FALL 2014

End of September Newsletter

Fall 2014

Hi Everyone!

I know it's been a long time since posting and so much has been going on! Some good, some not so good and some ugly but it's all part of the journey and I am hoping it's all is better in the end. I don't even know where to begin...

I have been extremely busy working on unique pieces for my Etsy Shop. ~I have finally come to the point where I am accepting and realizing, there are things I can do, and things I can't, and will be concentrating on the things I can.~ So I have been researching things that are uncommon, different and/or hard to find coastal décor pieces that you MUST have or must SHARE! My whole idea is that this virtual gift shop I am creating will have one of a kind gifts that, as you take this journey with me, you will want to share too. Some of these gifts are labor intensive and take days to complete BUT I want to share them at a cost that is affordable for all. I am using the best materials available to me, different pieces, and putting allot of love and time into each piece by hand. I am not creating the run-of-the-mill mass-produced items. Each piece is thought out and carefully made to last and enjoy. There is usually a story behind each one...

Each one that I work on, at that moment, is my very favorite piece but I have to say that the pieces I am working on are my favorites. Each one is different and each one I am proud of.

As a coastal girl and lover, I am preparing for a Magnificent Coastal Christmas. Each item, although great for year 'round, fits into the Holiday Season very easily. Whether you are keeping it for yourself or giving as a gift, with a little thought it works well as a Coastal Gift, and/or an add-on to a gift.

I have also been working, and continue to work, on special gift wrapping for my items, whether or not it is a gift you are giving or you are keeping it for yourself. I want you to be excited to receive it too. Some items are odd sizes and shapes and they are a challenge to wrap, so I am working on those so you don't have to worry.

My orders all receive an ATC, Artist Trading Card. This little painting, 2.5x3.5 inch canvas, is something I have personally done, whether to experiment with colors, techniques, or strictly for enjoyment. Although it is customary to collect and trade, that is up to you. You may choose to keep it for yourself, punch a hole in it and add string or raffia for a gift card, add a magnet to the back, use it as a bookmark... the possibilities are endless.

Sometimes the journey has many twists and turns, so I am adding a collection, I am calling: New Direction. I am launching this for the New Year. It will contain original artwork with sayings and quotes for positive reminders for the new year going forward. The New Year is such a great time to look forward to a journey that holds so many possibilities for us all to look forward to.

To follow my journey, I hope you will like me on Facebook. There you will find the daily workings of new items and discounts...

Let's get a grip!

I've been thinking about this a lot lately.  I read allot of the Facebook posts and talk to some close friends and family.  We all have issues we are going through... BUT we need to get a grip!


THIS IS YOUR LIFE!  If we spend our time dwelling on negatives, there is no space for positives or we'll miss it as it comes by. 

The choice is yours.  Choose positive over negative, good over bad...  You are alive... live it!

frustrated!?

I'm sitting here again.... I have so many things to do and so many I want to do but I am having a hard time standing, no less bending and forget about kneeling!

I don't do things in any order that makes sense necessarily but more as I can according to pain level and what meets my fancy.  Usually, people would seal first, paint, decorate, etc.  I did all section by section so I had to go up and down the ladder the least amount of times.  I painted sections from the bottom first on days I couldn't use the ladder... but I am feeling like I have been doing too much in too short of time... and not keeping up with everything else or what routinely needs to be done... and I AM GETTING FRUSTRATED!

Last night we had a heavy rain and the areas I sealed seem to have held up but areas that needed the extra didn't and of course there is still areas to be sealed.

I have this problem, "Wonder Woman Syndrome".  My mind is working and has these great ideas and I work in no special order but my body is not cooperating.  I am working on the patio, in the mist of cleaning out the shed, need to patch the floor in front of the door, need to chalk in between the new sub floor in the kitchen and decide on flooring... I guess I need to find someone else to mow the weeds and want to try to re-seed some patches... need more shells for the front of the house and power wash and paint the whole darn thing!  

Today, I will make a list (again), try to do little things necessary and take some pictures of what is getting done so I can remind myself that I am making progress!

a friend posted this, so I don't know the original source.

 

I'm on my ass again!

