Saturday, January 14, 2017

Stop the clock please


Oh my goodness, time just keeps marching on doesn't it?  

I really can't believe it's 2017.  I think back to all my resolutions from last year and am trying to see if I kept any.  As usual, I made a little progress here and there but all in all I fell short. 

This year I am kind of forced to make some changes.  Bloodwork revealed extremely high cholesterol - and I refuse to take drugs unless there are no other options - so I have to change the way I eat, exercise, and drop 10 pounds.  In a way, this lifestyle change will pretty much accomplish all my usual resolutions so I guess there's that.  I'm just trying to find some positive in the negative here friends.

Another change is my husband's Parkinsons is slowing him down to the point where he needs to retire, like yesterday.  So, this means I need to start bringing in some money - especially since waiting for disability to be approved could take a year.

Again, let's look for the positive in the negative.  I have always dreamed of resurrecting my pattern design business, and now I must do it.  I've kind of been working on it for years, but now I feel a sense of urgency.  I tried working on it over the years but taking care of mom was a priority. 
Sadly, mom passed late summer.  I'm still grieving and adjusting to her being gone.  When I think of her I still tear up.  I have no regrets about putting her first, but now I'm ready to devote my time to what I want and need to do.   

Here's what I've done so far: 
I've turned some of my designs into PDF patterns. It might not sound like a big deal but it took me over a year to learn Illustrator well enough to create a really good pattern.  I'm patting myself on the back because I'm super proud of what I've done in that department.  Being a perfectionist tends to slow me down, but I'm happy with the patterns and feel they're good enough to put out there.

My main love is dreaming up new creations, quilts, bibs, dolls, embroidery, etc.,  but I would say my obsession is "handmade" in general.  I really want to promote handmade - the passing down of skills nd encouraging others to try. I want them to have the joy and pride I feel as they create their own heirlooms.  I want to promote the appreciation of handmade things as well. I'm hoping this next generation won't look at an antique crocheted doily as some $2.00 item they will get rid of at a garage sale.

It didn't take but a second to figure out the best way to reach a lot of people is to create an online community where people like me can gather. I want it to be a place where we can meet new people, learn new skills, support each other with our projects, and appreciate handmade things overall.  Not just sewing, I'm talking about gardening, baking, cooking, you name it!

Hopefully I'll be able to launch my website by the end of the month, and boy am I excited!  It has been a good distraction for me - keeping me from dwelling on sad things.  

My website (and business) is called fannie jane. Here's the link:  fanniejane.com 

I already have some things in my Etsy shop for now, but I'll also have an online shop on my website.

I'm on facebook as fanniejane.handmade 

pinterest as fannie jane.  

I also am going to give myself time to go visit blogs of friends I've met over the years.  I've met so many wonderful people who I truly cared about, but let life keep me so distracted that I lost touch.  So don't be surprised if you all start seeing my stop by your blogs.  I'm super excited to see what everyone has been up to!

I wish a happy and healthy new year to every single one of you!  I can't wait to see what this year holds for all of us.
  


9 comments:

  1. Could your banner picture be any cuter. Anxious to check out your other sites.
    Sorry about your mother. My mother is almost 90.
    I also have cholesterol. I always get the big lecture and prescriptions that I stop taken. My last blood test my doctor said it was okay and no need for meds. It was 285. My good chol. was okay but still shocked that the number was okay.
    I hope you an reach your goals.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh my gosh Debby, mine was 262 I think and they said that is very high. I'm starting with flaxseed and fish oils, and going to try lots of the stuff that is supposed to be good that I actually like. We'll see how it goes. So nice to visit with you! Website should be up pretty soon, I hope. Old folks like me have a hard time with computers. Have a great rest of the weekend!

      Delete
  2. Your blog is beautiful, Julie! I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your mama, your husband's Parkinsons and your cholesterol. Always know you have friends that listen, pray and truly care about you and your family. Thank you for the links to all of your sites, we all look forward to your beautiful website! We are praying for you and yours and here is to a New Year of good health, prosperity and a closer walk with the Lord for us all! Love and hugs, Jennifer

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww sweet Jennifer, I truly appreciate all your prayers and good thoughts. I think that if I can just go one day at a time and try to focus on positive I should be okay, but knowing that I have people out there that care sure makes it a little bit easier. Thank you so much, love and hugs back atcha, Julie

      Delete
  3. You've been through a lot this past few months! I hope this year is better...can't wait to go look at your Etsy shop and other links. Thanks for stopping by to see me too! Hugs, Diane

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Diane, I appreciate you sending positive thoughts to me. I hope this year is better too! Thank you so much for visiting me, I was so excited to see you had stopped by! Take care!!! Hugs right back atcha, Julie

      Delete
  4. I went through a similar period about 15 years ago..........and I got really ill. I am finally back on my feet again and you will be too. I tried, like you, to diet to lower my cholesterol but even eating beans and rice did not lower it so I have taken a statin drug for years now. Hopefully, you'll have better luck! I will check out your new website and Etsy shop and I love all your vintage illustrations.....so cute! I will put you on my blog list too! Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Julie you rock. I know you have been working really hard and your designs are just the cutest. Sending you love and prayers for you and your hubby.
    Much love
    donna

    ReplyDelete
  6. Julie,
    I am wishing you the very best with your endeavors, they all sound like marvelous ideas and your creativity is incredible.
    I just know that God has perfect plan for you and that this year will be a really good one for you!
    Hugs,
    Jemma

    ReplyDelete