A Fun Weekend: Portland Strawberry Festival, Momoo's 90th birthday and Grilling out!

What a long, exhausting, fun weekend!

Saturday began with an early rise at 5:30 and a quick drive to Franklin where I met with Janice. We loaded my gear into her Durango and travelled the stretch to Portland, TN for the annual Strawberry Festival. Hope weren't too high as the clouds rolled in over our heads. It should have been a sign! In face, there were signs all morning of what was to come.

As we rolled into the vndor area, they didn't have our name on the list. Whoops! I assured them the check I sent had been cashed. I printed a copy of the cleared check for just this reason. They then motioned us over to an out of the way parking lot away from all the other vendors. Was this treatment a "paying of our dues" as we were first-time vendors to this festival? I thought it quite interesting that the gentleman who motioned us to our assiged spot in the lot, yelled out to us, "feet count" and we pulled the Durango into place. As if we would take more than we had paid...

Was is so ironic about that statement the young man made, was over 1/3 of the vendors never even made the trip to Portland to attempt the venue. Te forcast perhaps was a bit too ominous for them. So there we were, with easily 10 feet in between us and the next vendor, in an out-of-the-way parking lot. Regardless, we were excited because the oppotunity to participate in an event like this is always a blast.

As normal, Janice and I fell in line with our routine. Its become a science of sorts. She unloads this, while I set up that. We make a good team! The tent, a wonderful beautiful thing to have, went up first, and soon the tables, cloths, and jewelry followed. Still all the while, dark charcoal clouds floated quickly overhead. And then it happened, the bottom litterally fell out of the clouds. They couldn't hold it in any longer. It drenched every poor vendor that hadn't invested in a tent within seconds. People scrambled for the nearest cover. Within a few minutes downpour #1 ceased.

We assessed the damage and luckily only had a few damp tags on our jewlery. We faired quite well. Janice mentioned we had one side to the tent stored in the carry bag. While we had the chance we grabbed it and velcroed it to the tent. At least one side of the tent would be protected from the rain!

Then the glorious sun came out, for at least 2 hours anyway! It felt great. The festival started to liven up, live music was playing off in the distance, and Janice managed to find a stand with some fresh squeezed lemonade. It brought to mind the saying, "when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade!" It was very fitting!

The All that Glitters and Jewelry by Janice booth at the Portland Strawberry Festival 2009

We had a little traffic, nothing to jump and and down about, but we had a few stragglers stop in. All the while we caught the aroma of BBQ ribs, funnels cakes, and strawberry delights in the breeze. I think we were more excited about the food, than the prospect of selling jewlery at that moment.

Clouds began rolling in again. Sprinkles fell, and round two commenced. Ladies with quarts of strawberries huddled under the shelter of our tent. We hadn't seen so much action at our booth all day! Surprisingly we had a few sales.

The organizer of the event stopped by our tent a little later, and inquired about our traffic flow. Here was my chance to speak up. I tried to let him know as nicely as possible that by palcing us in a remote location, it really hurt our chances of having a successful day. He apologized and let us know over 1/3 of the vendors that paid to set up hadn't even attempted to come. That combined with the bad weather, really hurt us. It meant so much that he actually cared to come by and acknowledge this fact though. If we have any reason to return next year, it will be because this man took the time to speak to his vendors and get feedback.

We made out booth rent back, plus a little to cover gas and food. Will we return next year, only time will tell...

Janice set up at the festival!

Sunday, came quick! It was my Grandmother Noel's (Momoo as I've called her since I could speak) 90th Birthday. She didn't want a fuss, but we Noel's can't pass up an opportunity to get togather and eat! My Aunt Shelia made my favortie pink cherry salad, and we had the famous "Roy's BBQ" for lunch! I grabbed a quick shot of Momoo with her birthday cake.

Then it was a quick trip back to Bowling Green. Debi was having a grill out and had invited over Clint's Aunt and Uncle. Clint, the master griller of the bunch, took over the spatual and tongs and got to work as soon as we arrived.

