Daily Grind

Short Story Page 9

2008-09-08T20:01:00.001-04:00

“Uh, sure,” Marius answered nervously. “I’d like that.”

They smiled at each other as they both understood the other’s urgency to have to get ready for the evening performance. Cosette leaned on the door, smiling, as Marius left. She slowly closed it with a sigh behind him. She stood for a moment leaning with her back on the door, her hand still on the knob. She could still feel Marius’ lips burning on hers. Taking her hand off the doorknob, she raised her fingers to her still plump mouth. Smiling, sighing, she hurried to get dressed and get on stage for warm ups.

Emerging from the wings, Cosette stopped at the sight of her partner still warming up. She almost turned back to her dressing room to warm up, but decided instead to hold her head high and face Darion. Drawing herself up as tall as five foot two could be, she marched to a spot at the barre.

Out of the corner of his eye, Darion watched Cosette take her place. He was still steaming from the confrontation in her dressing room. She was his, he thought. She had no business socializing with another man. Especially one of the orchestra. Darion felt that the orchestra was there to serve him, not to socialize with.

Cosette could feel the daggers from Darion’s eyes on her back. She was suddenly very fearful of him. She knew he was strong. She knew he was stubborn. She knew he was jealous. Her only question was, what could he do with those three?

The evening’s performance went without a hitch. Darion didn’t hold Cosette any tighter than he had to. In fact, he almost seemed aloof through their pas de deux. This frightened her more than if he tried to hold her tight.

Once the show was over, and the curtain had fallen for the final time, Cosette hurried to her room. She was carefully watching the floor for obstacles and didn’t notice Darion in the shadows. She ran right into him, her head crashing into his chest.

Startled, she jumped back. “Oh, didn’t see you…” she stopped short when she realized who it was.

Darion crossed his arms over his chest. “Hello, partner,” he hissed.

Cosette nervously glanced around to see what stagehands may be within earshot. “Um, hello, Darion.”

He looked down his nose to her. “So, what were you doing with him?” he spat.

Cosette drew herself up to her full five foot two inch height. She crossed her arms over her smallish chest. “That is none of your business, Darion,” she huffed. “What I do during my time out of the classroom and offstage is my time.”

Darion moved in close to Cosette. He made a fist and straightened one finger and pointed it into her face. “Don’t you realize that you are mine? Don’t you realize that you are mine in life as well?”

The color drained out of Cosette’s face. “D-D-Darion, no I-I-I’m not,” she fearfully stuttered. “We’re partners onstage and that’s it.”

Grabbing her wrist, he spat, “You’re mine.”

“Ow, you’re hurting me,” Cosette strained as she tried to break free of Darion. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see one of the stagehands clearing the wings. She let out a small squeal of pain and the stagehand looked over. He looked over and the feuding partners and walked toward them.

“Is everything okay over here?” Steve asked.

Short Story - Page 8

2008-08-24T00:00:00.005-04:00

OK, sorry dear readers, I know it's been a while...have had a writer's block. It's been horrible! But, a little cleaning, some dancing music and margaritas and suddenly, I've got ideas!

Enjoy!

Both Cosette and Marius jumped as they spun toward the door. Marius followed Darion’s fiery gaze to where he still had his hand on Cosette’s waist. He quickly dropped his hand and put it in his pocket. Cosette glared at Darion.

“How dare you barge into my room like that?!” Cosette exclaimed.

“You weren’t out there, warming up for tonight yet,” Darion shot back. “I just wanted to make sure you were ok. And then, I walked in to you hugging that, that, that, musician.” He spat out that last word as if it were a fatal disease.

Marius looked down at the ground. He suddenly felt very uncomfortable with Darion around; like he was a third wheel. Yet, on the other hand, he couldn’t believe how brazen this man was. Acting as if he owned Cosette. Acting as if he owned the theatre. As if Marius was no better than a piece of dirt.

Cosette grew furious. “Darion, get out of my room,” she growled through clenched teeth.

Marius looked up, gaping at the voice that came from Cosette. Darion stepped back, but quickly straightened his shoulders and regained his composure. He glared down at Cosette. “Well,” he sniffed, “you better get out and warm up. Performance is starting soon.” Darion turned on his heels, stormed out and slammed the door.

Cosette let out a shaky breath. Marius was finally able to take a breath. “What the hell was that?” he finally asked.

“That,” she spat at the closed door, “was my overbearing partner.”

Marius looked nervously at the door, like he was waiting for it to fly open again. “He’s not going to be coming back, is he?”

Cosette giggled. “No, he’s not. He had his hissy fit and he’s done.” She scrunched up her face, wanted to stick her tongue out at the closed door but didn't. “Jerk.”

Marius smiled and moved toward Cosette. Cupping her chin with one hand, he placed his other on the small of her back. “I’d like to take you to dinner sometime.”

Cosette’s heart melted. She felt electricity surge through her body. Looking deep into Marius’ eyes, she answered quietly, “I’d like that, too.”

He smiled. “When will you be free?”

Cosette thought a moment. “Probably not until Sunday evening.”

“Sunday evening it is then,” he whispered before lowering his mouth to hers.

As Marius’ lips touched hers, Cosette melted into his arms. His hand moved from her chin to her cheek. Slowly, he parted her lips with his tongue. He could taste the coffee that she had just finished. She eagerly gave her mouth to him. They embraced tightly as their kiss deepened. From somewhere in the distance, an alarm rang. Slowly, Marius and Cosette parted, panting just slightly from the intensity of their kiss.

“Oh no,” Cosette exclaimed, “I’m going to be late!”

Marius looked down at his rumpled tuxedo. “I better get myself straightened out,” he snickered.

Cosette quickly kissed his cheek. “Um, uh, can we meet later after the show for coffee or something?”

Short Story - Page 7

2008-07-08T07:31:00.001-04:00

Marius stood outside Cosette’s door, his nerves working overtime. He couldn’t believe that he was actually going to try to talk to this beautiful creature. He loosened the bow tie on his tux, wiped his hands on his handkerchief. He then stammered, “Uh, um, it’s me, Marius.”

The voice that escaped his throat did not even sound like his own. It was higher pitched than normal. He stood there, stunned at just how nervous he was about this meeting. As he stood there, it seemed to be forever before Cosette came to the door. He was just about to turn around to leave when the door opened just a crack.

Cosette peeked out the door. “Oh, hello there. Is everything okay with your car?”

Marius smiled and stifled a laugh. “Yeah, everything is fine.” He nervously looked down at his feet. “Um, okay, just thought I’d stop and say ‘hi’.”

She thought for a quick moment and then opened the door. “Well, as long as you’re here, won’t you join me for a cup of coffee?”

“Sure,” Marius quietly answered. “You have a coffee maker in here?”

Cosette giggled as they walked together to the pillows. “I live on coffee. I searched out the only outlet in this room in order to have my coffee. If there wasn’t an outlet, I’d have run an extension cord.”

Marius sat on the pillows as Cosette fixed him a cup of coffee. She brought the steaming mug over to him and settled down with her own cup. “So, what brings you to my neck of the woods?” She sipped her coffee in awe with how bold she could be.

“Don’t know,” he shrugged. He tried to quickly think of a good excuse as to why he knocked on her door. “I was just wandering around backstage and came across your door. Looked like it needed a knock.” He inwardly grimaced at how inept he sounded.

Cosette smiled. “So, my door looked lonely?”

He laughed. “Heh, I guess so.” He blushed a bit.

They fell into an easy conversation. Before they knew it, Cosette had to start another pot of coffee. They talked and laughed throughout the afternoon between performances. Before too long, Cosette’s little alarm clock let out a screech telling them it was time to prepare for the evening performance.

Cosette’s shoulders fell a bit as she sadly announced, “I’m so sorry, Marius, but I’ve got to get some warm ups in before tonight’s performance. I also have to touch up my make up.”

Marius rose off the pillows and set his mug on her vanity. He looks at his watch. “Well, I guess I’ll go for a walk. I’ve got some time before I have to be at my post.”

She turned to watch him go. Except, he wasn’t leaving. She surprised herself by walking over to him and wrapping her arms around his neck for a hug. He jumped a bit, but returned the embrace by wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her in tight. Her tiny dancer frame nearly disappeared in his embrace. They stood this way for what felt like an eternity.
When they finally broke away, Cosette knew she wanted to see him again. Needed to see him again. And, yet, she could not form the words to make that so. Just then, the door to Cosette’s little room slammed open.

In the doorway stood Darion. He surveyed her room and found her standing with Marius’ arm on her waist still. Darion could feel his blood boil over with jealousy. “What is going on here?” he spit through his clenched teeth.

Short Story - Page 6

2008-07-07T07:27:00.001-04:00

The curtain closed on Cosette and the Snowflakes. The thunderous applause from the audience drowned out any breathless dancers on the stage. The orchestra kicked up a medley of the Nutcracker music as the audience filed out for intermission. After congratulating her fellow dancers on a fine performance, she fled to her dressing room for a quick drink of water and to stare at her rose.

On the way, she passed Darion. He was keeping warm by doing plies and stretches. She didn’t even waste a glance on him. He, on the other hand, watched her as she dashed by. From dancing with her, preparing for this performance, he had fallen in love with her and was determined to make her his.

Darion couldn’t understand why she wouldn’t accept his advances. He felt he was the perfect specimen of the male species. He was handsome and toned from dancing. He knew that Cosette moved perfectly with him. They fit together like a glove. Why couldn’t she see that?

He stopped his stretches and followed her into her dressing room. She was just putting a flannel shirt on as he entered. Almost immediately, he spotted the rose; it angered him. No one but he should be sending her roses. “Where did you get that?” he spat as he flung his hand toward the rose.

She jumped from the sound of his voice. “What are you doing in here?” she growled.

“You looked a little tired,” he explained. “I came in to make sure you were okay.”

She glared at Darion. “Haven’t you ever heard of knocking?”

He laughed. “Knocking? You’ve stripped backstage. I’ve seen it. You’ve nothing to hide,” he scoffed.

Pulling her flannel tighter, she watched as his jealous gaze went from her to the rose. “What’s it to you? For all it’s worth, the rose came from a friend.” She fingered the petals and watched Darion’s face turn scarlet. “Now, if you would be so kind as to leave my dressing room so I may rest?”

Darion straightened up, turned on his heel and stormed out of her room, slamming the door behind him. He stood at the closed door for a moment and murmured, “I will make you my partner in life, Cosette. Just wait and see.” And with that, he stormed off to his dressing room.

The remainder of the matinee went smoothly. Cosette and Darion performed perfectly and received another standing ovation. She couldn’t help but notice, though, the way Darion’s grip had tightened on her during their pas de deux. The way it seemed as though he were trying to possess her through the dance. She didn’t like it, but she allowed the music to flow through her in order for her to forget the feeling.

Once the curtain fell for the final time, Cosette made her way to her room. Her plan was to lay down on the pillows she brought in and take a nap before the evening performance. She carefully changed out of her costume and hung it on the rack. She untied her ribbons and peeled her pointe shoes off. Pulling on her flannel, she snuggled down into the make-shift bed she had made.
A short while later, Cosette awoke to a faint knocking on her door. She sat up, stretched and called out, “Who’s there?”

Short Story Page 5

2008-07-03T08:07:00.001-04:00

At the theatre, Cosette entered her dressing room. She changed into her warm up clothes and made her way to the stage past the musicians filing in. Lost in her own world, she didn’t see the one standing off to the side holding a single rose.

Although disappointed that Cosette didn’t notice him, Marius wasn’t about to give up. He asked around a bit and located her dressing room. He glanced around before easing himself inside. He placed the rose on her vanity table and looked around for some paper. Having found a notebook, he tore a piece out and located a pen. He wrote a simple note to her:

“Because I did not properly thank you for your help last night by offering you a ride home, I give you this rose.
“~Marius”

He placed the pen back on the table and quietly slipped out of her room. On stage, the dancers were finishing up their warm ups. Marius quickly and quietly made his way down the steps into the orchestra pit. He took his seat by his drum and patiently waited for his mates to arrive and get settled.

Cosette finished her warm ups and left to start the arduous task of getting ready. As she stepped around stage hands, she collided with her partner. As he looked down his nose at her, she glanced upward. “Oh, hi,” she said.

“Hello, Cosette,” he replied. “I trust another perfect performance is in order for today?”
Cosette cringed at his pretentiousness. “Of course, Darion,” she sniffed. “Why should it be any different?”

Suddenly, Darion grabbed her hand. “It won’t be different. You and I are a match made in heaven. We dance beautifully together on stage. We should dance as beautifully off.”

Cosette whipped her hand out of Darion’s. “We are beautiful together on stage, Darion, but we will never ‘dance’ off stage.” With that, she turned on her heels and stormed off to her dressing room, leaving him with his mouth agape.

Inside her dressing room, Cosette threw herself down in her chair. She closed her eyes for a moment to catch her breath. When she opened her eyes, she noticed the rose on her vanity. At first, she thought it could be from Darion, but then her eyes caught the note. Gingerly picking up the paper, she read the short note. Smiling, she put the note back down and picked up the rose to draw in its scent. She allowed herself a fleeting moment to think of the handsome percussionist she met the night before.

After a few minutes, she began to fix her hair. As she was pinning her bun, she laid her eyes on the rose again. A wistful smile came across her face as she finished and pinned her tiara on. Placing the rose to the side, she set out her make up. With each brush stroke, she couldn’t help but steal glances at the carefully written note.

She carefully slid her warm up leotard and tights off, all the while thinking of Marius. As she pulled a clean pair of tights on and bent to tug her pointe shoes on, she was wishing it were him that she had collided with backstage instead of her annoying partner. Once she secured her shoe ribbons with a bit of hair spray, she pulled her costume on. Holding tight to her bodice, she took off in search of a helper to fasten the hooks on the back.

Short Story Page 4

2008-07-02T07:51:00.001-04:00

The waitress placed a plate of apple pie and ice cream on the counter in front of Marius, barely interrupting his daydream. She smiled wistfully, knowing full well the distracted look in her customer’s eyes. Working the night shift, she saw that look often. She quietly left the check under his plate and left him to his thoughts.

Marius picked at his pie, sipped at his coffee. He kept thinking of ways to bump into Cosette at the theatre. He felt he needed to take her to dinner. He had an uncontrollable urge to kiss her full lips. But then, he thought about why she would even be remotely interested in him. After all, he was just a band geek. He played drums for an orchestra. He was positive that there were men pining for her that were better than he.

After a while, Marius stood and left some cash on the counter for his midnight snack. He sauntered out of the diner, still mulling over the possibility of dinner with Cosette. He got to his car and sat behind the steering wheel, not starting it just yet. All of a sudden, Marius slammed his steering wheel with the palms of his hands. He started berating himself for not being a gentleman and offering Cosette a ride home. And after she helped him! Right then, he devised a scheme by which he could innocently 'bump into her' the following day at the theater.

With that thought, Marius started his car, put it in gear and roared off toward home. Once home, he went directly to the bathroom. Stripping down and starting the shower, he stepped in and stood under the spray, excitedly thinking about the scheme he thought of. After about a half hour, he figured it was late. He climbed out, dried off and climbed into bed. And, like Cosette, once his head hit the pillow, he conked out for the night in to a dream-filled sleep.

Cosette awoke early the next morning. Sitting up in bed, she stretched. Her muscles were achy from the night before. She made a beeline for the kitchenette where she immediately started the coffee maker. While the coffee was brewing, she showered and dressed. Pouring herself a cup of coffee, she made her way out to her little balcony. Since it was still early, she could watch the sun rise and reflect a little before heading over to the theatre.

She thought about her life as it was right then. She was just promoted to soloist with the ballet company. She was dancing her dream role. She had her own apartment. She didn’t have much, but she had the essentials. Her body ached, but once under the lights, all the aches went away. Cosette felt mainly content.

And yet, something gnawed at her. She had a sinking feeling that something was missing. She had no life partner. Why did her chance meeting with Marius think of a life partner? Oh, she dated here and there as her dance schedule allowed. Many times, though, her schedule conflicted with having a social life. Most of the men she met was at the company; she barely had time to go out for a drink! After dedicating her life to the dance, how could she even try to open her heart to love?

After what seemed like hours, but in reality was only 45 minutes, Cosette rose and brought her mug to the sink. Taking out her travel mug, she readied herself a cup for the walk to the theatre. On her way out the door, she grabbed her dance bag and set off for the theatre.

Short Story - Page 3

2008-07-01T07:58:00.001-04:00

Behind her, Cosette heard his car start and back away. Somewhat taken aback by the way she boldly helped him, a spring came into her step. She was no longer daydreaming about the evening performance, she was thinking about his handsome face. The way his blue eyes seemed to soften after looking at her. The way his strong hands gripped the wrench as he tightened down the terminal.

She was thinking about how she wanted those strong hands on her body.

This thought startled Cosette. She had never thought like that before. Oh, she had had boyfriends and lovers, but none had affected her as Marius had. Just thinking of the effortless way he had interacted with her made her want to know him better. She wanted to run her fingers through his longish, blonde hair to know if it was as soft as it looked.

Cosette unlocked the door to her apartment. Once inside, she placed her bag on the bench just inside the door and hung her keys on their hook. She closed and locked the door behind her and just stood, leaning, with her back on the door. Sighing, she went into the bathroom and ran water in the tub, pouring some lavender bubble bath in. After a performance, she always liked to relax with a good book and a long soak.

Tonight, though, her thoughts weren’t on the words in her book. Her mind kept wandering to her encounter with Marius in the alley. She couldn’t understand why. They had only met for minutes and yet, she felt as though they had known each other forever. She couldn’t help but think about the way his eyes searched her face as he spoke to her. And she couldn’t forget the way his hand felt in hers.

She pulled the drain on the tub once the water turned cold. Without drying herself, she wrapped herself in her terry robe. Exhausted, she shuffled to her bed and fell into it. Almost immediately, she fell into a deep sleep.

Meanwhile, Marius drove himself to an all-night diner. He couldn’t get the image of the beautiful woman he had just met out of his head. He needed a coffee and a slice of apple pie. And he just wanted to think. Think of all the feelings that were rushing through him as he spoke with Cosette.

Stepping through the door to the diner, he blinked in the glaring fluorescent light. He spotted several empty stools at the counter and made his way over to sit down. The waitress took his order and set a steaming mug of coffee in front of him. As he sat there, absently stirring cream and sugar, he conjured up an image of the graceful ballerina.

He couldn’t believe how strong an urge he had to see her again. Never had he felt this way about a woman before. But, there was something about her. About the way she nervously fiddled with her throat and yet just dove right under the hood and helped him out. Although he understood that she had an early call, he still wished she hadn’t run off so quickly. He hadn’t even thought to call after her to invite her to join him for coffee.

Short Story Part II

2008-06-30T07:36:00.002-04:00

And the story continues...

Once out the door, she breathed the night air deeply. She took great joy in the fact her little studio was just a few blocks from the theatre. On clear, crisp nights such as the one that had fallen that evening, she reveled in her walk home. She skirted through the alley, lost in her thoughts about the performance and almost crashed into one lone orchestra musician who was having problems starting his car.

He had just popped his hood and whipped open his door to get out and lift the hood further. In his haste, he practically took poor Cosette to the ground. She let out a startled cry as she was suddenly interrupted from her daydream. The musician quickly looked up and stared into the most beautiful hazel eyes set in the most beautiful face that he had ever seen.

“Hey, oh man,” he started to apologize. “I am so sorry. Can’t get my stupid car started and I wasn’t thinking there was anyone else around.”

As Cosette regained her composure, she placed her fingers at the base of her neck; a nervous gesture on her part. “T-that’s okay,” she stammered. “I didn’t think anyone else was around either and I was lost in my own thoughts.”

The musician stuck out his hand. “Name’s Marius. I'm a percussionist with the orchestra.” He looked at her and a light dawned in his mind. “You were the Sugar Plum. You were incredible tonight.”

Cosette blushed as she took Marius’ hand. “My name is Cosette. And, yes, I was Sugar Plum.” She dipped her head down as she said, “Thank you.”

They stood there for a moment, unaware that they were still holding hands. Cosette felt a heat creeping up her arm. She looked down and realized that their hands were still locked. She quickly took her hand back.

“What seems to be wrong with your car?” she asked.

Marius looked back at his car as though he had forgotten it was there. “Oh, I don’t know. I think the battery’s dead or something.”

Cosette walked around to the front of the car, set her bag on the ground and bent down under the hood. She fiddled with the wires leading to the battery and found one to be loose. “You have a loose battery wire under here!” she called out to Marius.

Marius opened the trunk to access his tool box. Grabbing a wrench, he walked around to the front of the car. Adjusting the nut on the terminal, he asked, “How did you know that? You’re a ballerina.”

Cosette stood, faced him and smiled. “I was raised with four brothers. I know my way around a motor.”

Marius finished tightening the nut and stood to face her. He stood for a moment, losing himself in her eyes. He couldn’t remember ever looking at such a beautiful woman before. Though there was little light, her eyes seemed to capture whatever was available and just sparkle like diamonds. For a moment, he stood, perplexed by what to say next.

Cosette waived her hand in front of Marius’ face. “Um, hello? You should be good to go.” She hoisted her bag back on her shoulder. “I better go. Early call to the stage in the morning. Need to get some sleep.”

Marius shook his head slightly and ran his hand through his hair. “Uh, yeah. I should probably go as well. Now that my car’s fixed. Double performances tomorrow; going to be a long day.” He slammed the hood, put his wrench away and closed the trunk. Before getting in the car, he stood at the open door and called out, “See you tomorrow, Cosette.”

Cosette looked over her shoulder. “See you tomorrow, Marius.”

A Short Story

2008-06-27T18:58:00.004-04:00

I can't believe it! After months of thinking of nothing, my brain is spewing forth words. And these words are forming into a story. I'm finding myself unable to to type as quickly as the words are forming in my head.

So, I'm going to post a page as I finish it. For criticism. For prosperity. And just because I want to share my story!

Here goes:

The curtain was closed. The sets were up. The lights were set with the right gels. This was the night. This was the night she had waited for her whole life. To be the one. To be the star. She worked so hard to be on this stage, in this costume, in this role. Her time to shine.

Cosette stepped out from the wings and took her place in the lights. She set her arms just so. Carefully placed her perfectly pointed toe behind her. Tilted her head down in her opening pose. Just as the music began, she jutted her eyes down her body to make sure her costume was okay.

The strands of Tychovski’s “Waltz of the Sugar Plum Fairy” began to stir her heart. She stole a look to the darkened wings where her partner stood, waiting for his turn. Her heart raced with anticipation and music.

Slowly, the curtain raised. Beyond the lights was the orchestra. The finest orchestra she ever had the opportunity to perform with. The music grew slightly louder with the raising of the curtain. Beyond the orchestra lay the audience. The people that Cosette bit back pain for. Applied band-aids to her blistered toes for. Lived for. She couldn’t see any of that, though, for the stage lights were far too bright. But, she knew they were there and that was all that mattered.

Cosette took her first step. The music flowed through her like water through a stream. She could barely feel the floor beneath her feet. Every step landed perfectly. Every lift executed without a flaw. Darion’s leaps were powerful and yet, he lifted her so very gently. They moved perfectly together throughout their pas de deux, complimenting their dancing styles as though they belonged together.

When they took their final pose, the audience leapt to their feet. A thunderous applause rumbled from the darkness beyond the lights. Cosette lowered herself down from pointe, placed her leg behind her and dropped into a deep curtsy while holding Darion’s hand as he bowed. Her moment was over. They fled in to the wings to await their piece.

Once off stage, Cosette ran to her dressing room. Despite their almost perfect partnership on stage, she hated Darion with a passion. He was too pompous, too arrogant. How dare he think he was the greatest dancer on stage? What was the choreographer thinking when he paired them together? Couldn’t he see the friction?

Normally quiet and reserved, Cosette tried to raise her feelings when rehearsals began. The choreographer would hear nothing of it. So, she let it drop. And rehearsals went on. Darion was actually quite the gentleman while they were warming up, walking through their dances and dancing full on. But, out of those four walls, he was an ass. Cosette would often just pack her bag and leave quietly out the side door of the studio so as not to have to deal with the attitude that overcame him once outside the door.

Now, in the relative quiet of her dressing room, she could reflect on the dance that just occurred. She could still feel the music pulsating through her. Although she had danced several times with a live orchestra, she felt this performance to be different. Perhaps it was because she was now a soloist with the company. Perhaps. Perhaps it was a combination of the two.

An hour later, the performance was over. The audience had filed out of the theatre. The orchestra was packing up their instruments. Cosette carefully hung her costume in her room. She methodically removed her stage makeup. She removed her tights and pulled on a pair of leggings with an over sized tee shirt and slipped flip flops on her sore feet. She carefully wrapped the ribbons around her pointe shoes and placed them in her bag. Standing and hoisting her bag onto her shoulder, she readied herself to leave the theatre.

Do I?

2008-06-25T11:59:00.003-04:00

Random conundrum for the day:

Do I clean or do I sew?

I've been sick, so the house has fallen into disarray. Eh. Who am I kidding? The house is always in disarray. But, seriously, since I've been sick, it's worse than usual as I don't have the energy to clean anything, much less get out of bed.

However. I created this awesome halter during a burst of energy last Friday (pictures will come as soon as Hubby takes them) and I'd like to create another. It's another T-shirt recycle. This next one will be created from a T-shirt and denim valences. And I'm really excited to see how it will turn out as I'm perfecting the process in order to hopefully sell them.

And, then, of course there's the chitlins. We purchased a seven game set from Walmart and the Princess is hooked on badminton. I still don't have a whole lot of energy and feel badly that I haven't wanted to play with her. I try to get in a bit of playing, but I can't last that long.

I think that the fact I have so much on my plate right now is killing me also. I'm still trying to sell my wares (not happening at the moment), getting people over to see my site (my stats look like a roller coaster), playing, cleaning, sewing, spending time with Hubby. And to think I had all that on my plate and worked part-time! Now, I'm not working outside the home, but I feel as though I have less time.

I've tried the to-do list. It got so long that I threw it out. So now I've delegated just one thing a day. Be it laundry or dishes or straightening up a room.

Today's delegation hasn't been decided yet: sew or clean.

Tattoo Shop Possibility

2008-06-23T12:17:00.010-04:00

I had a possibly job lead for my halters at the tattoo shop where my husband and I get our work done. It's been over two months since I heard from them, so I decided to fire them off an email.

I'm really nervous about this job. The owner is a perfectionist. The artists that he hires are super talented; I don't think he'd hire anyone who was less than perfect. Trust me on this. My husband's sleeve is testament to the type of artists he hires.

I'm so scared that the owner isn't going to like my work. I'm scared that my work isn't going to be up to the standards that he sets. I feel the sample that I sent them was beautiful. The best halter I had ever sewn. But, that's my feeling. Trying to get someone else to feel the way you do is a whole other story!

Well, here's some pictures of the sample that I sewed up and sent to them. Let me know what you think!

Well, update: In the five minutes it took to type this, I heard back from the shop. They're holding off for now. I didn't get the job. :(

Ideas for Promotion

2008-06-19T14:35:00.006-04:00

http://www.freewebs.com/creativecreations08/

As I sit here, listening to Fairly Oddparents drone on and on and on, I contemplate ideas for self-promotion of my new website. With my brain on codeine, it's not easy. Everything is so fuzzy.

I want to make posters and post them all over town.

I want to make fliers and put them under the windshield wipers of everyone at Walmart.

I want to pass out business cards to everyone I run into. I'd even run into them purposely to shove a card into their hand.

I was thinking of making a flyer to hang on various bulletin boards around town. You know the kind with the little tear-off sheets at the bottom? Only because I'm also going to start taking in minor alteration work. I've already got a customer lined up. He's grateful he won't have to drive two hours for hem work anymore.

Oh! And in case you missed it, the link is: http://www.freewebs.com/creativecreations08/

So, anyone who's reading this, if you have a suggestion or five, let me know.

Life Today ~ Update

2008-06-18T14:57:00.003-04:00

Well, the Princess seems better today. There has been no hint of fever since yesterday morning. Gave her a dose of Motrin at around 8 yesterday morning and nothing since. Glad to know that it was the same thing that her brother had. She's very chipper today. Not whiney in the least. Thank goodness. The whining was wearing on me.

