried and depleted. 

My life as a Grad student had me in a perpetual state of panic. Always something to read, to write, to grade when I was teaching. There was always the looming qualifying exams, the dissertation, or the need to be publishing and presenting. I could never catch my breath. 

There were also financial concerns that kept gnawing at me. Living below poverty all the while piling on more student loans and seeing the job prospects grow smaller and smaller left me in a state of continual panic.

On top of this was the feeling of not being right. Feeling like what I was doing was going against my grain. Near the end I started calling this period of my life a Jonah moment. For those of you unfamiliar with the bible stories, Jonah was called by God to go somewhere. Well Jonah decided to say heck, no and beat it in the opposite direction. On the way, his fellow shipmates blamed the horrid storm they were stuck in on Jonah's disobedience. They chucked him overboard and he was swallowed by a whale/large fish. Jonah sat and stewed in the fish until he agreed to go where God directed him.

Back to what I was feeling. I felt like Jonah because I was stuck in an uncomfortable spot because I was doing the wrong thing. Unlike Jonah I had no idea what I was supposed to be doing. I guess I am still searching for my path. Part of my path searching is listening to my body more. Hence the sleeping more and giving myself more breaks. All the push push pushing has led me nowhere. What if I just let go and see what happens? Follow instincts instead of the shoulds? 

So here I am, trying to put my creativity on the forefront. Writing things down for all the world to see even though I cringe every time I release a post in case it is badly written or just ridiculously self centered.  But I am here. Doing it. 

After all this seriousness I want to post some fun things.


Lynne went to Falling Water with her goddaughter this weekend and brought this back for me. The wheels of my mind are spinning like crazy trying to come up with some cool ideas to do with it.

I also worked on creating some beads for a vegetable garden themed bracelet.

Last but not least, I need some opinions on what is the best way to use these cute heart bead frames I found. Here are the two options.

The top one would be more charm bracelet like. I have a couple different heart beads on the way. The bottom one would be like a chain link of the hearts together. 

What do you think?

As always thanks for reading. 

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Hello Everyone.

Last week and this I have been working more hours than usual. It has been seriously getting in the way of my crafting time. I have made some progress in finishing some merchandise. I finally had a breakthrough on a project I have been working on for months. I found the cutest little display rack for my earrings. Many good things that have made me happy.

I have been discouraged with my day job. I think I need to move on from there and find something new. Our library system has a great job counseling program. I am going to check it out and see if they can help. In the meantime, I have been trying to find ways to make lemonade out of the lemons of my situation.

I realized today that I enjoy walking from my parking spot to the store. I have to park rather far away and it seems like a bother most of the time. But there are a couple of things I have noticed that I really enjoy seeing. In the cold I walk through the mall to get to the store. There are lots of posh boutiques and galleries. The one gallery always has interesting things in their window. Their new display has these beautiful glass pieces.

There isn't any info on the artist but I find them beautiful.

This month they have also had some pieces out in the mall on display. I laughed out loud the first time I saw them and wished for the money to buy some for my sister's yard.

They are just so goofy and colorful. I smile each time I pass them. There is info on the artists who make these. Check out the website here.
http://www.borowski-studio.com/index.php?article_id=286&clang=1


The other thing that has kept me going is thinking about summer coming. I ordered a new bathing suit in preparation of the pool opening. And I have started a bike fund.

I love riding a bike but my old one is no longer. I saw some really cool new cruisers at a bike shop in Cleveland. I am pledging to put at least $10 a week until summer comes. I hope to have enough to get one of those beauties. I glued the lid on, so the only way to get the money is to break the jar. I tend to give in to temptation and instant gratification. I told my family I would except donations. My nephew gave me some of his change. That is a big deal for him. I thanked him and gave him a kiss. (Much to his chagrin.)

I just received an email today about the logo. The proofs are awesome. I am going to have a really hard time picking one.

Until next Wednesday. Thanks for reading. I wish you all to find little things that make happy in your days.