I wish I had pretty things to show and share. I wish I could say that after my last post on Saturday, that things were better or easier. Those of you that follow me KNOW that even in the darkest of hours I am a "Glass half Full" kind of gal. A Polyanna, a idealist, and yes a survivor. 

I had a huge loss on Sunday, a grief too deep and personal to share. And I had another huge Blow from a loved one the same day.

I will NOT give up, or give in. I will take each day and live it with strength and hope and when the burden is too heavy, I give it to God. 

All too familiar with the expression, "I know God will not give me more than I can handle." And I think HE knows when I say, I cannot handle this and He does step in. Right now, I DO have more on my plate than I can handle, but I know HE is giving me the ability to cope, function and believe that "THIS TOO Shall Pass."

I hope and pray that these adversities will lead me to be more kind, more understanding, more forgiving and yes, even MORE Joyful, because I will appreciate the important times!

May you hold those you love a bit tighter, a bit closer, tell them you love them, appreciate them and share memories. All that little crap we think and worry about? It is NOTHING!! Let it go. Live/Love/Give/Forgive.

My Love and appreciation for you ALL! (Be patient with me for a while, I'm a bit broken)
Shell

light in darkness

I found this quote this evening while winding down from work today on Pinterest. Love it!

The one thing I've learned about "Darkness" -grief/pain/cruelty and suffering is that there IS a great Light that follows! It shows us compassion, understanding and "enlightenment." Not always immediate, but with growth after the Darkness IF we are willing and open to it. 

I'm not "There yet." But I know this scenario, and I know with Adversity comes enlightenment, strength and insight.
It's enough to Know that right NOW. When I cannot change circumstances, only Pray. It's enough to know that whatever life dishes out, I will grow stronger, more compassionate-eventually. For today, that is ENOUGH!

Enjoy your Sunday, take nothing for granted! And may you find LIGHT!

Hugs, Love and Light!
Shell

Busy Week! Two days to go!

Thank you all for your support and encouragement! It truly means a lot!!  I have been So busy working, I haven't had a chance to dwell much on personal problems, which I guess is a good thing.

I've been working at another Shop, filling in and extra time at Joyworks because the gals have been in Vegas on a buying trip for the store. (Trust me, I used to "buy" clothing for Nordstrom, it all sounds like fun and games until you spend days and days 12 hours long doing it. )

I did manage to do a bit of stitching while I was filling in at the other Shop....fun to do some beading...

 French Cuff with Vintage Millinery, lace, tulle, crystals and pearls..........

Two more days and I'll finally have some time off from Work-BUT then I'll need to catch up on other things-like sending some late packages, getting ready for a couple of classes. (Which includes working with my son's BFF's to helping me learn to do Video's or having THEM do it, so I can put some KITS together with Video instructions) And <sigh> once again the Easter Parade that I volunteer HOURS and HOURS every year.........

So? What have YOU been up to?

Reality is, 

I/We are in a holding pattern with my Sis-in law Mary's Cancer. Her tumor is "stable." Which means it hasn't grown, but it hasn't shrunk. I hold my breath every week and say my prayers and give gratitude.  Gratitude that I get to talk to her, try and make her laugh, forget, and let her KNOW in any and EVERY way that I can, how much I love her!

What I didn't share, is that my oldest is sick. He has lost weight, a LOT of weight. Can't eat most food, is passing Blood, and refuses to go to the Doctor. And he says "it doesn't matter." He has no Faith and has no direction.  When I asked if he prayed about it, he said , "To Who, to What? There is nothing." When I suggest anything he gets angry and mean. I KNOW it's fear driven and try not to take it personally.  He's gone "off" to do whatever, so no further communication at this time. Worry? Yes. Frustration? Sadness and Fear.  Trust me, I'm well familiar with the phrase, "Let Go, Let God." I don't know what else TO do.

So, for now, I stay busy with work, and my "to DO" list after work. If you've read this far, thank you for your "ear." I guess "Busy is GOOD!"  So I'll just continue on that path and do what I CAN.

Be Healthy, Be Happy-or so busy that you can't think about the problems!

Hugs Love and a "Busy/Crazy/Frustrated "Bus" on the Cheek,"
Shell

Adversities, Strength, Understanding and Acceptance...........

More going on in my life right now than I can share. And this quote seems appropriate, because I've been through a LOT and "come through" on the other side. For the most part, I think I'm Stronger, Wiser and hopefully more understanding and more compassionate because of prior adversities.

Deep breaths, prayers and looking deep inside right now. I can DO this! I can handle it. And what I can't, God will.  And Angels, friends and strength come forward in these times, too.

Be kind to yourself, be kind to others- Sometimes those that are hurting the MOST are the meanest and hardest to take. I need to remember that.  Easier to see that hurt and mean in people that aren't close to you.......When those you love are unkind, it attacks your soul, your being.  And I need to remember that those "Strikes" are from pain! Not at me personally!!

If only you could deal with one problem, one hurt, on situation at a time! But life doesn't work that way ....and some times you have to deal with multiple cuts, pains and bruises at the same time!!

This is where I have to evolve and adjust once again.

Hugs, Love and a "Thank You" Bus on the Cheek for letting me vent.
Shell

New Perspectives

Where did this week GO?? I have been so busy with new orders, extra  (shop) work hours, Chamber of Commerce business (Easter Parade in the works again- year 4) and New Classes already booked and other in the works!

I have discovered this last year, that I REALLY like teaching classes. I don't have any formal training, and I don't claim to know it all,,,I learn as I go. I make something I enjoy, and I want to share how I did it! I've been blessed to have some great private venues and my friend Todd, at Bountiful Home has been SO generous to allow me to have classes at his Store. Too Fun! 


As many of you KNOW, you can spend HOURS and at times even Days, creating one item. As much as I love that, I am at a time in my life that I either need to get:
A)  A "real" full time job again.
B) Find a life partner. (HA!)
or C) Create what I love and find a way that allows me to continue doing that, and yet making more than minimum wage.

The classes have been great! If I make one or two or six of something but teach a dozen or so more how to do the same....I actually make a profit! Albeit small. Nonetheless,,,,,I'm making and doing what I love,,,,,,it's all a learning and growing process!!


I have a couple of other Private Classes (one full to the brim and one still filling up) in March. We'll be making Paper Clay Birds, Chicks and Ducklings, as well as decoupage eggs and some crepe flowers.  

Then, in April, I will have my first Evening Class here in Snohomish! The class will be Thursday, April 11th, at Bee Bops & Lollipops on 1st Street.  For this first Class, we will be making Ribbon and Lace flowers and "French Cuffs." But stay tuned,,,,we're going to be having MORE!! I'm excited about this Venue, where I can have up to 20 Students. Nancy's shop is great, and I think we're going to be a good match for a lot of upcoming Classes/Workshops!

First Class will be: Ribbon and Lace Roses and French Cuffs

Ribbon and lace Roses 

(These are pins,,,,,but you will learn how to place them on Headbands,  Hairclips, Necklaces and more.)

French Inspired Lace Cuffs

I'll have Tons of Lace and embellishments to create your project...

(Back of Cuff)

The cost of this Class is $25 per person.  All Supplies and equipment will be supplied. You can register at Bee Bops & Lollipops (360-568-2333).


More classes to follow! And If anyone has any insight as to creating Video Tutorials, let me know. I'm going to chat with my son's friends to see if I can get some help with that!! Thanks to all of you for your support, enthusiasm and encouragement.......It feels like that right direction!!

Have a great weekend!! Stay safe and warm if you are on the East Coast!!

Hugs, Love and a "Classy" Bus!
Shell