So this blog is going to be about a topic near and dear to my heart that has absolutely nothing to do with beading. I watched the Grammy's tonight and have seen and read several interviews with Adele recently - which has actually resulted in a little bit of a girl crush for me. I have enjoyed Adele's music - but was not a rabid fan, but have been finding that changing lately. I adore her voice, her lyrics - and from what I have seen of late - her persona. She is brutally, painfully honest, grounded, amazingly talented, comfortable with who she is as a person. Which brings me to the topic of this post: body image.
Adele was recently criticized for being "fat" by Karl Lagerfeld of Chanel. She has a voice of the ages - with a soul and resonance that is rare to find in this age of Britney Spears, Justin Beiber and Lady Gaga. Don't get me wrong - they fill their own niche and do it incredibly well. But Adele is different. Her voice reminds me of Etta James, Rosemary Clooney or Ella Fitzgerald. And yet - this amazingly talented and beautiful woman is being called "fat".
I am SO tired of this. I am tired of hearing woman being criticized for their weight. As if their weight gives or takes any value from who they really are. I figure God made me the way He did for a reason. And that is good enough for me. (Crap - just heard Cookie Monster in my head.) I am comfortable with who I am because of that, but I am tired of hearing people either around me or in the media criticize weight. And why is no one ever seemed to be critiqued for being too thin? I HATE seeing bones (with maybe the exception of the collar bone). I don't want to see your ribs. I don't want to see your pelvic bones. I don't want to be able to count the vertebrae in your spine.
I have known several people who have suffered from eating disorders. I hated seeing them go through it. I've dealt with the issues of depression because of my weight. I have given myself the figurative black eye because of my weight. It's time that we as a society stand up and tell the media that this is NOT what we look like, this is NOT what we want, this is NOT fashion.
It's time to tell them that we love ourselves the way that we are - simply because we were made that way. And that makes us beautifully, inherently unique.
And now - I am going to go eat a cookie. Or some ice cream. Or maybe I will just bead. But I will love myself no matter what I decide. =)
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
So far so good
Been a while since I posted and I am happy to report that 2012 is off to a decent start for me. Surprisingly, business has been busier than I expected with several special orders - and the tail end of orders from my holiday shows - keeping my hands busy while I watch tv.
My muse has been working overtime the past few days and as a result, I have laid out plans for 4 new designs. I can hardly wait to get my special orders done so that I can get them all made up. Hopefully I will have enough money left over from my income tax refund after catching up my bills, that I will be able to upgrade my photo software program so I can actually upload some new pictures to my shop! I have many, many more designs in my head just waiting to be laid out, but just don't have enough time in the day to get them all planned and made. Boredom will never be an issue with me. =)
I actually printed a contract today for show on November 17th, 2012. I can hardly believe that I am looking at a show for November already! I hope that I can find some shows to do over the spring and summer though. I love doing warm weather shows but seem to have trouble finding ones that are inside. At some point I would love to have a tent, but I don't see that being in my foreseeable future.
I have decided that I need to find an investor. I need someone to give me about $5000 so that I can buy the aforementioned tent, tables, display items, beads. Of course, part of that money would be for me to live on so that I could take some time off of work to doing some designing and making. =) If you have 5 grand laying around collecting dust, please let me know so that I can take it off your hands for you. I promise I will work really hard. ;-)
I feel like my blog is SO plain without any pictures to add. As much as I hate taking photos, I do love showing off my work.
Have a great night all!
My muse has been working overtime the past few days and as a result, I have laid out plans for 4 new designs. I can hardly wait to get my special orders done so that I can get them all made up. Hopefully I will have enough money left over from my income tax refund after catching up my bills, that I will be able to upgrade my photo software program so I can actually upload some new pictures to my shop! I have many, many more designs in my head just waiting to be laid out, but just don't have enough time in the day to get them all planned and made. Boredom will never be an issue with me. =)
I actually printed a contract today for show on November 17th, 2012. I can hardly believe that I am looking at a show for November already! I hope that I can find some shows to do over the spring and summer though. I love doing warm weather shows but seem to have trouble finding ones that are inside. At some point I would love to have a tent, but I don't see that being in my foreseeable future.
I have decided that I need to find an investor. I need someone to give me about $5000 so that I can buy the aforementioned tent, tables, display items, beads. Of course, part of that money would be for me to live on so that I could take some time off of work to doing some designing and making. =) If you have 5 grand laying around collecting dust, please let me know so that I can take it off your hands for you. I promise I will work really hard. ;-)
I feel like my blog is SO plain without any pictures to add. As much as I hate taking photos, I do love showing off my work.
Have a great night all!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
2011 Wrap Up
Ok -so I am a little early for New Year's, but I will go ahead and wish you a very Merry Christmas and bright and blessed 2012. I hope that it is a happy and prosperous year for us all! I am going to go ahead and give my wrap up for this year while I have the chance. =)
I did quite a few shows in Oct, Nov and Dec - a total of six which is the most I have ever done in that short amount of time. I have had some success with them and have several special orders that I am working my way through at this time. I love doing special orders - and I have figured out that at least 50% of my sales are special orders.
The success that I have had with my shows this fall has really given me a glimpse at the potential and possibilities for my business - and I am really excited at what I am seeing. For 2012, I am going to be looking at the possibilities of a retail environment as well as trying to get into larger shows. This means I will be spending lots of time working on inventory. I guess it is a good thing that I love doing it!
I am also thinking about trying to learn kumihimo. This is a ceremonial form of Japanese braiding that was useed by samurais to create cording for their swards and armor. It can used with or without beads and can use various fibers: silks, satins, wool, cotton, etc. I am always looking to learn something new, so this is an interesting prospect for me as well.
I've been having some photo software issues and hope to get that resolved at the beginning of 2012 (perhaps with income tax money). I may have some help with taking pictures as well (in the form of co-worker), so I am hoping that 2012 will also show a large increase in inventory to my shop. YAY!!!
For all of those you who have supported my business in one form or another - whether it be by buying, whether it be a word of encouragement, whether it be sharing my page or telling someone about me, I thank you from the bottom of my pea-pickin' heart. You make me happy with your encouragement in whatever form it comes. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I did quite a few shows in Oct, Nov and Dec - a total of six which is the most I have ever done in that short amount of time. I have had some success with them and have several special orders that I am working my way through at this time. I love doing special orders - and I have figured out that at least 50% of my sales are special orders.
The success that I have had with my shows this fall has really given me a glimpse at the potential and possibilities for my business - and I am really excited at what I am seeing. For 2012, I am going to be looking at the possibilities of a retail environment as well as trying to get into larger shows. This means I will be spending lots of time working on inventory. I guess it is a good thing that I love doing it!
I am also thinking about trying to learn kumihimo. This is a ceremonial form of Japanese braiding that was useed by samurais to create cording for their swards and armor. It can used with or without beads and can use various fibers: silks, satins, wool, cotton, etc. I am always looking to learn something new, so this is an interesting prospect for me as well.
I've been having some photo software issues and hope to get that resolved at the beginning of 2012 (perhaps with income tax money). I may have some help with taking pictures as well (in the form of co-worker), so I am hoping that 2012 will also show a large increase in inventory to my shop. YAY!!!
For all of those you who have supported my business in one form or another - whether it be by buying, whether it be a word of encouragement, whether it be sharing my page or telling someone about me, I thank you from the bottom of my pea-pickin' heart. You make me happy with your encouragement in whatever form it comes. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Ten Years
I debated on whether or not I was going to blog about the tenth anniversary of Sept 11th. After all, I was not directly impacted by the horrific events of 9/11 - I didn't lose loved ones, or friends, or co-workers, or even a casual acquaintance. But I can tell you that have absolutely no direct connection to those who died on Sept 11, 2001 really didn't matter - my life changed on that day. I had the presence of mind to know that my life would never be the same. How I wasn't sure, but I knew that it would be different.
I had just moved to Columbus out of my Dad's house and was officially on my own. Like NYC, it was a beautiful, gorgeous day there - kind of like it is here today. I was staying at his place to dog-sit as he was in Vegas and due to fly back home that day. My friend, April was staying with me to keep my company as I didn't like staying at his place by myself. April had gotten up before me and she woke me up - we sat and stared in dumb-founded astonishment at the tv. I remember feeling like I was going to hyper-ventilate when I saw the first tower go down. All those people so senselessly, tragically, brutally killed.
