I'm loving this wonderful hot summer weather! It is just the lift that I so desparately needed. Tuesday was in the mid-90's --- perfect for a cool day out on the rear deck. Don and I have adjusted the hot tub temp to a cool 94 degrees so we are able to enjoy it and cool off. Patti, Taylor, Dakota and I spend the early part of the day lounging in the sun and in the hot tub cooling off. Since Dakota is still so little, I waited to add chemicals until after we were done. Around 4 p.m. I treated the water with the weekly shock treatment, sanitizing tablet, and adjusted the bromine and ph levels - which didn't really require tweeking. An early evening thunderstorm cooled down the temps of the day allowing Don and I to enjoy a late night soak in the low 80's. I enjoy our deck so much in the evenings. We've 3 bunnies that roam the yard, several songbirds === some cardinals and a morning dove that sing to us beautifully. Flowers, a few candles, and cold glass of wine make for some fantastic soul-searching time and relaxation creating a zen-like environment.
Yesterday, we took a ride, driving first to Upper Sundusky up St. Rt. 23, then over to St. Rt. 30 into Hunger Paynes in Crestline for dinner. Their stuffed green peppers were just right; not too much in the heat. Upon leaving we drove on over to Scrap and Stamp Ink in Ontario to visit with Becky. It was so great to have a little bit of time to catch up with such a wonderful friend. We made plans to get to gether soon and will talk later about a stamping play date. I, for one, am ready for one! Don is now back on day hours at the store, so it has been a little bit of an adjustment for me. Soon I'm hoping I'll be back on track with getting back to my artwork.
The journal RR is still rotating, I'm hoping to get a page or two finished in Pat's journal..... I didn't quite get that accomplished as I'd hoped to earlier in the week. Oh well........ just as well as the mail date will be closer to another participants return from vacation.
On a more personal note, I've been reading Dr. Phil's Self Matters and I love this book! He is so straight forward and truly empowering. Yesterday, Tonya, my hairdresser fit me in with an early 8:30 appt. to cut and highlight my hair and I had an eye Dr. appt. at 11:20. My trial pair of contacts should be in within a week to ten days; and new glasses a bit later. I'm back to eating lighter meals, more fruits and veggies, and am getting more exercise; hopefully, I'll be dropping some more weight soon as I've seemed to hit a plateau.
It appears to be yet another beautiful Ohio day; there is the possibility of a late afternoon thunderstorm so maybe I can squeeze in some studio time today.
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Monday, June 06, 2005
Search and Research?
LOL, for lack of a better title! Anyways, the search for the "elusive" chaise lounges continued on Sunday........ after many, many long distance telephone calls and absolutely no luck what-so-ever, Don & I decided a drive to Kenton was in order. While visiting K-Mart we decided on a 4 pc. Patio Bar! The additional 20% off and the Martha Stewart Bar Set seemed liked the perfect deal....... at least until we tried to get it into the back of the Jeep Cherokee, LOL! About 20 minutes later we finally managed it and we're on our way. Stopping at an new nursery on the way back home re-inforced some of the components that I am desiring to incorporate in my own rear deck and back yard. Lots of pottery and vintage garden tools! I picked up a flat of white petunias to coordinate with all the white, yellow, and light greens in the surrounding plants and planters. Perfect contrast to the neutral khaki-color in the patio furnishings.
Once home, we unloaded the bar set; much easier to take out than it was to put in! Then, proceeded to determine it's placement on our deck. After a few mistakes, we decided to move the table over a few feet, remove two of the table set chairs to create a small seating group on the opposite side of the deck, and placed the bar set at the end of the table grouping. In doing so, we also have the bar to utilize as a sideboard for casual outdoor dining and entertaining.
Upon checking the outdoor thermometer to discover it was 90 degrees F in the shade, I decided it was time to cool down! We ventured indoors to move some small furniture pieces so the air conditioners could be put in it. Thankfully, our neighbors helped get them up out of the basement where we stored them on wooden pallets over the winter and into the windows. While waiting for the house to cool, we ventured back outside to wash the Jeep. Lots of sun, heat, and humidity and a garden hose made for a fabulous time. I don't remember Don & I being so playful in a long time as we were washing the Jeep; it was no longer a chore to complete but a contest to see who could drench who without the other's knowledge! An hour later, we were both sunburnt! LOL! as the heat of the day and the water fried both of us.
