Goode Things Ahead!

I'm so excited, I can hardly keep everything under my hat...but I have to! Oh there is so much ahead on this journey and I know you will be just as excited as everything moves forward. If you are on the "Made In America" train, you will most certainly be pleased that there are companies out there, working hard to keep the economy forward.  Long hours, little sleep and lots of sweat equity follow a huge leap of Faith. We are two such people, both bringing something to the table, and the feedback has been amazing. Okay...and a little scary as we both find that neither of us has been prepared for the number of orders and inquiries as we play around with images, designs and ideas.

I am pleased to have my graphics going places that I never dreamed of, through the hard work of Monahan Papers. Above is a picture of the new wrap paper done on craft paper. The plain roll  to the far right is much bigger~ 50 ft, but the fun starts with YOU as it is your blank canvas to stamp and create. Click on the picture to visit the blog with all of the wonderful information on the wrap paper.  After that,  stop by Monahan Papers to see more goodies. You will probably want to bookmark both places to be on top of all the new things for 2012.

 A special congratulations to Linda Heard of Lindowen's American Country. Linda has the first order shipping out! Linda has been a dear friend; she has had the opportunity to watch us grow through the years, both separately  and now as Print Company and Designer. She's watched our growing pains and is always there cheering us on. Woohoo! I can't wait to stop by and visit!

Decisions & Dollhouses

My life has changed so much since last Winter. I'm in awe of it sometimes. A few posts ago, I wrote about how difficult it was to let my daughters decide where they wanted to live and go to school. It was a difficult decision for two girls that have friends and family along with small town life. It was just as difficult for a single Mom, who had always had her children close to her side. Choices are not always easy.  Sometimes, you have to walk a bit down the road and look back to see if it was the right thing to do. I was amazed at the emails by other women, such as myself, that went through the same thing. Sometimes, you need to be the voice and say that it's okay that life isn't perfect and living differently than what others perceive as normal, does not make you a bad person. As women and mother's, we feel judged if we don't walk a path that other's feel would define whether or not we were good. Oh heck,I never led a normal life, why start now? As long as it works for my family and I, it is the right choice. 

The changes are still evolving. After nearly 20 years of being a caregiver along with that of a single Mom...I have been adjusting to leaving the caregiver roll; becoming once again, just a daughter. It has come in steps and I can't begin to tell you what a joy it is. There has been a weight off my shoulders to know that there are wonderful caregivers and aides for my Mom. She simply needed more than one person 24/7 and an aide for a couple hours each day.  It is not a bad thing to say, "I can't". No matter how well you have done, or how much you love someone in this capacity.....the person may need things that you can't give them.  My Mom has been making wonderful friendships that go beyond a person's job.  She and one of her aides, Ann have become close as they share a love for reading, cooking and QVC. I can spoil her and have been able to make her those special things that she used to cook for us...we chat and talk of friends, family and good times...making goode memories along the way. Yes, it's different, but as I can see over my shoulder, it is better!  

For me, I have also been able to expand my love beyond the wee folk and in different media...I am enjoying it and finding that there aren't enough hours for me to do what I love and keep up with so many orders! In all of this, I am learning how to balance my life a little better. I can do things like hop in the car and visit a friend, or pick up needfuls.  I can make a date with my girls and shop til we drop for a Homecoming dress. What many take for granted, I have a great appreciation for.

The pictures above show one of today's deeds. A fresh coat of whitewash on my beloved doll house (thank you Tim!). It was given to me by a dear friend and holds many memories for my daughter Jesslyn, and myself. It is a reminder of my journey and more than that, it is a piece that has always captured my heart.  There is something about a doll house....sometimes, you just never grow up. My wee friends above are settling  back into their little home. The stove is in place. Although you can't see it in the picture, there is a warm orange glow  from the stove that flickers and keeps the wee home very cozy. Mrs. Flannigan is beside the stove, warming her frog.. Tinker Mouse is looking for the teapot. The clock isn't up on the wall yet, but Tinker is sure that it is time for tea! As she is scurrying about, their friend the Hedge Witch stops by with fresh herbs and some visiting to do. Who says we are too old for this? We have many difficult decisions, so many things that we have to do.. why not simply enjoy a piece of yesterday? Tomorrow will be here whether we do or not. 

