I Sell Shoes...

I sell shoes. Not just any shoes though. I sell American made, handcrafted, high quality and high comfort shoes.

Who do I work for and what shoes do I sell?

SAN ANTONIO SHOEMAKERS and only SAS Brand Shoes.

I am proud to work for this family owned and operated business. They take pride in what they do. They respect and reward their employees. SAS strives for excellence, professionalism and forward-thinking progress.

If you don't know us, our shoes or our history, you should. Visit www.sasshoes.com  and get familiar with the most comfortable shoes you've never had.

We have some great savings happening this weekend In Store and Online too. Stop by my store at SAS Tanger Outlets Jeffersonville, OH or one of our many locations today. (Our webite has a fantastic store locator feature.)

(I had some great visuals for you to view, but they won't upload at this time. My apologies for a decrepit old computer...LOL!)

SMiLES
GWeN

Hello again

I was showing my daughter, Bekah, some of the things that I had done in the past. Newspaper articles that I had written. Projects I had been involved in. And this, little blog where I shared my tiny creative achievements. In her golden brown eyes, I was somebody "famous" and important. LOL!

 

Sharing those few moments with her, I realized something, I miss doing this. It was FUN! It was inexpensive, because let's face it, if it cost a fortune to blog we would have a lot fewer bloggers in the world. It was a great way to connect with people who shared my interests and do a little networking and a lot of friendship building.

 

I'm out of practice. My writing has been neglected as have my paper-crafting, my sewing, my housekeeping and my self-interest. I'd like to take a little time to cultivate some of those areas of my life again.

 

So, here goes nothing...

 

SMiLES!

GWeN

Back to Creativity

Last post was regarding the possibility of learning the guitar. One item on my bucket list. That didn't work out. Lots of life in between and now we are current...LOL!

 

So, I'm having a bit of surgery at the end of the month. Not looking forward to it. Nothing serious but rather debilitating while I heal. I'll be on crutches for up to six weeks followed by rehabilitation for my right ankle and foot. (Yes, my clumsy antics finally caught up with me and I tore a tendon in my right ankle. POOH!)

 

Since I'll be unable to walk, drive or otherwise make any real contribution to life for a while, I've been planning a few projects to keep me busy.

 

1- Reading...I have several books ready to go. The first I want to conquer is one I've already started. Never enough reading time. I have three others lined up and I'll be happy to share that later.

 

2- Small crafty projects for the girls. I'm thinking along the lines of rag dolls.

 

3- My art journal. I started one ages ago. I loved working on it but I haven't really had the time to focus on art for a very long time. No where to work on it in all the clutter around here. My table tops are covered in things needed weeded out of my life. Things that just seem to drain the energy out of me when I see them all lying about.

 

Which means the next couple of weeks I have TONS of work to be done here in the house. Redecorating the back bedroom formerly occupied by my eldest daughter. It has now become a retreat for chaos and needs cleared out and repainted. Not to mention the carpet needs pulled and flooring put down. Since this will be my creativity space I'm leaning toward vinyl. Easy to clean up.

 

Then there is preparing meals ahead of time. I want to help Todd as much as possible by preparing some meals and freezing them. He'll be working so hard the first couple of weeks helping with the kids and doing nearly everything. I've already been told the first two weeks are primary in my recovery and that I WILL NOT be able to deviate from my surgeon's instructions. Well, not if I want to walk normally after this is over. I think it will be difficult to be still and not do what comes naturally but it's only short term and we will all survive.

 

So, now, the reason I started this post to begin with, is to say I've found a new site to help with the Art Journaling process. I have always liked Tam at Willowing.ning  she is so friendly and encouraging and offers a free class that helps with Mixed Media journaling and techniques. Today, I signed up with her again. While there I followed a link to another site.  Jennibellie. She is offering free journaling classes too. I'm very excited about the possibilities and wanted to share the information.

 

Stay tuned for updates. I'll post things here that aren't too personal.

 

Keep your hands busy!

 

SMiLES!

GWeN

Bucket List and MORE

Okay, my last post was about my personal Bucket List. One thing on my list was to learn to play the guitar. Do I own a guitar...NO. However, recently I came into a little bit of knowledge that may help me in my endeavor to learn to play.

It seems a new co-worker is a guitar player and has given lessons in the past. I'm also told that I could use one of his guitars because he has several. He understands I just want to learn some basics so I can play some of the kid songs my girls like to sing and a few of our Kingdom Melodies...especially our favorite, "Listen Obey and Be Blessed".

Now all we need to do is establish a price and time. I'm kind of excited.

Also, my little girls are going to start taking ballet lessons this June. They are so happy about it. I do hope they enjoy it and also that I can learn their warm up routine because, let's face it, ballet dancers are pretty fit ladies and gents. A fun thing for us all to do and help them to keep up on their lessons.

Tennessee is coming up quickly, still don't know if we are in a cabin (please, please, please) a hotel or a yurt...(I'm having LOTS of reservations about a yurt with this crew...LOL). Either way it works out, I'm looking forward to some rest and relaxation with my family. We need a few days to just be. I'd love to do some exploring and avoid the commercial tourist traps. Keep it simple and enjoy the bounty of God's creations.

I'll be sure to try to post photos as soon as I can. I'm hoping for some amazing photos of the girls in the mountains. They've never really got to experience them up close and personal. Anna and Brooke loved the area the last time we went...nearly 10 years ago. It is my whole hearts desire that Bekah and Aubrey will be as fascinated with simple joys of nature.

Keep your hands busy!

 

Smiles!

Gwen

Bucket List...

My Bucket List is growing. Finding some similar items on my friends' lists. It seems a few of us may be trying to head to Italy in the next few years. Tuscany...look out! We are heading your way.

 

Also, had a very busy week at work with a mix of sick children. Children doing better, work slowing down but it was a very rewarding week. Had some fantastic feedback and our remodel is complete. The store looks amazing and honestly, I see now why we call it a "refresh". The new décor helps give a refreshed attitude about our store, company and with the new product coming...it's going to be fabulous! I'm really excited about it.

 

Off to bed...

 

SMiLES!

GWeN

Other fun projects...

I was talking with my oldest, dearest friend today and we have decided to create our Bucket Lists. We want to see if we can assist each other in creating some lasting memories for ourselves and fun stories for our children, nieces and nephews. A Legacy of Adventures so-to-speak.

 

There was also talk of beginning an art journal. I've played with art journaling and I enjoyed it. Once my sewing/craft room is set up I intend to take on some projects that have itching to be completed. Its just too difficult without a place to create right now.

 

Some Bucket List items I already know I'll be listing are: Joining the Theocratic Ministry School again. (Hopefully with my Bekah, she really wants to join too.); Zip-lining across Hocking Hills; Learning to play the guitar (always been a desire of mine) ; flying in an airplane...I'm 41 and I've never flown and of course losing the weight my doctor wants me to...

 

I'm looking forward to creating the list and working on checking off some of those "boxes". I'm really excited to know that my bestest buddy is going to do this with me. I wonder how many of our items will be the same? Hmmm? It sure will be fun to find out.

 

SMiLES!

GWeN

New Pages Added

So I've added some new pages to my blog. The YoR (Year of Revival) Goals are for my personal goals for this year. I'm sharing to help with accountability and to keep track of how I'm doing. The pages are up if you want to view them. If you want to leave a comment, just do so on the current blog post.

 

Thanks for your time.

 

Gwen

New Year...New Theme...

There are a lot of things I want to do this year. Not as resolutions, but as clear goals to be accomplished throughout the year.

 

So, as I read a little about goal setting I found a suggestion that was to create a theme word for your goal challenges. This was in regard to a year in frame of time. So...I thought and I thought about what would fit my goals. Spiritual - Relationships - Personal - Financial. What word would cover all those aspects and mean what I needed it to? In a word: REVIVAL.

 

Revival in the sense of renewing interest in myself, relationships, spirituality and in finding a clear path toward working on my financial debts.

