Moving On

An early New Year's Resolution? Why not. I have been waling around for far too long, carrying about thingsand peope that I simply cannot change. There are times when I realy beat myself up about it and lately I have decided that it is simply sucking too much energy out of me. I am far better off working on things I can change and focusig obn making my life as nice as it can be. Why did it take me so long to kearn this lesson? Never too late I suppose...

Kindness

Sometimes an event will happen that really makes you take a look at your partner in life and either realize you are with the right person or it will make you wonder what the heck you are doing with that person. Last night I got even more confirmation that I am indeed with the right guy. We were off to Wal-mart to get a birthday gift and card for our neighbour's daughter. It was just getting dark when we got there but our daughter spotted a man with his dog in the parking lot and commented on the cute dog (she is three and she gets very excited when she sees dogs, cats, squirrels etc). I will admit that I noticed the dog but not the man. As we started towards the entrance (Bob likes to park a mile out at all times) the man approached us with his dog. It was then that I noticed his shabby clothes and scruffy appearance. He was walking his dog with a rope as a leash. He asked if we could do something to help him. Both he and his dog were hungry. Without hesitation Bob asked him if he could stick around for five minutes so we could grab something for him. The man was very thankful (but just a little worried he would get in trouble for hanging around). Bob and I hauled it into Wal-mart. He went for dog food and I went for people food. We ended up gathering bread, juice, lunch meat, cheese, breakfast bars, grapes, apples, cookies and dog food. Bob asked them to double bag it and ran it out to the man. He was very, very thanksful. I am so glad that I spend my life with a man who doesn't think twice when someone needs help. I am the exact same way and sometimes I take flack for it. When I drive into Toronto there will often be people begging under the bridge. I ALWAYS give them $5. Usually other people in my car will remark that these people probably use the money for drugs, or why don't they go get a job etc etc. The bottom line is that I believe they are there asking for money because they truly NEED it. If I am getting played, so be it. If I am actually helping make someone's life a bit easier than I am happy to do it whenever I can.

Lessons Learned

I like to think of myself as a pretty open-minded person. I don't have to like everything that a person does or agree with everything that they believe in, in order to like that person. I hope I am raising my daughter to feel the same way. I find that keeping an open mind also allows me to learn life lessons. This has been happening quite a bit lately for me. I have realized that sometimes I can be quick to share a dilemma with people and see what their point of view is. Then I find myself replacing my judgement with theirs. Usually it doesn't feel good in the end. Lately I have realized that I need to absorb the facts, sit back and listen to what my gut tells me. I used to be a good judge of character and I used to confidently make decisions. Over the past few years I find that this has not been the case and I want to get back to that. All life lessons, I suppose. Speaking of a life lesson, a few weeks ago I posted about my daughter being naughty in dance class. We missed dance last week because we went to the Royal Winter Fair instead (we both loved it). Last night was our first time back to dance after that last, bad, class. Piper and I have spent quite some time discussing the importance of listening and being respectful in the past few weeks so I felt like I had sort of gotten through to her (keeping in mind she is 3). Lastnight we went into dance, got there a few minutes early and she apologized to Miss Jennifer (dance teacher) for not listening and not behaving. I was quite proud of her because she sounded quite sincere. Her dance lesson went MUCH better. She participated more, listened more and seemed to have loads of fun! I won't say she was perfect. There were moments when she went a little rogue and did her own thing but the improvement was big and hey, Rome was not built in a day right?

The Future

You never know what your future holds. You can do your best to set goals, make plans etc but the truth is...the future is a hard thing to predict. The reason for this post is that a few years ago I had no idea that I would be a jewellery designer and that I would have my own studio/shop. As I was driving into the studio this morning, and into the little town of St. George, I was remembering all the times in my past when I had driven into St. George. It was usually to meet friends for dinner (St. George has an awesome little pub that we used to frequent). It got me thinking. I wonder how many times I looked at the building that I now rent and work in every day. I had no idea back then that I would be where I am today. Back then I didn't even make jewellery and while I was always creative and while I always wanted to be self employed I would never have guessed that this is where I would be eventually. It made me feel pretty lucky for the life I have....

