Exhausted but Happy!

     I am sooo exhausted that I can hardly see straight.  I have been up crocheting until 2am to complete an order.  I am not complaining by any means, just explaining.  I was sharing with a church member that when you ask the Lord for something be prepared for it.  He has a habit of giving it to you in large doses.  And I am thankful for it!!!
      I just put my Christmas Tree up on Friday.  I dont know why I didnt put anything up with yarn!!!  Last year I saw a Christmas Tree and garland displayed in Macy's that was filled only with lights and various colored yarn balls!!!  You know I almost flipped my wig.  lol!
     Just this Saturday I was also in Target and saw ornaments for sale for $5-$6 dollars that were balls of yarn with a snowflake hand embroidered on it.  It was pretty cute, but I have too much yarn at my house to purchase something like that.  But, it makes you think outside of the box. 
     A friend of mine placed a large crochet order for gifts for her son's classmates, her co-workers and his teacher.  I really appreciate her patronizing my shop.  I also appreciate that she thought enough of them to purchase something that was handmade and also made in america!!!  Things like that show that you took the time to be thoughtful in your gift giving. 
     Many times we run to the store to spend lots of money and get caught up in the hustle and bustle instead of being creative!  It is when we sit still and think, pray, meditate, relax. . . . that we hone in on that special gift or think of new and genuine ways to express our love and appreciation for family and friends.
     Dont get caught up in all of the commericals that urge you to spend money that you do or dont have, dont get caught up in trying to compete with someone else, dont get caught up in trying to be something that you arent!  Do you, and if it takes you out of your comfort zone, makes you spend a little more time being thoughtful and creative, it will be well worth it.  You'll be exhausted . . .  but Happy! 
MERRY CHRISTMAS and dont forget that CHRIST is in Christmas! 
                                                                                                                                     Love ya!   

Staying in the Race!

     I am happy, and encouraged! I have seen my etsy website spark to life after a two year dry period.  Dont get me wrong, I have made sales to friends and family off site but not many sales through the website.  I have received alot of activity, views, hearts, etc, but not alot of sales.
     I participated in the Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday sales with a 35% discount.  I posted the sale on my Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/crochetlovepetals) and emailed friends and family to let them know about the discount.  It seemed to have worked!!!  I have been busier than ever!!!  It has sparked a new fire inside of me.
   My sister told me to add new items to my site which are geared towards winter and see how things faire.  So, I made a few scarves and hats and added them.  Voila,  I got a few hearts and then folks started purchasing them and I even have a few custom orders for other items.  Thanks Michelle for those words of wisdom.
     You see, sometimes we get stuck in a rut and continue to do the things we are comfortable with or used to doing.  I had a vision in my mind of what I wanted to make, but Im not sure that I had a feel for what the customer was actually looking for.  So, because I wasnt in tune with them, I wasnt getting any activity. 
     Since I am a stay-at-home/work-from-home Mom, I dont get much interaction with others and hear other view points.  It prompted me to join a new team on Etsy "Etsy Artist of Color" and they have inspired me to network and try new things.  I am excited to see the success of other very gifted and talented artists and to be able to bounce off new ideas and critiques with them.  I am sure they are gonna invigorate me to do more!
     The scripture says : " I have seen something else under the sun:  The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.  Moreover, no man know when his hour will come;"  Ecclesiastes 3:11-12.  So I encourage you and I also encourage myself. . . . stay in the race, be patient, believe and things will eventually work out!  But, you cant just sit and wait. ..  you have to take action. . . you have to run, walk, work, take action!!!  Things will ALWAYS work out for the best!  I love you, smooches!

Is Handmade worth it?

I am a bonafide crochet artist.  I love it!  I live, eat and sleep yarn, needles, stitches, etc..  It is my desire to make something beautiful with hopes that someone, anyone would love it as much as I do and make a purchase.  I get lots of compliments on my work and some inquiries and very few sales.  It doesnt stop me.  Its my passion.  It does discourage me at times.  I see other artists making and selling items hand over fist and wonder why arent my sales going through the roof?

