HooooooKaH! :)

Hello y'all..... First things first, I had an amazing weekend! Exactly what I needed! I don't have pictures to upload yet, I barely took any pictures, but I do have a few :) I guess no pictures is the sign of a great weekend, but I was basically just too hot & sweaty to remember my camera everytime I went anywhere... I was wearing as minimal clothing as possible!

Rundown of bands....

Slightly Stoopid -- STUPID. Never been so disappointed in a band's performance in my entire concert going career, which is about 10 years of music. I think they may have had a new singer or something, but I can safely say that they sound nothing at all like their recorded music.

Yonder Mountain String Band -- All my friends love these guys, but I wasn't sure since I never heard them before. I like bluegrass, and this music was great to get down to! It was during the HEAT on Saturday, but it was worth it to dance and listen to some great music. I will definitely be adding them to my playlists :)

Hookah -- Well, it is their festival..! In my opinion their Sunday set was better than their set Saturday, but still great all around! I'm not a fan to listen to their CDs or anything, but I love dancing to them and I love the atmosphere. All weekend anytime we passed someone it was "happy hookah". Loved it!

Girl Talk -- I was very, very, VERY skeptical about this dude. A one-man DJ, he basically mixes the weirdest songs together and lays down beats with random lyrics. He only uses a laptop and has the worst stage presence EVER, but I had fun! How often do you get to look around at a crowd of dirty hippies (it was Sunday, we hadn't showered since Friday morning & it was in the 90s) singing Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga or just straight up rap music!? FUCKING AWESOME!!! I would just look around and laugh... but it was fun to dance to too! He went on at 12:30 and ended at 3, I swear it felt like a half hour. I'm keeping my eyes on YouTube because if someone uploads a video of that show, I am going to show everyyyyone I know! lol

* * * * * * *

Right before we left Friday, my car sprung a CRAZY huge gas leak! Lucky for me, my dad owns a car shop (and I work here!), so I just left the car here, and borrowed my sister's car! Today my beast is getting fixed!

It was a great first festival of the year, for sure! The plan was for me to walk/vend, and sell hoops, but I didn't do too well with that... Friday we ended up setting up camp in the dark, checking out Slightly Stoopid, then going to bed... Music sucked Friday so I figured I might as well get some sleep in! Saturday morning we woke up and went to walk/vend and I ended up tripping and my hip was in instant pain. I spent the entire day & night Saturday limping around, it was baaaad! Finally Sunday morning I realized my hip had sort of popped out of the socket, so J pushed it back in for me... and I was instantly fine! I ended up selling 2 hoops, and had a custom hoop I brought for a girl, and I couldn't find her the entire weekend, which was lame!

We camped with 2 of our guy friends, and down the way a bit were some of our other friends; 2 dudes & one of our few couple friends :) So it was nice to have at least one girl with me for the weekend. We hooped a loooot :)

And then yesterday after a 2.5 hour ride home, carrying in all our stuff & relaxing for a bit, I found a TICK on my back in the shower. I've never had a tick before so I was a bit grossed out to say the least. I ripped it off and it still had a chunk of my skin & blood in it's mouth & all it's legs were going 100 miles a minute. Ew. I was soooo disgusted, I had J check me over completely and spent about 15 minutes touching every inch of my scalp to make sure there were no more. I was just shocked that I couldn't feel it back there the entire day.... I felt so gross. J was just thankful his dreadies are all gone, so he didn't have to worry about any ticks in there!

Wellllll, that's about all!
I'll post pictures tonight or tomorrow!

=]

How was y'all's holiday weekend!?
=]

festieeee timeeee!!!!!

How awesome is that?!

Or that!!!!! I love Nightmare before Christmas.
I collect Jack & Sally mementos :)


I am (and have been for awhile) addicted to paisley!
It's so fun, funky & cute!
And it seems like it's always in bright, pretty colors too!
love it!

Meeeee.... exactly a year ago!
I am glad I've lost weight!
And this year, I'm a little more tan, since I spent about 14 days in a tanning bed :)

Last but not least, isn't that the prettiest eye you've ever seen?
I'm sure it's not real.
But still, cool!
I'm gonna experiment with something picture-ish around my eyes this weekend...
We'll see how it turns out!

