Thought for the day

In the direction of passions & dreams ...

'Keep on moving forward fearlessly in the direction of your passion and dreams.
It is never just an easy ride, but the one thing we are guaranteed is the journey and the experience of testing our limits and discovering our potential!
It is the only journey worth taking, so keep reminding yourself how fortunate you are to be on the road when so many are tied to fear that keeps them stuck.
Just being on the road is a blessing, and the only destination worth striving for is one that makes your soul sing! '

-Verity-

Wednesday's Eye Candy 30 April

Well uhmmmm........

I guess you could say it is Day 2 of recovery mode.

Managed to get one teeny pendant made before my O2 emptied on me. LOL New tank arriving tomorrow. Shoooooooooo..............

Hoping to be back to our regular schedule soon.

Hugs

Monday's story................

Oops no thought for the day, no eye candy. Can you tell I was pooped. I generally need a day to recover after a show.

We went shopping at the new shopping centre this morning. Uhhm, bad idea. LOL. We arrived to a relatively empty parking area and left to people yelling at each other fighting over parking spaces. I really hope the novelty wears off and we get left to our own devices with our shopping centre.

The Pick n Pay Hyper was nice and big and a bit too crowed today. Making a mental note to self that I should only do shopping on quiet days, like no where near payday. LOL

We came home and had hotdogs for lunch and then I napped on the kids bed. Now you're wondering why their bedroom, well they're never in there, so it's peaceful. Strangely enough!! Having hubby at home was a big help to because he kept them entertained doing other things and that helped as well. Now the chances of being up all night due to a 3 hour nap are pretty good. Kare, found that product we were talking about. Woohoo, we have it. LOL

I have some ideas for some new pendants and I think I'm going to try my hand at some beads for a bit. Need to get into the groove of bead making for BeadEx, that is if my 'friend' the fire marshall gives the class the go ahead.

Still suffering from this horrible bug. Up and down days. Crossing fingers I'm feeling 100% better soon.

Hope you had a super day. We had a long weekend here in SA and having another coming up this weekend. Two work days. Eeek!!!

Chat soon.....................

After the show report

Woohoo it's finished. Make one huge mental note to self. NEVER EVER, EVER TO DO THAT SHOW AGAIN!!! In all honesty I should have done more research but as they say school lessons and fees never come cheap.

But there is always a but in every story. I got to meet some fabulous and very inspiring people.

Now this is for Elaine and sorry I left you hanging.

We tried 'a spend so much money and you get to choose a free gift'. My niece wrapped some of my older work in tissue paper and wrapped a bow around it. It did help a little....and there is always a BUT!!! LOL. With all the free samples everyone else had around us, some tried to walk off with our gifts without so much as a 'hello'. Another lesson learnt. State ones intentions clearly on a poster and not depend on verbal communication. My head was fuzzy today, so I'll put the blame squarely on me and my fuzzy head oh and hubby losing said little notices to be attached to ribbons. I'm evil, I know. LOL

Back to the grindstone. Got a special order to put together and get ready for BeadEx. Any suggestions on suitable footwear would be appreciated!!!

Whatever you did, I hope you had a super weekend.

Back soon.

Hugs

My story to share with you today.....

Well a much better day was had yesterday. I sold quite a few of my boro pieces and that included a Love Frog. I was excited!!

Have I changed my mind about ever doing that show again. Nope, it is clearly not our target market. But my feet were comfy and I made new friends.

Today we are going to try something very different. If it works great, if it doesn't then nothing lost but only plenty to gain if it does.

till later

Sunday's Thought for the Day......

'Risk everything
Fear nothing
Live no regrets'

-author unknown-

Saturday's Story to share.

Good morning everyone.....yep, this crazy nut is up just after 4am. This bug which I am now convinced is resembling flu has taken it's grip on me!!! But I WILL SURVIVE!!!!