Many of you know I wear my heart on my sleeve. I am a crier (which I hate about myself, but have learned to accept). The events that unfolded that day made me sob with grief over the next few days and weeks. I am not a firefighter, or EMT or cop or military - mainly because I am a big chicken. I have often wondered about Flight 93 that went down in Shanksville, PA - would I have been brave enough to try to take back the flight knowing with absolute certainty that I would die? Would I have been willing to give up my own life bravely in order to save countless others? I'd like to think that I am capable of that kind of bravery.
The thing about 9/11 that is so striking is that it was not just an attack on US soil, it really was an attack on the world, with people killed from 115 countries. People from every walk of life, religion, sexual orientation, beliefs, nationality were murdered that day. And then something amazing happened - people came together. They stood in 2-3 hour long lines to donate blood - because like me - so many people felt so helpless and giving blood was the only thing they could do to feel useful. They gave money. They flew the American flag and sang the National Anthem with gusto in the days, weeks, months after the attacks. It was amazing to witness - and I wish that it is something that we could find as a country again. People were kinder and gentler with each other.
So as we remember today, let us not not forget the families left behind, the heroes of the day. Let us remember the kinder, gentler people we became and reflect on the fact that we became stronger, more resolved as a nation (even if it was only for a short time). Let us remember those that gave everything in the hope of helping or saving others.
Let us not forget....
I had just moved to Columbus out of my Dad's house and was officially on my own. Like NYC, it was a beautiful, gorgeous day there - kind of like it is here today. I was staying at his place to dog-sit as he was in Vegas and due to fly back home that day. My friend, April was staying with me to keep my company as I didn't like staying at his place by myself. April had gotten up before me and she woke me up - we sat and stared in dumb-founded astonishment at the tv. I remember feeling like I was going to hyper-ventilate when I saw the first tower go down. All those people so senselessly, tragically, brutally killed.
Many of you know I wear my heart on my sleeve. I am a crier (which I hate about myself, but have learned to accept). The events that unfolded that day made me sob with grief over the next few days and weeks. I am not a firefighter, or EMT or cop or military - mainly because I am a big chicken. I have often wondered about Flight 93 that went down in Shanksville, PA - would I have been brave enough to try to take back the flight knowing with absolute certainty that I would die? Would I have been willing to give up my own life bravely in order to save countless others? I'd like to think that I am capable of that kind of bravery.
The thing about 9/11 that is so striking is that it was not just an attack on US soil, it really was an attack on the world, with people killed from 115 countries. People from every walk of life, religion, sexual orientation, beliefs, nationality were murdered that day. And then something amazing happened - people came together. They stood in 2-3 hour long lines to donate blood - because like me - so many people felt so helpless and giving blood was the only thing they could do to feel useful. They gave money. They flew the American flag and sang the National Anthem with gusto in the days, weeks, months after the attacks. It was amazing to witness - and I wish that it is something that we could find as a country again. People were kinder and gentler with each other.
So as we remember today, let us not not forget the families left behind, the heroes of the day. Let us remember the kinder, gentler people we became and reflect on the fact that we became stronger, more resolved as a nation (even if it was only for a short time). Let us remember those that gave everything in the hope of helping or saving others.
Let us not forget....
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
The business end of things
I was off of work today, so I decided to make good use of my time to get some pictures taken so I can list some items in my shops. It isn't too early to start thinking about Christmas.
That being said, I *hate* this part of the process. I hate taking pictures, I hate editing them, I hate trying to come up with a clever, witty description - or at least one that is clear on what you are actually purchasing. I wish that there was some magical way to have this part of the process taken care of. Perhaps some magical spell ("picture takeus") that would do all the work for me. (I have a vision in my head of something like Molly Weasley's magical knitting needles.) Would someone please invent that for me? (And while you are at it - would it be too much to ask for a transporter from Star Trek? I would love to actually meet some of my virtual friends.Thanks.)