I just read an article on a blog that I saw posted on someone's facebook page.  It was titles, "The cost of handmade."  http://www.somersherwood.com/?p=126  The article was very true.  Most crochet items are one of a kind, uniques, custom and well made.  The price may be a little more expensive but you are talking about materials, experience and custom here!!!  My quibble is that most people want their item as a "pookie" discount.  Honestly, I give away alot of the items I make and mark the prices low because I REALLY want the person to have it.  Most times I walk away only making back what I spent.  Even on my Etsy site. . . Ive marked items low (which makes my items look cheap or not well made) but I find that if I mention a higher price, the little sales I make will disappear.  What can I do??? 

You wouldnt ask the sales rep at Target, Macy's, Bloomingdales, etc to give you a discount unless it was advertised or marked on the ticket.  Why is it that you are so quick to suggest it to a vendor who is out trying to make money off of their hard work and time? 

I dare you to take a chance, help the economy and your local crochet artist or any other artist out there honestly trying to make a living.  What you get will be unique, original, well made and you will get the satisfaction of supporting  someone's business and giving a gift that was thoughtful and made with love.  Try it and let me know what happened!

I say to you that Handmade is DEFINATELY worth it!  Most items are better than store purchased and you wont see someone else in that same item.  Maybe a different color or spin on it but definately not the same. (at least not from my website). But, dont forget to read that article on the blog.  It is a good read with lots of good information.  It will enlighten you.  Have a great day!

Feeling Thankful!

It is the week of Thanksgiving and it seems that most people begin to be very reflectful and thankful!  I am one of those people.  I have things that I can complain about but it wouldnt change a thing.  However, I have too much to be thankful for.  I have a pretty good life!

Im excited today because I just learned that Etsy, the site where my website is hosted, has a new app for the iphone!!! I just downloaded it!!! This is just another tool that I am using to enhance my website and open me up for opportunities to fine tune my business.  I have alot to learn but am very optimistic about my future!

Being sick for those few days gave me the opportunity to reaccess my business, my style, my brand, marketing strategies, etc... However, I did cancel the Pre-Holiday Shopping Boutique & Mixer because of my families illness.  But, I am in the process of re-scheduling and re-vamping it!  We will come back stronger and better.

I am thankful for my beautiful family, my friends, and the talents that the Lord has given me.  Every day that I am alive is another day to continue working, striving, trusting and believing that things will get better.  I would like to show my customers, friends, family and followers how Thankful I am . . . I am offering NO SHIPPING on any purchase until December 26th and 10% off to any and all of my recurring customers. 

This discount will only apply to purchases made through my website.  Delivery options are still available via usps or hand delivery.  I will be distributing raffle tickets for each purchase made and will be raffling a secret item on December 20th!  Good Luck!

So remember. . . . be safe and thankful!  Things might be bad but they could always be worse!  I love you and have a great day!

Too Sick to Crochet!

My hubby got sick last weekend and was down and out! He was laying around on the couch, blowing his nose, taking meds and clicking the remote all weekend. I, on the otherhand, spent that Saturday at the BLISS luncheon and hanging out with my daughters and we both went to church together on Sunday. Also, my new granddaughter had puffy eyes, and a snotty nose. Why did I think I was gonna be immune is a mystery to me!!!

By the middle of the week I began feeling sluggish. I tried to ignore it but it got the best of me by Friday. I have been bed ridden since then!!! I have no voice, I am coughing, feverish, hardly eating or drinking. And, worst of all . . . I HAVE NO DESIRE TO CROCHET!!

Anyone who knows me knows that I crochet morning, noon and night! I always take a bag of yarn and crochet needles with me almost wherever I go and I sit in bed at night crocheting until I can hardly see. However, this is not so this weekend.

I feel horrible, I have been in bed for two days and it doesnt look like things are gonna be any better tomorrow. I am a sickly person. But I dont remember feeling this horrible in a while. Also my middle daughter has been feeling ill and now she is losing her voice also. I have sprayed the house with Lysol and am waiting to see if it will make a difference.