Everyone, enjoy your long weekend!
You know I will be!
& expect pictures Monday evening or Tuesday!
lots.of.pictures!

Falling Rain...

Visit me on etsy

Well, last night in my neck of the woods we had storms, hail & tornadoes --- yay, not! I am still grateful that there wasn't much destruction, and most of it was from the storms & winds, not the tornado. Just cements the fact that unexpected natural disasters are crazy intense. Just another reason for me to donate 20% of all my sales from here until a date TBD, to Joplin, MO. Just found out last night that my uncle's old friend from his Army days lost his house in Joplin. I am in contact with them about "adopting" their family & collecting things they need. I hope they accept my offer, I can't imagine going to bed with a home and waking up without one. Even though it did happen to my grandma, she had a whole town of people to help her, while in Joplin, most of the town lost a lot.

* * * * * * * *
I've lost 2 more followers! That makes me sad!
But hey, I started out this blog following a bunch of different, random kinds of blogs and have since just put them on my "hidden" list because I don't know how to unfollow. I guess it happens. lol
* * * * * * * *

Last night after work, I was planing on going shopping, but then we noticed the sky was pitch black to the West of our town, and blue & sunny to the east, so we just stayed home. Since J had to work the night shift, my sister, my friend & I decided to try to just hoop... but it was WAY too windy, the wind kept grabbing our hoops from us or knocking them down.

So we decided to run to the closest grocery store, grab some things to cook for dinner, and chill at my place. We ended up buying a HUGE random assortment of stuff, but while cooking it, it got pitch black outside, then we had hail the size of ping pong balls coming down! I live in an old house, with real glass windows, so we decided to get out of the kitchen til it passed. Thankfully it was over relatively quick, so we finished cooking, then watched Americal Idol while eating (after the cable started working again). I have never watched Americal Idol until Tuesday night, my sister forced me to watch because she thought it was the finale. So after watching Tues., I knew I had to watch again last night to see who won. I am so glad I watched, though, because TLC performed... well I guess just T-C, but still.. I was shocked & happy! I am a big fan of all kinds of 90s music, and that was just awesome. Then my cable went out again right before the end, so I didn't even find out who won until this morning. Scotty! My mom & sister were rooting for him, and I'm not really a country fan, but you have to admit, that kid has some voice skills! I think he sounds like Garth Brooks or George Straight, then you find out he's only 17 and it's like "wow how does that voice come out of him!?" So overall, I had a nice evening. Ended it by wrapping up a few hoops and reading a few chapters before bed =]

Has anyone noticed how less dragged down I am, now that I haven't been worrying about my friend's issues?! It's been great, really! I know her daughter is being taken care of right now, so that's all that matters =]

One last exciting tidbit -- I think I've broken into a whole new arena of things with my hoops locally... I posted an ad on craigslist yesterday (just as another way to get local sales), and within an hour had an email from a woman asking if I would be interested in doing a birthday party for her ten year old this summer, involving making hoops with 8-10 kids her age, then teaching them basic tricks. I gave her what I think is a pretty reasonable price, so we'll see what she says! If I can start doing weddies & parties on the regular, it will really boost business & I'll be psyched! Cross your fingers for meeee!

*squeeeel*

greaaaat weather!!!!!
greaaaattt mood!!!!

hookahville in 3 days!!!!
greaaaat bloggy & real life friends!!!!

really --- what more could i ask for?!

----------------

as of yesterday, i will be donating 20% of my proceeds to tornado relief
in Joplin, MO.

tornadoes hit close to home for me
(my grandma's house was demolished 10 years ago, my cousin & grandma made it to safety in the nick of time! she still recovering everything, her new house is still not completely finished - due to insurance issues, and i imagine the same thing will happen to many involved.)

www.etsy.com/knottycraftkreations
www.facebook.com/KnottyCraftKreations

----------------

Angie's Super Rainbow Hoop ~ Collapsed!

Seriously, my calves are NOT this big.
But the focus shouldn't be on them anyways,
Check out these amazing moccasins that Camille sent me.
I LOVE THEM!
Thank you girly,
& just in time for my first festie!
Not to mention, they fit my feet like they were made for me!