As those of you who read my blog regularly know we are now in the midst of a Show/Exhibition. I have not really looked forward to it at all and you could say this 'bug' has been the cherry on top of it all but in this case has not helped with my enthusiasm one bit.

So I am going to share some lessons learned.

No. 1 - quit doing shows/exhibitions
No. 2 - no matter what anyone else thinks do what you love. In my case sitting in front of a torch and melting glass
No. 3 - when one accidently phones one's 'enemy' neighbour blabbering about not answering 'his' phone (was meant to be my BIL Clive) send an SMS quickly to apologise. Did that. LOL
No. 4 - Believe in myself more and what I love doing.
No. 5 - If I never make a penny out of it that's okay. I am doing what I love and I am blessed to spend time at home with my boys.
No. 5.1 - Stop throwing thousands into shows and trying to convince those who really couldn't care why my pendant costs a lot more than the imported CRAP at the beadshop. For them it is about the money - for me it's about the art and I'm still very much a baby in it. They want to pay NOTHING and couldn't care less if it is not unique.
No. 6 - Living in a tin shack may not be half bad - many other's do it. So I should be grateful for the roof over my head currently.
No. 7 - Not everyone is going to know or understand why melting glass is important to me.
No. 8 - To share everything I know and have learnt with others cause how can we grow if we never pass it on.
No. 9 - When I wake up and my head is buzzing with ideas - have a pencil and notebook handy cause now I cannot remember all those stunning design ideas that I had. Silly me!!!
No. 10 - Start living life!!!

Today I will walk into that Convention Centre with my head held high and wearing clothes that I am comfortable in. Because darn it - if I am not going to make a penny at least I can be comfortable doing it!!! LOL

Of these things I am sure:

I married my best friend who no matter how looney I am sticks by me and loves what I do to. I love my boys, they bring joy to my life everyday and I love melting glass!!!

Have a good one girls and guys and remember this, ALWAYS BE TRUE TO YOURSELF. I think we can forget to do that.

Love ya...............................

An early, yes very early Saturday...........

Thought for the day.........................

'Speak your truth
Live your dreams
Be you..............'

-Verity-

I am Verity

I met the most amazing woman today. She is a South African Woman and singer.

Please visit her website :

http://www.iamverity.com/

Verity is travelling the most beautiful journey and has definitely made me think about my life and where I am at. If you get the chance, you just have to listen to her music. It meant so much to me as I was reading the words that I was crying - these had been handed to me as I went flying past her stand at the show we are attending. I had to go back and find out more about her and was blessed to listen to one of her songs and yes, I was doing my best to hold back the tears once again.

so here is a taste...............

'Take life in your hands and make the most of it.
Learn to make a plan and never forget,
To keep people close, take one day at a time
Love so it shows, know the magic of your mind.

Guide where you once fell, share lessons you have learned
Have stories to share, leave no stone unturned.
Live life with nature's tools, speak other people's tongues
Don't stick to stupid rules, do as you would have done.....'

-Verity-

I have been given pause to think and relook which is never bad.

At times today I honestly felt that I would never be able to sit in front of my torch ever again.

Tomorrow I am going as me - someone who is comfortable with what she wears and where she is at. No offence to skirts, fancy tops and uncomfortable shoes (yes, you would have thought I had learnt my lesson by now). Tomorrow I go in denims, t-shirt and takkies. Yes, you may gasp but definitely getting all dolled up helped nothing either - so there!!!

Hugs to you all, chat soon...............................................

Quote for the Day

Happiness

'There is no point to samba if it doesn't make you smile.'

-Alma Guillermoprieto-

T*G*I*F - Eye Candy

Thursday's Report

I'm feeling a tad bit better although my throat is still killing me but thank goodness for strepsils - I might just get through this.

Today is setup for the show day. Not sure how much setting up is going to be done as our place is teeny weeny and well we could do it tomorrow morning before the show starts. I know I should be more enthusiastic about this but sales are slow right now and it's really disheartning to put your heart and soul into your work and not be able to sell it for what it is worth. Okay, that's my moan for the day.

