I have been on a voyage of self-discovery. Where should I be focusing my energy? What am I good at? What do I enjoy?
I tell people that I'm searching for my bliss. That usually gets a few eyebrow raises. None-the-less, I've continued on my path, with hills and plataues.
Have I found my way? I have found an interesting path for now, and I'm good with that.
A week or so back I was in my comfort zone, doing the same ole same ole. Then I had an experience that shook things up. I decided the lemons needed to be lemonade, and took the opportunity to find a positive in the chaos. I decided it was the kick in the pants I needed to move om to the next step.
I am developing more sewing patterns. I am working on things like branding, identity, prototypes, writing, the list goes on. It's fun for me to see the idea in my head, figure out how to make it, then write it in a way that others can create. So rewarding!
Once I have things buttoned up, I will work on distribution options. I have had great feedback from my limited marketplace on both my patterns and designs. I have been encouraged to sell my designs outright as well. So there is a lot around distribution that I need to figure out.
The internet opens distribution doors that reach so much further than your favorite fabric shop. Places like Etsy and Artfire make it easy. Using vehicles like Twitter and Facebook for marketing intrigues me, even though I've not joined the FaceBook revolution as of yet. I need to figure that out too.
So keep an eye out. I will be posting more frequently. Some posts may still be about my crazy kitties, I just can't help myself! I can not create without them. Even now, Cleo is lying next to me on the sofa, my favorite blanket clutched in her paws, snoring...Max is chasing an invisible fly...Sophia Loren is hiding under the bench. Yes, I may still be meandering life's path searching for my bliss, but some things never change.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
What's new? Patterns!!!
I'm pleased to report that I have self-published my first sewing pattern! Actually, an "instructional", as there are no pattern pieces. I've developed an easy to read format, diagrams, special notes, terms and definitions, and skill levels.
The first one which I've named on-the-Go Clutch was included in a kit with all the components to make it, and sold out of the shop I work at. First though they debuted for one day at the Sewing and Quilt Expo in Tampa in our booth. Sold 10 of 18! The rest sold out in the store in two days.
More kits are in process and I'll be teaching it as a class in a month or two. I already have ladies asking for them. Aaahh!
It was really gratifying the day a customer came in with one completed. WOW! From my pages to her hands! It was so cool to see that the pattern worked for someone not too familiar with it, like I was!
The on-the-Go Clutch happened by accident. A pal of mine designed a messenger bag kit that she taught at Expo, and there was leftover fabric. Why not come up with a bag that could go in the bag? Four weeks later it was for sale! It was a whirlwind, and very satisfying.
I have another clutch pattern in the works as well as some home dec projects. Hoping to get them allfinished by the first part of May. I also need to post pictures here and add them to my Etsy and Artfire sites.
What to do when those are done? Then I'm off to work on some holiday things, another bag, and more home dec. So many ideas, so little time!
The first one which I've named on-the-Go Clutch was included in a kit with all the components to make it, and sold out of the shop I work at. First though they debuted for one day at the Sewing and Quilt Expo in Tampa in our booth. Sold 10 of 18! The rest sold out in the store in two days.
More kits are in process and I'll be teaching it as a class in a month or two. I already have ladies asking for them. Aaahh!
It was really gratifying the day a customer came in with one completed. WOW! From my pages to her hands! It was so cool to see that the pattern worked for someone not too familiar with it, like I was!
The on-the-Go Clutch happened by accident. A pal of mine designed a messenger bag kit that she taught at Expo, and there was leftover fabric. Why not come up with a bag that could go in the bag? Four weeks later it was for sale! It was a whirlwind, and very satisfying.
I have another clutch pattern in the works as well as some home dec projects. Hoping to get them allfinished by the first part of May. I also need to post pictures here and add them to my Etsy and Artfire sites.
What to do when those are done? Then I'm off to work on some holiday things, another bag, and more home dec. So many ideas, so little time!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Kitty Update!
What have the kitties been up to? Well...
Sophia Loren has moved out of the bedroom closet! She now lives behind a stack of books under a table in the living room. It appears to be her way of being close by me. She is standing up to Max and Cleo a little more each day. She still hates them.
Last night she came out and meowed until I petted her. She stood on the floor in front of the couch for an hour like this. Max and Cleo went nuts, but she would not move. So funny!
Max ignores SL's existence, unless she gets within a foot of him. Then he growls like a bobcat. Siamese have the most interesting voices. She in turn growls and hisses back.
Max likes to lay blocking the food and water from Cleo and SL. He's such a moody little guy! Little, ya right, all 20 pounds of him. Every day he demands to lay on me, "clean" my face, and nap. So sweet!
Cleo continues to be the happiest cat in the world. Not a lot phases her. Except of course Sophia Loren. She chases and pounces her every chance she gets. A few times a week I catch them swinging from the rattan blinds in the bedroom, one on each side, trying to attack the other. The blinds are shot, but hey, keeps them busy.
Right now they are all asleep, looking like perfect angels. Like that will last...
Sophia Loren has moved out of the bedroom closet! She now lives behind a stack of books under a table in the living room. It appears to be her way of being close by me. She is standing up to Max and Cleo a little more each day. She still hates them.
Last night she came out and meowed until I petted her. She stood on the floor in front of the couch for an hour like this. Max and Cleo went nuts, but she would not move. So funny!
