Wow, I just read Nicholas Sparks' The Last Song from cover to cover. Yes, it was a good book. (No, I don't want to see the movie.) Yes, I bawled my eyes out. Yes, it's been years (yes years) since I've sat down to read a book cover to cover. And Yes, my own little voice, or whisper from God (as per the book) :), is becoming louder and louder...
A few months ago I decided to scale back, big-time, on my jewelry business. I also have, as evidenced here (by my lack of posts!), scaled back on my time on the computer. This is mostly in response to the need to address some physical and lifestyle changes that are now necessary to manage what can be a debilitating condition called Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, or POTS. My physical strength can change from day to day, hour to hour. After a severe bout of the flu, I was diagnosed with POTS in March 2009, and Yes, it's taken me nearly a year to accept and give up my denial of it.
Has scaling so much back helped? Physically, yes, I think so. Or as much as I can report to my cardiologist so. Overall, definitely so. I have been less stressed, had more time to devote to my children and my husband, and finally returned to interests I used to think of as luxuries or things I somehow wasn't entitled to enjoy, like taking a whole night to read!
And, well, this book in particular, this one really hit home. I've got two babies. I have a super, fantabulous, how-do-I-deserve-this husband. And I've got my health, even with its new challenges. So what am I waiting for? This is my life. And it's time to embrace it.
A Bible passage that was a character's favorite in The Last Song, from Galatians 5:22, is at the essence of what I am feeling right now: "But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."
My lesson learned: when that little voice talks, don't fight it, listen to it. That voice is telling me my family and my health need me, more of me! So, I am ending my blog. Closing down another online shop. Turning down the next wholesale order. And it feels wonderful!
May we all continue to listen for these little whispers from God. Thanks for joining me in my journey and today, as I write my last song, er... blog post.
xo
Susie
April 3, 2010
January 17, 2010
January Mission Update
Well, I had the January Mission all planned out. Here was Plan A: Every year during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, much attention is paid to many and varied charities. Like retailers, many charities receive most of their monies during these last months of the year. So for January, I had planned to try to wrap-up the wish-list of one of our local non-profits. There is such a drop-off in donations come January that I thought we could help fill a few of these gaps.
However...
I have been learning a lot these past few months. Of those being to just jump in and also to go with the flow. To make a long story longer, both my community service efforts here and my hard work on my jewelry business, in October, November, and December, resulted in wonderful successes. We were able to make a difference in the lives of those without adequate footwear, those serving our country abroad, and the youngest among us suffering from childhood cancer. With my jewelry designs, I was also was able to find my creative voice, which was seen in print, online, and even on TV this past fall.
However...
Even though this all sounds wonderful, and it is wonderful, it didn't come without a price. My health and my kids and husband were often not made priority. Yet actually, they, along with my faith, deserve to be my Priority Number One. So, I would be a fool not to recognize this unbalance, and even more of a fool not to do something about it. So I'm not just clearing time for them - I'm redirecting my extra efforts to them. Huh? Basically, all that extra effort I put into my jewelry and community service efforts, I'm going to be putting into making the days of my family a little happier. Now that all the craziness that can be the holidays is over, perhaps we can all use a little extra time and effort to reconnect with those that are closest to us. ❤
However...
I have been learning a lot these past few months. Of those being to just jump in and also to go with the flow. To make a long story longer, both my community service efforts here and my hard work on my jewelry business, in October, November, and December, resulted in wonderful successes. We were able to make a difference in the lives of those without adequate footwear, those serving our country abroad, and the youngest among us suffering from childhood cancer. With my jewelry designs, I was also was able to find my creative voice, which was seen in print, online, and even on TV this past fall.
However...
Even though this all sounds wonderful, and it is wonderful, it didn't come without a price. My health and my kids and husband were often not made priority. Yet actually, they, along with my faith, deserve to be my Priority Number One. So, I would be a fool not to recognize this unbalance, and even more of a fool not to do something about it. So I'm not just clearing time for them - I'm redirecting my extra efforts to them. Huh? Basically, all that extra effort I put into my jewelry and community service efforts, I'm going to be putting into making the days of my family a little happier. Now that all the craziness that can be the holidays is over, perhaps we can all use a little extra time and effort to reconnect with those that are closest to us. ❤
Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do... but how much love we put in that action.
~ Mother TeresaLove begins by taking care of the closest ones - the ones at home.
~Mother TeresaSee you soon in February with a brand new mission and a Valentine's Giveaway!
December 29, 2009
DECEMBER MISSION: ACCOMPLISHED! $188 to help in the fight againt pediatric cancer!
The totals are in! Being sent in the mail tomorrow is a check for $188.00, to Alex's Lemonade Stand, in memory of Tate Begger. THANK YOU to everyone for every single purchase you made in support of this fundraiser. All of the profits (and most costs!) have been allocated to ALS.