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween everyone! It is indeed a happy day for me. First of all, my daughter is going out as a kitty cat tonight. She had me do her makeup and put on her costume for daycare and I have to admit that she is the cutest kitty ever! She is so excited that we can't help but be excited too:) In other happy news, I have found a distributor! They are on the west coast and we are just finalizing the last of the details and then I will officially announce our partnership. I am very excited though! It's just the thing that I need to shake things up in my business right now. I definitely think it is a step in the right direction. On a side note...I got an iPhone 5 last night. I have been a Blackberry user for years and didn't want to switch because I enjoy a keyboard and buttons. I wasn't a big fan of the touch screen. I have had my iPhone for about 14 hours (most of which included sleeping) and I have to say...I kind of love it!! I also chose a wicked, gold glitter cover which pleases me to no end.

Cheeky Child

My child is cheeky. Anyone who has met her, knows this. In most situation she is well-behaved and a joy to be around but she definitely has her own mind. She can also be as stubborn as a bull. Last night her father and I got a bird's eye view of her being overly cheeky and I have to say, we kind of had our eyes opened. She has been in dance class for the last 6 weeks. We weren't expecting miracles. After all, she is only three. We just thought it would be a good way for her to socialize more and learn something new while also getting some exercisse in and having fun. Up until last night she was in a studio where the parents were not able to watch. There was a tiny window looking in and the dance school had put blinds up so the kids would not be distracted. Last night they moved us to a different studio with that glass that lets the parents see in but the kids could not see out. We were so excited to finally see her progress and I will admit, I may have been a little over confident thinking I would see my little angel in there acting like the perfect student and just being the cutest little dancer ever. Ummmm...not exactly the case. She was definitely cute in her little dance outfit with her hair up in a bun BUT she was somewhat of a terror for the poor dance teachers. She totally ran her own agenda. While they tried their best to keep her on track and to encourage participation, she just did whatever the heck she felt like doing. On top of it all, she tried to get some other dancers in her camp as well. She was by far the worst behaved tiny dancer in the studio. I said to my husband "they must just cringe when they see us walk in". So, it has become abundantly clear that we are up for our next challenge with the little lady. We really have to get her listening better, respecting more and behaving better in general. She starts school in 11 months and I think we have a lot of work to do in the mean time. She is one cheeky child for sure. Speaking of cheeky, here is the latest in the Piper Shaw Line for Girls. I would say it is reflective of the young lady the line was named after...

Cleaning House!

It is absolutely gorgeous out today. Like 22 degrees of gorgeous and we are nearly into November. That is unbelievable! I am in a t-shirt today with no jacket or sweater. This makes me very happy! Happy enough to want to clean in fact. I have gotten rid of a bunch of junk in the shop, moved some things around and got caught up on my pricing. It looks great! I did squeeze in a little jewelery making this morning though. Some sassy, blinged out, friendship bracelets!

Under the Weather

I have been feeling sick all weekend and am still under the weather today :( I have come into the studio with the hope that doing something creatively would make me feel better. The truth is, I am moving at the pace of a snail and I am not exactly being productive. That being said, it feels good to be making things. A definite remedy. This weekend was tough. It was my former best friend's birthday and I was saddened once again by everything we have lost and the lack of closure. I know that one day I will be over this and will no longer feel the need for closure. I will hopefully just look back at the good times and smile because they happened. I won't dwell on the stupid falling out and the fact that we have never actually talked about it. I have to be okay with how things are. Clearly she is. Next year will be easier I am sure. In any event, it is pouring outside today. Not very cold but what mother natures lacks in chill she is making uo for in wet. I am working on a few pieces for the Piper Shaw Line and (drumroll)...I am negotiating with a distribution company on the west coast that is intereted in representing my line. This could be really good!

