Jumped back in the water, will swim tomorrow

Well the summer is almost over and now what?  The thoughts of do I blog?  Do I not blog?  The fact is that I have missed blogging.  I could spend hours reading all of the wonderful blogs.  So much to learn, so little time.

Well, here I am!  I am baaaaackkkk!  With a new perspective and lot of new plans and goals.

Nothing really exciting happened this summer.  I just was kept busy with 3 Esty store and doing freelance graphic work.  Mom and Dad are part of my life and working with them and helping always brings a joy to my heart.

No big splashed today for my blog I just wanted to jump back into the water....I will go for a swim tomorrow.

Let's enjoy blogging!

Christmas In July Sale! Over 200 Items Reduced

You will not believe all the goodies on sale!

All my shops are ready for you to save so much. Over 200 items on sale for Christmas In July! Graphics, banners, business cards, vintage, antiques, comics, handmade, vintage jewelry, soap, farmhouse soap, felted soap and the list goes on! Come on over for a visit

Lafe's Hidden Treasures http://www.etsy.com/shop/LafesHiddenTreasures  



The Banner Loft http://www.etsy.com/shop/thebannerloft


Seven Oak Farm http://www.etsy.com/shop/sevenoakfarm

Christmas In July sale is going on at Etsy http://www.etsy.com/ Everything is handmade or vintage not including supplies. Hundreds of shops are having sales! Once you get to Etsy, type in Christmas In July or CIJ to see all the wonderful items for sale. You won't believe your eyes!

Most of my Etsy Banners are marked $3.00!!

Hope to see you there!

Thank you and sharing my designs

It seems the time has come when I am back to my "abnormal" normal.  I think I can breath a little now.  Thank you to all who have supported me during the last month.  Some of the worst days to go through.  BUT I have made it!

Been busy designing in The Banner Loft.  This is a most calming, stress releiving hobby.  I have needed to do it for the last few weeks.

Take a look at The Banner Loft for your business advertising needs.  Banners for blog or Etsy, business cards, logo designs, avatars, blog buttons and more.

Sharing this morning.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/49084650/business-card-fleur-de-lis-premade

http://www.etsy.com/listing/49222725/etsy-banner-starter-set-pre-made

http://www.etsy.com/listing/49353751/custom-logo-design

 http://www.etsy.com/listing/49285080/banner-etsy-banner-avatar-vintage-flair

Keeping my son's memory alive

Most of  you reading do not understand me and I am so thankful that you don't.  Never would I wish losing a child on anyone, it is the worst broken heart ever.

Going back to April 15, 2005.  One of the brightest days of our lives (my son and I).  Finally after years of living in apartments, I was able to buy my first home.  I did it as a single Mom.  Proud and so excited.

The house was move in ready and was such a darling home, but you know you have to do things that make it yours. 

Excitement was in the air.

June 8, 2005 the phone rings at 12:24 AM that my son, my only child had been in a car accident.  So many emotions and thoughts rambling in my head as I called a friend to take me to the hospital, one block away.

What seemed like hours the doctor finally came it to tell me about his injuries and I abruptly stopped him, "I want to know how he is now and when can I see him?"  the doctor, "Well. he's dead."

The next thing I knew they were lifting me up from the floor as I am screaming, mourning and falling so fast into a black hole with no way out.

Five years later I am still in that black hole.  Desparately wanting to grasp onto something that will make all of this go away.  Nothing is there....

My heart aches daily, it is so broken, but yet I must keep going.  My "abnormal" normal life is so different than before.  I am in a strange world with strange things all around me.

Today I want to share a slideshow I did for Dustin.  Five years...seems like forever...how can I be living this life?  I also have a website for him http://dustin-davis.memory-of.com/About.aspx

Help me to keep his memory alive....here is his slideshow...

Featuring Novel Brand A Unique Artist

Happy Friday to Everyone!  I am so pleased and excited to introduce you to a new Artist on Etsy.  Mark, from Novel Brand was kind enough to allow me to feature his art. 

At first glance I loved his art, so unique.  Enjoy getting to know Novel Brand!

How did you come up with your name?
My sister and I came up with the name. I'd say a lot of our crafts are book or word themed.


Tell us about you and where you are from
My name is Mark Saul. I'm from Los Angeles. I am an actor and a musician.

How did you learn your art?
Days of practice.




What inspires you?
My girlfriend Ilana inspires me. Most of the arts and crafts I make started out as something for her.
 
Favorite part of Etsy
My favorite part of Etsy is sense of community. I like how sellers and buyers can contact each other so easily. I also like the clean and easy to read layout.

Share here anything you would like

My band website: www.theflashcards.com
My acting/personal website: www.markadamsaul.com

Sharing Pics of Conchata Ferrell (Two and a Half Men)

I have been in a blog fog lately!  Not sure where my head has been.  Anyway I am back now.

Today is a simple share of some photos of Conchata Ferrell, Berta on Two and a Half Men.  Her parents lived in my small town and my son's Grandma knew them.  Anyway she came to town and we went for a visit.

A very nice lady and I am so happy she has had some success.

Hope you enjoy the pics.

Your Banner Needs are right here! Enjoy the Weekend!

Happy Saturday!

Just a reminder if you are looking for Blog Banners, Blog Buttons, Etsy Banners, Custom graphics check out  The Banner Loft

A Flea Market Weekend A really Good time

Our weekend was spent at a Flea Market which of course is a perfect place for me to be.  We set up a booth with just 2 tables but lots of goodies for everyone.

Mike kept reminding me that we were there to sell not buy.   You know some people take the fun out of everything.  I did have to draw from my inner strength to resist not buying more than we took.  How do you know when you have enough?  Is there such a thing?  Nah...

The people you meet come from all walks of life.  You have those, bless their hearts that have to come there to buy what they need.  Then there are the "nosies" that walk with their hands behind their back just looking to see what everyone has.  OK lots of "how much can I get them to come down on their price" people.  So cute to see their face when you agree.  It is a win win situation. 

Last there is me.  Trying not to drool on everything as I gander about.  I know exactly what I want.  I just have to see it!  I pick something up, look it over then think, "Oh this is so neat, I could do this or that."  Then comes this annoying nudge....as I hear Mike say, "We came to sell not buy."  What does he know.  I hear, "Where will we put that?"  So in my mind I am rearranging my house in my weak mind to know that it will fit somewhere.  If I take a deep breath or do the old Lamaze breathing I can get through it.

Once back to our booth my mind is only the "treasure" I passed up.  Before you know it, I am paying for it!

Oh well no harm done.  It was a soggy weekend here and so we were in the perfect place to enjoy.

So now you all know I am really insane!  But I love it!

Aging Parents The Hearbreak of it all

Maybe I can write this without crying or maybe not.  This is one subject I never wanted to think about.  I just can't imagine all of it.  Yes I tend to hide my head in the sand.  It just gets me through.

First off I love my parents so much, they are who made me and taught me all I know.  I am so close to them and since my brother died in Vietnam in 1968, I am all that they have.  Then my son Dustin died in 2005 and really I am it.

At times I don't feel like I do enough for them.  Everday I talked to them a million times on the phone, go to their house to do the little things that they can no longer do....and do the errands, pay bills, take to doctor, etc.. I still feel guilty for not doing enough.  If I don't do it for them then who will.

Luckily they both are alert, very much so.  Their health is good it is just that they are aging.  Dad is 85 and Mom is 80.  Dad needs attention because 1) he's spoiled 2) he is frail.  Mom needs rest and doesn't get it as often as she should.  It breaks my heart as Mom watches the love of her life, the strong farmer, the man of the house....slip.

Life gets in the way at times preventing me from being there all the time.  Yes I feel guilty because they were always there for me no matter what.  Do any of you have suggestions on how to handle these emotions?

I am their baby girl and they are my heroes. 

Fabulous Jewelry

Everyone loves jewelry.  When we are getting ready it is the jewelry we choose that is the finishing touch.  I am sharing some of my favorite.  Enjoy your day!

Shoshi Po's shop

Jewels by Trish

Woman With Tools

Earjeans

How to have a Successful Etsy Shop, Check out this blog

If you could please visit this blog and become a follower.  It is an Esty Team Blog, Hearts and Hands United; however many great treasures are shown and every Tuesday is Tuesday Tools.  Come join!

Would loved to see you there! 
Today is how to have a Successful Etsy Shop http://heartsandhandsunited.blogspot.com/

Thank you so much!

Lilacs and Molly (my dog)

Lilacs are just so refreshing and a sure sign that Spring and warmer weather is here.  Sharing some photos of my Lilacs and couldn't resist taking pics of Molly becaue she hates it!

Have a peaceful Sunday Morning....

Really lovin' Vintage Today and Everyday

I never knew where my love for Vintage would take me to where I am.  Back when it wasn't cool I was always facinated with the old things.  Can't help but to wonder where had it been before, what was its use, did someone adore this.  Wishing that each piece could talk because I want to know: I am curious that way.

After reading an article that stated vintage was a part of being eco-friendly a way to help the earth stay green I really got excited.  Why is it that it takes us "older" generation a long time to see what we can do to be green.

Like a kid in the candy shop when I see Trash to Treasrue I am mesmerized, I just drool when I pass a trash pile....Auctions, gararge sales....be still my heart.  It's difficult to describe the feeling that comes over me.  That is how I know that I LOVE vintage, trash to treasures and recycled items.  How cool is that?

So I am sharing with you some vintage items from my shop, Lafe's Hidden Treasures.  I hope you enjoy them

Blessings to all of you.

Thank you for looking!  Come browse in my shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/LafesHiddenTreasures

Dad's Tool Shed and Friday Follow

Yesterday was spent clearing out my Dad's "tool" shed.  He is 85 and wants to know what all he has in there and for me to take what I want.  Not being a real fan of farm tools I reluctantly agreed.   Really I had no choice 1) I love him 2) I am an only child 3)  can't say no to Dad.

You have to know that this shed has not been touched in about 5 years.  When my son Dusty was alive he would drool as he entered the shed but nobody has been in there since.

As I entered the first thing I saw was an old bottle, be still my heart I have always had a love for old bottles.  Then I saw a vintage oil can, then a key chain and at that instant I was so excited.  I was a cleaning fool since I couldn't wait to see what else I would discover.

As I was sitting for a break just looking into the shed I pondered and remembered so many things from that tool shed.  It was as though I was turning the pages of my mind, wiping dust off memories.

My Dad was a farmer his whole life.  This was a part of who he was.  His tools were at the center of his life.  My eyes filled with tears as I remembered seeing him grab a tool to fix my bike, work on a tractor, tune my car, build a fence with each task he would just smile.

It had to be difficult for him to tell me to clear out his shed a part of him.  By the time we (of course Mike helped me) were done our truck was full.  Treasures of a hard working man, a loving father and devoted husband.  I can't imagine letting someone clear my basement....I would hyper ventilate. 

My journey yesterday took various different paths.  All is good and all is well.

Blog Success...Please Share your Secrets

Uh-Oh some time on my hands this morning....that could mean mischief is in sight.  lol 

Would like to talk about Blog Following.  When do you follow your blog?  Are you a follower to all the blogs that follow you?  Tell me how this works.

I have not been blogging for long but yearn to increase my following.  What is the secret?  What subject draws other bloggers to your blog?

Please share and we all can become more educated.  Come on pros let's hear it!

Appreciate my blog Followers

Not to be sappy or gushy but lately I have been so thankful for my Blog Followers, my Facebook friends and all of my friends in my life.

Before my son, Dustin died in 2005, I was a social butterfly, the friend who carried the burdens of my friends.  Suddenly all of that changed and I needed someone to help me.  It was difficult but soon realized that the friends that actually stayed with me after his death were true friends.  Believe it some of the "friends" I had left me. rarely heard from, I am talking friends for 20-25 years. 

Today I want you to know that I am thankful when you visit my blog, when you write....not sure thankful is a good word but all of you are very much appreciated!  You just have no idea what it means to me.

OK sappy stuff is over....have a blessed day!

Vintage Treasures

Continuing from yesterday post about being "Green" and shaing.

I put out the question is collecting Vintage being "Green"?  The answer was yes.  Feels good to keep something from going to the trash.

A slice of yesterday like a time piece each vintage items has a history which is often times mysterious.  I love Vintage!

Just sharing some Vintage items from Lafe's Hidden Treasures hope you enjoy a small step back in time.

Tatting Pattern emailed to you

Vintage Quilt Squares

Vintage Cabinet Pulls

Thanks for letting me share with you.

Have a great day!