I guess I should be taking a flu shot or whooping cough shot when I get better. I dont want to give the cooties to my grandchildren and I definately dont want to go there again. But, as I lay here thinking of this I guess I am giving my creative side a break for a couple of day. If I wasnt sick I would be crocheting, which I do without a break, and now I have the time to lay and think and visualize something new, beautiful and creative.

The other thing is I wanted to try to learn to knit this year! I learned but I am not as good at it as I want to be. I love how knitted items have a different look and texture than crochet. I want to be as good with knitting as I am with crocheting. Ill keep you posted on my efforts. I know it wont happen before next year, but it will happen!

Well, Im feeling a lil drowsy and I think its time to drink tea or theraflu and go to sleep. Thanks for stopping by. Take some Vitamin C, stay wrapped up and get plenty of rest. I definately dont want you to go through what I am feeling right now! Smooches!

B.L.I.S.S. !

This weekend I had the pleasure of attending a Women's Luncheon that was hosted by B.L.I.S.S. (Black Ladies Inspired by Sisterhood and Success!). This was the first of (hopefully) many events and seminars. I was happy to be a part of it.

It was also my second time as a vendor. I did not get many sales, but, I did get alot of compliments on my work and an opportunity to network and pass out my business cards. I also got experience of packing my items, taking them to the venue, setting up my display and communicating with prospective customers.

Needless to say . . . I worked hard preparing for the luncheon and had lots hopes that I would make sales and great connections. I did not get the sales but I did get the connections. I just dont understand how we as women, it doesnt matter the color, do not support eachother. The attendance was very low and those who were invited but did not attend missed very valuable information. (a view of my vendor's booth at the BLISS Luncheon).

I am also having a Pre-Holiday Shopping Event & Mixer on November 19th. There will be several venders there with various items, handmade greeting cards, Avon, Cookie Lee, Food, Desserts, and more. . . I will post pics and a brief opinion afterwards.

Im working on my people skills. I am very shy and reserved. I need to work on smiling, talking and sharing. These Holiday events will give me an opportunity to brush up on my skills.

Hope you are having a great day! It is freezing cold in Los Angeles. . . I gotta go get a cup of tea! Smooches!

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Feeling a little Thankful!

Hotmail - lovepetals36@hotmail.com - Windows Live

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Birthdays. . . .Halloweens. . . Holidays! Oh My!!

We celebrated 5 birthdays in our family from September 28th to October 28th!! My BFF celebrated her birthday on September 28th, My Hubby on October 1st, My Godson on October 6th, My Daughter turned 30 on October 24th and my Grandson turned 6 on October 28th!! Oh, the celebrations, and money that were shared and spent. I am done!! But, it aint over, Thanksgiving and Christmas are fast approaching!

I am excited to see the Thanksgiving is fast approaching. I am sooo Thankful and although we should be thankful every day, we especially take the time on that day to give thanks to God for his many blessings.

I am also excited to see Christmas! It is (hands down) my favorite holiday! Not because of the gifts but because of the beauty! The lights, trees, and my fav. . . snowmen! I just posted a treasury on Etsy of some beautiful Christmas Items that some of the talented Etsians have in their various shops. I hope you take the time to check them out and while you are at it. . . check out my shop too! http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NjA1MjE2NXwxMDEwMDUxNTM5/ready-for-christmas

I am preparing to be a vendor for a ladies Business Luncheon. This is only my second time vending. I am excited and nervous. I hope and pray that I make good connections and also reach a few customers at the same time. I pray that it is an inspiring time and marks the beginning of a busy but fun holiday season.

I will post pics and insights about the Ladies Luncheon at the beginning of next week. Smooches!

I have been on a crochet frenzy this week. Well, let me correct that . . . for some time. I think it drives my husband crazy. I crochet morning, noon and night. I wake up thinking about a new crochet design and go to be visualizing a new dress, skirt or baby item. My brain is in overload!!!

While on vacation I completed a sundress that I recently added to my etsy website. To my surprise and delight I have a potential client that is considering placing an order for that dress in a longer version! So. . . . here goes my creative wheels again. . . . they are turning!!!