Due to the popularity of "Tate's Lemonade Necklace" and "Tate's Pink Lemonade Necklace", I have decided to keep these two necklaces available for sale, with $10 from every sale being designated to Alex's Lemonade Stand. So, if December 28 (and 2009!) came and went for you, don't fret, you can still participate in the fight against pediatric cancer and sport a really neat necklace at the same time.
Also, I want to say I had planned to do a lot more for this fundraiser - I still have oodles of materials sitting in my studio just waiting to be made into something special. However, the daily life of being a mother and wife and business-owner during the Christmas rush got the better of me. So, instead of feeling badly, I've come to the realization that SOMETHING is better than nothing. Often, we stop right in our tracks because we believe "we can't do enough" or "what can I really do". Do something. Do anything! You don't have to save all the starfish on the beach, just one at a time. God bless you all this holiday season!
I'll be back soon to announce the January Mission... Thanks everyone!!
Due to the popularity of "Tate's Lemonade Necklace" and "Tate's Pink Lemonade Necklace", I have decided to keep these two necklaces available for sale, with $10 from every sale being designated to Alex's Lemonade Stand. So, if December 28 (and 2009!) came and went for you, don't fret, you can still participate in the fight against pediatric cancer and sport a really neat necklace at the same time.
Also, I want to say I had planned to do a lot more for this fundraiser - I still have oodles of materials sitting in my studio just waiting to be made into something special. However, the daily life of being a mother and wife and business-owner during the Christmas rush got the better of me. So, instead of feeling badly, I've come to the realization that SOMETHING is better than nothing. Often, we stop right in our tracks because we believe "we can't do enough" or "what can I really do". Do something. Do anything! You don't have to save all the starfish on the beach, just one at a time. God bless you all this holiday season!
I'll be back soon to announce the January Mission... Thanks everyone!!
December 12, 2009
More items to be listed this Saturday & Sunday (Dec 12-13) for Alex's Lemonade Stand fundraiser!
Thanks everyone, for your patience in waiting for the full line to be available for the fundraiser for Alex's Lemonade Stand! I've been swamped in Christmas orders for my jewelry business and have been burning the candle at both ends. But now that the international shipping deadline (Dec. 11) has come and gone (a vast majority of my market is overseas) - my little fingers will have time to finally get back to work on this awesome December Mission!
Stay tuned this weekend for more repurposed Lego minifigures such as Harry Potter and NBA guys, some pretty flower drop earrings (yes lego makes adorable little flowers!) and even some sewing projects with this great Japanese fabric I found with a lego-theme!
Back to work for me now... round 2 of the December Mission coming soon :)
Stay tuned this weekend for more repurposed Lego minifigures such as Harry Potter and NBA guys, some pretty flower drop earrings (yes lego makes adorable little flowers!) and even some sewing projects with this great Japanese fabric I found with a lego-theme!
December 6, 2009
Book, DVD, CD drive for US Troops - October MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!
BOOK, DVD, CD DRIVE FOR US TROOPS (October Mission)
Sitting back and thinking about this drive, and the idea that we might just make the day of 156 soldiers serving overseas this holiday season - the idea that we help to achieve this literally moved me to tears. Collectively, we have gathered 888 books, DVDs, and CDs, for the Holiday Care Packages being sent to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. That comes out to over 5 books, CDs, and/or DVDs PER SOLDIER - just based on our donations alone!! That - is - INCREDIBLE! On December 16, MSOE is going to pack up 156 individually-addressed Priority Mail boxes that will include handwritten letters, books, DVDs, CDs, candy, and a variety of other items the soldiers themselves have requested. This is an amazing project, but not NEARLY as amazing as what each and every soldier gives of him or herself every single day.
Special thanks to the Maple Dale - Indian Hill School District (723 items!!), the Schlitz Audubon Nature Preschool in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (109 items), and the Milwaukee West Chapter of Mothers & More (45 items). Once again, thanks too, to my family and friends who donated what they could as well.
MSOE (the Milwaukee School of Engineering) deserves noted recognition and a very sincere thanks for their ongoing efforts in recognizing the dedicated service of our troops. This is the second drive that I've had the opportunity to assist with, and I hope to assist with many more in the future as it keeps me connected to the reality of war and the sacrifices so many men and women make for the safety of each and every one of us.
But wait..., you might be asking, what about this business of the Maple Dale-Indian Hill School District Superintendant kissing a pig if at least 500 items were collected?! Well, they blew past that goal with a whopping 743 items!! So, the task now is to find that lucky pig... and of course I want to get local new coverage of it! Stay tuned for any updates on could be the next Must-See-TV!!
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED!