Enjoying Fall and Looking Ahead

Oh how I love Fall! The smell of the leaves, the crunch of a crisp Macintosh apple, and the sounds of geese flying South. It's a bit different for me this year, however. I can't look out the windows and see my mountains, but everything else is the same. The cottage has had it's own transformation and is beginning to take on a bit of a well deserved face lift.


I have been spending most of my days packing pattern orders, it is certainly a good year for them and I am still working away on them on a daily basis.  I am trying to balance my work for the Simple Goods Show which is sometimes difficult, but I am so thankful to have work, were many have none.


Beyond that, I have been working on my business plan. I used to do it every 6 months, but with this economy, I need to be able to make quicker changes if need be. So far, it has worked out well and the decisions made for Fall are doing very well.  Forging ahead, I will be expanding my graphics. I am excited to see them in paper and as rubber stamps. Oh how fun to know that my designs will be used by crafters to create the hours away! I can see the handcrafted cards and postcards at Craft Shows and Home Shows. I'd like to see about some specifically for hand tags  or little boxes. I'm also excited to see my designs in fabric. I have lots of ideas for this one and if it works as well as I think, it could be a very cool thing!


I miss the shows very much. They are always my first love, and I will be doing more next year. I've scouted out a few and with careful planning and inventory, I think they will all be a success. I will be pulling in some of my papers as finished items into my booths...along with a few other mediums I am mulling and getting some stats on. Being an Artist, I will be building the designs and making molds of them, verses buying molds from a supplier and having the items be that which anyone can do... the Goode Wife will have her own line! This is still in the very beginning stages, but I hope that in late Winter, you will have some wonderful sneak peeks! 


It's a beautiful day out and there is so much to be done here. I hope that you are enjoying the turn to Fall and all the goode things that it embraces~

Remember

 Tonight on TDIPT Mercantile, I have only one offering, but deep within it holds so much for me, during these past couple of weeks. She holds within her my love of Puritan Gravestone carvings, and so her name."Remember" seems fitting. To me, it goes deeper especially these past couple of weeks. We will certainly remember the two hurricanes that have left their mark on this area. For me there was a couple of sleepless nights as I had "pump watch" in the basement. We were fortunate not to have the damage that others near us did, and thankful that we are on high enough ground to not worry about an evacuation. Oh yes, I will remember these events and never forget.

This past Sunday was another remembrance, that of the terrorists attacks. My heart has been with so many these past 10 years and it will be for the rest of my life. We will always remember. It's interesting how one inspiration can take such a journey and end up holding so much within an artist's heart.

Answers...I Get Answers.

As our lives change and time goes on, we often have questions that we ask ourselves. "Will I be happy?". "Will I know anyone?". No matter how goode the changes are...there are always questions and perhaps we never voice some, thinking they may be insignificant or silly.  As life changed for me a couple years ago with the passing of my Father, there were difficult decisions that my daughters and I had to make. I was moving an hour and a half South of our home. I wanted the choice of where they lived to be theirs...they are young ladies with good heads on their shoulders. As a child of a Military family, I did not have such choices. As a child moving was full of fun and adventure, but as a teen; I wished for roots and long friendships. Understandably, my daughters wanted to live with their other Grandparents and continue their schooling where they had roots and friends. As a Mom, it was difficult to let go.


As I left the area that I had yearned for when we traveled,  and later settled and raised my daughters; I had many questions. Home is truly where your loved one is and I love my new home...but I knew I would miss the mountains and the wee critters that lived around me. Moving to the Suburbs,would I have the wildlife that I loved so much? Today...I have my answer.

Farewell Irene

In the midst of any storm; you can huddle, plow through or keep things going forward with a lighthearted touch. This is what we returned to as Irene was reaching her peak of torrential rain. We had gone up North to make sure that my Mom and the house would be okay; that emergency supplies were brought out and accessible. We headed home a bit early  on Sunday and just in the nick of time as roads closed. So many of us were under a state of emergency. We were fortunate and fared better than those who lost their homes and their lives. 