To sum it all up! Too much food and rain this weekend! I'm exhausted.

Hope and Optimism

In Sunday School this past week we had a neat exercise. The teacher passed out a piece of paper and asked us to assign four words to describe HOPE each starting with the first letters of the word. I struggled with this, but several came up with great ideas.

H-heaven
O- optimism
P-perserverence
E-eternal life

It was interesting to see that several used optimism for the O word. Also further, it was interesting that the root meaning of the word optimism is "best". Optimists think positively in general, while Hope I feel is more specific and tied to a spiritual peace. The root meaning of hope is "to expect".

A man in my class said something very significant to me. On the way to church, his daughter mentioned that her mother had told her she had faith in her to do something, but she didn't know what faith meant. She was encouraged by her father to look faith up in her bible. She read the definition provided and then told her father, "Oh, so through faith we have hope." How perfect! That right there, was my explanation; my understanding of the difference between hope and optimism came like a rush of electricity to a light bulb. Its my faith that gives me hope; hope to steam ahead everyday not knowing what will face me. It may be trying or difficult, but my faith gives me the hope to perservere and complete each day with a smile in my heart and on my face. Optimism is a tool that God has given me to spread that hope to others.

Its amazing how lessons learned can be presented by the most innocent of us, a child. I have so much to learn from the faith of a child.

For some great reading, check out this passage from the bible. It gives us a great understanding of Hope. 1 Corinthians 15: 35-58 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1corinthians%2015:35-58&version=50;

Happy Reading!

First Day at the Farmer's Market

Today marked the first day Janice and I sat up at the Farmer's Market. We had a fantastic day, aside from the 20 mph winds and blazing sunshine. Halfway through the day we had to fold up the tent and take all our pieces off the displays we brought. The wind literally whipped through our tent with a vengeance. Each time I picked up a a necklace another would fall over.

Regardless, we met some fantastic people and made lots of contacts. We even managed to sell a few pieces while we were at it. SCORE! I can't wait to set up there again. As busy as it was today, who knows what the season holds in store for us!

Next up... Chaney's Dairy Barn is having a Kentucky Proud festival May 2nd, 2009 in Woodburn, KY, and All That Glitters and Jewelry by Janice will be rocking out as only we know how. Be there or be square!

And the Cherry on top!

The Amazing Double Rainbow

I noticed yesterday as I got home from work, how pretty it was to see the sun shine through the rain, then as I turned my head, I noticed a glorious double rainbow back toward the darkest spot in the clouds. I didn't get a shot from my house, but my Mother in law captured these shots of the amazing double rainbow!

Preparations for Jewlery Events, Music on my Mind, and Spring Fever!

Its just another Manic Monday! As with all good things, that must come to an end, the weekend quickly turned into Monday.

Lots to do this week, as I am preparing to set up at the Farmer's Market this Saturday. Officially our (Jewelry by Janice and All That Glitters) first event of the season. The anticipation is killing us.

I finalized the items for my part of the Fire Mountain Gems order to be sent in with Janice. We are ordering lots of rich summery colors. I had my eye on a great strand of multi-colored faceted agate. It practically had me drooling over my keyboard. There is absolutely nothing like getiing in a fresh order of beads from FMG.

I've been listening to WayFM lately and I must say I am becoming a bit hooked! Its a wonderful thing to he "hooked" on though. Addison Road, a wonderful christian group has a song out entitled "Hope Now." Everytime I hear it, I am instantly calm. I know my stress is not to be compared with that of others. I have the health of my family and myself, and I have food on the table, but when caught in a moment of panic, remembering that we have someone watching over us definately calms the storm.

At any rate: Here are a few songs that have really kept me chugging along the last few weeks!