I have noticed that alot of shops on Etsy have patterns for their work. I create the items on my shop out of my head but NEVER actually write them down. So, when I begin to create this item I will write out a pattern and sell them on my shop. I believe that there is more than one way to capitalize on my God-given creative talent.

Writing patterns will be a new venture and require multi-tasking. But, I have needed to write out these patterns for some time now. I am excited and ready to try this and see if it is lucrative or not. Even if it isnt, I still need the patterns for my reference when making an item for my clients. This will help me to be more efficient and timely.

Stay tuned, I am thinking of occasionally posting a FREE pattern for one of my creations. I may also tape crocheting tutorials. I am willing to come out of my shell and comfort zone to realize my dream of designing and creating beautiful crochet clothing and accessories.

Im excited! Have a great day, Smooches!

Vacation Time!

I recently returned from visiting my family in Oklahoma City, Ok. I havent been there in seven (7) years! It was just as I remembered it! As we were driving down the street I could recall different places I had been and homes that various family members lived in. That was crazy!!!

It was great to spend time with my Mom and Sister. I also got to visit my Aunt, Uncles, and my late brothers Mom. I hate that I didnt get to attend the funeral services for my Grandma and Aunty. It was weird visiting and not seeing them. Im surprised that I was able to handle it as well as I did.

My mother now lives in my grandparents house. It will take alot of time to restore it to a "NEW" glory. It is great to have memories, but I am sure that they would want her to make her own memories and live in a safe and sanitary environment. You see, my grandmother was a chain smoker and the house, carpet and walls are filled with smoke. She had the windows nailed shut and covered with paper, tape and furniture. I guess she was kinda parinoid as she got older.

The outside didnt look that bad, but I remember it looking better. I remember the weekend we had to go outside and prune flowers, cut grass, sweep the sidewalks, etc. These are things I love to do now, but hated with a passion when I was younger.

My sister's house was beautiful! My favorite part was her craft room!!! Im soo jealous!!! Between my sister and my friend Gayle, I dont know who I am more jealous of. Their craft rooms are the best!!! I guess I can identify with my sister's craft room the most . . she sews, crochets, is trying to learn to knit, scrapbooks and a few other things. She has accumilated so many supplies and has them so well organized. My dream is to have a room dedicated just to my crafts. Then, and only then, will I not repurchase items that I already have!!! Hint! Hint! (that's for my husband if he is reading this!!!)

I didnt want to go away. I have never taken a trip without my husband or children! EVER! And, I was really missing my new grandaughter, Katie! But, I must say that it was the best time Ive had in a long time! I didnt have anyone I was responsible for. My sister and I stayed up late crocheting, sewing, and learning. She taught me some new tricks for making the linings for my crochet purses, and we remade a fabric sundress that I love! I taught her some crochet stitches, how to make the purses Ive designed, and how to read crochet patterns.

My suggestion to you is . . . . take some time to get away! Even if it is just a weekend. Everyone cant afford to stay away for an entire week. I am thankful that I was able to do it. It was a long time coming and I promise I wont deprive myself like that again! I hope you get a chance to take a vacation. . . if you cant, read a book and imagine that you are in a far-away land. It will revive you and give you inspiration to create, crochet and learn a new trade. Can you see my smile over the internet?!!! Lol!

Better to Give . . . .

I am sooo excited! Today was my first Lovepetals Crochet Giveaway! The winner was Tamiko Jackson. She has been given the choice of three (3) different bags/purses to choose from. She hasnt decided but when she does I will post the decision and maybe a picture of her holding the bag!

I have been reading alot of blogs and sites on Etsy regarding boosting sales and getting more traffic to your website. I am very interested in doing that but I would like to also have fun along the way! I love to crochet and I dont want to lose that love getting caught up in sales and the lack thereof. I believe that when the time is right I will get the sales/recognition that I deserve (or at least believe that I deserve)!

This has been a week of change, discovery, surrender and cheer! I have implemented some changes in my lifestyle, thinking and daily practices. They have freed me, brought me happiness, made me realize that change is good and holding on to anger, self doubt, bitterness and things do not bring you happiness or success. So, my suggestion to those who may read my blog is to open your heart, forgive, give to others, make a needed change, surrender to God and see things change for the better.

