Family Emergency

Dear Readers,

Matt and I have been busy with a family emergency this past week. I foresee it being at least another week or two before I will start blogging again. 

Your thoughts and prayers are welcome during this time. 

Thank you for your understanding. 

Jessica

a Shimmering Star

Updates

Summer is winding down, and so am I. This summer has been eventful, and while I had a blast I am looking forward to a quiet fall.

Here are a few things about the past few weeks. 

1. My birthday was the last week of August. My family celebrated on the previous Sunday with burgers and apple crisp. On Wednesday, my friends and I checked out the new Grand River Marketplace then went to my house to play Cards Against Humanity until 4 am. 

2. I have read a lot of books. Over a hundred already (which beat my goal) and it's only September!

3. I have gotten a lot of positive feedback at work, and I am being sent to several conferences and workshops over the next two months. 

4. I am organizing my life. Changes are coming, and I feel energized. 

And the Bibliophiles Rejoiced!

Why I am sharing a grainy, nondescript photo of a wall? The wall belongs to my craft studio. My father will secure my new bookshelves to either side of the window tomorrow.

Soon, my books will be on display and organized!

I'm easily excited, but I know the bibliophiles understand.

Inconsistent Spring

The moody spring weather is wearing me down. I would almost rather be sick than deal with sinus pain and allergies. 

Wake me up when spring is here to stay. 

Again, The Silence

It seems like it hasn't stopped snowing in days. On Friday night we noticed that the furnace kept running yet the temperature was falling. Luckily, a repairman came on Saturday and used a wet/dry vac to clear a build-up of condensation in one of the lines.

I wanted to snuggle in for the rest of the day, but Matt got sick; I took him to urgent care. The rest of the weekend was spent making sure he was comfortable, reading books, and watching the snow fall. We're almost caught up on Community, and I am convinced that I read Game of Thrones once upon a time.

And that was my weekend. It's hard to believe it is February.

Back in Stock

After my Etsy shop reopening announcement last week I decided to relisted two popular bracelets in my etsy, With Eyes Lifted.

Cobalt Bracelet

Verde Bracelet

And here is a sneak preview of my current project, a crochet necklace.

Make sure to visit a Shimmering Star and With Eyes Lifted for updates and new listings!

Under Construction

My craft room is starting to shape up. Misty has been helping me organize my beads. I will be sharing several projects soon.

I am starting to think of my craft room as a studio.

In Orderly Fashion

I've been organizing the files on my computer. I have a ways to go, but I already feel more creative, focused, and inspired now that my computer is cleaner.

I am okay with being a geek.

Breaking the Silence

It's been a slow week for a Shimmering Star. Our internet went down on Wednesday, and I struggled for 35 minutes to upload my Wordless Wednesday post from my phone. Although the internet was fixed yesterday I didn't post because Matt and I went to Los Tres Amigos for dinner and then saw Prometheus.

Meanwhile, I have been doing a lot of research. My local library subscribes to the Craft and Hobbies Reference Center database. What a valuable resource!

I also borrowed a few craft books.

I am exploring the combination beads and fiber to create mixed media accessories, decor, and jewelry.

Stay tuned for the reopening of my etsy, With Eyes Lifted!

So Little Time

I have been preoccupied with my training. It has been a long time since I have been encouraged to learn. The beauty of my job is I will never stop learning. Libraries offer so much free data and information to the public; they're such a valuable resource. As Frank Zappa said, "So many books, so little time".

It is nice to be challenged.

Three Day Weekend

Retail workers rarely get to enjoy the holidays. Libraries are not open on most bank holidays, so this weekend was my first Memorial day weekend off in twelve years. I spent time with friends and family, took several long walks, ate far too much food, and bought a new couch.

In short, it was amazing.

I Am Waiting

I hope it is good news.

Changes

The past year has been full of amazing changes. Matt was hired into a good company. We got engaged and married. We bought our first house. And in less than a week I am transferring stores. I will be doing the same job, but it will be parttime. This change is bittersweet.

Currently I drive almost two hours a day. I do not have a set schedule, so I am rarely home at the same time as Matt. Despite the drive and lack of time to myself, the introvert in me would prefer to stay where I am. I am afraid to let go of my finances. Although I did not prosper, my fulltime job in retail helped me through the recession. But I have too many miles on my lease, and I need to work closer to home.

Retail has a certain constant unsettledness. You truly depend on your coworkers, and I will have to relearn who I can rely on. Yet with less driving and fewer hours at work I will be home more. I can cook meals. I can apply to graduate schools. I can garden. I can explore the creative ideas swirling in my mind. I can devote more time to my passions: DIY and writing. I may even "find myself" in the process.

I am grateful for the opportunity.

Busy, Busy

1. Our wedding and honeymoon were perfect.
2. We are traveling to Indiana to witness our friends Nicole and Jason wed.
3. I have much to blog about when we return!

Interlude

Dear Readers,
As you can see I have not been posting. Between work, car searching, a cold and stress, I have not had time to write. The car search and cold are in their final stages, and I should be resuming regular updates in the next few days.

Thanks for checking in!

Jess