 

I will be posting the goals next. Perhaps setting up my own accountability pages for the areas of focus. Maybe from time to time you could stop by and cheer me on with my reading goals...my health goals, etc.

 

I'd be happy to return the favor.

Getting Older

Well, Rebekah has had a big month. She got her ears pierced this past week and Monday she turns eight.

 

She is a very bright, funny girl who is starting to take initiative around the house and pitch in. (Today, she took out the trash without being asked. She also likes to help make breakfast for herself and Aubrey.)

 

I'm so glad that my babies are growing up to be self-sufficient young ladies, however, I kind of wish they could slow down just a little bit.

 

SMiLES!

 

GWeN

I'm a Chunky Monkey!

So I've had struggles with my weight over the past few years. The weight keeps winning and then some. Today a co-worker took a photo of me and a different co-worker, when I saw the photo, I was appalled! My arm was so FAT that it didn't fit in the shot! I'm a little less than happy with this.

Since I've been waiting for a diagnosis for my persistent health issue, (still waiting too...on to a new specialist), I have put on more weight. I know I can walk, but I've been too lazy to do it. I keep trying to figure out why it's okay for me to give up on myself?

I don't like feeling sorry for me. I'm pretty upset with myself right now for doing it for so long. So, I need to take a step...

A step toward getting me moving and walking off this fat before it kills me!

September 9, 2013

It seems it has been so long since I've posted, that I hadn't any clue how to add a button to my sidebar...Oh, BOY!

I don't have anything interesting to report, but have decided that I dislike Facebook so much, that I'll simply do a blog post and link it up to FB to avoid the over abundance of advertising.

I have some photos of the girls to post from first day of school. Fun little school papers that have been making their way home. Updates on the house that is still very much a disaster area and in need of multitudes of organizing, Crafty projects that need to be done and some that need to be finished. Especially one very overdue dress. Health and Well-being updates, etc.

I'm not promising anything inspiring but simple, basic updates on my daily living.

Sounds horrible...RIGHT? LOL!

Today...Bekah has been laying about with tummy troubles. She had a bad night of vomiting and belly cramps. I'm putting her back on the probiotics. They helped last year when she went through this.

Aubrey is entertaining herself with My Little Pony sets that Aunt Kimberly sent home for the girls this summer. She will play with those things for hours. I love to see her little imagination developing. But beware...if she knows you are paying attention to her little vocal dialogues and songs...she'll blush and quiet down. Shy little one. :)

Anna is a Freshman in college...it doesn't seem possible. She is so busy with school and working that we don't get to see her much. Still, she did have a really good visit with her Grandma Ali recently, I'm so glad she made time for her grandma. It meant a lot to her and she was very pleased with their visit. It seems they are planning a monthly luncheon...I think that is wonderful!

On a lower note...our hearts are all a bit broken...Princess Poppy Felina is missing. Its been several days since we've seen her, Todd has talked to some neighbors about her and no one knows anything. I've been calling for her everyday and she doesn't come. We miss our Poppy. Bekah wants to post signs up and I think that is a good idea. However, her collar has my phone number on it, and nobody is calling. I'm guessing this is a case of theft rather than simply being lost.

Well, my little sickie is calling to me for assistance. Off I go.

Keep your hands busy!

Gwen

Aubrey's Card for DP2 Challenge #188

Aubrey made a cute little card too. She used the Daffodils image by Mo Manning.

 

I'm really short on time so please excuse the brevity of this post.

 

 

 

 

 

Paper used was MME Miss Caroline Dolled UP.

 

SMiLES!

GWeN

Bekah's Card for Mo's Kids Challenge

Bekah chose to work with the adorable Howdy image by Mo Manning. This is so cute, if you know a little girl who loves country life, this image is a must have. Both my girls adore their cowgirl boots and this image was perfect for them both. Honestly, I was surprised that she didn't pick the Fabulous image that Mo designed based on a request I had for Bekah. (She calls it her "stamp"...LOL!)

 

So, here is Bekah creating her card with her Howdy image and her MME's Miss Caroline DP in Dilly Dally.

