A much needed vacation...

Everyone needs one right? You bet! I just got back from a week long trip to Lake Placid. We had a ball. I had never been there before and was pleasantly surprised. We did some shopping and got to check out the ice rink where the miracle on ice took place. The highlight of our week was our family climb up Whiteface Mountain. It was incredible to see my 5 year old and my 8 year old scamper their way to the top. The trip was 12 miles roundtrip with a 4867 ft elevation gain. It is truly amazing what kids can do.

It was nice to close up shop for awhile and step away from the sewing machine. Tomorrow, back to work!

Amy Butler and the Electric Quilt Company

I love Amy Butler! Although I guess you can see that if you check out my shop. Her fabrics are so fresh and beutiful and the quaility of the fabric is unmatched. That said, did you know she has new software available for your computer? Amy teamed up with the Electric Quilt Company to make this wonderful CD rom that includes 22 patterns and 9 bonus projects. I just recieved my copy and I have been having so much fun trying it out. The projects are wonderfully designed, the graphics are beautiful, and the patterns are easy to follow.

When you get your copy, be sure to check out the inspiration gallery. I had the pleasure of being included in the gallery and want to send out a huge thank you to Amy and the Electric Quilt Company!

If you are interested in more information, check out Amy's site at:
www.amybutlerdesign.com

Sometimes the Best Layed Plans...

Do you ever get these ideas that sound great at the time, but not so great later on? That is completely me. We went strawberry picking this past week and I had great plans of all of the wonderful things I was going to make with my strawberries. There was strawberry pie, strawberry pancakes, and of course strawberry jam. That said, I came home with 10 pounds of strawberries and other than eating them just as they are, I havn't done a darn thing with them. Maybe today?

Did You Survive the Holidays?

Well, did you? We are still in recovery mode around here. The toys have yet to find a place to be put away, the Christmas decorations are still hung, and we still have a few family members to exchange gifts with. That said, I couldn't be happier. The kids went back to school Monday!

I have slowly been restocking my shop. Carissa Black, the shop, had a great holiday sales season. I can't wait to start adding some fun, spring inspired handbags to the shop.

A big thank you to everyone that has helped me have a successful first year and here is to a wonderful year ahead.

Hanna Cranna

Happy Halloween everyone! Hope you had a great one. Probably my most favorite holiday. I love everything scary, supernatural, creepy, etc. That said, I was turned on to this bit of local folklore last week. It is about Hanna Cranna, the witch of Monroe, CT. I just happen to live in Monroe. If I could figure out to insert a link, I would. If you would like to read a little about her, Wikipedia has a great little write up.

I went today with my 8 year old, who was fascinated by the story, to visit the grave sight. It is the epitomy of a spooky old graveyard. Even the name, Gregory's Four Corners Burial Ground, is spooky. People had left packaged candy bars, money, gum, and flowers on the grave. I am told that every Halloween the town does a little something about her. Could be fun and interesting to check out next year.

Why, oh why havn't I blogged in forever....

Why, you ask, is my last entry from the beginning of summer? Life is just going too fast. You know what I mean. With kids, work, a business, home, a husband, family, etc, it is a wonder we have time for anything.

There are so many new ideas floating around in my head and not enough time to carry them out. It frustrates me. I think we all struggle with this. We want to be successful, but when it happens, we just want it all to stop for awhile. I know that this too shall pass. I will get caught up on orders. My work chaos will settle down. The family will fall into place. Life will go on.

Until then, take those small moments to just breathe. Look around at the changing season and enjoy those little moments or quiet.

Summer

Summer!


Remember when all you had to do was run through a sprinkler? Or lay on your back and watch the clouds float by? I definately remember and love being able to share these simple joys with my boys.

What has happened to childhood? When asked "what are your kids doing this summer?" I always reply, "playing." I am fortunate enough to be able to be home during the week. I know this is not the case for everyone. I just don't see the need to schedule all of my children's time with organized activities. They are only 4 and 7 and should be left to enjoy what little time there is to just be kids with not a care in the world. As parents, we are told that in order for our children to be "great" they should learn x, y, and z.... Yes, they should. But, they should also learn what wonders await when all they have is a backyard and all the time in a day to fill it with wonderous things from their imaginations.

Think about your own childhood and what made summers really special. Was it running from sport to sport or camp to camp? Or was it those days when you could work on that fort or tree house? Or catch crayfish in the pond? How about just sitting under a tree watching ants and thinking about the worlds that exist underground?

Have a wonderful lazy summer!