Translate

Click here to SHOP!

Friday, September 13, 2013

life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness PART 2


First time in front of a blinking cursor in a while.  Let me tell ya when I don't blog I miss it.  Terribly.  It's a part of me.  I need to write and express myself.  So hold on;)  Remember way back to the weekend when we went up to DC?  I said there was a part two to that story??  Well this is the part two.




Okay so in case you missed part one here's the link.  I was with Christy...my new in real life friend.  It was our first time meeting.  We're shopping, having fun in Leesburg, and then I get a text that my honey was going back to the hotel at 2:00 in the afternoon:/  This was the day he was having his annual review, and I just knew something was off.  So I pressed him a bit and he said that "they" had decided not to invest in his position any longer and that he had x amount of weeks with pay to find something else.  It wasn't poor performance, thank God, but still it stung. 


My heart immediately started hammering in my chest.  Let me give you a little back story here.  He'd been driving up to DC every week, staying in a hotel for two nights and then driving back home on the third night in horrific traffic...completely stressed, worn out and lonely for almost a year.  We'd gotten used to the living apart thing.  I was doing everything with the girls.  There was a bit of a disconnect.  It wasn't good.  It was wearing on us and even though my heart was racing because it was a shock. I had this thread of excitement chasing it as well.  Does this mean what I think it means??  Change is coming.  No more of this grind??


He had been wanting out for a while, but had decided to dig in his heels and make it work.  Funny how God hears our prayers and even when it doesn't go down like we want it's a complete blessing in disguise.  Sometimes we just need a little shove.
 
 
 
So we finished out our weekend.  Visiting George Washington's home and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial and I couldn't help but think of the common thread that our forefathers and my honey had.  They were all in pursuit of happiness.  Their roads were somewhat rocky.  They came against opposition.  They had to make hard choices and it was all for liberty.  That's what we ultimately want right?  FREEDOM and happiness:)
 
 
My honey and I got married really young. He made some practical choices early on to pursue a career to support us financially, but it really never was his love...the thing that made him excited.  Over the course of our 20+ years he's switched jobs numerous times.  Pretty much not enjoying any of them.  Each a different version of the last.
 
 
 

Why is it when our back is against a wall that things finally become clear?  There's that element of fear...of risk, but all of a sudden the blinders are removed.  It all starts to take shape, and all you see is a blinking arrow flashing boldly...this is the way.  And the way no longer involves being on that same carousel ride, going around and around in circles making you sick to your stomach.  All of a sudden it's so clear...you can almost hear the words scream out to you...JUMP!
 
 
And so we did.   


He's getting the opportunity to do something he's always wanted to do.  The thing he loves...he's going to write.  He'll be contributing to a couple of tax news publications.  He's also started his own consulting biz.  It was a now or never moment.  And I'm so proud of him. 


There were a few days of anger at the beginning.  A few weeks of sadness and discouragement and then a plan took shape.  I was pmsing during the fuzzy time.  He was in the throes of his hernia saga, and it was stressful.  I wish I could say it was all peaceful and faith filled.  But it was a hard few weeks.  I felt like I was going to shatter into a million tiny pieces.  I blame hormones, I really do, but God brought us through and even though there are some things that need to fall into place...I feel confident this is the right path we're on.  It's a new day for our family.  Daddy's home.  He's following his dreams, and it's gonna turn out good.  I just know it! 





Speaking of good... 


You girls blew my mind this month.  I'm in complete awe at how God has grown my shop.  THANK YOU!!!  My friend Tamara had stepped in as my "girl Friday", and I had been praying for another helper when He put my neighbor Adele on my mind.  She has seamlessly joined our little team and I couldn't be more thrilled. 


I was sharing with honey the other night and the tears started flowing.  I can't believe this is my life.  I get to make these word reminders that people cherish.  I get letters from hurting people all the time, and these words are meaningful...powerful.  It's blessing people.  He's using this hobby, turned business, in a big way and I get to be a part of that.  I'm so beyond honored and completely overwhelmed by His goodness.  And the best part is I don't have to be alone anymore to do it:)  I have the sweetest helpers right there beside me.  I'm in a weird surreal state right now.  Anyway...thank you for making my dreams come true:)  I appreciate you so much!!!