I am just working on all my emails and orders as of yesterday~ there are so many! If I haven't answered you yet, I will and have started invoicing. I am behind with the flooding of Irene and the blessing of orders that have poured in. I will extend the Sale until midnight tomorrow. This way, those who have lost power and have attended to homes and families, will perhaps have something to smile and look forward to. 

Trying New Things...And Loving It!

It's no surprise that I love to draw. I draw nearly every day in some form. I just never had the itch to take my drawings beyond, leaving that part to others. Perhaps it is just because I had no clue where to even begin! After much thought and with more than one deep breath, I jumped in the paper world yesterday....and I loved it.

It was way too damp to have everything go smoothly and I will tell you that dying crepe paper and tissue paper can be difficult. Tuesday had renegade pieces floating down the streets of Schenectady.....But even with the newbie bumps along the way, I had a great time and I am making a kit for the top Pumpkin Gal for next week....the lovely one in a crepe paper dress will come along, a few issues to correct, but I now have more inspiration and less resistance to this art form and I can see some fun things in the works. Oh yes, like I needed another media to captivate me!


You can see both girls at American Holiday Artists Studio Marketplace this month along with other pieces of fancy from my colleagues.

New Site & Pattern Releases!

It is with great pleasure that I announce the opening of my new web site and home to all of my available patterns. (I did retire a couple). You can hitch a ride over by clicking on my Early Homestead Bee. She is one of the new patterns available. There are 7 new releases and a pattern sale to celebrate! There are 3 new non seasonal friends. The bee, above.....

Persephone Pig, dressed in Regency look.

And Esme, the cat. I think she needs a witches for October, though.

My Hedge Witch is a favorite. She is small, but full of personality!

Jeffrey shouldn't be sticking his neck out quite so far...

Dickens is a Holiday cutie!

and everyone's favorite~ the Santa trout!

These patterns along with all the others are on sale at the website only The sale runs for a week and ends on the 31st. Patterns are on sale for 7.00 each! I don't have Paypal buttons up just yet, but you can email me with your order and I will invoice you, or you can order direct with instructions on the home page. Have a goode time creating and enjoy!

Art Reflects Life

Today opens TDIPT Mercantile and with it , two of my friends! Elwood is a fun little Spider and he does indeed reflect my life right now, which is a Circus! Summer brings so many things to do along with times to gather with friends and family. It is a goode Circus around here, but a Circus never less. The concept for Elwood was drawn late last Fall and put away for another Fall. After looking at the sketch and playing around with it a bit more, he truly came to life with a jacket and top hat. The Ring Master was born! 

Out of the past came this gal too. In my very beginnings I had a witch rat called Nat, short for Natalie. Natalie has morphed over the years and was a piece that I would do only for Shows. I took her and revamped her once again, this time taking a more refined Art Doll look. Natasha is freestanding on her wire feet and tail. I am so pleased with how she came out. I was a little fearful with her face proportions, but she worked out beautifully. She is the inspire now, for another Rat friend to come.


I also am pleased to announce that I will be releasing new patterns along with a new site which will be home to all of my patterns. It has been quite the project to put them all together and to celebrate, I think we need a SALE. I am about a week behind in my schedule, so I am hoping that I can open at the end of this week! Keep an eye out here for the latest news and directions for the long awaited arrival~

Published!

It is a very great honor to announce that I have been asked to be a part of the Better Homes and Garden's Holiday Crafts   magazine this year! It was VERY difficult to keep it under wraps since Spring.

 Last week when I was shopping, I saw it in the magazine section of the store~ I thought I still had another month to wait! With shaking hands I noticed the cover featured  a spider by my friend, Cathy Pendleton! You know her best from The Cheswick Company . she has been a favorite friend, colleague and part of the Heritage Show that we did in February until it's ending last year. When I opened the magazine, I was delighted once again to see friend Nancy Malay's snowman pictured on the Editor's page! Such fun~

After some page turning with still shaky hands~ I found it! Eliza's glove! The free pattern is bit bigger than the original and done for Halloween. They did a boo-ti-ful job with it! There are plenty of Fall and Winter projects to keep one busy and I have marked several for myself.  You should find it in your local Walmart, grocery or pharmacy, but if not, I found some here: http://equilter.com/cgi-bin/webc.cgi/st_main.html?catid=329


Ahh, but there is more news too! I am working hard so that by the end of next week, I will have a Picture Trail with ALL of my patterns in it...and some new pattern releases too. To celebrate, I do think there should be a pattern sale! I'm off to complete more pattern masters and get everything ready~ such an exciting time!

