Housecleaning.......Long Overdue!

I can't believe it has been so long since I posted.  It has been such a busy summer......a busy year.  Twelve years ago we purchased a patio home.  We got rid of alot a dead weight so to speak.  I remember telling my husband that I did not realize how theraputic that process was going to be.  Well once again I did not see this coming but a great theraputic cleaning!  I knew I needed a refreshing and renewal from the life draining world I had to live in each day. The job change has been and still is AWESOME!!  The thing I did not expect was the cleansing I would experience.  I have been surrounded by people who I only see, hear from....you know the kind.....you only exist when they want something from you!  And then there are the ones who are so nice to your face and will sacrifice you and anyone else they need to in order to make themselves look good.  However, I also was surrounded by great friends that I cherish.  And you know those are the relationships that have not changed at all because of a job change......not at all! When I changed jobs I discovered a whole new world.  An amazing concept....TEAM WORK!  Everyone works together, everyone willing to lend a helping hand.  A two way street. It really is true that the group takes on the personality of the leader.  Our Director is not just the boss, she is an amazing leader!   She is down to earth, caring, an amazing business woman, fair, and knows how to balance it all.....not too much "boss" and not too much "down to earth". And she makes it look so easy.  So many have the wrong idea about what "boss" means.  One of the questions I ask when interviewing is "What do you think makes a great boss?"  I am glad to tell those I hire that we have a great boss and a great leader!

So the year has been a cleansing of people in my life who I only exist for what they need from me to being surrounded by family and friends that are "real".  The saying is so true "What is not good for you will only continue as long as you allow it."  It took a stepping back and looking at two very different worlds to realize just how true that really is.

Housecleaning is not fun and is sometimes painful but when you have a clean house it feels so refreshing.  If you are not careful, making a living will suck you into having the life sucked out of you.  You think you are enjoying your "real" friends and real "family" to the fullest.....at least I did.  With this cleansing I have alot more energy to put into those positive very wonderful things in my life.  You don't realize in the middle of it just how much until you take your life back.  Is your life out of balance because of what you have allowed to continue?  Is it time for a very healthy and positive housecleaning?

Lovin life.........I hope you are.

Tracy Statler's Wrapped, Stacked, And Layered Challenge

Tracy Statler of Making Bracelets (which is on my Blogs I Follow list) is hosting the Wrapped, Stacked And Wrapped Challenge.  We were directed to put together bracelets stacked with or without a watch.  We were to included at least two bracelets we made in our stack.  As you know I love and have always loved stacking bracelets so this had my name all over it.  I am looking forward to see the variety and styles in the blog hop challenge.  Thank you Tracy.

Lori Anderson's Giveaway

I love Lori Anderson.  I have been following her blog for over a year.  She is having a great giveaway. ..........http://www.prettythingsblog.com/2012/04/win-set-of-impress-art-letter-stamps.html.  Check out her blog while you are there.  She is fun loving, creative, free spirited and real!   You will love her, too.

What Does Bohemian Mean?

Well you have heard about my love for Pinterest.  I have noticed alot of the style I like on Pinterest has the word bohemian in the description.  Now some of this bohemian style is a little too out there for me.  What does this word mean?  I know Bohemia is a place in Europe.  When you are teaching a child to read you teach them to look at the pictures for clues as to what the book is about.  I found myself falling back on this kindergarten skill to figure out the meaning of bohemian style.  The pictures told me bohemian is flowing, light weight, eclectic, some solids, some colorful patterns.  I looked up the definition online and found this....

"a person, as an artist or writer, who lives and acts free of regard for conventional rules and practices".....ok.....still not completely clear on what constitutes bohemian untillllll.......I ran across a definition using the word "hippie".  Not that I understand!  I am a hippie at heart from the 70s.  So why didn't the definition just say "politically correct word in 2012 for hippie"......that is what it is.....right?  I had the hip hugger pants that looked like an American flag complete with the wide black belt, choker beaded necklace (where my love for beads began) and long hair to my waist parted down the middle.

So I find myself in my fifties giving myself permission to be who I was all along, hippie or bohemian,  I really don't care what you call it.  The years that I have tried to transform to what was " the expected" cookie cutter did not work for me.  How freeing it is.... not trying so hard to be who or what everyone else wants or expects.  Just being who He created me to be.

I loved the shops in Kansas City, Mo. that were called back in the hippie day "head shops".  I loved to look at the jewelry that was handmade.  I am very grateful to my new friends I have met in the blogger world that have inspired me to discover my creative side and not be afraid of it.  This weekend I have been working on the friendship bracelets mentioned and pictured in the post below.....fun to bring something old back in a new and more grown up version! 

Hope you all have a great week.

Cindi

Only One Perfect Person Has Lived On This Earth

Yesterday I was having a talk with my supervisor.  I had not seen her much in a couple of weeks.....new to the job and she is not hovering over me....nice feeling to be trusted to do your job even though I am still have so much to learn.  She stopped by to ask me how I felt things were going.  I mentioned that I knew they did not expect me to know everything yet but I have a higher and sometimes unreasonably expectation set for myself.  She said "Remember, we do not expect perfection, we strive for excellence!  There has been only one perfect person who lived on this earth and He died 2000 years ago."

After coming from the department I worked in..... this way of thinking will take some adjusting but what a great adjustment back to a "reasonable" way of working day to day.  People make mistakes, things slip through the cracks, in this department it is apparent that is understandable.  There has to be room for human error and I have been given persmission on more than on occasion in the last 4 weeks to be human.  It is great to work hard, come home tired and yet no stress!  A happy employee is a productive employee.

What A Difference

What an awesome two weeks.  I love my new job.  I look forward to going to work!  I have not been able to say that in a very long time. One of the guys in the department said to me "everyone in this department REALLY cares about each other and that is a really good feeling".  That coming from one of the guys really spoke volumes.  My second week ended with my supervisor bringing me coffee on Friday.  I was soooo shocked when I looked up and saw her bringing my mug of coffee to me.  She said "well I am so appreciative of you having the coffee ready when I come in..."(she grinned) and said "I wanted to reward that good behavior." 

To sum the first two weeks up...appreciated...valued...asking my opinion or do I need anything.  Our Director came by everyday my first week to see how my day was!  Friday and tomorrow are teacher workdays with no kids in school.  So the perfect ending to the second week started with coffee being served , the Superintendent dismissing all 12 month employees 2 hours early and the Director saying we could wear blue jeans on Monday.  You know it really is the little things in life that make a girl happy.

I have been making some bracelets for summer.  It's hard for me to not make everything turquoise, love that color.  I haven't posted new pictures in awhile.  I will do that soon.  Have you seen the adult friendship bracelets attached to the large link chain?   I really like this look I saw on Pinterest.  I also love the way the friendship bracelets are the same colorful fun they use to be with a sophisticated update for the adult.

A Good Start.....Moving On!

Wow, time flies.  It does not seem like 6 weeks since I posted.  Well last year was a tough one for us as it has been for many.  This new year is starting off much better.  I interviewed and got a job with another department within the school district.  To give you an idea of what great people I will be working for....the interview was a very enjoyable hour.  That is the first interview I had that I was not at all nervous.  Great conversation with new friends is what it felt like.  These ladies were interested in my skill set and what I am capable of doing.  I have not had the opportunity to work to my full potential for a very long time.  I start my new position on Monday but I can already tell I will have the opportunity to do that in this department.  The department I have worked in for 12 years is the greatest group of hard working caring people I have ever had the priviledge to work alongside.  Thankfully they are neighbors to my new department.  I was able to enjoy my last day without the sadness of leaving those that are closer than family.