After cleaning ourselves up, changing out of soaking wet clothes, we headed to Lowe's. Purchased a matching curtain rod and a pair of sheers for our last remaining living room window and a new Ice Tea Maker. I won't mention who broke the last one due to trying to shove a large piece of ice into the plastic picture but I will say I was excited to see this new one came with an additional bonus of an extra picture! LOL! Leaving there, our wallets a lot lighter than when we entered we headed off to pick up a new telephone. Anyone who has talked to me on the phone when it is raining or has recently rained will definately appreciate that new fact! Unfortunately, severe thunderstorms prevented us from getting it plugged in and charged up; maybe today? Our next adventure led us to the grocery store...... I chore I despise but survived. Upon returning home I cooked us a wonderful Chinese meal ... Pepper Steak and white rice which we enjoyed along with a glass of white wine on the back deck until the sky turned dark and ugly. It wasn't long before we running again, grabbing anything and everything that wasn't fastened down as the wind suddenly went from cool and comforting to strong and blowing up a thunderstorm. We cleaned up briefly after dinner only to fall exhausted into our perspective places --- Don in his recliner and me on the loveseat. Life is good!
The research part of this post, is I haven't done anymore in the direction of Occupational Therapy. I'm hoping to get some work done on the computer later today during the heat of the day. For now, I'm off to plant white petunias...............
Once home, we unloaded the bar set; much easier to take out than it was to put in! Then, proceeded to determine it's placement on our deck. After a few mistakes, we decided to move the table over a few feet, remove two of the table set chairs to create a small seating group on the opposite side of the deck, and placed the bar set at the end of the table grouping. In doing so, we also have the bar to utilize as a sideboard for casual outdoor dining and entertaining.
Upon checking the outdoor thermometer to discover it was 90 degrees F in the shade, I decided it was time to cool down! We ventured indoors to move some small furniture pieces so the air conditioners could be put in it. Thankfully, our neighbors helped get them up out of the basement where we stored them on wooden pallets over the winter and into the windows. While waiting for the house to cool, we ventured back outside to wash the Jeep. Lots of sun, heat, and humidity and a garden hose made for a fabulous time. I don't remember Don & I being so playful in a long time as we were washing the Jeep; it was no longer a chore to complete but a contest to see who could drench who without the other's knowledge! An hour later, we were both sunburnt! LOL! as the heat of the day and the water fried both of us.
After cleaning ourselves up, changing out of soaking wet clothes, we headed to Lowe's. Purchased a matching curtain rod and a pair of sheers for our last remaining living room window and a new Ice Tea Maker. I won't mention who broke the last one due to trying to shove a large piece of ice into the plastic picture but I will say I was excited to see this new one came with an additional bonus of an extra picture! LOL! Leaving there, our wallets a lot lighter than when we entered we headed off to pick up a new telephone. Anyone who has talked to me on the phone when it is raining or has recently rained will definately appreciate that new fact! Unfortunately, severe thunderstorms prevented us from getting it plugged in and charged up; maybe today? Our next adventure led us to the grocery store...... I chore I despise but survived. Upon returning home I cooked us a wonderful Chinese meal ... Pepper Steak and white rice which we enjoyed along with a glass of white wine on the back deck until the sky turned dark and ugly. It wasn't long before we running again, grabbing anything and everything that wasn't fastened down as the wind suddenly went from cool and comforting to strong and blowing up a thunderstorm. We cleaned up briefly after dinner only to fall exhausted into our perspective places --- Don in his recliner and me on the loveseat. Life is good!
The research part of this post, is I haven't done anymore in the direction of Occupational Therapy. I'm hoping to get some work done on the computer later today during the heat of the day. For now, I'm off to plant white petunias...............
Saturday, June 04, 2005
Good Morning.........
