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!

My Brother Opened an Etsy Shop

So my brother finally did it and opened up a shop on Etsy. He takes some really wonderful photos and hope he does really well with it. You can find him at www.etsy.com under his name, Mike Gibson.

Head Colds and being miserable!

Ok, who agrees with me? Head colds are the worst! You aren't sick enough to stay in bed, but you are too miserable to be a functioning member of society. I have had a cold for 3 days now and am miserable. Call me a complainer, but I just have too much to do to be sick. Not to mention, my kids are sick too and therefore home from school which means more work for, you guessed it, ME! On the brighter side I did get this new wristlet posted today. I wonder if there is a decongestant in there somewhere? Ok, enough complaining for one night!

Spinning My Wheels

Do you ever have those days where you feel like you just can't get anything done? I am having one today. Maybe it is just that I lack the motivation to actually get anything done. My little boy is making more messes than I can keep up with, the laundry really needs done, the bills need paid.... All I really want to do is take a nap. I did manage to get this baby quilt and little boy apron done today. I guess that is something. I keep telling myself that I will feel more like doing house chores tomorrow. Who am I kidding!