And THANK YOU to each and every service man and woman who is serving, or has served, for the freedom of our country!
Soles4Souls - November MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Well, the first two months of missions (which both ran October - November) are completed and the final totals are in!!
SOLE4SOULS (November Mission):
Are you ready for this? With our Thanks4Giving drive for Soles4Souls, 213 men, women, and children will be receiving a pair of new or gently used shoes. Yes, that's TWO HUNDRED & THIRTEEN pairs of shoes! Boots, sneakers, dress shoes, you name it.
Special thanks to the Milwaukee West Chapter of Mothers & More (40 pairs), Bonaventure Senior Residence in Billings, Montana (52 pairs), and the Schlitz Audubon Nature Preschool in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (99 pairs). Many thanks too, to my family and friends who donated what they could as well.
And again, a very sincere note of appreciation to Stan's Fit for Your Feet footwear in Glendale (Milwaukee) Wisconsin. They have generously accepted ALL our donations and will be sending them to the Soles4Souls warehouse for us. Please keep in mind Stan's as a year-round drop-off location for Soles4Souls, and of course as a great please to shop for when YOU need new shoes!
SOLE4SOULS (November Mission):
Are you ready for this? With our Thanks4Giving drive for Soles4Souls, 213 men, women, and children will be receiving a pair of new or gently used shoes. Yes, that's TWO HUNDRED & THIRTEEN pairs of shoes! Boots, sneakers, dress shoes, you name it.
And again, a very sincere note of appreciation to Stan's Fit for Your Feet footwear in Glendale (Milwaukee) Wisconsin. They have generously accepted ALL our donations and will be sending them to the Soles4Souls warehouse for us. Please keep in mind Stan's as a year-round drop-off location for Soles4Souls, and of course as a great please to shop for when YOU need new shoes!
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED - you HAVE made a difference!!!
November 27, 2009
DECEMBER MISSION ANNOUNCED! Exclusive line for Alex's Lemonade Stand!
December is just around the corner (believe it or not!), and so is our December Mission!
Starting November 28, and running through December 28, exclusively-designed jewelry, accessories and notecards will be available for sale online. Profits will be donated to Alex's Lemonade Stand. Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation was created by 4-year old cancer patient Alexandra “Alex” Scott, who had a vision to find a cure for all children with cancer. When asked how she would do this, she replied, “...if people all around the country hold lemonade stands and send in their money, I think I can do it.” While Alex lost her battle to childhood cancer, the mission of the Foundation remains:
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE ALEX'S LEMONADE STAND FOR THE DECEMBER MISSION?
I chose Alex's Lemonade Stand to be the "December Mission" for One Month, One Mission (www.onemonthonemission.blogspot.com) because of the courage and strength that one child was able to share with so many people. The dear nephew of a very good friend of mine was diagnosed in May 2008 with Neuroblastoma, a rare cancer of the bones. After a brave and difficult fight, Tate James Begger returned home to God in July 2009. Even though Tate and his family lived on the other side of the country, he and his family remained close in my heart. And despite the fate that God had planned for him, he was never mad or upset, he just kept fighting and cheering others up when THEY got sad about his cancer. Tate's spirit in the face of such adversity was simply remarkable. I would like to dedicate this fundraiser in memory of Tate. Together, we can keep his spirit alive by raising funds for this excellent organization that helps both families to find comfort and researchers to find a cure.
TELL US MORE ABOUT THE DECEMBER MISSION.
The December Mission is a line of exclusively designed and handmade (by me) jewelry. I have been designing and making jewelry since 1997 and sell online and in boutiques and galleries both in the US and abroad. Tate, the child of whom this fundraiser is in honor of, his favorite toys were LEGOS. So, I thought that I would create a line of jewelry, accessories, and notecards using new and/or used LEGO parts and/or LEGO-themed fabric. Some will noticeably be made of LEGOS, others will incorporate them more conspicuously. There will also be two designs with specially chosen lemons and "pink" lemons. Most designs will be priced at $5 - $25, with one-of-a-kind pieces being priced accordingly. All designs are limited quantities, and all jewelry and accessories are intended for adults. Best of all - the profits will be donated to ALEX'S LEMONADE STAND! The designs can be shipped both in the US and internationally, and will be available for purchase starting Nov. 28 online at:
Starting November 28, and running through December 28, exclusively-designed jewelry, accessories and notecards will be available for sale online. Profits will be donated to Alex's Lemonade Stand. Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation was created by 4-year old cancer patient Alexandra “Alex” Scott, who had a vision to find a cure for all children with cancer. When asked how she would do this, she replied, “...if people all around the country hold lemonade stands and send in their money, I think I can do it.” While Alex lost her battle to childhood cancer, the mission of the Foundation remains:
- To raise money and awareness of childhood cancer causes, primarily research into new treatments and cures.