Since she's better, I made a doctor's appointment for myself.

We drove the half hour to the doc's office this morning. Basically, I knew what he was going to say, but I needed medication and you can't get that without a doctor. My suspicions were correct ~ bronchitis. But, I also have an upper respiratory infection.

Fun.

So, he gives me Promethazine VC w/Codeine Syrup (cough medicine) and Cefzil (antibiotic). Let me tell you...that cough syrup is goooooooood stuff!

Now, I veg. Dinner needs to go in the crock pot. I'm getting there, but it's not easy. I really just want to crawl up into a ball and sleep.

Nighty night.

Life Today

2008-06-17T08:26:00.004-04:00

So, we go on vacation over Memorial Day. Beautiful vacation! Relaxing, fun, everything vacation should be. We even extended it a day longer by staying overnight in New York and visiting Au sable Chasm the next day.

Then we came home.

And we all got sick.

We've all had the snuffles since about a week after we got home. Then, last week, Little Man got a fever. Just a fever. Take him to the doc and she said that there's a fever virus going around. The fever spikes, give the child Motrin and the fever goes down. This lasts for about three days. Sure enough, he went to the doc on Monday and by Wednesday, he was better. Still snuffling, but no fever.

Now, the Princess has the fever virus. Been pouring the Motrin down her throat to keep it in check. She hasn't spiked as high as Little Man, but it has gotten over 102 Fahrenheit. Once the Motrin kicks in, she wants to go play and run around. But, once that starts wearing off, she's tired and lethargic.

Wonder who's going to get it next?

Me? I've had a cough for two weeks now. It hurts like hell. And the shit that I'm coughing up, ugh. I've put off getting my Remicade treatment for two weeks now. Not good. But, I also can't get the infusion if I'm sick. If I get the infusion while I'm sick, then I'll get even sicker. Since Remicade is an immunosuppresent, any bug just grows and grows and grows. The nurses won't even think of giving the infusion if a person has the slightest bit of a cold.

I think I'm going to see how today goes with the Princess. Today is day three. If her fever is gone by tomorrow, then I guess it's my turn to go to the doc. I see a diagnosis of bronchitis in my near future.

Up and Running.......Again

2008-06-12T13:00:00.004-04:00

OK. So, after some personal issues that are working out, I discovered a new, free site in order to sell my wares. This site allows me to have a web store, some bandwidth for pictures and to write about my craft. I can add a blog to my site. And send out newsletters! Anything to pimp my craft! I can do more if I want to pay, but I think I'll see how this pans out first.

So, in between working on Hubby's Father's Day gifts from me and the kids, I'm working on uploading pics and listings to add to my new store.

Here's the link: http://www.freewebs.com/creativecreations08/. Check it out. I dare ya.

In fact, I double dog dare ya!

New Hair

2008-03-13T18:06:00.005-04:00

I dyed my hair this past Sunday. Thought that it was going to be lighter than the way it came out. Sadly, it came out WAAAAY too dark. So, I thought, I'll just highlight!

I bought a frosting highlighting kit the other day because I was told that I would get a more natural look from that than hair painting. Yes, I like to torture myself. I always have to make things harder than they have to be.

I pull out this cap with tiny holes all over it. I look at the tiny crochet-like hook that I'm supposed to poke through said holes and pull hair through. I look at it like it's some kind of mideval torture device. I'm supposed to poke this tiny hook through all these holes and pull a small clump of hair through those holes? Yeah, hello!

So, I resign myself to this archaic torture device. I'm always up for a little torture.

Well, it takes me 2 whole hours to pull little bits of hair through the confounded holes. Most of the time, my hair knots up, I have to comb it out and I yank handfuls of hair out of my head.

Is beauty really this worth it?

Finally. I can mix the color. OK. Dump the powder in the trowel, add the activator and then the creme. Mix it all together with the plastic spatula which is at the other end of the hook. OK. Got it. Now I saturate my hair with this stinky mix.

OK. Got the painting done. Piled my hair up on top of my head. Now I have to cover my head with a clear plastic bag. Done.

Now we wait.

During the waiting, I look in the mirror. I started freaking out because my hair is yellow. And I don't mean just yellow...I mean Crayola crayon yellow. Canary yellow. Neon yellow. So do I wash it out? No, I leave the color on for 65 minutes (max is 90).

OK. Time to wash it out. This is the boring part. Rinse the hair. Shampoo. Add the moisturizer and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Rinse that out. Dry off and wrap a towel around my head.

All right...here we go....take the towel off and whip out the blow dryer. Anddddddd....

IT'S GORGEOUS!!!!!!!

Before

After

iCraft.ca

2008-03-12T16:51:00.002-04:00

I opened my email this morning and find a new message from About.com. Usually, I delete these messages. But, for some reason, I opened it today. Inside is a blog post about a newer website for selling handmade items. Curious, I click on the site.

http://www.icraft.ca

I click on their "About" page and this is an excerpt of what I find:

"We know that everyone has a creative side. But not everyone is able to showcase their work to the world. That's where we come in. Based in Toronto, ON, iCraft.ca exists to connect artists, designers and craftspeople to those who appreciate their work. All creators of unique, one-of-a-kind items, can take advantage of the powerful marketing services offered."

OK. They've piqued my interest.

So, I keep poking around the site. Hey! They're offering free sign-up and fees for one year if you register before March 31. OK. No harm. No foul.

I enter my info. They accept my membership. I post an item. So far, so good.

They're still in the baby stage. Right now, they haven't gone national. But, supposedly, when they do, they're going to do all kinds of national press releases. We'll see.

If this goes big, I'll be happy to have gotten in on the ground floor!

Of course, I'm keeping my Etsy shop as well!

http://icraft.ca/jerz

http://jerz.etsy.com

Inspiration from The Princess

2008-03-07T00:22:00.005-05:00

So, I was working on a halter. I had cut up a T-shirt to make it into the front and shelf bra. The Princess took one of the sleeves and shimmied it on like a skirt. It got the creative juices flowing in my head that I should make a skirt from the sleeves of the T-shirts!

See, I'm already collecting the backs of the T-shirts to eventually incorporate into a quilt. Most of the shirt is used up in making the halter. The sleeves just get tossed aside and thrown out.

I looked at what she was doing and thought, "That's a great idea! I'll add some fabric on the bottom..." And this is what we get:

I'm really happy with the way that this skirt turned out!!!! And, the bonuses: it looks adorable on her and she really loves it!!!!

Of course, custom orders for one of these are always welcome!!

Tootin My Own Horn!

2008-03-04T16:24:00.009-05:00

I just posted two new listings in my shop! Hopefully, they're in time for the holidays this month. I guess they would be...within the US, I can ship as close as four days with Priority...

Anyway.

Using St. Patrick's Day as inspiration, I came up with the Shamrock Forever Bouquet Brooch. I'm really happy with the way these turned out.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10018777

And, then, going toward the commercial side of Easter...have to use a cute little bunny!!!!!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10018991

So, stop on by and browse! Maybe pick yourself up a new little pretty!!!

Back to Life

2008-02-29T00:15:00.003-05:00

Although my candle will shine until Nicholas comes home, it's time to get back to my hum-drum life. My thoughts and hope continue to be with Christine and her family. I still have the section set up in my shop for donations for her (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5491644&section_id=5326560). But, I've been disheartened by everything that's transpired through the search.

Persons on Etsy started to collect donations innocently enough. There were support threads and donation promo threads. Then the nastiness started. People started reading and posting on outside forums. Then, the Etsy community got bashed. It got ugly. Let's leave it at that.

Unfortunately, the bashing back and forth has left a really bad taste in my mouth for humanity. In a time of tragedy, instead of banding together, it pulled people apart. It left a lot of bad feelings in a good online community. Some even left that community because of it.

I have decided to rise above the animosity and continue to try to build my business on Etsy. I still hang out in the Etc. forum and try to have a good time. Usually, I do. And, usually, I have. I have made some friends on Etsy and I'd like to continue to foster those friendships. These people make me laugh. They make me feel welcome.

So, this will be my last blog entry regarding Nicholas and Christine; unless, of course, he comes home. From here on out, I will continue with my list of shops to feature. I will post entries about the various projects I'm working on. I'll even post about my boring little life once in a while. The Princess will be going to school in the fall, so that should yield some exciting ditties to blog about! :-)

Still Looking For Nicholas...

2008-02-19T15:46:00.002-05:00

There is tons of support flying on Etsy. If you just go to http://www.etsy.com/ and do a search for "Christine", you will bring up over 100 items that the sales are being donated in her name.

I just wanted to post another picture...the picture of Nicholas' missing flyer. It has some important contact info on it.

Bringing Back Nicholas Francisco!

2008-02-19T00:43:00.006-05:00

I have a heavy heart as I write this. A fellow Etsian's husband has been missing since Wednesday, February 13, 2008 from the Seattle area. I don't know this person from Eve, but since she is part of the Etsy community, I feel as though I have no choice but to write about it to get the word out as much as possible.

Many members of Etsy have started several prayer/positive energy/hope forum threads in the hopes that Nicholas will be found safe.

Nicholas and his wife, Christine, along with the two and-a-half children (she is pregnant with their third) live in Queen Anne, Washington, which is just outside of Seattle on the Puget Sound. He was last seen leaving his job in Sea-Tac; his destination was home.

Authorities have since found his car in Federal Way, Washington, about 30-45 minutes away from his home. They have impounded the car and have a lead, but no other information is available. Volunteer search teams have been pounding the pavement posting flyers, getting the word out and searching for Nicholas. They got another team together within a couple of hours and started their search all over in Federal Way.