A new shopping centre is opening up just down the road from us. Thought the boys and me would head there and see what it's all about it. I'm really excited as we're getting one of the big stores which will save me heading to Northgate to do my shopping.

Hubby didn't get a chance to check out my kiln which is on the blink again!!! At the moment I am thanking the heaven's above that I decided not to go ahead and be an agent for them. This is the second time in less than a year. Thank goodness I have my faithfull Paragon kiln.

Otherwise I'll keep you update with what is happening at 'The Womens Show'. Maybe my enthusiasm will improve.

Chat soon.

Thought for the day

Success

'Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong.'

-Ella Fitzgerald -

Thursday's eye candy : 24 April

Oh boy do I feel bad...........

Thanks for all the well wishes and the comments on the guinea pigs. They are really cute and coming out of their shells so to say.

Didn't have a good night last night. Feels like a chainsaw is going on in my throat and my head feels mushy. I'm pretty sure I'll crash at some time today. That is if the boys will let me.

As for the show - oh boy!! I just pray I'm feeling a bit better by then. We're on our feet most of the time and right now staying in bed sounds far more tempting.

Today we have load shedding for 4 hours. Got to love our electricity supplier. Pretty much nothing can be done in that time. Which reminds me, I forgot to find the gas cooker for the gas bottle so we can at least make tea. I'm not doing well am I. LOL

I'm off to hit the shower, maybe that will help perk me up somewhat.

Have a super day.

Chat soon.

Wednesday's Thought for the Day : 23 April

Pursuit Of Destiny

"As long as we are persistent in our pursuit of our deepest destiny, we will continue to grow. We cannot choose the day or time when we will fully bloom. It happens in its own time"

- Denis Waitley -

Wednesday's Eye Candy : 23 April

Chicken Soup

Well let's hope it works. Let's just say I'm man down or is that woman down. Whatever Josh had I have now. It's a horrible, nasty, nasty bug!! My throat is killing me and I have the worst post nasal drip and my muscles have decided to join in with the pain thing. Hopefully hubby arrives home soon with some meds and the all important chicken soup.

The show starts in what, 2 days or so and feeling like hell is never good at a show.

Still got stock to price and have to figure out this stringing thing. What I wanted to do, I never got around to doing. Oh well!!!

Oh and please tell me why when children are sick we do everything we can. Cuddle and keep them warm and give them meds and stay with them. When I'm out for the count I get kicked, jumped on and get asked to fix this and that. Like I said, clearly no rest for the wicked.

Chat soon......................

Tuesday's Eye Candy : 22 April

Tuesday's Thought for the Day - 22 April

Dreams

'If you're going to be thinking, you may as well think big.'

-Donald Trump-

Monday: Better late than never!

Can you see I'm into getting ready for the show mode. Not that I am looking forward to it. They seem to have lost their measure of excitement. Now it's just hard work and late, late nights. The fact that we have two shows/exhibitions on top of each other is not helping much either. No rest for the wicked apparently!!

I have one pendant in the kiln, yep only one and I managed to finish one bracelet. They only take about 6 -8 hours to make, but well worth it.

Today has been a really, really cold day. First time the layers came on and off. Piled on to go outdoors and taken off when indoors. Thank goodness for this coat I bought while in the USA last year. It's amazingly comfortable and warm. The boys had a trip to the fire station. Josh's little nursery school went to visit and Bradley was allowed to go with. That is all he has spoken about all day, he really enjoyed himself. Especially the ride in the fire engine. Josh, spent most of the time covering his ears. He's not into loud noises at the moment.