*FRIDAY*

Well, it's Friday. And the sun is shining. And there is no snow on the ground (yet). Life is pretty good... Business has been quite slow this week. Sadly, so has my creativity level. I need to go out and find me some inspiration or something this weekend. All the beautiful fall colours should certainly help!! I am in the beginning stages of working out an action plan for 2013 for my business. I am really exploring the option of having a representative do the wholesale account development for me. It is one area I am pretty bad at and that I dread. I am still in the research phase but I am hoping it will be affordable. I think it could really get me to the next level in business and allow me to feel confident that this can support me. I am doing pretty good right now but I really think I should be doing AWESOME! In other exciting news (well not really exciting but life is kind of mellow right now so little things excite me!)...I am turning into quite the domestic diva. Thanks to Pinterest I am a cooking machine. Like real food. Nothing frozen, nothing from a can. Real food. My husband thinks it is too good to be true. That man loves to eat and lately I love to feed him. If you haven't checked out Pinterest, you should. It is kind of awesome. Here is a bracelet I made this morning. You likey?

Unexpected Harmony

I love making jewellery. This is no secret. When I started, about 5 years ago, I was so anxious to have finished pieces that I didn't take the time to really consider my designs and ensure that they were as good as they could be. Of course, at the time I thought I was making really awesome stuff. Looking back at it however, I am surprised no one told me how awful I was (thanks to you all who were around for that, you were very nice). In any event, I will NEVER say that I can't improve. I am always looking for new ways to do things and more effective ways of making pieces that will stand the test of time. One thing has been consistent through this journey though, my love for putting colours together. I would be hard-pressed to even say what my favourite colour is. I think I might love them all. I certainly love experimenting with them in my jewellery designs. I really love to create pieces that have an unexpected harmony. Be it through colours, shapes, textures, whatever...I like to combine unusual beads and make jewellery that is one of a kind and unique, but stilol wearable. I make lots of neutral and more predictable pieces but if I had my choice, I would always make something different and exciting.

The All New Piper Shaw Line

As I had mentioned a few posts ago, I am re-launching the Piper Shaw Line for Girls. I want it to be more sassy and more fun. In general, more reflective of the little girl it is named after. I am not going to lie, I have been DYING for my supplies to come in so I could get going on this! I have actually woken in the middle of the night with anxious anticipation about these new designs. Slowly but surely, the supplies have started to arrive. Finally, I have gotten enough in to start the line! This morning I made the first piece and I can't wait to try it on Piper Shaw herself. I almost want to drive to daycare right now and pop it on her! Until then, I have taken a picture of the very first necklace. Here it is....

slump

I'm in a little slump right now. Both creatively and mentally. I think part of it is that I really HATE winter and it is right around the corner. I love living in Canada. It's a truly great country BUT (and you knew there was a but coming) the winters are BRUTAL. If I could live anywhere in the world it would be Bali I think. A girl can dream right? I am almost scared to visit because I am not sure I could make myself come home. Truthfully though, you think I would just get used to Canadian winters. I have experienced 38 of them already but each year I dread them. Time to change the subject I think....LOL This morning I made a super cute little necklace. It's no secret that I love birds so this one really speaks to my personal style. This afternoon I have hit an apparent creative wall. I am however finding some wicked recipes on Pinterest...

Genuine

As I get older (and hopefully a little wiser) I find myself making revelations not only about myself and my own actions but about people around me. Sometimes I think that I am truly over analyzing things but usually I can't stop myself from observing, analyzing and concluding. One thing that I have noticed in the past few months is that many people I am now surrounded with just don't seem to be genuine. I have conversations with them which leave me wondering if they are being truthful. I often feel like people are being passive aggressive. Sometimes I outright think they are living on fantasy island (must be nice!) and other times I just feel like I need a big break from the BS. So, my question is, what do you do when you aren't sure someone is dealing you the real goods? Do you call them on it? Do you accept that perhaps they just are not genuine even to themselves or do you simply kick them to the curb?

Re-vamp on the way...

A re-vamp is on the way...Jose! I started the Piper Shaw Line for Girls shortly after my daughter was born, in her name. It has been a cute little line of necklaces and bracelets for toddler girls. It has sold a fair bit and done okay but looking at it now, it is kind of boring. Definitely not a reflection on who Piper Shaw is as a person! SO...the whole line is getting an over haul. It is going to be chunky, bold, full of colour and bursting with creative fun! That's more like the little lady it was named after. I have ordered some new supplies to make this all happen and I am brimming with excitement for them to arrive. I can't wait to get going with these new designs. They are going to be gorgeous! In the mean time, I am plugging away. The new space is working out pretty good. It is kind of quiet but very manageable rent-wise and very cute! Today I found myself kind of hitting a wall creatively and after sitting at my desk, surfing recipes on pinterest, I pulled out some beads and came up with this (below). I am big on putting unconventional colours together so I am pretty happy with this one. What do you think of it?

