Time to share the wealth:

I'm sharing some of my TBEC (Tampa Bay Etsy Crew) members' blogs in July but decided to start a little early.

 

My friend and fellow team member, Tara, is going to be sharing our members links on her blog (cuz she's just awesome like that) which is why I decided to do the same and start with hers first. No product pics this time, just some links to perk things up this summer!

So if you'd be so kind as to join, comment on and share her blog, and others that you see her or there, with your friends, it would be very much appreciated! 
Cheers!

 

http://www.randomgoodsvintage.blogspot.com/

Well, here it is, nearing the end of June and still no full time job.  Resumes sent out every day, for months, applications have been put in, phone interviews done, one call back but the sadly, pay isn't what I can live on.  
Another resume sent out today and I've turned in my app at the school board for a different job so, fingers, toes and eyes are crossed for something to break loose...any day now!  The universe has been pretty darned good to me lately so I'm hoping this is a good sign that good things are on the horizon, just waiting for the right time.  But I'm ready now, Universe!  
Living at my sister's house in Tampa has been quite an experience for these last 4 weeks or so.  I'm swimming; a lot, eating raw, organic, smoothies, etc. and loving it.  Losing weight, albeit a tiny bit, it's a start.  First thing I want when I get a job and an apt, is a heavy duty blender!  Vitamix is out of my budget range but there are a lot that aren't and man, you can do so much with them!  
I'm also teaching a long distance friend about dieting for health, weight but mostly for living better and longer. Sessions include:

• Say goodbye to sugar, slowly, Oh yes you can
• Just say no to second helpings
• Portion control for God's sake!
• Smoothies aren't just about fruit
• See, I told you that you can't taste the kale
• Broiler ovens are your friend
• Get up and move!
• Just give it two weeks...you'll see

and finally:

• You're Welcome!  

So far he's purchased a blender and has a starter recipe, with options, to use every morning.  A few virtual butt kicks and he's off!  Hopefully the weight too and the diabetes will be under control or gone.  Not just small changes but major ones for him, but it can be done when you're willing and able. Very proud of my friend and cohort in hockey passion.  
Have a great rest of June ya'll, see you next month for an update.  

I'll be taking a bit more of a break....

My job at the school is over, I made a lot of new friends and enjoyed my time there so much.  Bittersweet day today leaving such great people but I know I'll see them again and I hope I left them with the same feelings as they left me with.

Thanks for everything, Perkins Elementary Family; from the "good morning" greetings every day, the daily visits to my office from so many staffers, lunch buddies in "the nook", PTA lunches and even inside jokes, to the last hugs good bye and choking back tears.  After only 2 months I felt a part of their family.

Now for the break part.  I'm moving to Tampa on a temp basis at least and possibly permanent if a job comes along.  I am hoping something will come up in Pinellas so that I can stay on this side of the bay but hoping doesn't pay the bills...so I'm applying all over to find the right fit.
Also, I had an accident last week, the guy behind me rammed into my car and it's been totaled.  I'm fine, but I wasn't exactly in the position for my car to be gone and under pressure to replace it at this point in my life.  No job, getting divorced, moving in with family to help with expenses and now car shopping!  But, I hope that will be taken care of this weekend so that I can check it off the list and move forward.

Just too many things all happening at once so I'm taking some time off of my blogging and my shops.  I will still keep the jewelry open but my photo shop will be on hold until I can concentrate on it as I should.

Stay well, peace and love,
Kari 

Saying good bye to March

So long March and thanks for the memories...but don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.  
It has been a hell of a year so far; some good, some bad but I'll take both.  How we handle and learn from mistakes, bad choices, wrong turns, and missed opportunities can speak volumes about our character and teach us so much about ourselves, if we choose to listen and continue to grow from all of those experiences.  
Recently I spent some time in Charleston to accompany my bestie while she went through the grieving process for her mom; the wake, the burial and the aftermath.
She did quite well considering all the other factors going on in her world and after I came home she had time to be alone and cry.  I know I'll feel the same when I'm faced with the same process; be strong, hold up those who are visibly having a hard time, endless handshaking and hugs...which are always wonderful and well received, but it's the emotions that we have for our family, that's the most guarded and the hardest to get to and for a good reason.  Those are very deep inside of us, safe and sound where no one can see them.  They come to the surface in times like this, in waves, sometimes for weeks on end.  Thankfully, in my opinion.
Coming home gave me a new appreciation and perspective of what I have, my family, my values and the tiny little place in world that I love and protect with all my might.  