For more updates, please go to this thread in Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5475232&page=1/. There are more updates on the local news stations at http://www.komotv.com/news/ and http://www.king5.com/topstories/stories/. There is also a website dedicated to the search efforts at http://mailpen.net/.

I have dedicated an entire section in my shop for sales to be donated to the family at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5491644&section_id=5326560. There are also two entire threads for shops donating at http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5473832&page=1 and http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5474521. An account just for donations is being set up tomorrow at a local bank.

Please keep Christine and her family in your hearts and hope for a safe return home for Nicholas.

Curly Girl Glass Jewelry

2008-02-13T23:25:00.016-05:00

OK. So...since we've been having laptop problems, I kinda lost the list of features that I had before. I reposted looking for shops and little did I know, I got some really neat and unusual ones! Same rules applied as the first post: whoever posted first got featured first and so on.

Curly Girl Glass Jewelry
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5018068

Talk about a variety of really neat jewelry! She has something to adorn everything from ears to fingers. And each item is so unique!

Judi started enjoying art as a child. She followed this love throughout her life as she achieved a BFA degree in painting and drawing from the Tyler School of Art. She has made a living of being a graphic artist and illustrator. She has also done work with environmental matters. She started selling her artwork first in middle school beginning with hand-painted T-shirts, worked up to paintings, photographs and illustrations and landed on Etsy in December of 2006.

I've perused Judi's shop for some interesting pieces to showcase here. But, I ran into a problem in doing so; all the pieces she has are interesting! How do you choose just a few so as not to take up all the space on Blogspot?! After much thought, these are some I felt were good for here. I'll just tempt you to visiting her shop and showcase one of each of her jewelry categories...

<----- Naked Flourish Earrings http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9540323

It Could Have Been Necklace

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8953184

<-------

Ring Toss Bracelet Charcoal
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8755219

------->
Bright Star Bright Ring

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8644809

New Banner!

2008-02-06T15:34:00.000-05:00

As I was perusing through the forums on Etsy one night, I saw a thread for a shop critique. It seems as though a fellow Etsian was offering her insight into helping others with their shops. So, always looking to better my look, I popped in, posted an offering and got critiqued.

One of the things she said was to shorten my shop announcement; put my payment and shipping terms into my profile and direct potential buyers there. Another was the banner of my shop.

I had just done a quick and free banner so that my shop had some kind of presence. I'll admit that it was pretty, but did nothing for my shop. It had no pizaze. It had no correlation to the items in my shop. I needed something edgier. Something that stood out more.

So, she offered to make me one.

Here is the design and the colors she gave me:

I'm using the pink one right now for my shop on Etsy. Check it out! http://www.jerz.etsy.com/

So, now if I may, I'd like to introduce you all to Bostonbaglady. Her name is Sandy and her Etsy shop is http://www.bostonbaglady.etsy.com/. She sells her vintage bags through Etsy. To find her graphic artistry, check her here: http://www.artgirlsrock.com/.

I can tell you that Sandy is a wonderful person! We had many great converstations while she worked on this project for me. We talked about familiar areas to both of us, our families, jobs, whatever. She's from the Boston area so that gave us a bit of a kinship.

I am so grateful to Sandy for making these beautiful banners for me! I'm going to use one on my business cards and will also put a small shout-out to her on the cards to let everyone know what a great artist she is!

So, please, show Sandy some love by visiting her Etsy store and her website. Who knows, maybe she has just what you're looking for!

Light Box!

2008-02-01T17:08:00.000-05:00

So, my step-sis gave me a Michael's gift card for my birthday. Got a few beads (cuz I know I don't have enough) and got the foam board to create my light box.

I had seen that light boxes help make great pictures, so I added one to the mental wish list. Especially after I saw the prices of them. Having one quickly went to the bottom of the wish list.

Fast forward a year. I decided to bring the idea back to the forefront. Googled light boxes and found a website that gave instructions for creating a simple and inexpensive one (http://ourmedia.org/node/253481). I bought three pieces of foam board from Michael's (since I was only making my box 15" x 15"), and white duct tape and two $9 lights from Home Depot (another gift card).

Here's the box:

The pictures taken inside are phenominal!!!!

Here's the before:

And here's the after:

Sooooo much better!! Don't you think?

Well, signing off as I've lots of re-shooting and playing to do!

Birthday Sale at Creative Creations!!!

2008-01-29T11:52:00.000-05:00

Today, in honor of my 33rd birthday, I'm having a sale in my Etsy shop. EVERYTHING is 33% off!

Stop on by, pick out gifts for your Valentine! Pick out a little something for yourself!

http://www.jerz.etsy.com

In Honor of Julio

2008-01-28T16:52:00.001-05:00

First, I want to say thank you to the peeps who left the kind words for me. I am far from throwing in the towel, but sometimes you have to get things off your chest, ya know? I have been looking in to other forms of free promoting (i.e., press release with our local paper and am going to sit down to type one up and send it in). But, I wanted to thank everyone for the support and love they sent; I did feel it across the electronic lines. Really, I did!

Today, I wanted to blog about my step-father. Today is two years to the day that he passed away at the tender age of 70. My mother, my step-sister, my kids and I all met at Borders and then had lunch together to remember him and to kind of celebrate my and my step-sister's birthdays (mine's tomorrow and her's is Thursday). It is a very bittersweet day.

Julio (spoken with a hard "J"; always would correct you if you said "H"ulio) always loved books. He was a big history buff and the bookshelves in our house were filled to the rim with old National Geographics, war books, fiction...you name it, we had it. He had always loved going to Borders and always enjoyed the food at Chili's so this is why we go there in his memory.

When I still lived at my parents' house, he and I would stay up for hours at a time, many nights stretched into the mornings, just talking. Talking about nothing. Talking about everything. We'd make coffee and just talk. And talk. And talk. I miss that. When he passed, my mother gave me one of his coffee mugs and I can tell you that every time that I use it, I think of our time together.

I have listened to music my whole life. I grew up on stage, while performing ballets. I could honestly say that at the age of 10, I enjoyed classical music. In seventh grade, my music teacher introduced me to jazz via Louis Armstrong. As a sophomore, Julio introduced me to show tunes and more jazz greats. I can still see him and my mother dancing in their living room to Rod Stewart and Frank Sinatra. They were so happy together.

This man was as much as my father as my natural father was. I lost my natural father not long after moving to New Jersey. I was 16. I lost Julio when I was 31. I've been lucky to have two wonderful fathers in my lifetime. I miss them both equally.

My daughter still sees Julio from time to time. I think she knew when it was his time. When we were leaving my parents' home shortly before his passing, Princess made a comment that she saw angels. They must have been waiting for him. When he passed, we told her that Grandpop was with the angels that she saw and that now he helps them put the sun up each day. She was only just about two and a half when he left us and she stills remembers that to this day; she will still wake up in the morning and tell me that PopPop put the sun up or PopPop said we need rain so he made it rain.

I can still feel him around me every now and then. Not here, in my home, but watching from wherever he may be now. When I speak of the theatre, I remember when he took my mom and me to see Les Miserables in Boston and NYC. Just the other day, I was talking with someone about Rocky Horror and recounted the time when he and my mom took me and my step-sister to see it for the first time when I was 16 and she was 15; how his face lit up with the fun we had that night.

I miss him. I miss this man who snuck into my heart and became my father. I wasn't prepared to let him in. I certainly wasn't prepared to let him leave. I miss you, Julio.

Oh, and I saw the coffee mug in the cloud on my way home from lunch today. Thank you.

Invisible

2008-01-27T18:47:00.000-05:00

I've been feeling invisible the last couple of days. I keep posting on Etsy, trying to promote, promote, promote and I don't feel it's doing any good. I don't think my prices are too high. I think I'm offering unique items. I'm getting very depressed in the process.

I'm not getting any other work done, either. It's like, if I don't post in the forums, then no one knows I'm there. There's no views of my shop. But, people give me advice like, Take brighter pictures! List more items! But, how do you do that when you also have to spend your time promoting? Where's the happy medium?

I work part-time outside the home. I have the home to run while I'm here. I have two children. And, I'm trying to get Creative Creations off the ground.

I know that it's not an easy process. Any new business needs the hell promoted out of it. But where do you find the balance of working and promoting? All my efforts seem to be moot in the promoting department. I don't know why I bother?

There's a promotions thread in Etsy. If you don't participate in a BNR (buy and replace), it seems you can't get any exposure. And, the thread moves so quickly that you constantly have to keep posting. Well, what do I have to do? Stay up 24 hours a day? I practically do already! I mean, trying to promote, I don't even pee during the day!

I don't mean to be all, oh pity me, but come on! Where are the buyers? Am I barking up the wrong tree with this? My friends seem very interested in my products. Are people not looking for unique?

As far as listing new items, well, supplies cost a lot of money. Money which I don't really have right now. How do I justify spending the money on supplies when my stuff isn't selling? Hubby wants to know stuff like that. I can't justify spending money on items that are just going to sit and collect dust.

I have poured my heart into this, and now I feel as though I'm losing hope. I made one sale in a month and a half. Maybe I should take my chances again on eBay. Maybe if I don't list the manufacturer of the shirts I use, I'll escape the radar. It cost more to list and sell on eBay, but at least I was selling. Hadn't yet turned a profit, but at least I was breaking even. On Etsy, the one sale hasn't even covered the supplies that I had used on the listings that I have.

Sorry that this post turned into a rant. I really like the Etsy community, but I'm really doubting if it's worth trying to sell anything...