I've spent the last few days of the week talking with the local collage here and envisioning my dream recently mentioned. Seems no-one has an answer for me although all is not lost as I'm getting referred all over---- meaning I'm making more phone calls, speaking with more people, and feel as if I'm running in circles, LOL! Nothing new with that! Anyways, I did seem to come across one lead that appears solid. Hopefully, by this week's end I'll have a little more answers to some of my questions: I've simply got to believe that I am going to get something accomplished! In the meantime, I've done a little online research. Lima offers a Occupational Therapist Assistance program and Philadelphia offers a 4 yr. full fledged Occupational Therapist program. I'm not exactly crazy about a 2 1/2 hr. drive 2X a day for Lima; and Philly doesn't interest me---at least not at the moment. Therefore, the search continues.
I spoke with a product manufacturer on the telephone this week and will soon be adding an entirely new line of products to Partly Paper! I am so excited as I will be the first supplier of this product within my local and surrounding area. I'm not certain of exactly how that happened as it doesn't happen often enough. I am learning to get more in touch with myself and in doing so and going with my instincts things are truly looking up. I'm feeling a bit more positive these last several days, even in light of the recent "run-around".
Yesterday, was the first day of Don being back on days. It seemed strange having time with him on a Friday afternoon and evening! We ended up taking an unexpected road trip in search of 2 matching chaise lounges for our rear deck. We were, okay, I was....... hopeful that I would find 2 that match our patio furniture. 3 counties and 3 stores later and no such luck. I plan to do an internet search to see if someone within the chain store has any available which may possibly mean yet another road trip. Well, with any success that is.
I did manage to re-pot a few houseplants this week along with a Hydrangea. I moved some candles outside to place within the potted plants around the hot tub and on the patio table. After our search for the elusive chaise lounges, Don and I managed to take an hour or so to enjoy our rear deck, patio set, and wide open sky ---- a perfect end to the day. The weather was absolutely gorgeous here in Ohio and today is supposed to be yet another beautiful day. I'm looking forward to it; maybe I can cook up Don a wonderful breakfast and sweet talk my way into a trip to a garden center for some flowers to plant....
I spoke with a product manufacturer on the telephone this week and will soon be adding an entirely new line of products to Partly Paper! I am so excited as I will be the first supplier of this product within my local and surrounding area. I'm not certain of exactly how that happened as it doesn't happen often enough. I am learning to get more in touch with myself and in doing so and going with my instincts things are truly looking up. I'm feeling a bit more positive these last several days, even in light of the recent "run-around".
Yesterday, was the first day of Don being back on days. It seemed strange having time with him on a Friday afternoon and evening! We ended up taking an unexpected road trip in search of 2 matching chaise lounges for our rear deck. We were, okay, I was....... hopeful that I would find 2 that match our patio furniture. 3 counties and 3 stores later and no such luck. I plan to do an internet search to see if someone within the chain store has any available which may possibly mean yet another road trip. Well, with any success that is.
I did manage to re-pot a few houseplants this week along with a Hydrangea. I moved some candles outside to place within the potted plants around the hot tub and on the patio table. After our search for the elusive chaise lounges, Don and I managed to take an hour or so to enjoy our rear deck, patio set, and wide open sky ---- a perfect end to the day. The weather was absolutely gorgeous here in Ohio and today is supposed to be yet another beautiful day. I'm looking forward to it; maybe I can cook up Don a wonderful breakfast and sweet talk my way into a trip to a garden center for some flowers to plant....
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Incorporating College and Business.... What am I looking at?
Occupational Therapist
What or How will incorporate my business and my education?
http://www.aota.org/featured/area6/index.asp
and
http://www.vsarts.org/
Can this be accomplished?
What or How will incorporate my business and my education?
http://www.aota.org/featured/area6/index.asp
and
http://www.vsarts.org/
Can this be accomplished?
Catching Up or Running in Circles?
I cannot believe that it has been two weeks since I last update my blog! I've been so busy with the business side of my life that every aspect of my everyday is beginning to run together. In fact, I'm not even certain anymore if I'm moving forward or backtracking, LOL! Is it business or personal?
Here is the deal, I've been trying to focus on my home-based business, thinking things through more carefully, determining and deciding what is actually is that I desire to do, looking at my options from several angles, trying to stay focused on each aspect of it all, only to determine that it is all inter-related and without one aspect, it is impossible to continue to work on another.