Always Learning

I was always the kid with my nose in a book and I loved school. When I was in grade school, I wanted to be an Anthropologist and had dreams of digging up bones, learning how they fit or deciphering Hieroglyphics. My travels as a Military daughter taught me that new places held opportunities, and to open myself to them. There are opportunities to learn about history, people and their spirituality, even if it was different from ours. My later High School and college years would find me engrossed in special classes such as Eastern Religions, the Mayan Culture and Avian Biology. Which I still step back to today. 

Most of my pieces have some kind of research done on them, be it the clothing, history or skeletal structure. My offerings for the new group that I am in, Olde Primitive Peddler, were no exception. I had just finished a commissioned piece for a vintage style elephant pull toy. Where better to go, for an inspire but Steiff? Interestingly enough,  with the antique riders, the trunks were all down and not up. Wasn't that bad luck? You will see Dharma has his trunk down. I learned that the trunk up for luck was pretty much an American idea dating back to approximately the 1920's. A trunk up, held luck, but a trunk down dispensed it....and so, Dharma reflects the elephant toys of old and it is my hope that he dispenses tons of luck in his new home. 

In the days of old, many a Healer or Midwife was accused of being a witch. They often lived outside of a village and near the hedges...or edges of a forest, where they could gather their barks and healing plants for their medicines. These brave women were sometimes called, Hedge Witches. This wise gal is made purposely with twig arms and legs; and dressed in humble fabrics made from cotton and linen. She holds my spirit in all that she is. 

Finally, my offering for Simply Primitives. I am certainly learning a new dance here...how to have enough offerings for 2 sites that open on the same date! It will all come together in time. Esme is made in primitive and early style. A favorite of mine. She is a bigger door greeter and I love that expressions can be meaningful and so very simply executed.  


Now the cleanup begins, some research starts alongside my creativity. Always learning... I like that.

Fall Whispers

My mind is ever on the smells of apples, pumpkins and fallen leaves. Oh, how I wish someone could bottle the true smell of fallen leaves on a crisp Fall day! I enjoy every season, but Fall has always been a favorite and I love Halloween. 


When we were given the theme of Falloween on American Holiday Artists, I already had two wee folk in process and I've been excited to finish them. As each wee folk comes to life, I give thanks to be able to do this from my home. I've done the Power Suits, Conferences and business luncheons...I'm glad to spend my 60 plus hours a week right at work, not on a plane, locked in rush hour gridlock or trapped in a cubicle.


 I've never worked harder or longer ...or loved every minute more. Sure there are days that I'm buried under paperwork or pushed to work round the clock to meet a deadline and balance the rest of my life. I don't have sick time or get a paid vacation, I often don't have weekends or Holidays.........but I have watched my girls grow to young ladies. I've been to most every school event raising my hand in sign for "I Love You", so they could pick me out and know I was near. I've been able to run forgotten papers to the school at a moment's notice, driven them to school with a project bigger than they were.....and shared lunch in the Cafeteria.  Track and Field Hockey meets, Potlucks and Chorus Recitals; all made possible by my parents who gave me the opportunity.


 I had to lessen my work for nearly three years, but I have memories and time spent that are priceless. I know my Dad watches down as there are changes ahead for me...and so my black Falloween cat, Cedara is my way of paying it all forward as I promised him from the Hospital. With a wink and a nod to his favorite pet when he was growing up, to a name inspired by a beloved friend that holds an unspoken connection~ My art does indeed imitate my life.
Cedara has been spoken for and looks forward to her new home~ Thank you so much!