Max ignores SL's existence, unless she gets within a foot of him. Then he growls like a bobcat. Siamese have the most interesting voices. She in turn growls and hisses back.
Max likes to lay blocking the food and water from Cleo and SL. He's such a moody little guy! Little, ya right, all 20 pounds of him. Every day he demands to lay on me, "clean" my face, and nap. So sweet!
Cleo continues to be the happiest cat in the world. Not a lot phases her. Except of course Sophia Loren. She chases and pounces her every chance she gets. A few times a week I catch them swinging from the rattan blinds in the bedroom, one on each side, trying to attack the other. The blinds are shot, but hey, keeps them busy.
Right now they are all asleep, looking like perfect angels. Like that will last...
Friday, March 27, 2009
Shrimp and Scallops Grand Marnier
I had the most amazing dinner tonight! The main course was the Shrimp and Scallops Grand Marnier. Now, I totally savored this and thought about what I was tasting so I can try to recreate it one day. I brought home a huge doggy bag because the portion was huge!
My interpretation - butter/lemon/garlic/Grand Marnier sauce. Light, not over done, buttery in texture.
Scallops and shrimp tasted like they were prepared in the sauce, or at least spent some time there. Tomatoes and mushrooms were added toward the end, as they we're not over done at all. All this topped linguini, and was topped with spinach. The spinach was not wilted, it looked fresh. Top with grated parmesan cheese.
I paired it with Belini Pinot Grigio and a salad with creamy peppercorn dressing. Mmmmmmmmmm
Now if I can figure out the recipe...
If you are in Tampa/St Petersburg area, I went to Antonio's on Ulmerton. Mmmmmmmmmm
My interpretation - butter/lemon/garlic/Grand Marnier sauce. Light, not over done, buttery in texture.
Scallops and shrimp tasted like they were prepared in the sauce, or at least spent some time there. Tomatoes and mushrooms were added toward the end, as they we're not over done at all. All this topped linguini, and was topped with spinach. The spinach was not wilted, it looked fresh. Top with grated parmesan cheese.
I paired it with Belini Pinot Grigio and a salad with creamy peppercorn dressing. Mmmmmmmmmm
Now if I can figure out the recipe...
If you are in Tampa/St Petersburg area, I went to Antonio's on Ulmerton. Mmmmmmmmmm
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Where Have I Been?
I disapeared for a few weeks. I do that sometimes when I get really focussed. So what's new?
I developed a pattern. Well, I call it an "instructional" because there are no pattern pieces, just the instructions regarding how to cut what.
It is for a clutch I designed to work with a larger bag that a friend of mine developed. Kind of a companion piece. I've got a first update that needs to be done, and hopefully will have it for sale soon.
That took a lot of time, making the sample, re-making the sample, re-working the sample, writing, editting...you get the idea.
It is not an easy process, and it can become all-consuming. Thus my absence. Even friends and family have wondered where I've disapeared to. No where, really! Just been buried at work and at home.
What about the kitties? Right now, we have fleas. ICK! Fighting the slow battle, and on the look out for natural alternatives for prevention. Any thoughts? Feel free to comment!
How is Sophia Loren doing? Well, she graduated from living under the bed to living in the closet. Has a couple shelves she's moved into, kind of like a walk-up. She pops out more for food and luvins. Spends a lot of time in the window too.
This past weekend she found a little place behind books on the lower shelf of my coffee table. She began hanging out in there to be close to me when I'm home. She can hide there and not be seen by the others.
She really doesn't like Max and Cleo. Who can blame her? They are still mean to her, but she now fights back.
Kids...
I developed a pattern. Well, I call it an "instructional" because there are no pattern pieces, just the instructions regarding how to cut what.
It is for a clutch I designed to work with a larger bag that a friend of mine developed. Kind of a companion piece. I've got a first update that needs to be done, and hopefully will have it for sale soon.
That took a lot of time, making the sample, re-making the sample, re-working the sample, writing, editting...you get the idea.
It is not an easy process, and it can become all-consuming. Thus my absence. Even friends and family have wondered where I've disapeared to. No where, really! Just been buried at work and at home.
What about the kitties? Right now, we have fleas. ICK! Fighting the slow battle, and on the look out for natural alternatives for prevention. Any thoughts? Feel free to comment!
How is Sophia Loren doing? Well, she graduated from living under the bed to living in the closet. Has a couple shelves she's moved into, kind of like a walk-up. She pops out more for food and luvins. Spends a lot of time in the window too.
This past weekend she found a little place behind books on the lower shelf of my coffee table. She began hanging out in there to be close to me when I'm home. She can hide there and not be seen by the others.
She really doesn't like Max and Cleo. Who can blame her? They are still mean to her, but she now fights back.
Kids...
Monday, March 2, 2009
The Adventures of Cleo, the Happiest Cat In the World
Cleo has a definite morning routine. Most days it goes like this:
Start Time, between 7 and 8am... Wake up, come bounding out to find me, hop across me (on sofa) to get to the window, look outside a while. Hop back across, eat, drink, cover the food dish so no one else can eat. Jump up and lay next to me for petting and chin scratches. Jump down, dash to bedroom to see if Sophia Loren, the new little kitty, is still there. Terrorize her a little, get bored, begin running room to room, preferably in figure 8's. If Max happens to be in the path, she just plows him down. She jumps and attaches herself to side of long bench, and runs across it (on the side!) as a means of entering/exiting the living room. This goes on a while... When she gets bores, she follows me to the bathroom, plays in tub, steals toilet paper, rolls on my shoes, and finally collapses with exhaustion on the bathroom floor until I get in the shower.
