Grow Your Blog

Hello bloggers!

My name is Kelly.

Today I am joining the Party at Grow Your Blog.  It is being hostessed by Vicki at

http://vicki-2bagsfull.blogspot.com

This will be so much fun, meeting other bloggers who bring so much inspiration!
Please check out her blog!

 My husband and I have relocated from California to South Carolina. After being retired in Mexico for four years,  we have been in the Southeast for three years now. This has been an adjustment period, to life in the United States again, after living in a small fishing village in Mexico, and then moving to a new region of this wonderful country! What an adventure it has been!  It is fun, scary, wonderful and weird!

This blog is my way of recording our journey of adjusting to our new life and new circumstances.

I initially started it to write about the steps we are taking to start over and create some sort of small business from home, to sustain us as we age. My husband is 70 years young and I am a 54 years young, and we have been growing younger each year we have been together!  We just celebrated 10 years of marriage!

What I have found is that this journey is harder than I imagined, but along the way there are wonderful lessons and experiences that are ours to learn and live. Trying to live with gratitude, despite what the lessons might be is my biggest challenge.

We live on five acres, which are densely wooded with four dogs and a cat named Max.  My mom has joined us here and has a home behind our house.  I am blessed to have her here, and not far away.

I love to garden.  I am a wanna be farmer.  I have high hopes for chickens this spring!  I would love to clear some land and start a flower farm, but money is not available for that adventure yet!  I have started a small sewing business, but have not given it my full attention and am struggling to create something that will fulfill my love of art, design, sustainability, creativity and still help pay the bills!

If money were not an issue, I would be a full-time learner!!  I love learning.  I love school!  I love workshops! There are so many possibilities out there, and so little time!  Hopefully, I will carve out a way to combine my love of learning, love of creating, and love of life to sustain us!

It is a tall order, but in my heart I know that it will happen when it is suppose to. We have started making soap, and that has been great fun and gives us hope for the future!

The most important goals are to be grateful, peaceful, healthy and happy.  Laughter is the best thing in the world!

The motto here is Baby Steps, Just Baby Steps!

Thanks for stopping by.  This has motivated me to continue blogging, I was starting to lag and thanks to this opportunity, I am excited about finding our way and sharing the journey!

Quote for the day:

"Two things define you,

Your patience when you

have nothing,

and

Your attitude when

you have everything."

BTK

Freedom

Need we say more?

We are allowed our wildest dreams to come true. . .

We are allowed not to know what they are. .

We are allowed to stumble and get back up. . .

And then do it again

Boy I feel better now!

 

Quote for the day:

 

"Don't ever put your happiness in someone else's hands.  They'll drop it.  They'll drop it every time.

 

Christopher Barzak

Peacefulness

This is one of my main goals everyday.  I do not always accomplish it.  As a matter of fact, I would say it is along the lines of 60/40.  With the 60% of the time, not being peaceful.

Why is such a simple concept such a hard chore?

A long time ago, I found that listening to the news would upset me.  So much grief and sadness thrown at us, minute by minute.  I was reading a bunch of Dr. Andrew Weil's writing at the time, and one of the things he suggested was a News Fast.  It really worked for me.  I eliminated any news in the morning when I was starting my day.

A friend of mine was a High School Principal.  She was telling me how by the time she arrived at school, she was anxiety ridden.  We were discussing what she did before leaving the house in the morning.  She turned on the TV first thing and listened to the morning news.

I suggested she try the News Fast.  For a week, she turned on her favorite Classical Music and went about her morning routine.  Her results were fantastic.  There might be anxiety or challenges throughout her day, but she did not arrive at school with them.

Eliminating stressors in our lives is so important.  Sometimes just identifying them is a huge relief.

Our society runs at full speed.  We are connected all the time.  There are so many wonderful new technologies, but at the same time we need to disconnect and just be still.

I guess for me that next step is identifying what brings me immediate peacefulness.  What just came into my mind was animals.  Any animal always makes me smile.  Yes, our 4 dogs are a handful.  Yes, my house usually has dog hair, dirt and bits of kibble everywhere.  But when i see those wagging tails, and sweet eyes full of love, it all seems so unimportant. 

Suave as a puppy in Mexico

 

Suave and Daisy side by side, Mama Kiara patiently nursing

 

Four years later, still cuddled up for a morning snooze!