So, I stopped, took a deep breath, and decided to review my original business plan that I had written two short years ago. I discovered that so much of what I desire then has now changed and it isn't fitting in the NEW direction that I've decided to take. Urgh!
So, instead of re-inventing the wheel and starting completely over writing a business plan that will take a few months to complete, I sat made an outline! Which is working for me.......... it is assisting to keep me somewhat focused on the tasks that I am trying to accomplish!
So, I got back to writing class descriptions, creating supply lists with measurements for each class, typing up outlines and class handouts; ----> At least these are New ones!
Then, I looked over what I have previously completely and decided that although not perfect, they will work for now and can be re-vamped and improved upon later.
I've also began determining website content, looking at hosting features, checking hosting options, asking myself a million questions, figuring in the cost of the operation, and looking at my budget to determine if:
1. Can I afford to do this NOW? Would it be in my best interest to go with something a little less and less expensive; allowing me to use the $$$ I'd save for different business aspects? Where is the best place to put the $$$ I'd save so that it works for me to get me where I desire to be in 3 months, 6 months, and one year from now?
2. How much $$$ can I save myself if I learn to do some of the work myself vs. hiring someone else to do it for me? Is the $$$ saved worth the time it would take me to learn and do some of it? Will it be beneficial to me to do this?
Well, the answer was yes!
So, I made a trip out to my community college to speak with an advisor. We took some time to look up my previous college experience --- 5 yrs. in an unrelated field of study, and discovered that I way over and above what credit hours I took in my area of study at the time. Between 1990-1995, working for an Associate's Degree in Nursing, a 107 Credit hour curriculum, I accumulated 141 Credit hours and after 5 yrs. of all that work, I am still without an Associate's Degree!!!! I could not believe it....
Unfortunately, I am unable to go back and complete college for my R.N. Degree without having to test out of a few years of collage courses and complete my 1st year of Nursing over and then take my 2nd year. OK, but..... that isn't feasible for me due to the fact that my automobile accident in May of 1999, I am no longer physical capable of performing the duties even if I did.
Therefore, I will be contacting another person in the college to see what can be done with the previous credits that I have already earned, and IF we together can work out an area of independent study or return to college to create a degree program that would be specifically geared to assist me start my business and incorporate the previous knowledge and credits I've already earned.
There are several ways that I can go about using the knowledge I gained while attending 5 yrs. of college previously and possibly achieve the goals that I currently am striving for.
The complicated part or down side....... is that I may need to transfer collages and there is a slight possiblity that I could loss some of my previously earned credit hours. The finances that I have for my business, would now need to go towards my education and my business endeavor would be put on hold or at least on a part-time basis while I attend college once again full-time.
The upside is........... IF I decided to return to college, within 1-2 years, I could be working in a related field which would assist me both personally, professionally, and financially which in turn could assist my business endeavor in the long run.
So, I am at yet another crossroads in my life. Decisions, Decisions.................... Anyways, I will be meeting with an advisor to see if we can make arrangements to get me where I desire to be, incorporating the two, looking at my options. I certainly wish that somewhere within my heart I knew exactly that this is the right thing to do. Right now, I'm simply trying to relax, think about it all, and hopefully I can come to a conclusion soon. Until then, I suppose I'll keep doing what it is that love to do........ create art!
Here is the deal, I've been trying to focus on my home-based business, thinking things through more carefully, determining and deciding what is actually is that I desire to do, looking at my options from several angles, trying to stay focused on each aspect of it all, only to determine that it is all inter-related and without one aspect, it is impossible to continue to work on another.
So, I stopped, took a deep breath, and decided to review my original business plan that I had written two short years ago. I discovered that so much of what I desire then has now changed and it isn't fitting in the NEW direction that I've decided to take. Urgh!
So, instead of re-inventing the wheel and starting completely over writing a business plan that will take a few months to complete, I sat made an outline! Which is working for me.......... it is assisting to keep me somewhat focused on the tasks that I am trying to accomplish!
So, I got back to writing class descriptions, creating supply lists with measurements for each class, typing up outlines and class handouts; ----> At least these are New ones!
Then, I looked over what I have previously completely and decided that although not perfect, they will work for now and can be re-vamped and improved upon later.
I've also began determining website content, looking at hosting features, checking hosting options, asking myself a million questions, figuring in the cost of the operation, and looking at my budget to determine if:
1. Can I afford to do this NOW? Would it be in my best interest to go with something a little less and less expensive; allowing me to use the $$$ I'd save for different business aspects? Where is the best place to put the $$$ I'd save so that it works for me to get me where I desire to be in 3 months, 6 months, and one year from now?
2. How much $$$ can I save myself if I learn to do some of the work myself vs. hiring someone else to do it for me? Is the $$$ saved worth the time it would take me to learn and do some of it? Will it be beneficial to me to do this?
Well, the answer was yes!
So, I made a trip out to my community college to speak with an advisor. We took some time to look up my previous college experience --- 5 yrs. in an unrelated field of study, and discovered that I way over and above what credit hours I took in my area of study at the time. Between 1990-1995, working for an Associate's Degree in Nursing, a 107 Credit hour curriculum, I accumulated 141 Credit hours and after 5 yrs. of all that work, I am still without an Associate's Degree!!!! I could not believe it....
Unfortunately, I am unable to go back and complete college for my R.N. Degree without having to test out of a few years of collage courses and complete my 1st year of Nursing over and then take my 2nd year. OK, but..... that isn't feasible for me due to the fact that my automobile accident in May of 1999, I am no longer physical capable of performing the duties even if I did.
Therefore, I will be contacting another person in the college to see what can be done with the previous credits that I have already earned, and IF we together can work out an area of independent study or return to college to create a degree program that would be specifically geared to assist me start my business and incorporate the previous knowledge and credits I've already earned.
There are several ways that I can go about using the knowledge I gained while attending 5 yrs. of college previously and possibly achieve the goals that I currently am striving for.
The complicated part or down side....... is that I may need to transfer collages and there is a slight possiblity that I could loss some of my previously earned credit hours. The finances that I have for my business, would now need to go towards my education and my business endeavor would be put on hold or at least on a part-time basis while I attend college once again full-time.
The upside is........... IF I decided to return to college, within 1-2 years, I could be working in a related field which would assist me both personally, professionally, and financially which in turn could assist my business endeavor in the long run.
So, I am at yet another crossroads in my life. Decisions, Decisions.................... Anyways, I will be meeting with an advisor to see if we can make arrangements to get me where I desire to be, incorporating the two, looking at my options. I certainly wish that somewhere within my heart I knew exactly that this is the right thing to do. Right now, I'm simply trying to relax, think about it all, and hopefully I can come to a conclusion soon. Until then, I suppose I'll keep doing what it is that love to do........ create art!
Saturday, May 14, 2005
Even with "Good Intentions".....
I've managed to get side-tracked. I still need to hook up the printer in the house and the scanner in the studio. I'd love to get some artwork uploaded!
Another whirlwind week....but things are getting accomplished. Don & I managed to get the watergarden clean out and Shawn fixed the cord to the fountain and pump for me. With any luck this year, Don will remember to unplug it before mowing, LOL! At least until we can purchase the electrical conduit and run it underground. I noticed yesterday that I'm loosing water so I'll be patching it one day this week --- if we get some "dry" weather.
Deb and Jackie came over last night to play in the studio. Deb brought a friend, Tina, who is just learning scrapbooking. Tina's definately a natural and took right off to it! We all seemed to have a great time ---- Jackie cut out some envies from one of my templates; Deb worked on some SB pages then created a new envelope book structure to work in; while I made some more ATC's and created yet another whimsical writing page with instructions for the Journal RR.
This coming week's agenda: hook up printer and scanner --- will have to watch for weather and plan accordingly as the storms moving through have been strong at times and I'd hate to loose electricity during the process; get Flat Stanley finished and mailed; mail some RAK ATC's out and a "Pack Your Bags!" ATC Swap, and finish a collage for the Journal RR and get that postal. I may yet make it out to studio today to finish up some of this. Happy arting!!!!!