Deelind Studios

2008-01-16T21:17:00.000-05:00

Time for the third installment of feature entries. The shop I'm featuring tonight snuck in a little if something happens... comment, so I just had to feature them. So, I present to you...

Deelind Studios
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5298017

Deelind Studios make these wonderful little plushies, or "stuffies" as they're called in her shop. They're made with super soft materials and are oh so cute!

Deelind Studios calls Boston her home. Being from the area, I can't think of a more creative place! According to her profile, she woke up one morning and made the decision to start making stuffed animals. She created her own patterns, dug out her grandmother's 1940 sewing machine and went to town. Soon after the stuffies babies were born!

With creativity that seems to be oozing, it should come as no surprise that Deelind has another shop. Babalu shows off Deelind's talent as an artist (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5373741). For the 20 years leading up to sewing stuffies, Deelind was a fine art painter and a muralist. Her talent really shines through in her Babalu shop!

I have to say that this guy is my personal favorite from Deelind's shop. As the title calls him, "Butt Ugly Bunny with Free Love," I think he's so ugly that he's cute. This little dude has a body of fleece and ears of velvet.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8967799

Now, because Deelind is lucky for this feature to turn into a 2 for 1, I couldn't neglect her Babalu shop. I think that this oil painting shows off the incredible talent the flows through her fingers. This oil is called Provance and it's painted on gallery wrapped canvas.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8718258

So now that you've learned a bit about this multi-talented artist, please stop by and browse her shops to show some free love!

Forever "Flower" Bouquet

2008-01-15T15:49:00.000-05:00

In honor of Valentine's Day, I have listed my beaded Bouquet Brooches.

I really think that these are so neat. I can tell you that they're really fun to make. I even get to use DH's specialty tools to make them (he's got a pair of pliers that are made just for twisting wire). And picking out the various beads to put together is fun. I love digging through my stash of beads to find just the right ones. Making holiday specific ones are even more fun.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8944298

So, visit my shop (http://www.jerz.etsy.com) and check them out!

Oh, I'll also be adding some more rings probably tomorrow, so stay tuned for those!

Lani Bug Designs

2008-01-14T13:18:00.000-05:00

All right...time for the second feature on my list. Even though the shop that I'm featuring today doesn't have many items in her shop, I want to feature her just the same. Her work is beautiful and it deserves equal attention!

Lani Bug Designs

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5256027

From what I can see by eyeballing her shop, she's another recycler. The adorable little dresses she has listed were constructed from fabric that she had left over. Rather than just throw it in the garbage, she decided to create these dresses. They are absolutely perfect for your little princess for the holidays (all right, I know, the holidays are over; but, there's always the holidays for 2008).

Christmas Top in the Pillowcase Dress Style

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8177333

Holiday top in the Pillowcase Dress Style

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8317919

Please stop by and Give Lani Bug Designs a look-see. You won't be sorry that you did!

Reconstructed Snake Bite

2008-01-14T01:03:00.000-05:00

Well, I finished it...my little cropped hoodie. This one was started from scratch; I had no previous pattern to start with. I am so completely proud of it! I really think that I married the biker image to girly top very well.

I had a white Harley shirt with a snake wrapped around a dagger. I was going to make it into a halter, but it's winter and I already have three halters that aren't selling. Then one day, I was wearing a cropped hoodie and decided that that style would be PERFECT. I even found snake skin patterned cotton fabric to use for the hood lining.

The hoodie started to take shape as I took measurements and used myself as a dressmaking model (don't worry, I didn't pin myself). I cut, tried on, cut and tried on until it was perfect. As I looked at the almost finished product, it seemed that it was missing something. I found some 3/4" lace in my notions stash. As I laid the hoodie out on my work table, I laid the lace down over the hem. It clicked. That's what it needed! It needed that little girly touch!

So, it's now in my Etsy shop (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8911882). I'm promoting the heck out of it. I even entered it in a Creative Challenge (not quite positive what's entailed in the Challenge, but it was fun making it).

Now I'm busy creating a sexy new halter top. That's this week's challenge: to create an original pattern and sew a new top by next Sunday. And feature two more Etsy shops. And do laundry. And start physical therapy for my back. And...and...and...

Green Space Goods

2008-01-11T22:55:00.000-05:00

Well, I have decided to start featuring fellow Etsians in my blog. I want to be able to foster a good community sense among everyone with this new venture I have begun. So, before further ado, let's give my first featured shop a great round of applause...

Green Space Goods (...and the crowd goes wild!)

http://www.greenspacegoods.etsy.com/

I happened across this shop while posting for a new blog entry. I had opened the thread up in the forum for other shops to request for a link on my blog page. Green Space Goods jumped at the chance for any added publicity (as any of us like). When it came time to ask people if I could feature them, Green Space Goods was the first to reply. So, because they were first to reply, they are the first in a long line of features.

Green Space Goods consists of partners Michael and Lani. They both graduated from the Art Institute of Atlanta; Michael is an Interactive Media Developer and Lani is a Graphic Artist. They started creating their pieces of art together in 2002 and have been developing various mediums since then such as web applications, recycled art, fine art illustrations and even have been commissioned for mural work! According to their Etsy profile, every piece they create is a joint effort with one starting the artwork and then passing it to the other and so forth, each adding to the drawing until they come to their final work.

Example of their fantastic artwork is their inkblot illustration
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7382995

Green Space Goods features items made mostly of found objects. They try to recycle materials as much as they can. They have used game pieces; a great example being their "T Gamepiece Earrings" (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7057391, see photo below). Another great example of found object jewelry is their "Recycle Star Bottle Cap Pendant" (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8784231, see photo below).

They have many original pieces in their shop that are incredibly reasonably priced. I welcome all who have taken the time to get to know Green Space Goods by reading this entry will stop by and show some love. Browse around, shop a little, leave your heart behind.

Warning ~ Sappy Post

2008-01-09T19:19:00.000-05:00

Ok. So anyone that follows this blog has by now seen that I have joined the Etsy community. I must admit that I am thoroughly addicted to the forums. It has awakened my creativity, though, and have even designed my own sweatshirt. There is one thing about Etsy that I wasn't expecting to find:

Friends.

Today is a great example. I am currently having a problem with a bill from the hospital for a procedure I had done that I don't feel I should have to pay. I was quite worked up about it; was even in tears while on the pone with my insurance company.

I decided to post a little rant thread on one of the forums. See, Etsy has an Etc. forum to post anything that doesn't have anything to do with their other forums. I wasn't expecting any responses; I just wanted to get the frustration out.

To my surprise, the thread went to a second page. People were posting their support and advice. This started another round of tears. But this time, I was crying because I was frustrated, I was crying because people I didn't know were giving me support.

So, in this entry, I don't have anything to promote of my own; I'm just promoting the great people I have met through Etsy.

Thanks, guys!

New Listing!

2008-01-06T00:08:00.000-05:00

Just running a quick entry; another may be entered later tonight...

The hoodie that I talked about yesterday is up and for sale in my Etsy shop! Here's the direct link: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8759889. Check it out!

I'm really loving how it turned out. When it sells, I'm going to have a really hard time letting it go! But, I've got to remember that's why I'm selling what I make; it's nice to see something that I produce is being enjoyed by others.

I've already started on my next hoodie. Still not telling what style, but I will tell you that it involves a snake, white and snake-skin cotton.

Have a good night (morning?) all!

Finished Projects!

2008-01-05T14:55:00.000-05:00

Well, I finally finished two projects in my little sewing corner! I'm so very proud of myself. I also took pics of the Princess's dress as promised before.

First, I'll post the pics for Princess's dress. She even wanted me to add a crown to it made of iron-on rhinestones to show off her royalty.

Next, we have her new bathrobe. Story behind this is...when I got out of the shower one day, I put my bathrobe on. She thought is was SO pretty (even though it's about 10 years old and a lot of the terry has pulled out making it look ratty. But it's comfortable and warm!), that she HAD to have me make her one. Then, of course, it had to be pink. Since I had leftover material from her dress, I made it with the same material. Here's that...

Finally, we have my next Etsy listing. This is a hoodie made from a T-shirt. I cut and fit the shirt to create the back of the hoodie. Added some black fleece for warmth. And found Alexander Henry's "Skulls on Fire" in orange to coordinate with the fire on the back of the hoodie. I think it came out pretty cool!

The next project I'm working on will be a white hoodie. For that, white fleece and black and white snake skin cotton is involved. That's all I'm revealing for now. Hopefully will have that done by the middle of the week.

Ta ta for now!

Charlie

2008-01-03T00:19:00.000-05:00

I'd like to introduce you all to Charlie. Charlie is the model that my DH made for me. He models the hoodies that I make.

This version of Charlie came about after I tried to make a pathetic one with 10 gauge copper wire and a couple of 2x4's. That one worked, but DH said he could make me a better one. That's when I took a trip to the local home improvement store to get some PVC pipe and fittings. After about an hour, this Charlie was born.

Charlie is great. He's not as moody as a human model. He never talks back to me. And he stays where I put him. Poor thing, though, he's been outside and it's been a bit chilly here. I've moved him into the garage to get him out of the weather now. Once I'm done with the hoodie I'm working on, I'll move him once again; this time inside where it's nice and cozy. But, Charlie never complains. In fact, he's the perfect man! LOL!

Here he is modeling the hoodie I made DH for Christmas...I used an old Harley T-shirt we had found on eBay and some Alexander Henry fabric (that's the red skulls) as well as fleece.

And here he is modeling the hoodie I made for my 2-year-old son (Curly in this blog, named for his beautiful curly hair). His hoodie was made from the back of DH's shirt, blue flame fabric and a mottled fleece that is actually inside-out because I liked the "wrong" side of the fabric better than the "right".