One morning I had left the bathroom, missing the whole playing with shoes and passing out part. Apparently she chose to take her morning nap in the bathtub. I walked back into the bathroom and hear loud, echoing purring. I pulled back the shower curtain and there she was...
She was on her back, completely stretched out with her back legs straight out behind her, her front legs, curled, up in the air. Her eyes were closed, and well, if not for the purring, I'd have thought she was dead!
I spoke her name, she opened her eyes, turned her head slightly, meowed, and went right back into death position.
She is by far the happiest cat I've ever met.
Start Time, between 7 and 8am... Wake up, come bounding out to find me, hop across me (on sofa) to get to the window, look outside a while. Hop back across, eat, drink, cover the food dish so no one else can eat. Jump up and lay next to me for petting and chin scratches. Jump down, dash to bedroom to see if Sophia Loren, the new little kitty, is still there. Terrorize her a little, get bored, begin running room to room, preferably in figure 8's. If Max happens to be in the path, she just plows him down. She jumps and attaches herself to side of long bench, and runs across it (on the side!) as a means of entering/exiting the living room. This goes on a while... When she gets bores, she follows me to the bathroom, plays in tub, steals toilet paper, rolls on my shoes, and finally collapses with exhaustion on the bathroom floor until I get in the shower.
One morning I had left the bathroom, missing the whole playing with shoes and passing out part. Apparently she chose to take her morning nap in the bathtub. I walked back into the bathroom and hear loud, echoing purring. I pulled back the shower curtain and there she was...
She was on her back, completely stretched out with her back legs straight out behind her, her front legs, curled, up in the air. Her eyes were closed, and well, if not for the purring, I'd have thought she was dead!
I spoke her name, she opened her eyes, turned her head slightly, meowed, and went right back into death position.
She is by far the happiest cat I've ever met.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Birthday Party, 40ish Style
A friend of mine turned 40 this week. To celebrate, she lined up a limo to pick a few of her friends up and transport us to another friend's house for a party. What a great idea! No driving, no going out to a bar or restaraunt, just a relaxing evening.
The limo did the pick ups and we had some champaigne on the way to the party. It was Jordon, and if you've never tried it, do so! A really yummy sensation! Really a sparkling wine, but quite tasty.
We arrived at party central. The birthday girl's family and the hostess put on quite the spread. I hadn't been there in a while, and a new addition to their phenominal house is a room they converted into a bar.
The bar overlooks the pool, and is so tastefully done. We hung out, ate, had some beverages, listened to music, and had a great night.
I want to say that the birthday girl made amazing dirty martinis. I've never really liked them, but hers were really good! I have to remember that. I tried a number of tasty concoctions, then switched to water and soda at dinner (I had to be able to function today).
Dinner was served, the birthday girl requested Carrabas so that no one would have to cook. Mmmmm so good. Chicken Marsala, Chicken Parmasan, Caesar Salad, pasta, bread... More music, sat by the pool because it's February in Florida and you can do that. It was a great night.
At one point, there was police activity. Seems someone tried to break into the house next door. Six sherriff gentlemen and a really big police dog! We were impressed with the response. When asked, our hostess told them that we were all too old to have done something stupid like that, LOL! Happy to report the neighbors were safe and all ended well.
Limo picked us up about 1am and we went back to our homes. The birthday girl was walked to her door with all her gifts, and we thanked her for a great night.
Not a bad way to attend a birthday party! I guess I'm a responsible adult, but I loved it!
The limo did the pick ups and we had some champaigne on the way to the party. It was Jordon, and if you've never tried it, do so! A really yummy sensation! Really a sparkling wine, but quite tasty.
We arrived at party central. The birthday girl's family and the hostess put on quite the spread. I hadn't been there in a while, and a new addition to their phenominal house is a room they converted into a bar.
The bar overlooks the pool, and is so tastefully done. We hung out, ate, had some beverages, listened to music, and had a great night.
I want to say that the birthday girl made amazing dirty martinis. I've never really liked them, but hers were really good! I have to remember that. I tried a number of tasty concoctions, then switched to water and soda at dinner (I had to be able to function today).
Dinner was served, the birthday girl requested Carrabas so that no one would have to cook. Mmmmm so good. Chicken Marsala, Chicken Parmasan, Caesar Salad, pasta, bread... More music, sat by the pool because it's February in Florida and you can do that. It was a great night.
At one point, there was police activity. Seems someone tried to break into the house next door. Six sherriff gentlemen and a really big police dog! We were impressed with the response. When asked, our hostess told them that we were all too old to have done something stupid like that, LOL! Happy to report the neighbors were safe and all ended well.
Limo picked us up about 1am and we went back to our homes. The birthday girl was walked to her door with all her gifts, and we thanked her for a great night.
Not a bad way to attend a birthday party! I guess I'm a responsible adult, but I loved it!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Sunday Snippet - Adventures at the Walgreens..
I was at the drugstore picking up a couple things, and thought to myself how lucky I was that there were only two people in line at the counter. The parking lot was full, where was everyone?
As I stepped into line I "felt" someone fall in behind me. Soon after the clerk called for assistance. I turned around and there were 10 people behind me!
The clerk looked at me and asked, "Where did they all come from?" Her question had a slight accusitory tone to it, like I had done something, so...