Another whirlwind week....but things are getting accomplished. Don & I managed to get the watergarden clean out and Shawn fixed the cord to the fountain and pump for me. With any luck this year, Don will remember to unplug it before mowing, LOL! At least until we can purchase the electrical conduit and run it underground. I noticed yesterday that I'm loosing water so I'll be patching it one day this week --- if we get some "dry" weather.
Deb and Jackie came over last night to play in the studio. Deb brought a friend, Tina, who is just learning scrapbooking. Tina's definately a natural and took right off to it! We all seemed to have a great time ---- Jackie cut out some envies from one of my templates; Deb worked on some SB pages then created a new envelope book structure to work in; while I made some more ATC's and created yet another whimsical writing page with instructions for the Journal RR.
This coming week's agenda: hook up printer and scanner --- will have to watch for weather and plan accordingly as the storms moving through have been strong at times and I'd hate to loose electricity during the process; get Flat Stanley finished and mailed; mail some RAK ATC's out and a "Pack Your Bags!" ATC Swap, and finish a collage for the Journal RR and get that postal. I may yet make it out to studio today to finish up some of this. Happy arting!!!!!
Monday, May 09, 2005
A Day in May....
Trying to make it out into the studio everyday in May is turning into quite a challenge! I've made it several times, but not every one. I discovered I'm simply too busy!!! Last Friday, I worked on Mel's Flat Stanley book. Decided I didn't like the look of the bright colors I'd previously completed, so I removed the items and started all over again on 8.5x11 pages which I'm planning to add to a 3 ring binder with page protectors to get this finished and sent off. I worked on 14 pages which I absolutely love! My new goal is to work on an Art Journal, get it sent off and then finish the Melanie's Flat Stanley book. I believe I'm simply going to extend the "Day in May" concept into June, LOL!
During the week I worked around the house and in the studio. Packed up for a 39 hour NSD crop that was held Friday at 9 a.m. and ran through Saturday at 12 midnight. I cropped 34 hrs. out of the 39!!!! came home at 5 a.m. Friday morning for 4.5 hrs. sleep and returned around 11 a.m. on Saturday. I managed to complete an ATC swap which I haven't signed up for yet; more ATC created for RAK's; took an Envelope Book class in which we constructed the book from an Accu-Cut template, then assembled, and were left to decorate on our own for a bit before returning to yet another class on the embellishments. {which Chris, Jackie, Deb, and I didn't do as we worked on our books in our own altered style!} A lot to the other participants flipped over our books once completed; each filled with eye candy, very unique and personal! I'll need to scan and upload mine........ once I manage to hook the scanner back up to the computer in the studio ---- I've still haven't managed to find the time to get that done. Another item to add to my ever-growing and changing "To Do List", LOL!
The weekend was one of the funnest times I've had in a long, long time. I discovered I really enjoy getting out and going some where different, mingling with like-minded artists, and the "Fabulous 4" {Deb, Jackie, Chris, and I} simply do not get together often enough.... we're going to have to rectify that! :)
During the week I worked around the house and in the studio. Packed up for a 39 hour NSD crop that was held Friday at 9 a.m. and ran through Saturday at 12 midnight. I cropped 34 hrs. out of the 39!!!! came home at 5 a.m. Friday morning for 4.5 hrs. sleep and returned around 11 a.m. on Saturday. I managed to complete an ATC swap which I haven't signed up for yet; more ATC created for RAK's; took an Envelope Book class in which we constructed the book from an Accu-Cut template, then assembled, and were left to decorate on our own for a bit before returning to yet another class on the embellishments. {which Chris, Jackie, Deb, and I didn't do as we worked on our books in our own altered style!} A lot to the other participants flipped over our books once completed; each filled with eye candy, very unique and personal! I'll need to scan and upload mine........ once I manage to hook the scanner back up to the computer in the studio ---- I've still haven't managed to find the time to get that done. Another item to add to my ever-growing and changing "To Do List", LOL!
The weekend was one of the funnest times I've had in a long, long time. I discovered I really enjoy getting out and going some where different, mingling with like-minded artists, and the "Fabulous 4" {Deb, Jackie, Chris, and I} simply do not get together often enough.... we're going to have to rectify that! :)
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