In such a short period of time

In such a short period of time, so much can happen. I feel like the past few months could have been years. I have made so many changes with my business and while I now find myself content (for the moment!) I am also exhausted. I really wanted to have a little retail shop. I have actually wanted it for years but pushed the idea to the back of my head. I was going to do it with a former friend a few years ago and when that collapsed I dismissed the idea of doing it myself. Then I decided I would rent a studio space so I would have more room to create and would have a more professional environement for clients to visit. While searching for a studio I found a small shared retail space in Paris. It was a great start for me in retail. My work was well recieved and I started making money right away. Sadly, the situation itself wasn't working for lots of reasons. That is when I found the beautiful old mill in St. george. It was pretty hard not to fall in love with that space. So much character, just the right amount of space and lovely landlords to boot. What more could a girl ask for? Customers. The only negative about the mill space was the fact that there were 33 big, steep stairs to climb in order to get there. I did get some customers through but nearly every single one complained of the stairs and I hate to even think of how many never even came up. So that leads me to where I am now. A tiny little space beside the local salon. The truth is, when I looked at this space it didn't appeal at all. It was a dirty little rectangle. I couldn't initially see it happening. A few nights of sleep though and lots of analyzing made me realize that it doesn't matter how cool a space is, if no one visits it is simply not going to work. So now, with the help of lots of people and with a whole lot of hard work I am here. The space is as cute as a button. It has been painted and decorated and "girlified" to the nines. I look around it and I am proud. Customers can easily access it and the overhead is manageable. Now let's just hope they come...

New Space

I have to admit that I am really ready for this emotional rollercoaster surrounding my business to come grinding to a halt. I found a place, sales were good, sharing the shop was not, then the actual building started falling apart which resulted in a never ending construction zone. Then I am going to share with someone else, then I decide against it, then I find a place, second guess it, find a cool space, take it, wonder if people will ever find me there...freak out, lose sleep, consider packing in everything, realize my negative thinking is going to harm the business, come up with a plan, emerse myself in self doubt, continue with the freaking out.... Yep, that's kinda where I am right now. I can barely stand myself right now. I love my studio/shop though. I just hate that it is third floor. Will anyone find me? Will I make any money? I really hope so.

Creative Chaos

I often feel like I am living in a state of creative chaos. I guess I like it that way! I find I am most productive and most creative when I have a lot on the go and a lot on my mind! I have figured out a future plan for the shop and am quite excited! The bottom line is, I am going to make mistakes and going to face struggles but I love what I am doing and on most days I feel lucky. The past few days have been stinking hot but also very creative. I am loving the options I have with bead colours and textures. I am going through a real colour burst lately. So much fun!

Decisions, decisions!

If it's not one thing it's another, right? I guess that is pretty much everyone's reality. Sometimes I think I am incapable of feeling content. Other times I think it is a good thing to always strive for better. Right now I am throwing around ideas for the shop. I think a change is in the not-so-distant future but I am really struggling with making a decision. I have a few options on the table and loads of advice from everyone but I just don't know what to do. I truly believe that the right answer is going to come to me however, in the mean time I am growing impatient! In brighter news, my recent hypnosis sessions have done wonders! I have lost 12 pounds in three weeks and am eating very well now. I feel really in control with this for the first time in a very, very long time. I never say this but I am actually proud of myself right now. GASP. Wow, a new feeling for me.