When Princess's (my 4-year-old daughter) dress is out of the wash, I'll show that Charlie can model girl's clothes, too (he's a bit of a cross-dresser, but he doesn't seem to mind). I made Princess a really pretty dress and jacket from pink flannel and pink fur.

Well, now that you've all met Charlie, it's time for me to go to bed. 'Nite all!

Etsy

2008-01-01T14:16:00.000-05:00

I stumbled across this wonderful new website a couple of weeks ago. It was mentioned on Rachael Ray's talk show and I decided to check it out. It's www.etsy.com. So, I figured ~ hey, I make things, why don't I look and see what this site's all about.

Well, I checked out what kind of stuff is on there. It's like a huge craft fair on the Internet! Everything on there is made by the individuals that have shops listed with them. I joined ~for free~ so I could post on the forums. I asked if what I have to sell is OK to sell on Etsy. I explained that eBay kicked my listings off because I use certain shirts to take apart and reconstruct. I was told I could.

Next step was to check out listing fees and the like. It only costs 20 cents to list something for sale; and the listing is valid for 4 months! Once it sells, I think they charge 3% or something like that. I can use PayPal for payment or accept other forms of payment. It's pretty much the same as eBay except that everything is listed as a buy-it-now -- no auction format. I even get my own storefront free of charge!

So, I listed the three corset halters that I had left in my inventory. So far, people have only been looking at my halters. But, everyone who has stopped by has told me that they're really cool. I'm told that the first sale is usually pretty slow in coming. So, I hang out in the forums promoting my wares. My husband has been listing bike parts on eBay, so I added a link to the storefront in his listings. Hey, anyway that I can promote, I will!

So, while you're checking out my shop, check out the others on there, too. There are tons of really talented people selling things!

http://www.jerz.etsy.com

Going Home

2007-07-26T19:10:00.000-04:00

Hubby called me from work yesterday. He wanted to know if I wanted to move back to New Hampshire. They're looking for more help in his field of work. He's an automotive technician for Ford. My job can be anywhere. They have the orange box everywhere now.

Part of me wanted to say, "Yes! Yes, of course I would LOVE to go home!" I almost cried to think that he'd want to move up there. Then, I thought, it really wouldn't be the same. I've been out of my hometown for more than 16 years now. I've spent half my life in the state I live in now. All my friends, save one or two, have moved away. One of my best friends has recently had a baby and she and her husband have settled in my old hometown to raise their little family. Another of my friends is now in upstate Vermont. Another in southern California. Others are in various places around the country. Some stayed in NH, most scattered.

Then I thought of our little expanded family here. My mother-in-law, father-in-law, mom and brother-in-laws family are all here. It would kill them if we moved away. It would really kill my mom. She's established herself in her own house, has her own circle of friends; I really don't think she'd move again.

Then I thought of all the crap I'd have to pack. And, moving that far, I'd hire a moving company. Then, I thought, would I really want to move that far again.

I've lived in New Hampshire, Washington state and now here. I've been to one coast and back in one lifetime. I really don't think I'd want to do that again.

Of course, now would be the perfect time, given that the chitlins are not in school yet. But, that's really the only reason I can think of. I love our little house here. I love the plans we have for it. I like our neighbors; I like where I work; I love my friends. I really don't think I could rip my roots up again.

Then Hubby chuckled a bit. He was never serious in the first place.

New Venture

2007-07-11T11:27:00.000-04:00

Well, I've started a new business venture. As a mostly full-time stay-at-home mom, I have to come up with new ideas that I can do while home with the chitlins and still earn money. One can only put in so many hours at a part-time job before paying for child-care and my paycheck just won't cover that!

So, I have started selling "reconstructed" shirts on eBay.

I have found that I can sew here and there during the day and still play with Princess and Curly. Princess even "helps" out with scraps. She likes to "make" her own shirts by pinning scraps together. I'll even sew some together and she thinks it's great! Curly helps out by stomping all over the fabric as a lay it out to cut.

So, if this takes off, I've just added another notch in my belt as a busy, "non-working", stay-at-home mom. "Non-working", now that's a laugh!

One Hot Day

2007-06-27T13:37:00.000-04:00

It's mucho hot in our neck of the woods today. The actual temperature is 91, but it feels more like 97 with the humidity factored in. We are expecting some loo-loo of thunderstorms and one can only hope that they cool things off a bit. My little home is not equipped to handle this heat ~ we don't have air conditioning. So instead, I am wearing minimal clothing and the kids are clothing optional. Ah, the joy of being 2 and 3!

Why is that when the heat and humidity rises, patience lowers? The chitlins are extremely cranky and I have less than no patience for them. I feel so bad snapping at them. But what does one do? I can't drug them and force them to sleep all day, although they're acting like they do come bedtime. I guess that I just let them do their thing while I do mine and hopefully, tempers will stay at a simmer.

Dating Advice for Mom

2007-06-13T16:51:00.000-04:00

My mother is a member of eHarmony. My step-father passed away about a year-and-a-half ago now and she's looking for someone to travel and hang with. She finally found a nice-sounding gentleman that she is e-mailing back and forth with now. Of course, with my mom being in the dark ages, she's going through me and my computer because she doesn't have one. Now that her social calendar is filling up, I'm going to have to go with her to find one!

Anyway, she calls me today and asks me for dating advice! I laughed at her. Not to be mean. I laughed because I haven't dated for over 14 years! I've been with Hubby since I was 17! A lot has changed over the last dozen or so years! I found it quite funny that she would ask me a question like that.

I don't know what to tell her. It's a strange situation---my mother's dating! Mom's aren't supposed to date! She's 64...she should be baking cookies for the grand kids! But, wait, that's so 1950! What's wrong with her dating? She's a wonderful person, kind of an angel on earth. She deserves to spend her life with an equally wonderful man. She got dealt a bad hand when my step-dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's at an early age (he was only 70 when he passed). They had a wonderful relationship and one can only hope to have another like that.

I wish Mom luck. I really want her to be happy. She certainly deserves it!

Are SAHMs Setting Themselves Up For Failure?

2007-06-05T17:14:00.000-04:00

I was curious to read reviews on Amazon regarding a new book on motherhood called "The Feminine Mistake" by Leslie Bennetts. I had heard that it's quite a controversial read. After reading the reviews, it peaks my curiosity even more.

The basis of the book is that if moms give up their careers to have children, they are setting themselves up for financial disaster. She seems to feel as though moms must keep their high-profile jobs because the likelihood that they'll divorce and be responsible for themselves is extremely high. From the reviews that I read, she references women who are in extremely high paying jobs and probably wouldn't have a financial problem even if they did quit their jobs. She also appears to say that stay-at-home moms are lazy, unfulfilled, and needy.

I myself do work outside the home. I also work inside the house. I chase around a three- and two-year-old, I have dishes to clean and laundry to do as well as picking up countless toys. I see my part-time cashier job as a break from being at home with the children. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE being home with them and I love the fact that my part-time income at least keeps food on the table, but I also love having the time away from home.

Did I quit a high-powered career? No. Did I quit something that would have been financially secure had I stayed at it? No. If my husband and I ever split, I will probably have to work two jobs to make ends meet; before or after kids. So I wish that I could be home with them full-time? I practically am now; I only work 20 hours a week. I do know that sentimentally, I'm glad that I spend the time that I do get with them. I've been able to see my daughter use the potty for the first time and my son mumble his first word (amazingly it was tickle!). Had I been off at a full-time job, the day-care provider would have been there for that. Somehow, to me, that's wrong in so many ways.

Maybe what's wrong with this world today is that not enough parents (moms or dads) are willing to give up their "identity" to raise their children. When I became pregnant with our daughter, I knew I would no longer be the same person that I was. I am defined by who I was and who I am now. I was (and still am sometimes) a very free spirit with her own thoughts and did pretty much as I pleased. I am now a wife and mother of two. I'm proud of that. When I married my husband, I gladly took his name. Taking his name didn't change me...it became a part of me. When I gave birth, I dreamed of the day that my child would say "mama". That is also a part of me.

Having children changes all kinds of things. Ninety-nine percent for the better. There is a small part of me that misses the freedom that I had pre-kids and the jobs that I held. But then, I look at my two beautiful children who are smart, creative and, most of all, ACTIVE and realize that all that I gave up is worth it. I turned out OK. My mom was stay-at-home and she went on to go back to school and have a new career at age 55 from which she is retiring from today. If I can do half the job she did...

More On Rocky

2007-05-29T16:44:00.000-04:00

Well, the obsession is even worse than last year. I am in this frame of mind that I am going to create the most movie-correct version of Columbia's costume as I can. I have found a corset and a pair of shorts to make. I already have the jacket, shoes and socks. This year, I have to find the correct pair of fishnets (with backseam of course!). And I plan to do this with the chitlins running around.
This should be interesting! I'll be trying to sew the shorts and corset with them getting tangled up in the thread that's supposed to be in the machine. (Yes, I can sew...Mom taught me how many moons ago.) Hubby will be shaking his head and rolling his eyes as he watches me sew on hundreds of sequins. And, the chitlins will be there to tangle themselves up and pull the thread out of my needle. I'll be lucky to be able to use all the sequins that come in a package since I just know they're going to have a blast throwing them all around the room.
I hope that all this sewing and crafting will instill in them something. Maybe that when you can't find something, find a way to make it yourself? With a little imagination, you can have anything? With a lot of imagination, you can have a wonderful time!