Be a blessing!
 
 
 
 bringing friends to church
 self portraits...better school days
 
 
 
 
daddy's home
 
 
 
 
cleared for push-ups
 
 
 
 
loving my job
 
Pin It!

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

it begins today...Etsy shop reopens!!!

Good morning sweet friends.  I'm in throes of our first back to school morning!  Oh happy day...not:\  You know I'm one of those mommas...the ones by the bus holding in the tears.  A smidgen overly sentimental.  I just can't help myself.  That big yellow bus is a visual reminder that another year just passed.  One less year with them at home.  And yes life does keep busing along at a very bumpy noisy pace. 


So in keeping with that forward moving on mentality what better distraction than to reopen my Etsy shop!!!! 
 
It's been a crazy busy summer.  And not just with trips and fun pool dates.  Every chance I got I was shopping for inventory.  Looking for just the right supplies to make these cuffs and now KEYCHAINS unique and extra special for you.


One of my very favorite people in the world came along side to help me.  She's now my "go to" girl.  She's whipped the shop into a much smoother, more organized place.  She's photographing all the inventory, editing and listing in Etsy.  She's also my shipping department:) Whew!  She makes my days a lot easier...she makes me laugh...and she keeps me company.  SCORE!!


I'm so grateful the Lord brought Miss Tamara into my life because the fact is I need her.  Not just her help, and her mad skills, but her friendship:)  So this is going to change everything people.  I have help now, and help means more cuffs.  And hopefully some fun future Instagram sales eeeeeek! 



So here are a few new things we've added to the shop.  For years I've been collecting the buckles.  Not really knowing what in the world to do with them, but also knowing someday the inspiration would come.  And it did come!!! 
 
 
KEYCHAINS...really cool...REALLY UNIQUE one of a kind keychains!!!!  I'm super excited about these.  Some of the ones with big buckles can also be used for self defense;)  Just sayin'!  Somebody comes at ya in a parking lot...WHAM!  Whack 'em with your buckle keychain and problem solved.  It's a two-fer;)



And just in case you're new to the whole custom cuff/keychain thing. 
It's easy peasy:

1.  Just visit my site.  Pick out your favorite cuff or keychain.
 
2.  Specify what "blank" you want.
 
3.  Choose your words.  I have an idea list, but you can come up with your very own:)
 
4.  Then sit back and bask in the awesome realization that YOU just designed a one of a kind handmade statement piece for you or your loved one.  Perfect for anyone...teachers, bus drivers, your honey, sister, best friend, mom, pastor, drycleaner etc...



PLEASE NOTE...I'll be open from today until Sept 10th.
Closed in October to restock and then open in November for 10 days.
Closed in December and January.
 
 

These girls are this month's shop sponsors:
 
 

 
Thank you girls!!! 
Make sure to check them out for your coupon code and also follow along with me on IG (farmgirlpaints) for some other coupons coming your way:))






Be a blessing.
 






back to a routine
a friend to work with
good schools for my girlies
fall is coming...boots, hats...
creating again
Pin It!

Friday, August 30, 2013

heavy lifting


Oh hey there friends.  Quick update on my honey.  In my last post I mentioned that he needed hernia surgery.  Well we jumped on that the first chance we got.  As of right now he's three days in.  He's moving very slow.  Still struggling with the pain a bit, but the hard part is over and we are believing for a complete and total recovery.


Here's the back story.  He comes in to take a shower after going to the gym and mowing grass and notices a bulge.  YIKES!  He calls me over.  I'm like dude...I have no idea what that is.  We need to head on over to the ER or something like right now. 