So - I have spent the vast majority of the day today taking pictures, sorting, editing, cropping, writing, measuring and promoting - for 2 brand new listings in my store. For those of you who say "no big deal" - I want to tell you that it takes me anywhere from 45 minutes to one hour to create one listing - that's including everything from taking the picture, to actually hitting the "list" button. I am glad to have some new things to list, so I will just smile and pretend that I like this part of it. =)
I am done editing for the night as I do have a pretty decent headache. But I will have several more items to share with you tomorrow. =)
That being said, I *hate* this part of the process. I hate taking pictures, I hate editing them, I hate trying to come up with a clever, witty description - or at least one that is clear on what you are actually purchasing. I wish that there was some magical way to have this part of the process taken care of. Perhaps some magical spell ("picture takeus") that would do all the work for me. (I have a vision in my head of something like Molly Weasley's magical knitting needles.) Would someone please invent that for me? (And while you are at it - would it be too much to ask for a transporter from Star Trek? I would love to actually meet some of my virtual friends.Thanks.)
I am done editing for the night as I do have a pretty decent headache. But I will have several more items to share with you tomorrow. =)
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Holy cow!
Many of you know that I am a cross-stitcher. I have stitched for many, many years now as my Mom taught me when I was very young. However, in recent years, my stitching has sadly fallen to the wayside in place of beading. I am making an honest effort to correct that now - and although I am not spending as much time stitching as I used too, I have found that I have missed it - and that it is time to make it a regular part of my life again.
So - for the first time in years - I actually have pictures to show you of my current WIP (that's work-in-progress for those of you who don't know). I am doing this as a SAL (stitch-a-long) with my dear friend, Julie. We started this on April 6th - the day before my birthday - and this is what I have done at this time. Julie is doing some crazy-ass rotation where she rotates projects every 2 weeks - and she has approximately 3,000 projects in this rotation. (OK - I was exaggerating a bit there - it's more like 300. Oh - all right - fine. It's really about 20.) Anyways - she currently has about 200 stitches in hers - mine has about 1600 in this picture. I am determined that she will not get ahead of me on this project. Even though she only works on it for 2 weeks at a time - she does not work, so she is able to devote a LOT of time over those 2 weeks to stitching. This design is called Storykeeper by Selena Fenech - and the pattern is made by Heaven and Earth Designs. You can see the project in it's entirety here
Isn't it cool? I am really loving this piece so far as you can really see it coming together already. HAED's get their detail from shading - not backstitch. So there are loads of colors changes, but you can really see the details in the piece already.
I will have another update fairly soon. I've already but in another 400 stitches since I took this picture before I started stitching yesterday.
So what do you think? Do you like it?
So - for the first time in years - I actually have pictures to show you of my current WIP (that's work-in-progress for those of you who don't know). I am doing this as a SAL (stitch-a-long) with my dear friend, Julie. We started this on April 6th - the day before my birthday - and this is what I have done at this time. Julie is doing some crazy-ass rotation where she rotates projects every 2 weeks - and she has approximately 3,000 projects in this rotation. (OK - I was exaggerating a bit there - it's more like 300. Oh - all right - fine. It's really about 20.) Anyways - she currently has about 200 stitches in hers - mine has about 1600 in this picture. I am determined that she will not get ahead of me on this project. Even though she only works on it for 2 weeks at a time - she does not work, so she is able to devote a LOT of time over those 2 weeks to stitching. This design is called Storykeeper by Selena Fenech - and the pattern is made by Heaven and Earth Designs. You can see the project in it's entirety here
I will have another update fairly soon. I've already but in another 400 stitches since I took this picture before I started stitching yesterday.
So what do you think? Do you like it?
Monday, September 5, 2011
It's 3AM and I must be lonely...
Bah - and now I will have that song stuck in my head. Why do I do these things to myself?