My last day started with beautiful flowers from a great group of folks that had already taken me to dinner. The secretarial staff took me to lunch and I was showered with gifts, beautiful cards and endearing notes from many in the department that I will cherish. Probably one of my favorite gifts was a comment from someone after she found out I was leaving. She congratulated me, we talked about my new position and she returned to her desk. A few minutes later she came back and said "Do you realize all you have done in the last 5 years for this department?" There are so many things as an Office Manager and a Secretary you do each day to take care of and make things a little better, go a little smoother for all those around you. Things you think are not noticed they just get done or you improve upon those things. When so much of your day is filled with mondane task you don't realize that you are doing anything that really matters.  She pointing out that I have made a difference meant more to me than she will ever know.

Having said all that....jewelry making and blogging has been on the back burner.  I am looking forward to getting back to it.  I have tried some spoon rings.....silver plated is what I had to work with.  I did not get it hot enough or the silver plated is just hard too work with.  I could not get a bend at all.  So I am doing more reading on this process and trying again.  I will let you know how it goes.

Please remember to pray for Ashley.  Her blog is Lil Blue Boo.  You can follow her journey as she and her family battle her cancer.

Hope you have a great weekend and as Ashley reminds us "choose joy".

Cindi

Choose Joy

As I mentioned in my previous post, the Erin Prais-Hintz giveaway bracelet that I won had the word joy spelled out on three charms.  A few months back I emailed Erin that I wanted her to make a charm for me.  We started discussing via email what I wanted as far as the color and what words of encouragement I wanted.  Erin was busy with a show and the holidays.  I emailed her to say let's wait until things slow down.  I am in no hurry.  I know I want a charm that says "Dream Big"  but now I am going to need to place an order for another, "Choose Joy".

At the time of my win I loved the word joy spelled out on the bracelet but since then it has come to mean so much more.  I was on Pinterest when I came across a leather bracelet with buttons attached. Interesting how a piece of handmade jewelry and getting to know the designer can have such an impact on your life.  It is soooo much more than just jewelry.  I click to check it out and spent and hour and 1/2 reading the blog of the beautiful young lady that created the bracelet. Her name is Ashley. Her blog is  http://www.lilblueboo.com/choosejoy.  Ashley is battling cancer.  I was particular interested in her battle with cancer because Anita (mentioned in a previous post) was in her last days of her fight with colon and liver cancer.  As I read about this amazing woman and her beautiful attitude in the midst of so much adversity I realized my JOY bracelet from Erin Prais-Hintz was just the beginning of this what this word JOY would come to mean to me, now added to it is "Choose Joy".  I won't attempt to recap Ashley's post on "Choose Joy".....it will be much better reading the real deal  http://www.lilblueboo.com/choosejoy.

If you decide to take a few minutes or and hour or so to read Ashley's blog you will certainly be inspired and changed by the experience of getting to know this amazing woman.    And remember "Choose Joy"!

I Can't Believe I Won!

We all know someone who wins every giveaway or door prize they come upon.  Well I am not that girl but maybe that is changing. 

Erin Prais-Hintz is a very creative woman.  She is a writer and jewelry designer.  She incorporates her love for the power of words in her jewelry designing.  Treasures Found is her blog.  She is one of the first jewelry designers I started following.  I love her Simple Truths Collection.  So you can imagine my excitement when the first thing I win is one of her designs.  Check out this beautiful bracelet I won.  Take note....the bracelet has the word joy spelled out on the charms.  I will be talking about that in another post.

http://treasures-found.blogspot.com/2011/12/stick-fork-in-me-im-done-with-christmas.html 

You will also enjoy getting to know Erin and her encouraging spirit while you are there.  And don't forget to check out her Etsy shop. 

Thank you again  Erin for the beautiful bracelet!

In Memory Of A Woman Of Strength

Friday evening a friend, former coworker and boss Anita Beatty entered the gates of heaven.  She battled colon and liver cancer for almost 2 years.  She was diagnosed at the very young age of 43.  How does that happen????? Forty three and battling cancer???? 

She was Director of Special Education for Pickens County Schools and continued to work up to the end.  She had chemo one week, work from home and back at work the next.  A mom to a senior in high school, a step mother, and a grandmother to two little darlings, a wife, a sister, a daughter.