The Art of Letting Go

I haven't been around long enough to post the past couple of weeks...and it may be sparse for a few weeks ahead. So many things...where do I begin? Above is one of my newest clay Folk. Oh how I love doing them. I have been thinking that they are higher end pieces with so much work... maybe I should let go of them for a bit until prices such as gas, groceries and other needfuls settle. This work is more inclined to feed my soul at the moment... or perhaps not. Before she was painted, I put a picture of her with my phone, on my Facebook page~ such a response! Maybe, instead of letting them go for a bit, I just need to step carefully forward with them! 


I have also been enjoying the bounties of our little garden. I have been able to cook, like I used to. I have been enjoying this bit of time now, that had escaped when I was at my Mom's caring for both parents and then her.  Now I can share with her and enjoy recipes that hold so many family memories. I am also in the midst of letting go of so many care-giving duties that I still had to hold on to since my move. My Uncle has stepped in to take over the transitioning paperwork part of my Mom's in-home transition as her pay-down is coming to an end. There is much paperwork ahead!  I am working with my Uncle to put things in motion and let go....let go of so much and finally be able to be just a daughter during her remaining years. It is a great weight and I am happy to know that my daughters, Tim and I can enjoy her and visit.  We can be there without the pressures of taking care of her financial, household and daily issues. I am elated and I know that it will have it's bumps along the way.  Those reins, that have been in my hand for over 18 years will be difficult too hand over and not feel like I'm missing or forgetting something. Instead, I will be learning how to simply enjoy and make memories. Here is to letting go and embracing life~

Dancing With The Economy

 I am very honored to have been asked to be a part of this new group. Olde Primitive Peddler, features the best primitive artisans out there! A click on the picture will take you to my page along with the others.We opened on the first of the month ~ if you stop by the home page and leave a comment, you will be entered in the giveaway. I had a lot of fun working on some new friends .....and of course,

...Halloween did sneak in

More than once....

Like everyone else, I am dancing with a slow economy. I am fortunate to have spread my wings in a few directions with my work and it is definitely a time for all of us to be versatile. As an Artist, I would dearly love to do just what suits me. That of course is always the dream.The reality is, that you have to adjust to what your customers want, slow economy or not. Change can be scary, or an adventure, depending on how you look at it. I will be slowing up on some things and I push forward on others. I am also looking at my shows. I love so many local ones, but I also enjoy the bigger ones too. I will be limiting my online finished pieces...but it is because I am making a needed change at this time. What is it? It's almost ready.......are you?

A Fine Season

Sunday morning has slipped away already, but not without "brunch". Who says that you can't have pie for breakfast? Especially fresh strawberry rhubarb at the peak of strawberry season in the Adirondacks. Days like these were meant for spending outside. Long Summer days do speed by quickly as we get older.

Miss Bailey will be finding that out now.She has worked hard to be able to graduate on time with her class and I am very proud of her. If you have a child with challenges, you know the struggle it is to get what you need for your child in the school system. Bailey and I have both learned along the way...and are both better for it. She has completed one year of Cosmetology and will continue full time next year. Bailey was also surprised with two scholarship awards to help her on her way. 

She couldn't wait to show Gramma Judy; and Gramma Judy couldn't wait to see and hear about it all. Bailey was quite saddened that her Grampy wasn't here to watch her, as he promised long ago. Ahhh, but he was watching it all, I reminded her. Didn't you feel him beside you the whole time? 

And so, as the tassel is moved... so is a lifetime. Bailey's life will never be the same, she will make mistakes as well as great accomplishments. Her family will be beside her. She will know they are there, because she knows and feels their love for her. It is this love that will give her wings to fly and courage to reach beyond what she thinks she can do. Congratulations Bailey, to you and your class. It is a fine season, indeed. 

Striking A Balance

 It's hard for me to believe that it has been nearly six months since I moved to my new home and life with Tim. I'd love to say that I am all settled, but everything has come slowly.I still take care of many of my Mother's needs even though I am not living there. There are groceries, bills, housekeeping issues as well as staff that still takes plenty of time. By going up and staying a day or two a week, she has been able to stay at home for about a month or so longer than planned.