Actually - to comment on the title of the post, I am really not lonely. Just awake. Sadly, I have learned that though I have tried - and tried and tried - I will *never* be a morning person. Ever. I love the peace and quiet that night brings. Ansel is hopelessly a morning person. He does not understand how I can stay up half the night and I don't understand why he is so unbearably cheerful in the morning. Really - it is annoying, irritating and downright aggravating. Yesterday morning I got up at around 9:30 to use the bathroom - but I was half-asleep and headed back to bed, because 9:30 is still early to me (yes, yes I know this is sad). I can't remember the entire conversation because well - I was half-asleep but he said something, and I mouthed back - which I am prone to do. He started grumbling - which he does all too well - and said "I could have picked a nice quiet girl over here. 'Yes Ansel. Whatever you say Ansel' but NOOoooo I had to pick the one that was all talky because she was more entertaining. I could have had a nice, quiet peaceful life....but Noooooo." I started laughing - because he is so good at this type of thing.
Actually that brings to mind another story - many of you have heard this one because it is so daggone funny that I tell everyone that will stand still long enough to listen. About a year ago or so - I was putting laundry in the washing machine - Ansel was in clear eye shot of me. He asked me, "What are you doing?" Before I could think about it, I shot back "Vacuuming." He looked at me and said, "I don't know why I put up with you - 5'2" and 5' of you is mouth." Hehehe....
Some of you may wonder what the point of this post is. Really - there is not any reason for it other than I felt like blogging tonight - and sharing a little of myself.
Oh sure - I can tell you about the wonderful show I vended at last night. And how my friend, Jaime's band (Shadow Prophets) kicked some major ass. I could bitch and whine and moan that I had no sales, but then tell you I had a great time anyways. I could tell you how I banged my head until I gave myself a headache while rocking out to headlining act Tommy Peacock. I could also tell you that another local group (KLNZR) uses a hearse for transporting their equipment - and that you know at that point something fun is going to happen with that group. Or that being a witness to Fallen on High's wedding proposal was awesome.
I could also tell you that I am going to be taking some pictures of some new jewelry this week and hopefully getting pictures edited and listings made so that you can see some new items from me.
But I won't because really this blog entry is about giving you a glimpse into my life. =)
Actually - to comment on the title of the post, I am really not lonely. Just awake. Sadly, I have learned that though I have tried - and tried and tried - I will *never* be a morning person. Ever. I love the peace and quiet that night brings. Ansel is hopelessly a morning person. He does not understand how I can stay up half the night and I don't understand why he is so unbearably cheerful in the morning. Really - it is annoying, irritating and downright aggravating. Yesterday morning I got up at around 9:30 to use the bathroom - but I was half-asleep and headed back to bed, because 9:30 is still early to me (yes, yes I know this is sad). I can't remember the entire conversation because well - I was half-asleep but he said something, and I mouthed back - which I am prone to do. He started grumbling - which he does all too well - and said "I could have picked a nice quiet girl over here. 'Yes Ansel. Whatever you say Ansel' but NOOoooo I had to pick the one that was all talky because she was more entertaining. I could have had a nice, quiet peaceful life....but Noooooo." I started laughing - because he is so good at this type of thing.
Actually that brings to mind another story - many of you have heard this one because it is so daggone funny that I tell everyone that will stand still long enough to listen. About a year ago or so - I was putting laundry in the washing machine - Ansel was in clear eye shot of me. He asked me, "What are you doing?" Before I could think about it, I shot back "Vacuuming." He looked at me and said, "I don't know why I put up with you - 5'2" and 5' of you is mouth." Hehehe....
Some of you may wonder what the point of this post is. Really - there is not any reason for it other than I felt like blogging tonight - and sharing a little of myself.
Oh sure - I can tell you about the wonderful show I vended at last night. And how my friend, Jaime's band (Shadow Prophets) kicked some major ass. I could bitch and whine and moan that I had no sales, but then tell you I had a great time anyways. I could tell you how I banged my head until I gave myself a headache while rocking out to headlining act Tommy Peacock. I could also tell you that another local group (KLNZR) uses a hearse for transporting their equipment - and that you know at that point something fun is going to happen with that group. Or that being a witness to Fallen on High's wedding proposal was awesome.
I could also tell you that I am going to be taking some pictures of some new jewelry this week and hopefully getting pictures edited and listings made so that you can see some new items from me.
But I won't because really this blog entry is about giving you a glimpse into my life. =)
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