So evidently today's youth do not realize that using a landline phone is not the same as a cell phone. Case in point, my average landline phone bill runs around $45. Since my son starting dating a girl who lives in another state my phone bill has been over $200. He says, "Don't we have free nights and weekends?" Um no! That is on cell phones where we already pay over $100 per month for service.

 Now who should be responsible for this bill? My almost 20 year old for just not thinking or knowing such things or me for not educating him. Mind you, these calls are all placed after midnight and were over 3 hours long. If I had known this was happening I would have put an end to it immediately. I guess for this one time I will have to cover it but he better have learned from his mistakes.

 Each generation is growing up with such different technology it is hard to keep up and make sure both the youth and the "elders" are educated on how each works and the finances involved. I am now in the process of switching to a service that provides unlimited long distance calling. I hope this helps the pocketbook or as the younger generation would say the ATM card.

Etsy Buy Handmade craftsfromtheheart

Being that I turn 45 today, I thought it would be a good day to evaluate my life thus far. My childhood years were anxiety ridden due to my older brothers serious illness which caused his death at 18 and another brother with the same genetic illness's death at the age of 12. I always had this feeling in the pit of my stomach that I was next.
I lived a very 'safe' life. I did not take chances. I did not experiment. I stayed home when I was not in school because I just knew something terrible would happen if I ventured out in the 'real' world.
Because of this, I find it hard to meet new people and try new things but I do try to push myself to do just that. Luckily my husband recognizes my fear and encourages me all the time to try something new and to get out of the house.
Well my biggest challenge last year was to really get my small craft business going. I did some research and found etsy. With each item is made the anxiety rose. Those awful what ifs set in. What if someone buys it and hates it? What if it falls apart? What if I become a laughing stock? The idea of failure was just overwhelming.
Well this year I have to report my sales are up dramatically and my feedback is just so wonderful. With increased confidence comes the will to be better and to succeed. My skills have improved tenfold since I started and I feel I can be part of this 'real world.' Of course I will probably get a negative feedback once in a while and I will have to deal with that and move on. No one is perfect and we will all make mistakes.
I like to think I started this business for the money but it really is an extension of me and what I can do and who I can be once the fear is kept at bay.
I have come a long way. Happy Birthday to me and my fellow sagittarians.
Britney Spears is also celebrating a birthday today. Hopefully by the time she has reached my age, things will have settled down for her too!
Linda

Up to this point I had planning for my parents' 50th anniversary to keep my mind occupied. Well that happened on Sunday and it went off without a hitch. Now comes the anxiety about having my first craft show appearance.

I am taking part in the Creative Bazaar in Hyannis, Ma. on Oct 13. I made sure it was out of state so noone I knew would witness this inauguration. My husband is coming with me and is so excited about it! He hand carved a sign with my business name on it and he is planning how our booth will look. I, on the other hand, am consumed with making things in hopes that I will sell something.

I have been selling on etsy for a year and have done well. My items have excellent feedback ratings but there is still that nagging fear that I will come home with all the items I brought to sell.
I am sure this happens to many crafters at their first shows but it doesn't make it any easier.

If you have any advice for me it would be greatly appreciated! If you are in the area, stop by. It will be in the Four Points Sheraton in Hyannis. Maybe you can even buy a little something.
Linda
craftsfromtheheart.etsy.com