I never realized how exhausted my body was from all of this, until I was able to rest...REALLY rest. I have been able to rest and heal my body and soul. I am loving the simple joys such as gardening now that Spring has come. I'm also enjoying time with my daughters when I go up weekly. They have grown, it seems, in a blink of an eye. We are closer than ever and the miles between haven't been as difficult as we thought.

There have been a lot of changes with my business too! Tim's computer as well as mine were about the same age and after about 7 years, both needed to retire. We upgraded to a large touch screen and I love it! It is much easier to process my pattern orders. We also upgraded our cell phones and have become up to date with technology. At least for the moment. I have always been a basics person when it comes to a phone. I just needed something so that my kids or Mom could get a hold of me quickly. With the travel, I needed something with me on the road too. Now, I have an amazing phone, access to the Internet and can answer emails...even text, which I thought I would never get the hang of. It works well and as I start doing shows again, I will be able to process credit cards with the phone.

I also have STAFF! For those of you that have a cat, you fully understand the picture. Bobo is the hub of what goes on here...well, she thinks she is. She inspects ALL incoming shipments of supplies and her favorite job is Quality Control Checker in the Stuffing Department. She makes sure that the "loft" of the stuffing is always perfect. 

Murphy is Security and Entertainment. He's sporting his new Summer haircut and thinks himself quite the spiffy looking man. He's right on top of making sure that the house is secure and the birds and squirrels stay out of the garden. This gives me time to hunker right down in my work and not have anything to worry about.

And finally, there is Mollie. We aren't quite sure what her role is...except perhaps Company Princess. She is my constant companion, until Tim comes home...and yes, has her own tiara. 


The past six months have brought a lot of changes in my life. There is a peacefulness here in the little cottage. My days are filled with my goode work; be it art, garden or home. I see my mountains, my Mom and my girls quite a lot and the miles between aren't really so far.


 I've had a lot of new changes, even in my work. I'm loving the graphics that I am doing for Monahan Papers. The sculpted dolls always give me a challenge which is important to me. My wee folks and patterns still move forward, just a bit slower with everything else.  Life is always changing, sometimes little by little...and sometimes leaps and bounds. It all falls in place as it should. There have been changes that I haven't been too happy about, but in the end, everything is balancing out quite nicely. 

Sunshine & Whimsy

 Today, I have two sweet offerings for Simply Primitives. When I work, there are two things that you can count on, that I am listening to beloved movies or classical music. Either will keep me, "in my zone" to a time I am drawn to. There is no clutter of lyrics and I can put my everything in my work. If it is a movie, it is one that I have watched over and over or read in such away, that I don't have to watch the screen; I can be lulled by it as I work. I have passed this on to those I have mentored, just as it was passed to me. I even get a giggle to see that the one person, I had to let go for dishonesty, still makes it very public that she keeps this lesson close as she works along. Anyways, my wee Amy is small, but full of character in her simple expression. Her inspire was the movie made from my favorite novel, Little Women. Dear, impish Amy March~

 .....And wee little Maisy? She is inspired by another movie that keeps me company and is also a novel. The Secret Life of Bees. This wee one has a huge love of bees and the sweetness of their honey, which they kindly share with her. The bees and their hive can teach you many lessons in life.

And finally.....The cycle of life as it circles in our gardens. Thousands of baby spiders are hatched and use the Parsley to start their life journey. They will keep our gardens under proper care and balance this Summer. It's the simple joys~ 

Anwyn, Dyed Papers and Breezes

These are very much busy times for all of us. It has been quite rainy lately in Upstate New York, but like many, I am thankful that it is just rain. My heart goes out to so many, whose lives have been in peril with the tornadoes this year. Tim and I have been busy planting the flower beds as we can and this weekend, the rest of the vegetables will go in. 


I am balancing new drawings for Monahan Papers,  filling pattern orders, monthly offerings and finished items for upcoming shows. A smattering of Care Giving on weekends for my Mom and all of the things that two teen girls need done, make me wish for more hours in the day. 


Yesterday, I put the finishing touches on Anwyn. Her name is Welsh for "pale one" and she is a nod, in this way to my heritage. I have been working on several wee folk, but I chose her for my AHA Artist's offering. It is her clothing that is a reflection of what has been inspiring me lately. The deep blacks of ink and mottles tones of aged looking papers...yes, my inspire was the hand dyed papers of my beloved friends.