"But see first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" Matthew 6:33

Thanks for stopping by and if you dont have anything to give . . . share a smile! Love ya.

Back @ School Treasury on Etsy

#linkshttp://www.etsy.com/treasury/NjA1MjE2NXw2NTQxNjczMjg/back-2-school?index=0

Back 2 School!

Hey Guys, Sorry I havent posted in a few days. Ive been busy and feeling a little down in the weather. But, the good news is that the raffle is still in effect and the winner will be chosen tomorrow!! Yoo Hoo!
This is my last year with a child in High School. My son graduates in June 2012! But, I see all of the parents bustling around purchasing school supplies and preparing their children for the new school year. My oldest daughter and my grandson attended a meet and greet with his new 1st grade teacher. The torch will be passed to her and she will now be purchasing supplies in bulk and helping with homework, going to open house, etc. I will definately miss those days as the P.T.F. President and attending my daughter's trach meets, but we are all now moving on to a new phase in our lives.
Change is good but it definately takes some getting used to. I kinda miss my school days. One day in particular that I remember was in kindergarten on rainy days. I loved being able to stay in class and play games most of the day. I remember feeling really loved and cozy for some reason. The colors and lights reminded me of a warm fireplace. I know that is silly, but it did. :)
As a tribute to school days past and present I have created a treasury on Etsy. Treasuries are groups of beautiful items made by the creative people that have pages on Etsy. There are so many and they are sooo creative. This treasury is an ode to Back to school. Hope you enjoy it and check out some of the pages included. Share the love!
http://http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NjA1MjE2NXw2NTQxNjczMjg/back-2-school?index=0
Have a great day and dont spend too much money on new school clothes and back to school items! Oh, and good luck on the raffle and please tell a friend. You have less than 24 hours! Smooches!

Grannies Gone Wild!!!

If you wouldve asked me last year if I would make something with granny squares I wouldve thought you were crazy. Now . . . it seems that most of the items I make are with granny squares. I think of things in my head while I am sleeping, driving, cooking, etc. It seems that I eat, sleep and drink crochet and most of it is granny!

I was given a photo of a granny square skirt that was in Vogue magazine, created by a major designer and it sold for $1,300! Amazing!!! I made my take on it with a cute frilly ruffle on the bottom. Since then I have seen so many different dresses, skirts, and recently a jacket in the Vogue Knitting magazine September 2011 issue. It seems that being a granny is the new in thing!! Well, I am a granny and have recently become a new granny! My grandaughter, Katie, was born on June 26th and is the cutest thing ever!!! I have one child left and then my job will be complete!!! Yeah right!

I am in the process of switching my thinking from Summer to Fall and Winter. I need inspiration. I guess I need to walk around, go to the mall and hit a few craft fairs. I get my inspiration around creative, crafty people. There are sooo many of them!

Beginning on Monday I will have a raffle for a bag of your choice (hobo or messenger) for anyone who signs up and follows my blog page. I will post the pics of each bag. The raffle will be held on Friday September 2nd. The winner will be notified via email so please be sure to comment with your name and email address.

Give your Granny a call, hug or take her out to lunch. I wish my Granny was still here! Have a great day and Good Luck on the raffle!

Joy and Pain!

I have been going through alot of different emotions during the last two (2) months. I have lost several relatives and close friends and celebrated life through award ceremonies, grad nites, baby showers and upcoming graduations. Im not sure exactly what to feel or what I feel.

On Mother's Day I was awaken by phone call which alerted me that my brother (Ronald Maurice Spears, 47yrs) died very unexpectedly. To this very day I feel the pain in my chest as if it happened yesterday. On May 28th my godmother/surrogate mother (

Georgia Loud, 54 yrs) died of stage four (4) brain cancer. On June 7th my grandmother (Eula B. Sheffield, 87yrs) and on Wednesday, June 8th my aunt (Greshon Baker, 78yrs) died. On each of these dates my middle daughter was either going to prom or having an award ceremony! So . . . I cried for a couple of minutes, sucked it up and put on a happy face.

