I'm tired...

I really cannot sit in front of this computer much longer. I need a break from the promoting, the marketing, the mentoring, the liking, the pinning and even, the arguing. I'm tired of the promises, the breaking of promises, the requests and the mind changes.
This site, that site, do this, see that...I'm tired.
Don't get me wrong-I still love creating but the other side is wearing me thin (HA-that's a wishful thought...thin!)
We know I'm not faithful to this blog but I have been attentive to Facebook and Pinterest and my shops & I need to step away. 
The scary part regarding getting up from this chair is what to replace these activities with? How to fill the time? Will I survive not knowing about the  trivia? Will anyone remember me? Question my whereabouts?
We'll see. It may be short lived but up and out of this chair I go. I actually think if I do this I may (fingers crossed) give more time to just writing and this blog...maybe. 
No promises.
I need a change.
I'm tired.
(Can't even find an appropriate photo!!!!)

So bad...

This will be my last apology for not keeping up with my blog. It's never that I don't like writing or that I even don't have time. It is just last on my list.

Anyway,last posting was about the horrors involved in the building of my new porch. Here are some photos of the completed space. We love it!

A smooth path...

The screened in porch is our favorite room in the house and we use it year round. DH decided an enlargement was necessary. The porch is/was attached to a patio that is never used so enclosing the whole area made sense....right?!
We endured a pretty long process interviewing 6 contractors for our "small" project-no outdoor kitchen or fire place or big screen TV installation...just a screened room.
We ultimately chose the one that we deemed most professional and experienced. We could not get a personal recommendation from anyone so this was going on our instincts.
Once permits were received and materials delivered, 3-4 days we were told. Ha! Today is #12 of actual work. (Side note...it's now 3:30 and there's no way they'll finish today or tomorrow!)
There were arguments between the 2 workers, bad saw cuts (remember "measure twice,cut once"?), and mis-calculations. Good work but excruciatingly s-l-o-w. Amazingly, the weather cooperated only raining on their days off.
So here we are, 15 days from the start and the end is in sight but not today.

And after all this, all I can say is how blessed and lucky we are. We do have a roof over our heads. Our possessions are in place and despite Friday's fender bender on a new car (DH was NOT hurt) we are safe and sound.

My thoughts are with the battered folks that have experienced the recent tornadoes and floods. May their future path be smooth.

Crafter's Diversion

I think, no I know, I may have crafter's ADD....I am constantly looking for something new and different to make. I have the "I can do that" mind set. Friends and family are always asking "Can you make this?" And more often than not, I say yes. {Sidebar...my mother used to tell me that the word NO was so powerful and should be used more often...I haven't learned that lesson but I am trying!}
Yesterday at my grandson's soccer game, my daughter-in-law pulled up a picture on Pinterest and said the dreaded "Can you make this?" phrase. 
Now I am not a confrontational person but the challenge was set so after dinner last night I made the request.

Cute? Yes.
Identical to the photo she showed me? Pretty close.
Am I proud of it? No...took too long for my advanced beginner crochet skills and most importantly, I didn't enjoy doing it. if I made them to sell, the profit vs. effort ratio would not be in my favor. I must like/love what I make and if I don't, it's a no-go.
Has this cured my ADD regarding crafts? No...a neighbor just requested a....oh, don't ask!!!

Copying.....

It is said that there are no original designs, just re-works of old ones. Also, "imitation is a form of flattery". I'm not sure if I agree but I am always a bit befuddled by the generosity of those who post "how to" tutorials. I guess they aren't selling their item and just want to share...bravo, I guess.

I have been asked "how to" make my tape measures and have politely declined. They are a huge (my description) seller for me and why would I want anyone to cut into my sales?I call them my "pet rock". No, they aren't copywrited or licensed  so recourse might be slim.

Recently a customer bought a tape measure from me and quite nicely gave me a "shout-out" on Ravelry. I went to see what what was said and discovered there was a swap going on involving decorated tape measures....uh,oh. Apparently my customer didn't have time to make one and bought mine instead but I was 'worried' that others might be copying me. Not so! Phew! 