Today finds me writing this post as a cool breeze makes it's way from the kitchen . The wind chimes are my music to work by this afternoon. A melon scented candle blends with that of a bunch of Sweet Annie that dances with those window breezes. Simple joys as I work.


...and so goes the beginning of Summer time for us. Graduations, barbecues, ice cream cones enjoyed with concerts in the park...and fireflies dancing about at the Drive-In. We welcome thee, Humble Summer.

Big Show, Olde Crows

New York City has a bit more hustle and bustle in it today as the New York Paper and Stationary Show opens. It is a show that I've heard about for years and never ever dreamed that my designs would be a part of. Our dreams never come by our work alone and Stephanie has certainly given me a wonderful opportunity, as family and friends feathered my wings on this adventure!

Today also is the opening of TDIPT Mercantile  . I'm introducing 2 new...ahem, OLDE crows done in Olde World Style. You can just see them going about their days sweeping their nests along with other daily duties. They remind me of the little old Italian ladies of my youth,especially Mrs. Santoros. She knows that I would gladly help her do most anything, except clean squid for dinner. I still remember her laughing eyes on that one!

There is much to do ahead with new designs going to Stephanie for after the show. Halloween is my favorite and I will be in that mode for the paper and rubber stamp line fully......although, I have a suspicion that it will flow over to other areas. There is also the Simple Goodes Show. This is a dream show for me; I'm over the moon about meeting so many of my on-line friends, but I have to plant my sewing foot firmly on the pedal. I am loving that I can fully dive into designing, it's been a long wait for me! 

Keeping the Faith

My oldest daughter, Bailey will graduate in June. She has had her struggles with Asperger's and there were times that I was afraid she would need more time; perhaps she would not graduate with her class. She is on track and has made Merit Honor Roll this year to boot. She has worked, so very hard to get where she is and although she still has a ways to go in different areas and may need a helping hand in others ~ she is doing just fine.


I find myself reflecting on my own High School Graduation and how my parents told me, that it would mark the start of my adult life. My life would never be the same. I look back again to the day that I walked into Art School, in Lake Placid. Other than painting lessons as a kid, I was self taught in all the other media. How would this change my life? I learned that it did not change my gift, it gave me knowledge to better direct me and improve upon it. Foundations were better laid, but I still had to do all of the work...and work very hard.


I have found that like all changes that we put in motion, most of it comes from within. We have to put in the work and hold hands with Ambition to move forward with it. It is a tougher journey to make a living at this..really make a living. I have trusted that if I do the work that I love, the money would come. All I have asked for is to have "enough" financially. I am thankful for my parent's who gave my children and I, a roof over our heads and food  in lieu of helping them and care giving for several years. At times, I could not work as I would have liked to, but I did what was needed. As a single parent, without the aid of child support, my ability to make some kind of living for my children was dire. I still had to provide for my daughters' needs beyond what my parents provided in in helping with their own needs.


 I learned that life is about the simple things and we do not need every gadget that comes along. We are not defined by the car we drive and as long as it takes care of us, I don't care what it is. I don't need a new car or a constant car payment. I love my jeans and most of my clothes have coffee and paint stains on it... I couldn't be happier.  Sleeping on a Futon through these years still brings a giggle. It wasn't what I wanted, but it met my needs. I had what made me happiest, my girls, a family, a home and the ability to do what I loved for work. My girls have learned that although they may not have everything that some kids do, they have what they need. Both have learned to reach beyond and work for what they want. They seem well grounded.




Now I am watching another piece of me take off on it's own journey. I have drawn several designs for Monahan papers and have watched Stephanie work magic with them. Above, you will see a stamp that I had made from an unfinished sketch. Above that, is a rubber sheet full of the finished design as well as others. My work, is going forward in a way that I had never really thought as reachable yet. With this opportunity comes dreams and wishes. Mostly, it comes with Faith; that it will do well and be "enough" to keep a small, "Made in the USA", business thriving. Above all, I hope it continues to give me the ability to keep me working in my well forged bond of Faith and Ambition. Cheers Stephanie, and forward ho!