tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43677718556843620472024-02-22T08:09:55.586-08:00...FawnDear...One Dream At A Time...fawndearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03615865845078146063noreply@blogger.comBlogger436125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4367771855684362047.post-30067380562113552622022-12-14T21:59:00.002-08:002022-12-14T21:59:55.819-08:00Living the Dream<p> Years ago, I resolved never to set New Year's Resolutions again, but to instead focus on Dreams! During this course I essentially took the biggest business risk I've ever taken and opened my very first store. A year and a half ago I joined my sons in making our vendor tent at Evermore a pursuit of a dream. It wasn't just a day-dream. It was how do we make this little dream come true. Every week we would talk about what went well, and what we could improve on. This weekly meeting has been consistent. There is always new ideas and products and leather patterns to try. We started out selling 3-D printed dice displays and leather bracers. Over the course of a year and a half we've added, 3D printed dragons and dice towers, leather pauldrons, baldrics, belts, warrior belts, wand holsters, sword frogs, belt bags, and more. And we've increased our yearly sales from $38,000 to (dare I say this dream) nearly 200,000. Today at the close of day we were $96 dollars away from that milestone. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DbBfQwK3eWQ3ANcsiu5LmMz0YA3EzFh4s3tDy2kUVah4M49m6YAbBdhizE1Jal4f8wHypqnvEcnf43gBncuY7paIUX1giLvMGa2l78ayOFjPCjH8FWl5_igMTkLdMUbRlgkFyTpdmm79fils0LZ5HSmof9bJjbQ87kpqjnPkSE-Etu7Qnrg0Gbo0gw/s1080/FB_IMG_1668774278696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="1080" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DbBfQwK3eWQ3ANcsiu5LmMz0YA3EzFh4s3tDy2kUVah4M49m6YAbBdhizE1Jal4f8wHypqnvEcnf43gBncuY7paIUX1giLvMGa2l78ayOFjPCjH8FWl5_igMTkLdMUbRlgkFyTpdmm79fils0LZ5HSmof9bJjbQ87kpqjnPkSE-Etu7Qnrg0Gbo0gw/s320/FB_IMG_1668774278696.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>What a ride this past year plus has been. I went back to college and pursued the dream of being financially independent. Two years ago I couldn't even get an interview to get a job. The one and only place that did interview me didn't hire me. Well today I'm the one helping make the hiring decisions. I'm officially living the dream. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_KJaJXUtEWQ4aiyrjE7QYWWkxK_gNYdNYXTUikBrw6cBRbqdjcDmY5SPweshqZEcguGGKVz863O9xlEwCYZ9oNt0zmJdCiF64n1h6ssn3F_P3irnFX8bhZroUCT-bWNhmOnW5qoDVuX7uxPGlg_lfGvlWMYy9aE-OLTJDCQPFITk3WZ7m-NkaZTgD5Q/s4032/20221130_180500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_KJaJXUtEWQ4aiyrjE7QYWWkxK_gNYdNYXTUikBrw6cBRbqdjcDmY5SPweshqZEcguGGKVz863O9xlEwCYZ9oNt0zmJdCiF64n1h6ssn3F_P3irnFX8bhZroUCT-bWNhmOnW5qoDVuX7uxPGlg_lfGvlWMYy9aE-OLTJDCQPFITk3WZ7m-NkaZTgD5Q/s320/20221130_180500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Somehow the blessing keep pouring in. We set goals and are blown away when we meet and exceed those goals. Last fall I started buying products from a supplier in India that provides us with leather bags and books. We've grown enough that they want us to be their return hub for products sold in America. If someone buys one of their products on Amazon and then decides that they don't want it, instead of paying to have it shipped back to India they send it to us. If we can sell it we split the profits with the maker. How incredible is that. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMPTQubZVNbWlSHO0w1rdfYTAsRy1n7jcFXdFSmS89PhMXAkNrLofwrySIi9WZkxn9GB9Qsu_iMmXdAwOavS9o5LyPgngcxw4kntVjGJmVvrYzRrKEz1B3G5CtScyrMV42hulZoEifgUF8IpUG7yN1mc_sTP2DTWCy8AvWS_zd8NSqjIh36MtIRqLDg/s4032/20221201_210353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMPTQubZVNbWlSHO0w1rdfYTAsRy1n7jcFXdFSmS89PhMXAkNrLofwrySIi9WZkxn9GB9Qsu_iMmXdAwOavS9o5LyPgngcxw4kntVjGJmVvrYzRrKEz1B3G5CtScyrMV42hulZoEifgUF8IpUG7yN1mc_sTP2DTWCy8AvWS_zd8NSqjIh36MtIRqLDg/s320/20221201_210353.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My husband was able to use some Microsoft Alumni sway to get us a wholesale agreement to purchase Dungeons and Dragons products directly to sell in our store. Another blessing associated with living the dream.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLMpEwYpAYEFqxTUkgfEELEQBF4Vd9EUzznO7mnIGUt22s4wmsxyaqeYzfAKGtNzjEUbm828DsN_ncfTPvqZmkV4fwi_XfmnadKiPHlcyEOKoqMXG0r7dLkeqelmlhMlXjL7ingeBCVazTjMeDR_bd3Z-jQd1WN7yK5IjbEATN1MR1QI-GJBmh67FAg/s3597/20221206_191850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2049" data-original-width="3597" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLMpEwYpAYEFqxTUkgfEELEQBF4Vd9EUzznO7mnIGUt22s4wmsxyaqeYzfAKGtNzjEUbm828DsN_ncfTPvqZmkV4fwi_XfmnadKiPHlcyEOKoqMXG0r7dLkeqelmlhMlXjL7ingeBCVazTjMeDR_bd3Z-jQd1WN7yK5IjbEATN1MR1QI-GJBmh67FAg/s320/20221206_191850.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We've been able to provide services, like paint your miniatures night, play for free at our tables, etc. Because of the free offer, people are coming out of the woodwork to support our store. They pay it forward with time, miniatures to use while playing etc.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8YdRv-Y7viApfkY5twBPWejQWDZ89uZqrDMimS3nbvjfPaVxcFCaDURHN7pqlRTQow19nvkrZTxIyqjfboR8LLzWII9B3TTHgY4aqEZUlR1pSYWGwpH1N0iDkGt4DeYY6SxmeVQIcK_f9mYcKusy69qnbFrniGqeT2ufGZBTMACFAAKi9ai96tpi6Q/s4032/20221209_142210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8YdRv-Y7viApfkY5twBPWejQWDZ89uZqrDMimS3nbvjfPaVxcFCaDURHN7pqlRTQow19nvkrZTxIyqjfboR8LLzWII9B3TTHgY4aqEZUlR1pSYWGwpH1N0iDkGt4DeYY6SxmeVQIcK_f9mYcKusy69qnbFrniGqeT2ufGZBTMACFAAKi9ai96tpi6Q/s320/20221209_142210.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Through our blessings we've been able to bless other small start-up companies. We bought these gaming tables, and purchase atmosphere candles from new companies. I've realized that sharing the blessings of dreams is what makes me want to keep dreaming. Seeing the smiles when people walk in our store makes me think, 'Wow'! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This dream is real and ever evolving. It's terrifying and thrilling, and full of so many WoW moments I keep pinching myself. I'm beyond grateful that I'm sharing this dream with two of my boys. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Come January 1st, I won't need to make New Year's Resolutions because I'm already living the Dream!</div><br /><p></p>fawndearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03615865845078146063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4367771855684362047.post-34353663923257997302022-12-10T18:20:00.003-08:002022-12-10T18:20:43.904-08:00Gratitude<p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It seems I'm daily amazed at how my entrepreneurial journey is going. This week we learned that we made the top 5 of a business launch we applied for. Which means of 80 brand new businesses that applied for mentors we were enough to really be considered. We also secured rights to sell Wizards of the Coast DnD supplies wholesale in our store. And we are amazed by all the local artisans who continue to come to us seeing if we could carry their items. It's been one tender mercy after another. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And I'm beyond grateful.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Today we held our first big event. A Larp in the Tavern. And the store was full. People not only visited but they stayed the whole 3 plus hours of the event.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBy0DG4SvMLsHigYZJs-X29hxKRqWZXNm9mrf6MpjNcZPU45OkD4TVLD_gTS0lpoGSonM0YUcNHjVBnbki2ojCRLtxseaD-DfVQ5YOzQG-y5HRhqogmmUVZHnYKgMPxBxB49KAiOoszCVZanP6bau3cO6VhlKWjNEllma_y1on7f7jsCGOG4eJaGTqw/s4032/20221210_123722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBy0DG4SvMLsHigYZJs-X29hxKRqWZXNm9mrf6MpjNcZPU45OkD4TVLD_gTS0lpoGSonM0YUcNHjVBnbki2ojCRLtxseaD-DfVQ5YOzQG-y5HRhqogmmUVZHnYKgMPxBxB49KAiOoszCVZanP6bau3cO6VhlKWjNEllma_y1on7f7jsCGOG4eJaGTqw/s320/20221210_123722.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm grateful for the friends and acquaintances of my sons who volunteered their time to be our quest givers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaV_yWlP7D5-Ikkkh8xQAt1MzVxYYtDXinoZ9gl_0ZRHLMzine2OYXXLqrjNu0JuQMrdQJHH0HJz-Rslq1mEnB3zsA920ODAmjGth7pu47WVOMkJDs_1k-W5BRPnndOcCSK3ix67wLpR-7m-9brQoD2_A8VEE68e7B9mjy1W4TT8ydvJ0pvDh7kCZNbw/s4032/20221210_123730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaV_yWlP7D5-Ikkkh8xQAt1MzVxYYtDXinoZ9gl_0ZRHLMzine2OYXXLqrjNu0JuQMrdQJHH0HJz-Rslq1mEnB3zsA920ODAmjGth7pu47WVOMkJDs_1k-W5BRPnndOcCSK3ix67wLpR-7m-9brQoD2_A8VEE68e7B9mjy1W4TT8ydvJ0pvDh7kCZNbw/s320/20221210_123730.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Knight</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoy_cRJd1xmZg-CudLPpvyGEj4peebvWh0dg2bXp5OrNyE5Qprvt-NsHWm5Tv8rSWp14dBUdvVztsQR66jh14tK1Fk09HDsJS_9nS3SNpvzggLxJdVH5YVD8W_8yw211TDzP2fzpMarIA76VZoJqORnUhWLvBr8E0OoiQe3CqtgBtpmRb_jk_QCufG4Q/s4032/20221210_123610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoy_cRJd1xmZg-CudLPpvyGEj4peebvWh0dg2bXp5OrNyE5Qprvt-NsHWm5Tv8rSWp14dBUdvVztsQR66jh14tK1Fk09HDsJS_9nS3SNpvzggLxJdVH5YVD8W_8yw211TDzP2fzpMarIA76VZoJqORnUhWLvBr8E0OoiQe3CqtgBtpmRb_jk_QCufG4Q/s320/20221210_123610.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Rouge</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxY5gkSEw59_Iw_KOEQ6W2-1Q5lss5B-oOZyD_nJnN4Y58q0smt6uQzjmPfyljRG-FalDOMtNHcSw1w3FuXz5sSjCTRDj1VC4JyRu2_bHrT8CXxnU8IHBc2nEGdk4QvGFvEXSmj25tnleBmYcnEvHqaGmVNVp0fuL3xL5oT3dKtpwD321GV9Rk_Qz8w/s4032/20221210_123709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxY5gkSEw59_Iw_KOEQ6W2-1Q5lss5B-oOZyD_nJnN4Y58q0smt6uQzjmPfyljRG-FalDOMtNHcSw1w3FuXz5sSjCTRDj1VC4JyRu2_bHrT8CXxnU8IHBc2nEGdk4QvGFvEXSmj25tnleBmYcnEvHqaGmVNVp0fuL3xL5oT3dKtpwD321GV9Rk_Qz8w/s320/20221210_123709.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My familiar pirate playing Liars Dice with our adventurers.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8O11gHh_PXN-YPOVMpLzM-ZzspAhGp_7CPl4W6N4Hm8CFLY12vHD8H_1lq5pIN47aAow4icrx_OpzpUCYBUPMtG8kgNb_iGJWlCmPzvX5DWGCRfr39ZFklTcxcMWrd9w1sQLWEUU2BPLzgY0DiJ5AOQhBdXjsryMKqdO4S0nOwedoddkl51FsB9X0g/s4032/20221210_123602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8O11gHh_PXN-YPOVMpLzM-ZzspAhGp_7CPl4W6N4Hm8CFLY12vHD8H_1lq5pIN47aAow4icrx_OpzpUCYBUPMtG8kgNb_iGJWlCmPzvX5DWGCRfr39ZFklTcxcMWrd9w1sQLWEUU2BPLzgY0DiJ5AOQhBdXjsryMKqdO4S0nOwedoddkl51FsB9X0g/s320/20221210_123602.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Bards who had the whole room singing along with "The Wellerman" and other appropriate shanties. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgooRrZRftMZNRrv8pPdXQQrtTioAxDhMyYc5lVY6jgCBI2rWi5Fg_DqOhluEP89_7KB5r-C48G-1FJbiXAIN2T5Ztk_clLN9nvuDmg-3H7C0B54lJrsXfc3S8-5ivjixDcgXfHSteYL5IWNgR27teNxQfxpAuF3dsA_MJUY05xb0OP6z3GVIOa7zYFjw/s4032/20221210_123701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgooRrZRftMZNRrv8pPdXQQrtTioAxDhMyYc5lVY6jgCBI2rWi5Fg_DqOhluEP89_7KB5r-C48G-1FJbiXAIN2T5Ztk_clLN9nvuDmg-3H7C0B54lJrsXfc3S8-5ivjixDcgXfHSteYL5IWNgR27teNxQfxpAuF3dsA_MJUY05xb0OP6z3GVIOa7zYFjw/s320/20221210_123701.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And the Wizard who had followers deciphering codes about dragons.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wow, Wow, and Wow!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think this LARP in the Tavern will be a monthly gathering. I'm so grateful to have found my crowd of Fantasy lovers here in Utah. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I know there will be days where it gets hard. Friday I spent 15 hours in the car driving to pick up new gaming tables. Not fun, especially driving through a snow storm which probably added 3 hours onto my journey. But I'm grateful the tables and I returned home in good shape although extremely tired.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />And tonight my husband is taking my place at Evermore so I could be home completing my college homework. So grateful. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I can't wait to see what fantastical adventures happen next.</div><br /><p></p>fawndearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03615865845078146063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4367771855684362047.post-31256178267682376322022-12-03T21:28:00.000-08:002022-12-03T21:28:10.603-08:00What's a Business For?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have to admit to being so incredibly busy since opening our store. But it's the blissful busy of discovering all the new ways to learn things. I've overwhelmed with gratitude for these people here. They make the learning fun. They are so supportive they even gave up their traditional Thanksgiving to eat at Chuck-O-Rama so that we would have time to finally rest from the constant go, go, go.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogFh7CVHG5KWib7ydk5yvxbFgqCaWh-CJ95aw51ezd-FzX9LxOudtDXNYZS7VOmvhesCqJHcMBN4F0e61eKaP__O907N66ztu3BwUr5aTbaV8bVZcAaSWUOmVDG0rEYq_ldAanE3jvRumOu5i_N3taZfC0iM1ld-dBg8Xux-GuO5CVApQS2SNVNRJ-Q/s4032/20221124_121009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogFh7CVHG5KWib7ydk5yvxbFgqCaWh-CJ95aw51ezd-FzX9LxOudtDXNYZS7VOmvhesCqJHcMBN4F0e61eKaP__O907N66ztu3BwUr5aTbaV8bVZcAaSWUOmVDG0rEYq_ldAanE3jvRumOu5i_N3taZfC0iM1ld-dBg8Xux-GuO5CVApQS2SNVNRJ-Q/s320/20221124_121009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've found myself working 12-14 hour days, except Sunday since we've opened. Although it's physically exhausting, we've met all our goals of earning and even found some magic. I'm working so hard because this is to help my family.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In our reading this week for school we read the article, 'What's a Business For?' If it's to just make money then chances are it will not succeed. I feel like we've created a business that will make the world a better place. I've had numerous examples with experiences we've encountered at our store in the short time it's been open. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlAF8A6HP9SiWZJ24st-BIlgw0jFUb9NAyFyzvDpZqbR8FDwHdb_2IgxsY3TRNcrmIqxR1uDVLCELIfo50e63DLxmAWUd7TB0hQRITygMj5NHBuxO_PHd0NQSaG-rLoMkA9nutFov4weqkJqwYS2xmTTW2w_Zo-IfVLHykBGc5KPW3HCgW0zYJJWw3uQ/s4032/20221130_180500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlAF8A6HP9SiWZJ24st-BIlgw0jFUb9NAyFyzvDpZqbR8FDwHdb_2IgxsY3TRNcrmIqxR1uDVLCELIfo50e63DLxmAWUd7TB0hQRITygMj5NHBuxO_PHd0NQSaG-rLoMkA9nutFov4weqkJqwYS2xmTTW2w_Zo-IfVLHykBGc5KPW3HCgW0zYJJWw3uQ/s320/20221130_180500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>One experience was when a small group of special needs adults and their able-bodied helpers came into our store. One non-verbal lady in a wheelchair looked thoroughly grumpy about being taken along on the outing, as she was wheeled into our store. By the time she was moved from the storefront to the rear of the store where the gaming tables were you could see a visible change coming over her. The grumpy expression and jerky, defiant arm thrusts were replace with peals of giggles and laughter, and clapping of hands. Why? The atmosphere of our store which, is set up as a Medieval gathering place had worked a little magic into her. She was transported from a social outing to a magical Medieval tavern. I gave her and her companions tiny pocket dragons which I usually reserve for little kids so they don't get into trouble for touching stuff from their parents. Ten minutes after they left our store the whole bus load of special needs adults came into our establishments requesting pocket dragons too. Each different colored dragon I give out has a special meaning. I tell them the green dragons are supposed to help you remember things, the pink dragon helps you remember to be kind, the blue dragon is the dragon of creativity and imagination, etc. Our store is a place we've set up where everyone can feel welcome, escape the pressures of the world by creating a fantasy, and playing games. Here I was having a magical experience with some truly wonderful people who really needed that break. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another wonderful experience we had was when this gentleman came in and donated hundreds of hand painted miniatures to our store for players to play with for free. We've encountered some of the most generous people who want our business to succeed and who give their time and talents to help others along the way, asking nothing in return. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIGjyCCCp1_gtbd4K7FKpZrvEqgJUyM094McsJIZVkRnb68J4tWxxr9SZiJn4uVravs2o3mkwQTyhqY7flBrpY5VwOGiC3GHKw2sIhMHm_G64qAeHaOGKJJ9WPX2L00XT85M_eHfSHDgdJWjVLdfdWeOCsw6ia_8wLwqwXsD86c2GqORB9ogY1OxgEQ/s4032/20221202_150035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIGjyCCCp1_gtbd4K7FKpZrvEqgJUyM094McsJIZVkRnb68J4tWxxr9SZiJn4uVravs2o3mkwQTyhqY7flBrpY5VwOGiC3GHKw2sIhMHm_G64qAeHaOGKJJ9WPX2L00XT85M_eHfSHDgdJWjVLdfdWeOCsw6ia_8wLwqwXsD86c2GqORB9ogY1OxgEQ/s320/20221202_150035.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I feel we are succeeding, even when people come in and don't buy anything, they leave with huge smiles on their faces and we often hear them telling each other that they need to bring so and so back. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The article we read for school talks about how if you create a business that will make the world a better place then your chances of succeeding are better than if you just create a business to make money. I feel we are on the right track, and even though this journey can be exhausting, so far it's always been happy.</div><br /> <p></p>fawndearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03615865845078146063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4367771855684362047.post-6600289094566757292022-11-21T05:42:00.001-08:002022-11-21T05:42:24.206-08:00Better than Dreaming<p>Saturday was a day of Dream fulfillment. We opened our first store. The Grand Opening was more than spectacular, from the ribbon cutting with a sword, to a line of around 250 people waiting to get into our store. Wow! Words cannot describe our amazement and gratitude for all the support. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6cFs4z8nDFK3G_AM21D8GD3h6rxhjB5WGybCWnvk2QqBARHKO5CL9WxBGLNXl9IY9aM47C9SBgywmc8dtKp8n80v7qgTX_hZp6QSo7zxk29x-k6uiu_xH4aEH6reRfPnScAAR4Mb9T_QCFD22FNICthrPERMg_11uYsgTSL2V-eHovU3Wwgo2s-QF0w/s1732/GORibbon.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1732" data-original-width="1265" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6cFs4z8nDFK3G_AM21D8GD3h6rxhjB5WGybCWnvk2QqBARHKO5CL9WxBGLNXl9IY9aM47C9SBgywmc8dtKp8n80v7qgTX_hZp6QSo7zxk29x-k6uiu_xH4aEH6reRfPnScAAR4Mb9T_QCFD22FNICthrPERMg_11uYsgTSL2V-eHovU3Wwgo2s-QF0w/s320/GORibbon.jpeg" width="234" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This dream has been in the works for 2 years and our friend Chris prompted us earlier this year to go for it. So here we are. Princess and Hope couldn't come because of Covid. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCYy-SgDUzg44zUCO5JLW5-s7o2NxF7qS0w1kn2HcgqjTQXLewy1Kh1bfgZEq_ZTsDDTdcBgU-3xUnSstPxAchlrzv4TEK7OpQY8exoZOTCmcnMNiEiexBmNjQ-oIUvIr0z0AQCRZ35EVndwi6qD_K5EArpgIzgxZyUwOq7azyssCme8ExVT0JpcllQ/s1643/GOFamily.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1129" data-original-width="1643" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCYy-SgDUzg44zUCO5JLW5-s7o2NxF7qS0w1kn2HcgqjTQXLewy1Kh1bfgZEq_ZTsDDTdcBgU-3xUnSstPxAchlrzv4TEK7OpQY8exoZOTCmcnMNiEiexBmNjQ-oIUvIr0z0AQCRZ35EVndwi6qD_K5EArpgIzgxZyUwOq7azyssCme8ExVT0JpcllQ/s320/GOFamily.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We were all overwhelmed with gratitude for so much support. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDr5-jUcHfzrwikRSjlnDjjtxqo6uHwmvlc2Kk9-GsYyWlTLH1xMSrLY1I0eP1uW-QYsWIZf3CoKjj4MifUsNgFogzFk5hEn4zHA6W0RXLwM2abgLKSkZBr5pDBLH6fkJyEwV-UzHi405XhpZ0eEdnoJL9xLVkB_l_2o1NQ7E4E7aQhXwD_BXFIU1aw/s1778/GOLinelook.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1778" data-original-width="1097" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDr5-jUcHfzrwikRSjlnDjjtxqo6uHwmvlc2Kk9-GsYyWlTLH1xMSrLY1I0eP1uW-QYsWIZf3CoKjj4MifUsNgFogzFk5hEn4zHA6W0RXLwM2abgLKSkZBr5pDBLH6fkJyEwV-UzHi405XhpZ0eEdnoJL9xLVkB_l_2o1NQ7E4E7aQhXwD_BXFIU1aw/s320/GOLinelook.jpeg" width="197" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Lea even stepped in on her day off to help for our Grand Opening.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDB5piLwax1w0Py3Qqbkjahtz3OsXjSIPr5EKP3h0oOO_7iU2Cd1lUJ7HvazN9krg-bCscdpBSe5DRvleV1VnzuzJK5i_lBPHQb9bvv4JfWhmQL6lL0rgPLgRY9BM9FxYqBOqZPFxIMJSXE84_Vh-BJunkCTxgbDd2NuFjUKcO9jcq108qcZGIQuOzqw/s1920/GOLillian.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDB5piLwax1w0Py3Qqbkjahtz3OsXjSIPr5EKP3h0oOO_7iU2Cd1lUJ7HvazN9krg-bCscdpBSe5DRvleV1VnzuzJK5i_lBPHQb9bvv4JfWhmQL6lL0rgPLgRY9BM9FxYqBOqZPFxIMJSXE84_Vh-BJunkCTxgbDd2NuFjUKcO9jcq108qcZGIQuOzqw/s320/GOLillian.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We want our store to be a fun place for people of all levels of geekiness to come hang out, play games, have fun, and feel safe. Light-hearted signs seem to help.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTu29h4UlC7gMki__PhA21rFzx7auHW_iSbVTxAN59RHOAAuTgcm8g1be2iaCe2gvWClPOZK8X_x8LisFBmBqjnBC2g87iuj3U9TXRyYEY71b1Z6ceuU_g-FENBR26W7HHEhsSQMH1APfXlXy1Fn6MPb9X_4yV5j7EXjpZAFIovFki7BT72terExq7MQ/s1920/GOFUNNY.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTu29h4UlC7gMki__PhA21rFzx7auHW_iSbVTxAN59RHOAAuTgcm8g1be2iaCe2gvWClPOZK8X_x8LisFBmBqjnBC2g87iuj3U9TXRyYEY71b1Z6ceuU_g-FENBR26W7HHEhsSQMH1APfXlXy1Fn6MPb9X_4yV5j7EXjpZAFIovFki7BT72terExq7MQ/s320/GOFUNNY.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The name 'Geek Together' originally was a description of our family of Geeks, who each supplied a different item for our vendor tent started at Evermore. Evo-man and I were the leather Geeks, Abner was the DnD and 3-D printer geek, Prince Erik was the Magic Geek, Lea was the Rune Engraved Stones and Wire Artist Geek, T-Rev was the Wand Geek, Hope was the Sticker Geek, and Princess was Candle Geek. But our store has expanded to try and help support the wonderful community of Local Geeky Artists we have come to know and love. Sea Dragon Cove, who not only made our incredible store sign, also contributed their slate engraved coasters and freeze-dried candy. GMDice has some amazing dice and unforgettable Gaming atmosphere candles. Other local artists we highlight are Shielded Empire, Uber Dungeons, Petulant Puggies, Madame M Apothecary, Dwarven Fire Forge, Die Hard Dice, ValRock Miniatures, and more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_QLO5d3XUvrLmCFmAoN8ubnH3azyjYaqvBRWVgkYDedf_kF71FuEWhPpY_nV5ZBJbB4uqiqsUayhwKBjFcwx6I9Q48mX7s7pvTXMWXc-PdKn0NnrE5ftrzCIeuZauggxoAUq4vx4hSd4E0PFr2x3y_Zw5AQ3IH9Ie6DTrD4A3mm7Ms_ppKzKcUNoVg/s1597/GOSGC.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1597" data-original-width="1036" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_QLO5d3XUvrLmCFmAoN8ubnH3azyjYaqvBRWVgkYDedf_kF71FuEWhPpY_nV5ZBJbB4uqiqsUayhwKBjFcwx6I9Q48mX7s7pvTXMWXc-PdKn0NnrE5ftrzCIeuZauggxoAUq4vx4hSd4E0PFr2x3y_Zw5AQ3IH9Ie6DTrD4A3mm7Ms_ppKzKcUNoVg/s320/GOSGC.jpeg" width="208" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Because of the long line, our whole family pitched in. Prince Erik had to help us run our new POS system.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFb57rQX2-NT37gc0QiTHWznr6FqqsficJ-29t3m-UXTbPzkRHcmSus3bnlxtqgdalb2MRgNR8vqc5hogioyS6jDUs73LlpKpgDr-BH0yXomeiLytv5jPLb6dn0Rn7gsDO4ePz0K8w8uSRmJ9p8NIL0m0QMntbFclSG9cwon-xfTLE71nvPippNbuMQ/s1920/GOPirateA.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFb57rQX2-NT37gc0QiTHWznr6FqqsficJ-29t3m-UXTbPzkRHcmSus3bnlxtqgdalb2MRgNR8vqc5hogioyS6jDUs73LlpKpgDr-BH0yXomeiLytv5jPLb6dn0Rn7gsDO4ePz0K8w8uSRmJ9p8NIL0m0QMntbFclSG9cwon-xfTLE71nvPippNbuMQ/s320/GOPirateA.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The store was busy the entire day, and we had to stagger entrance for all the guests. Some waited another hour or more to come in.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_sRIQ7Lx1lc-DzmCfQPaSWJyaxJdmh2snYqBh58J5DVS5VUEBp_A-FuwH_0ILNZ8wtopqXL5_s05PtrVkXwWIwhmWDjzgtVrynz6td0OoIMTNG5zzh1NfaUkInpSYmsA2ddabbKGmzJDfXazcV1szRNa0KTs_z6IQaBKZCDwEwOeb-VfmKmEjKuXfA/s1920/GoBusy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_sRIQ7Lx1lc-DzmCfQPaSWJyaxJdmh2snYqBh58J5DVS5VUEBp_A-FuwH_0ILNZ8wtopqXL5_s05PtrVkXwWIwhmWDjzgtVrynz6td0OoIMTNG5zzh1NfaUkInpSYmsA2ddabbKGmzJDfXazcV1szRNa0KTs_z6IQaBKZCDwEwOeb-VfmKmEjKuXfA/s320/GoBusy.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">T-rev, our Dice Wizard ran free games of Liars Dice.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZrfNj65c6kupIGNlF7dYbJX8hAcG573MzgxjvCu1gcQiEefHVpRVPypXTgxc5scoBGv0UZvEI3vLHdaOS4QAK-3D6EWEMr-wImUicPdRk2h_q0-M5Yz7nS1iJl8PfjgB-Y-YRDs6-i1uDL-H8atxjLJ1rNCJbA1KuJ49j2x0jZFaRuuDzp9FLRr51Q/s1745/GOTrevor.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1745" data-original-width="1168" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZrfNj65c6kupIGNlF7dYbJX8hAcG573MzgxjvCu1gcQiEefHVpRVPypXTgxc5scoBGv0UZvEI3vLHdaOS4QAK-3D6EWEMr-wImUicPdRk2h_q0-M5Yz7nS1iJl8PfjgB-Y-YRDs6-i1uDL-H8atxjLJ1rNCJbA1KuJ49j2x0jZFaRuuDzp9FLRr51Q/s320/GOTrevor.jpeg" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My parents traveled down from Idaho to cheer us on and my sisters Sandy and Chante, along with my mom stepped into the back room to help us restock when shelves got low.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCKdZOq2YkTufhqYug38jgi8li2UGc3AYVJ89UokrQIY6agKLboKn5LzTaexVQLJH1zQKrn2TgK1tvjvNwvqKOTgFd1GB3_rK2gTp1RjOEpcso0DoRikgeWVsbX0z_fmnU6Ma4MqDfSrBGrKxMtMBvO4JOItDvBv3WdyOk-VGDYOrM3UlZw51selqgg/s1825/GOParents.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1825" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCKdZOq2YkTufhqYug38jgi8li2UGc3AYVJ89UokrQIY6agKLboKn5LzTaexVQLJH1zQKrn2TgK1tvjvNwvqKOTgFd1GB3_rK2gTp1RjOEpcso0DoRikgeWVsbX0z_fmnU6Ma4MqDfSrBGrKxMtMBvO4JOItDvBv3WdyOk-VGDYOrM3UlZw51selqgg/s320/GOParents.jpeg" width="211" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Of course, we came away after day one with a lot of thoughts, where to improve lighting, displays, signs, etc. It will be a never ending learning, this business of walking out our door to see where adventure takes us. I'm beyond blessed that this guy calls me Captain and is so supportive.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAvLS525o4ka-CxpgS0bv1EtENbbCNJwK8rm6TfLFP-EcjulOMV46k4Rqdu1yYKSmd3gCBvsBbA34B_3ax4lXQJ59o_1fRrac_9g5mjpnuoRxLY0_xswJrJ3vSjL_jUe-2lbyTqv_re1kX0ijqbr92hBYRgEY7AM-C6KrTQZv3Olfv_orqUeMSfQ_zw/s1920/GoPirate.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAvLS525o4ka-CxpgS0bv1EtENbbCNJwK8rm6TfLFP-EcjulOMV46k4Rqdu1yYKSmd3gCBvsBbA34B_3ax4lXQJ59o_1fRrac_9g5mjpnuoRxLY0_xswJrJ3vSjL_jUe-2lbyTqv_re1kX0ijqbr92hBYRgEY7AM-C6KrTQZv3Olfv_orqUeMSfQ_zw/s320/GoPirate.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our company heart has to be Abner. He is our face, our link, our social media guru.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyz89btjuHTZkVEyI6w-iA7Dzlvw1nAkR-DniTXSrTn7iVfU_7ll_Iqt3ipRlXlUyhTtofks7EBuarqKt7RhwHrnH4M_Hed8eTBdk03UMY0X_vdaMFQYrC9Mu0B0J1BQiQJJcE8KNGonXN-Q6qGhVKtv2xVe4RDNNblRWlAEvFZhlBnNblULiMDjocJA/s1920/GOAndrew.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyz89btjuHTZkVEyI6w-iA7Dzlvw1nAkR-DniTXSrTn7iVfU_7ll_Iqt3ipRlXlUyhTtofks7EBuarqKt7RhwHrnH4M_Hed8eTBdk03UMY0X_vdaMFQYrC9Mu0B0J1BQiQJJcE8KNGonXN-Q6qGhVKtv2xVe4RDNNblRWlAEvFZhlBnNblULiMDjocJA/s320/GOAndrew.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He's created a system where people can come and learn how to play, and enjoy 'Living the Adventure.'</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpUzxp3sJvcO9YBKYb2QJf7-9koDdGXDVHINdPIki9P_4us5p7Cl_vPN2r9U2gSYLzJ2bqKJFku4Rw4c3sbQZwzhoEpFAoXNJ3FYlk_7e08O25EwLEgd3oiKvtMmi5-5HY8NppZInCF8nvxyu3T2YstARpVpHnyC70fq4vRFx2LxsGfp3c3FfkIT3kg/s1920/GOGaming.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpUzxp3sJvcO9YBKYb2QJf7-9koDdGXDVHINdPIki9P_4us5p7Cl_vPN2r9U2gSYLzJ2bqKJFku4Rw4c3sbQZwzhoEpFAoXNJ3FYlk_7e08O25EwLEgd3oiKvtMmi5-5HY8NppZInCF8nvxyu3T2YstARpVpHnyC70fq4vRFx2LxsGfp3c3FfkIT3kg/s320/GOGaming.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Evo-man helps with the 'Create Your Fantasy' part of our Mission Statement with his handcrafted Leather armor and accessories. Finally, a huge thank you to many of our family, friends and partners, some shown here. Geek's Unite!</div></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistnSrka3-I_pd8_mgzCZ8dfpa4HAg6snI_J8Q4FyiLlbQ_MdYIGWjvD0wBw2E63z3kX5Juxb79CRm5Xz808HuLBFqDygkHfVmVrbE0n71B9apm0oGdI7xiUIEcMyMsv_3yK2nf_m54cMqdLhX6Tbx_11Jip9icASsIzwYJzqfFB_xttnggGcaKd28Eg/s1523/GOFamilyFriends.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1014" data-original-width="1523" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistnSrka3-I_pd8_mgzCZ8dfpa4HAg6snI_J8Q4FyiLlbQ_MdYIGWjvD0wBw2E63z3kX5Juxb79CRm5Xz808HuLBFqDygkHfVmVrbE0n71B9apm0oGdI7xiUIEcMyMsv_3yK2nf_m54cMqdLhX6Tbx_11Jip9icASsIzwYJzqfFB_xttnggGcaKd28Eg/w549-h365/GOFamilyFriends.jpeg" width="549" /></a><p></p><div>Come visit our store in the Provo Towne Center Mall, second floor, next to the food court.</div>fawndearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03615865845078146063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4367771855684362047.post-44609622850302566752022-11-12T22:46:00.001-08:002022-11-12T22:46:51.229-08:00Finding the Silver Lining<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In prepping for the opening of our store we borrowed a trailer from our business partner. Monday, I was taking the last light load from our home to the mall when I noticed a screeching sound a mile from my home. I pulled over and realized the bolts holding the trailer away from the axel were missing. Of course I was overwhelmed with anxiety. What would our partner think? Would he be upset. An hour and a half later he met me with a trailer repair service and I was immediately grateful we have such a forgiving and amazing business partner. Turns out this whole mishap was a tender mercy. Two bolts that were not properly tightened at the factory fell out, but it happened on a slow street with a light trailer load. Had it happened on the freeway or with a heavy load the results could have been disastrous. So this unexpected event which lifted my anxiety to the boiling point was really proof that I was indeed blessed. The trailer was jacked up, the bolts were replaced with no damage at all. A tender mercy was discovered and gratitude was felt on my part for such a gracious business partner.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdny-3i8LL3C4BLUPQc-6M_OD8ElAafDSzT-JMQhJSc-BvAz3zUecSs4ctUUI9lMI2AB2eHShmaiBQwNHwXWVA6nXKe_oCPldjzV874MXbJX47k2ZRAgu248OFZhBlJla4lVMxZm2tkIlLWC_9HeRxrkP6rg4RT9FHhGP0QfiOHSzBVzzMeGJuYU7cA/s4032/20221107_120334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdny-3i8LL3C4BLUPQc-6M_OD8ElAafDSzT-JMQhJSc-BvAz3zUecSs4ctUUI9lMI2AB2eHShmaiBQwNHwXWVA6nXKe_oCPldjzV874MXbJX47k2ZRAgu248OFZhBlJla4lVMxZm2tkIlLWC_9HeRxrkP6rg4RT9FHhGP0QfiOHSzBVzzMeGJuYU7cA/s320/20221107_120334.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tuesday, things went from stressful to mega stressful. My son tested positive for Covid. I was really counting on him full time to help get ready for our store opening. Our only full time employee was now out of the picture. Thursday two more kids tested positive. How am I going to do everything that needs to be done and get it done on time? How am I going to help my daughter who got Covid the day before her school play premiered. She lives for theater and now she is sidelined and may miss the whole run. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Find gratitude. How can that be possible? My husband is in India with his work so it's just me to take care of sick adult and teenage kids, and set up a new store. Here is what I came up with. I'm grateful that I got Covid last month. I've been able to slowly regain my health and I know what to do to take care of my family and limit my exposure to getting it a second time. I'm grateful they are sick this week. Had they been sick next week then they would not be able to participate in our store opening. I'm grateful that I've been trying so hard to do so well in school. It made the choice to focus on family, and business and have school take a backseat for this week easier. It's been hard not having the time to work on what I want to, but I have worked on what I've needed too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've been able to update inventory prior to store opening.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirBd4fdIZA1HQyTyRypR1WxfZXUzr9Ufg3Kl4WOhXY639BXFDrRkJe-D23Jg82p4nNrGZGevY71nUTx-3QeryOQK3Y-QaFayj1VBNqQcgLL-ma6LmQO5w1Inv9pUebyRXADKnehU7O5SrR4h6_n8DClQndtkIdPXO9gAom5jhswzlCKOCE1dE4PSijDw/s4032/20221109_102602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirBd4fdIZA1HQyTyRypR1WxfZXUzr9Ufg3Kl4WOhXY639BXFDrRkJe-D23Jg82p4nNrGZGevY71nUTx-3QeryOQK3Y-QaFayj1VBNqQcgLL-ma6LmQO5w1Inv9pUebyRXADKnehU7O5SrR4h6_n8DClQndtkIdPXO9gAom5jhswzlCKOCE1dE4PSijDw/s320/20221109_102602.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Prep our tent for Aurora Season at Evermore</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7S2CCg4HvcClnsUrGSyIjFZIiqoTzP7ZRbFJfg7tc93NWWAA1AAJ9SHisVTQGZcT_ovpLo0l_pYElyx5gE3w1m4Fk_-WEfPT1gtDT7w3Uy5xtTCOfQE3UHQ23IlxgMHcI9gxpf3_GIXkRBpHEht9l_udZXZZ6YfsvmiOoDg0uvmGBp9UwC3jgaJL4w/s4032/20221109_140428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7S2CCg4HvcClnsUrGSyIjFZIiqoTzP7ZRbFJfg7tc93NWWAA1AAJ9SHisVTQGZcT_ovpLo0l_pYElyx5gE3w1m4Fk_-WEfPT1gtDT7w3Uy5xtTCOfQE3UHQ23IlxgMHcI9gxpf3_GIXkRBpHEht9l_udZXZZ6YfsvmiOoDg0uvmGBp9UwC3jgaJL4w/s320/20221109_140428.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZEbU5VAN9EghzRqI-R9TSUnF-45cBr1tsZBiq0j5TmiEqqzD60bgCl1YIbRDwQ60F5l3_zDeMfSVE9BHpIgVZCYXU6pwQUjjjHvhnRYiWnmPTEfoFa4D6eqRiKL1Sb0POQxt-a7GFQhOtN_xePZnICM4uam8nx-3ArkLKResFk9oCMA6l_yjDivL0og/s3148/original_235b8710-3502-48f7-8c0a-026c106c75b5_20221109_140416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="3148" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZEbU5VAN9EghzRqI-R9TSUnF-45cBr1tsZBiq0j5TmiEqqzD60bgCl1YIbRDwQ60F5l3_zDeMfSVE9BHpIgVZCYXU6pwQUjjjHvhnRYiWnmPTEfoFa4D6eqRiKL1Sb0POQxt-a7GFQhOtN_xePZnICM4uam8nx-3ArkLKResFk9oCMA6l_yjDivL0og/s320/original_235b8710-3502-48f7-8c0a-026c106c75b5_20221109_140416.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I've been blessed to have a contractor working for us that could pick up a little more in order to help us get ready.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWWTU1PGA4PTLmCOsBHSWay2I6Qj29bQkiXjNkDiaWSnSpIwIFkePELHRAdqHeAJFWByCJbkTvpGYyKRWNgIFDJjFTyLcjVDd5mDOYuGznEZzBaC2QvlJUg8KYoh-qgKnWWK170lbifWJz245ma5ZqsEc9bcK1eO2nkFWnu2zQzaD_W-9lLYcWLTnJw/s4032/20221109_180417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWWTU1PGA4PTLmCOsBHSWay2I6Qj29bQkiXjNkDiaWSnSpIwIFkePELHRAdqHeAJFWByCJbkTvpGYyKRWNgIFDJjFTyLcjVDd5mDOYuGznEZzBaC2QvlJUg8KYoh-qgKnWWK170lbifWJz245ma5ZqsEc9bcK1eO2nkFWnu2zQzaD_W-9lLYcWLTnJw/s320/20221109_180417.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've been blessed to find other entrepreneurs and use their talents to add the the atmosphere of our store.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6joZvf4mMNwiqnGd6H-quytgB5USmRAapxZo62QLL_JzN8gjYyMisgXA35uwpzlGRMJEX97L1Mxq_URe1muxCkQAOJWYHEMb5pX-MU4Rb7FK_4Td7FzZh5E7SLxPzjpjMtA7Hm7P00PFSDMTayvSXehwfxlitxLF8olqUDFTJR7BsdI4yBR39vWJ1hw/s4032/20221109_180730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6joZvf4mMNwiqnGd6H-quytgB5USmRAapxZo62QLL_JzN8gjYyMisgXA35uwpzlGRMJEX97L1Mxq_URe1muxCkQAOJWYHEMb5pX-MU4Rb7FK_4Td7FzZh5E7SLxPzjpjMtA7Hm7P00PFSDMTayvSXehwfxlitxLF8olqUDFTJR7BsdI4yBR39vWJ1hw/s320/20221109_180730.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's happening. Somehow, our store will open and it will open on time. Everything might not be perfect, but we will get what needed done. How does this tie into this weeks reading with college about disciple leadership. Well to be honest, I'm not sure. But I know putting my family first is a start.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqb6P0QeShfaG_pFuHvkncJJkgsjZnEMjEGzVr6X2wFuwUuUUlvuLmNemdiz9yj7s_fKvggOn3M2WJ5OVElKx4Z0dWHtvNlQRtLt13n8TU3NCymVUGFyxLuUb2LBzoREOaXUtu6ytanYPAtbcJOX_qcIf7XYQAip5W2szppPaSvsir8W4ngL_VduwUAg/s4032/20221112_085717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqb6P0QeShfaG_pFuHvkncJJkgsjZnEMjEGzVr6X2wFuwUuUUlvuLmNemdiz9yj7s_fKvggOn3M2WJ5OVElKx4Z0dWHtvNlQRtLt13n8TU3NCymVUGFyxLuUb2LBzoREOaXUtu6ytanYPAtbcJOX_qcIf7XYQAip5W2szppPaSvsir8W4ngL_VduwUAg/s320/20221112_085717.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>fawndearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03615865845078146063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4367771855684362047.post-58540148213254858902022-11-05T16:47:00.002-07:002022-11-05T16:47:37.722-07:00Fighting Dragons<p> So this week in school we learned about fighting dragons. Some can leave their mark. My Covid turned into pneumonia and my sweet husband took me to Urgent Care because my cough was non-stop. The medicine they gave has been helping. I'm into this illness a month and realize that I was one of the few that got the long-haul version of Covid. I don't know when I'll get my old energy back or when the hack will be gone. It's been a battle non-stop with this dragon. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb8dJy1zHkcn_v9-aOZH4DaivtwBMvlcY0A0-pbcuZTd9S1qNu6jiaSm25mo7V545bO-cr9EdpNHOMbkDClJhS-wjtifVc8rfLcQgL8Tus_l14ifRZk7TtRr6jhNXZsgnHl9BD60ZmrP_nETNIGwCmyxo2dyekJO0IpC84mNTxd1bad38pixdWwUlQcA/s2000/314460904_664258905093036_3844146484453978020_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb8dJy1zHkcn_v9-aOZH4DaivtwBMvlcY0A0-pbcuZTd9S1qNu6jiaSm25mo7V545bO-cr9EdpNHOMbkDClJhS-wjtifVc8rfLcQgL8Tus_l14ifRZk7TtRr6jhNXZsgnHl9BD60ZmrP_nETNIGwCmyxo2dyekJO0IpC84mNTxd1bad38pixdWwUlQcA/s2000/314460904_664258905093036_3844146484453978020_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLV4xcshbMTUybXQU1vBrgn5h_G441vrgB88iXbVU8QH4bUUKC1LnSVE_u4jlJjDalTtRy_9OoND2pxX6X57k7xYLYabXBBxgCfZVyioCDBChQz-VMH9TCe2OQpUtqJlgYccVGrTqEyPkqKk-Gpx4cOHFzVoMbJat1ppTk_JyXcukhrMN_weJZz1Q4g/s320/314100813_1163679917606525_7443709920841226153_n%20(1).jpg" width="178" /></a></span></div></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRbavOM9HPjyMLpdIrFmWuURvEyHdpw3-5Rf_elc4pRNxMXT9m1rVKRa4dJXcfHym0ziLdwU2PLw-EKYG0ilChBOG8XivkR8_KKRGu6z1DOLHvtVasE81YJB6wFU7fCDBciU49tFLhEOlq0aVaJAqOhIxKL0jScTWYLLTpJLE7icPtJpeo_iYs_5f1g/s1747/313872408_495203089298215_3404431101205246419_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1747" data-original-width="1418" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRbavOM9HPjyMLpdIrFmWuURvEyHdpw3-5Rf_elc4pRNxMXT9m1rVKRa4dJXcfHym0ziLdwU2PLw-EKYG0ilChBOG8XivkR8_KKRGu6z1DOLHvtVasE81YJB6wFU7fCDBciU49tFLhEOlq0aVaJAqOhIxKL0jScTWYLLTpJLE7icPtJpeo_iYs_5f1g/s320/313872408_495203089298215_3404431101205246419_n.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The part that frustrates me the most is that I have a brand new store to put together and no energy to do it. Fortunately I have some world-class help. Evo-man and Abner have been working non-stop to help me achieve this dream we share.