I haven't told you the cutest story yet. Late Saturday we went shopping at our local Super Spar and Josh grabbed a kiddies trolley, next thing we look and he is doing his own grocery shopping and telling us what is needed. Thank goodness he had stuff like yoghurts and juice. But in a 3 year old grown up voice telling us that the eggs were finished and duly placed a box of 6 in his little trolley. Moments like that you wish you could capture for ever and ever!!!

Guess I should think about hitting the sack. I'll try my best to have a Thought for Day up tomorrow.

Sleep tight!!

Did I tell you we live in a zoo....

Well we might as well be.

We are now the proud owners of two guinea pigs. They still need names. It's a good thing we're on the hunt for bigger dwellings. Hubby is right, I do need a farm.

T*G*I*F

It has been quite a week. I have survived the first week of school holidays which is always a plus in my book.

Josh has been sick the past couple of days. Coughing and sniffing. Never fun. Last night he was snoring away. Nicknamed him 'snorkie die draakie' (never quite sure if I get my Afrikaans spelling right). I've had a migraine the passed two days....actually I think I've had it most of the week.

Today we are going to have another 4 hour session of load shedding. Yep, I checked the schedule. So no surprises on me. Thought about going to get some tops for next weekends show but decided to rather head out shopping over the weekend.

I have also been investigating getting a pair of crocs. These will come in handy for BeadEx. With teaching I'm on my feet for at least 12 hours a day and I think they might just help. But yowser are they pricey. Oh well!!!

Next week we are at The Women's Show at Sandton Convention Centre - do you know about it. Let me know. Hubby is worried and so am I that everyone we speak to seems to have no idea about this happening.

You'll see by my work that I am on a flower kick. They are fun to make. Migraines and bad headaches don't help with trying to sit at the torch. It's a vicious circle. I get stressed cause I cannot torch and because of stress I get these vicious headaches.

Hubby has quite a busy weekend with Funprix and I'm trying to convince the boys to stay at home with me. Maybe I'll bribe them with my gift voucher my sister gave me.

At least NO show days. I am so HAPPY about that. Now all that is left to do is find a bigger better place to rent. Which reminds me I need to find a Midrand reporter, but not today.

Have a super weekend where ever you may be.

Chat soon.

TGIF - Thought for the day!!

Life

You've got to sing like you don't need the money, love like you'll never get hurt. You've got to dance like no one is watching. It's gotta come from the heart, if you want it to work.

-Susannah Clark-

Friday's eye candy.....

Thursday's Thought for the Day

Share Your Happiness

"Happiness is like a kiss. You must share it to enjoy it."

- Bernard Meltzer -

In the autumn sun

That kitty is up to no good.....

Luckily the nest was empty. Our neighbour recently cut the tree a bit - exposing the nest. Otherwise the cats have been clueless to it's existance until recently.

Wednesday's eye candy.......

Thought for the day

Determination

"Within each of us is a hidden store of determination. Determination to keep us in the race when all seems lost."

-Roger Dawson

It's fun to play....

We can breathe now.....

Changing Estate Agents was definitely the right thing to do.

And now you know why I was so quiet yesterday. I was waiting to breathe. Trying to stay calm in stormy seas.

Ant accepted an offer made on our home this morning. It should hopefully be plain sailing from now.

So one bridge crossed and another one to cross - but that's okay as the biggest hurdle is now behind us.

Have a super day. I'll be back with some eye candy later.

Tuesday's Thought for the day.....

Perseverance

"Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish."

-John Quincy Adams

Weekend report....

What a weekend it has been.

Not only did we have a guest from Lydenburg, we also celebrated my 35th birthday yesterday.
Friday and Saturday were spent teaching a glass beadmaking workshop with today being a day at my sister's place.

We might have a nibble on the house but not going to get our hopes up high yet. The market is getting tougher and tougher, especially with interest rates on the rise again.

I'm hoping I can convince hubby into giving my poor feet a bit of a rub and my back would love one as well.

Back to watching my auctions.

Hope you had a fabulous weekend too.

