Andrea's Personal WalktheWalk Page Several weeks ago, I ran into a friend of mine who I used to see at the local park with my son. Our children attend school together and play together at times. Her name is Mrs. Joyce, she comes from the beautiful island of jamiaca..one of the sweetest, wise and most positive women I have ever met. One Spring day We ran into each other, delighted to see her, I sense a difference in her demeanor immediately. Her eyes filled with their usual light were focus and far away, After hearing she had just returned from the hospital, she told me she had cancer of the breast.
My inside shook but I would not show her that. Assuming she may have already seen and heard the emotional shock this takes to see and hear. Gently I looked her in the eye and nodded and said "Ok, so what is the next step?" I refused to say, "Sorry to hear that" or "Oh, I'm so sorry" These are normal and justified responses of course ...but I went straight to the thought of progress, encouragement and focus on what were the next steps to fight back and recover. Without, a crack in her voice or missing a step her unshattered faith spoke loud and clear through her soft voice. Leaning in she said to me " God is in charge, I have no fear nor will I falter. I rest on my faith ..it has never let me down and this will not be any different child" "My Dear, she continued. "I will go through whatever treatments are available and do what I must but I will not fear, nor will I doubt God plan for me"
We...hugged and the warmth of her heart spread through by body... a warm and swift surge of pure positive energy. It is women like Mrs. Joyce who inspire me everyday. I said to her, I will have a conversation with God tonight about you, she said thank you. Later that night I did just that..in deep meditation I asked what could I do to help her ..to be used as an instrument of good will on her behalf and others just like her.
And here I am...it came to me to learn about MoonWalk NYC..I have found what I have been looking for. The one thing that will challenge me..take me out of my comfort zone and do SOMETHING! positive, encouraging, bold, brave and inspiring. This is it. June 14th, I ran into Mrs. Joyce today. I told about the event and she was thrilled! "Guess, who I am going to walk for?" "Who?" "For you, dear heart, I'm walking for you Mrs. Joyce..."? If I could describe the warmest hug, the highest euphoria, you could feel from the hug this woman reached out and gave me generously..it would be amazing. This is best I could do to describe it. 36days to go....and with every step I will think of her.
Those of you who know me from my selling days on Etsy under my SwanRiverStone and Nyblaque shops know I am no stranger to working and supporting a good cause. I have participated in fundraisers such as Aids Walk, March of Dimes etc. my first team effort was with HeartsforHaiti, and Etsy Project Embrace Team. It is has been six years since I have publicly participated in such a large scale fundraising event. I am very excited. Visit my personal page to follow my progress and journey through all this: http://walk.convio.net/site/TR/PowerWalk/WTWFY13?px=1003631&pg=personal&fr_id=1040
You are always achieving something, one thing or another. You are always getting results of some kind.
Getting the results you most passionately and authentically desire is not a matter of making more effort. It is, rather, a matter of making different efforts and consistently keeping those efforts focused.
Focus is a choice you make in every waking moment. You are always focused on one thing or another.
The way to maintain your focus long enough to get the results you seek, is by reminding yourself why. Be clear about why you want those results, and find a way to keep those reasons close at hand.
The success you seek is not particularly difficult. It's just a little bit different than what you're doing now.
Be clear about why, keep your thoughts and efforts focused, and your life will proceed in the direction of your dreams.
Loving someone truly doesn't make you stupid. wanting the best doesn't make you demanding,
Believing in the positive doesn't make you gullible, and trying to do the right thing doesn't make u a fool.
It makes you a good person with a good soul who wants and give to others what you want and deserve for yourself. You can't make one see if they choose to be blind. *SwanRiverStone-10/2010
Strength: to realize you can't make someone love you..no matter how much you want them too. It may seems like no-brainer but the heart is a strong contender with reason and logic.
I was honored to make her request-the Hypnotize Necklace. I can't wait to see how it looks on her. I was truly..Inspired ;-)
The Strength: Whether it is a fellow artist or a client, the best compliment is when you are sought out to use your skills to bring one's unique vision to reality.It 's one of my greatest and humbling honors when my work is appreciated so much.