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1504" data-original-width="2000" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb8dJy1zHkcn_v9-aOZH4DaivtwBMvlcY0A0-pbcuZTd9S1qNu6jiaSm25mo7V545bO-cr9EdpNHOMbkDClJhS-wjtifVc8rfLcQgL8Tus_l14ifRZk7TtRr6jhNXZsgnHl9BD60ZmrP_nETNIGwCmyxo2dyekJO0IpC84mNTxd1bad38pixdWwUlQcA/s320/314460904_664258905093036_3844146484453978020_n.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yesterday Evo-man burned 40 crates and we rearranged them and our other displays to make a Soda/Candy Counter in our new gaming store.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljayD8MF0OVEsvdhLeFG05QKytBsqABbOAz70yY61NFFxygKTGAcxDePpe_4mRxczce4R-tycN5YVE8fRdYdQDJuBi47tzKGu5IstuTPcIra9wBvzkP3GYrefKqt04WtqKciVzCcxZUSpI0YsPntA2qCBO95OyXTnfOBefBUIv4qKSRjHYTqpHOhWxA/s2016/310076366_618223010094883_1855531825070924652_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1134" data-original-width="2016" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljayD8MF0OVEsvdhLeFG05QKytBsqABbOAz70yY61NFFxygKTGAcxDePpe_4mRxczce4R-tycN5YVE8fRdYdQDJuBi47tzKGu5IstuTPcIra9wBvzkP3GYrefKqt04WtqKciVzCcxZUSpI0YsPntA2qCBO95OyXTnfOBefBUIv4qKSRjHYTqpHOhWxA/s320/310076366_618223010094883_1855531825070924652_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is another dragon that the previous store tenants left - this beast of a stage/closet. Well it's a dragon I can't tackle on my own so we asked for help.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpLUcQ1iXl-Lg5JSF8WYOBVTq9tVEGIapVUT9N7YJadqMaEOwXvFCx4qmUc92hmotU8Hk1eHFRN9jW6lqrVojz1n1JpSTd2LpH1ZKaLyafqMEWfswZsDMzu8m2ByxhP3wyhDSOj1CjR4Zs93LQBb0m2nP-BAvnAEuraMhHeIDFIH3MVcZ8wEjM0OQUZA/s2016/313989511_863299308361150_6615413609736876758_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1134" data-original-width="2016" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpLUcQ1iXl-Lg5JSF8WYOBVTq9tVEGIapVUT9N7YJadqMaEOwXvFCx4qmUc92hmotU8Hk1eHFRN9jW6lqrVojz1n1JpSTd2LpH1ZKaLyafqMEWfswZsDMzu8m2ByxhP3wyhDSOj1CjR4Zs93LQBb0m2nP-BAvnAEuraMhHeIDFIH3MVcZ8wEjM0OQUZA/s320/313989511_863299308361150_6615413609736876758_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Abner put out a call on TikTok asking for help in our store. And guess who showed up...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmt96nORR2vmICnghjmSya4MyJj8Z88kJ-3jr8ms-C81LrLwYpG3Fubj9Qr-OB0a3to5lvRRN99MkJwoBnlqCBXGG0oddGJeywxfqk4vfgwmfFkZJICo9wBfMg8e4SdN1htlIgiBEFdDn8XE7Wwm2FPkqQVGgcVtRmxJJZcY_lOuSYGSxvAw3IdXj-UQ/s1360/314342030_1189476288653389_8451630022454725571_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="1360" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmt96nORR2vmICnghjmSya4MyJj8Z88kJ-3jr8ms-C81LrLwYpG3Fubj9Qr-OB0a3to5lvRRN99MkJwoBnlqCBXGG0oddGJeywxfqk4vfgwmfFkZJICo9wBfMg8e4SdN1htlIgiBEFdDn8XE7Wwm2FPkqQVGgcVtRmxJJZcY_lOuSYGSxvAw3IdXj-UQ/s320/314342030_1189476288653389_8451630022454725571_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We were thinking we may get 5 or 6 people. But the first wave of over 30 people (most we have never met in person) had in less than an hour and a half, washed 40 chairs, took apart that monster stage, moved the closet, painted 4 sections of slat wall, removed soundproof tiles from a display wall, built 2 Ikea tables, put up a 9 ft Christmas tree and added lights, put together dice goodie bags and so, so much more. More and more people kept coming and offering to help so we painted another storage bin. It was incredible how many total strangers showed up just to be apart of a store that will help draw people together through Table top gaming. Amazing! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So it's ok to ask for help. Just be willing to be overwhelmed with gratitude! We slew that dragon!</div><br /><br /><p></p>fawndearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03615865845078146063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4367771855684362047.post-53585061368145118342022-10-27T08:39:00.000-07:002022-10-27T08:39:34.422-07:00Information Overload<p> This week in school we read a synopsis of Covey's book, 'The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People'. We also gave a book report of George Leonard's book 'Mastery'. My brain is spinning. I love what I'm learning, but I have to say I'm learning it so quickly there is no time left to incorporate all the wonderful things I am learning. Say you give an old dog 25 new treats. He gobbles them up so quickly he doesn't know which one is his favorite. How is he supposed to eat them all and enjoy them. I know, horrible analogy.</p><p>So I spent literally 10 hours this week reading, taking meticulous notes, studying the notes, writing a 800 page book report. I love this stuff, but I have to admit that I hate the tests. They don't grade you on the important principles you should learn but twist certain aspects of wording in what we learned and hope you get the answers wrong. The tests are full of trick questions and I've never gotten all the answers right even with my zeal for note taking. </p><p>So I'm applying the dreaded test taking to my business. I'm not going to get everything right. No matter how long I spend trying to learn every nuance, accounting tool, display idea. I can learn until I'm blue in the face, but I can't wait until I'm perfect in knowledge to take the step of just doing. I've got to move forward and do. I'd love to say I'm incorporating every wonderful idea I read about, but in truth I have the mental brain power to say incorporate maybe one good idea out of thirty. </p><p>In the meantime. I'm compiling a nice little collection of books I want to re-read.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd4IlhIJr5r08_U9p68cK35rDRlc9oY-Zz8dSFKb5QkEWQr0l2f2D02n_Dup9gClgXbdXs24-hAzQaerHa8ufDGYYVNfZ5V8TWfKB3Uu2QMxFsU16hy5RW5qjvOcLsawllAlvXK5QsLximW2xoAXffkKW3tOFDrnXP11fQ4gzZSZrzlY66hrnY28cXwA/s4032/20221027_092358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd4IlhIJr5r08_U9p68cK35rDRlc9oY-Zz8dSFKb5QkEWQr0l2f2D02n_Dup9gClgXbdXs24-hAzQaerHa8ufDGYYVNfZ5V8TWfKB3Uu2QMxFsU16hy5RW5qjvOcLsawllAlvXK5QsLximW2xoAXffkKW3tOFDrnXP11fQ4gzZSZrzlY66hrnY28cXwA/s320/20221027_092358.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Add to that, even more notebooks full of wonderful ideas.</div><p></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNyhyxLEU4tmVro2CfrSiSrapjnQ2FCKpUASQdnIToKuidHqDY4vFiR7l9WtJyaQ6IhkUWbKUKactVnMLKIChvSnz2YBOEhk6vnWqV3lPSuDL0eJ_9W2yROoRpbApCxGzGSdi4wyTY-f_0ArkiNIwzwcOuNDl11_fvEXePpMsRR9HKAJDsGRXzP1jWlA/s4032/20221027_092350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNyhyxLEU4tmVro2CfrSiSrapjnQ2FCKpUASQdnIToKuidHqDY4vFiR7l9WtJyaQ6IhkUWbKUKactVnMLKIChvSnz2YBOEhk6vnWqV3lPSuDL0eJ_9W2yROoRpbApCxGzGSdi4wyTY-f_0ArkiNIwzwcOuNDl11_fvEXePpMsRR9HKAJDsGRXzP1jWlA/s320/20221027_092350.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I want to revisit them when I have more time. I hate the word someday. I equate it with never. Some distant date, set in the far future when I'll then incorporate all I really want to. I tell myself after college, but I'm sure I'll be so busy with my business then that I won't have time then either.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So this post is a bit of a downer. I want more time to absorb and apply what I'm learning, but feel so overwhelmed with information overload I don't know where to begin. But then that's life with all about the ups and downs right? My one take away. Just Do - move forward, and hope in the future that one more of these great ideas will pop into my head as I'm doing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>fawndearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03615865845078146063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4367771855684362047.post-55071124097026970472022-10-21T09:29:00.003-07:002022-10-21T09:29:32.569-07:00Thrilled and Terrified at the Same Time<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Don't call Extreme Hoarders on me. This chaos has a purpose. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFXjkyuj3kPv7LelC5db5ozxNG8D4XgvruiJetvdjE2MqJsqz0K41GYwXJX3_t0FKBZABw74CxZU0fBtHpHCFoOwbgLW0Y7I7-37LVGSUzWj8KQQXapqs0hBnD-kYkpwBan1tuUZNGk7kAJIhAyXB0uG2Yp2hdXHxdZmnvn_W4WoWJ05xZMqqHDXdIg/s4032/20221021_094526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFXjkyuj3kPv7LelC5db5ozxNG8D4XgvruiJetvdjE2MqJsqz0K41GYwXJX3_t0FKBZABw74CxZU0fBtHpHCFoOwbgLW0Y7I7-37LVGSUzWj8KQQXapqs0hBnD-kYkpwBan1tuUZNGk7kAJIhAyXB0uG2Yp2hdXHxdZmnvn_W4WoWJ05xZMqqHDXdIg/s320/20221021_094526.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This week I was able to be apart of an event that has me thrilled and terrified at the same time. We signed papers on our first store. We have been permanent vendors at Evermore Park for over a year and a half and now we are settling into a permanent home at Provo Towne Center Mall. Well, we get the keys on the 31st. Meanwhile our store fixtures and inventory is in my front room, family room and all of Andrew's garage. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiMECVLMnlH0TbOYn8gfwWQ3ZInj-yoFo78mZdoXa56lq66U6VdrSAEMJGHV5qkAoioOKx2rmyhK6D_z493aOJe1g_2AsprREmwjlvhkWeQVrZvlxiEYk01xa-bC27N1Jy0pXW6B5nan53TeWAPxPz-rNK1WdrLP1L45Z2QOu0BOcfDsBpyf1ogmq7mA/s4032/20221021_094620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiMECVLMnlH0TbOYn8gfwWQ3ZInj-yoFo78mZdoXa56lq66U6VdrSAEMJGHV5qkAoioOKx2rmyhK6D_z493aOJe1g_2AsprREmwjlvhkWeQVrZvlxiEYk01xa-bC27N1Jy0pXW6B5nan53TeWAPxPz-rNK1WdrLP1L45Z2QOu0BOcfDsBpyf1ogmq7mA/s320/20221021_094620.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This week in school we learned about more about Mastery or becoming who it is we were meant to be.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some of the keys to acquiring Mastery are...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1. Instruction - finding your Mr. Myogi (like the Karate Kid's mentor/teacher) Networking to find someone who can help guide me on my path.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2. Practice - is the endless path of learning on my journey to becoming who I am meant to be. It requires dedication and the desire to always go above and beyond what's required in learning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3. Surrender - Being humble enough to recognize you can always learn more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4. Intentionality - bringing in the mental imagery game. Creating the vision of what you want and having that vision fuel your desire to get there. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">5. The Edge - Always test the edge of the envelope. Can you always learn more, be creative, live intentionally.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These keys are never-ending and replay again and again. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Since I was little I've had a very active, creative imagination. Now I'm actually getting close to putting that creative and imagination into a store that can help others 'Create their own Fantasy' and 'Live the Adventure'. Those two phrases are in our mission statement. My addition is helping people create their own fantasy character through leather costuming. My boys help with the 'Live the Adventure' in their immersive RPG experiences and accessories. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I loved revisiting this quote by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The heights by great men reached and kept</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">were not attained by sudden flight,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But they, while their companions slept,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">were toiling upward in the night.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This dream is years of learning, practice, imagining and creating. It was also lots of toiling. Last week I learned that I need to make my health a priority again. This week I'm taking definitive steps in my entrepreneurial journey. Wish me luck.</div></div><br /><br /> <p></p>fawndearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03615865845078146063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4367771855684362047.post-65336146244291951722022-10-12T11:37:00.000-07:002022-10-12T11:37:16.157-07:00The Hero's Journey & That Darn Dragon<p> This week in school we learned about Mastery and The Hero's Journey.</p><p>Mastery, we were taught, resists definition. It's recognized instantly in its many varieties. Mastery is not a destination or the fulfillment of a goal, but it is defined by the process to which the journey to achieve that goal or destination is applied.</p><p>The Hero's journey is similar in that it is about the journey or process itself. It is about becoming, learning how to learn, and how to live a life of meaning. </p><p>Like all great stories of hero's on their journey there are challenges. Road blocks or obstacles that can make the journey a little less sure, more fraught with stress. This week I'm going through such a set-back. One I have successfully avoided for over 2 1/2 years. But this challenge hit me during my busiest vending season of the year and just a few weeks before my first ever store opens. This dragon I'm fighting is Covid. </p><p>I'm feeling really crummy, with little to no energy to do everything that needs to be done. I can't work my leather, clean the house, take kids places, or even navigate the stairs without feeling like I just ran a marathon. It is discouraging because there is so much to do with my store. </p><p>So like all hero's I'm looking for that light at the end of the tunnel. That light is the family that has stepped up to help bring me food, continue running the business without my help by adding a little bit more to their own plates. It is also in turning my focus on what I cannot do to what I still can do. I can still place orders for inventory, make networking connections through text and email. And I can still do my online learning for school. </p><p>One of my assignments this week was to set up an imaginary board of directors for my company. How cool it would be to have Richard Taylor from Weta Workshop, and Walt Disney on my board. But then I thought back to the people who have helped me become who I am today and I would have to include my amazing Prince Erik, my mom and Solange Vegara on my board. I need to let those people know how grateful I am for their influence on my life. </p><p>So even though I'm confined to a bed and room while this illness runs it's course, it's nice to have time to reflect on who has helped me become who I am today and who can help me become who I will be someday. </p>fawndearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03615865845078146063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4367771855684362047.post-48024731248930063352022-10-06T13:36:00.000-07:002022-10-06T13:36:02.083-07:00No Genie Needed!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't need a Genie or Fairy Godmother to make my wishes come true. I can become my own fairy godmother. I can do this.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkqgx5d6esACT6pvO23EAuyoWc1qQXgdbkdPfA4_z6o0HOg6OYmlUG6Wx43Hrze-E8yZIImTNofFc51gIPBuXEevYUoOrJ68zNgEkpqMkOsk9afRAup2WGd006CIeIug7Euhg0eUhDexzUHQcueNCnReF0eujotnnJHZSrWTd2AcM_3HCTh9rN7Eun-g/s4032/20221003_095439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkqgx5d6esACT6pvO23EAuyoWc1qQXgdbkdPfA4_z6o0HOg6OYmlUG6Wx43Hrze-E8yZIImTNofFc51gIPBuXEevYUoOrJ68zNgEkpqMkOsk9afRAup2WGd006CIeIug7Euhg0eUhDexzUHQcueNCnReF0eujotnnJHZSrWTd2AcM_3HCTh9rN7Eun-g/s320/20221003_095439.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This week I did something I haven't done with my business so far and it felt wonderful. In all of my work I haven't paid myself. I've put every penny back into the business to help it grow. I've considered that a blessing, but so many people have been encouraging me to pay myself first and then if I decide to invest, I can. Well I paid myself and guess where it led. My happy place - Disneyland. I was able to pay my own way and join my son and his family as his wife and two kids experienced Disneyland for the first time. And to my surprise I didn't feel any guilt. It felt wonderful to reward myself for my hard work this past year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Something else wonderful happened. Not once, but repeatedly over the two days I spend with Abner's family. Every time I volunteered to stay with little Mister while Mom, Dad and big sister did rides we had little tender mercies with walk-around characters. We met, Aladdin, Genie, Buzz Lightyear, Captain America and Jack Sparrow. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1pZtZj-5QV8La4eMecpVbFNMGgbKdXhIUQYA6jmbypoIj1qMFqdybPV3B03YGA1coJfbBC9Y13UMQGJDAJoK-dOCfimROUDWkAtJD7du3HU8Lrwp7uYLwAiP41dYTHEhmbR-pLEFlOqzf4i-RnhuwLxK60Xt_uh6BhztIzVfMV4DADHTa0EgSgpXtsQ/s4032/20221004_105938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1pZtZj-5QV8La4eMecpVbFNMGgbKdXhIUQYA6jmbypoIj1qMFqdybPV3B03YGA1coJfbBC9Y13UMQGJDAJoK-dOCfimROUDWkAtJD7du3HU8Lrwp7uYLwAiP41dYTHEhmbR-pLEFlOqzf4i-RnhuwLxK60Xt_uh6BhztIzVfMV4DADHTa0EgSgpXtsQ/s320/20221004_105938.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldKyOrP2rh-gV9CgV5OGPp2DnkaCmneuOkleoBVNyAKSP2mTSYTLSfmLnFyuwSQHlR_mqhZcc8tN74p9Vbo8Fia3HnKighKbD3t7RcFiFQB4YXeoiUnlpPh_vpH22rop-_xq1I86W7_7qfVFk1TLqHKy9n02OHUUwaF70X-fl97r3KWsDJeR4oeHIzg/s3264/20221004_130100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldKyOrP2rh-gV9CgV5OGPp2DnkaCmneuOkleoBVNyAKSP2mTSYTLSfmLnFyuwSQHlR_mqhZcc8tN74p9Vbo8Fia3HnKighKbD3t7RcFiFQB4YXeoiUnlpPh_vpH22rop-_xq1I86W7_7qfVFk1TLqHKy9n02OHUUwaF70X-fl97r3KWsDJeR4oeHIzg/s320/20221004_130100.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvgiDuILy3OwN67HVjwHIy2OuDb7kK5Q0rQKA4mWJGYmb3BU7n9eZdmyJaV6Smezwmu5hZDEnlFFc5K6aKoDoflCZ80xzU90bffV5GFVUHE6oeYLHo3Hyhpopuku8QPpuukNUIRWFM63JOPuAy9iJLRCTzIkEavo-KxTvkOi6ceEY2LQKIkv6KHmk1A/s4032/20221003_145543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvgiDuILy3OwN67HVjwHIy2OuDb7kK5Q0rQKA4mWJGYmb3BU7n9eZdmyJaV6Smezwmu5hZDEnlFFc5K6aKoDoflCZ80xzU90bffV5GFVUHE6oeYLHo3Hyhpopuku8QPpuukNUIRWFM63JOPuAy9iJLRCTzIkEavo-KxTvkOi6ceEY2LQKIkv6KHmk1A/s320/20221003_145543.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The little girl inside of my was giddy as all get-out. And you know what? Sometimes the most meaningful, memorable experiences we can have, come in those unexpected moments of service. I didn't want to be in my happy place to ride rides, and get autographs. I wanted to be there so that I could allow my son's family to have those experiences. And boy was I the one that felt blessed in that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My hard work with this business allowed me to bless the lives of my son's family and I can think of no greater experience.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This weeks college learning wasn't just snuck in late at night after a long day of walking and a little bit on the plane ride home. There wasn't a moment where I wasn't serving, working and learning. Even walking around the magic kingdom, my son and I were gleaning ideas for our store design, marketing, learning from the Master Walt Disney himself. Disneyland has taken the time to learn how to do it right. And we were trying to learn even while enjoying the magic. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Imagine fun seasonal banners like these (minus the bats) hanging in our store.