Rocky Horror Show

2007-05-24T16:54:00.000-04:00

It's only the end of May and already my friends and I are getting ready to buy our tickets to the Rocky Horror Show in October! I can't believe the insanity! Last October, we had 11 people that went with our group. This year, it's going to be almost two dozen! We took up one whole row (7th from the stage) and this year, we'll practically fill the first three rows!

I actually got Hubby to go last year for the first time. He's not a theater goer by any means of the word. And, he's a big biker dude that just doesn't understand the whole transvestite thing. But, given the gang that we went with, and the whole pretext of the show, he had an absolute blast! He's even going with us again this year!

The madness started three years ago when three friends of mine and I went to see the show. I had seen it when I was 16, and loved it then. Now that I'm a bit older and wiser (16 years older and wiser), I love it even more. I even took the time last year to make a Columbia costume and made up my face to look just like Little Nell in the movie.

As I delve deeper into finding the audience participation guidelines, I'm finding out how much of a cult this Rocky thing is. I e-mailed my best friend to ask her if we belong to a cult...she replied, of course! But, you know what? If this is a cult, then I'm almost completely brainwashed! :) Being able to be completely myself for an evening is so totally refreshing!

I sent a text message out to some other friends and have never seen my phone so busy with messages before! In the span of about 5 minutes, I recruited about 10 people to go! This year is going to rock!!!!!!

Failing New Business

2007-05-15T10:56:00.000-04:00

I try hard to make extra money for my family. We live in a very expensive part of New Jersey and working blue collar jobs barely makes for groceries some months. Could we move? Of course, but that would mean leaving all extended family behind. And let me tell you, having two kids and a hubby that thinks he's a kid, I don't know what I'd do without my mom. You ladies that move to another part of the country, far away from your family, I don't know how you do it. Knowing our family is right around the corner certainly helps during stressful times when emergencies happen or need someone to talk to.

So I had a great idea; or so I thought.

Last summer, I decided to turn a hobby into a business. I don't know what I was thinking. We have no extra money to put into advertising or a web site. There are times I can't even afford to buy supplies! But, I trudge on. I try the craft shows and usually do pretty well. But those are hard because I like to spend time with the family on weekends; it's the only time the four of us are all together for at least one day! I tried the internet thing, but never knew that the number of hits on a site could go into negative numbers! But, I trudge on.

I'm told I make beautiful jewelry. I wear it to work and get lots of compliments on it. Ok, you like it...please, buy it! I'll make anything! I'll even make collars for your dogs! Curtain tiebacks, can do! I'm desperate...a special bauble to be buried in...ok, that was un-called for! I'll do children's stuff, outfit a whole wedding party...

Okay, I've ranted enough about what a loser I've become in the great scheme of things...I'm not a famous author (though I'm trying my hand at that, too), I don't create fantastic web sites, I don't invent anything useful...I'm just a mom and a wife trying to get by in this world that depends on keeping up with the Jones'...who are they anyway?

Spongebob or Cartoon Network

2007-05-09T17:08:00.000-04:00

My hubby and I are in discussions regarding what our daughter watches on TV. Up until now, the princess has watched Cartoon Network and such classics as Family Guy and Futurama. She'll be turning 4 in August and we're starting to think that these are not the greatest shows. Then again, during the day she watches such wonders as Spongebob and Fairly Oddparents. I don't which is worse. The mouth gets fresher everyday and I don't know if that's a direct result of the cartoons or just the age. In the morning, she'll watch Tom & Jerry. She does know that what's on TV is pretend and not real. She doesn't try to squish the cats in our house, so I don't know why she's got the fresh mouth.

I know that she should be watching wholesome shows like Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers. And she does! She has learned tons from watching Blue and Dora. Hell, she can speak Spanish better than me and I took 3 years of it in school!

I just don't understand what changed with TV from when Hubby and I grew up to now. I re-watch Looney Tunes and they're not that much worse than some of the shows on today's TV. In fact, they're probably a bit better because at least there's some hidden message in them (of course, as a child, you don't know that).

I'm also not saying that Princess spends 24/7 in front of the boob tube. She and her brother play constantly outside. In fact, given a choice, they'd rather be outside getting fresh air and sun. Or playing in their pool. (I tell ya, my tan in the summer is great!) The kids watch TV while drifting off to dreamland at night and when it's quiet time during the day. Other than that, they're off and running.

I guess the question is: do we get her a digital box to watch her cartoons (Nicktoons) 24/7, or do we just turn off the TV?

Finally Mobile!

2007-04-09T15:19:00.000-04:00

I am SO PSYCHED!!! I finally got myself set up on wireless. I finally feel like I'm part of the 21st century now that I'm able to walk outside, lay down in bed, have a smoke all while having my laptop nearby! It's nice to be able to really relax while I surf the net; something that I haven't been able to do since before kids! What a really neat concept this is! So, while I type in my blog, I can watch/listen to Spongebob in the background while the little chitlins sleep (they had a busy Easter). Woo Hoo!!!

Time to Myself?

2007-02-21T17:05:00.000-05:00

As I sit, trying hard to type without looking at the keys on the keyboard, I have to fight Curly for the right to my computer. Hubby is on the phone, walking away as the kids start to fuss. How come I can't do that?

I just would like a few minutes to call my own. Where I'm not going to work, or errands, or anything like that. Hubby gets a Saturday, why don't I? I'm not saying that I want the whole world to go away, I just want a few hours where I don't have to be anywhere, don't have to watch anyone, don't have to pick up anything...you know, time to myself.

I don't get it while Hubby is at work because when one child is sleeping, the other is awake. Just as Curly is going down for his nap, it seems the Princess is finally deciding to get out of bed. Me, get a nap when I have the usual Jersey cold? Not happening.

I hate kvetching. That's exactly what I'm doing here. Please don't get me wrong, I do love being a mom and wife, but we all need a break, don't we?

Bad Blogger, Semi-Bad Mom?

2007-02-16T23:34:00.000-05:00

I don't know if you're supposed to blog everyday or not. I'm new to this, so I don't know the rules, or if there even are any. I guess that it's just as things go.

I just finished reading my friend's blog. She writes everyday. Sometimes multiple times! How she does that with three kids, I don't know. I try to have five minutes on my computer, alone, and Princess comes and tries to sit on my lap and Curly tries to re-boot my computer without even knowing it. Pretty soon, we're all crying and screaming so we go upstairs to have a snack and some milk and I have my cigarette (outside the house, within sight of my kids).

So, I wonder: does this craziness make me a bad mom or a bad blogger?

Princess and Curly are upstairs with their dad right now. Dad's watching eBay on my cell phone and I'm watching in another window as I write this. I've got three minutes to go on a laptop. This should be interesting...If you see blogs that make entirely no sense, you can be sure that the Princess is trying her hand at writing.

My silence is broken! Curly has invaded! He came right over to my keyboard and turned the caps on. Of course, I turned them right off...I've done enough messaging to know that's the ultimate form of screaming on the computer.

I won! I won! I finally got a laptop!

Is it bad to ignore our kids a little bit to get five minutes of quietness to ourselves? I feel so rotten when I do it. Or when I shush them while on the phone. I realize that they're only 3 and 2 and they need to learn, so why do I get impatient?

The silence is totally broken. Princess is down here now completely having a 3-year-old moment. Tell me, how do you tell a 3-year-old that Mommies and Daddies have to get some sleep? Especially when mommy's been sleeping since daddy got home due to a sore throat. I think I'll sign off now only to come again when I've got that spare moment (truely, what mom has any spare moments?).....

eBay Addiction

2007-02-11T22:53:00.000-05:00

I think I can honestly say that Hubby and I are completely addicted to eBay.

See, it all started when he bought a toy train for our kids for Christmas. We thought it'd be so neat to have the train going and whistles blaring for our 3-year-old Princess and not quite 2-year-old Curly. Yeah, then the train bug hit.

First, we just got a couple of cars. Okay, no big deal, we'll make the track a little longer, add a couple more bends. Soon, this train that was supposed to go around the Christmas tree took up the whole living room! I swear we bought 10 cars for it off eBay within a week! Of course, I panicked...we were supposed to have dinner at our house Christmas Eve. We were having company. We were opening presents. How could we do this with a monsterous train taking up our whole living room and dining area? Hubby has a light bulb go off over his head (I swear I saw it). "Let's put the train in the basement in the kids' toyroom!"

Brilliant.

Next trip was not to the hobby store, but the orange box store. He came home with plywood and 2x4's. He was now going to build a table for this train that was supposed to go around the Christmas tree. And, of course, it's not a regular size table; we took down walls and opened up into another section of our basement. The kids now play under the table. I'm thinking curtains around the table and they've got the biggest tent/fort ever!

Back to the eBay...Hubby now comes home from work, gives his perfunctory kiss and heads to the basement to the computer. He keeps telling me he needs to get away from the thing. He keeps finding things to add to our ever growing watch list. He'll tell me he's just watching it to see where the price goes. Next thing I know, we're buying it.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm having fun, too. My thing is not the eBay, it's building little houses and trees and shrubs and mountains and rivers. He thinks I've gone over the edge with that. Well, I just want the over-size, 'round the Christmas tree train to have a nice view while it goes perpectually around in a circle.

How do you know you are addicted? When you keep tabs of your watch list on your cell phone. When you purchase about 10 items a day that you didn't really need. I think it's fun to watch Hubby as he clicks "refresh" a million times in one minute to make sure we'll win the item.

It's amazing to think that one small, simple thing could bring back childhood memories. Hubby had a train set while he was growing up and I used to pick wild blueberries and raspberries by the tracks behind my house. Are we really trying to recreate that for our precious ones, or are we trying to bring back something from our own memories?