 

Yesterday my hubby and I went by our friends farm.  Their horses bring me immediate peace.  The moment I arrive, I want to run over and try to give the horses kisses!  It just makes my soul so peaceful.  It could also be the setting.  Out in the country, the pines swaying, the pastures rolling, the big massive animal staring at you!

I am smiling right now!

Just makes you happy!

 

So today find one thing that makes you smile and brings you a sense of peace.

Throughout the day when needed just bring that picture to your mind and sink into your place of Peace.

 

 

Quote for the day:

 

"There is no need to go to India or anywhere else to find peace.  You will find that deep place of silence right in your room, your garden or even your bathtub."

 

Elisabeth Kuebler-Ross

As If

They say. . .

The powers that be, whoever they are,

That in order to make your dream a reality you must act "As If" it already has happened.

While I want to believe "them", I am still driving the ole truck, and not that vintage Jaguar XKE Convertible in Olive Green!  Oh, that isn't what they meant?

Creating the lives that we want is always a little harder than we would like, because we still have to live in the life we have, for now.

I am trying to believe, believe like I mean it, that just trying to create the home-based business is the first step, to the reality.  It comes like a mean rip-tide sometimes.  A few weeks can go by, hope, progress, the learning are all in motion and then WHAMMO! Fear rears it's ugly head and  I sink to the pits of despair! I feel like I am swimming and swimming and can't get to shore.  I am exhausted and scared.  I talk to the dogs alot.  I bake and bake and bake, yes my favorite escape, anything with sugar.

I am exploring eBay, because the truth is I have not really given Etsy a chance, but I know so many people who do well on eBay.  The truth is 3 people.  Two of them make a living doing it and the other supplements his income.

The reality of the Farmers Market is based on money.  It could happen this year and it could not.  I am acting "as if" it will, because I can tell you exactly how the booth will look!  Adorable.  Unfortunately, adorable is not free.

I went to my first Auction ever.  It was so much fun.  My friend, Miss H was kind enough to invite me and we had a hoot.  I bought a box of ribbon for $2.50, 2 ceramic pots for the patio for $3.00 each!  For $9.50, I felt as though I had just gone shopping at Neiman Marcus!  Well, almost, but I was thrilled. I would show you pictures but I still can't get my phone to download!  Soon. . .

So remember just "Act As If" and the world will be your oyster!  If only for a moment, remember you are awesome, you are capable, you deserve it, and with one foot in front of the other, you will make it happen! 

I am going to put on a frilly hat, some leather driving gloves and hop in the truck, but in my head I will be driving that ole Jag with the Stones blaring, just because I can!!

Not the green I want, but isn't she a beauty?

 

   Quote for the day:

 

"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment."

 

Ralph Waldo Emerson

January Unfolding Like a Turtle!

Blogging is really fun.  It can be goofy or serious or both.  It can be for business or pleasure.

Blogging takes a bit of time and thought.  It helps me focus on writing, even if it is just about the garden or the dogs or pillows or food. . . .

It helps to center my thoughts and I type away.

Somedays I can't make anything flow, like today, just bits an pieces.

But I go through the motion, because it makes me think about so many things and I need that exercise in my daily life.

 

I found this wonderful blog called 2 Bags Full

http://vicki-2bagsfull.blogspot.com/

 

She has something called Grow Your Blog, which I need to do more reading about, but I am going to give it a whirl. I will fill you in on the ins and outs, as I understand them better, but I believe it helps get more readers checking out blogs that they enjoy!

Daisy snoozing the day away!

 

This is how January feels so far in our house!

Slow. . .

 

My camera will not download photos so I cannot show you anything new, but maybe this weekend I can figure that out.

 

The dogs attacked my sweet old cat Max yesterday.  They have been getting worse lately.  He just moves a certain way and they all go into a frenzy like a pack.  It is horrible.

Yesterday they bit through his ole paw, it had to be stitched and stapled back together.  The tendons were showing.  Just makes me crazy.  Now everyone has to be separated ALL the time.

They are a bunch of BUTTHEADS!

 

I think we need to honor the slow days, the days we just need to be quiet.  Not every day can be full of progress, somedays are for vegging and watching silly tv!

I declare this that kind of day!

Carry on!

 

Quote for the day:

 

"Respect yourself to walk away from anything that no longer serves you, grows you, or makes you happy."

 

William S. Burroughs

 

 

Change Your Thoughts and Change Your World!

Today
 

Think Hippie Thoughts

 

World Peace

Sustainability

Spirituality

Transformation

Community

Organic Living

Expression

Compassion

Mind Expansion

Acceptance

Exploration

Appreciation

Music

Poetry

Love

 

 

While on this journey to creating the life we want and the  means to sustain it, certain things have become clear to me.  We grow through each decade we live, maybe each year or if lucky each moment.

I think I grow in spurts.  Some years I have just stagnated.  Other years I think I was in a self-induced coma, just managing daily doings.  Whatever our growth patterns have been, we can redirect ourselves into new patterns or behaviors.

I love the list above.  It is funny, because if these are true hippie thoughts, they have resurfaced currently.  I think they are the thoughts of all time. I grew up in the 70's, so I will light some incense, put on some Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and remember afternoons spent staring at the ocean with not a care in the world!

2014 is just starting and I vacillate as to what I truly want to accomplish.  Some days the list is so long and other days, I just want to garden and read books.
Today I will continue on the with the goal of small steps towards the big picture.
What are you hoping to accomplish this year?

I can't wait to see what the Universe has in store for us!

Quote for the day:

"May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears."

Nelson Mandela

 

I Love Learning

I love learning.

Anything!

I love classes.

About anything!

For the last 3 years that we have lived here, I have been blessed to take many different classes.  In this vein, I am considering workshops to be classes.  It does not have to be in a traditional classroom setting to make me happy.

At the end of each year, I make a list of the things I missed out on, so I can try to plan better the next year.  You know, kind of like the garden list! 

I am always grateful for the things I have managed to fit in, because so much more is involved than the love of learning.

Time, money and transportation are my biggest challenges.

Timing can really reek havoc with the best laid plans.  Money just dictates what is possible.  Transportation, well, if the truck won't make it that far, tough luck!

On the wish list this year:

 

An Herbalist Program in Asheville - Highly unlikely I can go unless I win the Lotto!

An Herbalist Walk in Anderson - Again the Lotto will have to prevail!

The Sewing Expo in Atlanta - Yes, the Lotto yet again needed!

The SC Organic Growers Conference - This might be a real possibility

A Succulant Wreath Workshop in Spartanburg - A maybe

The Southeast Animal Fiber Fair in Asheville - A maybe

A Felting Workshop in Asheville - Again the Lotto

An Upholstery Class in Charlotte - Dream

A Mosaic Class in Greenville - Lotto

A Weaving Workshop in Asheville -  Lotto

A Stained Glass Class in Spartanburg - Lotto

Any Class at the John C. Campbell Folk Art School in North Carolina - BIG DREAM

There are so many more, but I won't go on and on.  You get the point.

BUT.. . . . .

In whatever way we can learn, we should always try.  It makes our dreams come true.  It creates new dreams and helps figure out ways to make them realities.  It makes us remember how smart, talented, creative, fun, and amazing we are!  It introduces us to new people who have the same interests, which opens up the possibility of new friendships.  Learning Rocks Big Time!

If we can't get to a class/workshop, we can still learn through reading, youtube.com, and trial and error.
Effort and belief are needed to ignite the learning bug in us.  We all deserve it.  The world needs it.

So this morning I will continue working on Kiara Kisses on Ebay.  I will make this silly little pillow business work, and one day, yes one day I will go to all the classes/workshops my heart desires.

Baby Steps, More Baby Steps,

Dreams

Yesterday I managed to get 3 pillows on Ebay, it might seem like a small accomplishment but my friends,

 IT WAS HUGE!

Pillow #1

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Home-Decor-Handmade-Pillow/121246444989?_trksid=p2045573.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D27%26meid%3D3858348791929489211%26pid%3D100033%26prg%3D1011%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D121246433569%26

 

 

Pillow #2

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Home-Decor-Handmade-Pillow-/121246451903?ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:US:1123

 

 

Pillow #3

 

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Home-Decor-Handmade-Pillow/121246433569?_trksid=p2045573.m2042&_trkparms=aid 

 

I need to figure out how to put in the quanity of pillows available, because I have several out of each fabric.  I have about 50 more to list.  That makes me a little overwhelmed, but

Baby Steps Each Moment!

 

So today think about what you want to learn this year.  Maybe just one thing you have been dreaming of for years.  Go on-line and see what your community might offer, my guess is it is only a hop, skip and jump away!  Go for it!

 

 

Quote for the day:

 

"If you imagine less, less will be what you undoubtedly deserve.  Do what you love, and don't stop until you get what you love.  Work as hard as you can, imagine immensities, don't compromise, and don't waste time.  Start now.  Not 20 years from now, not two weeks from now. Now."

 

Debbie Millman

Happy New Year!!

Wow, 2014 is here!

 

I feel so many wonderful things are in store for us this year!

 

I declare 2014 a  Year of Goodness, Abundance, Peace and Health, which all equal Happiness!

 

There are so many dreams I have for this New Year.  Some are continuing dreams from years past, but many are letting go of past dreams and opening the universe to new possibility.

 

Christmas was wonderful for our family.  While we miss so many members who are on the West Coast, it was simply fabulous here.

Our first Prime Rib

 

It was a delicious experiment!!  My mom treated us to this incredible, yummy dinner.

My hubby was Meat Supervisor!

It was beyond incredible!

 

Roasted Root Veggies!

Parsnips, Rutabaga, Brussel Sprouts, Onion, Whole Garlic, Carrot, and Butternut Squash!!

 

Pie, Pie and Pie

 

I have been fascinated with Meringue. 

We had Lemon Meringue and Chocolate Meringue!

 

I feel the urge to learn to make delicious Meringue cookies or Pavlova, that Meringue base covered in whip cream and berries!!  Oh, definitely not on my healthy eating program!  Oh, dear!

So as you can tell, we had a wonderful Christmas dinner!

We are so blessed and I am so grateful.

 

In the past I could have gotten hung up on the table setting not being perfect.  Paper napkins, not having the right knife to carve the Prime Rib.  Serving out of whatever containers worked, that is what we did and it was wonderful.

 

My hope for 2014 is to learn to release the silly stuff.  The stuff that truly has no meaning in the bigger sense of our lives.  I want to recognize it when it rears its ugly head and let it go on its merry way.  I don't want to take any of my precious time or energy trying to fix something that is not broken. I want to be grateful for every moment.

 

That does not mean giving up on creating an incredible life, but to realize that I have one right here, right now.  To live more fully every moment, to let go of the past, and not to worry about the future.

 

On the Home Based Business Front there are new goals which have carried over into the New Year.

Kiara Kisses is moving forward with Pillows, as was originally planned.

 

A Paisley Print

 

A Raised Geometric Relief

 

 

A Broken Chevron

 

I have to work on getting these pillows posted, either on Etsy or Ebay.  I hit a road block at the end of last year.  The whole posting of products overwhelmed me.  Obviously without a store front and until the Farmers Market season starts, this is where I need to focus my energy.

This will be my biggest challenge daily.

Oh, and exercise!!  Ha, Ha!

 

I am going to start experimenting with kids pillows, because I want to make fun, creative things that are a little whimsical and whacky.  I will keep you posted.

 

We are hoping to be at a Farmers Market by mid-May, that is when the season starts in our neck of the woods.  It will be challenging, as far as finances, but it is the "Big Goal".

 

The truth is maybe the Universe has been waiting for me to get myself together. 

To learn this on-line business. It just might spiral into something big!

 

  I believe in it.

  I want it.

 Now I need to create it!

 

Sassy Soapery is very much a dream.

Just on hold.. .

Money for supplies is our hold up right now.

 

So

Baby Steps

Are

In

Order

One foot in front of the other. . .

Baby Steps

 

 

And in that very thought process, remember the Sewing Studio?

Well, Baby Steps have completed the hutch!!

 

Yes, the 30 Dollar Hutch is done!!

Ready for sewing supplies and my Amethyst!

I have been waiting for 3 years for a spot to place it!!

Finally. . .

Before we left for Mexico,  my hubby and I bought the most amazing Amethyst.

We were in Quartzsite, Arizona when we spotted and bought it.

I wanted the Fossils and Quartz as well, but this piece called to us.

We also bought a Citron, which was cut in half.

We gave one half to our Architect, Alejandro in Mexico.

They have traveled everywhere with us. . .

It is 3' tall and just brings the most amazing energy to us.

It has been tucked away until we could find a safe spot for it to rest

In the near future, I will bring you photos!!

 

2014

We are off and running

This year is going to be Amazing,

Full of Goodness

Health

Love

Peace

Kindness

Compassion

Hugs

Kisses

Abundance

and

Prosperity

 

Lets be good to ourselves and to others

Lets allow all the wonder of the world into our lives

We deserve it, we really do

 

 

Quote for the day:

 

"I stopped telling myself that I'm lost.

I'm not.

I'm on a road with no destination,

I'm driving with hope that I'll find a place that I like and I'll stay there.

I'm not lost,

I'm on my way."

 

Ahunnaya