This is Heaven

I think that right now I am exactly where I need to be in life. My business is going well, I am getting my health in order (facing things that I had been hiding from for a while) and my family is happy and well. Today I was looking at this thing where you randomly choose a card which gives you a supposed lucky number, colour and a little statement that is supposed to be geared for you. Of course it could all be a boat load but everything that I got totally did seem to fit. I got a shimmering, sparkling soft red for the colour (love!), the number 5 (which has always been my favourite) and the statement was "stop doubting, stop searching. you are right where you should be. this is heaven" Well who am I to argue with such a statement? I'll take it! Some times this does indeed feel like Heaven.

Unexpected Inspiration

Steve Jobs passed away yesterday. Until I heard about it on the news and saw it on facebook I didn't pay much mind to who he was. I knew vague things about his past, including his involvement with Apple. I knew he recently retired and that was about it. Obviously many other people knew much more about him and were deeply saddened by his death. Because of all of this, I have learned so much more about this man. I have read his quotes and become aware of his opinions. He was truly amazing in both his accomplishments and how he inspired others. I can now say that I am one of those people inspired but his words. I found a lot of meaning and understanding in what he said. I am less afraid today to follow my gut and I feel more confident in trusting myself. Steve Jobs was a true inspiration. I am sad that he is gone and sad that I didn't learn more about him while he was alive,

My Studio

Eight years ago we moved into this house. The spare room upstairs once housed all of my husband's spare "crap". It was then our dog's bedroom and for a short while it was a guest bedroom. Through out all of those years I never spent a lot of time in that room but now it is the birth place for all of my designs and the place where I spend my quality alone time. I have filled it with gorgeous things that I love and of course my wicked bead collection. Today I was thinking bcak on all of those years when that room really meant nothing to me. I had no idea what it would become or how much I would grow to love it!

Getaway

We just had a lovely getaway to Horseshoevalley and Blue Mountain. I loved the vibe at Blue Mountain especially> It felt like instant "laid back" mode. I saw so many places that would be ideal for my business as well. I wish we could relocate out that way! The drive home however, was horrendous. Nearly 4 hours of bumper to bumper traffic. It was crazy. I did see my Dad and his wife for lunch though and it was nice. My Dad is growing a beard which is something he has never done and he totally doesn't even look like my Dad any more. I did realize I miss him though!

Heat Wave

Okay, I am not complaining because I certainly would rather sun over snow but a little rain and maybe a little humidity break would be good.
That being said, life is good. I have managed to get the house somewhat sorted out and I have been making lots of great jewellery. I am also going to be able to say this evening that for the first time, in possibly 2 months, I have caught up on all of my jewellery orders. Now I am on to get more!
Actually, I have started a list of things I would like to do for the business. It includes everything from looking into new shows to looking into new price tags. I think it will be a list that gets added to forever but it will help keep me focused as I work from home and it will challenge me to always find ways to grow my business.
Last night I made this fun little bracelet. It is definitely a favourite of mine!

Return to the Gym

Well, one of the goals that I had set out for myself for when I was leaving my job and working for myself full time was to try and get into some sort of shape (other than round). This week I have officially made a stab at it. I have eaten a lot less junk (although still more than I should have) and I have started back at the gym. I am so glad to be going back to the gym. Not only am I finally getting some use out of something that I have paid for and not even set foot in for months, but I was also re-introduced to that fabulous feeling you get from accomplishing something good. I have been for the last two days (I know it is nothing to write home about but it"s a start) and each day I have worked up a sweat doing cardio and then exhausted my muscles with weights. I have gotta say, it feels great!
Another goal I had for when I transitioned to working for myself was to keep my house spic and span. Sadly, this has yet to happen. Maybe next week...

Life is Good!

Things are going quite well. This summer has seen some beautiful weather so far and we are doing out best to get our and enjoy it. We went to Sauble Beach as a family and Piper loved the water! It is such a beautful beach.
Business is going great! I have been doing really well with the wholesale orders. I still need to work out time management though. I struggle with down time and creating realistic timelines.
That being said, I had a wonderful spa day today! I got an hour massage and a facial. I loved all of it (except the painful extraction part of the facial...yikes!)
Last Friday I was part of an art crawl in the city of Hamilton and it was great. I made some sales and got loads of compliments. Always good for the self esteem :)
I am taking a booth at the Makers Market on Saturday. I don't have the highest of hopes as I have heard it can be slow but I am still looking forward to it.
Pictured below is the latest addition to the equine line. a super-cute snaffle bit bracelet: