I have eaten Acai- before it was the rage!!!

So-- with all the rage of Acai Berries, I started thinking back in my experience, "how do I know about these things already?"

I remembered that while on a hike with our youth group in Paraguay, we stopped on the side of the road and they brought me these berries. They started telling me how good they were for you, but I had never heard of them before or seen them. Acai is the Portugese name, but they called them something else that I can't remember. I ate one and it was like a grape, without any "grapiness" if that makes any sense. The inside is white, and there are seeds. I don't remember them being bad or good. Man-- I should have had them stowed away in my bags on the way home! I still haven't seen them, here and surprised that no one is selling the FOOD.

So, What's in a Name? Or not....

It is my pleasure to introduce another talented Etsy artist to everyone. In continuing with our series on "Names" I thought we'd explore some artists' business names. "Knitberry" is actually the venue of an artist named Lana... Here is her incredibly interesting story. She is having this awesome contest were kids are designing hats (drawings sent in) and if theirs is picked- they get a free hat! The contest is running through December 2009, so check out her blog for details....www.knitberry.blogspot.com

In Her Own Words....
I was born and raised in Odessa, Ukraine -- on the coast of the Black Sea.
Growing up I was surrounded by handmade household items, which spiked my interest in crafts since early childhood. Both of her grandmothers were skillful in crafts. However, the love for knitting didn't come from them. It was my maternal grandfather, who mastered the skill of knitting socks for soldiers in his platoon during WWII. He was not a knitter by choice; it was a necessity that drove him to learn how to knit.
I learned how to knit when I was 10, continuously designing doll's clothes.
Perfecting my knitting technique through school years I also learned how to crochet and cross stitch. In 1995 I immigrated to United States carrying with me the idea of designing clothes. My two kids, who are 3 and 6 years old, are my main inspirations behind my creations. Qualities like Comfort, Style and Happiness of a child -- are my priorities in designing clothing. For women's line I create pieces that will add to your everyday wardrobe and will give it an extra kick of style.

KnitBerry.com was created in October 2007. The name KnitBerry came from long and hard research of what to call my business :) Sometimes at the shows people ask me if my name is Berry and if my husband is Mr. Berry. We just laugh. I wanted the name that people will remember. So really there no particular reason why its called KnitBerry

Celebrating Singleness....

Every once in a while, discontent rises up and tries to have it's way in my mind... Discouragement in general is something that we all can struggle with, when all the news is bad...economy, prospects, the job you are working at that isn't fulfilling, broken relationships.
So today, I was feeling a little blah. As I prayed about it, I began to feel thankful for the things that I have (and owe to my singleness) that other women don't. While it is true that a certain amount of aloneness, allows one the lack of discipline to do certain things-- (no one but me is affected by the empty Wendy's cup that sits on my desk, waiting to meet the trash)-- it also allows one a startlingly refreshing freedom, to do exactly what you intend to do!!
And so, I have had one of the most delightful evenings I have had, in weeks. It started with following through with saying "I've got to get back to the gym." Even though EVERYTHING in me said, "You are too tired, start tomorrow" and "You've been away a while, and probably won't last a full 30 min of cardio"-- I pressed on, finished that 30 minutes, gathered a free coupon I had for a 1 pound salad at Ukrops ( local grocery that you are probably jealous that you don' t have) and decided that tonight would be about celebrating what I have.
I have lived in a third world country, where produce is not always available or appealing. I love fruits and veggies. There is no reason not to give my body the healthy things that we have teeming in our stores! I also decided to buy a $4.50 magazine... (I am used to being in the "I don't really need that" mode, in an effort to get out of debt and launching the jewelry business)... and I'll tell you, that magazine was a real blessing to me! It had relevant articles and great recipes, and I felt my Heavenly Father saying, "It is ok to refresh and renew with things that bring you joy." Joy is hard to find sometimes here. Here, in this location, but here in this season as well. Like finding a tiny speck of red paint on a drab gray canvas. Gray is exactly how I would describe this time. Everything is so gray-- from steely, to storm cloud, but gray, nonetheless.
So there I was, eating my lovely salad, full of nutrition and glistening with garlic olive oil dressing, really savoring it, really enjoying the combination of flavors, instead of rushing through another meal to get on with the next task. That (I have discovered) is how I gain weight-- by not being mindful of food. But I found myself being SO happy with that salad, and reading my magazine-- you have no idea! I took my sweet old time, knowing I had nothing waiting for me at home, but the shower. I decided I didn't give a hoot about not getting to my "other job" of promoting, posting, photographing and strategizing my little fledgling business. Orders will come in or not. But the reason I am not working elsewhere, is to have time to do things like this. Even Jesus "regrouped". And He encouraged the disciples to do the same. He knew "burnout" before burnout was!
I came home, the good kind of tired, and the good kind of full.. made myself some peppermint tea, finished the magazine, and took a gloriously warm shower (it is SO cold outside). Nighttime showers are always so much better than am ones. No rush! I've been online a little. But not working... and I am getting ready to turn in. I feel so much better than I did leaving work at 5pm! And I have Singleness to thank. And the Lord for reminding me that He is sovereign and encouraging me to be patient, and wait for His time, and cultivate an attitude of grattitude. I recommend it, highly!

Slowing Down

For a while, the breakneck pace was make jewelry and boxes, photo, edit, upload, list, blog, plurk, facebook.... and work full time. Since then, I am refining my schedule. Since creation can't be forced, unfortunately, I create when I have a great idea, now. I spend less time on the computer, in 'self-promo' mode. It is mostly due to the fact that I focused on a project. I am happy to say that little by little I am moving toward my goal of having enough inventory to do my first home show! Yay!! I don't even really care how great sales are, but for the experience, and to get my stuff in front of new ladies who have never seen it will be so fun, I'm really looking forward to it. It is going to be March 7th. My friend Lara has agreed to host a party and invite her friends, it will be the perfect way for them to catch up, have some food, and buy some jewelry that they can afford!
With prices ranging from $10- $35 this is not like a typical "jewelry show." I am fairly well prepared, and may even have my new logo in time for it.

If you or someone you know would like to host a show (Richmond or Roanoke) let me know! I will be happy to work out 'freebies' for the hostess and can make items geared toward specific friends-- a little more classic and conservative, or really eclectic and funky!! Mostly, it would be a great way to re-connect with people. If you know any other women who have home businesses, have a night where you "team up." I wouldn't mind coming in on a Mary Kay party and I'm sure the rep would be fine, too! Support women in business and take care of your gift giving needs, all at one fun time!

Tonight was busy-- whew! I'm taking tomorrow off! This is my latest listing. Let me know if you have comments or suggestions. Goodnight!!!!

"Sympathy Gifts" Have Arrived!!!

After much processing and working out details, I am happy to announce my new "Sympathy Gifts" that commemorate the loss of someone special. I began to think of it after my father died in July... but took some time to think it through. The concept is really simple. It is a permanent tear. The inadequacy we feel when trying to comfort a friend at a difficult time, is what brought these gifts to life. They are sterling silver, on a 17" chain, and have the crystal birthstone of the loved one. They are fully customizable and made to order. Remember, no two are alike- but the one constant is that they will always be a "tear" shaped crystal. The card will be hand written on vellum, but with various paper to match the color chosen. The chain may be different, and you can request a special length. Earrings are also available, but I haven't made the first ones just yet. I want to focus on the pendant, that can be also made into a bookmark, for a man.
The verse is one that I love. Jesus is responding to the news that His friend Lazarus is dead. And even though He knows that He is about to raise him from the dead, He cries, to enter into the pain of friends. This showed how much he cared! We have a great and awesome, PERSONAL God!
This gift will show someone that you care. And you are there for them. Without words.

Super Quote..and Food for Thought

I love Oswald Chambers. He is one of the greats I can't wait to talk to when I get to heaven. (Hugs for my daddy will be first!) Last night I came across profundity. Here it is...

When merely moral man or woman comes in contact with baseness and immorality and treachery, the recoil is so desperately offensive to human goodness that the heart shuts up in despair. The marvel of the Redemptive Reality of God is that the worst and the vilest can never get to the bottom of His love. Paul did not say that God separated him to show what a wonderful man He could make of him, but "to reveal His Son in me." Re: 1 Corinthians 4:9-13

How often we get caught up in the "Hey, God, You are making me a pretty good guy (girl)." His aim is to make us more into the image of Christ. Am I a hindrance or a help in that process?

Brand New Shop Opening

I am interested to see if this will be different than Etsy.... and if you will like it better. I don' t have as much listed, yet, but be patient! Please leave feedback if you go to this site. Thanks!
http://www.gpdesignsart.1000markets.com

"Birth" of a photograph

This is more of my new feature- Continuing one with the series "How artists name their work".... this comes from StudioYTE on Etsy.com about her 8X10 photograph entitled "Birth."(See avatar and click to go directly there.)

My garden brings so much joy into my life. There's nothing more exciting than spring for me - to see everything come alive again after long and cold winters.

The peonies in my garden are of three different varieties - those that flower early, middle and late spring and the excitement begins when all the ants arrive.

Many have wondered why they are there? Many myths abound - do they really "tickle the buds" and "lick the sugar" to help the peony buds open? What if they don't come?

Apparently, the peony buds secrete a sweet sap that attracts the ants, and because Mother Nature's plan is so amazingly perfect, the ants come for the sweet nectar and another little appetizer - the harmful insects. And although the peony buds open whether the ants are there or not, seeing them so busy at work makes the birth and promise of fragrance so thrilling.

And so, during spring, I check my peonies every day, I take photos at various times of day, in sunshine and in rain, capturing the buds at every stage, awaiting the "Birth"
of my beloved peonies.

My little book of favorite quotes that I gathered since I was a teenager is where I go for inspiration. Usually there's always a quote or two that seems to fit my special photos. Hope you enjoy their beauty!