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9sK8fzApuSydGIp_y1J2A4tFRg_5VaDDusMdVl-WuytcTeZO-QmQV4WuV97qKez4nUh5YZtcrLXSGkrDR8MQgBjh7TgOyFh6zFS8K6DRrYf1DeryblfrlRTpV8MJj44V4Nvlfj09RGvmKrE1ClUwgHveE8GeHWc7F42LphDkXzz0U16BLy1bMMW4HA/s4032/20221004_095345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9sK8fzApuSydGIp_y1J2A4tFRg_5VaDDusMdVl-WuytcTeZO-QmQV4WuV97qKez4nUh5YZtcrLXSGkrDR8MQgBjh7TgOyFh6zFS8K6DRrYf1DeryblfrlRTpV8MJj44V4Nvlfj09RGvmKrE1ClUwgHveE8GeHWc7F42LphDkXzz0U16BLy1bMMW4HA/w176-h132/20221004_095345.jpg" width="176" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfmg9tzBov6fALkD1rR0wN6P5R3kP-mXkV99kuvIk2J1wb3gipDmEBgPGo5mp-xgaEvOcXAifCo5Q5YXhmevOs5ctgMCM-3AIheV_EpUPmxP3lv2PyDXcfCZfdEq247Frg8haSg98XPKk1gypivOr_OAmUyuv7eX8gEIZl0INuJqwO_8-wcPgOweJTw/s4032/20221004_095357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfmg9tzBov6fALkD1rR0wN6P5R3kP-mXkV99kuvIk2J1wb3gipDmEBgPGo5mp-xgaEvOcXAifCo5Q5YXhmevOs5ctgMCM-3AIheV_EpUPmxP3lv2PyDXcfCZfdEq247Frg8haSg98XPKk1gypivOr_OAmUyuv7eX8gEIZl0INuJqwO_8-wcPgOweJTw/w187-h140/20221004_095357.jpg" width="187" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5V78aB5J_HEkJx4OqCJ7Etn27R4H05pxEr9NaVisX3_zO6SNXThort7towX_CwvQdzvPy7UcAME_E-fwQ98nffqKiXzJvmBvxGkr546R1-NWtGuFOLCR1vYeU6iGkynLlFF6cM8Thc-BhultPAjs8kNWpr-1SsSqtq1DxtnBYyg9dTMX9zZUDMahyJw/s4032/20221004_095558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5V78aB5J_HEkJx4OqCJ7Etn27R4H05pxEr9NaVisX3_zO6SNXThort7towX_CwvQdzvPy7UcAME_E-fwQ98nffqKiXzJvmBvxGkr546R1-NWtGuFOLCR1vYeU6iGkynLlFF6cM8Thc-BhultPAjs8kNWpr-1SsSqtq1DxtnBYyg9dTMX9zZUDMahyJw/w130-h173/20221004_095558.jpg" width="130" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Something we've been learning about all semester is the importance of good mentors. At Disneyland we had the best mentor, fairy-Godmother, Prince Erik's sister Gamma Mimi all wrapped in one. She was the best pro, directing us into which lines were the fastest, the best food, the best walking paths to avoid crowds, how to use the Genie app to skip lines and order food without waiting, etc. She not only told us, but showed us how to do it. So the second day when she wasn't with us we were still able to use the skills she taught us and have a successful, fun adventure. I want great mentors for my business as well. They can guide and direct me as I go and I can take the lesson learned to move forward on my own.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the Launching Leaders book by Steven A. Hitz (which I highly recommend reading) it says. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>"Your journey through life should be filled with actually tasting and participating in the act of giving, not just hearing about it or watching others do it."</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This week I participated, and served and learned and it's made all the difference. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>fawndearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03615865845078146063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4367771855684362047.post-34272973687785939552022-09-29T11:37:00.001-07:002022-09-29T11:37:20.957-07:00Ethical Guardrails (Guideposts)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nine years ago one of my boys decided that he could drive our family vehicle faster than road conditions allowed. He ended up spinning out of control, crossed the lane of traffic once and hit the guardrail.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYypD8R-6ozV4zz9UHUTRzYW9gYSxfRWBCN8FM144frMTIJpXbVuABX5gsfJ-U-8FxDjZj3LjAHbGrAjF2-guCwxTxMLOcPyLE5OIhXVYnPUni7Y9VjcogViOMCeKonCvTvn8YmL5QZ-nL9KWBuHESDqNMDJiPnClupCQ8YaO5i-2VkLXzV_rSRwVB1w/s1296/V__5EC9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="972" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYypD8R-6ozV4zz9UHUTRzYW9gYSxfRWBCN8FM144frMTIJpXbVuABX5gsfJ-U-8FxDjZj3LjAHbGrAjF2-guCwxTxMLOcPyLE5OIhXVYnPUni7Y9VjcogViOMCeKonCvTvn8YmL5QZ-nL9KWBuHESDqNMDJiPnClupCQ8YaO5i-2VkLXzV_rSRwVB1w/s320/V__5EC9.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> Then he spun around again, tagged the guardrail with the other end of the vehicle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfEyfRhwUactgV4iVuoEAXoz9d_SiW4_Cwez-nEOlWZniKp460xCERcEMyvnf2TintJgmIaf9dCAsFX-cq-LQFohdIDOPCwSGnXxEBjQ1CBrRpQCNXJpOJGLv5iIRqFjr-Ijk1Lj4llQIluarg4mcAy30SqYU13rCS7k2YcBiOQxmpgP9LPyD1wATXw/s3552/WP_20130312_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="3552" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfEyfRhwUactgV4iVuoEAXoz9d_SiW4_Cwez-nEOlWZniKp460xCERcEMyvnf2TintJgmIaf9dCAsFX-cq-LQFohdIDOPCwSGnXxEBjQ1CBrRpQCNXJpOJGLv5iIRqFjr-Ijk1Lj4llQIluarg4mcAy30SqYU13rCS7k2YcBiOQxmpgP9LPyD1wATXw/s320/WP_20130312_001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finally the vehicle crossed back over both lanes of traffic to end up backward in a ditch. Goodbye family vehicle. Fortunately our son escaped unhurt. It was then I noticed the miracle. The Guardrail was our miracle. On the other side of it was the Snoqualamie River. Had those guardrails not been there he would have ended up in the river two different times and the outcome could have been tragic. Nearly 30 feet of guardrail was destroyed by our vehicle but they did their job.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIIo-ZpVAuZu7TsNOSWKWuCbipZpXp2ozfvWpKrrcGPDMFl_RSq_oZwLXHQqj1dcrzlNYNzZF1md4DzqoauxDW7uF90f8Av7O7Xn94jNUe7I5ZqQQLrz_uM2MolxgtfRmP8MsNXeEMZ3p-52ihphZusnLgpC9bVsiBQ84a6_JvAkgJxrpO1wMUtRf0Q/s1296/V__1FF2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="972" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIIo-ZpVAuZu7TsNOSWKWuCbipZpXp2ozfvWpKrrcGPDMFl_RSq_oZwLXHQqj1dcrzlNYNzZF1md4DzqoauxDW7uF90f8Av7O7Xn94jNUe7I5ZqQQLrz_uM2MolxgtfRmP8MsNXeEMZ3p-52ihphZusnLgpC9bVsiBQ84a6_JvAkgJxrpO1wMUtRf0Q/s320/V__1FF2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br />This week in my entrepreneurial class we learned about ethics. In 'Making a Living and a Life' by Elder Lynn G. Robbins he gave grades for levels of acquiring wealth. A-Level grades are given to people whose primary motivation is lifting others or love of God and fellow man and the secondary motivation is earning money. B-Level is where the motivations are flipped. C-Level is the love of money is the primary motivation and the secondary motivation is an indifference to clients and customers. Then there is Level D where there is no regard at all for distress and harm to customers. <p></p><p>We also discussed how our core values and spirituality correspond so closely with how we practice our professions. We need to be congruent in both our personal, spiritual, and professional lives. Hence the scripture 'No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.' Matthew 6:24<br /></p><p>I'd like to think of sticking to those core values as my guardrails, my guideposts. This week was our first test of those values. In signing the lease for our new store we wanted to put into writing that we wouldn't be open on Sunday. The owners of the property felt it was important to be open on Sunday. In fact they own the one and only mall in Utah that is open on Sunday. Of the two malls in Utah County it is the mall that is doing so much poorer. Less patrons, stores etc. Coincidence? They are affordable and have space for us which is why we choose to pursue this lease. Needless to say, if we do take that location and refuse to open on Sunday then we will be charged an extra $500 a month. So staying true to our keeping the Sabbath Day Holy is going to cost us an additional $500 a month. Is it worth it? Absolutely. I really want all the blessings I can get and living an ethical life and business is worth the price. </p><p>One of my other challenges in business is rationalization. I think to myself, 'Well, if they aren't playing fair(competitors), then neither will I." It's tempting to not stick to my word when someone else who has promised you something doesn't stick to theirs. But I realize that the only person I hurt is myself when I break my word. We've been hurt by the decisions of other when it comes to business and our opinion of them drops. However, we've been blessed beyond measure by others in our business who openly collaborate with us and keep their word. I want to be a blessing to others as well. I feel there is family of merchants whose policy is 'lets help lift each other.' We lift each other at the same time.</p><p>Here are my business Guardrails.</p><p>I will never stoop to a lower level even when dealing with someone else who does.</p><p>I will never work on Sundays.</p><p>I will never put business above my family.</p><p>I will always strive to be honest in my dealings with my fellowman.</p><p>I will always look for ways to innovate and make the process of business faster without compromising quality or I'll always try to be a lifelong learner.</p><p>I will always try to be a team player and build up those around me.</p><p>By doing this I feel I will be able to protect myself and my family business from tragic mistakes.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /></p>fawndearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03615865845078146063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4367771855684362047.post-90967194103014390212022-09-24T08:05:00.006-07:002022-09-24T08:05:48.625-07:00Never to late to Dream.<p> When I was 13-years-old I built my first (Dream) tree house by myself. It was messy, not pretty and very unstable. But I loved it. I was the imaginative sort of child that liked to play pretend and make imagination a reality. Three days before my family took the biggest vacation ever to Disneyland, I fell out of that tree house and landed on an old water pump in the backyard, busting it off from its metal pipe while taking a bit of flesh off my backside just in time for the family trip. OUCH!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96E04Wzlp4j9TrYazzwlckdlIR9GgIuQdqp5Lh5yTPEh5xsFw5VJCH99V1TyFCJ3nFCV47a1PBaTxoEq0m_IRVioX_XOr6iSii9LM-8CRBMnCxoXEdbwQpQlCuzE_3srsMqQDNae982_9--kR4LtL2ioeyG6FpH8dWDBF9KYkpxdN2CJsFcq8e8FmNQ/s2016/Disney%20Fawn%20First.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1504" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96E04Wzlp4j9TrYazzwlckdlIR9GgIuQdqp5Lh5yTPEh5xsFw5VJCH99V1TyFCJ3nFCV47a1PBaTxoEq0m_IRVioX_XOr6iSii9LM-8CRBMnCxoXEdbwQpQlCuzE_3srsMqQDNae982_9--kR4LtL2ioeyG6FpH8dWDBF9KYkpxdN2CJsFcq8e8FmNQ/s320/Disney%20Fawn%20First.jpeg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm the tall kid in the middle leaning precariously on one side to avoid the agony of sitting on my injured bottom. Photographic proof that I could dream and work on building those dream, even if it meant falling and getting hurt. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love Dreaming. This week I took a huge step toward another Dream I've had. For the past 14 months I've been creating leather armor with my son and partnering with all my family to create a family business. After being a constant visitor to Fan X (Comic Con), this week we became a vendor. Here is our "GEEK Together Booth" at Fan X 2022 Salt Lake City.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXA7Kog7rAZpyulNa-iK00zA4CNVAkKh0PjXchCvWv63jrWyV9E4_cIbJ4qNCQPIVnclX48Ubfynryj-ZSluJUmveYKs8MpMNB8ol54nXgpIGlOPNrwmUopp1KSI8KqZ_9EZW9uloFanRL5T6Pxp9HXtAFQKFD5wZulBUiNRN8WbDufB5rwr6gEcCQQ/s2016/Fan%20X%202022%20Booth%201.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXA7Kog7rAZpyulNa-iK00zA4CNVAkKh0PjXchCvWv63jrWyV9E4_cIbJ4qNCQPIVnclX48Ubfynryj-ZSluJUmveYKs8MpMNB8ol54nXgpIGlOPNrwmUopp1KSI8KqZ_9EZW9uloFanRL5T6Pxp9HXtAFQKFD5wZulBUiNRN8WbDufB5rwr6gEcCQQ/s320/Fan%20X%202022%20Booth%201.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK945krBgyOTdA8z6RgK1vuRpTiTKJ0fyGQEdtga2PUtfk6G_sXZyFH0e0M_CY_Z1afladLZgv6K9WQvhmwVzObP1nrlgo7zo9ydlD_6IF-J1PTjXRbGXeqY6MmT3tT1uOgQR9MlYTgvjHtCtlSZz-XqpsSGraFzqOkeI_re3LdjW_qXh9BLqkSxTOzg/s2016/Fan%20X%202022%20Family.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK945krBgyOTdA8z6RgK1vuRpTiTKJ0fyGQEdtga2PUtfk6G_sXZyFH0e0M_CY_Z1afladLZgv6K9WQvhmwVzObP1nrlgo7zo9ydlD_6IF-J1PTjXRbGXeqY6MmT3tT1uOgQR9MlYTgvjHtCtlSZz-XqpsSGraFzqOkeI_re3LdjW_qXh9BLqkSxTOzg/s320/Fan%20X%202022%20Family.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The three amazing people you see are my three sons, Abner, T-rev and Evoman.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghbRK69Mu2NPx131Ns-5PxvkhGsMBNCtCdPu63XZLNjAChXgd3sh2X79TJD40aMq2lMq6-65AGIdH9M1FbhmZON-EQKnDrrHbrALkGG-yW5ZdGQ504TZD086t5BhARFI933f7g6UoX2oTbjeiIX2TJS04G3Mg34vKshL_ez952GO4EMCVSTNSpInmBmw/s1920/Fan%20X%202022.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="864" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghbRK69Mu2NPx131Ns-5PxvkhGsMBNCtCdPu63XZLNjAChXgd3sh2X79TJD40aMq2lMq6-65AGIdH9M1FbhmZON-EQKnDrrHbrALkGG-yW5ZdGQ504TZD086t5BhARFI933f7g6UoX2oTbjeiIX2TJS04G3Mg34vKshL_ez952GO4EMCVSTNSpInmBmw/s320/Fan%20X%202022.jpeg" width="144" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm the tired, exhausted happy lump on the floor.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3TF2gUABmW3Jl2mKajAYVLcchHfwBffBIxuUvVkWm1zOvpv0AmXrJQe4dd92sWzNMiLDubxbN-cb3HakYa36vyioxoqLzBG_vCbXpsWaGVsBAp5NtcxI_jauCQNfFSnTiqypldrH7tfYQkZF8x4RQf6DO-7qBMvQ2pcvF1Zl4m8ZnNIOqJFI911evg/s2016/Fan%20X%202022%20leather.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3TF2gUABmW3Jl2mKajAYVLcchHfwBffBIxuUvVkWm1zOvpv0AmXrJQe4dd92sWzNMiLDubxbN-cb3HakYa36vyioxoqLzBG_vCbXpsWaGVsBAp5NtcxI_jauCQNfFSnTiqypldrH7tfYQkZF8x4RQf6DO-7qBMvQ2pcvF1Zl4m8ZnNIOqJFI911evg/s320/Fan%20X%202022%20leather.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are some of my handcrafted leather armor. Shoulder pauldrons, bracers, baldrics and grieves, sword frogs, wand holders, belt pouches and more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This week in my college class I had two great takeaways. I watched an incredible video about Randy Pausch's called The Last Lecture. In it he talked about brick walls we run into in our lives. What stuck out to me was when he said, "The brick walls are not to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. The brick walls are to stop the people who don't want it badly enough."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I want to dream so badly that I am pulling 60-80 hour weeks with college and work combined. I'm that happy exhausted lady who is giving it her all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My other takeaway from this weeks lesson was from 'Stars and Steppingstones' by Jeff Sandefer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He said, "The ultimate horror is not death. The ultimate horror is to wake up at age fifty-five or sixty and realize that you have wasted your life, either that time has slipped past while your dreams waited, or that you never had any dreams at all... At fifty five or sixty often it is too late to start over. There are not enough hours in the day, or days in the year. Starts and steppingstones are a way to avoid the horror of a meaningless life."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To which I thought. CODSWALLOP and BALDERDASH. It is absolutely not too late for me to start living a new dream. My life has not been meaningless because I chose to focus on my raising my kids instead of pursuing an entrepreneurial dream while they were younger. I wouldn't have had the time in my day to do that and be an attentive mom. I have time now and I am pursing my imaginative dreams. And even better I'm doing it with my kids and having an exhausted blast. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If my 13-year-old self could see me now, I think she would be happy that I'm building new Dreams and taking my time to build them all the while learning from my mistakes and failures of the past. Dream on Fawn.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p><br /></p>fawndearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03615865845078146063noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4367771855684362047.post-76028809219239762932022-09-15T12:46:00.003-07:002022-09-15T13:08:03.093-07:00Aye, Aye, Entrepreneurial Captain.<p>Every weekend my husband don's a pirate costume and calls me Captain. He's my favorite Pirate. I'm so blessed to be sailing life's sometimes stormy seas with him.</p><p>In Spring of 2021 I was floundering and suffering from depression. We found out my husband was battling kidney failure in addition to his life long struggle with heart disease. I realized that if something happened to him I was not equipped to financially take care of our family. So I attempted to get a job and start learning. Of the 15 resumes I first sent out, I only got 1 job interview which went nowhere. Who wants to hire a 50 something year old grandma when you are surrounded by young college age workers, with 2-3 years work experience. All my decades of school and community service counted for nothing. In the past 32 years of being a stay-at-home mother. I'd had only 1 job and it lasted 6 months before we had to move to Utah. I got really depressed. Then both my husband and I were inspired that I go back to school. So that fall I enrolled in BYU Pathway Worldwide. That was a scary first step. In July of this year I graduated Pathways and enrolled online at BYU Idaho through the Pathway Program so that I could finish my college education. I'm working towards a Bachelors Degree in Applied Business Management. At the same time I went back to school I also started training with my self-taught, leather-crafting son. I found that my decades of crafting helped me naturally pick up leather working and so I joined a couple of my children selling leather goods and gaming supplies at Evermore Park in Pleasant Grove on Weekends. Our little 10x10 pop up and turned into a full-time business and we just signed a lease to open our own store this fall. It's been a whirlwind of a past year.</p><p>One of the certificates I'm taking to earn my Bachelor's is 'Intro to Entrepreneurship' and one of its purposes is to start my business journey with the end in mind. I'm my own Start-Up Business Captian. I'm beyond thrilled and terrified to be starting my own store with my family and at the same time learning how to start a business through my college classes. In the past year I learned two different languages. The language of Excel (taught on a PC) which I then had to translate to the language of Excel used on a Mac computer. Yes, this old sea dog can learn new tricks. As I was learning how to use Excel, I was turning around and making spreadsheets to track my inventory and sales. </p><p>This week in class we learned about the 'Entrepreneurial Hero,' taught in an article by Jeff Sandefer. Jeff taught that...</p><p><span> </span>"Four of the hardest challenges will be personal, because you'll have to </p><p><span> </span>* Accept that life is hard and seldom fair. <i>(We lost our first lease on the store to a national chain after we had signed the lease and paid first months rent.)</i></p><p><span> </span>* Know that you must persevere to develop the habits and character that will determine your destiny.</p><p><span> </span>* Understand that choosing doesn't mean you are in control, and that real entrepreneurs learn to fail quickly, cheaply, and often. <i>(We learn something every time we have an event, Even if we don't do well, we learn which events to cater to, how set-up and layout are important and how to engage with customers. We always learn something.)</i></p><p><span> </span>* Find the right fellow travelers, because you will tend to become like those who surround you. " <i>(In our business we've met two kinds of fellow travelers - those who steal your ideas and copy them then try to push you down so they can go up and those who support you and give you info and help in reaching your goals and dreams. We strive to be like the goal reachers and try to help others with tips or supplier info, that have worked for us.)