I looked her square in the eye and replied, "It's my fault, I have bacon in my pocket."
She burst out lauging. The ladies in front of me bust out laughing. People behind me were confused.
It was a magical moment.
As I stepped into line I "felt" someone fall in behind me. Soon after the clerk called for assistance. I turned around and there were 10 people behind me!
The clerk looked at me and asked, "Where did they all come from?" Her question had a slight accusitory tone to it, like I had done something, so...
I looked her square in the eye and replied, "It's my fault, I have bacon in my pocket."
She burst out lauging. The ladies in front of me bust out laughing. People behind me were confused.
It was a magical moment.
Friday, February 20, 2009
It's All about the Hair!
I got my first haircut this week in seven months. Yes, SEVEN. Why? Quite simply, like many Americans, I've cut back.
Tuesday however, I declared, MY HAIR NEEDS A BAILOUT!
A few of my friends tried to tell me over the past few months, "There are some things a girl can't go without." OK, I admit, seven months may have been extreme.
My stylist, the amazing Stacy, kindly squeezed me into her busy day. She's a gal that you can never just call and get in with because she's always booked a month out. Wednesday was my lucky day.She had a few minutes and she made room.
She said that she expected my hair to look like crap, and that she was pleasantly surprised. I told her that it was a testament to the cut she had given me before. In truth, up until about a month ago, it was still manageable.
I had this short, sassy, wispy thing going on. It has really in the last month that it quit drying properly up and holding its shape.
My bangs were down almost to my chin, and I had the sad, tell-tail sign of a mullet in training. I joked that we should have taken before and after pics.
When she was done working her magic, I had real bangs again, and my head felt about 10 pounds lighter. We laughed at the PILE of hair on the floor. She said it looked like a small animal.
She also was very cool and suggested a color family to work from the next time I color. Yes, when I colored in December, I was shocked at the dark red w/ fushia highlights I got, and how it took a week for wash water to run clear. The color did grow on me, and it covered the nasty gray that is cropping up, but I'd love to be a tad lighter.
It is amazing what something as simple as a haircut can do to change a persons mood. I had the most wonderful time at work on Thursday, I feel like a whole new person! I got some planning done, I worked out a problem I was having with a design, oh yes, my hair must be cut more often!
Tuesday however, I declared, MY HAIR NEEDS A BAILOUT!
A few of my friends tried to tell me over the past few months, "There are some things a girl can't go without." OK, I admit, seven months may have been extreme.
My stylist, the amazing Stacy, kindly squeezed me into her busy day. She's a gal that you can never just call and get in with because she's always booked a month out. Wednesday was my lucky day.She had a few minutes and she made room.
She said that she expected my hair to look like crap, and that she was pleasantly surprised. I told her that it was a testament to the cut she had given me before. In truth, up until about a month ago, it was still manageable.
I had this short, sassy, wispy thing going on. It has really in the last month that it quit drying properly up and holding its shape.
My bangs were down almost to my chin, and I had the sad, tell-tail sign of a mullet in training. I joked that we should have taken before and after pics.
When she was done working her magic, I had real bangs again, and my head felt about 10 pounds lighter. We laughed at the PILE of hair on the floor. She said it looked like a small animal.
She also was very cool and suggested a color family to work from the next time I color. Yes, when I colored in December, I was shocked at the dark red w/ fushia highlights I got, and how it took a week for wash water to run clear. The color did grow on me, and it covered the nasty gray that is cropping up, but I'd love to be a tad lighter.
It is amazing what something as simple as a haircut can do to change a persons mood. I had the most wonderful time at work on Thursday, I feel like a whole new person! I got some planning done, I worked out a problem I was having with a design, oh yes, my hair must be cut more often!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
The Shirt Class, Kitty Update
Hi all! I wanted to take a moment and brag on my shirt class! I taught the shirt pictured over two evenings at ye olde workplace. I went into the second class fearful we would never finish - we had the collar, sleeves, buttons, buttonholes, and hems to do.
I knew the collar would take a long time, as I had done it in the sample, so I bounced it off a pal at work. She showed me the coolest trick, involving setting the collar into the front facing and using a bias strip across the inside to use to cover the seam.
WHY HASN'T ANYONE SHOWN ME THE BIAS STRIP TRIP BEFORE????
I practiced, and whala! It turned out amazing.
I also practiced my button holes, and learned how to use the button feature on the machines.
Happy to report that the class was thrilled with the collar solution, and we got that done along with the sleeves, one button, and one buttonhole. We also discussed the hem, to wait until buttons and holes were finished, and I showed them a trick that the alterations lady showed me for the hem.
Happy class, happy me, happy day!
Kitty Update: I have changed Ally-cat's name to Sophia Loren. She has this amazing eyeliner going on, and looks so exotic, like Sophia Loren did when she first hit the big screen. Here is a blurry picture, she was exploring...
She does NOT like Max or Cleo. She has started coming out to eat. She growls at them with food in her mouth, but they let her eat. They also try to chase her when she's done. I think this is progress. She needs to realize that she is intimidating to them. I'm working on helping her do that :-)
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Celebrating with Food
My birthday was Friday. Many calls and emails from friends and family. Even got some traditional paper cards, signed, mailed with a stamp! One was about the 7 menapausal dwarves, which made me laugh.
