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!

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!

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.