- To encourage and empower others, especially children, to raise money for childhood cancer by holding their own Alex's Lemonade Stands.
- To expedite the process of finding new cures and bringing them to children with cancer now.
This fundraiser is in loving memory of Tate James Begger, who, this summer at age 7, returned home to God after his battle with Neuroblastoma, a rare cancer of the bones.
❤
I chose Alex's Lemonade Stand to be the "December Mission" for One Month, One Mission (www.onemonthonemission.blogspot.com) because of the courage and strength that one child was able to share with so many people. The dear nephew of a very good friend of mine was diagnosed in May 2008 with Neuroblastoma, a rare cancer of the bones. After a brave and difficult fight, Tate James Begger returned home to God in July 2009. Even though Tate and his family lived on the other side of the country, he and his family remained close in my heart. And despite the fate that God had planned for him, he was never mad or upset, he just kept fighting and cheering others up when THEY got sad about his cancer. Tate's spirit in the face of such adversity was simply remarkable. I would like to dedicate this fundraiser in memory of Tate. Together, we can keep his spirit alive by raising funds for this excellent organization that helps both families to find comfort and researchers to find a cure.
TELL US MORE ABOUT THE DECEMBER MISSION.
The December Mission is a line of exclusively designed and handmade (by me) jewelry. I have been designing and making jewelry since 1997 and sell online and in boutiques and galleries both in the US and abroad. Tate, the child of whom this fundraiser is in honor of, his favorite toys were LEGOS. So, I thought that I would create a line of jewelry, accessories, and notecards using new and/or used LEGO parts and/or LEGO-themed fabric. Some will noticeably be made of LEGOS, others will incorporate them more conspicuously. There will also be two designs with specially chosen lemons and "pink" lemons. Most designs will be priced at $5 - $25, with one-of-a-kind pieces being priced accordingly. All designs are limited quantities, and all jewelry and accessories are intended for adults. Best of all - the profits will be donated to ALEX'S LEMONADE STAND! The designs can be shipped both in the US and internationally, and will be available for purchase starting Nov. 28 online at:
OCTOBER & NOVEMBER MISSIONS wrap-up
The October & November missions will be coming to close this week. I'll be making the rounds for final pick-ups this week! I'll have the final totals posted to the website by Saturday December 5. Stay tuned!
November 23, 2009
A Shout Out to Stan's Fit for Your Feet in Glendale, WI!
The November mission for the Soles4Souls Thanks4Giving drive has already garnered more shoes than I ever expected - how grateful I am, and how grateful the many, many men, women, and children receiving these shoes will be!
Along with the growing amount of boxes in our garage has been my concern that the cost to ship the shoes might take up a week or two's worth of my family's grocery budget. Enter Stan's Fit Your Feet in Glendale (by Bayshore Mall on the NE side of Milwaukee). Stan's has an ongoing partnership with Soles4Souls, where they accept donations for them year-round. And, on par with their reputation for excellent customer service, they have have very graciously agreed to include our collection with their next shipment!
Along with the growing amount of boxes in our garage has been my concern that the cost to ship the shoes might take up a week or two's worth of my family's grocery budget. Enter Stan's Fit Your Feet in Glendale (by Bayshore Mall on the NE side of Milwaukee). Stan's has an ongoing partnership with Soles4Souls, where they accept donations for them year-round. And, on par with their reputation for excellent customer service, they have have very graciously agreed to include our collection with their next shipment!
So, here is a much-deserved shout out to Stan's Fit for Your Feet in Glendale at 505 W Silver Spring Drive, Glendale. THANK YOU!!
November 20, 2009
Drive for US Troops: Superintendent to Kiss Pig if students collect 500 items!!
Now that's a headline!
Mrs. Dean, the Superintendent / District Administrator of the Maple Dale - Indian Hill School District in Fox Point, Wisconsin has agreed to KISS A PIG if the area's students collect at least 500 items for the Holiday Care Packages being sent to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan! C'mon students and families - you may get a chance to dunk a teacher in a water tank at a festival someday, but kiss a pig? This is a once in a lifetime opportunity! Any new or used books, CDs, or DVs, and any handwritten letters or cards are welcome!
Have fun, good luck, and THANK YOU!!
Mrs. Dean, the Superintendent / District Administrator of the Maple Dale - Indian Hill School District in Fox Point, Wisconsin has agreed to KISS A PIG if the area's students collect at least 500 items for the Holiday Care Packages being sent to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan! C'mon students and families - you may get a chance to dunk a teacher in a water tank at a festival someday, but kiss a pig? This is a once in a lifetime opportunity! Any new or used books, CDs, or DVs, and any handwritten letters or cards are welcome!
Have fun, good luck, and THANK YOU!!
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