"If you're walking down the right path and you're willing to keep walking, eventually you'll make progress." Barack Obama
"Don't settle for average, Bring your best to the moment. Then, whether it fails or succeeds, at least you know you gave all you had. We need to live the best that's in us." Angela Bassett
This one is my favorite for the week:
"We have to create a vision, make choices based on what moves us most swiftly toward our goals, and go after them with determination and single - mindedness. And whenever you encounter a problem, no matter how insurmountable it might seem, there is one simple response that should be ingrained in your behavior: Never give up." Stedman Graham
Do you have a favorite quote ??? Post it in the comment box! Would love to see the words that help motivate YOU;-)
Many work at home moms, myself included, struggle with the duties of caring for the house and family on a daily basis- I have started a weekly feature where I search the net to find extraordinary mothers who have found and mastered a way to maintain a home business as an indie crafter.
How Does She Do it??" Is a series of interviews with indie moms of children from birth to teenage years who have graciously volunteered to share their skills, lessons & experiences with us. There will be two guest posts every week starting July 13th, 2009 all Summer long.!!!
Here is this week sensational soap crafter Rebecca D. Dillon
) Tell us about yourself: (background, family, personality.
I’m from a pretty average American family. I grew up as part of the struggling middle class in the 80s with a mother who was always trying to give my brother and I whatever we wanted and therefore living a bit beyond our means. My mom was always doing arts and crafts with me and taught me how to bake. I attended college locally at Roanoke College where I studied a bit of everything including photography, screen printing, graphic design, pottery, 3-D design, drawing, painting, art history, poetry and even writing. It took me seven years, but I eventually managed a BA in fine arts. I love making soap, blogging, shopping and reading anything related to the paranormal.
I've been married for eight years now and have a twelve-year-old son from a previous relationship. My son is the best helper I could ask for and will do a multitude of weekly chores for his allowance, which goes a long way toward helping me out. He's also a great student and rarely gets into trouble, which makes thinks a lot easier on me. He's pretty well rounded. He's active in sports despite having exercise induced asthma, pulls straight A's in advanced classes, is learning how to target shoot at the range from his bio father's girlfriend, plays a mean hand of Texas Hold 'Em, and is heading off on a mission trip next week to a South Dakota Indian reservation. He's also planning on attending Harvard to study law, and if that falls through, well, he's a tried and true UVA fan and they have a law program as well. I couldn't ask for better.
On a more personal note, I have struggled with severe depression all of my life. Several years back I was diagnosed with agoraphobia, and last week I was diagnosed with bipolar. So I'm sort of a mess all the way around some days. Getting things done can be a constant struggle for me because of the bipolar and agoraphobia but I push through because I'm stubborn - and very much the typical Gemini - and do what I can when I can. I also hate that there is a negative stigma attached to mental illness so I talk about it freely because it's really not something that people should feel ashamed of. Everyone has issues of some kind. Some just have a harder go than others.
2) How or why did you make the decision to pursue your art career and work from home?
I started my business in 2001 while I was still working outside of the home. I didn't really take it that seriously when I first started up. Like a lot of folks giving a first time business a go it was more of a hobby than anything else. Around 2005 I was diagnosed with agoraphobia. It was so bad that I was at the point I was having panic attacks over and over, practically non-stop, everywhere including my home. The only places I was panic free were in my office and my bedroom. Finding the appropriate medication to treat the panic took a few tries so at that point I made the decision to stay at home for a while and left my job. I was lucky that my husband had reached a point in his career that I was able to do this. Within a year though I was bored out of my ever-loving mind and striking up conversations with random strangers in Target. Then one-day hubby and I just happened to be walking downtown through the local city market, and I made a spur of the moment decision that day that I was going to sell downtown. The next day I called and got things set up, and the day after that I was officially a vendor. I worked through the panic attacks and didn't sell on Saturdays for several months until I was able to work up to the point that the market was a comfort zone for me. Once I established my local business, I moved on to focus on my online business in January of 2008.
3) How do you balance work and spend quality/downtime with them during a busy or hectic workday?
This is an especially big challenge for me. Going undiagnosed with bipolar for so long and having my medication for the agoraphobia stop working every six months or so I would go through long periods of depression. I'd have good days and bad days. Good weeks and bad weeks. Some weeks I'd function and others I just didn't. So the weeks that are good I make product like there's no tomorrow which allows me to balance things out for when I'm so unfocused I'd skip from thing to thing to thing and couldn't get anything done. Or the weeks I was just simply exhausted all of the time and could barely get out of bed. If I start to feel stressed, I know that if I don't stop and slow down it will only get worse. My health is more important than making soap because in the end, if I don't stop and slow down, I'll be even less productive and for far longer. So I stop and chill out in the bedroom and watch bad TV or I read book after book. Occasionally I'll party like a rock star. It all depends on the mood I'm in. However, I've just started on a mood stabilizer in addition to the medication I take for the anxiety and depression so hopefully it will work and I can get into a more regular routine.