Yes, I'm oh so lucky to have entered the wild world of peri-menapause symptoms in my VERY early 40's. Makes for some interesting days :-)
Anyhow, I've had three birthday dinners in three days. All amazing, great friends, lots of fun. But this year is different.
I've lost 11 pounds since Christmas. I realized a difference in how my pants fit, and weighed myself. What is my "program"?
- smaller portions
- more active
- cut out about 95 percent of diet soda
I ended up coming home with doggie bags from my birthday dinners. I can only eat half as much as I used to!
I am amazed, and I'm making sure to now be conscious about my eating. I miss my Diet Coke, Diet Pepsi, Diet Rootbeer. I have found that 0 cal/0 sodium no seltzer water handles my carbonation craving. I need to get away from the flavored to plain with a splash of juice, but it's amazing what cutting the diet soda has done for me.
I'm going to start walking a couple days a week. I'll keep doing what I'm doing.
Kitty update: I have stopped feeding Ally in the bedroom. I've brought her out and shoed her the food and water a few times, and when she's hungry, she'll come out. Tough kitty love :-( I hate it, but she has been in the bedroom for three weeks!
Yes, I'm oh so lucky to have entered the wild world of peri-menapause symptoms in my VERY early 40's. Makes for some interesting days :-)
Anyhow, I've had three birthday dinners in three days. All amazing, great friends, lots of fun. But this year is different.
I've lost 11 pounds since Christmas. I realized a difference in how my pants fit, and weighed myself. What is my "program"?
- smaller portions
- more active
- cut out about 95 percent of diet soda
I ended up coming home with doggie bags from my birthday dinners. I can only eat half as much as I used to!
I am amazed, and I'm making sure to now be conscious about my eating. I miss my Diet Coke, Diet Pepsi, Diet Rootbeer. I have found that 0 cal/0 sodium no seltzer water handles my carbonation craving. I need to get away from the flavored to plain with a splash of juice, but it's amazing what cutting the diet soda has done for me.
I'm going to start walking a couple days a week. I'll keep doing what I'm doing.
Kitty update: I have stopped feeding Ally in the bedroom. I've brought her out and shoed her the food and water a few times, and when she's hungry, she'll come out. Tough kitty love :-( I hate it, but she has been in the bedroom for three weeks!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Impact of CPSIA - You Can Help
As concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.
Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.
The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.
How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:
To the Parents of Young Students:
Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.
To the Avid Reader:
Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.
Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322
To the Lover of All Things Handmade:
Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.
To the Environmentalist:
Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.
To the Second-Hand Shopper:
Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.
To the Entrepreneur:
Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.
To the Antique Toy Collector:
Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html
To the American Economy:
Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.
To the Worldwide Economy:
Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.
If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html
And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html
Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react. Contact your US Senator or House Representative and demand action.
Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.
The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.
How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:
To the Parents of Young Students:
Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.
To the Avid Reader:
Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.
Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322
To the Lover of All Things Handmade:
Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.
To the Environmentalist:
Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.
To the Second-Hand Shopper:
Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.
To the Entrepreneur:
Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.
To the Antique Toy Collector:
Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html
To the American Economy:
Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.
To the Worldwide Economy:
Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.
If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html
And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html
Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react. Contact your US Senator or House Representative and demand action.
Pictures of Ally-cat, the newest member of the family.
Somehow, someway, Max and Cleo got their paws on the remote today. I came home to my television on the Spanish speaking news channel.
I never knew that they were taking Spanish lessons! No wonder they ignore me, I'm talking to them in English :-)
For those waiting to see what Ally-cat looks like, here she is. First, in her cat carrier (one of her happy places), looking quite P.O.'d. Second, when she decided maybe I wasn't SO bad, and she let me pet her. Yup, that's my hand!
Yup, she's still in the bedroom, but she comes out from under the bed. When Max and Cleo hear her, they run in to see what she is up to. Poor Ally.
She is holding her own though, she chased Max out of the room this morning. Boy was he mad...
Monday, January 26, 2009
Kitty Saga Day7
Once upon a time there was a cat named Cassie. She was the most stubborn cat ever to walk the earth. She once stayed under the bed for a week. Sadly she died two years ago, and was apparently reincarnated in a kitty named Ally.
Day 7, Ally will not leave the bedroom. Rarely comes out from under the bed. When she does, she goes into the cat carrier next to the bed.
She now permits Cleo to come and go, they even sniff each others faces. Cleo wants to be friends soooo bad, but Ally is making her wait.
Max, dear Max. He has taken to stalking her. No other word for it. He sits and stares from afar, that cold stare that cats usually save for birds or mice. Sometimes he stares her back under the bed.
I've asked Cleo to talk to them both and set them straight.
Cleo has become much more chatty and touchy. She's taken to tapping me on the shoulder when she wants somehing, using her paw or nose. Ally's influence?
Max prefers to sleep as close by me as possible, and to ignore what I'm sure he refers to as "the situation"
I spend much time on the floor in the bedroom talking to the bed. I freshen food, water, and litter daily for her. The litterbox however is the community box, to encourage interaction.
Seven days, ahe is a stubborn one!
Day 7, Ally will not leave the bedroom. Rarely comes out from under the bed. When she does, she goes into the cat carrier next to the bed.
She now permits Cleo to come and go, they even sniff each others faces. Cleo wants to be friends soooo bad, but Ally is making her wait.
Max, dear Max. He has taken to stalking her. No other word for it. He sits and stares from afar, that cold stare that cats usually save for birds or mice. Sometimes he stares her back under the bed.
