Thursday, January 29, 2009

Life is a learning curve

I've always said what a shame it is that it takes a lifetime for us to learn and get wise and then it all goes to waste when we die. It would be nice if we knew all that we need to know as soon as we hit that magical age of maturity and independence, the age of 21. But, I admit that it would be pretty boring, not learning anything new from the age of 21 until we croak.

I remember reading somewhere that the crisis in our life is what, in hindsight later on, we call "adventures". That reminds me of a story I read once, don't know if it really happened or was made up.

This family of two parents and two kids used to travel with road trips in the summer when the kids were out of school. Their old car could be counted on breaking down at least once during the trip, stranding them in lonely roads, at the mercy of passing good samaritans to offer them assistance. The father finally gave up and bought a brand new car. From then on they never had any more breakdowns, things went smoothly and without hitches. But, the kids were bored and no longer enjoyed their road trips. The father asked them why. The kids said those breakdowns were "adventures" and they got to know lots of interesting and helpful people during those ordeals.

So, no matter what the subject, there's always a silver lining if you look for it. Learning, even by making mistakes you'll later regret, is an adventure that makes you grow as an individual. Those mistakes are really what makes you wise. There's no learning like experiencing life yourself.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

The Wine Swirl ring

I used to be very active at sewing, made my own doll clothes since I was 8 years old and made clothing in my teens and even made my mother two sets of slipcovers for her couch and chair when I was 14 and 17 years old. Then I got burned out and now never open my electric, portable 1964 Remington brand sewing machine unless there are things that NEED to be mended.

I had a beautiful maroonish red with dark inclusions button left over from the 1980's, a Vintage by all measurements, and decided to make a ring for my Earthly Creations jewelry shop at Etsy.com. This buyer bought it this weekend and I just mailed it today. I was going to put it in my curbside mailbox, but found that the mailman had already delivered to me. He usually comes between 11am and 2pm, but it's usually at 12 noon. I went out there at 11:15 and he had already come. So, I got in my auto and went 1/4 mile away to the nearest public mailbox. Next time I ship an order I'll have to make sure it's before the 11am time.

Anyway, here's the ring I sold:


Thursday, January 22, 2009

Crystal the Shopaholic

My granddaughter Crystal, 12, is not only beautiful but also a dreaded SHOPAHOLIC. Stores would have been okay financially in 2008 if Crystal had had enough money to support them all. On the bright side, she has great fashion taste.

She asked me to make her two friendship bracelets, one for her and one for her best friend Shyanne. She told me exactly how to make it and this is the result. My only addition was a bead with their initials in case of confusion. I also added the bright red Chile Pepper just for fun. And Shyanne loved her bracelet, too!



Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Chili Pepper Power!

I bought these cute little lucite red chili beads on Etsy.com's seller Yummy Treasures and made a pair of earrings and a cell phone charm. I listed them today. I think they're so adorable and just bought another order of them. Hope the items sell, it's been pretty slow on Etsy and elsewhere. I'm tempted to say it's the economy's fault, but the big sellers are still selling. Sigh! Many times I feel like throwing in the towel, but I have too much money invested in supplies and equipment and tools. And, I HAVE told myself I will give the shops another year to make it. Good luck to me!



Saturday, January 17, 2009

Greta and Garbo



My friend Larry and a friend found a starving stray dog on a road and tried to catch her. Of course, she was leery and suspicious of him as he scrambled after her trying to catch her. He finally did and adopted her.

Larry's spouse is a big fan of Greta Garbo and so they named her Garbo. Garbo settled into her new loving and comforting home and made friends with Larry's other dog, but after the other dog died, Garbo became depressed. Larry and spouse went to a shelter and chose Greta and she also settled in and was happy. That is Greta and Garbo in the photo, happy and happily spoiled. We all love happy endings. May they live a long and happy life.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Still procrastinating! Sigh!!!

I posted last on 12/23/08 and here I am again.

From the time I was 14 until I was 24 years old, I wrote in my diary nightly EVERY single day. In fact, one nigh I was too lazy or too tired and went to sleep without doing my nightly diary entry. I tossed and turned until I finally got up, wrote my entry, went back to bed and fell soundly asleep. Habits die hard, but once you break them a few times it gets easier not to do them.

So, this explains why now I am not a dedicated blog poster.

Anyway, I've been at Etsy for one year now, started listing on January 9, 2008. I had no interest at all in Treasuries, either curating them or even checking them out. There's too many of them and I'm on dial-up and it simply takes too much time for either activity. But, in October 25 I made my first one, titled "Lemon and Lime" and loved it so much, I've been making them steadily. It's another art form, putting items you like in an order that is very pleasing. I've become an addict.

In early December I decided to take a break from making them, not wanting to tire of them, and this Sunday night I curated another one titled "Where ARE my sunglasses?". It's mainly yellow with reddish and brown splashes. It's so bright and cheery, hence the title. One bad thing is that my treasuries seldom get many views or clicks or comments. It can't be that they're ugly, because they have to be seen (views) to be judged. So, I guess I'm not well known or popular or don't belong in a team and that's the reason for the low views. I'm a loner in private life, so it doesn't surprise me.