I Heart Macro

I lucked out and bought the sweetest, juiciest strawberries this week.  I had to stop and take a picture before  we ate them all!  After I snapped this, we finished them off!

I'm joining Lori at Studio for I Heart Macro

I hope you're having a wonderful weekend!

Thankful Thursday

Hello Friends!  Every Thursday I share what I'm thankful for.  Sometimes it's a serious or big thing, and sometimes it's a goofy or small thing.  I believe that no matter what is going on in our lives, there is always something to be thankful for.  Always. 

I'm thankful for the last few days of perfect summer weather.  The temps were in the low 80s with low humidity, blue skies, and a light breeze.  That will all change beginning today when we are supposed to have record breaking heat for the next few days.  Oh well, it was nice while it lasted!

I'm also thankful for
     *  the sweet aroma of fresh melon
     *  the arrival of another great nephew last night
     *  the nights I sleep through without waking up 7 times
     *  family.  always family

     What are you thankful for today?

These Things I Know For Sure

In this crazy world where I feel like I know less and less the older I get, I thought I would tell you what I know for sure.  Because I know you're just dying to know! :)

1.  I am loved.  By my family, my friends and especially by Annie dog.
2.  Life isn't always greener on the other side.  You just exchange one set of problems for another.
3.  You reap what you sow.  Or, what goes around comes around.  It's just the way it is.
4.  My happiness doesn't depend on another person.  I'm glad to have finally learned this lesson.
5.  Being a Grandma is worth everything you have to go through as a mother.
6.  Just because you're smart doesn't mean you know everything.
7.  Chocolate doesn't make the problem go away, but it sure can make you forget about it for a while.
8.  Every single person you come in contact with is dealing with something.  You're not the only one.
9.  Procrastination is not the answer.  I really do know this, but...

What do you know for sure?

Facing Facts and Closing Shop

For many years I dreamed of sewing fun and beautiful items to sell.  That dream came true when I worked at a gift shop that rented space to crafters and artists who wanted to sell their wares.  I rented a space and filled it up and waited for my first sale.  I was working the day it happened and could barely contain my excitement when a customer brought one of my burp cloths to the register.  Once she paid for the purchase and was out the door, my co-worker and I did a happy dance.  My dream had come true.

Shortly after that,  I decided to open an Etsy shop.  The fist sale was just as exciting as the one in the gift shop.  It was just mind boggling to me that someone would want to buy something that I made.  

It wasn't long before I realized I couldn't sew enough to keep both a booth and shop full.  And it wasn't so much that I couldn't sew enough so much as I didn't like sewing that much.  I found more and more excuses to stay out of the sewing room.  I love to sew and this dilemma had me confounded.  Eventually I gave up the booth to focus on Etsy since it was much cheaper to maintain.

It just turns out that I don't enjoy sewing when I have to do it.  I really thought I wanted to have a business and make a name for myself.  Well, actually, I still want that, but sewing isn't the way that it's going to happen.  It's a relief to finally admit it to myself, but at the same time a little sad. 

Taking the pressure off to fill up an online store will enable me to enjoy the recreational sewing I've always loved.  I can create beautiful accessories for my home, gifts for family and friends, and make cute outfits for my sweet Shylee because I want to and not because I have to.  I get excited just writing about it!  

I opened my Etsy shop three years ago and I will never regret doing so.  I will be closing it this week and take the guilt and pressure off to fill it.  Thank you so much to those of you who have supported me through both encouragement and sales.  If you would like something made in the future, I would be happy to make it for you.  Just let me know.

Thankful Thursday a Day Late

I can't believe I completely forgot to do a Thankful Thursday post yesterday.  I think maybe these ridiculously high temperatures fried my brain.   It's too hot to even think!

Today I'm thankful that Michael and I can spend a day out together and still have a good time.  After thirty three years, we can still have fun, still make each other laugh, still enjoy each others company, still flirt with each other, and still find interesting topics to discuss.  We still enjoy doing the same things we always have but still like going to new places and trying new things.  I'm thankful for that comfortable easy feeling that comes only after time and experience.

I'm also thankful for
     *  calling my dad on Fathers Day and the whole family is there to talk to
     *  air conditioning
     *  summer time
     *  more frequent days with no knee pain
   

What are you thankful for today?

I Heart Macro

I love the soft muted colors of the inside of this tulip.  I find it very calming and soothing.  Sometimes I need that.

I'm joining Lori at Studio Waterstone for I Heart Macro.

Thankful Thursday

Hello Friends!  Every Thursday I share what I'm thankful for.  Sometimes it's a serious or big thing, and sometimes it's a goofy or small thing.  I believe that no matter what is going on in our lives, there is always something to be thankful for.  Always. 

Today I'm thankful for my fur baby, Annie.  She keeps me company, loves me unconditionally, and listens intently to everything I have to say!  She went to stay with Erin for a couple of days while Michael was out of town and I was out of sorts without her.  It was the first time they were both gone at the same time and I'm thankful they are both home.


I'm also thankful for
     *  the arrival of my great nephew, Cooper
     *  Michael being off work this week
     *  comfortable shoes
     

What are you thankful for this week?

Pizza My Way

Every now and then Michael has to go out of town on business.  Sometimes I go with him and sometimes I stay home.  It just depends on where he's going and how long he'll be gone.  He was recently away for a couple of days and I was on my own.  It was the perfect opportunity to make myself a pizza that he usually is not interested in.  We used to love the same pizza, but our tastes have changed over the years and we can't agree on anything pizza related any more!

I don't like pizza sauce so I brushed on some pesto.

I topped it with provolone cheese and caramelized onions and mushrooms.

Then I added sliced tomatoes and basil

And topped it off with sliced mozzarella.

Baked it for twenty minutes and it turned out like this.

It was really good with a glass of Riesling (German of course)!

Have a marvelous Monday!

Thankful Thursday

Hello Friends!  Every Thursday I share what I'm thankful for.  Sometimes it's a serious or big thing, and sometimes it's a goofy or small thing.  I believe that no matter what is going on in our lives, there is always something to be thankful for.  Always.

Shylee came to stay with us for the weekend while her mommy and daddy went away to celebrate their anniversary.  I'm thankful I'm well enough now to have her stay.  I'm also thankful she took a nap on this particular day!  She is a bundle of non-stop energy and gave up naps over a year ago.  It is rare to find her sleeping in the middle of the day.  I'm thankful for her.  She rocks my world!


I'm also thankful for
     *  invitations to parties, even if I can't go
     *  Erin's opportunity to go back to school
     *  the sweet smell of lavender when I walk into my sewing room
     

What are you thankful for today?

I Heart Macro

Tulips are my very favorite spring flowers.  There are a myriad of varieties and colors to delight the senses.  When they are fully open, the center is revealed in all it's glory.  Sometimes it is even more beautiful than the outside of the bloom, which is always a surprise to me.

Isn't that a lot like people?  We come in a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes, each beautiful in their own way.  But take a look on the inside and you will see the real beauty.  It's something to remember when we meet people and make new friends, or are down on ourselves because we just don't like how we look.  What is on the inside is more important than what is on the outside.

I'm joining Lori at Studio Waterstone for I Heart Macro.