I've asked Cleo to talk to them both and set them straight.
Cleo has become much more chatty and touchy. She's taken to tapping me on the shoulder when she wants somehing, using her paw or nose. Ally's influence?
Max prefers to sleep as close by me as possible, and to ignore what I'm sure he refers to as "the situation"
I spend much time on the floor in the bedroom talking to the bed. I freshen food, water, and litter daily for her. The litterbox however is the community box, to encourage interaction.
Seven days, ahe is a stubborn one!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Miracle on a Friday
I don't know what happened here today when I was at work, but I witnessed a near miracle when I got home...
Ally and Cleo sniffed each others faces! Ally still won't leave the bedroom, but she is much more tolerant tonight. I can't wait to see what happens tomorrow after work!
I have to share a work story. A gal today was trying to install her old software on a new PC. Most required Vista patches.
She called a number of times over the course of the day with a variety of questions.
At one point, she called to say that she was downloading a patch and it was stuck at 3 percent. I didn't know what to say, so I said "I don't have the ability to reach through the phone and make it go faster."
Bad, bad me. I felt bad for the gal, she was experiencing so many issues, but I shouldn't really have said that.
I don't miss the days of doing phone support for IT!
:-D
Ally and Cleo sniffed each others faces! Ally still won't leave the bedroom, but she is much more tolerant tonight. I can't wait to see what happens tomorrow after work!
I have to share a work story. A gal today was trying to install her old software on a new PC. Most required Vista patches.
She called a number of times over the course of the day with a variety of questions.
At one point, she called to say that she was downloading a patch and it was stuck at 3 percent. I didn't know what to say, so I said "I don't have the ability to reach through the phone and make it go faster."
Bad, bad me. I felt bad for the gal, she was experiencing so many issues, but I shouldn't really have said that.
I don't miss the days of doing phone support for IT!
:-D
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Blog Carnival/Kitty Update Day 4
Let's start with the new kitty update. She is out from under the bed, but she will not leave the bedroom. She spends a lot of time in her cat carrier, I guess that is her "happy place". She lets me pick her up and give her luvins, but she hisses and growls at Max and Cleo. They in turn are curious, but she won't let them anywhere near her. It's quite amusing!
OK, time for the monthly Etsy Bloggers Street Team Blog Carnival Task! The question involves talking about a past Valentines Day. Very funny story...
Once upon a time, I may have been 21 or 22, a friend and I had no dates for V-Day, in fact we had just broken up with guys, so we decided to go out ourselves and, well, bash those boys who had done us wrong.
We dressed in black and went to a nice place for dinner. My friend went to the restroom at one point, and the lady at the table next to us went too. The man at that table leaned over and asked me if I could get him my friends number!
When they returned to the table, my friends proceeds to tell me how the lady is expecting a marriage proposal!!! I told her what had happened, and a few glasses of wine later, we were really mad.
As we were leaving, my friend went over, bent over low to show cleavage to the nice man, and told him she would not be giving him her number because he was a pig, then told his girlfriend that she shouldn't hold her breath waiting for a ring.
It was hilarious! I'm sure the night didn't turn out the way the guy thought it would, hee hee hee!
Now, please take a moment to check out the featured Etsy Bloggers Street Team member this month, RoseWorksJewelry. You'll find the link to her shop and blog up in the right hand corner of my blog. I love her hand displays, so cool! She has two shops, RoseWorksJewelry and KSTreasures, so check them out! Beautiful jewelry, cell phone charms, bookmarks, and more!
OK, time for the monthly Etsy Bloggers Street Team Blog Carnival Task! The question involves talking about a past Valentines Day. Very funny story...
Once upon a time, I may have been 21 or 22, a friend and I had no dates for V-Day, in fact we had just broken up with guys, so we decided to go out ourselves and, well, bash those boys who had done us wrong.
We dressed in black and went to a nice place for dinner. My friend went to the restroom at one point, and the lady at the table next to us went too. The man at that table leaned over and asked me if I could get him my friends number!
When they returned to the table, my friends proceeds to tell me how the lady is expecting a marriage proposal!!! I told her what had happened, and a few glasses of wine later, we were really mad.
As we were leaving, my friend went over, bent over low to show cleavage to the nice man, and told him she would not be giving him her number because he was a pig, then told his girlfriend that she shouldn't hold her breath waiting for a ring.
It was hilarious! I'm sure the night didn't turn out the way the guy thought it would, hee hee hee!
Now, please take a moment to check out the featured Etsy Bloggers Street Team member this month, RoseWorksJewelry. You'll find the link to her shop and blog up in the right hand corner of my blog. I love her hand displays, so cool! She has two shops, RoseWorksJewelry and KSTreasures, so check them out! Beautiful jewelry, cell phone charms, bookmarks, and more!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
New Kitty, Day 2
I'm sure that Ally has been in the bedroom now for a full 25 hours. I've seen her out from under the bed once, about an hour ago. She made it to the hallway before Cleo saw her and chased her back under the bed.
Cleo goes in periodically to see if she is still there. She must be exhausted!
Max is mostly ignoring her. Once in a while he checks things out, but mostly he's hangin' on the couch pretending she' not here.
I put some food and water under the bed this morning, and a little is gone. Sadly, it's a queen size bed and I have short arms, so I can't reach her.
I hope she comes out again tonight, I'd love to be able to pick her up and give her chin scratches and luvins.
