wicked!!!

Yesterday, I was up from 3am until midnight.... but it was so worth it. I worked in the morning and had a full day with the kids... then my friend Geri and I took our girls to San Francisco to see Wicked. So so so amazing!!! If there's one playing anywhere near you and you have a chance to see it, you definitely should! So many amazing little details. Funny, sad, heartwarming. Full of wonder, bringing the story of The Wizard of Oz full circle. (Kind of like a book we have, "The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs"... it's the wolf's side of the story.

Everybody's favorite, "Popular"... you should buy the cd just for this song!

My sweet friend Geri and I after Mission Pie, before the show. (The only cameras we had with us were our phones.. excuse the grainy-ness!)

Our cute girls Loida and Brooklyn... quick tummy filling before the show started (and a quad americano to keep this momma awake!)

We had SUCH a fun night!!! My legs were very restless for about the last half hour... but it was so amazing. And somehow I was wide awake before 6:00 this morning. I took the day off work... got up and took Brooklyn to school, and now I'm sitting in a different Starbucks getting some work done. It's nice to be on the other side of the counter sometimes! =)

it was a good Saturday.

This past Saturday we had a women's tea at our church. Ladies came dressed to the hilt, complete with hats and heels... other ladies came casual and comfy (I was in that group). All had a lovely morning of tea with breakfast quiche, fresh fruit and other yummies while enjoying each other's company. After we ate, we headed into the sanctuary for a time of worship and the Word. It was kind of a preview of this year's women's retreat and I'm excited. We'll enjoy a few days in Tahoe together in July... this year's theme is The Real Me. It's going to be good!

At the end, we had some time for shopping. There were ladies who sold purses, candles, aprons, avon and art. I had a table with a little mix of handmade items and art. It was a very good day for me... I had good sales, and my favorite part was that I made a new friend. I met a very sweet 82 year old lady named June, who was selling some handmade scarves (some knitted, some crocheted). She was wearing the most beautiful crocheted necklace, and she said she'd teach me how to make them! I'm so so so excited! I've been wanting to learn to crochet.. but I'd much rather learn from a sweet lady like June than just watching youtube videos. She's a real treasure, and I'm so so glad I had the opportunity to meet her! We sat together all day and she seemed to like me too! I'm sad I forgot to get a picture of the two of us together. But I'm thinking this is just the beginning of a new friendship, so there will be more opportunity for that soon!

Here are a few shots of my table from the day. I ended up running down the street to a drug store to get some removable hooks to hang some paintings on the wall... and I almost drove away without them! I remembered at the last minute and grabbed them off the wall.

My friend Sandy bought me the scarf I had my eye on from June's table, and she bought each of her granddaughters headbands from me! They later went to the mall and had their pictures taken.. wearing their new headbands! I can't wait to see those photos! Aren't they cuties!

It was a wonderful day, and I'm looking forward to more opportunities to sell my wares and bring Jenuine Ruby to the world! =)

bringing some calm to the chaos

In my last post I mentioned that our family has a bit of a crazy schedule. It hasn't always been this way. For years I homeschooled the kids and Joe worked as a police officer. (His schedule there varied, but we weren't going in a zillion directions so it didn't feel too hectic.) Then we moved to Minnesota and he was tattooing while I was home with the kids.

Our schedule there was pretty dreamy. We woke up as our bodies decided to... no alarm clocks or places to rush off to. My internal clock naturally wakes me up in the wee hours (usually sometime during the 5:00 hour). I loved my quiet time in Minnesota. I'd get up while it was still dark, have my coffee and quiet time (pause in thankfulness that my kids didn't have to be on the school bus as it passed our house at 6:50 each morning) and watch the sunrise over the snow covered corn field behind our house. Then the kids and Joe would start waking up one by one and we enjoyed doing things as a family (hikes, bike rides, crafts, painting, going for lunch). The kids and I had our (more focused) learning time after Joe went to work, and while the little ones napped. Joe worked from noon until 8 and then came home for a little time with the kids before bed. Then he and I would stay up to watch a movie, work on art or other projects, etc.

Since moving back to CA, and surely thanks to the current economy, money has been tight and I went back to work last summer for the first time since having kids. It's been kind of a stressful year as finances and schedules go. Last summer we heard about a wonderful Waldorf methods school and Brooklyn begged to go. It was a really tough decision because we've loved homeschooling, but she was so excited and we agreed with the philosophies and appreciated all the opportunities she'd be experiencing there, so we enrolled her. It's a small school, with only one class per grade, and they didn't have room for Zeke at the time so I continued to homeschool him this year while we took Brooklyn to school 25 minutes away from home. There is at least one other family in our area who attends the school, so there is opportunity to form a carpool, but unfortunately our van was repo'd last summer (technically we surrendered it before they had to take it but... you get the idea).... and now we don't have a vehicle big enough for any extras. I've been working 5 mornings a week while Joe is with the kids, and then I come home in time for him to leave. He gets home between 8:15- 8:30 to put the kids to bed so I can go to sleep and get up at 3am to start all over again. On my two days off, he is working in Monterey (2 hours away) so we don't have any family or couple time these days.

It's definitely waring on us. Lately we've squeezed in a few much needed dates, trying to reconnect. It's hard to have a relationship with someone you never see! Really not the marriage either of us had in mind... but we realize this is a season and we need to push through, making time for little dates when we can. It's these tough times that can ultimately bring you closer, as long as you don't let them pull you apart while you're going through it.

Also, we've decided it's time for me to cut back at work, so that at least we can have some time in the mornings like we used to. From next week on, I'll be working at Starbucks just two days a week. That seems a bit off balance, with Joe working 7 days, but it's how he prefers it, and hopefully his work will pick up and he can take a day or two off soon. This also gives me more time to develop Jenuine Ruby as a business and hopefully I'll start contributing more to the family income through my sales.

I didn't even mention kids' activities. Brooklyn is involved in a youth theater program through a local jr. college and has rehearsals three nights a week (thankfully they just had their performances last weekend and have a break until Fall), plus church activities on Sundays and Wednesdays.

Anyway, we're refiguring things lately and are looking forward to a slower pace once I cut back my hours at work and school is out for summer. We're still undecided about school for next year. We could have three at the Waldorf school, or we may have them all home again.

I like to wake up on Monday mornings refreshed and ready for a new week. I don't think it's necessary to dread the family's schedule. If it's rushed and stressful, life isn't enjoyable. I'm a glass-half-full kind of girl and I totally believe it's possible to have that again. We've had a rough year, but I'm ready to reclaim the peaceful pace that we once had.

How about you? Do you have a schedule that feels out of control? Can you take a step back to see what changes can be made to bring some calm to the chaos? I'm reminded again of that line from Brene's video... "Exhaustion should not be a status symbol."

Brene Brown's new dvd

This has been a week of going in way too many directions. Schedules can be hectic in a family of six. (maybe I'll share a week in our life sometime.) I'm feeling the need to hunker down and just BE with my family lately. Soon we'll be on summer time and I'm going to make sure we savor the slowness.

My mentor and friend Mati lent me this dvd recently and I had to watch it twice, it was so good. Brene Brown is a friend of Mati's and her blog is definitely worth checking out. You can find info about her dvd "The Hustle for Worthiness. Exploring the Power of Love, Belonging, and Being Enough" here.

The part that really struck me was when she imagined being in a group of moms from the PTO, and after being asked how she was doing, the response she supposed giving was this:

"I'm really good. I'm well rested. I'm doing meaningful work. I'm working out. My kids and I are under-committed. And every day we wake up and dare to be mediocre."

And I've decided that I want that to be my response. Sometimes we set high goals for ourselves (and goals are good) but we forget that sometimes we just need to BE. Rest is important. (another line that I took note of from the dvd was, "Exhaustion should not be a status symbol.") Quality time with family is imperative. We don't always have to be super productive. I don't want to be an overachiever. I want to be just what my family needs. Exactly who I was created to be and do. Nothing more. Nothing less. Nothing else.

I need a swagger wagon!

This is one of the best finds in a while. Maybe you've seen it already, but it's new to me and oh-so hilarious! Enjoy! (I'm off to watch more of their videos...)

yikes... my first vlog!

Okay friends, here it is... my first ever video blog (vlog). I am putting it up because I know if I wait until I have one that I'm totally happy with, I'll never do it. It's kinda dark (I'll do it earlier in the day next time), a little shaky, and a lot awkward... but it's a start. There are a few times when I pause or seem to hesitate... that's when I was multi tasking and trying to listen to what my kids were doing downstairs! =)

imagine a mother

I won this book over on Jamie's blog a few months ago and have really been enjoying it. (I'm a bits-and-pieces reader lately, so it takes me a while to get through... but this is a great and very inspiring story of how Lisa Hammond started her business Femail Creations. In the chapter I just finished, Lisa quoted a poem by Patricia Lynn Reilly that I wanted to share with you.

Imagine a Mother

Imagine a mother who believes she belongs in the world.

A mother who celebrates her own life.

Who is glad to be alive.

Imagine a mother who celebrates the birth of her daughters.

A mother who believes in the goodness of her daughters.

Who nurtures their wisdom. Who cultivates their power.

Imagine a mother who celebrates the birth of her sons.

A mother who believes in the goodness of her sons.

Who nurtures their kindness. Who honors their tears.

Imagine a mother who turns toward herself with interest.

A mother who acknowledges her own feelings and thoughts.

Whose capacity to be available to her family deepens as she is available to herself.

Imagine a mother who is aware of her own needs and desires.

A mother who meets them with tenderness and grace.

Who enlists the support of respectful friends and chosen family.

Imagine a mother who lives in harmony with her heart.

A mother who trusts her impulses to expand and contract.

Who knows that everything changes in the fullness of time.

Imagine a mother who embodies her spirituality.

A mother who honors her body as the sacred temple of the spirit of life.

Who breathes deeply as a prayer of gratitude for life itself.

Imagine a mother who values the women in her life.

A mother who finds comfort in the company of women.

Who sets aside time to replenish her woman-spirit.

Imagine yourself as this mother.

Sometimes we're told (or made to feel) like we're being selfish if we are tending to our own needs. I believe that if there is balance, it's completely acceptable and very healthy to nurture ourselves. I know that for me, I feel refreshed and ready to care for the needs of my family most when I've taken some time to myself, whether it be much needed quiet time in the morning, a walk or drive by myself, a retreat of some kind, a thrifting or coffee date alone or with a friend, etc. I used to feel guilty for wanting these little indulgences, but it was at those times that I tended fight feelings of resentment and exhaustion. That old saying, "if momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy" holds some truth. I love my family dearly. And I've come to realize that I have to take care of myself as well as taking care of them.

How about you? What little indulgences do you enjoy for some self-nurturing?

happy mother's day!!!

This is my mom with my sisters and me... probably around 1975. I'm the one on the right. I think I was about 3. Notice the cowboy boots. And my mom was most likely barefoot. She was almost always barefoot.. she still prefers to be that way. I remember one time when we were in high school... my mom got this crazy idea that we should go to Baskin Robbins for ice cream barefoot! She had this little spark in her eye, because she knew we were breaking the rules ("No shoes, no shirt, no service"). We all giggled and wondered if we'd get caught! (we didn't.)

She's always been a fun mom. Some of my favorite memories are of her being up earlier than everyone else, reading the Bible and drinking her coffee. Cereal boxes and bowls were always arranged on the table so we could help ourselves to breakfast while she finished her quiet time. Money was tight in our family but she was always creative with activites and fun things for us to do. She loved to bake, and I remember coming home to some amazing "after school snacks". Some of my favorites were her double chocolate chip pudding cookies and her delicious cinnamon bread.

I'm really wishing I could go see her today. She lives two hours away, but I'll be here taxiing Brooklyn around to rehearsals for her upcoming play.

Happy Mothers Day to you Mom! I love you! xoxo

Labels: family

blog it forward: inspiration

Today is the last day of blog it forward indie biz style. Brooke, one of my classmates in the Indie Business 2.0 class (which is now finished but if they offer this again, I say without a doubt if you think you might be the tiniest bit interested, GO FOR IT!!! You'll be so glad you did!!!)... anyway... Brooke had this idea that some of us come together to do a blog it forward deal on our blogs. We all had a common topic: inspiration. You can read Brooke's first post on the project here. Each blog post links to the blog of the next person on the list, so if you'd like you can go check them all out... who knows, you may find a new blog or two that you really connect with!

This is the last stop on the tour. Most of the posts along the way have included photos and lots of links to things that are inspiring the writers along the way.

I have decided for my wrap-up of the project, to share a list of things that tend to be sources of inspiration for me. You see, it's been hard for me to decide just what to share here. I find inspiration in so many things (and people) every single day. Here are just some of the things that inspire me daily as a creative soul who happens to make things and is also a regular human living and loving life.

beauty in nature

my husband

my children

family and friends

song lyrics

lines from movies

the Word of God

the weather

catalogs

music

circumstances

stories

other artists/ crafters

reading blogs

Really, inspiration is everywhere. We just have to be open and allow ourselves to receive it. This reminds me of a poem I learned a very long time ago (I was probably around 12). We were vacationing with my grandparents in Morro Bay. I saw this on a plaque in a gift shop and memorized it immediately. I think I even wrote it down and accompanied it with a drawing and had it hanging on my bedroom wall for a while. I googled it and couldn't find the author's name or the title, but this is the poem:

If you but look, you'll always find

that even the darkest day

holds a little ray of sunshine.

You'll find it in a friendly smile

or just a warm "hello".

You'll find it, if you're looking

almost everywhere you go.

And once you've found the litte ways

to let the sunshine through

You'll have it there to guide you

in everything you do.

jenuine ruby shop update!

Thank you for your patience... the shop has been updated!

four new original paintings

8 yo yo headbands

and these amazingly soft baby blankets. I really wish you could reach through the computer screen to feel these.

Go take a look and tell me what you think! And if you see something you like please spread the word (twitter, facebook, etc.) I'd appreciate it! =)

monthly goals meet up- May

It's crazy that another month has come and gone! We're in full Spring mode around here... gorgeous weather, ready for the school year to be over.

Here's my April progress report:

1. design a logo (in progress.... I've drawn up a rough sketch, but I need to borrow hubby's computer to finish it up in photoshop.)

2. make a few widgets (done!... wanna grab a button for your blog? I have three options in my sidebar.)

3. at least 4 paintings (done! will be uploaded and listed in my shop tonight!)

4. 12 more things for my shop (done! upload and shop update tonight!)

5. blog makeover (completed and sent off my homework to Leigh-Ann... I'm on the waiting list for an extreme makeover.. changes expected early July! SO excited about this big step!)

6. start weekly blog feature (nope... coming soon.)

7. submit stuff for craft fair (Yesterday I participated in an event with a local group, Women Supporting Women in Business. We had several vendors, some representing direct sales companies and a couple of indie businesses. The weather was so nice I think it kept people away, but I think we all had a few sales and made new contacts.)

8. blog at least 4-5 times per week (some weeks were better than others.)

Goals for May:

1. finish logo

2. shop update (tonight!)

3. make more coffee sleeves, baby blankets and headbands (I'm going to have a table at a women's tea at our church in a few weeks)

4. 4 new paintings

5. new business cards

6. apply to more local craft fairs

7. start weekly blog feature

8. blog at least 4-5 times per week

new twitter!

I created a new twitter account! Come follow me!!!

Labels: jenuine ruby