Why do I feel that this New Years Eve is the end of a movie I call 2008.

This year has been monumental in my simple Minnesotan life.  Not only am I living the dream of being a Fashion Designer...I am a MOTHER!

Reflecting on a year gone by, I can only think of people and things that made this year a success for me.

I would like to give a shout out to all my friends partying tonight at the new home of a dear college friend...I hope you are enjoying the drinks and laughs.  Although it would be fun to join you, I wouldn't change this New Years Eve for any.

Here I sit sewing away, Jahred is watching a movie on the couch in my studio...he isn't even complaining that he can't hear the movie over my sewing machine.  Axel is sleeping soundly (a New Years present on it's own), and Oscar is spending his 4th New Years alone upstairs.  He loves the silence.

No, this New Years I wouldn't exchange for a more fabulous one.  Today I didn't even get dressed, sweats are all I need in my peaceful stay at home life.  In the last year I have become comfortable in my own skin, and learned to live just a little more in the present.

As my credits roll in my heart, you know who you are who belong there.  Those who helped and guided, those who changed a diaper or fed a bottle, those who cut and pressed.  You deserve a tribute and know that I am thinking of you this COLD eve of a New Year.

Tomorrow I will post with exciting photos and new designs...but tonight is for reflection, peace and sleep!

Goodnight 2008.

As you can see here, our first visit with Santa wasn't a positive one!  I do agree that the big man can be creepy....but Axel was plain old PISSED!

Not only did he scream when we placed him for the famous photo with Santa...he continued to cry for all the other kids until we left the room!

Enjoy this pic, have a Merry Christmas and avoid Santa if you can!

Axel and I are on the NEWS tonight, KEYC Mankato...we were caught at the post office today with a TON of packages...CHECK IT OUT!

Give a gift that is a collection all in one!  I can truly tell you...these bracelets will last a lifetime!  They have endured years and years in someones basement and now are re-purposed into something beautiful.  Super durable, fashionable and personable.  Order a bracelet now and it will arrive in plenty of time for X-mas!

You can write a message or a name...just keep it to 11 letters!  Get the keys while they last.  Supplies are dwindling and not many of these old gems are still around.

GO GREEN...BUY RE-PURPOSED JEWELRY!

Does it ever occur to you that driving is all about negative reinforcement!

For example.  Just ask Jahred or myself what is our number one driving enemy...the light up speed sign just blocks from our house!

Not only is this thing a constant reminder of your terrible driving, the ANGRY flashing light is so distracting it is going to cause accidents if it hasn't already.

As one is driving along, the sign flashes your speed...pretty typical.  The speed limit in that particular area is 30mph.  If you are traveling 28mph and up...this extremely bright light flashes, and the words SLOW DOWN flash in red.  Are we not even allowed to go THE SPEED LIMIT now?  Why not just say "Speed Limit 28mph".  How obnoxious is that?  Not to mention if you are obeying the rules...there isn't a little smiley face that says..."Thanks for watching your speed!  God Bless!"  NOOOO, all negative reinforcement!

Now that I have vented about that sign...I feel much better!

Another comment on driving.  STOP HONKING AT SLOW DRIVERS!  My car is SUPER bad on the snow!  I can barely make it up hills and stopping is nearly impossible.  During these few winter months, I only drive as fast as I am willing to hit something at!  That is about 10mph.

On my way to the post office today to deliver some last minute packages to last minute customers...I was honked at...swerved around and one person even cut in front of me at a stop sign.  The total round trip is 4 miles...we usually walk...but not when below 0.  Can people not drive slowly for 4 miles?  Seriously...I am about to get one of those signs that says "Baby On Board"...I will add to that..."New Mom Driver...pass me and don't expect to have a windshield when you return to your car in the parking lot!"

Well, hope all your last minute shopping trips are pleasant.  I hope to stay away from all of you on the road!

DONT FORGET TO WATCH KEYC NEWS MANKATO TONIGHT TO SEE AXEL AND I AT THE POST OFFICE TODAY!

Before I forget...today is OSCARS B-DAY!

He knows it's his birthday too!  He woke up much earlier than usual (he normally strolls out of his kennel around 10:30 - 11...today 8).  He wanted to go to work with Jahred on his Birthday!  On the way they will most likely stop for powdered donuts (Oscars favorite). 

I am slightly jealous of the awesome birthday he will have, the kind only a previous dog "dis-liker" can throw her now favorite animal!  We will hit the "mall" this afternoon and Oscar will pick out something fabulous!  Then we will settle in for the night with some cake and ice cream.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

A few notes on seasonal issues.

Are we at a point in society where you are likely to get shot for wishing someone Happy _____________...if it happens to be the wrong holiday for them?  I think the politically correct have taken over, and it is out of control!

Emailing back and forth with customers over the past few weeks I have gotten several messages like this:
"Happy Thanksgiving, if that is something you celebrate."
"Have a nice Holiday season, if you celebrate them."
"Enjoy this season."
"Merry Christmas, if that is what you believe in."

Do we really need to include a disclaimer in wishing someone happiness?  I'm pretty sure if someone were to say to me "Happy Kwanza" I wouldn't cuss a blue streak and wish they would &%$* off!  I would be happy for their personal celebration and think of my own!  It's almost a pleasant personal surprise for someone to share their own Holiday choice with you.  It's like they are telling you their favorite food or color...even if it's not the same as yours, you can appreciate their choice!