 

 

 

 

Created for the DP2 Challenge #188: Challenge for Children of All Ages

 

Thanks for checking out her little project.

 

SMiLES!

GWeN



Making Cards with the Girls

Mo is having a challenge for kids this week. The deadline is nearly over and my girls are working hard to beat the clock. I'm not sure if we'll make it but I will post them here so they can see their efforts on the computer.

In the mean time...

I found this quote and it touched my heart. Thought I'd share it with everybody.

Be back soon to post some little Mo Manning Image cards made by my two little ones.

SMiLeS!
GWeN

Sorry for the verification

I hate to do it, but I'm getting hit with spam. So, I have turned on my word verification to help with this issue. Thanks for understanding and leaving comments. It's always appreciated.

 

SMiLES!

GWeN

Bekah's Card

Okay, this is the first card I've done in a while. It doesn't help that I'm not seeing well. On top of my newly diagnosed eye condition my eye prescription has changed and I'm waiting to get new glasses and lenses that actually work. (It's always something, isn't it?)

 

This is just a little review of the card, no edits and my photos are not the best either.  Still, I'm giving this to Bekah tomorrow morning, (well, later this morning since it's after 3:00 A.M.) and I'm hoping to leave her feeling grand in her specs as she heads off to school.

The front of the card. Can't really see the stickles well but it's there. Can't do a card for my girls and not have glitter somewhere.

 



 

A side view so you can see the way "Fabulous" pops off the card. If you don't know "Fabulous" she is the image that Bekah helped inspire Mo Manning at Mo's Digital Pencil to sketch her up. Well, maybe it was my begging and pleading...LOL...no, there was no begging or pleading. Mo was awesome and totally made my day!

 

 

Inside the card is the great tag line that goes with "Fabulous". That's right you get the little lovely girl in her super cute specs + a great tag line. I added the darling in a CK font called Beauty. I'm not sure if its still available but it sure is girly...love it!

 

 

 

Oh, couldn't resist sharing this one. Bekah wanted to try her glasses out while at home. She was watching TV for a little while and I caught her doing this...

 

Do we have a future school principal on our hands? Or a librarian? She sure has that peering over the glasses look down pat. I just love this little girl so very much. Can't wait to see her reaction tomorrow before school when she dawns her new outfit, her adorable glasses and her little card with sentiments from Todd and me. She is so worth the effort.

 

Keep Your Hands Busy!

 

SMiLES!

GWeN

A New Mo Manning Image!

Earlier this week I had to take, Bekah to get an eye exam. She's had some headaches and a few complaints of things looking blurry. Turns out she has an eye issue that causes her to have trouble focusing up close for more than a couple minutes. With all the reading she's doing in 1st grade its been causing her some difficulty. So, my little, Bekah will be sporting new glasses. They should be in next week and that means, she'll be wearing them to school next week.

If you remember what it was like for kids that wore glasses when you were in school, you know why I'm a bit nervous for her. I want to do a few things to make it easier on her. A couple of fun surprises for her to transition her into the comfort zone of spectacles. I have a cute new outfit for her to wear her first day with glasses. It features a little bird wearing glasses and says "Just Be You". I think she'll like it. She's pretty great and if she just remembers that, than she'll be fine.

I also want to give her a card to help celebrate this new stage of her childhood. (One that is temporary according to her eye doctor.) I just couldn't find an image that was quite right. I love ,Mo Manning's images at Mo's Digital Pencil and searched through her vast collection. There are so many fantastic images but I couldn't find one with a little girl in eye glasses. So, I wrote a little note to, Mo and asked her where I could find one just in case I was over looking it. Well, here is what happened next...

Two hours later she posted this new image in her store. FABULOUS! I was so flabbergasted I commented about it, she replied that yes, this was based on my request. I was so flattered and excited. Not only did she care enough to make this image, she made it absolutely age appropriate for my seven year old daughter and completely adorable! Oh, did I mention it went from request to store in about two hours? She is so talented and quick to boot...LOL!

Either way you look at it, the image is fantastic and I'm so grateful to have it for, Bekah's card.

Thanks again, Mo!