</i></p><p>What an incredible experience the last year has been. I'm trying to get my business sea legs under me. I'm still a little wobbly, but I'm confident I can learn. And I've got the best first mate ever. Like I said before, I sell my leather goods at a fantasy emersion park in Pleasant Grove, Utah called 'Evermore.' People go dressed in their favorite cosplay, medieval character and go on quests, ride a train, do archery and more. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We love interacting with other Evermore residents and their friends at our tent. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqSnJ4ED_8du9OdBIyABCDiwNlluV36ZI4YTFx9xGlNXW-YVjxBYPuVWJQNaXJzEq8xGH5TKOD6eOaeQn8e3NFNjA5gv8FogWFpPrZv5ey4Mx7n0sKOf2UP7yVaTwg2S8E7_gDSU7taP3yQmtdJHXRjDR4wYn9Wph0AoJwd-gAfhNKD6BC-t_gk_B5tA/s4032/20220805_230504.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqSnJ4ED_8du9OdBIyABCDiwNlluV36ZI4YTFx9xGlNXW-YVjxBYPuVWJQNaXJzEq8xGH5TKOD6eOaeQn8e3NFNjA5gv8FogWFpPrZv5ey4Mx7n0sKOf2UP7yVaTwg2S8E7_gDSU7taP3yQmtdJHXRjDR4wYn9Wph0AoJwd-gAfhNKD6BC-t_gk_B5tA/s320/20220805_230504.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JFvYJ1wGNAy2DfTad6u1X19XRxUnCQnje5FgTwxf7C6o6Dm-vfV5mnk9umkhgP_LeAxSuhqh3WB83QaObqx1Wwy4xB-390LfsAmOWgMuvHyj7P2xxKQWXvSYYypCI47ZSL_AYiGCiY56050AXagtthTPcKfQ1-UVCLeKIpI4p11XSMni3FjOfLD4jA/s4032/20220716_220107.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JFvYJ1wGNAy2DfTad6u1X19XRxUnCQnje5FgTwxf7C6o6Dm-vfV5mnk9umkhgP_LeAxSuhqh3WB83QaObqx1Wwy4xB-390LfsAmOWgMuvHyj7P2xxKQWXvSYYypCI47ZSL_AYiGCiY56050AXagtthTPcKfQ1-UVCLeKIpI4p11XSMni3FjOfLD4jA/s320/20220716_220107.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>As vendors there, we also dress up, hence my husband turning into a pirate and calling me Captain. If you ever go through that fantasy portal come find our family. We offer free leather crafts and my first mate will teach you how to play a rousing game of Liar's Dice at our 'We GEEK Together' Merchant Tent. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKAXqpYKVQCN0TEF7zcc2AYvEXv_ByTUjcpt4nhJrQ6YzkLcQ6D8Nf5Y9Cwy7JZhJLxHUZA3lGq0YlEpGlGF0fCZUfMzDpN36eQnvA1XPRkPZADl4qYenmLOlCf2nDBz5eI6yZaPiSdc4hT8xxRtgKsxFs6lkKKw_iXfjoMqdBdL9zBS9aOlrLxSciQ/s4032/20220714_201200.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKAXqpYKVQCN0TEF7zcc2AYvEXv_ByTUjcpt4nhJrQ6YzkLcQ6D8Nf5Y9Cwy7JZhJLxHUZA3lGq0YlEpGlGF0fCZUfMzDpN36eQnvA1XPRkPZADl4qYenmLOlCf2nDBz5eI6yZaPiSdc4hT8xxRtgKsxFs6lkKKw_iXfjoMqdBdL9zBS9aOlrLxSciQ/s320/20220714_201200.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p> I hope this educational/business adventure leads to something amazing. This semester of college I'll be taking you along with some of my little Captain Entrepreneurial Business Quests. Wish me luck.</p><p>-Captain FaeFae (my grandma name) Fawn Ashby</p>fawndearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03615865845078146063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4367771855684362047.post-25110716955503542012015-03-04T11:04:00.001-08:002015-03-04T11:04:34.557-08:00Our Non-Electronic AdventureSo we did it once again. Went a Month without entertaining electronics. Kind of... It started out like this...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMviAkizMm7A3QZ1V8rr2LwnOgv6514idePEi-IORGh9LzVF5zQg8fN783vpjtsAphFFJYJ_0HG_Wie-plbD6aE107UrKYtMYAyteDyEEUIKjCN3IttYdyt_mMdZqLpg-O6c_aODuIiezX/s1600/10888522_10205823750696935_4812166868773784931_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMviAkizMm7A3QZ1V8rr2LwnOgv6514idePEi-IORGh9LzVF5zQg8fN783vpjtsAphFFJYJ_0HG_Wie-plbD6aE107UrKYtMYAyteDyEEUIKjCN3IttYdyt_mMdZqLpg-O6c_aODuIiezX/s1600/10888522_10205823750696935_4812166868773784931_n.jpg" height="320" width="316" /></a></div>
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...of the Non-Electronics Kind.</div>
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Every February we attempt to purge from our routine our need to watch anything on TV, surf the internet, play video games on x-box, phone, tablet. We try to avoid getting sucked into Facebook, Pinterest, Wattpad, etc. The only exceptions were viewing email, which, could be checked only one time per day, computer use for school-assigned homework, church work, and skyping with family.</div>
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It's a family tradition that we've attempted to respect nearly every year for the past six years. It arose from trying in vain to keep our kids, and who-am-I-kidding - MYSELF, from becoming electronic zombies. With our wet winters it seems like we turn on the ever-addicting devises more and more throughout the dark months until Jan. It's a fight to turn them off at all. </div>
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Homework done - plug in. </div>
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Just got home - plug in.</div>
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Can't figure what to treat a stain with - plug in and then browse the internet for hours. </div>
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I get distracted really easily and so do my kids. </div>
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Our success in February is dependent on how much effort we put into it. </div>
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So we started... on February 1st, I mean February 2nd. Only because our Seahawks were playing in the Superbowl on the 1st. So, let me rephrase, we started on February 2nd. Why February? It's the shortest month of the year.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHt2zSZ-4Jz_7k8EzBqtZ-nOFZqjbuq7w3yjLfXOpNoGz1GNlZnnLM_PqPGyC1RpqIxR0MWRKN_Wf9EcxuTHFTQQDnGRinkeCx_zJDjfCblyzVCGmpfkv3ApsSmno63tXWFLyn3dE_nwS7/s1600/10629720_10205851918121103_7794202736773979301_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHt2zSZ-4Jz_7k8EzBqtZ-nOFZqjbuq7w3yjLfXOpNoGz1GNlZnnLM_PqPGyC1RpqIxR0MWRKN_Wf9EcxuTHFTQQDnGRinkeCx_zJDjfCblyzVCGmpfkv3ApsSmno63tXWFLyn3dE_nwS7/s1600/10629720_10205851918121103_7794202736773979301_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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I invited our three boys, who have left the nest, to join in too. Don't know whether or not they did, but, I do know they repeatedly reminded me that it was our non-electronic month.</div>
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How did we do?</div>
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Well on day two of our experiment, Hope and Princess were pulling out their My Little Pony Characters and they decided that they wanted to paint them and individualize some to represent characters of their own creation. They politely asked if they could use my craft paint. </div>
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'Of course', I said happily sitting in the next room, feeling smug and content about how quickly they were finding ways to keep themselves occupied without whining about how bored they were. What a fine way to start off the experiment.</div>
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Not more than ten minutes later Hope let me know she had cut her finger.</div>
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'Yeah, yeah, well go wash it off in the bathroom,' I replied, now totally engrossed in my re-reading of J.R.R.Tolkein's LOTR trilogy.</div>
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Hope then asked me to come help. So I sighed heavily, slowly putting the book down and made my way to the bathroom. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbEkNGLRhdLx3cCzdEHyg80ti3m7mphhamsjMtL37wbpsqQhVuwNetMt7YZX2Klkr1j7PcMFczOda_a3zqF1aRua4Xx3SdwM_ySL_rRDiYOXd1jfG-RnYpJVG5WAFO1kSj8NVre03H5ZB/s1600/Emma's%2BFinger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbEkNGLRhdLx3cCzdEHyg80ti3m7mphhamsjMtL37wbpsqQhVuwNetMt7YZX2Klkr1j7PcMFczOda_a3zqF1aRua4Xx3SdwM_ySL_rRDiYOXd1jfG-RnYpJVG5WAFO1kSj8NVre03H5ZB/s1600/Emma's%2BFinger.jpg" height="181" width="320" /></a></div>
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Apparently in addition to borrowing my paints, she also borrowed my exacto knife. Her finger was the first Opp-sie of our month of trying to entertain ourselves. Princess offered to clean up the blood sprayed all over the bathroom walls and sink and I stuffed a paper towel in Hope's hand and we hopped in the car and made our way to Urgent care. Three stitches later she was pretty proud of her craft wound and thrilled that she had a blood story to share with the kids at school.</div>
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Now, if I'd just let them plug in like normal this $700 plus Medical visit wouldn't have happened. Yes, that's what our insurance paid for three stitches, the clinic charged over $1,000, but that's a different rant story.</div>
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So you would think I'd give up and let them plug in again. NO WAY!</div>
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What I love about this month. We play board games often, we talk more, visit more, cook from scratch more, we are more physically active, the kids really improve in their schooling, etc. You name it, we are a much better family at the end of the month.</div>
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This year we did cheat a few times. </div>
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Pompa and Grandma came to visit and three of our numbers were down with a nasty cold/cough bug which kept us from dining out, or going out for entertainment. So we introduced them to 'How to Train Your Dragon 1 & 2'. We also took our girls to Prince Erik's work on the last Saturday of February to play video games. Oh, and I did cheat and snuck onto facebook a few times to see what was going on. Saw pictures my beautiful new niece, with her four big brothers. I stole this picture from my Sis-in-laws facebook page. It has three of baby angel's big brothers, herself, her mom, my mom and my grandma in it. What really cool is this was taken in the home I was raised in. So excited for yet another new member of the family to make memories in a wonderful home.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbesyUMP57SDbtZkQNibfLZls64VoHYTP3kogrYDxr9ouCwM6IEJfgAU1dwxIs45grWwhtsFnPOe8Qvjti_pJb7MwK930G8323s_nSeDTvwa7BVh3aH3cBwheqVzO876R8g9v0Kxouuuwu/s1600/Baby+Annie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbesyUMP57SDbtZkQNibfLZls64VoHYTP3kogrYDxr9ouCwM6IEJfgAU1dwxIs45grWwhtsFnPOe8Qvjti_pJb7MwK930G8323s_nSeDTvwa7BVh3aH3cBwheqVzO876R8g9v0Kxouuuwu/s1600/Baby+Annie.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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That was a necessary cheat. Other times, not so much.</div>
Here's what really stuck out to me this year. I did notice that I really needed a break from Facebook and Pinterest. I would get too wrapped up and invested in what everyone else was doing. I think it's the modern equivalent of spying on the neighbors over the fence, while your outside, pretending to do laundry or yard work. Granted, sometimes, like seeing new family, it can be really comforting, or inspirational. But it really is an emotional drainer too. I used to get worked up about causes, events, unfairness, politics, negative religious rants, etc. I didn't realize how much negative energy I spent on Facebook. Or how that energy would stick with me and affect how I was feeling are reacting to my family who knew nothing about what I was fuming about.<br />
As for Pinterest, wow, what great ideas. I'll sit on the computer and dream of the fantastic things I can do instead of getting off my hind end and actually doing something. <br />
Thank you February, I think our Non-Electronic Tradition will continue on next year, and the year after. And instead of reading about everyone's else's business, I'll write about my own.<br />
It's good to be blogging again. Oh, so much has happened, but I'll save that adventure for another time.<br />
<br />
Tootles,<br />
Fawn<br />
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fawndearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03615865845078146063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4367771855684362047.post-62060686677664556752013-12-26T17:30:00.005-08:002013-12-26T17:33:43.470-08:00How the Grinch Saved Christmas!<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: medium;">I was convinced that Christmas was going to
be ruined. We found out with one week to go that our two oldest children
couldn’t make it home. Their new jobs, and starving college student budgets led
them to the decision to stay put and earn all the $ holiday hours working that
they could get. So for the first time in 23 years I didn’t have my whole family
at home with me. My heart was heavy and tight. I felt like the
Grinch.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: medium;">My inspiration for Christmas I found in a
magazine. It made me nervous, yet I was eager to try. My husband and I have
long felt that experiences are what you remember and not gifts. So every year
our Christmas has a different theme… Disney, Danish, Pioneer, Give-Away, etc.
This year’s theme was, ‘How The Grinch Stole Christmas!’ So I became the
Grinch.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: medium;">We forced our children to set through the
classic cartoon version a few days before and both my husband and I read the
story to our younger girls a couple of times during the month of December.
Christmas Eve came with the accustomed Pajama’s and Ornaments. </span><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIMBVt9w0D2C1_gXybstbrbtvED_IvxziLPn4QV-V_sacqo9QcCcd_MYOOkp67-FBoWPKq-jYTugL2-t9_YQ8t3uohGf6sEDfhVzlZkW7ViUKGMPDQae5v6gHETWMv__30nLp70ZdzU56/s1600/IMG_7992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIMBVt9w0D2C1_gXybstbrbtvED_IvxziLPn4QV-V_sacqo9QcCcd_MYOOkp67-FBoWPKq-jYTugL2-t9_YQ8t3uohGf6sEDfhVzlZkW7ViUKGMPDQae5v6gHETWMv__30nLp70ZdzU56/s640/IMG_7992.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: medium;">Would have loved Grinch PJ’s, but the
stores were all out. We were able to get the kids different Grinch Character
Ornaments.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVKTJzFzRhZQQMSuLSdV08CNelTumZuct_3FgUQfFdhjya-MeyLRn-M823tBpa0SbjzXMsGUCRye59pjVkC-ure8UAamn93m26ibhaP9AVPtAlFMsPiFpwzfU2t2bbkICZtsU1bdrWJI-/s1600/IMG_7996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVKTJzFzRhZQQMSuLSdV08CNelTumZuct_3FgUQfFdhjya-MeyLRn-M823tBpa0SbjzXMsGUCRye59pjVkC-ure8UAamn93m26ibhaP9AVPtAlFMsPiFpwzfU2t2bbkICZtsU1bdrWJI-/s640/IMG_7996.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: medium;">Christmas Eve was fantastically traditional
as we sat through readings of the Nativity and ‘The Cremation of Sam Magee?’
And why that poem is traditional is an entirely different post.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: medium;">The kids helped put out their stockings,
label their chairs, and leave a treat for Santa and his reindeer.</span><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPsGpKkh-rIG07pMVR1mi0kAJQZeovINAFtzN1Yaauc7yT1EFQW7lcB976rtSa6_K-oxECqdq1ASvTSrAg8KQ-BxP9SFXOJOwB7eS-8OomWYUGD9j8i_lwV5lEbOtwCIldh_AYvPYR8yr/s1600/IMG_8004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPsGpKkh-rIG07pMVR1mi0kAJQZeovINAFtzN1Yaauc7yT1EFQW7lcB976rtSa6_K-oxECqdq1ASvTSrAg8KQ-BxP9SFXOJOwB7eS-8OomWYUGD9j8i_lwV5lEbOtwCIldh_AYvPYR8yr/s400/IMG_8004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: medium;">Our Home felt Magical.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEied33UnSHHnDQ7dX3ukrnpmNrE81kpep28S6spa3rxsZrD47m2bYdysj1O5g0Ccg1k0nNXMpJYMixq9gzasRl85RGGJtY2bki7s0Z7B6u3Tgt8ZgEgpHVKHMYoz8FH66eTfyiYszK6W5fV/s1600/IMG_8007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEied33UnSHHnDQ7dX3ukrnpmNrE81kpep28S6spa3rxsZrD47m2bYdysj1O5g0Ccg1k0nNXMpJYMixq9gzasRl85RGGJtY2bki7s0Z7B6u3Tgt8ZgEgpHVKHMYoz8FH66eTfyiYszK6W5fV/s400/IMG_8007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: medium;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: medium;">Then the kids when to bed and the Grinch
came to visit.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: medium;">So when the kids arose Christmas morning
they found everything Christmas gone. EVERYTHING! Including our outdoor
lights.</span><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsrV1fYq4BAMYYjPiBcMJgsM-uiyiSAz5rqgmEBPCaKlFb19vqo_u9AlkndeIR-y5SbdnM2_AbkNC8_PdOusdLj23rwwsmdU30BWUAWBal7Ea5FPw7Rl3QcxZ0e5D9RzGtnFONEUd9YLn/s1600/IMG_8011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsrV1fYq4BAMYYjPiBcMJgsM-uiyiSAz5rqgmEBPCaKlFb19vqo_u9AlkndeIR-y5SbdnM2_AbkNC8_PdOusdLj23rwwsmdU30BWUAWBal7Ea5FPw7Rl3QcxZ0e5D9RzGtnFONEUd9YLn/s400/IMG_8011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: medium;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: medium;">They were not too happy.</span><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzh1AOdKqYEnZ3QXhEWnPfUO3-aWNEfI-AfT6lris4Fc4Y_qjw4CsgVeja2Nzkrhg1bS5iPzzFCfdBvDoTOGGJrqrGPK4Y0EMlDeKFUzSg3J-e-psjv3mTFC_O6crVaMUsND8Aodf7sj8y/s1600/IMG_8013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzh1AOdKqYEnZ3QXhEWnPfUO3-aWNEfI-AfT6lris4Fc4Y_qjw4CsgVeja2Nzkrhg1bS5iPzzFCfdBvDoTOGGJrqrGPK4Y0EMlDeKFUzSg3J-e-psjv3mTFC_O6crVaMUsND8Aodf7sj8y/s640/IMG_8013.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fawn/AppData/Local/Temp/WindowsLiveWriter1286139640/supfiles1D58D7A8/IMG_8013[5].jpg"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: medium;"></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: medium;">They let us know they were not liking this
experience.</span><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdUS3AF7VU9eB53W6tOMN1wG6DvmQI0B164o9yBrKzARa82unoNItjTbJmdzAXppqTdoiDCi6EFBdI6RV2BBlx6arXphBNQf7U1xxpM5y1XzS5u_JADBohyKcWBp6vyomIMssO_hDpWxr/s1600/IMG_8012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdUS3AF7VU9eB53W6tOMN1wG6DvmQI0B164o9yBrKzARa82unoNItjTbJmdzAXppqTdoiDCi6EFBdI6RV2BBlx6arXphBNQf7U1xxpM5y1XzS5u_JADBohyKcWBp6vyomIMssO_hDpWxr/s400/IMG_8012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: medium;">But Hope was Not Entirely Lost! They found
7 bags and this note by the fireplace.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-luyEwHrkTSV4Jc0jA6w-T4H6z4goQEPRlfWiILFUnh5xWNK9Uy13pHRqUtzD9a8W5Zf_Lm3gBB7PBP40pFynMGQ4eui9xXVNRndg7Av40OAyQ-Ig-t4zz6dF58p6OftZmgFtBZFZv-dj/s1600/IMG_8014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-luyEwHrkTSV4Jc0jA6w-T4H6z4goQEPRlfWiILFUnh5xWNK9Uy13pHRqUtzD9a8W5Zf_Lm3gBB7PBP40pFynMGQ4eui9xXVNRndg7Av40OAyQ-Ig-t4zz6dF58p6OftZmgFtBZFZv-dj/s640/IMG_8014.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: green; font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: medium;"><em>To: The Who’s named
FawnDear’s Herd</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: green; font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: medium;"><em>He stuffed Christmas in
bags. Oh, that Grinch, very nimbly, stuffed all the bags, one by one, up your
chimbley! He took every present you wrapped up with glee. And yes, he
himself, took your Christmas tree! You must help him to realize that Christmas
means more, than presents, and wrappings and things from a store. Let’s
help his small heart to not be so darn tight, by giving some cheer to some
homeless in plight. So off to Seattle, you must travel right now. I know
you are asking, what, who, when, and HOW? Find seven poor people whose budgets
are tight, and give them a bag full of goodies they’ll like. That ought to
do it, his heart will grow quick. Scurry back home, and you may meet St.
Nick.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: green; font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: medium;"><em>Sincerely, The Grinch's Dog
Max</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: medium;">In the bags we found chap stick, gloves,
McDonalds gift cards, A Candy Cane, Chocolate Santa, tissue and a Picture of
Christ. To the bags we added hand warmers, bottled water and a fresh orange.
