It's okay to be lazy sometimes. Right?

Yesterday was wonderfully productive. I made new earrings, photographed them, and added them to my Etsy store. Little horseshoes and loops. I made dinner for my husband, J, and said 'yes' to a small social gathering, which I am often too shy to say 'yes' to. It felt good to go; we had a great time.

Today, I managed to find an incredible price on silver, get to the grocery store for some rosemary bread and mango, photographed some fingerless mittens and added them to the shop, and ran the dishwasher

which is an amazing accomplishment most days.

The majority of the day has been spent on the middle section of my couch, with the coffee table pulled close to me for easy access to my can of soda, the remote, and the basket of untouched balls of yarn. 

I guess I don't feel entirely productive until I have gotten a little exercise out of the way, and made at least one thing. I have managed to do neither today, although I have done a good handful of other things. All of the other accomplishments fall to the wayside if one or two things don't get done. Each day I try to do too many things, filling up my plate and scolding myself when my way-to-large list doesn't get completed. 

I try to remind myself of all the things I do accomplish each day, and all the things I do that don't involve soldering metal and picking up a crochet hook. I'm a wife, a daughter, a sister, an auntie, a cousin, a niece, a granddaughter, a daughter-in-law, and a loyal friend to a small but brilliant little group of close folks. I work hard to maintain my relationships, and can honestly say that if someone is in my life, there is a good reason, and if someone is not in my life, there is also a good reason. I need to remind myself that my worth isn't found in my dress size, the amount of things I make, or the job I have (or don't have). The most important job I have is to be a trustworthy, honest, kind and patient person. The patient part comes and goes. 

The new year brings so many mixed emotions and thoughts. Should I create some kind of unattainable "resolution"? Did I accomplish enough this year? Will anything life-changing happen in 2012? 2011 was a roller coaster. J got sick and recovered, we've been through job loss, I got married, I joined a gym (again), and cleaned the apartment. Yes, that is worth listing. I thought maybe this would be the year of home-ownership and new and exciting responsibilities at work, but those things will come another time, everything has its time.

In 2012, I plan on continuing to do what I do. Eat sensibly and get regular exercise, explore new creative pursuits, be physically and emotionally available for my family and friends, and to try not to take everything so damn seriously.  I am hoping to explore teaching craft classes, look into furthering my education, create a new series of jewelry, spin lots of yarn, take cooking classes and feed my hubby, have company over more often, and get coffee with friends regularly. More date nights with J would be lovely too!

Less worry, less road rage, more faith, more dancing (alone and with others), less FEAR. No more fear. I believe that is the only thing holding me back. 

Happy New Year, to whoever spends their precious time reading this silly little blog. 

4 year anniversary of when we met, 12-25-11

The New Normal

There have been some major changes for me lately, which have been bittersweet. I found myself unemployed as of early November, and promptly turned up the heat on Arsenal of Buttons (AOB). With the holidays just around the corner, I knew if I stayed busy with my work I would be okay through the New Year.

My first Monday morning at home I decided that it was time to tackle our space. Having more time on my hands meant no more excuses; I finally had the opportunity to create the clean home I have wanted and needed to be creatively productive. I am pleased to say that our place has never been more clean, including my studio.

Let's back up a bit.
There is one more big change in my life. I got married in September, after 11 months of planning and preparing. It was by far the most wonderful day of my life. Each detail was important; I made my headpiece, my husband sanded the large wooden slabs we used for our centerpieces from my parents tree, he made our guestbook fingerprint poster, I hand glittered the guest place cards, we designed our invitation and accompanying materials together (no small miracle), I made my bridesmaids jewelry and nest wedding cake topper, I covered large letters in glitter and moss, the list goes on. It was our day, and we made it so.

Special thanks to the brilliant women at Paper Rock Scissor for printing our invitations, menus, and signs, Carl Anderson of Princess Bride Videography for capturing our day so beautifully, Kris Drake Photography for being there from start to finish, on her feet at 7 months pregnant, Sugar Sugar Candy in South Minneapolis for providing sweet treats, Mary Andler of Mary's Floral for my stunning flowers, and Richfield Floral for creating the Chuppah of our dreams, complete with birch branches and my great grandmothers table cloth as the canopy.

    


Prior to the wedding, my husband got very sick in May and spent 6 of 7 nights in the ICU. I stayed with him each night, curled up in the waiting room, not leaving him until the nurses changed over and I had to step out. That experience of being so close to losing my partner changed us both. We are closer than ever, and have an understanding of what is truly important. This has made us look at our current situation in a different light. Yes, I'm not working at a full time job. But we are lucky to be together, and lucky to have our health and to have a support system.

So, a lot has happened, and I predict more changes in the near future. I have never given Arsenal of Buttons this much effort and time. I can honestly say I have never felt better. I get up early, have breakfast, and give all my attention to AOB. With the company of our cat, Lucca, I crochet, solder silver, update my Etsy store, check my AOB Facebook page, explore the Etsy business topic forums, vacuum, dust, grocery shop, ship orders (my favorite thing to do!), and try to exercise. One thing I thought I would do more with time off, is nap. No naps here, I stay quite busy. Of course, I have my eyes peeled for possible full-time work, but I wanted to see what it would be like to make AOB my full time job for just a little while. With the support of close friends and Etsy orders from all over the country, it has been a truly successful month.

This Sunday is my third and final craft fair of the holiday season. I have redesigned my table for craft fairs, and feel like I have found what works. The leftover wood from the wedding has come in handy!
















The craft fair will be at the Saint Paul Jewish Community Center, this Sunday, December 18, from 1 - 4pm. It would be great to see some friendly faces there. Even if you don't make an AOB purchase, I will have cookies and cream Hershey kisses on my table.

Thank you for your support and for taking the time to get an AOB update. Happy holidays and best wishes to you and your families!