Vegetarian? or Vegan?

So, I'm doing some research into a healthier lifestyle. I have done some poking around in the vegan lifestyle and find that it appeals to me...a lot. However, a dear friend of mine pointed out one small issue with veganism...B12.

B12 is needed in our diets. It helps things like our nervous system and helps us avoid dementia. So, I'm thinking I want this. B12 can't be found in plant only diets. Bummer! You could take a pill for it but the pills are synthetic compounds, or so I'm told. (Will research this in greater detail too.) Since taking one more pill is something I'm trying to avoid I'm not liking this idea. Nor do I like the idea of adding anything else synthetic into my system. We get enough of that in the guise of "safe" processed foods and hey, I'm learning how "unsafe" they really are.

So, my delima has lead me to the idea that maybe I should just fore go the meat altogether but take a less aggressive approach and become a vegetarian. I could still eat dairy (organic is best) and eggs. The problem? I've been watching some of the ways that industrialized farms mistreat and torture, not to mention neglect the animals that go into producing dairy and eggs. I have a conscience and its known to whisper little sweet nothings of guilt in my ear when I'm doing something that I know is wrong, or would support something that is wrong...like eat dairy from cows that been forced to be pregnant via invetro for the purpose of milk production.

Why am I typing this up and opening myself up to ridicule? I'm looking for thoughts on this issue. Pros and cons. Other people who may have taken this step. I've already had one friend decide that this was insanity, so I'm looking for other opinions that may be a bit more pro so I can make an informed and balanced decision.

Any takers out there?

Oh, to date I haven't eaten any meat since...Friday? A little teeny pepperoni on a Chef Boyardee Pizza. I'm not even sure if that counts...aren't those things super processed food stuffs like imitation bacon bits? Who knows? The fact is that I'm trying to cut meat so I can live healthier, live longer, drop my cholesterol levels and my trigs to normal ranges. The added bonus of weight loss is very appealing too.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Smiles!
Gwen

Not What I Expected...but is it EVAH?

Another typical day in this chaotic dwelling otherwise known as "home". We woke up this morning to a terrifying sound. Something or someone was throwing stuff around in the house. The dinning room to be more precise. As I jolted up and toward the noise I found my darling little Princess Poppy fleeing the scene of the crime...

 

It seems Poppy found the ironing board to be of particular interest in the wee early morning hours just before dawn. Even though I had the iron unplugged and laying flat on its plate so it wouldn't tip over, she managed to knock it off the ironing board. Demolishing it into several pieces (some of which I have not yet discovered). Miraculously, the ironing at the end of the ironing board didn't go anywhere, its still sitting pretty (pretty wrinkled that is), waiting to be smoothed out with the gentle pressing of an iron that no longer is functional. (Poor wrinkled laundry.)

 

So, as sad as it all is...I get to buy a new iron. I'm hoping to find one that is as decent an iron as my recently deceased one and affordable.

 

Any suggestions from my crafty, sewing friends; you modern maidens of pressing perfection, as to a model that reliable and affordable? Love to hear what you have to say.

 

Keep your hands busy & smile!

 

Gwen

Creative Itch

Okay, its no big surprise that my creative itch has been gone for a while. My blog update just never got finished its still "under construction". And, where are all the projects?  I was tried to refocus, point my thoughts in a different direction in hopes that it would redirect my "funk" so-to-speak. Well, I think it did.

 

It brought to me to a realization that I need to be creative. Its part of who I am. Its a way that I can express myself. A positive way. A way that can make other people smile. A way that helps me to feel good about being me. Sooo... (I hate it when people trail off the end of a sentence with a dangling preposition like that...really.)

 

I'm going to start doing some creating again. I'm thinking of finishing two projects that have been weighing on my mind quite a bit and that are long overdue. I'm also thinking that I'd love to get out my stamps and do a few cards. Maybe jump into a few challenges just for kicks. I miss it.

 

While I'm not really expecting this to have an impact on the masses, I'm excited about the impact it might have on me.

 

So, until next time...

 

Keep your hands busy & smile!

 

Gwen