Trials and Tribulations

Soooooo long since I have written. Lots has been going on! So my little shop in Paris is up and running. It's a shared space which is less than ideal but it is in a great location which kinda makes up for it. I can't believe how much stuff I can fit in my space actually! So far, I am off to a good start. No advertising yet still a steady flow of people in the shop and sales as well. I also really enjoy working in the shop. I like my studio space and I like the balance of customers and jewellery making. I have a few worries with regards to sharing the space (with a handmade furniture company) but I am sitting back, observing and seeing how it plays out. So far, not bad! On a personal note, I did some hypnosis over the past two weeks. I was a bit skeptical going into it but I have to say, I am loving the results. The sessions were a cross between counselling and meditation almost. Lovely! It is doing wonders for both my health and my mental well being. I truly love it and will probably do this FOREVER. Now I am going to share with you a picture of my daughter at her first horse show. Cute?

excitement baby

Life is good. I officially have the keys to my little shop and am moving stuff in this weekend. I am planning to open on Tuesday although I won't have a lot of the wholeslae stuff I have purchased. I have only a tiny, smidgen of worry about this venture. All in all, I feel positive and really excited. I am not having that same, stupid conversation with myself where I doubt what I am doing and fill myself with worry. I really think this will be successful and it is exactly what I want to be doing right now. I am a little but bummed out that I am not doing it with someone who I used to be friends with. We had spoken a fair but about having a shop in Jordan or Beamsville and it is kind of sad that she isn't part of this. I guess things happen for a reason though and I am proud of myself for realizing a dream and making it happen. It has been loads of fun (although quite expensive) to buy things for the store. I am having jewellery (of course), art work, hand made bath products, mineral make up and more. I think it will really appeal to the Paris market. I am planning a grand opening party for the beginning of June but that's still up in the air right now. In the meantime, I have been ridiculously busy with custom orders. I have 123 items on my order board! Luckily most are smaller. Still though... I am SUPER excited that next week I will be working in a new studio! I think it is going to be a welcome change and hopefully inspiring!

Brick and Mortar Baby

Well it has been a few weeks of change! So, I was all set to rent a studio space and I had found a decent place with plans to move in this month. Then there was an issue with the renos and it became clear that the move in was going to be set back significantly. In the mean time, I learned of an amazing opportunity with much more retail promise. It is right downtown Paris Ontario which is a thriving little community with lots of foot traffic. I am getting the keys on April 21st and plan to be open on April 24th. I am going to be nestled in with a thriving cafe, a yoga studio, a bakery, a hand crafted furniture place, an art gallery and more. I think it is the perfect setting for me and I am so excited! When I was thinking of the other space I was excited as well but I was really worried about the location. I was going back and forth in my head every day...should I do this or should I go back to the corporate working world? Since I have made the decision to rent in Paris I have been sleeping better and have not been filled with self-doubt. I just have a fabulous feeling that this is going to work. Granted, it is still a gamble but I think you have to take a chance once in a while to truly reach your potential. Obviously the main thing I am going to be selling is my jewellery but I am also going to sell hair accessories, tiny paintings, hand made bath treats, hand made mineral makeup and perfumes. Who knows what else! I have been really busy ordering signage, buying packaging and working out displays. I find that all very enjoyable though and I am ever-more excited about this shop. In even more exciting news...Piper Shaw is three on Saturday! She is so excited, as are we. We are going to spend the day at the Toronto Zoo and then we are having a bunch of family on Sunday. It is going to be so much fun and this little lady deserves all the fun in the world!

Summer in March?

I can't believe the weather we are having! It is as warm here in March as it was in Florida a few weeks ago! Total t-shirt, shorts and flip flop weather. I am so glad to be done with winter for a while. Despite all of that, I am really struggling with self esteem lately. The last few days have been hard. A huge part is definitely my body image. I just feel hopeless. In any event, I am trying to push forward. I know that everyone battles with stuff in life. I guess I just wish it didn't affect me so much. I also wish I had enough self control to get ahold of my issues. Well, enough doom and gloom for today. Just wanted to vent. Carry on....