It's now April and I feel happy, fortunate and blessed.  More on that when I'm free to expound but for now, it's the best I've ever felt.

Job Hunting and dreaming

Not that there's anything wrong with settling into something that feels comfortable but I was really hoping something awesome would just come along and sweep me away.  A new adventure, new career maybe, new locale.  Alas, I'm getting back into employment with the school board and I'm going to be happy in this.  I will be happy in this.  Rinse and repeat.
I know it's not the most exciting opportunity in the universe, but it's a job and there are far worse things out there (trust me on this, although some of you know all too well).  
Getting a full time job is my next step as this first one is just a foot firmly wedged in the door as a sub position until I can find a better paying more permanent position in the county.  Fingerprinting is done, paperwork is filled out..."processing" begins on Friday at 8 a.m. and then...the dreaded "typing test"! (which I aced) Lol.  "Piece o' cake", she said.  "No problema", she boasted.  Well, this girl isn't going to go in thinking like that darn it all, I'm practicing all week to get my typing mojo back since it's been a while since I've had the need for speed, or accuracy for that matter. 
Seriously, how does anyone type 75wpm filling in a computer screen?  Letters, maybe, but when's the last time you've banged out a letter like we used to write in high school typing class?   Yes, I do mean old school typewriter typing!  It's been 40 years and lots of carbon paper and white out ago but I still remember what was drilled into my head. every. single. day.  asdf asdf asdf, the quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog.  And on and on.   
But I digress.  
The foot in the door will open up a few more opportunities to apply for jobs within the system rather than from outside the system, so there really is a method to my madness.  Seriously, there always is.  Doing what I have to do now, to get to where I want to be one day. One day soon.
Maybe that "one day" I'll have that little art gallery, a comfy hangout spot/have a cuppa/art consignment/artist space/bring the kids/bring the dogs/bring a book and hang out all day/listen to music.  But not today, or tomorrow...but one day.  
Namaste 

As a side note, I do have a job as a sub at a school, doing what I used to do so.  It's coming back slowly but surely but still a challenge after 4 years of being away from it all! 
 

One thousand sales...here we come.

I'm nearly there, four more online sales to go!  
It's been a long 8 years on Etsy and many of those early  years we weren't really encouraged by Etsy to do a lot of shop promoting, giveaways, I didn't have a clue what SEO was, nor did we need to, right?  
But times change and we have had to roll with those changes and learn new business skills along the way, like SEO, Google settings, marketing and promotions.  Those changes and additions plus doing in person shows as I can manage them now and joining great teams have been a huge boost to my online presence and success over the past few years especially.  
My sincere thanks go out to my many customers around the globe, loyal followers on my Facebook pages and the shops and my fabulous team members for their support.  TBEC (Tampa Bay Etsy Crew) is the best most giving and supportive team of artisans and craftspeople I've ever worked with. 
Thank you for the cross-promos, online and in person support, sense of humor (and boy do I mean that) in the tough times and just about every aspect of doing business with life challenges packed in between.
Here's to the next 1,000 sales, the next learned skill, the next show, then next new friend, many more years doing what I love. 
 

Upcoming Holidays

St. Patrick's day is coming up soon!  It's my favorite holiday next to Christmas and definitely a celebration of my Celtic heritage.
Being a proud lass of U.K. and Irish descent, I've add some Celtic jewelry to the shop, so please stop by the shop and take a look! 
Here's a quick link to the Holidays section: 
https://www.etsy.com/shop/
MaravillosaJewelry?section_id=16739805&ref=
shopsection_leftnav_10

The next holiday will be Easter and then Mom's Day! Be sure to check out the shop again for some new things coming!  