So, being that I celebrate Christmas I will be wishing people Merry Christmas this holiday season...if you happen to hear that from me at the post office or the grocery store and it isn't your holiday of choice...just forgive me, I am just trying to simplify my life without PC junkies interfering in my daily thoughts!

After all...religious reasons aside, we don't celebrate "the season" for ________ (Jesus, etc., you fill in the blank) alone, we are celebrating family, friends, a year gone by, loved ones past, giving, thanking and enjoying a great meal!

This is my virtual Christmas card to all of you out there.  May you spend time with LOVED ones, laugh TONS, eat TOO MUCH and vow to LIVE in the PRESENT for the upcoming New Year!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OSCAR! (December 12th...I didn't want to forget so I am a bit early!)

In two days the best (also the only) dog I've ever loved turns 3!

As we reach this monumental birthday...I reflect on all the times we thought he wouldn't make it to 3.  Perhaps the near death experience that landed him with a broken hip...maybe the running away at 6 weeks old...perhaps the rat poison incident...or the bear he met at my parents.  His weight gain during my pregnancy was rough on him...and it's possible he will not survive Axel as a toddler.  Through all of that and other unmentionable events (perhaps some we don't know of)...he has been the grouchiest, most demanding and WONDERFUL dog I have seen!

Knowing we were in for a crazy ride...even his first visit to the vet they tagged him with "a huge attitude".  Not being a previous animal lover or owner...I didn't think pets had personality or "attitude".  Oscar has taught me many things over the years and patience is one of them! 

Being a mother who vows to never spank my children...I will say that Axel has never tempted me...although the DOG has!!!  As he tilts his head in a fashion only beagles can do and blinks his huge brown eyes, he lays into a knitting project or a favorite toy of Axel's.  All I can do is watch because deep down I would give him the world if I could!

Every year we take him somewhere special on his birthday.  We used to go to "Bone Adventure" in Edina, Minnesota...but this year it is a little snowy to make the drive...we will however take him to a local pet friendly store and buy him whatever he sniffs!

Oscar is his own sort of wild dog.  While he has never spent time in the wilderness (outside of my parents property where we can see him the whole time)...even though he has never been trained by wild dogs...the animal instinct prevails!  For example: when we give him a processed "Dingo" bone...he find a corner to hide it in, and then runs to my fabric scraps, chooses a beautiful sample and proceeds to cover up his bone!!!  Pretty amazing!  He also displays animal behavior when he decides which pillow to rest his butt on...mine or Jahred's.  He makes the decision carefully and then spins in circles on the chosen pillow only to rest there and lick himself clean!

I am posting below a few of Oscars best moments.  He doesn't like to show off...but here he is in his full glory!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OSCAR...WE LOVE YOU!

A family affair this weekend that was all about me!

This weekend was my first official "craft show".  Although I never intended to market my designs or sewn goods, I ended up at a wonderful fair this weekend.  "No Coast" craft-stravaganza in Minneapolis was filled with shoppers, designers, friends and neighbors. 

I still have yet to define a goal as far as my designing career goes...I am just on a wing and a prayer right now.  Mostly prayer!

Starting on Friday when I unloaded the family van full of my prized pieces of art...the compliments and support began to roll in.  With family behind my booth, it became real to me that my basement full of fabric has turned into something concrete.

The FIRST thing I sold was a sewing pattern.  The Verna Bag.  My first pattern named after the Great Grandmother I never met.  What an honor to have her name out in the world even if the public has no idea of who she was.  We all have an ancestor to thank for our gifts, talents and presence.  Starting off the show with that sale was a blink in time I will never forget.

My tiny boutique was but a spot on the "No-Coast" map...but it was mine and the people who visited celebrated ME and I celebrated myself for the first time in a long time.  Although I thought about my own triumph, I also thought of my family and what a journey the last year has brought!

Below are a few pictures of my work...my opus of the last year!  I will never forget the feeling of support from strangers...not just for the fact that I sold out of EVERYTHING I brought (literally everything)...but for the fact that this "stay at home mom" felt alive, appreciated and like a REAL designer!

To a family who supports all dreams big, small, scary and crazy...I LOVE YOU!

Jen

Being a Monday...CYBER MONDAY as they call it...I am waiting for the sales to pour in.  It hasn't happened yet!  I sewed my butt off during the weekend in preparation for a huge show in Minneapolis this coming weekend...and I thought I would list some new things in my shop in case CYBER MONDAY is true!

Also, since it is Monday...that means Axel gets to wear his pajamas all day.  I started that tradition during his first weeks of life for a few reasons:
1.  During the weekend we travel and visit relatives, he always has to be dressed gorgeously and kept free of drool and food.  This is a lot of work for me!
2.  Monday we have no where to go...therefore nobody cares what he wears!
3.  I take the 10 minutes I would have spent dressing him and dress myself for a change!  It seems like my appearance is sacrificed for his adorableness!
4.  Baby pj's are sooooo cute!

This Monday, I have lots to photo!  We always take the pictures in an upstairs bedroom that has the best natural light.  Axel loves this part of the day because there are loads of trouble traps in that room!  Crates of yarn, the dog kennel, beds to crawl under and a book shelf just waiting to be demolished! 

Today however...he decided that instead of watching me photo other things, he wanted to be IN the photos!

Here is Axel on pj Monday looking his best!

Enjoy your week and happy Cyber Shopping today!

Jen