Crazy Month

Well it has been a bit of a wild month since I last posted. We our lost our boxer of nearly 10 years to heart issues. We still have her "sister" and we are all doing okay in recovering but it was very sad. We lost her right before we went to Florida which was awful. The trip to Florida was okay. The sunshine and warm weather was a much needed break, even though our winter has been pretty light. We stayed with family in Florida and I am now more convinced than ever that this is not a good idea. It is stressful for the people who house the guests and stressful for the people who are guests. This was a lesson that I already knew so I am not sure why I needed this reminder. On the business front, I am stressed out. I have rented a studio space that I will get in Apil. I am very excited about this space but I am also freaking out. I am really questioning if I am cut out for being in business. I know that I love to create and I am good at ensuring orders are filled etc but I worry constantly about the rotten economy and not having a steady paycheque. In weaker moments I want to pack it all in and get a job but when I am making and selling jewellery I love it and want to do nothing else. I really wish I had a crystal ball. In negative news, I have been rejected for the first time ever for a craft show. There was a jury process (as there often is) and I was not accepted. Kind of a kick to the old ego. Moving onward though. What else can I do? Piper Shaw is turning 3 April 7th! I cannot believe it! She is such a gorgeous little lady. Best thing I ever did! I invited her god parents whom we have fallen out with to come to the zoo with us but I don't think they will. I am ready to bury the hatchett and get on with life but I'm not sure they feel the same way. In any event, here is the special little lady with a pony friend.

Valentine's Day

On this Valentine's Day I am indeed in love! We went out for a nice meal on Sunday and this evening we just had pizza but it feels good to love and to be loved. Today I did a nice random act of kindness. I found myself alone at lunch so I decided to treat myself to fish and chips. I went to this little hole in the wall that has delicious f&c. When I got there I saw this lovely, elderly couple that had just arrived before me. They were obviously out having a little Valentine's lunch. They sat at the same side of the table and were clearly enjoying each other's company. I got my meal quickly (it was delicious) and I ate it quite quickly too. I was done before the older couople and when I went up to pay I told the waitress to add their meals to my bill. I told her I didn't want to make a big deal. I just wanted to treat them to their Valentine's lunch. She was very touched. She told her boss and her eyes actually welled up. I asked her to tell them after I had left. I didn't want acknowledgement, I just wanted to do something nice. On another note, I finally bought the Adele cd, 21. It is FABULOUS. I can see why she won a wack of grammys! Her voice sounds like it has been marinated in scotch! It is rich and velvety. This CD will definitely get a lot of action in my studio.

And just like that...

Business has picked back up! I love being creative. I love making jewellery. I love having some freedom with my schedule. I love buying beads and supplies. I hate the uncertainty of sales and money in :( I guess the pros out weigh the cons though. Life is good. I am really looking forward to Florida and hoping to find a bead shop while there! I am toying with the idea of renting a little studio space as well. It would be nice to have something more professional to set things up in and consult with customers. I hate having to bring them to my house. I do love having very little overhead though. If I was to rent a space it would need to be pretty cool and also pretty cheap!! Lately I am loving memory wire. I just love putting together a wild mix of beads!

In one month...

One month from right now we will be in the midst of our Florida getaway. I am so excited! Sun, sand and good times are just what we need! Piper is a bit young for Disney (or so everyone keeps telling me) so it looks like we will do the Florida Aquarium (which I am stoked about) and Busch Gardens. Tonight I actually looked up photos online of the Tampa area. I can't wait to go!!

It's been a loooong time

I am a rotten blogger. Often times I will think of something to write about or even play out in my head how I will verbalize what's happening in life but then I never actually get around to doing it. Then what happens is I feel like I have let it go for so long that I don't even know where to start! Will this ever change? I have no idea. I am going to try to blog a little more. Promise. So, right now we are in the dead of winter and I hate it. I hate everything about winter. I hate the cold and the snow and the poor driving conditions. I really wonder why I live where I do. It would be so much smarter to live in a warmer, nicer climate. And I know I would be a lot happier. I guess that I just don't see it as a real option so I can only dream about it. My daughter is awesome. She is so smart and has such an awesome sense of humour. She's really developing her own perosnality and already doing me proud! Business was great before Christmas and absolutely awful in january. It is picking up again now but it has really made me think about how badly I want this. There are simply some days where I just don't want the hustle and hate the feeling of not knowing where the next order will come from. I definitely think it would be waaaay easier to just get a job where I know every week how much money I will have in my bank. The problem is, I really feel that once I got that job I would be sitting there wondering if I didn't give the business a fair shake. I do still LOVE creating jewellery and my idea bank never runs short (unlike my bank account!)