My best friends twin girls

Men in Kitchen

While the women were socialising we had the men in the kitchen looking after our every need!!

What I found the garden....

Saturday's Birthday Eye Candy!!

Friday's Eye Candy...

Friday's Thought for the Day......

Enthusiasm

"You can do anything if you have enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is the yeast that makes your hopes rise to the stars. With it, there is accomplishment. Without it there are only alibis."

- Henry Ford

A 2nd Thought for the Day

Live And Learn

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever."

- Mahatma Gandhi -

Today's Thought for the Day

Courage

"We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face ... we must do that which we think we cannot."

Roosevelt, Eleanor

Thursday's Eye Candy..

Wednesday's News

Do you think I can sneak in a report before my battery power is kapoot.

This time I blind sided myself and didn't bother to check the Eskom website for the load shedding schedule, and faithfully at 10:00 am this morning, uhhhm no power!!!

After taking days to get myself into a place to melt glass - poof!!! I really need to get my muse's schedule and Eskom's load shedding schedule synchronised.

I'm still uhmming and ahhing over the whole home schooling gig. Holiday's are coming up soon and we'll see how I survive that.

The house is still on the market. Thinking positive thoughts!!!

And there is still no decision in Zimbabwe. What does that have to do with the price of eggs. I'm not really sure but thought I'd add that tidbit in because well uhmmm yes, it's also on my mind as well.

As you can see I'm going slightly mad!!!

Oh yes, and I'm turning 35 this week. I'm not going to be doing my BIG thing this year. Crap!! I let myself down - only moi to blame. So Mt. Kilimanjaro has been put off until the big 4 0.

Back soon.

Wednesday's Eye Candy....

Wednesday's Thought for Day

this one I know my hubby will enjoy.................

Action

"Do or do not. There is no try."

Yoda

Tuesday's Thought for the Day!!

Traits of Success

"It always seemed strange to me that the things we admire in men, kindness and generosity, openness, honesty, understanding and feeling are the concomitants of failure in our system. And those traits we detest, sharpness, greed, aquisitiveness, meanness, egotism and self interest are the traits of sucess. And while men admire the quality of the first, they love the produce of the second."

- John Steinbeck -

Rose Petals

Saturday's Eye Candy

Had to share Josh's art

TGIF

Yesterday was just that. A BAD day!!! I was ready to tell everyone to shove it where the sun don't shine and maybe I told just a few.

This mornings Thought for Day is what I'll keep as my mantra today.

There are a few artists that I know are in a similar place, different country - same place!!!

I told hubby that I'm scared to do these shows, scared of what I might say or do. I put my soul into making beads and pendants and to have someone compare it to imported CRAP just infuriates me!! I'm not sure how much longer before I'll escort that sorry A$$ over to the cheap CRAP and tell them to spend to there hearts content.

Eskom (our illustrious power supply co.) also appears to be playing with my head. I'm certain today was our turn at load shedding. It's after 10:00 and we still have power. The good thing about that is maybe I can get some pieces done before putting on the mom's taxi cap and running around like a mad person.

And on the schooling note: The owner of the little nursery school Josh goes to is back from her vacation. She was where I want to be. New Zealand!!! Seychelle's is still an option. Bead making Beach Bum, sounds good too. LOL Back to the Josh, he spots Nicky this morning and runs up to her and gives her this huge hug. Well can't take him out of school!!! This kid loves it, lives for it. He's a social butterfly unlike his mom.
Brad, leaves for school stressed to the tee. He has a spelling test and the words I don't even get. The planets. Now forgive me but they may be grouped as planets but everything else is different - venus, pluto (check on that, not a planet anymore I think), Saturn. They all sound different. The only rule being just that - they're planets.

Here my brain is in a spin again. School does nothing for his self confidence. Smack me silly for choosing a Montessori. As much as I can tell him that not getting it all right is okay. The idiotic teacher who had him for a year made these kids do corrections until there hands hurt because it had to be 100% right.