Of course, shopping early is always encouraged, as we all know how fast time flies, right?!
www.maravillosajewelry.etsy.com

Please pardon my blogging absence for a while.  Going through some stuff that is taking more of my time, thoughts and patience than I ever thought possible.  

I'll be keeping the shops open but taking a break from physical shows and too much social media right now.
Much love and thanks for all the support...you know who you are. <3
 

Go Red For Women

Tomorrow, Feb 6, 2015 is National Wear Red Day! Please, show your support for awareness. It CAN literally save a life; a stranger, a friend, a loved one...yourself! Women especially, learn the signs and pass them on; they are much different than you would expect!

Go Red For Women - American Heart Association

National Heart Month begins today—help us raise awareness for women’s heart disease and stroke with facts like this one. Like us and join the movement to end heart disease and stroke in women.

More Etsy goodness

I bought from Dj's shop a few of years ago, we talked back and forth a few times and I felt an real connection with her.  We've been chatting off and on over the last three years; we've since purchased from each other's shops and share a mutual admiration.  

For Christmas this year, my daughter gave me two really beautiful spatulas from DJ's shop.  I'm throwing away the others that I have because these two can do it all, and more stylishly for sure!  I stir, scrape and flip with them, so multifunctional; and the clean up is so easy too.  
Please take a look at her shop, she's in Ocala so I consider her a local!  She's an amazing woodworker and a really lovely lady, who I consider a friend.  I hope you'll give her shop some business, you won't be disappointed!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/FortRemington 

Risotto Spoon!  I want this!

Great Etsy buys!

Lately, I've had the best experiences with buying gifts, custom orders and just a few things for myself.  I'd like to share a couple of great shops that I've either just discovered or have bought from a few times.

First is the incredibly talented Jennifer from Architette Studios.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/ArchitetteStudios

I've bought many cards from her over the last few years now and each and every card or print is just perfect, creative and beautifully illustrated.  This is one that I framed so pardon the horrible photo, but I encourage you to visit her shop and see for yourself how amazing her art work is!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/DazzlingDezignz4U is a shop that made some custom items for me recently based on a friend's design.  

I sent them a photo as an idea and they surpassed my expectations with 

beautiful work, lovely pieces of silverware and packaging!

Rendezuous 1938

https://www.etsy.com/shop/iamsonotcool 

A Great Vintage shop where 

I found my gorgeous bakelite bangle bracelet!

Love, love, love.  I have my heart set on more but alas...no job yet!

And of course I have to mention Wendy's shop!  She's super cool and has "fan"tastic cuffs in her shop!  She does custom orders, like mine, too! https://www.etsy.com/shop/fandomoniumdesigns

I love my cuffs and can't wait
to add another to my set! 

The time came today for us to say goodbye to the most wonderful dog a family could ever ask for.  Our Sophia Samantha passed over the Rainbow Bridge this morning, peacefully and with me holding her.  She had been with us for 16-3/4 years and every day was just a such a joy. 

We've been through a lot of changes in those years; kids growing up, losing family members, gaining new family members, graduations, breakups, more graduations, empty nesting, retirement, new jobs and more. 

Sophie has been such a great source of comfort and companionship for me especially; I can hardly think of enough words to describe how I feel.  Suffice to say the house will be lonely without her and my world will forever change.  I appreciate your continued support as I move forward, Sophie-less.

Here are just a few of my favorites from the hundreds of photos that I have of her.  

This would always bring me to tears, laughing so hard.
She'd eat that just like we did.

Yes, Sophie, that IS a frisbee on top of the Chimenea.  

My sweet and gentle doggie girl.

Frisbee collecting at it's best.  She'd stack them all herself,
then pick them all up together. :-)

 Job hunting: Part II

We used to say that working in an elementary school office isn't for the faint of heart, and it's definitely not, but this job hunting thing is truly kicking my butt!  
It's hard enough to find the right job industry fit, the right location, the right pay; and I'm not that picky but also, full  time doesn't always mean 40 hours, it's just under these days and that's likely because of the changes to health care.  
Is it me or have there been a lot of changes to the way things are done in the interview process; it's amazing how unprofessional people can be.  I know I can be a bit of a perfectionist and from the "old school" of business, so some of this stuff really bugs me, maybe more than most people, but come on..."you might want to sit in the green chair, it's probably the cleanest".  Um, really? 
Giving up is not an option so I'll keep sending out resumes and going on interviews when they come up and keeping a good attitude!  
Meanwhile back at the studio, I'm painting some new findings for earrings in some pretty new colors!  Hoping the weather holds out this weekend and I can get out for a photo shoot as well as some product photos for my destash shop.
What's everyone up to this weekend? 