Anita was a very strong and determined woman before she became sick.  That strength and determination did not waiver during her sickness. She loved life, her family, her job.

Yes, life is tough.  But on the tough days I hope to remember how much Anita wanted to live.  I hope to just be appreciative of life regardless....good day, difficult day.....thankful to be alive and healthy.

You will be missed Anita Beatty.  Your determination, strength, strong will, humor, and zeal for life will not be forgotten.

A New Beginning

Well the new year has not begun but Charlie and I have been ready for it to get here for awhile.  Not that something magical happens when 2012 rolls in.  It just seems that everything is at a stand still until the holidays are behind us and then it is full steam ahead. We had a pretty tough 2011. It seems alot of folks had a tough year.

We are ready for some changes.  One thing that will not change.....we will continue to focus on the best things in our lives.  Those things being each other, our kids and grandkids.  We all have the opportunity everyday to choose to focus on the good in our lives or the negitive.  Most days my choice is to focus on the good and not let the bad rob me of the blessings of today.....however....I am sucked into the negitive more times than I would like to admit.

With life getting in the way, I am not where I had hoped to be by now with my jewelry making skills.  I had hoped to be farther along with the metal work and polymer clay.  At the top of my "to do" list for 2012....to become proficient in metalsmithing and polymer clay.  Healthy eating has gone by the wayside...just because it was one more thing to think about and plan.  My brain could not handle one more thing.  So, healthy eating is at the top of my "to do for 2012".  I need to be proficient in that area so it is just as easy to grab something healthly without having to think about it as it has been to grab the not healthy.  I love Dr. Oz.  Who doesn't, right?  Handsome, compassionate, funny, intelligent, and yet so practical and open minded!  And so real!  He had Alton Brown on a few days ago.  Alton said "In America we focus too much on what we cannot eat.  Why not focus on what we should eat for our health everyday?"  How simple is that??? He has a list of what he needs to eat and how many times a week he should have those things for good health.  So my goal is to use that list until it just becomes second nature.  To change my mindset from what I cannot have to what I need to eat for good health.

What about you??  Been thinking about things you would like to do, change, or view differently in 2012?  Care to share?  Writing it down for others to see adds accountablity.

Have a great day enjoying the blessings in your life.

Cindi

The Righteous Prevail

My guy is a true Southern gentleman through and through.  A true man of integrity.  He was raised to believe a man is as good as his word.  Charlie is known for being a gentle giant.  A kind, forgiving, loving man who puts the people he loves before himself.  His ability to forgive  and see the best in others when they are so horrible is truly amazing to watch.  Amazing, because it is supernatural for us human beings.  That is true Christ-likeness.  Isn't that what Jesus does?  He looks past the ugliness in our lives and see the potential and loves us regardless. A very wise pastor teaches that Christ-likeness is not something we should "strive" to be.....we can't do it!  The Bible says we are to "be still and know that I am God".  A Bible Scholar said the true Greek translation means "cease striving and know that I am God".   In other words....just let Him live through us....which comes from a daily personal relationship with an Almighty God!

Much to our shock about 3 months ago Charlie's integrity was questioned by a man who does not know the meaning of the word.  I am not sure why it was such a shock........we cross paths with people everyday that have the ability to do that.....people who know nothing about integrity.  It has been very hard to see how deeply this hurt Charlie.  A very wise godly business man who had no idea what was happening posted on Facebook a very encouraging word.  Apparent in his business he was experiencing some of that integrity questioning also.  He said.... "A man of integrity expects to be believed. Sometimes it takes God and time to reveal the truth."  Soooo true!  And sometime God lets us watch as the righteous prevail!  Yesterday Charlie and I watched that happen!  Beautiful sight it was!

There are so many times in life we find ourselves in situations we can do nothing about.  It is in times such as these that we have no choice but to sit back and watch God at work.  Trusting Him.  Many days we had to remind ourselves that He promised that "the righteous will prevail".  It did not FEEL like or LOOK like that was the case. 

You know I have been reminded through this that situations we cannot "fix" are opportunities to watch the hand of an Almighty God at work on our behalf.  He does that everyday.......sadly we get so caught up with life that we don't notice.  The days that I do pay attention it is incredible to see the hand of God taking care of those things that concern me as He said He would do.  And you know....He doesn't have to let us watch.  That in itself is a precious gift and a beautiful reminder of how close and attentive He really is everyday!

As we celebrate this beautful holiday it will be with thankful hearts that our heavenly Father sent His son to be born in a lowly manager because of His love for us.  His love that He reveals to us everyday if we pay attention.  So from our family to yours we wish you a very Merry Christmas.

With a very thankful and full heart,

Cindi

The Spirit of Giving

I have just read post from the blogs I follow.  Very moving, heart tugging, thought provoking!  I sooo love this time of year.  The little girl in me comes out.  I love decorating, baking, making special gifts. I love it all!  I love to start thinking, planning, making things in October.  Not only to plan ahead since I am NOT a last minute kinda girl, but to make this holiday time stretch out over a couple of months.  I hate when it seems to go so quickly.
There are several things about this holiday time that I wish I could bottle up and make last all year long.  People seem to be more giving.  Not only to those they love but to strangers in need.  As I read the blog post I referred to earlier I found myself thinking about how these women are making a difference by one person starting and many others following.  Yes I have heard all the great stories how one person begins something and makes a huge impact on society.  I guess reading these post and thinking about how I love the spirit of giving this time of year....I have begun thinking about what I can do to keep this spirit of giving to continue throughout the year.  Why can't everyday be like Christmas......aren't those words to a song????

I encourage you to find some time this weekend to sit by the fire in your favorite chair.   Grab a cup of coffee, turn on the Christmas lights and read some of the recent post of my favorite bloggers and see how you are inspired.

Cindi

Update and Invitation

It is such a busy time with the holidays.  Enjoying time with family and friends, Christmas shopping, making lots of jewelry, selling jewelry, blogging, and the full time job, I decided I could not work my Etsy store like I should.  I removed all the items from my store for right now.  I will post pictures of some of the pieces I have been making here at Strings Attached.  If you are interested in seeing more you can certainly leave me a comment or send me an email at cadriggers1@gmail.com.  I would love to hear from you and help with any jewelry piece you might be interested in.

Decorating and baking for the holidays is something I get excited about every year.  I hope I never lose the excitement and joy this season brings.  If you know me you know I like to organize my time.  So I had an idea that would allow me to accomplish several of these joys in my life without having to sacrifice any of them during this busy time that I love so.

You are invited to our home on Thursday, December 1st at 6:00 or Sunday, December 4th at 6:OO.  I will have jewelry out and Charlie will have gift certificates for massages if you want to do any shopping.  If you would just like to come and enjoy some relaxing time with friends please drop by any time on Thursday or Sunday evening.  I look forward to spending time with some old friends and some new ones.

Organization-Love It!

Twelve years ago we decided to downsize and simplify our lives.  We bought a patio home and we love, love, love the lifestyle.  I said that to say that I do not have a studio that I work in.  I would not like the isolation.  My husband and I like hanging out together.  Our sunroom and family room and kitchen are all open, which we also love.  When we are home, we are always together.  Therefore dining room table in the sunroom......my favorite room is a perfect place for me to make jewelry.  When we first moved in here my husband called the sunroom, Cindi's room because I love it so.

I am an organizer, I would love to do that for a living.  I find alot of satisfaction in taking a mess that is just caous and doesn't make sense to something attractive, orderly, and makes perfect sense.  I went to a seminar years ago.  Author Emily Barnes was the speaker.  She had great ideas on making a house a home, making memories and sooo much more.  However, there was one take away that has been a life changer for me.  Emily Barnes said "There are stresses in life that we have no control over.  And then there are stresses that we can remove if we choose."  She very wisely suggested that we look at those things in our lives that were stressful and ask ourselves is this a stresser that I can choose to remove.  Not being able to find something that I know is somewhere in this house makes me crazy.  A stresser I chose to remove with organization. 