Am I being possessive? Yes! 
Was it my original idea to make a decorated tape measure? No.
Am I making these in an original way? Yes!
And what will I do, if or when I do see copying happening? I don't know but for now I will breathe easier and keep on making my semi-original product. 

Hopefully it won't happen until the cow flies over the moon!

Copying...

Technology

My mind is blown....again! In my lifetime so many technological changes have come about. Hey,even the word technology wasn't in every day vocabulary when I was growing up. I haven't taught for over 10 years but even 10-15 years ago I'd say something in my class and the kids would go "Huh?"...like phonograph, cassette or transistor radio...dating my self here! Teaching kids how to tell time on a real clock, not digital, became a real challenge and so many other changes.
I remember, over 20 years ago, my cousin was the first person I knew who had a cell phone. We went shopping together and I was holding her handbag while she tried on some clothes and of course, her purse rang and I nearly jumped out of my shoes! 

Yes, I've jumped on most of the band wagons and truly appreciate the convenience, the knowledge, well, everything about technology. 

Today had a weird techno-twist. Grandson #1 had a baseball game and as usual the score boards weren't working. Sometimes innings are so long that it's easy to forget outs or innings and definitely the score. Grandson #2,younger, said "Baba, get Score Simple"...my turn "Huh?"...in 30 seconds he downloaded a baseball scoring app for the iPhone. Piece of cake! In fact the official scorer kept coming to me to double check the  numbers...cool!

Buttons

I have never done this before but I am referring you to another post on another blog. It is amazing, moving and in a very different way, all about the buttons.

Holocaust Memorial

Tape Measures

Who knew that little pocket tape measures would become a bit of a pet rock for me?!
A magazine mini-feature, a wholesale order of size and over 250 sold by me directly!

So what's the problem? Is there a problem? A little one....I want to hear if YOU have any ideas for designs...I'm a bit stuck. 
Usually the fabric is my motivation. Plenty of straight patterns are out there and of course holiday themed (which don't sell!) and kid-like prints.

I was excited when I found the states of the US

and the ones specific to knitters.

Animals are popular,too

Food! 


And of course, buttons!



I've done special orders...professional football teams,colleges and baseball. (Of course, it is all predicated on finding the right fabric and honoring licensing laws.) I've even made some tapes from treasured clothing scraps.

So...what else can I look for? Throw your ideas at me...I can take it!!!!

Wine,anyone?

The Teacher Is Back!

Good start to 2013...some sales, some project completions and the crazies have died down. We had guests this past weekend...the boys! The parents "wanted to get rid of us" as the 7 year old stated and so down the road they came. I am happy to say that although I am tired, I am not exhausted! They got along, listened and were really well behaved but oh, how times have changed!  Children make you mark time!

The 10 year old had to rewrite and revise a composition/essay/paper (whatever they call it today) and had been fighting his Mom about doing it so my son said "Ma, can you help?"...sure! And we did....peacefully. I loved when he came up with a better word substitution than I did. Remember, I was a teacher for many years.

The little one is really reading beautifully with a terrific vocabulary and I was thrilled to see and hear this. One of their favorite things is to go to the bookstore since I rarely will say no to a book. The little one had some trouble making a choice. Two he picked were just beyond challenging and way too hard and unhappily he put them back.  Finally, they both made their selections and we left. In the car I tried to explain to them both not to be a page turner. Don't just say the words but understand their meanings.

We then started a vocabulary game and they were doing great until....Grandpa said "You have to use your cerebellum"...and blank looks crossed their faces. I said "You use them everyday. What is it?" and without skipping a beat the 10 year old said "Your penis?"....out of the mouths of future men!!!

Hanging Head In Shame..........

The thing is, I like to write. So why is keeping this blog current such an effort on my part? WHY?
Nothing since Nov.15th? Shame on me.
A smack on the back of the hand is due.

Okay, let's move on. 

It's almost 2013 and I am not going to-again-resolve to be better at posting. Either I will or I won't and you can be the judge as I admire and am in awe of all of you who do what I apparently can't. There's lots of things I can't (and don't want to) do but we'll see.