Addison Road- Hope Now http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xboucW89gUU
Francesca Battistelli- Free to be Me! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujenRXDu2Ik
Toby Mac- Lose my Soul http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZG9G68bZO0
Need to Breathe- Washed By the Water http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNU-K5NLPSw&feature=PlayList&p=6CD470B60B85950D&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=65

Music sure to put you in a good mood, however manic you Monday may be!

Its the small things that get you through the day! I planted a few mystery seeds that my father-in-law gave me a few years ago in a little pot in my kitchen window. I noticed Sunday the little pods had made their way past the surface of miracle grow potting mix! I can't wait to see what these mystery seeds grow into!
There is just something about spring that flips a switch in me! It seems as if the grass grows inches by the day, the leaves populate the branches overnight, frogs take over the wetland/woods behind our house with a triumphant symphony, and my toes seemingly earn for flip-flops. I can smell the bar-b-ques already! Its finally time to open the windows and let some frest air in. Thank goodness for the Spring!

Indulge Yourself with Ceramicpix!

I wanted to start fresh with the recommendation to visit Ceramicpix on etsy. Let me preface by saying, I came upon Ann's shop one day while looking for a Mother's Day gift. This etsy shop has lovely one of a kind (ooak) wheel thrown pieces of art.

The two mediums Ann uses are English Porcelain and Stoneware clay. All her pieces are water-tight, dishwasher, food and oven safe unless indicated otherwise.

The piece I chose for my mother was a lovely stoneware bowl with a blue center. I by no means am an expert on ceramics, however; I can attest to the fact that Ceramicpix's work is quality. The vivid blue color that this piece radiates is gorgeous. I recommend stopping by and drooling over this stunning shop whether it be for a gift, or to indulge yourself!

http://ceramicpix.etsy.com/

DSC_0522

DSC_0522, originally uploaded by allthatglittersbg.

Agape earrings. Made with red agate, swarovski crystals, and cultured freshwater pearls.

Goals for 2009 NOT RESLUTIONS!

Lets see..... Business Goals for 2009

1. Get my business license and resale number. Surprised as some of you may be, I haven't acquired these two vital pieces of documentation as of yet. Apparently it wasn't even necessary until I surpassed a certain sales figure, but that time has come. So I am going to get this done.

2. Get organized. I mean this in a few ways. Organize my inventory and keep track of it daily by using a jewlery manager program. It is extremely time consuming to look up the cost of my items manually by flipping through old invoices and searching online. I think this software will change the way my business is run!

3. Set up at two events per month in the months of March through November. This will take some planning definately. Not only craft fairs, but I have been very graciously encouraged to join the local farmer's market. Much to my surprise and delight, the sellers I usually buy my vegies and jams from, want very much to start encouraging "Kentucky Proud" artisans and sellers to set up. I feel pretty good about this move considering our farmer's market is packed on any Saturday.

4. For my online participation... Keep a healthily stocked etsy shop, participate in every JET Team project I can get my hands on, and Blog more regularly!

I think these four goals will be good stepping stones. Hopefully I can come back and add more goals to my list as I knock them out!

2009 is going to be an awesome year!

There are some great tips below. Here is to a great 2009....Cheers!

40 Tips for Better Life - 2009

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
3. Buy a DVR and tape your late night shows and get more sleep.
4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to __________ today.'
5. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm , and Empathy.
6. Play more games and read more books than you did in 2008.
7. Make time to practice meditation, and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.
8. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.
9. Dream more while you are awake.
10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
11. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.
12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
13. Clear clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing energy into your life.
14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, OR issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the NEGATIVE BLUES away.
18. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree .
22. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
26. Forgive everyone for everything.
27. What other people think of you is none of your business.
28.REMEMBER GOD heals everything.
29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
30. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
31. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
32. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
33. The best is yet to come.
34. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
35. Do the right thing!
36. Call your family often. (Or email them to death!)
37. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.
38. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
39. Enjoy the ride. Remember this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.
40. Please Forward this to everyone you care about. I just did.May your troubles be less, May your blessings be more, May nothing but happiness come through your door!