Mistakes happen, mistakes are made - we try and move on!!!

These 2 little souls are so different and choices made effect them. But I don't think that one system fits all. What works for one may not necessarily work for the other. Yet society would like everyone to fit perfectly into one basket.

Yes, I'm rambling but that this is what this blog is about.

Friday's Thought for the Day

"If I were asked to give what I consider the single most useful bit of advice for all humanity, it would be this: Expect trouble as an inevitable part of life, and when it comes, hold your head high. Look it squarely in the eye, and say, "I will be bigger than you. You cannot defeat me."

Ann Landers

Friday's Eye Candy

An all in one............

Well our house has been on the market for a bit now. No nibbles yet!!! I had a good cry about it today, OK well about a few things but I sobbed my heart out. No, it didn't change anything. Still rowing the same old boat.

Living these days is an open plan kitchen, open plan dining room and sitting area. 8 years ago, we opted to do away with the all in one open plan and switched our kitchen and dining area around. Effectively making a third room (dining room, study, whatever). Right now my studio.

Today I was tempted to take a hammer to the wall and say you want a dining room / open plan. Here goes. You got it!!!!

Oh and ripping out those built in cupboards, oh sorry you want packing space to, do you. Well you can't have it all!!

Let's face it, the current market is BAD right now. Bad to the bone!!!!!!!!!!

The home schooling gig...........

I guess it's somewhere in this brain of mine. Okay, it's constantly on my mind!!! Brad is having a tough time and well Josh just loves nursery school.
So I'm thinking about it constantly!! His best friend has just left the school to be home schooled.

I remember hating school. Sort of the social outcast. Well not entirely but I was definitely not part of the in crowd.

To top it all, I have no faith in government schooling either. That is heading in one direction, about the same as our electricity. Just maybe they'll have a wakeup call in 10 years time and it will be too late!!!

Yes, we attend a Montessori. It is not what I thought it would be. I think giving it 2 years is a fair chance.

If I could figure out the social aspect. Where he could still interact with kids of his age I'd leap at removing him. But we're not social bunnies ourselves. Eeek!!!!

Back to thinking about it.

Heart and Soul

This afternoon I feel tired and I've had enough!!! I'm tired of giving, giving, giving and ending up with a pile of crap dumped on me. For once can some sunshine just shine down on me for a change, is it too much to fucking ask!!!

Thursday's Report

I haven't been able to blog as much the past two days as I was doing a glass beadmaking workshop. I had two fantastic ladies who were tons of fun. Teaching takes a lot out of me and I'm flat!!! Got to get back in the swing of things quickly.

I cannot believe how time is flying by and I'm wondering if I have enough time to do all the things I need to do before the shows. I end up getting into such a panic that I feel I cannot move.

Selling on Ebay and Etsy have also added a new dimension to my life. Exciting and stressful at times!!! But I'm having fun and that is important. Ant asked me when I was going to put some of his pendants on the bay. Told him on Sunday because apparently it's better to have auctions end the following Sunday - I know I read that somewhere. LOL

Back to life, I have beads to clean and posting to do.

till later

Thursday's Eye Candy

Thought for the day!

Courage

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

-Mark Twain

OMG, what did I say....

I need to spend it on glass, not petrol. What was I thinking!!! LOL

For those fellow glass melters, you'll understand - The Addiction!!! There is never enough glass.............................

Eye Candy......

No April fool.........

Eskom is load shedding.....................can I scream.

Do they wait for me to have classes and screw with my life!!!!

Oh a high note. I have sold a piece on Etsy and I have some fantastic bids on Ebay.

Thanks everyone. It will help with that petrol!!!

Gotta rush to get ready......

Later

Thought for the day........

Character, Commitment and Excellence

"It was character that got us out of bed, commitment that moved us into action, and discipline that enabled us to follow through."

- Zig Ziglar -