So a quick catch up....

Four shows this season...3 terrific,one awful so generally pretty okay. 

Lots of online sales...yippee. 

More contacts for potential wholesale...whoop!

We're all healthy...yes!

The kids are huge and doing great in school...A+!

DH resigned as chorus director...major yay!!!

The 5 pounds still hovers...oh,well.

To all the sometimes and always readers, please stay tuned. I love hearing from you but no promises about regular postings. After all, it's almost resolution time and they're made to be broken, right?

To all my past customers, a huge THANK YOU and I hope you return in the future.

 

Happy,healthy and prosperous 2013!!!

One Of A Kind

One of a kind....what does that mean? Well, there's one. And it's the only one. There will not be any more. To me, it's that simple.
Yesterday, 2 people on Facebook went at it regarding a pair of my handwarmers. Each posted "I want". To the one I deemed more serious I said "One of a kind!'" In truth, this was the 4th of the kind as I was able to get more yarn after pair #1 and #2 sold. (There is still a #4 but different style)  But now for sure there's no more. I received back from both what my retail-career husband calls "babble"...excuses... #1-"Tomorrow when I get paid" and #2-"Let me ask my friend if she likes them". Neither asked me to hold them and I would have, but no request.
Guess what? Today they sold to person #3. And that, my friends, is what happens to those who hesitate. When buying from independent crafts people online, make no assumptions regarding availability.
Like it?
Want it?
BUY it!!!

The top pair are gone and bottom is still available and then that's it!!!!

Everything Old Is New Again

We have a wedding to attend next week a mere 800 miles away! We debated about whether or not to go and one condition was that we both had the right clothes to wear and shopping (read:spending more money) wouldn't be necessary. Once that was determined we responded yes to the invitation. My friend is shocked & thrilled that we're coming and said she didn't expect it. I told here, sure, ours was a throw away invite "They'll never come!" But all kidding aside, we are looking forward to it.
I took out that 'little' black dress and a jacket that works great with it and then searched for the shoes/heels/torture containers! I do not wear heels except for...weddings! I'm tall enough and have bad feet.
Anyway, the shoes appeared to be fine but style-wise, I wasn't so sure. They are 12 years old!
I decided I'd make 2 stops to find new shoes and if not, oh well. Not only did they have to be stylish but not big bucks. I might not wear them for another 5 years. At the 2nd stop, I found a great pair, partially comfortable and the price was excellent. On the way home I remembered I had an evening bag that would work great. Bingo!
This is a very sentimental piece. My father was a leather designer and in his day very modern and clever. I only have 2-3 of his pieces & the bag is older than I am and we know, that's old.
I took it out and it instantly made me smile. As I opened it....rrrrip....the stitching was coming out on the sides...dryness,old age (just like me!). Glue? Nope. I have a machine but wouldn't dare attempt it. I took it today to a real old style shoe repair shop and gave him the details and could you please have it done yesterday? Pretty please? Well...45 seconds and $3 later the bag is perfect! I am so silly excited to be able to use it. It will hold a tiny comb, a tissue and little else but I will have my Dad's work in my hand at a special wedding 800 miles away.
I can't wait!

It's hard to tell but it is patent leather and black fabric. Yes, the lining is discolored...so what?! And how about that change purse? Adorable!!!

What To Do or It Never Ends...

Actually, I do know what to do but it gives me agita!!! Being a parent never ends. We birth and parent our children until they leave the nest and become parents themselves. Then, unless asked, we should keep our mouths shut when we see behaviors or actions that we might have done differently but sometimes.....

First I must say how fortunate I am to not only have a close emotional and intellectual relationship with my son but physically he lives 3/10 of a mile away. No long distance between us.
I am about to confront my son regarding his children. Grandson #1 stands tall and unintentionally casts a huge shadow upon grandson #2. My son is aware of their differences and is 'usually' tuned in and responsive to the vastly different needs of the boys but he blew it last Thursday and I must tell him. I was witness to an unintended diminishing of #2 because of his Dad. Blew it big time. His wife was not witness but knows what happened and she also knows on this point he's liable to listen to me first and it will be 1 less battle she has to wage.