Then we left for Seattle. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: medium;">Here is where nerves kicked in. I was
nervous, I’m a lousy judge of people, and my thoughts drifted to all the
horrible new stories you seldom hear on the news. What would we find, how would
people react?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: medium;">I was shocked by how many homeless there
were. Bundled up in Sleeping bags, blankets and tarps. Within minutes our bags
were gone. And even those we didn’t have enough for wished us a Merry Christmas
and God’s blessing. They were so grateful for our meager little bags. Our
hearts all grew! Little 8 year old Hope said, “We should do this every year and
not because of the Grinch. We should just do it because.” I agreed with her.
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: medium;">All too soon our trip was done as we headed
back to our empty home. And you know if that was the end of my day I felt
richly blessed, but it wasn’t.</span><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ok-4DqMrDAw3fPn5yU8M6CpxtfE-5UpAyiqCU87Ne0MIPCl_W11Qpt4F3lCYT4hZ4FS5ILH6X7oVvC7Bd7g6WZ_Cdp3tH36YJR31MsvEMVT7P39SDB_sCAzp41_wrn0KCTqwsLkbCHlR/s1600/IMG_8016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ok-4DqMrDAw3fPn5yU8M6CpxtfE-5UpAyiqCU87Ne0MIPCl_W11Qpt4F3lCYT4hZ4FS5ILH6X7oVvC7Bd7g6WZ_Cdp3tH36YJR31MsvEMVT7P39SDB_sCAzp41_wrn0KCTqwsLkbCHlR/s400/IMG_8016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fawn/AppData/Local/Temp/WindowsLiveWriter1286139640/supfiles1D58D7A8/IMG_8016[5].jpg"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: medium;"></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: medium;">Back at home we found our Christmas
Activity Elves on the couch with another letter that read.’</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: green; font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: medium;"><em>‘Thank you for thinking
of other poor folks. See it wasn’t that hard, and you didn’t choke. You
shared your hearts, found some Christmas Love… brought Holiday cheer and
blessings from above. The Grinch’s heart grew and your holiday’s back. But
the Sneak, hid those goodies he stuffed in his sack. In the back yard, look by
the gate, for he left part of his load there, for Goodness Sake! Your gifts
to each other that were covered with bows, are hidden in baskets under some
clothes. The presents from Santa are somewhere quite warm, near the furnace,
don’t worry – They came to no harm. Under the porch three items are near, a
Manger of Straw, and two white reindeer. Someone strong like the Grinch should
be able to shift, two bookcases near the window to find some more
gifts. Merry Christmas.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: medium;">So Christmas came back. The kids loved
searching for all the places that the Grinch hid their presents. We were
finding them well into the evening. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFG4AutEDBIjgpzC6rd_iNP9tYo7dkzfg_W1ObN5qMaA_RVfSH5RBOdZszp5rmL2Vu-1J3q3PmTKs2zLVHeRRMJSAm22AI5LUN3YF0ga7nMX6NrLAVFffIRk3pir4nGyPh0KU38PRwSTu/s1600/IMG_8023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFG4AutEDBIjgpzC6rd_iNP9tYo7dkzfg_W1ObN5qMaA_RVfSH5RBOdZszp5rmL2Vu-1J3q3PmTKs2zLVHeRRMJSAm22AI5LUN3YF0ga7nMX6NrLAVFffIRk3pir4nGyPh0KU38PRwSTu/s640/IMG_8023.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: medium;">And when the neighbor boy stopped by to
play in the afternoon. Guess what? My girls didn’t regale him with what Santa
brought for Christmas. Instead they told him about their amazing experience
with The Grinch.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: medium;">And to make it a near perfect Christmas we
Skyped with my boys! I love the Grinch.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: medium;">Toodles,</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: medium;">FawnDear</span>fawndearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03615865845078146063noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4367771855684362047.post-49373980337131678172013-01-01T07:52:00.001-08:002013-01-01T07:52:13.708-08:00In Review… Last Year<p><font size="3" face="Bradley Hand ITC">I must start this post with one of the blessing of being an early riser. You get to see humdingers like this.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QpKHZEMzdQY/UOMGITJfkqI/AAAAAAAAHuY/RZDCvm68DT4/s1600-h/IMG_5934%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3" face="Bradley Hand ITC"><img title="IMG_5934" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5934" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIvDc6qH60FPNCRRAzUl3rkj5FjdODuIj7sB3AyihfB99e9LgfTYWkI9a2Vt9cpImxXzC9g6kvGARthVuqhp5wydDe_cGmcKwWwKFROpMcC1qp29rvZi2qzZXHJkPXNkMqMxi9CarN-Cve/?imgmax=800" width="394" height="263"></font></a><font size="3" face="Bradley Hand ITC"> o</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Bradley Hand ITC">What a breathtaking sunrise to close out 2012. As I pulled the camera down from my eyes and looked at the view screen this was one instance where the colors of the pictures accurately reflected the brilliance of the sky. I even had to wake up the kids so they could see it too – and it was so good they didn’t even complain about being roused early.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Bradley Hand ITC">So for those near and dear to our herd hearts, here’s a brief recap and a picture.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-D_lqOA0Lk-A/UOMGJRvHroI/AAAAAAAAHuo/APD4SJ1Gcf0/s1600-h/IMG_5775%252520%2525282%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3" face="Bradley Hand ITC"><img title="IMG_5775 (2)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5775 (2)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Io1xte-OawE/UOMGKGjIxLI/AAAAAAAAHus/Zw3ZPwN0n20/IMG_5775%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" height="472"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Bradley Hand ITC">Our oldest, Abner, finally flew the nest. He’s going to school full time, working full time and with that schedule we are lucky to see him for a few hours every weekend. Lucky for us he is only 1/2 hour away.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Bradley Hand ITC">T-rev graduated from High School and after months of pounding the pavement found a job pounding open freight boxes at Sears. We are now waiting to see where he will be going to school.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Bradley Hand ITC">Evo-man continues to be our rollercoaster wildcard. Ups and Downs rule his life. The best thing is that his Crones is under control. He has treatment every 8 weeks and get’s to set in a comfy chair for a few hours, while getting his remicade infusion at a local hospital. I have to mention a huge thank you to my husbands insurance that covers this cost. There would be no way we could afford the treatment without it, as they bill us over $20,000 per treatment.. $20,000 for 4 hours of treatment every 8 weeks. I think there’s something fishy going on with that??? </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Bradley Hand ITC">Lea is going through officially being a teenager with all the hormonal chaos that accompanies such ventures in life. She did get a break from her stress inducing family while visiting with family in CA last summer and going to girls camp. She is also looking forward to Track and Field, where she hopes to continue her dominance of Discus. She was the unofficial district champ for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade last year. Unofficial, because she missed the district meet, but she won the event at every other meet. My sweet little powerhouse is growing up.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Bradley Hand ITC">Princess is still princess, and loves being in 5th Grade during the day and the world of imagination at home. She is an aspiring writer and loves the make believe like only her mom. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Bradley Hand ITC">Hope is still our beacon of happiness. I can’t believe my baby is seven. She loves everyone and is one of our happiest biggest helpers around. She is also the major handler of our hyper kitten Meap. Scratches everywhere don’t deter her from snuggling and might I add, manhandling that furball.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Bradley Hand ITC">Prince Erik finally received the promotion at work that he’s been working so hard to get. He is once again Cub Master in our ward and it’s fun to see the enthusiasm of working with 8-11 year olds has not waned. He loves it. He continues to love cooking – thank heavens for all of us. And he’s the best Honey-Do Dude I know.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Bradley Hand ITC">I finally finished De-Hoarding my home last spring. Yes, you heard me right. It only took 2 1/2 years, over 30 loads to the dump in the truck, and another 6 loads to the thrift store. It is something I’m so grateful for. My mentor Mrs. Passion moved to Texas and I cried buckets when she left, but she gave me all the tools I needed to finish. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Bradley Hand ITC">Am I done? Heavens no. I’ve still got projects to do, more curtains to make, furniture to refinish and then we get to start on the jungle we call the back yard. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Bradley Hand ITC">My Prince let me fly away from the herd over the summer. I went to Idaho and Utah to visit family and attend Education Week. I loved seeing family, but I spent most of the vacation being taken care of by my mom as I hurt my back the day after I arrived. Thank goodness she didn’t mind babying me.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Bradley Hand ITC">When I got home my Prince had missed me so much he took me away on our first overnight vacation, without kids, I might add, in eight years.. We stayed at a bed and breakfast in beautiful Victoria, Canada. It was romantic heaven! He even let me bring home a crate of beach combed rocks for our future patio. He spoiled me rotten and even replaced my wedding ring which had lost it’s diamond years ago. I’m a lucky girl to be married to such an adoring Prince. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Bradley Hand ITC">My church calling has also kept me busy as a whirlwind. I’m over the activities for all the sisters in our ward/congregation and there is always an activity in the planning or someone in need of service. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Bradley Hand ITC">So there you have it, a long-winded recap of 2012. The best part was last night at sunset we got to see this.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NZDWWEsvTVk/UOMGKlQZAlI/AAAAAAAAHu4/idFrdUdJ0L8/s1600-h/IMG_5950%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3" face="Bradley Hand ITC"><img title="IMG_5950" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5950" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iD4NAYTE7zk/UOMGLLNe5zI/AAAAAAAAHvA/i0TpEZqA4-Y/IMG_5950_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="269"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Bradley Hand ITC">The two perfect bookends to the final day of the year. So when it’s not raining here in the Pacific Northwest we get amazing heavenly light shows.</font></p> fawndearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03615865845078146063noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4367771855684362047.post-39810811203005685402012-12-29T16:09:00.001-08:002012-12-29T16:09:14.722-08:00Wrapping Up Christmas<p>I think I found all of Christmas and boxed it up. No doubt I’ll find a towel in the laundry or a jingle bell hidden in a couch cushion next week. For now though, Christmas is put away. It’s always bitter-sweet putting away the trappings of the holiday season. I love decorating everything.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RnpBTKdIWt4/UN-GFb9czyI/AAAAAAAAHsw/2ZVSuBDPwgk/s1600-h/IMG_5926%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5926" style="display: inline" alt="IMG_5926" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQr_72JHzylkjnYUL3XflEe5MsADAJYyOzRgaiwo_HHLeDt2ZJYNf2sYSHrCCjZ0iq3zjeOS2nI_n2fu-JlYIDDfKuUOmab1Qw9OE2XCOMkkn0z52NSmkJGbHEi_dOZpbHyP3hxbLnDbr/?imgmax=800" width="373" height="248"></a></p> <p>I won’t miss Meap, the Claw Kitten ransacking the Christmas tree or leaving scratch marks on my reindeer.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XmYJZ30AXtE/UN-GGG2elUI/AAAAAAAAHtA/PzhbLwLyF-U/s1600-h/IMG_5820%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5820" style="display: inline" alt="IMG_5820" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hK_hdbHZQbQ/UN-GGllMcBI/AAAAAAAAHtI/7-Qjeb2_TyA/IMG_5820_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="253"></a></p> <p>I won’t miss her derailing the Christmas train either.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UREUbsTdqGA/UN-GHBXvnzI/AAAAAAAAHtQ/gE6UFEyZowI/s1600-h/IMG_5839%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5839" style="display: inline" alt="IMG_5839" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-g5IlwGTnuDM/UN-GHrivmjI/AAAAAAAAHtY/kyzW3_XcQks/IMG_5839_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="242"></a></p> <p>But I will miss her sleeping in the manger.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3kc8JLxB538/UN-GIOnW_fI/AAAAAAAAHtg/3ot5g6OKHqA/s1600-h/IMG_5887%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5887" style="display: inline" alt="IMG_5887" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iXeUf5WGoD8/UN-GIW8vFkI/AAAAAAAAHto/NuOMF5vUgzM/IMG_5887_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="359" height="240"></a></p> <p>And I’m already planning for next year. I’ve pulled out my <a href="http://www.mommyblessings.com/2009/09/organize-holidays.html">Christmas Planner</a> only to discover the web hosting site where I stored all the pages went down. I’ll try and find a way to post them again. I love what <a href="http://christmas.organizedhome.com/">Organized Christmas</a> does. They have a <a href="http://christmas.organizedhome.com/rudolph-club">Rudolf Club</a> that works on Christmas on the 25th of every month of the year. I’d love to do that this year. So every 25th I’m hoping to get one step closer to a more relaxing season next year. I’ll probably follow my own schedule. So far I’m planning on May being my Power Tool Present Fest. </p> <p>This Christmas was probably my most relaxing so far. Mainly because I turned it all over to Prince Erik and my Angel Mom. I’ve been recovering from surgery. Nothing tramatic, my plumbing just needed upgrading after 6 kids. So why not have it in the busiest month of the year? I like doing things that defy reason. But, it needed to be done and I’m sure blessed to have such a Knight in Shining Armor Guy for my husband. Double Bonus is that he cooks and he’s good at it too. I’m a lucky girl.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BvaKqsUyrPw/UN-GI8CLw3I/AAAAAAAAHtw/vNBMfqZx-qI/s1600-h/IMG_2928%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2928" style="display: inline" alt="IMG_2928" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5JLF0RK_k34/UN-GJZg11BI/AAAAAAAAHt4/dn1M6KlFSlA/IMG_2928_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="272" height="363"></a></p> <p>And special thanks to my Mom who braved a winter blizzard to come stay with me for a week and chase all my wild herd from one Christmas activity to another. I owe her big time.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NyNkqLeXrpw/UN-GJ9YxGjI/AAAAAAAAHuA/vlC3VFkUBm8/s1600-h/IMG_5805%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5805" style="display: inline" alt="IMG_5805" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K0rfITGdDAw/UN-GKdEtQ5I/AAAAAAAAHuI/Hq23V6K3skU/IMG_5805_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="227" height="340"></a></p> <p>So I’m planning away for next year with all the excitement of a child on Christmas Eve. I’m sure it will be here before I know it.</p> fawndearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03615865845078146063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4367771855684362047.post-17680925423582440132012-12-23T21:53:00.001-08:002012-12-23T21:53:46.137-08:00Christmas Lights Bingo<p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Every year, usually the Sunday before Christmas, we take our family on a drive around town to view the beautiful Christmas lights.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-E0AVvmZcvkc/UNft0kaJNnI/AAAAAAAAHro/QTmtauq4GyA/s1600-h/IMG_5854%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img title="IMG_5854" style="display: inline" alt="IMG_5854" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-l1t0i8gTBfo/UNft1ERiZhI/AAAAAAAAHrw/v7NtZB38WnY/IMG_5854_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" height="272"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Having a large herd of kids, there tends to always be one or two who just don’t have the patience the rest of us have. So a couple of years ago my husband started rattling off Christmas objects for the kids to keep their eyes peeled for. That helped them enjoy the ride a bit more. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">This year we made them a little Christmas Lights Bingo Page. I’ll try and link them soon.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vuuoMMW7bOM/UNft2JuRViI/AAAAAAAAHr4/8GDHQimOr2g/s1600-h/IMG_5851%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img title="IMG_5851" style="display: inline" alt="IMG_5851" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZgoP2vYqnG4/UNft3PJieKI/AAAAAAAAHsA/fKqpYPs3o1c/IMG_5851_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="264"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I printed them out and glued them to a colored piece of cardstock, then laminated the sheets.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">They loved them. I let them use dry erase markers to cross off the Christmas objects that they did spy. And the teenagers were just as engaged with our Christmas lights adventure as my little ones.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9LQ8vG5zYbM/UNft33F4K0I/AAAAAAAAHsI/0YFTqIp2xOY/s1600-h/IMG_5858%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img title="IMG_5858" style="display: inline" alt="IMG_5858" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7_o_KCDkzgE/UNft4j44K0I/AAAAAAAAHsQ/JuK9hxLWsWA/IMG_5858_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="263"></font></a> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Viewing the Christmas lights was never more enjoyable.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-om7nc5NjaOc/UNft5WtjV-I/AAAAAAAAHsY/6vpfH3Gfn4g/s1600-h/IMG_5872%252520%2525282%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img title="IMG_5872 (2)" style="display: inline" alt="IMG_5872 (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MTNAnwaclJQ/UNft6MrPcFI/AAAAAAAAHsg/xTPbN8S6aKA/IMG_5872%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" height="153"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">When we got home we used a little magic eraser and wiped our bingo sheets clean. That way we won’t have to create them again next year. I’ll just slip them in my Christmas planner and they will be ready to go the next time we take a light adventure.</font> </p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Tootles,</font></p> <p><font color="#9b00d3" size="4" face="Bradley Hand ITC"><strong>FawnDear</strong></font></p> fawndearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03615865845078146063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4367771855684362047.post-74549373126726707952012-12-19T21:00:00.000-08:002012-12-19T21:01:42.759-08:00Every time a bell rings…<h1></h1> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">It took us two days to talk with our kids about Newport, Connecticut. Two days of only watching TV when they were not. Two days of reading statements from the experts ranging from our local school district, from online new sources, and friends on Facebook. But it wasn’t until I read what Kathryn at Daring Young Mom </font><a href="http://www.daringyoungmom.com/2012/12/14/light/"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Posted Here</font></a><font face="Comic Sans MS">, that we finally knew how we were going to talk to our kids about this. Thank you Kathryn. You said what I needed to hear as well.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">My mom happened to be with us when all of this happened and we were reminiscing about how in the olden days people hung mourning wreaths on their door when a loved one passed. Now a dark and dreary wreath isn’t too helpful. It might encapsulate the somber feelings and hopelessness that accompanies such tragedies, but I can’t live in that state of mind without sinking into depression. Then this movie came to mind.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bRoDy00xWx0/UNKZQ0IpTyI/AAAAAAAAHq8/HgIDG7J7Ehs/s1600-h/wondergful%252520life%252520bell.png"><font face="Comic Sans MS"><img title="wondergful life bell" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="wondergful life bell" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xnywWf81zmM/UNKZRm3cpjI/AAAAAAAAHrE/BLkAixeAF4o/wondergful%252520life%252520bell_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="351" height="264"></font></a></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">‘Every time a bell rings an angel gets their wings…’</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">And seeing how there are a couple dozen/plus new angels in heaven we thought we’d combine Kathryn’s thoughts with bells.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">Kathryn mentioned that we can do something. We can fight darkness and despair with light. For every act of evil or frustration that threatens to pull us down we can counter this darkness with light and love. The key word is ACT – Do Something. Smile, lift those around you that are down, render service to those in need. Might I add reach out with kindness to those who are alone or struggling.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">Being Christmas time I happened to have enough bells laying around that I could make a little wreath. I put a bell on a simple string representing each of the victims of this latest act of evil. Sparkly silver for the kids and pink for the adult women. I’m no great wreath maker. I strung the bells on a string and then wrapped the string around a wire hoop. Then, I wrapped the wire with ribbon to hide the string. It’s simple, but now we can remember those newest angels.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yyJCt2itEAE/UNKZSo3Y7OI/AAAAAAAAHrM/8q92t9fndEY/s1600-h/IMG_5837%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font face="Comic Sans MS"><img title="IMG_5837" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5837" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_UE1vweTbXM/UNKZUBk3YKI/AAAAAAAAHrU/ZVCNseTiu5g/IMG_5837_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="318" height="404"></font></a></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">Our family wrote down the names of all the victims and committed to do an act of service or reach out with love in honor of each of them. And every time we do we will jingle our little bell wreath. Yes, I know a bright jingle bell wreath can’t take away the hurt and heartbreak that comes with such tragedies. But our family is choosing to make the world a better place in honor of those lives lost. We are choosing to act with love and light.</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">Little Hope came home from her first day of school after the weekend and the first thing she did was reach up and ring the bells. </font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">“Mom, guess what, I choose to make the world better today.’ she told me as she jingled the bells. ‘I was kind to a kid at school that was feeling bad.’ </font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS">Thank you Hope.</font></p> fawndearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03615865845078146063noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4367771855684362047.post-24096238026906177722012-12-14T22:57:00.001-08:002012-12-14T22:57:47.003-08:00Up a tree but still moving<p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I’ve been meaning to pick up the blog pen again, for quite a while now. There is, of course, so many wonderful, and not so wonderful things I could tell you about that happened over the course of my absence, but I feel it would be best to start with the here and now. Sometimes the past can hold you back, and sadly all the things I’ve been meaning to tell you about have held me back from letting you into my wild and crazy life now.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">So I’m back. Wild and Crazy as Ever.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Thought now would be as good a time as any to introduce you to the newest member of our herd. Last year Pumpkin, our Ninja Kitty disappeared. We’d like to think his stealthy moves led him on a secret adventure to someone else’s home and that he didn’t meet his demise at the jaws of a ferocious beast in the wild. But none the less, Pumpkin is no longer with us. And missing our mouser led to this wild and crazy fuzz ball joining our family.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Meet Meap. The furriest pouncer on the planet. Miss Meap, is such a wildly active little feline we’ve had to rework the whole ankle bitter definition. Yes, she really does bit ankles.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9LG-HKH93Zc/UMwfWguVJmI/AAAAAAAAHpw/nHBSx6zJlMM/s1600-h/WP_20121202_009%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img title="WP_20121202_009" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="WP_20121202_009" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-net34qOGv8k/UMwfXdKAmZI/AAAAAAAAHp4/e9-gHAxTvEg/WP_20121202_009_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="575"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Nothing is safe from her curiosity. This wild and crazy kitty has done more damage to breakables in my home than all my kids combined. Within five minutes of putting up the Christmas tree here is what she did. Then she proceeded to stay there for another two hours and would pounce on ornaments the second we hung them on the tree. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">So, in an effort to protect memorable family ornaments, we did something we never had to do with our toddlers. We placed the tree in a alcove above our stairs.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fstoXr16-ak/UMwfX107VXI/AAAAAAAAHqA/qnCZlOU6Q8s/s1600-h/IMG_2977%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img title="IMG_2977" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2977" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aoXYt42i5TQ/UMwfYZ1T9eI/AAAAAAAAHqI/iO7EdRxLuMk/IMG_2977_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="322" height="428"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">The kids were digging the adventure of decorating the tree from the top of a ladder.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Our newest tradition this year is our 25 Days of Christ Advent Ornaments. The sweetest lady designed this and sold out this year but when she picks it up again next year I’m going to get more for family and friends. Here’s her website.</font></p> <p><a href="http://25daysofchrist.com/"><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img alt="" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0180/9849/t/2/assets/carousel-item-1.jpg?6" width="392" height="159"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I made some little bags to hold my 25 ornaments. I used a scrap sheet and some leftover blue fabric that I had laying around in my craft room. The numbers happened thanks to t-shirt printable that you can print on your printer. Iron the numbers onto your fabric and your done. Then I hung them on twine with clothes pegs on my fireplace mantle. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZEH6e2WKQl0/UMwfY4BjKWI/AAAAAAAAHqQ/Yjs9eyS82kk/s1600-h/IMG_5760%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img title="IMG_5760" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5760" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxo8hc7NxoxhwCvZATAF-HFp2x3NpeM99YezE3PfKkYjQeyArqM7dvO0HVJcnanKiRbKfz44KZaRSlOGd1y154vh2jdRbuPboptaLSx5Qs-3sb8j5s36wpJXEW0UUKGfhAV5MidDSToOi-/?imgmax=800" width="338" height="227"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I thought of hanging little snowflakes on the bags. Next year, maybe. Love them.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-N77JKOpu3Ks/UMwfZ8xDdVI/AAAAAAAAHqg/JCmFX9tha-M/s1600-h/IMG_5759%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img title="IMG_5759" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5759" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CcsGHPsddjQ/UMwfadFs7rI/AAAAAAAAHqo/JrJ_6Br-k4E/IMG_5759_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="342" height="511"></font></a> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">It’s good to be back.</font></p> fawndearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03615865845078146063noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4367771855684362047.post-46633249187311259402011-10-04T15:55:00.001-07:002011-10-04T15:55:08.112-07:00Ain’t that a Kick in the Pants<p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">I received a lovely email a little over a week ago about wanting to feature one of my previous de-hoarding posts. I felt honored, of course. So many thanks to Cassity from Remodelholics. Amazing sight for gleaning DIY ideas.</font></p> <p><a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="remodelaholic" border="0" alt="remodelaholic" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HB4Io2PpX1M/TouOy9DiPvI/AAAAAAAAHgc/EPYN7HWuyfo/remodelaholic%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="129" height="129"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">She kindly featured my <strike>Nightmare</strike> </font><a href="http://fawndear.blogspot.com/2010/10/nightmare-room-no-more.html"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Sweet Dreams Room!</font></a></p> <p><a href="http://fawndear.blogspot.com/2010/10/nightmare-room-no-more.html"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"><img border="0" alt="[Summer 1159.jpg]" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TMobAlZbEVI/AAAAAAAAG3g/Wdtuk3X72-M/s1600/Summer+1159.jpg" width="517" height="388"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">It really got me to thinking about how much I’ve accomplished over the past year. The post is nearly a year old (hence the beautiful autumn leaves outside). It was such a breakthrough in my recovery. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">And one year later…</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">It’s even better. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">I guess I should prove it by posting pictures right?</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Alas, my camera battery is dead and I really wanted to give a shout out to Cassity.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">But until all the pending pictures come out, please rest assured that my bedroom has been clutter-free every day since the original post. That means…</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Are you sitting down Mom???</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">FawnDear made her bed every day for nearly a whole year!</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">I know… Incredible right.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Probably made my bed more in the past year than in the previous Forty(cough)ish previous years put together. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">See I’m not hopeless.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">And as for the kick in the pants.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Sadly the recovering hoarding has been in a bit of a rut lately. Other than painting the trim on the outside of the home (which is only 2 hours away from completion), things have drastically slowed down. Well, 2 painting hours away once the rain stops.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">I’m trying to figure out how to motive myself to finish. I’m so close to being done. Only three rooms left, including one you can’t even walk through. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">On the bright side – I haven’t slid back. Just stuck in a rut. But shout out’s like Cassidy’s help remind me of where I’ve been, where I’m at, and where I’m going. I’ll get there. One lousy garbage bag at a time.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Tootles,</font></p> <p><font size="5" face="Bradley Hand ITC">FawnDear</font></p> fawndearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03615865845078146063noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4367771855684362047.post-83138669621255983372011-09-26T10:38:00.001-07:002011-09-26T15:00:41.255-07:00Slow and Slightly Unsteady<p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">One Year ago, plus eleven days, I began the biggest transformation my home has ever experienced. Dehoarding doesn’t happen in just an hour like on TV. It takes a while. My mentor, Mrs. Passion, warned that it would take 6-9 months. I’m at the year mark and still not done. I blame it on life. Six kids and a crazy schedule tends to shoot the best laid plans out of the water. You know the whole two steps forward, one back. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">However, I am still progressing – in the right direction as well. I’ve been itching to show you progress, but I’m such a fruity-tootie perfectionist that I want to wait until everything’s done. Then you’ll get the WOW effect to the oomph degree. Now I’m kicking myself, because makeovers don’t happen in one post. Unlike ‘Hoarding, Buried Alive’ on TV, the work to declutter can take weeks, and sometimes months, and in my case I’m now in it a whole year. One of my biggest lessons: Procrastination equals Pain… and anxiety. Neither of which is fun to deal with. In the past I’d bury them with more projects and stuff. Now I’m confronting them head on. I still don’t like pain. But getting through it is finally worth more than letting it fester.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Case in Point: <font size="5"><strong>Never</strong></font>, and I mean <strong><font size="5">never</font></strong> let your house scream at you for a paint job like this.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-b_e8zI0luAw/ToC4aJK4THI/AAAAAAAAHfQ/pDnHenNZxMM/s1600-h/summer-26494.jpg"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="summer 2649" border="0" alt="summer 2649" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-F386P4jPr88/ToC4ao476EI/AAAAAAAAHfU/nV4OXvpJr9o/summer-2649_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" height="295"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Twelve years ago we paid an arm and a leg to have a professional paint it. Within 5 years we noticed the paint bubbling, and three years ago we really knew it needed to be done. But the unbloggable happened and stuff like painting the home retreats to the back of your mind. When we started the whole transformation process a year ago we knew that our first outside order of business was to paint the home. This summer we realized that if we didn’t tackle the project now we would be forking over thousands to replace the siding as well.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">So began the most painful home improvement project we’ve tackled to date. Believe it or not twice as stressful as retiling the kitchen floor. What we thought would take a week has turned into four weeks of nightmarish adventure. Add in the fact that we’ve never attempted a project to this magnitude which played into the tension as well. We helped a friend paint her home and it only took 6 1/2 hours from start to finish. Yes, a lot of people showed up to help. It gave us a false sense of confidence that it would be easy-peasy.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">We pressure washed our home for nearly three days trying to knock off all the chipped paint and not tear up the siding. The results were disappointing.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2rFLzdrgKq0/ToC4bhjSeSI/AAAAAAAAHfY/TMTQtNX_92w/s1600-h/summer%2525202690%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="summer 2690" border="0" alt="summer 2690" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ztiH5AvLPo8/ToC4cWd2j3I/AAAAAAAAHfc/yx2Ibk_0TVk/summer%2525202690_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="377" height="563"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Sure we got a lot of paint off but there was still too much chipped paint hanging on by a thread waiting to be scrapped.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cEXZLElCvg8/ToC4dkQcYxI/AAAAAAAAHfg/ycpyaHi0c1Y/s1600-h/summer%2525202691%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="summer 2691" border="0" alt="summer 2691" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XqXdCZUCkQo/ToC4eqFc4TI/AAAAAAAAHfk/GhktaVWgtE0/summer%2525202691_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" height="577"></font></a><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"> Some of the siding didn’t survive and had to be replaced. In replacing some of the siding we also discovered shortcuts taken by the original builders where they had cut corners, not laid down the vapor-barrier in full which led to rotten wood underneath the trim and siding near the bottom. So some lower trim had to be totally ripped off. Our efforts to save money by doing the job ourselves ended up costing us as much as paying someone else to do it. But only because we had to replace damaged sections caused by our procrastination. The only redeeming note of comfort is that I don’t think a professional would have fixed the damage, just covered it up.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Abner, my boy, was my rock. He and his friend Chet put in hours daily for nearly two weeks scrapping the paint down to this.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RnVAIjH5I5g/ToC4fyd8SyI/AAAAAAAAHfo/7PWw-qT_Mpo/s1600-h/022%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="022" border="0" alt="022" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AeyQ0ZaNRm0/ToC4gqcs8KI/AAAAAAAAHfs/jQu-JzrsOP0/022_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="429" height="571"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Our favorite tool of choice was an angle grinder with a steel wool bristle brush. The paint sander attachments made for chipping off paint didn’t last nearly as long. So we were thrilled with the recommendation of the steel wool attachment. </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaR-ttu9JR5M0PHSUwQ-xASI9KE3GcKIdef6k54CtJt8vGgBzOuwJMkqEjjrvTWNjtmZW36kwE9ONmCrz9eQdMDod3NDCjnbAlPexGSRc63x6FwF2qS87CcBbrXPNEOK775PVKT_q3U2al/s1600-h/summer%2525202692%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="summer 2692" border="0" alt="summer 2692" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Zseg2dlo_lU/ToC4hw65rhI/AAAAAAAAHf0/4mBkMlXD9ks/summer%2525202692_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="587"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Another hard lessons to learn was don’t buy cheap tools. We burnt through the motors on two angle grinders and even a paint sprayer before we bit the bullet and bought the proper equipment.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Poor Abner had to also deal with the nasty heights. Our home sits on a hill which makes two stories nearly three on the backside. Thankfully we’ve the best friends in the world who loaned us scaffolding and ladders, ropes and harnesses. Friends are the best. So glad I’m not a recluse.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NlT-zV8HmOY/ToC4izPnNGI/AAAAAAAAHf4/8Vpbb1VTR5Q/s1600-h/021%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="021" border="0" alt="021" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6AB3z0l8QSY/ToC4jv7MN8I/AAAAAAAAHf8/U3t9KD2Bcvs/021_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="428" height="570"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Triple glad I’ve got a son willing to help. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Then there was another couple of days spent caulking every corner, window, door, and siding seam.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Since we were down to bare wood on two sides of our home it only made sense to prime before we painted.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">We were blessed with some more wonderful help our first day of priming. Our church was wrapping up a community service project for Northwest Day of Service and many members stopped by after the community project to give us a hand with our adventure. It’s amazing how many hands can make quick work of taping up and priming.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-L2vZNwaKvjc/ToC4k4aRh8I/AAAAAAAAHgA/nxBP3vNE1eI/s1600-h/Fall%252520002%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Fall 002" border="0" alt="Fall 002" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wE_slo-gZqs/ToC4m6nCboI/AAAAAAAAHgE/kRIKX8g5GTU/Fall%252520002_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="481" height="322"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">And another lessons learned was…</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yCc2ZPbD6H8/ToC4nmORnjI/AAAAAAAAHgI/qsv3NI12lIM/s1600-h/015%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="015" border="0" alt="015" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9b0SW_xpV9U/ToC4oINKfxI/AAAAAAAAHgM/jVS0p_SYK2M/015_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="468" height="623"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Teenagers all will volunteer for any work if they get to be on a roof. I had to pray like crazy that no one would get hurt. I think I drove a couple people bonkers with my worry. Sorry Prince Erik.</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8mrwzyu1_iBQR_B4HDLdb_YFrvz4V-2YKvJ1anxD6LniffD1rcwkLu2nblwKKPJYubafI9cghcMRtmJBepNqENOXj_TvqHgIWW7iF_EiyDfYdFGMzSnNnQKylK7dxHftvee0j2CvfCWo/s1600-h/024%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="024" border="0" alt="024" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CkxbMnyWe08/ToC4qIXaokI/AAAAAAAAHgU/bfDhZ-Cwoso/024_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="501" height="377"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Here’s my manly men priming the back side of our home, while dancing on boards in the effort of trying to give me a heart attack. I am not a fun person to be around when I’m worried. Yet they survived me.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">And as for the what our home looks like now…</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Well, it’s painted…</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">mostly, except for the trim…</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">however… it’s raining…</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">but we beat the rain. Our home is safe and protected and we learned some valuable lessons.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">* If you want something done right – do it yourself or find someone you really trust to do the job correctly.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">* Plan on it costing more than you thought.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">* Don’t skimp on tools.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">* Plan on it taking three times as long as you thought it would.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">* You’ll also be amazed at how many wonderful people there are that are angels on earth. To the S.V.’s of the earth and especially to Abner’s friend Chet and his family. They are the best sort of friends one can every hope for. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">*Abner learned he wants to get a great education to land a great job, earn some big bucks to pay someone else to do the work so that he will never have to ever do something like this again. That’s my boy – he’s a dreamer like me after all.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">There, now you know the before and during part. I’m praying the liquid sunshine lets up so that I can show you the after pictures by Wednesday or Thursday. Until then I’ve got to tackle the housework and laundry that’s been piling up while I was distracted outside.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Tootles,</font></p> <p><font color="#9b00d3" size="5" face="Bradley Hand ITC"><strong>FawnDear</strong></font></p> fawndearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03615865845078146063noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4367771855684362047.post-21661009911008051992011-08-04T17:27:00.001-07:002011-08-04T17:27:12.481-07:00CRAZY!<p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Since my last post…</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cYK1JipmMRo/Tjs43sc2yhI/AAAAAAAAHfI/LWKtW5DPoSk/s1600-h/Spring%252520870%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Spring 870" border="0" alt="Spring 870" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-128apfpKGvs/Tjs43zqqCaI/AAAAAAAAHfM/LfesOHE-tmk/Spring%252520870_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="204" /></a></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">I’ve had Surgery in Two Hands </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Helped run a Family Reunion in one State</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Helped run another Family Reunion in another State</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Certified as a Ropes Course Instructor – don’’t know how my body managed that one.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Attended a Week of Girls Camp – no one told me lack of sleep came with the event.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Made over 300 rope bracelets.  (More about that later)</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Improved my belly flopping technique.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Been a Ma on a Pioneer Handcart Trek – Always was last into camp, but had the biggest smile on my face the whole time.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Dusted off my mad harmonica skills too.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Sewed three pioneer dresses, two aprons, three bonnets, and one pair of bloomers.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Held Two separate Garage Sales and the garage is still bursting with stuff.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Church Calling Duties too numerous to list.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Learned a new talent:  Whip Cracking – I know, crazy.  Can snap that cracker three different ways. – Comes in handy when trying to impress pioneer youth, and keeping kids in line.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Had my new (anniversary gift) camera Stolen.  Stupid Seattle.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Found it on Craigslist.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Cops did nothing so we lost it for good.  Stupid Seattle.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Husband took pity or got tired of me moaning about it and bought me a new one.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Sent kids off to Especially for Youth for a week.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Sent husband and boys off White Water Rafting for another week.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Continue to work on my dehoarding & the interior of my home.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Lost 27 lbs.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Found 23 lbs.  (Sigh).</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">I should take up yo-yo’s.  I’d probably be really good at it.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">It’s been my craziest summer ever… and… I’m almost back.  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">with pictures.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Missed you all.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Tootles,</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Lucida Handwriting">FawnDear</font></p> fawndearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03615865845078146063noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4367771855684362047.post-33997068907187843392011-03-10T07:59:00.001-08:002011-03-12T07:28:14.411-08:00Someone, Please Pinch Me!<p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">Prepared to be Wowed!  FawnDear finally completed another milestone in my De-hoarding.  The Dining room is DONE!!!  Happy Dance.  I know it seems like forever since I’ve last shared a completed room in my recovery from hoarding.  Honestly it’s because our family has stretched out to be working on 4-5 rooms at the same time.  But we are progressing.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">Because it’s taken just that long, let me remind you of the abysmal state of the dining room last November.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj0j_6Sw9I/AAAAAAAAHZg/abwonkE6h88/s1600-h/Summer-13455.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Summer 1345" border="0" alt="Summer 1345" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj0kkyR1vI/AAAAAAAAHZk/_6GuwH8kAlU/Summer-1345_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="481" height="322" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">Every surface so cluttered you could barely see the table from the front room.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">So sit back and relax, this is a long, picture heavy post.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">Remember how I de-cluttered in time for Thanksgiving.  Switched the wall that the China Cabinet went on… with reservations.  Ms. Passion told me to trust her and I did.  Now I’m so glad that I listened.  Are you ready???</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"> </font><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj0lfuhgfI/AAAAAAAAHZo/qkxgvIK5x3s/s1600-h/Summer-14405.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Summer 1440" border="0" alt="Summer 1440" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj0l_vdzGI/AAAAAAAAHZs/sB3-GcuUZug/Summer-1440_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" height="513" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">From that to this…</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj0mz0FFdI/AAAAAAAAHZw/rU4xs-p642E/s1600-h/Spring-0095.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Spring 009" border="0" alt="Spring 009" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj0nbCxJcI/AAAAAAAAHZ0/SdKAEIsy5mk/Spring-009_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="453" height="264" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">And yes, it is the same house.  It’s amazing what a lot of hard work can do.  I know blue might not be most people’s first choice of color, but it’s mine.  I need the calm it brings.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">Many thanks to my big boys for wielding the poles of paint rollers.  Painting cathedral ceilings are not fun.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">So the Tall Wall went from this mayhem of mess…</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj0oKijQjI/AAAAAAAAHZ4/WUh9l2mUonY/s1600-h/Summer-6545.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Summer 654" border="0" alt="Summer 654" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj0or_NkmI/AAAAAAAAHZ8/PsiwSymz6Yw/Summer-654_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="333" height="646" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">To this…</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhdFkTvAGHF6G6VYdi7v0bej1XPqsicaFgvKclIREMS41Hq3CWkfrZ_d0uk9zDix63tVtLN_Qe_vqdpwxjYc2kT4X5z4mFnzdFTkeWfLjbXeJkAwvuxU1-ll5rWPRayaZifP_V8haVcdc/s1600-h/Spring-0115.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Spring 011" border="0" alt="Spring 011" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj0pnVpluI/AAAAAAAAHaE/LrhElotsmUc/Spring-011_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="332" height="587" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">Say it with me, ‘Ahhhhhh.  So refreshing, Yes?’  Ms. Passion helped me find my voice and style.  It’s been there all along.  I love antique linens and the color blue.  The wall however we painted a Mt. Rainier Grey (True Value), but it looks blue all the same.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">The large framed doily was made by my talented Mom.  It had been sitting in a drawer because I was too afraid of my kids damaging it.  But I’ve pulled out the best linen’s.  I’m going to live in my Dream home today and not wait for a someday home that may never happen.  In the Movie ‘Knight and Day’ the comment is made about Someday being the code word for Never.  That struck a nerve with me.  So I’m redefining my Dreams.  My Someday is Today. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj0qRwFiWI/AAAAAAAAHaI/YTQQbFf5fuU/s1600-h/Spring-0265.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Spring 026" border="0" alt="Spring 026" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj0rAtp3NI/AAAAAAAAHaM/GH9nrR8IfhA/Spring-026_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="595" /></font></a><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"> </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">In deciding on an arrangement of plates, Ms. Passion and myself tried out several different configurations on the floor. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj0sJ6TT8I/AAAAAAAAHaQ/W81THPSf6aQ/s1600-h/New-Year-18934.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="New Year 1893" border="0" alt="New Year 1893" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj0sjXQmXI/AAAAAAAAHaU/dgljE1vDUaQ/New-Year-1893_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="470" height="266" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">Then, when we finally settled on the one we liked the best we laid it out on the back side of some old wrapping paper I had stashed away in my closet.  </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj0uOrv64I/AAAAAAAAHaY/q4Z_HOUoQqs/s1600-h/New-Year-18974.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="New Year 1897" border="0" alt="New Year 1897" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj0uhfrKuI/AAAAAAAAHac/L-FfjkVPC4A/New-Year-1897_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="472" height="267" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">You mark where the plates are positioned by outlining them on the paper.  Then tape the paper to your wall, adjust the height if necessary.   Then without removing the paper, add your nails, or whatever means you decided to use, to hang your art.  Then once they are all in place, slowly tear away the paper.  Ms. Passion and my neighbor Ethel kindly helped with this part. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">It’s the easiest way, I believe to hang a collage, and make sure you get  the positioning you want, right the first time.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">I wanted more doily art but until my mom sends me more (hint, hint), or better yet until she comes to visit and can teach me how to do them, I settled for filling a couple of my frames with $1 store doilies.  I took a frame and  lined it with blue material from a thrift store T-shirt dress that I found that matched (nearly exactly) my accent wall. I folded the material over the cardboard that came with the frame and taped it onto the back side.   On the large doily display I actually laid the material on a piece of cardboard that had been treated with a spray adhesive.  Trying to insure that the weight of the crochet wouldn’t cause the knit material to sag.  It turned out beautiful.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj0vdulSsI/AAAAAAAAHag/xV2dWguqzfU/s1600-h/New-Year-1944.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="New Year 194" border="0" alt="New Year 194" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj0v2n96aI/AAAAAAAAHak/86lxv5xuxaE/New-Year-194_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" height="510" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">I used an acid-free glue stick in a couple of places on the back of the doilies to have them stick better to the knit material background.  