Some of you understand, those that don't, I don't know what I could tell you.   I pushed and I pushed, I backed off a couple of days and pushed past the limit so here I am sitting.  I'm trying to take the focus off the pain and ....

I was moving right along on the patio... avoiding the up and down of the ladder, Sunday I was excited to finish painting so I could get to clean up and reposition my chairs.... but I had someone come over and he weighed allot more than me, stepped just right and went through a soft spot in the mobile home floor!!!  Thank God he wasn't hurt!!  But his mother was glad it wasn't me!  So I changed plans and started to prepare to repair it BUT it did me in...I couldn't move.  Yesterday I was in so much pain, I was angry!  Not sure at who or what after I was angry with myself for being useless... which is really not so.  My mind and body still have a problem with when is enough.  And anger was good for me this time.

I just get frustrated 'cause I want to keep going and get stuff done.  In my anger, I figured out a much easier way to fix the floor so that is a good thing.  But it entails going to the money tree and buying more supplies.

Yesterday, and today, will be do-nothing days.  Today, my brother-in-law is having major surgery in New York, so I am sitting and waiting with my family via text messages and phone calls.  Please say a prayer or send positive vibes their way, if you read this.

Hope you are having a great day!

UP-DATED: Not to blow the budget!

It's March!!  And this month I'm working on: how not to blow the budget!!  No different than any other month but I'm excited to get things done and February extended the things to do list!

As you know I have recently had my patio screened in.  The idea is to be able to use it 360 days out the 365 days of the year.  I am figuring on about 5 days of too cold here during the winter, or maybe too hot during the day but comfortable enough at night to enjoy.

The most expense was the actually enclosing of the patio but someone locally, a neighbor, has done so many here, he did mine. So after that, putting it all together will be the next expense and can't break the budget.

Right now, I have been using resin furniture because it's been exposed to the elements, but I want to go more comfortable... and more living, den feeling, without losing the tropics.

The first expense, of decorating, was the curtains. They are shear and light enough to blow in the breeze BUT enough to give some privacy inside and out.  It makes a big difference not feeling like I am sitting in the middle of the (main) road!  Two shipments under $75.00!!

I will start with 2 free sample quarts, I got from ACE Hardware during a promotion, on the shed.  It will give me an idea of how the two colors will match.  After seeing the colors together, I will decide if they are the colors I want the "room" to be as well as the whole trailer.

Two beachy aquas and white trim... I'm liking how it looks!  I couldn't stand anymore because I had started cleaning out the shed.  It will be easy enough to start with paint and get it done.

UPDATE:  Shed front finished painting with two coats!  DONE!!

I have an area rug (indoor/outdoor) there for my seating area but I want to do wall-to-wall indoor/outdoor carpet as a base.  I wind up with 230 sq. ft. and looking at 3 different types of indoor/outdoor carpet I come up with  $180, $203, and $250 to cover the floor.  My biggest decision is color!  How crazy is that.

Found these at the dumpster and they are in great shape.  I think I decided on a sand color carpet!  FREE is great but the color and traditional style will last and work out well.

Next I will be checking out thrift stores again.  I want a futon or twin day bed (that I may be able to put together myself) and comfy chairs for lounging out there and something to use as a buffet for those things that I wouldn't have to go in and out for.

I'm going to make a railing looking like pilings with rope around it.  In my head, it seems easy enough.  And will take done my aluminum screen door and eventually replace with a wood screen door.

Of course, the list goes on, but this is where I start a new month.  I may not accomplish it all but that's my start.

Wishing you the best for a new month to do what makes you feel good and gets you closer to where you want to be.

loving my screened in patio!!

There is nothing like living in Florida and being able to enjoy the outside at any time.

From the time I moved in here, I have wanted a screened in patio....AND I finally have it!!  I am in love with it, very happy, very excited to spend days and nights just enjoying and looking forward to making it a comfy cozy hang out!

Right now, I am making due with what I have but I will be on the look out for comfy furniture for out there and will be bringing some of my furniture from inside to outside.  What I am thinking about is a futon or something like that for curling up for a nap. 

screened in

looking in from the outside

from the inside

softens up the view

Heidi enjoys the fresh air too

curtains all up...