This past Saturday my oldest daughter had a Baby Shower celebrating my upcoming granddaughter. That same day I attended the funeral of my godmother and missed the funeral (it was out of town) of my aunt. This coming Thursday will be the funeral of my grandmother, which I will miss because I must attend my daughters High School graduation the next day. Whew! Im tired just typing it!!

So. . . I have put my Etsy shop on vacation until I can get past all of the celebrating and grieving and get inspiration to create new and beautiful items for my shop. But, the best thing that I have experience through all of this is the meeting of two new friend on Etsy. I met one Tess @ www.bannerpaperscissors.etsy.com) because I added one of her items to my treasury. We started talking and bonded. She felt compassion for my grief and mailed me a free banner to bring my happy back and make me smile! (which I did). The second person saw my crocheted items and extended an invitation for me to participate in a craft fair. I told her that I was just thinking of giving up and she shared a sermon excerpt with me that spoke about gifts from God and being patient and not giving up. This inspired me because people dont usually share their faith with friends and family let alone a stranger! I have had a few friends throughout the years but these two ladies have encouraged me in ways they will NEVER know! I am sooo grateful.

So I say to you . . . There will always be a ray of sunshine in the midst of a storm. Look to the hills from whence cometh your help, your help comes from the Lord. He will always give you a rainbow at the end of the storm and you will experience JOY while going through PAIN. Be encouraged and look our for new items in my shop in the coming weeks. Also, dont forget to check out my friend Tess' shop on Etsy. (I have included a picture of one of the banners she sent me). If she was sweet enough to be a blessing to me . . . her gifts are heaven sent and she is gifted beyond measure. Share the Love!

God doesnt make mistakes!

Summer is rapidly approaching! With summer comes brightly colored, skimpy clothing. Towards the end of the year I was obsessed with making crocheted purses from granny squares. They are actually very cute and I made alot of sales.

Now my focus has been on halter tops and dresses. They are time consuming but the end result makes me smile. I am currently working on a design but have to purchase more yarn. I went this morning to purchase more and, of course, they didnt have the color I need. I am going to make another run to another store and see if they have it. Right now I have a couple of summer items posted on my etsy site. Ive had alot of views and a couple of hearts but not alot of fan fare. I am trying not to get discouraged. But, Ive been at this for a while with not alot of results.

I am currently making changes to a bikini for my daughter's friend. They actually dont take very long to make. But, I dont have the desire to make them. I have to envision the design and create things as they come to me. Otherwise, they dont turn out very good.

That made me think of God creating the world and each and every one of us. He numbered the very hairs on our head (Matthew 10:30). Once He completed it He looked at it and said "Good!". So, whenever we get discouraged and/or think we arent good enuf (2 Corinthians 12:9). . . remember that we were wonderfully and fearfully made (Psalm 139:13-14)! God doesnt make mistakes. We make the mistakes. We can also change them for the better when we "unravel" our thoughts and ways (kinda like how we unravel yarn to start a project all over again) and ask God to direct us in the correct manner we should approach our lives and thoughts. Ask God to forgive you and He will. He only wants the best for us. Just as we always want to present our best to others. God wants us to be our best so that He can get the glory.

As spring represents new life, and summer represents freedom. . . God also represents those same things. Give Him and chance. . . dont give up, stay committed keep the faith and watch things happen! Remember. . . . God doesn't amke mistakes.