Shameless  Shop Plug

Many of you know that I make and sell jewelry from my Maravillosa Jewelry shop on Etsy, but have you been to my photography shop?  Please stop by Thistleandthyme.etsy.com,  take a look and let me know what you like and what you'd like to see me add. 

I really enjoy doing small photo shoots at local venues, my last was at Heritage Village, here in Largo.  Lighting that day was sketchy but I managed a few interesting photos and I've ordered a few to be printed and should have them by early next week to start listing. 
I was also able to take a shot of this guy riding along Walsingham Rd. through the old wavy glass window of the church. I don't know his name or his game, tried to find him after I left the park but no luck; one day I'll find him and ask.  You just never know what you'll see out there! 
Next on the list, when it clears up a bit and my day allows, I'm going back to the Botanical gardens and to Sand Key.  Haven't been to either for a while and early mornings on the beach are just the best, not just for photography but for mind and soul.  That's probably needed right now more than my passion for photos!  Along with those two I also want to find new interesting natural areas, inspiring architecture, horses(!), I'd love to find a pasture of horses; all local if possible.  If you know of anything that would fit the bill please let me know.

Well, my journey continues tomorrow with another job interview, 9 a.m.  General office work; part time, but if this fits I may be able to get more hours to work up to full time. 
Two resumes went out over the weekend, hoping to get a phone call to come in for an interview for the other, but we'll see.  Both jobs are close to home, like within a couple of miles or minutes so that's a plus. 
I know, silly pics but I stress easily so they made me laugh.  Wish me luck!

As I said before, the internet has increased the availability of finding family records to a degree no one could have imagined.  Years ago I had no way of knowing all of the information that I know now about my family, about circumstances, about my personal history, and I'm forever thankful.
For years I struggled to find information on my great grandmother, on and off line.  My dad remembered his dad talking about her so fondly and the only photo I have of her is tin plate image (scanned and preserved) that was framed in my great aunt Hazel's house.  
From what grampa told me, she was a  ginger like me, which made my search even more personal.  I felt a mysterious connection to her that I couldn't explain but now that I've found her death certificate...yup, just the other day, I know I was meant to solve the mystery of how, when and where she passed away.  
Hopefully I can find someone in PA, near the cemetery, to take a photo of her grave marker and send it to me.  It would be the final piece of the puzzle and put Maggie to rest, at least in my heart and mind.
My journey doesn't end with finding Maggie though.  After years of research I have her family tree going back many many generations but my grandfather's paternal side seems to come to the proverbial brick wall each time I try a new avenue to explore.  It can be frustrating, infuriating even when this happens, but each time I make just a little progress I know I'll find the next piece!
Many of you know me and know that I don't give up easily, on anything!  I'll keep looking, researching and asking questions until I find something to tie them all together.  There are always new records to be uncovered, documented and uploaded from a variety of sites that I frequent.  It's not as easy as it looks on TV since I'm not a celebrity that the history channel will fly all over the world to find out who my ancestors were and find the unique stories that are uncovered through other people's hard work.  I'm simply one, spellbound, brown-eyed ginger seeking connections ever since I was handed mimeographed pages of family history from my mother's side when I was a teenager.  

Thank you to my great uncle's wife for bringing their family to life...my life!  I'm forever grateful!

Not many of my friends or followers may know that I'm an avid genealogist which is why it occurred to me to post about a recent find in both sides of my family history. 