I love the curtains!  They weren't exactly what I thought they were going to be, but they work, and the do what I want them to do without blocking the breeze.  I thought they were more of a fish net material, but they are actually more like (bridal) veiling. They come as a pair, and each panel is 98L x 110W.  The length was perfect and having worked as a 'window specialist' before, I had hoped that doubling the width would be enough but I wound up tripling it in the front and front sides, and left a single panel to pull across the doors when needed (at night).  Here is the link for IKEA LILL Sheer curtains, 1 pair.  I used 8 pair to do my patio and even with shipping twice, it was more affordable then anything else I could find.

Need to clean up a bit and set up for some coffee in the morning, some painting in the afternoon, and wine in the evening!   Stay tuned for some decorating!

Happy February 3rd Morning!! UP-DATED!

I hope everyone had a great weekend where ever you are...

I did, just because it is warmer again... the rain left some dampness and my joints weren't as happy as they could have been, but I made the most of it and even sat on my screened in patio and enjoyed some time just being still.

A couple of days ago,  Paintin Place in Belmar, NJ  made an announcement.  Sherry and Joel are looking for someone to take over their business and they are moving to the Palm Coast of Florida!  Sherry will be starting a business in Florida,  The Colossal Mermaid.  They are embarking on a new journey that has been a dream till now, life as a mermaid.

UP-DATE:  Sherry has started a page: Refunk Your Junk She is documenting the DIY and decorating of their new home... you have to see the great things she is doing!!

I am so very happy for Sherry, I can't tell you how much.  Over the years, she has been nothing but giving and supportive to myself and so many other people that have found their passion and many beginning and grown their own businesses.  It's been an amazing journey so far.

"Selfishly" I am so excited with their move.... they will be so much closer.  I am trying to get my own health in order right now but now my hope is expanded to finally meet this wonderful woman and hopefully take some of her classes!!  And I want to get back into painting furniture and she has the best paint!!

2014 is bringing changes to many people and it just expanded my own horizons too.  Many people are going to miss her in New Jersey but I am so excited she will be walking in flip flops real soon.  I hope you will "Like" her pages and follow along her new journey from one beach to the other.

It's February!!!

It's a new day... a new month... a new week-end.... working on a new life!!

.....AND I'M FEELING GOOD!!

January was a cool month even in  Florida.  It wasn't as bad, of course, as the rest of the country but it was bad enough.   Cold does not sit well with my joints, so it made it an extra pain in the neck to deal with but...

the good news is, I've been seeing a couple of new doctors that agree that someone should not have to live in pain 24/7!!!  I originally thought my only solution was surgery but the surgeon and I are working on some other options first, which is fine with me. 

My patio is enclosed!  I am so excited about that and am looking forward to it being my outside hang-out with Heidi.  I've ordered the curtains and can't wait now for them to come and get hung.  As I go along, I'll be replacing  the outdoor resin furniture with some comfy pieces and maybe even a futon for sleeping under the stars on those summer nights.

I'm still painting and came up with an idea that I hopes works out.... if it does, you know I'll be sure  to show you... and at that point it will be available in my Etsy Shop (which is on vacation for re-vamping and re-stocking).

AND last but not least, I got a stove!  Which means:  one thing leads to another!!!  I can't even begin to tell you whats going on, because I'm not sure but I have to paint the wall where the refrigerator used to be!

Enjoy your DAY!  your WEEKEND!!   your MONTH!!!  and work on HOW you WANT to FEEL!!!  I'm feeling good....excited about what has been happening here and what's in store for this month!

One step further....

I took my Core Desire Feelings (CDF) one step further.  I took the words and broke them down more into  the meanings that resonate with me and what I am trying to accomplish, or  FEELINGS I want to feel.  Once again, here's my list:

The picture I choose has just as much meaning as the the words. For the past few years, as much as I love the beach, I've had a feeling of being under water... sometimes, drowning ... I am planning and hoping that as I go along this part of the journey, I will break through the surface and into the light again!

 alive ~ being animately exisent; being active, full of life; awake ~ conscious, alert

peaceful ~ friendly, serene, tranquil, quiet, calm

focused ~ aim attention at; concentrate; attract; think about closely, gather, collect

creative ~ artistic, imaginative; productive, constructive, rewarding

excited ~ inspired; delighted, enthusiastic, passionate

joyful ~ happy; upbeat, pleasurable, cheerful

For me, I think working on being alive is my first CDF that encompasses all that I want to be and to work on.  It has to do allot more with my health than I would think and I think after that, once I get a grip on that, everything will fall into place.  I have an appointment with a new doctor on Tuesday and that's my start...