Then it hits me...hernia.  That has to be it.  He immediately gets light headed.  Has to bend over in the shower not to pass out.  And all of a sudden it hurts.  Tell me there isn't a mind/body connection.  Poor thing:/ 



Now for the average joe a hernia can be a very common no drama thing to get.  Some people even live with theirs for years or do nothing.  That was never an option...surgery was a must.  Just in case you don't know this about him he is a workout machine.  It's THE thing that makes him tick.  THE thing that brings him joy, relieves his stress...makes him a happy tolerable person:)  He had to get back to it asap.


The girls and I just knew.  We looked at each other and the realization set in that this was gonna be HARD, not just for him, but HARD on us.  So for a week before the surgery we heard the word hernia about a thousand times a day.  It was like he was in denial and the hernia had ruined his life.  We needed symbols to mark time...BH or AH. 



He compared it to me not being able to take pictures or create.  Whoa when you put it like that I completely get it.  I'd feel like my arms were missing.  It's amazing how certain things become a part of us.  It's like breathing...and that's what lifting weights and working out is to him...air.



There's a sense of loss.  And I'm not just talking about this set back.  It's just one of many we've felt over the last several months.  I know the day is coming when what was removed will be restored.  When what doesn't make sense will come into focus.  But right now we are just leaving all the heavy lifting up to Someone else.  We're taking that mandatory rest.  And as painful as that is, and as wrong as it feels to do nothing...sometimes you just have to leave it alone and heal.






Be a blessing.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

adding words to some of my work...fun
getting ready for school...the girls are excited
getting the shop ready
joannie's bday today...HAPPY BDAY FRIEND!!!
lunch with lenina
mandatory rests
 
 
Pin It!

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

silent night...all is calm all is bright:)

 

Hello sweet friends... 

No your eyes are not deceiving you.  I have Christmas lights up in August!!! 
 



My talented friend Tara is promoting her sign shop for Christmas and asked a few us to show them off in our houses.  I'm a huge Between You and Me fan.  Remember my porch sign?!! Anyhoo I've been following along with the linky party and her signs really make any space look incredible.




Silent night is one of my very favorite Christmas songs.  It seriously evokes a sense of peace immediately doesn't it!?  I may just leave it up year round.  That's okay right?  There are no rules in decorating in my book...just live with what you love period.


It makes sense to go ahead and show you the rest of the room.  We recently painted in there.  I had tan walls.  I think it was called Richmond Tan.  Hmmmm wonder why I painted it that?;)  Anyway good old black chalkboard paint was calling me...more like YELLING for me to repaint!! The other walls were repainted Navajo White and even though they still look tan in the pic they are a creamy white. 
 
 
The polka dot rug came from IKEA for $20.  YES people 20 DOLLARS!!!  Goodness I love me some IKEA!!!
 
 
Now to do something with that area in the corner above the board games.  My friend Tamara suggested empty painted frames to keep score tallies in.  Kinda love that idea.
 
 


 
But I'm also toying with the idea of doing an art chalk design.  You see them everywhere.  I'd love to get brave and see if I could do it.  I found this awesome video on Pinterest.  Isn't this artist amazing?



So addition to painting (my honey actually painted...God bless him!!!) I made curtains...WITH RUFFLES!! Uh not sure what made me so ambitious, but I did it and they make me literally giggle with joy when I look at them! 
 
 
I actually broke my machine making these cute curtains, but it was worth it and FYI buying a new sewing machine is actually cheaper than getting your old one fixed.  What a ripoff that is!  I'm probably going to end up with a dozen broken machines over the course of my life;)  Cause you know this Farmgirl is gonna do that again...it's just inevitable!
 
 
 

So there you have it.  Christmas in August:)) 


Go check out the other amazing signs Tara has out there, and if you buy by Nov. 15th it will be 10% off if you use the code FARMGIRL10.  Yippeeeeeeee!!!!!

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 








Be a blessing!










changing things up
signs...words

chalkboard paint
ruffles!
a new sewing machine
decorating with what we love
thinking about Christmas...EEEEK!
 
Pin It!

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails