Volunteerism

Tomorrow is a big day for me!...My first Board of Directors Meeting!

No, I am not on the board of "Claire's Faire Vintage"...I just sweep the floors there...;)

Volunteerism is nothing new to me...but being on a Board of Directors is!!

I was asked about two months ago if I would be interested in interviewing with a non-profit organization in my local community, for a position on their Board of Directors.  After meeting with a few people on the board, I received word about 3 weeks ago that I was accepted...!  Wow, what an honor..

This organization is focused on helping the Seniors in our community stay in their homes and live independently for as long as possible.  We provide non medical assistance in a number of ways, making life easier and hopefully more enjoyable for the clients.

Our efforts are very simple, but seem to mean the world to the people we serve.  Errand running, friendly visiting, dinner deliveries, small home repairs, daily welfare calls are just of few of the services we provide.

We also do "respite relief" for caregivers who are taking care of a family member, giving the caregiver an opportunity to run out and do errands, or even something "frivilous" , like getting a manicure...;)

I was the caregiver to my mom before she died almost 3 years ago.  I know what it is like to get a little break during the day, and how grateful I was for those few hours I was able to do some shopping, or just to go upstairs to my bedroom and read a book, knowing my mom was taken care of.

So, I am passionate about this organization...!...and I am thrilled that I will have the opportunity to use my business background in sales and marketing tohelp them grow the organization and serve as many Seniors as possible.  My first meeting in on the Publicity Committee....I like that..!

So, I am taking the afternoon off from my Etsy shop.  I have some financial statements to look over and some notes to jot down about some of my suggestions. I need to switch gears from the frenzy of selling" to the serentiy of serving.

I do this all in honor of my mom, Rita Elizabeth, whom I miss every day of my life and who would be proud of not only of the Etsy shop, but of my service to the community.

My very cute mom, Rita

Love.

Charmed By "Rolling Hills Vintage"

There are a lot of wonderful shops on Etsy, and certainly the Vintage Market Team is a reflection of the creativity and taste you will find in abundance.

I have started to get to know some of the shops and owners on the team, and I was charmed from the "git go" with one in particular.  The little crown on the birdie's head in her banner really got me smiling...maybe that's because birds are treated like royalty in my own backyard...;) 

I loved so many things in this shop, but one thing in particular looked like it needed to belong to me.

So over my first cup of coffee this morning...I click open Rolling Hills Vintage...but the little treasure was not there!

IT WAS SOLD!!!!...just like that....overnight...gone...flew the coop...

Well, I learned my lesson, yes I did.....you snooze..you lose!....If you see something you love...DON'T WAIT to buy it.  If you think it is pretty special, chances are someone else does too!

Well, Rolling Hills Vintage.....I will just have to keep an eye on you to see if you find another one just like it. 


Or....

I could...just maybe.... find out who bought it....and make them a good offer...;)

Check out this wonderful shop and that cute little bird...

http://www.etsy.com/shop/RollingHillsVintage

I'll head back over and see if there is something else that I "need"..:)

Thanks Anita..!

My Secret Garden

It is coming up on 5 years that we moved into this house.  It was a newly built home with a large backyard full of nothing but dirt.

One corner of the yard was  designated for me, for a little retreat that I could go to and just sit and read and enjoy the flowers and the birdies, or as I usually do, just drink a cup of coffee.. These days I'm really using it to get away from my computer..!! We came to call it the Secret Garden even before my husband built it, and it has really grown over the last few years.

Just getting started..

Wiley watching over...

It sure is a beautiful spot.
A peaceful place for a break.
Twinkle lights and all.

Thank you Joe.

Thank you Wiley.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

The last month and a half has been somewhat crazy.  Well....The Good, The Bad and The Ugly is what comes to mind actually..

The good, well....that is easy.  The good has been all the estate sale finds that I have come across...many pretty and much loved and worn possessions that must move on... it's a great feeling when you find things that you really love and can't wait to put in your shop!

The "bad" is the ever growing inventory that needs to find a place somewhere in this house!   Yes, I have the plastic bins, I have the lovely Ikea wardrobe with the pull out wire racks...but I have not found my "swing" yet.  I try working on it every day, and stick to one plan instead thinking there might be a "better way".  I know it will work out, but for today...well...

..just to give you an idea of what my day will be like today...and tomorrow..and...

I guess I better get busy....

Till later,

Love.

The Beginning is a good place to start

Hello all,

I just thought I would catch you up on what has been going on in my life!
The month of April has been  a very active and exciting month, and to be honest....a bit exhausting.  But in a good way.

A little while back I started a shop on Etsy called "Claire's Faire Vintage".  I have been an Etsy "lurker" for a long while, not really buying anything or selling anything....just *looking* at everything!  Wow, there are a lot of talented shop owners there!! 

Etsy is an online marketplace for people selling handmade, vintage wares and supplies, art supplies I guess you would say.  Each member of Etsy has their own shop and their own style, so you can imagine the variety and the creativity that abounds there!

I set up this shop last August, but did not really do anything with it.  Poor little thing sat empty.  But not so now....Claire's Faire is inching it's way toward an inventory of 100 items..the bells and whistles should be going off some time tomorrow..:)

It has been a lot of work!..but I am really loving it.

But this is not just "selling stuff online"...it is really running your own business.  With this shop comes the responsibilities of handling your own sales and marketing efforts,  identifying your products and doing your own research.  You are your own photographer and stager... and do your own inventory.  You are your own accountant, and your own shipping and receiving department.
And after a good hard day's work, you sweep your own floor..(or just shut the door)...;)

I have some of the knowledge that will help me in this endevor, but I am ever reminded that sometimes.. I "know nothing".  I find myself asking questions, sometimes dumb ones, because I am unfamiliar with this culture called "Etsy".  But that is OK....I do not have much of an ego, I am not afraid to be the new kid on the block. Because this I *do* know....as much as I need help right now, guidance and advice....I also have a lot to give, and I do "pay it forward".

So my friends, I hope you will join me on this journey..listen to some stories, indulge me in some ramblings and look at some pretty pictures.

...and please....when you have some time...stop in and visit some great shops at the Etsy community...~
http://www.etsy.com/

Love.