My second proudest sewing project


I just finished a tapesty briefcase which I totally designed on my own and sewed with all the seams doubly reinforced and it really came out beautifully. It really reflects my style and was a pleasure to work on. I am finding it more and more important to design items I love, rather than what may sell on my online selling venues.

I call it my second proudest because my first was about 10 years ago when my son was in the third grade. I made him a total power ranger outfit from white flannel and gold and black lame. It was so difficult to work with but since it was a labor of love it came out great and lasted for years until he finally outgrew it.

I guess my point is do what you love and things will turn out for the best. It won't be such a struggle. I think we should try to live our lives this way.

How closely do you watch these races? Do you really know the messages the candidates want us to understand? Does it really matter who the President of the United States is? These are items I have been pondering lately.
The United States does not seem to be the all-powerful supreme nation it used to be. Other countries are much more prosperous and our light years ahead of the United States when it comes to technology and health care for the elderly. Does the United States still influence the ways others live?
I don't see the big rush for Levis and Nikes we once had from tourists. I am not sure if it is because we are becoming homogeneous or because it is not that important anymore to emulate Americans.
I think 9/11 contributed to much of this. The United States is now seen as vulnerable as other countries. We are no longer the teflon country. We are more likely to kill ourselves with guns on the streets than worrying about violence elsewhere. How did we get to this point? I blame part of it on egos of politicians and how the media contributes to this ego. It is more important how a politician looks and speaks than if they are qualified for the most important position in our land.
There are so many brilliant men and women in our country but they want nothing to do with politics. They don't want the past to be scrutinized. Who cares what one did in high school? Does it really contribute to what one can do for the country when he or she is middle-aged?
The media contributes by repeatedly showing what are considered faux pas like Hillary laughing a bit too hard or one of the men wearing the wrong type of tie. Unfortunately with the advent of the internet these issues are played over and over again on sites such as you tube.
I feel the only way we can gain respect for the position of the President of the United States is too take seriously qualification, including experience, character, and leadership. Let's leave the four hundred dollar haircuts to the celebrities. Let us encourage the best and brightest to run not the one with fewest gray hairs or nicest suit.

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.

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How romantic was that wedding last night? When they were exchanging their vows, they just seemed so genuine the way they had tears in their eyes. And I love the way they left the wedding early. I just really enjoyed last night's episode and hope the quality continues throughout the season.

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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

It is the first week of November and our trees are still full of leaves. Usually by this timeof year, the yard would be full of leaves and we would have had our first few flurries. It is strange. I am not sure I believe in global warming being dire. I think it is probably part of the cycle of life but I do think something is happening.

Now, I think I know what if feels like for those that live in warm climates to celebrate Christmas. I used to get holiday cards from cousins in Florida that showed them dressed in Santa outfits but their outfits had short shorts. I could not understand how anyone could celebrate Christmas with green grass and green trees in their backyards.

Christmas for us in New England means snow, at least frost. I cannot begin my Christmas shopping unless we get a good hard freeze. It just would not seem right. How can I decorate my house if my hands are not freezing cold hanging wreaths and lights? The weatherman predicted snow for us tomorrow but has now reneged. It just is not fair I tell you.

I plan on buying handmade items for family and friends on the site on which I have a shop, etsy.com. but I need that little push of seeing a few flakes before I start.

How do those of you that do not see snow in the winter do it? How do you get the Christmas spirit? I need some inspiration. Help me. Send me your stories. Do you decorate your palm trees, do you use that fake snow on your windows?

I can't wait to see your comments. Help me!!
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