All that said, I need a place to keep all my beads, tools and jewelry making supplies.  I have been using a piece of furniture much like this one for quite awhile.   I found this on Pinterest and will be making some adjustments to my cabinet.  Are you sick of me talking about Pinterest?  I promise they are not paying me to advertise for them.  Check this out http://pinterest.com/pin/378225011/  If you double click on the pictures on Pinterest you will get great instructions on how to put the project together.

Great Idea

Check out this link......http://pinterest.com/pin/395892588/ and this one  http://pinterest.com/pin/334519963/  

Pinterest-The Paperless Magazine

Do you have stacks of magazines that you dogear pages of fashions, recipes, home decor or a great idea you want to refer back to?  I will keep a stack in the magazine basket by the fireplace planning to do just that and I usually don't take the time to find those items again.  When the basket is full I give away the magazines and start the process again.  Knowing full well I will probably not pick up the magazine again.  So why didn't I come up with Pinterest!  I love this site.  A friend described it best by saying "it is like creating your own magazine." 

Not only do I love all the great ideas and recipes....I LOVE the organization options.  I can title my boards (categories) whatever I want and have them at my fingertips to refer back to.  Genius!!!!

Another reason I love Pinterest.....no paper, no clutter!

Etsy Here I Come

My Etsy store is open for business and I am in the midst of stocking more items this weekend.  These are a few of the items you will find for sale.  My store name is Strings Attached. 

Greenville Classical Academy.....Great Job!

Well the Greenville Classical Academy Fall Festival was great fun.  It was a crisp Fall day, the atomsphere was great, alot of friendly people, and an adorable little yorkie.  Charlie and Roddy brought their guitars and we had a great place to sit on the edge of the woods right behind our booth.  Folks walking by and the vendors close by seemed to enjoy the live music.  Sales were not great.  I talked to a couple of the other vendors who said the same thing. 

Greenville Classical Academy does an outstanding job from promoting to organization.  They have people working the event to make sure everything goes smoothly and the vendors are comfortable and have what they need.  I was very impressed. 

A New Friend and A Fall Festival

My husband Charlie reconnected with a couple of childhood friends on Facebook.  Long story short.....Janet has been coming to see Charlie weekly for him to work on her shoulder.  Charlie had mentioned to me before I met Janet that she was a fabulous artist.  She does oil and watercolors and loves painting portraits.  She worked as a graphic design artist for years.  We began talking about making jewelry.  Janet is not limited to painting in her creative abilities. What is really neat about this new friendship is that she can teach me so much about techniques and tools and I can teach her about selling online and blogging.  She is very comfortable with a paint brush and blank canvas.  The computer.....not so much, so we are working on that together.

Both our husbands play guitar and sing. Last Saturday they came for dinner.  The guys had a jam session and we set up a blog and Etsy shop for Janet.  That night we talked about being ready next year this time for the fast approaching holiday season. 

The following week our computer tech at the office mentioned to me that his son's school was having a festival and they were signing up vendors if I was interested.  This was like 3 days after Janet and I had the holiday season talk planning for next year.  I understand this festival had 750 attend last year and they are expecting over 1000 this year.  Sooooo....Janet and I decided to go for it.  This opportunity was put in front of us.  We need to take it.

Greenville Classical Academy Fall Festival and Holiday Market will be October 15th from 10:00-2:00.   Check out the website at greenvillefallfestival.com.  There is a long list of vendors as well as all the items in the Silent Auction.

Janet and I were planning to start stocking our Etsy shops this week.  I think us newbies at this business will just focus on this event for now.  I tend to take on too much at a time.  Not as easy to do at the age of 55.

Hope to see you at the festival.  What a fun way to do some Christmas shopping.