Canning Dilly Beans!

On one of the hottest days of the summer, I had made plans to can dilly beans with my sister in law! Of course we didn't know it was going to be so hot when we decided this about a week ago! We were troopers though and canned 19 jars!! My sister did a great job posting about all of this so instead of trying to do a blog posting that is as cute as hers, I will just post the link here!! Enjoy!! Oh, and she included our recipe that we used!!

http://sarathomasdesigns.blogspot.com/2009/08/domestic-dillies.html

Wear your boots...it's a pity party...

Today is a day. I totally admit that I am struggling. I am struggling with several things though that all roll into one big ball.

First, it is time to start planning and cranking things out for the fall and winter season. What? For real? It seems like summer is just getting going! We finally had a few days in the 80’s and headed for one in the 90’s! Yes, and it’s August! I’m not ready to think about fall yet! I need more summer weather before I can start thinking about leaves changing and acorns and snowflakes and of that stuff!! That being said, how can I be inspired by things for the fall!?!? I just can’t get in the mood when I’m still waiting for good beach days or a good marshmallow roast! I don’t think I’ve even had a s’more yet this summer so how can I even think about fall!?!?

Secondly, I have also been struggling with my Etsy shop. I have been selling on Etsy since March now and have had little success. This is very frustrating to me. I don’t know if I am doing something wrong and how to increase sales. The things that have sold have mainly been cloth napkins. Those are just fine to make, they just don’t inspire me like the clothes do. So, if my clothes are not selling, do I make more clothes that are fall inspired? What if they don’t sell? I’m worried that I will have a massive pile of clothes that I can’t wear and aren’t selling.

Everyone says you just have to do what you love and it will work out. I’ve even been listening to Julia Cameron discs about this. And I must say that I agree with this usually, but like I said, it’s one of those days and doubt seems to be winning out today. Or what if you are one of those people who likes to do sooo many things that maybe you’ve picked the wrong one to pursue? It’s very frustrating to think about.

Have I depressed everyone yet!? Ha! Sorry! These are just some of the things on my mind lately. However, you will be happy to know that I am now going to end this very silly pity party and try to sew my way out of this hole…which may or may not make very much sense…

Old lives don't end

"Old lives don't end.  They're going out to be brought back again." ~ Sarah Harmer

I love that line.  Such a beautiful song.  Such a beautiful idea.  I don't know what I think about reincarnation.  I don't really believe in it, but I just love the idea.  I like to think that maybe that's how things work.  Now, I don't know if I like the thought of coming back as a snail or something.  I like reincarnation when it's more of the idea of old souls.  I love that.  Sometimes I think my daughter Grace has an old soul.  She is going to turn three in September and one of her favorite movies is White Christmas.  Ya know, starring Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney!!  Ha ha!  She sings and dances all the songs!!  It's great!!  You should see her go!!

One of the things I love about reincarnation is your chance at so many experiences.  I mean, just think of all the things you may have done or could be doing in the future!  Even better though, all of the people you could experience.  And all those chances to have all those loves that you missed out on.  Or what about all those chances to relive that one amazing love over and over again under different circumstances.  That love that stands the test of time over and over again.  To feel all those feelings again and again.  Sigh...  I guess that is the romantic in me coming out.  I just like to sit and dream of all of these things.  Staring out the window and looking at the strange light filling the stormy sky...could you have seen a sky like that before in a different life? Hmm...  I guess someday I will find out if there is reincarnation...or will I know?

Here we go again!

Ok, I'm sorry people!  I have been avoiding my blog...I admit it!  I just don't know what to write about some times or how to find the time!!  My two little ones keep me crazy busy!  I also have a summer sale coming up so I have been trying to sew like crazy!  I think I need to set aside some time to actually do this.  I want people to come to know me and the things I am creating for all of you!  I am a mom, wife, daughter, sister, and friend trying to do the things that I love and feel passionate about!!

So, here is something I would like to talk about:  kids artwork.  My almost 3 year old daughter pumps out artwork like it's her job!  I love it and love that she loves to create!  However...I can really only save so many paintings, coloring pages, and creations!  What do I do with the rest?  I feel so strongly about artwork and hate to just recycle it, but what else can I do?  At this moment I have 16 pieces hanging on our art clothesline, a few pieces on the fridge and probably about 10 others in a pile waiting to be displayed!  I told you!  She is a little machine!!  I need help!!  I would love some suggestions on things I could do with them!!

Ok, that's it for now!  It's time for Sesame Street which means I get a whole hour for me!  Must not waste it!!  Have a great day!!

I'm watching the 100th episode of Grey's Anatomy!  I should be working on the two projects that I'm in the middle of, but...  Sigh... How can I not watch!!  Besides, I feel good about today.  I feel very positive about my two projects I'm working on.  One is an apron and the other is a little girl's tank.  They just feel right!  I love it when that happens!  A lot of times I feel like I trudge through a project and then I'm unhappy with the results.  I've been trying to be a lot more positive though.  I am listening to The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron right now.  It is so interesting and I'm really hoping that it is going to make a difference in my life.  I will keep you posted!!  (Or just me posted b/c I don't think anyone is actually reading this right now!!  Haha!!

Hmmm...

Hello out there.  I am new at this.  I have never had a desire to blog until lately.  I think I have too many thoughts in my head lately and I thought this might help even if no one reads it.  At least I am releasing those inner thoughts that get all bunched up!  

Last night was Morgan's first birthday.  We did a ladybug theme.  I made a little ladybug cake that turned out so adorable if I do say so myself!  Then we blew up big red balloons and I used a black marker to turn them into ladybugs!  I'll have to put a picture up of them!  I was quite proud of myself.  It was crazy though and I am tuckered out today.  I really should be sewing.  I have a couple projects that I really need to work on...but I think I am going to observe the day or rest and just chill.

Of course now when I actually start my blog...can I think of anything to say?? No.  Grrrr.  Ok...I give up.  Until tomorrow...well, probably no one...so in the words of my daughter's favorite book...good night moon.....