So always trying NOT to be a meddling mother or mother-in-law I will confront my child - 6'3",age 38, tomorrow and tell him he blew it! Agita!!!!

Yikes!

We, yes YOU, and I are so wired to be connected electronically that disaster ensues when one or more devices fail. No electric = no internet = no social interaction = kerfluie!!!!
Today, Zibbet's site has been down and multiple tailspins could be felt in the cyber universe. Really? We're all in the habit of checking our shops at least once a day (well, YOU should!) and possibly more times...tweaking, arranging, listing, etc. and today that privilege was taken away.
I,for one, was a bit thrown at first BUT it's not only Sunday but the middle of a holiday weekend. Will there be much business lost? I don't think so.
And what is wrong with walking away from the shop for a few hours, a day? I still accomplished many shop related things. I took photos of about 8-9 items and tweaked them after I uploaded (like the cowl below). I made 6 new tape measures and finished 1/2 of a new crochet head band. I printed several sheets of labels and made some mailing envelopes. I straightened up some supplies and pulled others to list on Facebook...a full business day out of the online shop!
Sometimes it's good to walk away. Now if it's still down tomorrow I may have to be creative again with my time and be a bit concerned but it's out of my hands. It is what it is. Chill!

Time for a Decision....

Sometimes we make things that we and our friends and family think are the best, the latest, the greatest. And they're wrong!
I love clocks and have a small collection & many years ago decided to make and sell some. I thought they were pretty and clever, made from plates and boxes, books and discarded CDs.  Some 'strangers' have agreed and I've sold over 100 in the past few years. Custom requests were numerous and one even appeared in a published book. Reactions to them have always been so positive or has everyone lied to me?!
But they have come to a screaming standstill. They are on the expensive side to make with the cost of the clock works tripling over the years. I love the creative process when I make a clock and that satisfaction is over.
I'm done! It doesn't make sense to keep making something that takes up a fair amount of space, are awful hassles to take to shows and don't sell. I believe they make great little art pieces and are a wonderful house gift or any kind of present but the world does not agree.
Below are some of my current favorites and check All About The Buttons this week....drastic reductions. Think future gifts, Christmas, etc. If you agree with my family and friends, buy one for a great price! I'm kind of sad but the hand writing on the wall says STOP!!!

N.Truro,Cape Cod

Our escape destination was guessed correctly on Facebook. Just want to share a few fun photos from a great trip, extremely long ride and fabulously fattening vacation!

And yes, I bought buttons...11 to be exact!

Away and back...

Long time between posts!!! We were planning for and going on an adventure and I'm not telling you where we went!!!! You have to guess by my picture clues. A right answer gets a 15% discount when you shop in All About The Buttons .
Here are the first 2 photos and an answer like "the beach" is not acceptable! More pix and clues will follow if no one gets it now.
Sorry, JoJo, but I have to eliminate a guess from you because I think you know!

Yay!!!

Subscription copies are out and the public can buy on news stands and book stores July 24...the fall issue of Knit Simple magazine!!!

Focus

Is it better to be terribly busy and have a multiple focus or be moderately active and zoom in on the tasks at hand? Under which scenario do you function better?

I have realized I'm better off busy. These past few weeks have been filled with the usual....work, baseball,home stuff, gardening, crafting,online promoting, etc. but additionally I've been watching the kid's house and their cats, getting out the wholesale order, anticipating what 'may' happen when the magazine hits, preparing for a getaway and dealing with DH's chorus issues....a fuller plate. And guess what? It is all getting done in a timely manner. My focus can go in many directions and I can still achieve a goal. Meals have still been prepared and the house is clean (moderately!).

While we're busy we daydream about doing nothing, just relaxing and zoning out. But too much of that and we get antsy and start creating our own personal busy-ness. At least I do! Somehow doing nothing is not satisfying. I'm not saying that resting isn't valuable but the mind starts wandering into the "Gee, I could..." mode. So I welcome the busy-ness and enjoy the satisfaction of tending to all the aspects of life! The alternative is not good!

Gotta go....stuff to do!