I started my day by listening to the audio of Start the New You Now! and think I will listen to it every morning until it all completely sinks in... or I become more focused!  It's subject is: Desire Mapping for Your Heart and Soul.

Once again if you desire more, you can find Danielle LaPorte on Facebook here. 
 

taking a journey into the 'known'...

The Desire Map, Danielle LaPorte, page 157:

Take a journey into the things which you are carrying, the known --
not into the unknown -- into what you already know;
your pleasures, your delights, your despairs, your sorrows.
Take a journey into that, that is all you have.
-- Jiddu Krishnamurti

Makes sense to me.  Unless I look at what I have, how do I know what I want and/or don't want.  How do I get there unless I figure out what feels good or not.  At least then if I'm not sure I recognize it, I'll recognize the feeling!


Three questions:

1. What would happen if we made all our decisions based on feeling good?  What does "feeling good" mean to you?
2. Why do you think we push away good feelings?
3. If we believed our joy would change the world, what would we do differently?

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO FEEL?

How many times has someone asked you how you're feeling and the answer was a simple, OK?  But 'OK' is not a feeling.  Have you even said to a child, "use your words"?  It all starts with words.  Are you ready to explore how you feel vs.  how you want to feel? The picture I choose has just as much meaning as the the words.  For the past few years, as much as I love the beach, I've had a feeling of being under water... sometimes, drowning ... I am planing and hoping that as I go along this part of the journey, I will break through the surface and into the light again! Positive Feelings:

OPEN

HAPPY

ALIVE

GOOD

understanding

great

playful

calm

confident

gay

courageous

peaceful

reliable

joyous

energetic

at ease

easy

lucky

liberated

comfortable

amazed

fortunate

optimistic

pleased

free

delighted

provocative

encouraged

sympathetic

overjoyed

impulsive

clever

interested

gleeful

free

surprised

satisfied

thankful

frisky

content

receptive

important

animated

quiet

accepting

festive

spirited

certain

kind

ecstatic

thrilled

relaxed

satisfied

wonderful

serene

glad

free and easy

cheerful

bright

sunny

blessed

merry

reassured

elated

jubilant

LOVE

INTERESTED

POSITIVE

STRONG

loving

concerned

eager

impulsive

considerate

affected

keen

free

affectionate

fascinated

earnest

sure

sensitive

intrigued

intent

certain

tender

absorbed

anxious

rebellious

devoted

inquisitive

inspired

unique

attracted

nosy

determined

dynamic

passionate

snoopy

excited

tenacious

admiration

engrossed

enthusiastic

hardy

warm

curious

bold

secure

touched

brave

sympathy

daring

close

challenged

loved

optimistic

comforted

re-enforced

drawn toward

confident

hopeful

Difficult/Unpleasant Feelings

ANGRY

DEPRESSED

CONFUSED

HELPLESS

irritated

lousy

upset

incapable

enraged

disappointed

doubtful

alone

hostile

discouraged

uncertain

paralyzed

insulting

ashamed

indecisive

fatigued

sore

powerless

perplexed

useless

annoyed

diminished

embarrassed

inferior

upset

guilty

hesitant

vulnerable

hateful

dissatisfied

shy

empty

unpleasant

miserable

stupefied

forced

offensive

detestable

disillusioned

hesitant

bitter

repugnant

unbelieving

despair

aggressive

despicable

skeptical

frustrated

resentful

disgusting

distrustful

distressed

inflamed

abominable

misgiving

woeful

provoked

terrible

lost

pathetic

incensed

in despair

unsure

tragic

infuriated

sulky

uneasy

in a stew

cross

bad

pessimistic

dominated

worked up

a sense of loss

tense

boiling

fuming

indignant

INDIFFERENT

AFRAID

HURT

SAD

insensitive

fearful

crushed

tearful

dull

terrified

tormented

sorrowful

nonchalant

suspicious

deprived

pained

neutral

anxious

pained

grief

reserved

alarmed

tortured

anguish

weary

panic

dejected

desolate

bored

nervous

rejected

desperate

preoccupied

scared

injured

pessimistic

cold

worried

offended

unhappy

disinterested

frightened

afflicted

lonely

lifeless

timid

aching

grieved

shaky

victimized

mournful

restless

heartbroken

dismayed

doubtful

agonized

threatened

appalled

cowardly

humiliated

quaking

wronged

menaced

alienated

wary

It starts with a feeling...