Of course, my dear sweet kitty Cassie once lived under the bed for a year, sooooooo...
The Cleo/Max dynamic has changed. Cleo is not acting all Alpha right now. Max can actually stare her down right now, which never happens.
Uh oh, they are both in the bedroom again. Poor Ally!
Cleo goes in periodically to see if she is still there. She must be exhausted!
Max is mostly ignoring her. Once in a while he checks things out, but mostly he's hangin' on the couch pretending she' not here.
I put some food and water under the bed this morning, and a little is gone. Sadly, it's a queen size bed and I have short arms, so I can't reach her.
I hope she comes out again tonight, I'd love to be able to pick her up and give her chin scratches and luvins.
Of course, my dear sweet kitty Cassie once lived under the bed for a year, sooooooo...
The Cleo/Max dynamic has changed. Cleo is not acting all Alpha right now. Max can actually stare her down right now, which never happens.
Uh oh, they are both in the bedroom again. Poor Ally!
Monday, January 19, 2009
New Kitty Monday - Part Deux
Aaaaahhhh the joys of introducing new kitties to a household.
I carried in the cat-carrier with Ally inside, and let Max and Cleo sniff at it, her sniff at them.
Instant growling, by Ally! Max and Cleo sat side by side, giving me a perplexed look, sniffed again (in unison), then turned to each other with looks on their faces that clearly said, "What the f@#* was that?"
Cleo followed a safe distance while I carried Ally into the bedroom, the safe zone. Ally poked her head out, Cleo bolted from the room.
Cleo periodically goes into the bedroom to see if Ally is still there. She won't come near me, it's all my fault there has been an invasion.
Ally continues to hide under the bed, ignoring all of us. She won't even face me, just looks over her shoulder at me then turns away.
Max sat in the kitchen nearly 15 minutes when I got home, as if him ignoring it would make her go away. Later he jumped up with me, and is now sound asleep. Total denial.
Ah yes, the games have begun.
I carried in the cat-carrier with Ally inside, and let Max and Cleo sniff at it, her sniff at them.
Instant growling, by Ally! Max and Cleo sat side by side, giving me a perplexed look, sniffed again (in unison), then turned to each other with looks on their faces that clearly said, "What the f@#* was that?"
Cleo followed a safe distance while I carried Ally into the bedroom, the safe zone. Ally poked her head out, Cleo bolted from the room.
Cleo periodically goes into the bedroom to see if Ally is still there. She won't come near me, it's all my fault there has been an invasion.
Ally continues to hide under the bed, ignoring all of us. She won't even face me, just looks over her shoulder at me then turns away.
Max sat in the kitchen nearly 15 minutes when I got home, as if him ignoring it would make her go away. Later he jumped up with me, and is now sound asleep. Total denial.
Ah yes, the games have begun.
New Kitty Monday
As Max and Cleo lay sleeping in thier respective places, I am sitting here awaiting the arrival of the newest addition to the household. Ally, whose name reflects her being an alley cat, is at the vet being groomed, primped, and made all shiney and new, so that she can come live with us.
Ally is the kitty of some little girls I know who had to find her a new home, and asked me to take her. How can one say no to little girls and thier little girl faces?
Life as we know it will change. Max will NOT be happy. He made it quite clear when Cleo came to live with us that he had low tollerance for change. Much like his mama :-)
I have no idea how Cleo will take it. She's quite jealous of Max, even though he has lived with me 6 years and her about 8 months.
Ally arrives the day after a sad anniversary. I lost my first two kitties, Beau and Cassie, two years ago this past weekend. They were so devoted to each other that they died a day apart. They were old, 17 and 14 respectively. Max was freaked out for a few days, then took to being the only kitty with gusto.
So today our worlds change again. The world continues to spin, and there are always kitties who need luvins. Ally will have a wonderful home, and we all will adapt.
Welcome Ally!
Ally is the kitty of some little girls I know who had to find her a new home, and asked me to take her. How can one say no to little girls and thier little girl faces?
Life as we know it will change. Max will NOT be happy. He made it quite clear when Cleo came to live with us that he had low tollerance for change. Much like his mama :-)
I have no idea how Cleo will take it. She's quite jealous of Max, even though he has lived with me 6 years and her about 8 months.
Ally arrives the day after a sad anniversary. I lost my first two kitties, Beau and Cassie, two years ago this past weekend. They were so devoted to each other that they died a day apart. They were old, 17 and 14 respectively. Max was freaked out for a few days, then took to being the only kitty with gusto.
So today our worlds change again. The world continues to spin, and there are always kitties who need luvins. Ally will have a wonderful home, and we all will adapt.
Welcome Ally!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Manic Monday
Happy Monday! I am posting this via my trusty Blackberry. Yes, my name is Penny and I am a Blackerry-a-holic.
I have found that I can do most internet related things via Blackberry. I've become quite the Twitter person, I read blogs, check my favorite news sites, Google everything, email, research, update my blog...but I can't seem to log into Etsy. THAT makes me nuts!
The only thing I'm not comfortable to try is online billpay and banking. Aahhh the wondeful world of Blackberry! Now, if 0i could figure our how to post pics to my blog and twitpics...
Kitties are doing good this week. They have no idea that.their world will turn upside down soon. Ally the new kitty (born in an alley of course) will be coming in a week or two! Let the games begin.
Saturday I took what I can only call a "spectacular" fall at work. My ankle turned while walking around a cabinet, and I went down in a spectacular way!
Things that go through my head when falling (I've done this before):
1) Oh crap!
2) Is anyone watching?
3) Please don't let anything snap or pop
4) Protect my face!
5) Don't land on my knee!
Well, there were abou six customers and two co-workers that saw me do this. A few were nurses, and they rushed to check on me, bringing ice packs and a pillow so I could stay on the floor a while. I was so embarrassed, but everyone was really nice.
I'm still sore, as I really jarred my body when I landed on my knee. The good news is, no popping, cracking,snapping, or breaking. Just bruises, I can live with that!
I'm such a clutz...
I have found that I can do most internet related things via Blackberry. I've become quite the Twitter person, I read blogs, check my favorite news sites, Google everything, email, research, update my blog...but I can't seem to log into Etsy. THAT makes me nuts!
The only thing I'm not comfortable to try is online billpay and banking. Aahhh the wondeful world of Blackberry! Now, if 0i could figure our how to post pics to my blog and twitpics...
Kitties are doing good this week. They have no idea that.their world will turn upside down soon. Ally the new kitty (born in an alley of course) will be coming in a week or two! Let the games begin.
Saturday I took what I can only call a "spectacular" fall at work. My ankle turned while walking around a cabinet, and I went down in a spectacular way!
Things that go through my head when falling (I've done this before):
1) Oh crap!
2) Is anyone watching?
3) Please don't let anything snap or pop
4) Protect my face!
5) Don't land on my knee!
Well, there were abou six customers and two co-workers that saw me do this. A few were nurses, and they rushed to check on me, bringing ice packs and a pillow so I could stay on the floor a while. I was so embarrassed, but everyone was really nice.
I'm still sore, as I really jarred my body when I landed on my knee. The good news is, no popping, cracking,snapping, or breaking. Just bruises, I can live with that!
I'm such a clutz...
Friday, January 9, 2009
Adventures in Traffic Court
Way back in September I got this speeding ticket. I question it because I was cited for 10 over the speed limit, which is the next fine bracket, and I really don't think I was going that fast where they said I was. I don't believe I could have slowed for traffic at the intersection safely if I was going that fast. Also, it was a speed trap for a school zone. The sign for the zone only faces traffic during school zone hours. The rest of the time it is turned to face the sidewalk. I have issues with that, as I rarely travel that route during school time, so I had never seen the sign.
On a side not, that sign turning thing is done all over this part of town, and it's making me crazy. I need to understand...
So I decided to go have my day in court. In November the clerk gave me a court date of Jan 9, she even hilited it for me on the paperwork. Nice gal!
When I went to court today I first found I was not on the docket. They sent me to the clerk, who sent me to the court room. Now I have to mention, there were a LOT of attorneys there, and families, and it was a rougher looking crowd. I wondered...
The very nice judge had her group try to figure out why I was there. Turns out, I was in FELONY court. They couldn't figure it out, so they sent me back to the clerk.
A few phonecalls later, they figured out that I had been scheduled for Jan 9 2008! A YEAR AGO!
Did you know that if you don't show for court, they issue a bench warrant? AAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!
I have a new court date, and an apology from the clerk.
Just had to share.
On a side not, that sign turning thing is done all over this part of town, and it's making me crazy. I need to understand...
So I decided to go have my day in court. In November the clerk gave me a court date of Jan 9, she even hilited it for me on the paperwork. Nice gal!
When I went to court today I first found I was not on the docket. They sent me to the clerk, who sent me to the court room. Now I have to mention, there were a LOT of attorneys there, and families, and it was a rougher looking crowd. I wondered...
The very nice judge had her group try to figure out why I was there. Turns out, I was in FELONY court. They couldn't figure it out, so they sent me back to the clerk.
A few phonecalls later, they figured out that I had been scheduled for Jan 9 2008! A YEAR AGO!
Did you know that if you don't show for court, they issue a bench warrant? AAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!
I have a new court date, and an apology from the clerk.
Just had to share.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Wordless Wednesday, almost
Greetings! A quick note to say that I have not had access to the internet in a while, so I'm slow on the postings. I am at a friend's place enjoying a glass of wine and using her laptop.
Kitties are doing great, gearing up for the new kitty who should be arriving in the next few weeks. Heaven help us all! Max may never recover from another kitty invading his domain.
I am working full time and trying to do side work in the spare time, I have a couple commissions that I'm trying to get done. Then I need to sit down and do some planning for my Etsy and Artfire shops so that I can get them off the ground in '09.
I hope the holidays treated everyone well, and that y'all are having a great '09 so far. I feel so lucky to live where our overnight tonight will be in the 50's because a cold front came in and knocked our 80 degree temps down. Rather enjoying that!
Until I can make time to get to an internet cafe...
~penny, max, and cleo
Kitties are doing great, gearing up for the new kitty who should be arriving in the next few weeks. Heaven help us all! Max may never recover from another kitty invading his domain.
I am working full time and trying to do side work in the spare time, I have a couple commissions that I'm trying to get done. Then I need to sit down and do some planning for my Etsy and Artfire shops so that I can get them off the ground in '09.
I hope the holidays treated everyone well, and that y'all are having a great '09 so far. I feel so lucky to live where our overnight tonight will be in the 50's because a cold front came in and knocked our 80 degree temps down. Rather enjoying that!
Until I can make time to get to an internet cafe...
~penny, max, and cleo
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