Early Holiday Greetings

Well I don't know how many of you are aware of my recent 3 month long job search which amounted to much worry, depression, loss of self esteem, panic, and desperation. I have been out of work for about a year and apparently local employers were not too keen on that idea. I had very few call backs and even fewer interviews. And as time went on those interviews seemed brutal and I found myself falling on my face, totally bombing. 

I had resigned myself to the fact that I was going to have to go beyond what my local communities had to offer. I was going to have to move and uproot my high school daughter who threatened mutiny if I did. I didn't know what I was going to do. I needed a job very badly, the reason for which I have not publicly stated but it has to do with my marriage falling apart. So now I guess I have said it publicly. I cried myself to sleep with desperation. And I prayed. I knew deep down that God would not abandon me and I trusted Him. 


I am so happy to announce that as of last Monday I am now a productive member of society, I finally got a job. And even better is that I think I am really going to like it. It is a small hospital, I don't think I have even been in a smaller one. Everyone is very friendly and helpful.  I will be working on the med/surg floor, which is the only floor they have, and I will be working in the ER and will take my turn being charge nurse. I am so excited. 


So to make a long story short, I will be working on Thanksgiving day and want to tell everyone who is reading to have a very special Thanksgiving day. I have so much to be thankful for. I always take time to reflect these things so I can be sure to include everything in my thanks.  And I thank you all for reading.

Meet Catherine

This week for my artist feature I would like to introduce Catherine. Catherine has 2 Etsy shops: Bridal Jewelry For You and Catherine's Handcrafted Jewelry Designs. Catherine says, "I sell jewelry, but also sew, make soap, knit, and crochet. I do have a blog although I a lot of times forget about in the busyness of life http://jewelryforever.blogspot.com . I started crafting when I got started in jewelry when a friend got a jewelry kit. I loved it so much that I had my mom get me one for Christmas. That is how I got started I was around 11 at the time. Right now my favorite pieces are my bridal pieces because they are all sparkly and shinny from all the sterling and swarovski crystals. Because my bridal shop has just opened I am doing a sale! The first three brides to purchase there bridal parties jewelry, minimum of $150, gets a free pair of bridal earrings!"

Sterling silver cluster bridal bracelet with swarovski crystals and freshwater pearls

Sterling bridal earrings with Swarovski clusters

Turquoise chunk and copper necklace

Turquoise and copper earrings

Check out both of Catherine's shops for gorgeous handmade and unique jewelry. Here are a few examples of her work, beautiful aren't they?

Another Surprise!

Today must be my lucky day! One of my fat quarter combos was chosen to be included in the "Color Feature of the Week" on Charan's blog, Creative With Clay. I also want to give you the link the Charan's Etsy shop of the same name. She has some gorgeous creations there.

Thanks again Charan.

Susie's Etsy Treasury

Yesterday I made the long trip to see my daughter, Shelley, and 2 of my grandchildren, Edward and Patience. It was Patience's last soccer game and I just had to watch her play at least once, even if it meant driving 4 hours each way all in one day. And it was so worth it.

When I got home last night I discovered that my Autumn Leaves Embroidered Coasters were included in someone's Etsy treasury. Wow! I am truly honored and I appreciate Susie so much. You can view the treasury here. There are several beautiful items, I'm sure you'll find something you like. Also, please go check out Susie's shop, SilverNGold, she has some wonderful things there as well.

Thanks again Susie!