I also tried to do something a bit different and cut the $1 store crocheted find in pieces.  Yes, I hacked up a doily.  So one doily was used in two different frames.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj0w9xjmPI/AAAAAAAAHao/sUOSGHrJtJs/s1600-h/Spring-0274.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Spring 027" border="0" alt="Spring 027" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj0xfP1BxI/AAAAAAAAHas/DJn6xa-Frpc/Spring-027_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="476" height="270" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">And the all the coordinating dishes I’ve found over the past few months (super cheap) at the Thrift store or the local antique mall.  It required a lot of patience and multiple trips.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj0yQCkXrI/AAAAAAAAHaw/0JLkSCtbMN4/s1600-h/Spring-0285.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Spring 028" border="0" alt="Spring 028" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj0zaewipI/AAAAAAAAHa0/meAP0mJtFSI/Spring-028_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="368" height="637" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">My favorite one, the top platter, I did get on EBay.  I love that it’s of Washington Crossing the Delaware.  And another plate pays homage to my pioneer heritage.  Go Wagon Train!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj00XDCyRI/AAAAAAAAHa4/s5D4KpKGsjY/s1600-h/Spring-0295.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Spring 029" border="0" alt="Spring 029" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj00_7-X5I/AAAAAAAAHa8/kK65EEH89wU/Spring-029_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="276" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">I love my new Stitch and Dish Wall.</font></p> <p><font color="#4f81bd" size="4" face="Lucida Calligraphy">“Each decision we make becomes a stitch in the pattern of our life.”  ~My Mom</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">Okay, onto another dreadful before view.  Here’s another Clutter War Zone before photo.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">  </font><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj014M8JwI/AAAAAAAAHbA/YmWfJCKyATQ/s1600-h/Summer-13435.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Summer 1343" border="0" alt="Summer 1343" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj02W0uDpI/AAAAAAAAHbE/b-L8Jbhaf2o/Summer-1343_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="481" height="322" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">And here’s the after.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj03mtkPXI/AAAAAAAAHbI/ZoA6MpSE76s/s1600-h/New-Year-20054.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="New Year 2005" border="0" alt="New Year 2005" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj04DbYiZI/AAAAAAAAHbM/o6nhj-B_y-c/New-Year-2005_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="372" height="495" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">This wall run’s the length of my dining room/family room and is a much darker blue.  ‘Blue Dusk’ from True Value, is the name of this paint.  It isn’t too overwhelming because the huge China Cabinet helps break up the color nicely.  You’ll have to wait to see what it amazingly does to my front room.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">Notice how my huge sagging rectangle table is gone.  We replaced it with a Thrift Store treasure.  Ms. Passion found me this solid wood, Diamond-In-The-Rough, oval table, with two inserts, last October for just $43.  But it needed a lot of help.  Stripping the stain and varnish, then sanding, and re-staining to match the dining room chairs and finally applying nearly 6 coats of varnish.  Yes, my kids are that tough on tables.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj05YjNd1I/AAAAAAAAHbQ/Z78voPBbFRY/s1600-h/Summer-10504.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Summer 1050" border="0" alt="Summer 1050" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj06MgH4II/AAAAAAAAHbU/4L1efPpLnlU/Summer-1050_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="374" height="497" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">We decided that the new oval shape would help simplify the room.  Not only is it simple and beautiful, but it’s shape actually gives us more room in which to move around.  And we didn’t lose any seating.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">Once again T-rev and Abner were major Elbow-Grease contributors.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj07OWN_6I/AAAAAAAAHbY/Xued6ozZ0QY/s1600-h/Summer%20938%5B1%5D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Summer 938" border="0" alt="Summer 938" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj07kVtR1I/AAAAAAAAHbc/Duz7cqV-A58/Summer%20938_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="374" height="559" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">Sanding the little crevices are not too much fun.  Special thanks to my little Dremel tool for getting all the nooks and crannies for me.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj08dpY-tI/AAAAAAAAHbg/H31TO6sm-IM/s1600-h/Summer%201053%5B1%5D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Summer 1053" border="0" alt="Summer 1053" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj09FFTMMI/AAAAAAAAHbk/ZJRS6zasExw/Summer%201053_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="505" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">I also went the extra step and </font><a href="http://www.mommyblessings.com/2011/01/re-furbished-dining-room-chairs.html"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">recovered the Dining room tables chairs</font></a><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">.  Good-bye brown.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj0921_WdI/AAAAAAAAHbo/h7Sp4ejZYZk/s1600-h/19w%20Year%20012.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="19w Year 012" border="0" alt="19w Year 012" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj0-QqhINI/AAAAAAAAHbs/0Jjk_F9gDmg/19w%20Year%20012_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" height="511" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">Hello Beautiful.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj0_EDAHuI/AAAAAAAAHbw/60S3EQvV8Fw/s1600-h/22w%20Year%20018%5B1%5D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="22w Year 018" border="0" alt="22w Year 018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUg5i80IgYSg_hAHjNY95b5xmLMnTOPhHJ8hiAuNb8cgyhXRFcLcR-9tU38b7nwDfd_meuuTSBB74hbnFrEZc7B36DnNEAhevv1Sp4Wi2pxdopCvI8zNaCimCQ4_Xr8wK_VHlHJJTdZvbO/?imgmax=800" width="380" height="506" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">Love it.</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAuEkIoULMbVP8TX5IkKfHf6O6JnhIQktveJx9ksuM81g5sQMUeDDbyvzzya9P4d2PK7UTOfWWjIT3WloiO-LBTLaTCK-xqgK-Gx9VfQsjjllfzFvzy4Le47_ecHbvJZ5KuTF3Y-0bqK7R/s1600-h/Spring%20045%5B2%5D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Spring 045" border="0" alt="Spring 045" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj1Bou3mpI/AAAAAAAAHb8/bQbxpoD7NrE/Spring%20045_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="499" height="332" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">We also, took down the bronze colored ceiling fan and replaced it with a craigslist find.  I nearly jumped for joy when I found this on Craigslist, as it matches (style- wise) a smaller one that I found for the entry way.  </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj1DILXsXI/AAAAAAAAHcA/rxlayjZdzrc/s1600-h/Christmas%20001%5B1%5D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Christmas 001" border="0" alt="Christmas 001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj1DmcPMNI/AAAAAAAAHcE/FtT7BsjxJa0/Christmas%20001_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="497" height="374" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">However the old brass didn’t really fit the new rooms color scheme. So, I taped up the candle sticks and pulled out the metal friendly Spray Paint.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj1FuNxvsI/AAAAAAAAHcI/JMK3cuWHn_k/s1600-h/Christmas%20008%5B1%5D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Christmas 008" border="0" alt="Christmas 008" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj1GXKIi7I/AAAAAAAAHcM/bbqP7Cx2bvI/Christmas%20008_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="376" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">I did spray a Primer on first, then followed that up with a couple coats of Silver.  </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj1HGr2nII/AAAAAAAAHcQ/pQDdKLnxllA/s1600-h/Christmas%20021%5B1%5D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Christmas 021" border="0" alt="Christmas 021" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj1HuMgS4I/AAAAAAAAHcU/1rToSvpvnHI/Christmas%20021_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="405" height="539" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">Now it fit’s the room perfectly.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj1I2pIr4I/AAAAAAAAHcY/--0zAFc6vjY/s1600-h/New%20Year%202007.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="New Year 2007" border="0" alt="New Year 2007" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj1JPTtHfI/AAAAAAAAHcc/oSpZjBdxYzw/New%20Year%202007_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">I also made my first ever woodworking project. I love doing FawnDear firsts.  This first was attempting wood cornices to go over the windows.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">The molding was a little tricky, so I must say thank you to whomever invented Wood Putty, sanding and a couple coats of good thick paint to hide my little flaws.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj1KDA0WVI/AAAAAAAAHcg/4dHxEoT8pW0/s1600-h/New%20Year%20281.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="New Year 281" border="0" alt="New Year 281" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj1KrTlfWI/AAAAAAAAHck/SyghJJrO4b4/New%20Year%20281_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="422" height="318" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">Oh, and another kudos to Prince Erik for mounting the heavy sucker’s on the wall.  Thanks Stud for being such a Stud Finder.  I ended up making a total of three box Cornices in total for the two rooms.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj1LBQ30MI/AAAAAAAAHco/iEeGzgXmNPI/s1600-h/New%20Year%20347.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="New Year 347" border="0" alt="New Year 347" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj1L7ocPJI/AAAAAAAAHcs/Sej1isimRRc/New%20Year%20347_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="274" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">It took me a couple of months to find the curtain material.  But I finally went with a Waverly Toile Print from JoAnn’s.  Home Decorating Fabric can be a jaw dropper at times, but I made sure to only buy it after it reached the 50% off.  I then scored with another 20% off total purchase coupon so ended up getting nearly 70% off regular price.  The lining for the curtains was… can you guess??? Thrifted White flat sheets.  The rods… cheapo Electrical Pipe from Home Depot hung on Closet Rod Holders.  I punched grommets through the top of my curtain material and hung them on the pipe with shower curtain hooks.  So they slide open and shut so easily.  And you would never know about the unconventional assembly because it’s hidden up in the cornice.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">  <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXlMVvTiEqI/AAAAAAAAHeU/Tm2vB5PAKH0/s1600-h/Spring%20100%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Spring 100" border="0" alt="Spring 100" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXlMWB1KolI/AAAAAAAAHeY/EHRfb2nbviI/Spring%20100_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="371" height="519" /></a></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">The white cornice box was beautiful, but adding a stripe of my accent ‘Blue Dusk’ really made the molding stand out.  </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj1M9jej-I/AAAAAAAAHcw/oOoEwInQoUI/s1600-h/Spring%20016%5B1%5D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Spring 016" border="0" alt="Spring 016" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj1NRIXBMI/AAAAAAAAHc0/9O9Y3X-Hi2I/Spring%20016_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="373" height="521" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">Not only am I decorating with colors I love but I’m adding more of me.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">The yellow roses remind me of the wild yellow rose bush that flanked the small walkway to the farmhouse I grew up in.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj1ObRiVxI/AAAAAAAAHc4/8UMLpBgteW4/s1600-h/Spring%20020.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Spring 020" border="0" alt="Spring 020" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj1OmqqqSI/AAAAAAAAHc8/bfaS7GMrHSE/Spring%20020_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="481" height="272" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">And if you look closely… you might spy something magical.</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAGQzYOXscjlXEE9ixZrSzuGRzIuv9TrW-oZVWj1HlowW5_yW6lLKDoCT5SXY-YcjJxb57hLVPeekf7qUdJkO9tv6F5wVkAsaiOewh7gvFV_Ql9vbw0DHfPnfjFBIZw4n_4PhB9dJ3gI8t/s1600-h/Spring%20018.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Spring 018" border="0" alt="Spring 018" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj1P_LJ2xI/AAAAAAAAHdE/JM7PvPHYkUY/Spring%20018_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="345" height="480" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">My wee little friends have picked little play spots all over the room.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj1Q_7eNuI/AAAAAAAAHdI/53LkOvaEIQg/s1600-h/Spring%20035.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Spring 035" border="0" alt="Spring 035" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj1RZu8tGI/AAAAAAAAHdM/FEeWlTWPsjI/Spring%20035_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="482" height="273" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">The wire bird cages I found super cheap at the local antique mall.  I did spray them with an heirloom white to match.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj1SAoR8QI/AAAAAAAAHdQ/ok_e29krO_Y/s1600-h/Spring%20032%5B1%5D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Spring 032" border="0" alt="Spring 032" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj1SpniM-I/AAAAAAAAHdU/lbicHocjiSE/Spring%20032_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="330" height="584" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">And they provide even more play space for my pixie and wee feathered friends.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj1TXfqK9I/AAAAAAAAHdY/80NIXo0WneQ/s1600-h/Spring%20034%5B2%5D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Spring 034" border="0" alt="Spring 034" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj1UO2qNsI/AAAAAAAAHdc/kce90O5Lj-M/Spring%20034_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="332" height="589" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">My whole starting point for this room lies with the china that my Grandmother gave me when I got married.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj1VI298-I/AAAAAAAAHdg/3r_9Aa_84Ig/s1600-h/Spring%20039.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Spring 039" border="0" alt="Spring 039" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj1VrIEkzI/AAAAAAAAHdk/fBivAJM1--c/Spring%20039_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="490" height="277" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">My fairies have their own personality.  Some are more shy and only peak out at you if you’re very patient.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj1WOKxnwI/AAAAAAAAHdo/qUeItCj7BKU/s1600-h/Spring%20037%5B1%5D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Spring 037" border="0" alt="Spring 037" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj1Ww3xpLI/AAAAAAAAHds/CsCVPRV5w5c/Spring%20037_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="357" height="631" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">Others dance in the open, loving the spotlight of my mix & match china.</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7yC8yWr1uWvb49niIH2oJAvmtfJR0Ip6X-GDikXOvRRfNE4XQ7icuYi6WsKv9wJxPJiSR0m97cWV-leHBuPwbTCtf7FWp1T7HrLPn0zwPJZDLXMS7JvCr8uPhNWFvcRR09Sk58CI77e67/s1600-h/Spring%20038%5B6%5D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Spring 038" border="0" alt="Spring 038" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj1Yxu_kcI/AAAAAAAAHd0/50H9rdIuIR8/Spring%20038_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="478" height="383" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">It feels so good to finally express me, in the decorating of my home.  I know it might not be what is most current in the design world, but it’s calming,peaceful, magical and downright perfect for me.  For the first time in my married life I finally feel like this is my home.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXuRB6YZavI/AAAAAAAAHe8/oXBlpVrZyQk/s1600-h/Spring-0333.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">Surrounded with items reminding me of my contributing heritage…</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj1acKFEFI/AAAAAAAAHd8/rdnvWe0bBek/s1600-h/Spring%20043%5B4%5D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Spring 043" border="0" alt="Spring 043" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj1bI24_xI/AAAAAAAAHeA/WaRBAqg9tN4/Spring%20043_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" height="569" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">As well as my love of Imagination.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXuRB6YZavI/AAAAAAAAHfA/9neaRx7VZJg/s1600-h/Spring-0332.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Spring 033" border="0" alt="Spring 033" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXj1cRJ0anI/AAAAAAAAHeI/M3tf8MCuxaA/Spring%20033_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="348" height="615" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">There you have it.  My new dining room.  The bonus is our family has had dinner at this table every night for the past two weeks and ‘Glory Be’ we are keeping it this nice all the time.  I’m not even tempted to bring clutter in this magical space.  Thank you Ms. Passion.  You are my Angel.</font></p> <p><a href="http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DIY_Featured_Button" border="0" alt="DIY_Featured_Button" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXuRDYrEZXI/AAAAAAAAHfE/bqJgL88aq1Y/DIY_Featured_Button%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="186" height="220" /></a></p> fawndearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03615865845078146063noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4367771855684362047.post-4743597101126257422011-03-07T12:41:00.001-08:002011-03-07T18:02:36.779-08:00Bambi Makes a New Friend<p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">Guess who came to visit again???  Well, I guess I gave it away in the post title.  But our orphaned deer friend stopped by our home and invited him/herself into our back yard.  </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXVCb0cbnKI/AAAAAAAAHXU/VB_rXDW9E9M/s1600-h/New%20Year%201921%5B4%5D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="New Year 1921" border="0" alt="New Year 1921" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXVCcfVeuQI/AAAAAAAAHXY/1uH6AquRPI8/New%20Year%201921_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="473" height="268" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">Since I don’t the know gender of our little fawn I think I’ll just refer to him/her as Bambi.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">Hope did offer little Bambi a little fresh grass but wisely he kept his distance a little bit from us today.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXVCeezNJ8I/AAAAAAAAHXc/Eadrh2BIPQ4/s1600-h/New%20Year%201929%5B5%5D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="New Year 1929" border="0" alt="New Year 1929" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXVCfGhjXXI/AAAAAAAAHXg/JFdCz1jsPOQ/New%20Year%201929_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="468" height="265" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">Please don’t call Animal Control on us, as we didn’t try to make contact this time, other than Hope’s first grass offering.  Just mainly stood around the yard and quietly took pictures as our deer friend visited.  He stayed for over an hour.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"> </font><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXVCgbNyyHI/AAAAAAAAHXk/9hhZbCxt6N4/s1600-h/New%20Year%201932%5B4%5D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="New Year 1932" border="0" alt="New Year 1932" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXVCgwZc_NI/AAAAAAAAHXo/q_XXMXiv-30/New%20Year%201932_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="464" height="263" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">Even Hope’s bouncing around didn’t scare Bambi off.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">I think he was too intrigued by his new friend.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXVc5i2UdRI/AAAAAAAAHZY/C3Rl6N6wtcY/s1600-h/New%20Year%201928%5B10%5D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="New Year 1928" border="0" alt="New Year 1928" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXVc6hIdOJI/AAAAAAAAHZc/6JKzga7ceNI/New%20Year%201928_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="473" height="340" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">I don’t imagine too many cats are dumb enough to let a deer get this close.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXVE7NZZukI/AAAAAAAAHY8/WR2pQB5Wkwg/s1600-h/New%20Year%201942%5B9%5D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="New Year 1942" border="0" alt="New Year 1942" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXVE8FjdB2I/AAAAAAAAHZA/PvD5FBiEauo/New%20Year%201942_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="474" height="380" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">But Pumpkin the Ninja Cat isn’t the brightest cat.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">Bambi appeared very curious, and I believe wanted to make a new acquaintance.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXVCkVOa_SI/AAAAAAAAHX0/rl5EBZ_C2vk/s1600-h/New%20Year%201947%5B10%5D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="New Year 1947" border="0" alt="New Year 1947" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXVClD54MFI/AAAAAAAAHX4/ROdgIY5mQSg/New%20Year%201947_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="346" height="612" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">And so I watched for a good 20 minutes of nose touching, then bounding off; followed by sneaking back up on each other.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">In nearly all corners of our yard.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXVE9EGKHxI/AAAAAAAAHZE/Phj9Wcabqw8/s1600-h/New%20Year%201953%5B10%5D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="New Year 1953" border="0" alt="New Year 1953" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXVE9ivoRyI/AAAAAAAAHZI/bUUksHC_H94/New%20Year%201953_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="338" height="473" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">Sometimes Bambi would be more interested in lunch.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXVCoLyA6pI/AAAAAAAAHYE/UGbYGz4KRAg/s1600-h/New%20Year%201939%5B6%5D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="New Year 1939" border="0" alt="New Year 1939" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXVCoyq8lII/AAAAAAAAHYI/Tg96VJQ1L8k/New%20Year%201939_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="342" height="604" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">And when Bambi lost interest and started eating our weeds again, Pumpkin would wait  patiently.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXVE_r_vBCI/AAAAAAAAHZM/YiB53BCc4Rk/s1600-h/New%20Year%201955%5B9%5D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="New Year 1955" border="0" alt="New Year 1955" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXVFASwMHpI/AAAAAAAAHZU/9apgMNI3-_I/New%20Year%201955_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="468" height="335" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">And before you knew it Bambi would be curious again.</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3fl4EiYda2EXJ7BTzAx3lDST96aYDgsnFEl_WNDa9bLU_wZRMWdxw2mi8m-huJnibMaDudq1_P7J3R3BNlS9dIJJzm4Dfwft-hGd3gFso_3i8MirQcwfuK-gEqGoaPAIPzksff426_qLr/s1600-h/New%20Year%201936%5B4%5D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="New Year 1936" border="0" alt="New Year 1936" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXVCtxAAJ3I/AAAAAAAAHYY/bVJVeebWcXk/New%20Year%201936_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="471" height="267" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">So Pumpkin gave Bambi a tour of our backyard.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXVCu491InI/AAAAAAAAHYc/XKxApCGMT3g/s1600-h/New%20Year%201959%5B4%5D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="New Year 1959" border="0" alt="New Year 1959" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXVCvpZRTQI/AAAAAAAAHYg/i_REuOJFxIc/New%20Year%201959_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="470" height="266" /></font></a><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">He even took the little Prince/Princess under the trampoline.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">And introduced him to even more native terrain.  Yum, Fresh Spring Grass.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXVCxkmbFgI/AAAAAAAAHYk/1kWytJnInas/s1600-h/New%20Year%201966%5B11%5D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="New Year 1966" border="0" alt="New Year 1966" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXVCyyH4VPI/AAAAAAAAHYo/jdHgmGX8LBA/New%20Year%201966_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="348" height="524" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">I think Bambi appreciated the kindness of our silly Pumpkin.</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYpSzYrCNzuNuSZ93YBBy8urEPlG_PjeAiiqcZoHAP-KE7mZ1GwVc-1oGU4EMKcMXkyZDgSpwA6dAwTO1tT7TBh2Sq55FqnkI8wKtZlL8NcCGqu63UWhq-uWtsLv5o5o-mlyPY-fSf5z04/s1600-h/New%20Year%201961%5B5%5D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="New Year 1961" border="0" alt="New Year 1961" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXVC185mgNI/AAAAAAAAHYw/yG94VccxNBU/New%20Year%201961_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="345" height="611" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">And, I think, Pumpkin appreciated the nuzzle in return.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXVC3I8V28I/AAAAAAAAHY0/StuOqE4xkw4/s1600-h/New%20Year%201964%5B6%5D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="New Year 1964" border="0" alt="New Year 1964" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tEo38PEwokE/TXVC4bDBsNI/AAAAAAAAHY4/9G6aEfyy990/New%20Year%201964_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="346" height="611" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">So this post is dedicated to my little Arizona nieces who are just as enthralled with Bambi as I am.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Tempus Sans ITC">Now I’m back to the de-hoarding – But Bambi’s visit was just the rejuvenation I needed to have a wonderful day.  Guess what another room DONE!  I promise to post pictures soon.</font></p> fawndearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03615865845078146063noreply@blogger.com11