4) Do you ever find yourself feeling overwhelmed or stressed out? If so how do you diffuse or deal with these moments during business time?
All the time. If I'm working at home I just stop and take time out for myself and do things that help me relax. If I'm down on the market I usually have to pop an Ativan or grab a drink with lunch. Sometimes I'm able to mellow out just by having someone watch my table and I'll walk around and chat with the vendors. But my situation is sort of unique.
5) Please walk us through an average day at home
I can't. It's never the same. It's never consistent. I am chaos. The one consistent thing I do however is a lot of marketing on the computer whenever I get out of bed. And when I get out of bed depends on a myriad of circumstances.
6) Is your craft your primary source of income? How do you manage during slow sales times/seasons?
Yes. I am officially a soap maker. I make above the poverty line at my craft. However, as I HATE paying taxes I buy personal property to offset some of my profit and opened a traditional IRA last year so I could pay more to myself rather than into social security and Medicaid. After all, who even knows if it will be around by the time I retire. Not to mention it is not possible to live comfortably on social security alone.
For slow seasons you just have to budget. The last quarter is obviously the best one, so I keep enough cash in the bank from my profits then to be able to pay all of my bills for the first quarter just in case.
7) As a soap crafter, how do you safeguard all your materials/supplies?
I store everything in sealed containers in my cool, dry basement. It's their happy place.
8) As a seller, what are you do and don't you would advice to running a home business?
1.Do it legal. It's worth the effort for the deductions and to show income if you decide to branch out and need to get a loan.
2.Give 100%. You can't expect to get 100% if you aren't giving it. You only get a return on the time you're willing to invest.
3. You must spend money to make money. That's just how it goes.
4. Marketing and word of mouth are golden. Nothing sells a product better than a referral from someone who has used your product. Remember that. (If you're new to selling online I wrote a little article to help you get started marketing. http://www.byhand.me/component/option,com_content/catid,35/id,8162/task,view/)
9) What advice would you give to other mothers who want to take that "leap of faith" but are afraid to?? Or have little or no support system?
You cannot expect to make it working for yourself if you aren't willing to take a risk. Just look at the number of companies that made it starting from scratch with one person and one idea and almost nothing else. You have to believe in yourself. And if you can't do that, no one else will believe in you either.
Life is a risk, but you live it. Working for yourself is a risk, but you can do it. If you fail, you fail. You pick yourself back up by your bootstraps and go at it again. Mark Lim of Poison Apple failed his first go round. He tried again and went at it a little differently and it worked the second go round.http://www.poisonappleshirts.com/aboutme/aboutme.htm
10) Where else can we learn more about you? Any other sites/shops?Everywhere!
http://www.pokedyoutoo.com - Check out the staff page. This was my husband's big risk this year. He invested in a tattoo artist we knew for three weeks.
FANTASTIC- Thank You so much for sharing your amazing story Rebecca!-You best is yet to come;-)
***Check out our trailblazer "How Does She Do It Indie Mom Interviews
Like many work at home moms, myself included, struggle with the duties of caring for the house and family on a daily basis, some of us are single, divorced or married mothers, others are working outside the home but still have an online shop or site.
Many us even home school our children, another rewarding yet equally demanding task- some of our children have special needs and require even more attention - all the while these extraordinary women have found a way to maintain or even start a business as an indie crafter.
I was tweeting about this subject today and received a few great responses-and this is a topic I would love to feature and share with everyone to use as a research tool, a learning experience or simply as a recognition and inspiration to women who want to be where these women are right now.
So---"How Does She Do it??" Will be a series of interviews by indie crafter moms of children from birth to teenage years who have graciously shared their skills, lessons and experiences with us. There will be two guest posts a week every Monday starting July 13th, 2009 all Summer long. I'm looking for women of all ages, background, craft skills, who sell at different indie craft sites ( Etsy, Artfire, 1000 Markets, Silkfair, Ecrater..etc. I will be working hard to put this idea together but I need your help too!
Please Tweet, blog or Facebook about this post so ladies can come and sign up.Those who would like to share your story can email me at nyblaque@yahoo.com ( no spam please) or send me a conversation at my Etsy Shop www.nyblaque.etsy.com
With Father's Day coming soon, I wanted to dedicate the next few Motivational Mondays to Dads,Like mothers, fathers need to be acknowledged and appreciated in all the the ups and downs in a fathers life. For many men, those who are fathers would also like to be noticed and understood how the life being a dad can be both rewarding, reaffirming, amazing yet challenging and difficult all rolled into one.
Besides, we all know how Mom always gets alot more attention then dad at times. Dads need love too.
A prayer: President Bush's Father's Day Proclamation
"Fathers play a unique and important role in the lives of their children. As mentor, protector, and provider, a father fundamentally influences the shape and direction of his child's character by giving love, care, discipline, and guidance. As we observe Father's Day, our nation honors fatherhood and urges fathers to commit themselves selflessly to the success and well-being of their children.
And we reaffirm the importance of fathers in the lives of their children. Raising a child requires significant time, effort, and sacrifice; and it is one of the most hopeful and fulfilling experiences a man can ever know. A father can derive great joy from seeing his child grow from infancy to adulthood. As a child matures into independence and self reliance, the value of a parent's hard work, love, and commitment comes to fruition.
Responsible fatherhood is important to a healthy and civil society. Numerous studies confirm that children whose fathers are present and involved in their lives are more likely to develop into prosperous and healthy adults. Children learn by example; and they need their father's presence as examples of virtue in their daily lives. A child's sense of security can be greatly enhanced by seeing his parents in a loving and faithful marriage." George W. BushPresident, USA
Fathers can be solitary mountains, All their love rock-like, steep, and strong. Though warm and caring, somehow they belong Halfway home to mothers' bubbling fountains. Each of us needs love that knows no quarter, Reminding us of bonds that cross a border, Strengthening our sense of right and wrong. Author Unknown
A funny quote:
“My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. Mother would come out and say, "You're tearing up the grass"; "We're not raising grass," Dad would reply. "We're raising boys";”- Harmon Killebrew
Do you have a quote or thought for Fathers Day?? Post it in the comment box. Thanks for sharing.
The one, my vessel , Most High's chosen path to breathe Her wisdom her courage, my orisha praise thee!!
her pain, the wisdom that makes me see. her her profile, her style, her beauty inspires me.
The one in union with man created me,but in shelter , protection, transition of SOUL came through SHE.
The one the union, the bond of love that i be. From breast, in her nest, in peace by land, by air or by sea.
The one my umi, mi madre, mama, ma, mum, mami. many names she carries all rightfully hers to be
HEAR ME MA SPIRIT, GREAT ANCESTORS I THANK THEE, TIS FROM YOU LIVES SHE, & THROUGH SHE I LIVE IN THEE.
Namaste
This poem was inspired by my mother who is stil with me, & for my grandmother, who now reigns in the spirit world since March 13 2007....I miss you Mami.
I was just chatting with another great indie jewelry designer EmbellishEverything about our "to do lists" and getting organized. Then I had an "AHA" moment and remembered this post I wrote back in February.
You can take from this list whatever applies to you. I hope it helps.
1. Take a deep breath.
2. Close your eyes, exhale...feel the release.
3.Open your eyes
4. Say thank you for another day(afternoon,evening) to your higher power( God, Allah, Yahweh, etc. if you have religion or a spiritual faith system)
5. wraps your arms around yourself...and say " Thank you for being you, I love you.
6.If you have children, go hug or kiss( if sleeping) if not kids find your loved one, if just you , do it again!!
7.Write a small to do list..Focus on a least one thing you need to do and do it..just that one. Once you finish, stop and say. Thank you, I knew I would get this done. Then go down the list one thing at the time.... pace yourself.
8. IF you couldn't get something(s) done..IT WASN'T MEANT TO BE DONE..and save it for tomorrow's list. No failing, no beating self up..YOU CAN"T DO EVERYTHING! With the demands of society, for some this is the hardest pill to swallow. If someone complains- which at least one person usually does-..say to yourself,"I did the best I could" If it's your boss- apologize..but forgive yourself because if you put your best effort at it, then you did all you could and were meant to do.
9. DO something funny at least 3x during the day..I mean something so funny you crack up for a while from it. This is a natural stress reliever and it works!
10. Feel accomplished at the end of day... close your eyes with a smile, rest.. do it again tomorrow:)
Hmmm, that's more than Ten..but who's counting lol!!
Ms. Lauren Hawkeye, Assistant to Brenda Novak, A New York Times Bestselling Romantic Suspense Author, contacted me on January 2,2009. Lauren was looking for some great creations for this year’s auction. She happended to be searching on Etsy when she found my shop and wondered if I would be willing to donate some of my items to the auction! Are you kidding?? Of course I said YES!
Brenda Novak is has written such books as " Every Waking Moment" "Cold Feet" "Still Water Trilogy" and her latest editions " The Last Stand Series"
I personally am inspired by this awesome writer as I read her biography. Can you imagine catching your child's day care provider drugging your children with cough syrup and Tylenol to keep them sleeping while you worked?? Brenda writes that was a huge part of the motivation for her to work from home and behind her now amazing career. Please read more about her amazing story here: How is all started Brenda Novaks Journey.
The 5th Annual On-line Auction for Diabetes Research which was started in 2005 and have been a huge success with by raising over $250.000 just last year alone and the expectations for this year are even bigger. The auction opens May 1st and runs through the month but items are being added as they receive them. This is a very special event and is deeply personal to me as my grandmother passed away in March 2007 from her battle with Diabetes. I know I would be making her proud by participating and bringing attention to anything that would help find better treatments and a cure for this disease.
“LOVE YA” award winner! These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who can choose eight more and include this text into the body of their award.
Tackyhandmade at Etsy.com was so kind to give me a "Love ya Award" I am literally in tears just for the recognition behind it. I can't tell how this came right on time as I was going through those "low" points that I used to blog about..but I wanted to take my blog in a different direction and focus on motivating and inspiring others as best as possible..yes I am struggling against discouragement cause sales haven't come in over a weeks while it has for other...I still push.
and yes with the CSPIA, the "Stimulus Effect" as I call it and the pressure of low finances and increasing debt stress me, I am helping and donating to those less fortunate than me, now three charities under me..I am putting my hand in and fighting the good fight as we all need each other!
Thank you Tacky! I love you too;-) and all of you who support me, follow me, feature me... Thank you from my heart.
INNOVATION-Innovation is the introduction of something new to apply to your business, sense of direction or method of living. A great post about Innovation written by Eviestoolemporium reminds us of Innovation's continuous cycle that drive us to keep going. Circles in art can also be an innovative tool on a sensory level, visualizing the beauty and the power of innovative continuity:
Gorgeous vintage-style bracelet hand crafted in. 925 pure sterling silver. Beautiful Greek fashion that never goes out of style. Created by Etsy artist www.artistico.etsy.com
Little Victories Add Up To Big Success- This blog post written by Jack Humpheryreminds us to Cherish the small victories in life that hard work and perseverance with steady patience pays off.
So spread your wings of faith and take flight...maybe these beautiful birdies can join you on your journey.
Beautiful handcrafted note cards in bright colors pattern so easy to brighten anyone's day..send to someone and fill with words of encouragement, or write a note to yourself:-) Created by Etsy Artistwww.ThePoint.etsy.com
I am currently gathering a reflective blog post for 2008. I hope to have it finished before January 1st. In the meantime, I just wanted to thank all those who are following my blog and have subscribed as well. I truly appreciate your interest.
For me, blogging has become more than an advertisement for my crafting but a semi-personal journal. Lets face it, the only thing between us right now is miles of physical distance, continents a computer screen and the Internet.
My on-line shops can only tell you so much about me, but all of us are consumers on some level. So what makes most of us come back to a favorite store over and over again. Familiarly and trust..a connection that you're comfortable with. In an online shop all you have at first glance is presentation, pics, and price. Every purchase is a chance based on the "three P's.
I personally decided to start sharing poetry, random blurbs, pics of my family and me. Coming from an ex-model that's may be weird, but I 'm not 17 anymore either..gotten really camera shy over the years. I wanted to show the person behind the shop..that who I am and what I do is real and all me, the ups and downs, joys and stress that I go through as a seller ...and as a human.
Sometimes all this technology and fast paced living makes it easy to forget the humanity behind artisans and their work. That's the MAIN reason I also started my artisan feature blog- to put the spotlight on OTHER indie artists and their crafts.
I look forward t o spending more time working one my indie blog next year and the exposure it will hopefully bring to so many talents out there.
I am self taught jewelry designer who loves the new age of blogging as a tool help promote other indie artists and handmade craftsman..and women:) Enjoy!