EtsyMom Spotlight - Cobblestoned

I have been trying to post a new blog all week. I had lots of thoughts but no time to express them. I still dont have the time but I have committed myself to post at least once a week. Sooo. . . here goes! I have joined a couple of team on Etsy. For those of you who are not familiar with Etsy it is a site where alot of creative people who make handmade items have websites that you can browse and see their items and even purchase or make a special order if you desire. Today, I would like to spotlight the etsy site of one of my team members today. The shop has really nice jewelry. . . earrings, etc. . . I have seen a few items that I like and plan to purchase soon. My team friend is Kristina Pick and her site is Cobblestone, isnt that cute! :) I urge you to check it out. She has lots of avenues for you to do so. . . you can connect via . . . http://www.cobbledstone.com/, http://www.cobblestoned.etsy.com/, www.facebook.com/cobblestone, www.twitter.com/cobbledstone. I wouldnt suggest someone to you that I didnt think was talented or reputable. I also admire her entreprenural spirit and desire to be a great mom and design such beautiful items. Being a mom alone is hard work add a business and you are already over your head! LOL! So, while you are surfing the web, click on her site and check it out! In addition to my crocheted designs I also do balloons and vinyl, digital, handpainted signs and banners. I am working on a banner for a good friend of mine. Just found out that the store gave me the wrong version of a product I purchased for the banner. Im a little irritated because I have to make a 20-30 min drive to have it replaced. Gas is $4 and Im not smiling!!! So, Ill cut this short. Have a great day and remember to check out that site and share a smile today. Someone may really need it! God Bless.

FEELING SPRINGY!

I cut my grass yesterday and it looks absolutely beautiful, lush and green. I keep looking out of our sliding glass window at my garden. I have noticed that my Iris have grown, my rose bushes are budding new branches and also the weeds have come out in full force!

I thought that I would go out and start weeding today. But, I got lazy and I also got the design bug. Once I start designing a new item I cant stop until it is out of my system. I start creating something with a certain design in mind and then it takes a life of its own! For example. . . it might begin as a sweater and end as a skirt.

So.... currently the item started out as a long pastel striped dress and looks like it will end as a racer back pullover shirt. I will add a picture when it is completed. That may possibly be tomorrow since I am obsessed and am working on it every spare moment of the day! Lol!

As I was typing this and started talking about items beginning as one thing and changing into something else it made me think of humans on this daily walk of life. We start out as children dreaming to be doctors, lawyers, bakers, etc. . . then, as life takes its course our dreams and values change. During this time of recession I find that jobs are lost and adults are returning to school to learn a new trade or to complete their degree to become more competitive in the job market. Im thinking that another change should also be (if you are not currently doing this) is to spend more time praying, reading the Bible and meditating, preparing yourself for the next journey that the Lord is moving you to. The next level!

Change is scary, change is good, and change is inevitable! While spring washes out the old, while we are spring cleaning our homes, make sure we spring clean our lives (thoughts, dreams, actions, talk). Im sure you will be happy with what blooms when the rain dries! So. . . if you are feeling springy. . . make some changes for the better. Im sure you will be glad you did.

"Don't ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God,

and I will be there to help you wherever you go"

Joshua 1:9 (CEV)

New Beginnings!

Yesterday my middle child, Aysia, received her cap and gown for her Senior graduation. I am excited for her! It is the beginning of the rest of her life. But, I am sad for myself. It is hard to let her go. I see her blossoming into this independent young woman (which is what I prepared her to become) but it is hard for me to let her go!

I will be down to one child, my son Myles, who will be graduating next school year. I have waited 18 years (anxiously I may add) for them to leave the nest. Im not so sure if Im ready. It seems it happened overnight. My job title as "Mom" will be demoted. I will no longer see them daily or be able to share physically in their day to day activities, joys or sorrows. I am in transition and I thought I was ready. I am realizing Im not!

Since my job description is changing, I have found myself reinventing myself. I am a certified sign painter, but find that I receive more joy creating crocheted garments and accessories. It seems to consume any empty moment I have. I love it!

I was prom shopping this past weekend and actually saw a crocheted dress in a very high end retail store. It was very costly. It motivated me to create and branch out with my items. I am now striving to have my items placed in boutiques and rent booths at craft fairs and trade shows.

This cute lil teal halter top is one of my new creations. I am designing items that will be great for the summer months. I think it will go great with jeans or a cute mini skirt. I love the frilly ruffle edging it just adds a little whimsy. I think Ill keep designing. Its in my blood, I cant stop.

So. . . while my children are preparing for new beginning, I have joined them. I dont know what the future holds, but I am very excited! I know the road I am traveling can only lead me to the best life that God has prepared for me. Stay tuned! The best is yet to come.