Years ago, when my grandfather was alive and I still lived at home, I had a talk with him about family, my grandmother's family, and what he could remember of his mother in particular.  He had a tattoo on his forearm of initials; his and his dad's from what I can remember, I would imagine he did this in the Navy.  
The third registration for WW1 in 1918 was held on September 12, for men age 18 through 45. These men were born 1872 - 1886 and 1897 - 1900. They answered a twenty question form which included name, age in years, date of birth - not birthplace, citizenship, and address of nearest kin.  He was too young to serve but back in those days you could probably tell them anything and they'd take you, so he lied and said he was a year older and was soon on a Naval ship at 17.  In 1920 he received a notice that his father had passed away in Ohio but he was never able to find his grave in the cemetery.  I found out some time ago, long after he was gone, that his father didn't have a marker but at least Grandpa knew what cemetery he was buried in so maybe in some way that gave him some peace of mind.  He never spoke very fondly of his dad, understandably considering the situation, but maybe after all those years he was able to come to terms with what he thought he had to do.

The next question on his mind was what had happened to his mother, Margaret (Maggie Sutliff)?  
She had died in 1914 but he didn't know what from or where she was buried. 
Before his father left him, he told him he was a man now and had to go to work, at age 13.  G-Grandfather put his daughter in an orphanage and sent my grandfather to live with his brother and get a job to help out with food and bills.  Grandpa did what he could and vowed to get his sister out of the orphanage as soon as he could afford to, which I'm sure drove his need for into the service.  He did as he promised, set her up with a job and a place to live and went to live his own life out West as a cowboy.  Yes, Gramps was a real cowboy, learned to rope and ride and worked as a hand on a farm in Jackson Hole WY.  
 

When my dad was young, he recalled taking a phone call from a woman who was trying to reach her brother, Russ.  Dad had never met his Aunt Hazel but his dad had spoken about her and what he had done for her.  They finally met after many years and after her husband died she came to Florida to live near us; the sweetest looking, best smelling little lady I'd ever met.  I bought her favorite cologne for her every year for Christmas or her birthday; I'll never forget the smell of "White Shoulders".  

I searched for years to find a death certificate for Grandpa's mother; I wrote to every local county office that I could find but I wasn't successful. With the start of the internet and all of the records going online I thought for sure I'd find Maggie and made her a promise that she would not be forgotten. 
Stay tuned for the next installment...

To say that I'm gobsmacked almost doesn't cover my feelings today.  I thought I was on the way to new and interesting job but ended up disappointed and honestly, pissed off.
I've never been so un-impressed by a staff of people in my life.  Laid back is fine but totally unprofessional, disorganized and lazy is something I can't tolerate.  Not disclosing vital information to a potential employee is unforgivable and not being there to answer questions about said vital info, is disrespectful.  A total deal breaker in my book.
So, no tears, no regrets...just moving forward.  
I think I'll have a sale!  Yeah, why not!  I'll ponder it a bit and post it later here and on my biz page, but yeah.  I'm thinking a sale is what I need to do!  :-)

Well, I did it!  I got the job and start tomorrow morning!  I'm feeling a combination of excitement and a wee bit of fear as I start a whole new line of work after 20 years.  I left my job of 16 years, 4 years ago this month, to bring my shops up to a new level and I think I've accomplished that on many levels.  Making a living with just my shops is however, still in the future, and I'm not giving up on that at all but I feel that it's time for me to get back out in the work force, meet some new people and gain some independence.

I won't be as available on a daily basis but I'll be blogging each week at least and posting photos of new things, both jewelry and photography.  My weekends will be precious, again, and I'll hopefully be able to get some day trips in to take some new photos to share.

Thanks for coming along on my new venture with me and I'll see you soon!
 

Later today I'm going to my first job interview in, well, many years.  Had an 11:00am appt but was moved up to 3:00...Yay, more time to stress!  Nah, it's no big deal (inserting calming photo).  I'm interviewing them too so hopefully that'll take some stress off of me.  Just feels weird to have to go back out into the big scary world of business again after 4 years of "retirement".  Although I've been working, I've also been my own boss for 4 years which has been excellent, but not as fruitful as I'd wished.  Plus, I'm looking for more independence so I have to start somewhere and no time like the present.

Wish me luck, ya'll and I'll see you on the other side.