It all starts with a feeling.  What do I want to feel?  How do I want to feel and how can I get that feeling?
We always seem to be waiting for something, someone, someplace to make us fell "something" but what?  What if it is already inside of us waiting to bust out, for us to release it and feel it?

The message is that everything we do, we do to feel a certain way.  But did you grow up with out the freedom to express and feel your feelings? 

Where you told, "you shouldn't feel that way!  There's nothing to be afraid of!  It's all going to be OK."  ??

There is a pretty good list of feelings, good and bad, here.  So as I develop my core desires I battle with words.  I've stuffed feelings for so long that I am not clear on them.  So that is my first lesson.  I remember being told that feelings aren't right or wrong, they just are.   Obviously I want to feel good.  I want to feel good about myself, my surroundings, my circumstances and my accomplishments.  

So this is my GOAL,  my RESOLUTION for 2014... taking a journey with The Desire Map.

I have my book, my workbook and my 2014 Desire Map Planner.  

My first goals as I go along are for repairs and up dates to my home, and my health.  Yes repairs and up-dates to my health!  I need different medical advice than I have been given and I can no longer go on with that program... everything is going in a new direction this year!

I hope you'll check it out and perhaps join me... maybe even join the largest Book Club!  You can find more information HERE.

The FIRST Weekend of the NEW YEAR ~ 2014!

This is the FIRST weekend of the NEW YEAR!!  And I am happy and excited about it!

This started off as a little sharing of excitement to get off the ground in 2014, on my FaceBook page, and it kept growing!

The OLD year was ending with some sour notes but the NEW year began with friends, family and better notes :)  I am determined that the sour notes won't stick and for every negative there is a positive...even if I have to dig a little deeper to find it.  I will be sharing every positive post that inspires me and hopefully they will inspire you too.

So, are you planning anything for 2014?  I am not making resolutions, per se, but I'm mapping out a journey that suits me and will bring me peace, happiness, joy and better health!

Going forward there are always DECISIONS to make and actions to take.  These will be measured by what is best for ME, what makes ME feel good... and the same with my time.  In a sense, better time management and with better allocation of it.  Questions I have begun to ask myself is: is it worth it? will it be worth it in the long run? does it help me get to the next phase of the journey?  is it appreciated?

I need to work on ACCEPTANCE.  Sometimes, no matter how I try, the words I say are not met favorably but I am coming to believe the resistance is actually to keep a status quo.  It seems to be a conflict of interests, a regression and complete opposite of what is said.  Some people just live in the past because that is where they are most comfortable.
In other ways, I need to accept {still} what I can and can not do and accept the help that is offered.  That is harder for me than I realized because I was always and used to being the one to help, and now need to be able to accept help.  And I will keep repeating the SERENITY PRAYER.

I am starting off the new year with a few books to READ!  I am determined to read more AND set time aside for it!  When it comes to sitting down and reading,  I still love to hold the real thing in my hands and feel and turn the pages... and good ones, I can not part with!!  I love and keep my books which is very hard when using the library!!

I did check out from the Library, 2 books by Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo; Cook Right 4 Your Type and Eat Right 4 Your Type.  They are based on the 4 blood types and what is better for your health and weight (loss).  I am not going to go into my refrigerator and pantry and throw out every last thing that is not good for me, but, I will shop with a list, {which I am making and keeping in my purse} to replace with things, as I need to, that are better for me.  I am definitely not ready to give up coffee and/or milk and all dairy products either! 

I bought a copy of  Second firsts ~Live, Laugh, and Love Again~ by Christina Rasmussen.  I've been following her Facebook page for a while and she offers some very powerful and positive posts, but it wasn't until I dug a little deeper that I realized that this isn't just for someone who lost a loved one... not that I haven't, but it is about starting over, and that's what I am doing... at least trying to.

I also bought a copy of  Etched in Sand ~A True Story of Five Siblings Who Survived an Unspeakable Childhood on Long Island~ by Regina Calcaterra.  It takes place on Long Island, New York, which is where I am from.  But it is about a woman who over comes such adversity.  I love books about woman who over come, who are strong, who are not only survivors but examples of perseverance "in the face of adversity".

Last but not least, I have a series of books written by Joan Anderson.  There are 5 or 6, I don't remember at this point.  I read the first one and half of the second... It is time to dust those off my shelf and bring them out to be read.  I'd explain them to you as:  Empty Nester, seeks where and what am I doing with the rest of my life... on the beach of Cape Cod.

So there is the FEW!  But I have to give up some Facebook time to "read".  Oh yes, ONE MORE:

This is a yearly planner for matching your soul to your to-do list.
Your daily to-do’s are supported by your core desired feelings and inner declarations.
Inspirational quotes, week at a glance — room for your whole life. 2014, look out!
Only available on DanielleLaPorte.com. Limited quantities available...

you can see it on my page.  I didn't get it yet, but can't wait for it to arrive!  I used to be better at it; my Planner was my life, my appointments, my dairy...I'm hoping this one gets me back on track, and not so scattered!  There also other books and a workbook (I may have to get.) available too.

That's it for now on the books and reading list!  In addition to the planner, I also purchased a desk blotter calendar BUT I'm going to hang it on the wall.  I'm finding, regular wall calendars are too small and confining and on a desk it gets lost under the paper work... so on the wall it will go.

I am hoping to get better organized, mentally and physically including my surroundings and plans.  I have a habit of biting off more than I can chew and becoming overwhelmed - then discouraged - unable to focus and then I just shut down.  Very bad pattern, so I'm going to try to come up with new patterns to avoid that one... which brings me to FOCUS..FOCUS..FOCUS.  That is why I spent the money and I am hoping my new planner will help me develop that focus and structure.  One of the side effects of not having a "job" or being retired, is you are on Island Time 24/7.  Usually you are on Island Time for a limited amount of time, for example: a vacation, and that is real good at recharging your batteries...but not forever.  Or not forever for me...I need a little bit more structure for myself...I am missing a routine.

 My NUMBER ONE PRIORITY, right now, now that the holidays are over is to find a new DOCTOR!  For those of that have followed me, you know I bitch and moan sometimes about being in pain and unable to do things sometimes.  This has been going on, off and on, all my life but under control for the most part.  The past five or so years, things have progressively gotten worse to the point where it is extremely difficult to walk... and to sleep.  Any one who has ever been in pain, no less for a period of time, will tell you that it does a number to you.  You become sedentary, which is the complete opposite of what I want to be!  I live in a place that is very conducive to being mobile...I am dying to walk the beach again!  Would love to take walks with my dog... that's why I got her, so we could take walks and I could get exercise!  But just to do what I absolutely have to is more than enough for me on most days.... I have become depressed ... some days I know are not good days to talk to even family because I don't like myself.   SO I am on a doctor hunt!  I'm not looking for heavy drugs or surgery but to be able to enjoy a quality of life.  We all deserve that much.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST:  Painting, painting, painting!  I have started the new year with a new mind-set for my paintings.  I am sticking with my beaches but looking at adding  "positive" sayings, phrases, and directional poles.  I have put my Etsy Shop on vacation to add more to it and I'm working on shipping prices.  I'd love to offer free shipping forever but that doesn't work if I want my prices to stay as low as possible so I am working on that...maybe some kind of happy medium.  I have allot of signs to add to the shop but it's been so cloudy that my pictures aren't showing off how they really look...until you get them!  I'm waiting for a sunny day!  I have a couple of sketch books of different ideas too.  I look forward to sharing some new work this year.

So my friends, this is my plan... what's yours?   I'd love to hear from you.  Did I give you any ideas?  Maybe you could share yours and give me some ideas too!  Let's make 2014 the best year yet!!