& I'm Back*

Wow, today I woke up feeling wonderful, the skies are blue & sunny, and I'm honestly trying to forget that this entire week ever existed!!! :) If I can make it through the next 5 hours of work (which is extremely slow ~ YES!), I'll be free for the next 63 hours! Woot woot! Since you all already heard about my personal stuff this week, I figured I'd throw together some stuff I've seen & loved, or what's coming up in my life.... Soooo here it goes...

If you don't already read Ashley's blog under those neon lights, you're missing out!
Earlier this week she had a giveaway (over) and a DIY to make these tiny little dreamcatchers.
I absolutely fell in love with them (and am in the process of making some for relatives with Native American heritage), and think everyone should check em out! :)

Ashley also makes the most awesome stamps! I've purchased 3 different ones and love them all. She draws all her own designs & they're very cute! Check out her shop!


Have any of you ever seen this in person?
It's pretty much a cool sweater for a tree! There are a few places around where I've seen them.
Someday when I have my own place (for good), I'm definitely going to try my hand at giving my trees sweaters =]

This is random, but we have a tortoise who looks just like this picture
[[Zephyr]]
And J used to skate, maybe we can teach him?
Hmmmm!



This is where I'll be the first week in August ~Rootwire Festival~
You may remember my glowing reviews from last year.
Honestly guys, if anyone of you is in the scene, has the means to come to Southern Ohio for the weekend, PLEASE let me know. This is the place to be. You'll get to see live artists, live music, DJs all night, a silent battle (2 DJs, and headphones for the crowd!!!), live performances with hoopers, fire, poi, trapeze work, BEAUTIFUL landscapes, and the best part for me was all the beautiful people we met. Very low costs compared to other large festivals & you will enjoy yourself. Four days of greatness! Ask me if you're seriously interested in coming I may be able to help you find more information & I'd definitely be your neighbor!






I'm going to be trying my hand at making something like this for myself!
I ordered some wrist cuffs that are similar and was shocked to see that when they came, it's just yarn tied around elastic (much like I make my tutus), and I think I could make something like this for myself. I don't need the top part to be crochet, because it'll be covered by my pockets, so I'm just gonna try elastic and see how it works! Wish me luck! & if they turn out good, I will start selling them to other hoopers! I am hoping to start complete costume making this fall! Only time will tell! =]

This is where we'll be next Friday as soon as I get off work! :)
I've never been before, but this is Hookahville 34, and I couldn't be more excited to be taking part in it! Friday we'll be seeing Slightly Stoopid, which I'm stoked for! And then the rest of the weekend is Ekoostik Hookah (big in Ohio) and Yonder Mountain String Band, as well as many smaller, still badass groups! I'm stoked!!! I'll be gone from Friday evening til Monday morning, we got a sitter for the pets (J's brother) so I won't have any worries. I generally am still a nervous wreck being away from Ruca & the other animals all weekend, and we usually start missing Ruca around Saturday morning... We'll be sitting there relaxing and one of us will go "man I wonder what Ruca's doing". It's so funny how big of a part of our life she is. =]

* * * * * * *

In other news, I think I finally got the post office mess figured out, thank the heavens!! I just had to find the right person to threaten, someone who would talk sensibly with me and not just throw me a bunch of terms I don't know. All I can gather is that they stopped delivery because my package was opened at some point. Either way, they'll be sending the package back to me and then it will be on it's way to Camille. Now let's just cross our fingers that it isn't ruined! :)

If you're waiting on a package from me (book swap, hoop order, duct tape swap), it should be there soon! All of my packages supposedly are released and will be en route to destinations by this afternoon. I am crossing my fingers & toes & everything else that you will all have your stuff early next week! I AM SO SORRY ABOUT THE DELAYS!!!! I appreciate your patience with me this week, and I hope it doesn't turn you off from ordering or swapping with me in the future =]

Last but not least, if the weather is half as beautiful where you all are, as it is where I am ~ have a GREAT weekend, and enjoy these rays of sun!!!

on standby.

I was going to write a post up today, instead of being emo. Alas, I just got off the phone with the USPS and I am pissed, extremely pissed. Why is it that all of a sudden my packages are being scrutinized. Funny, some people can mail drugs through USPS but I can't even mail my jewelry without having a major issue. I am fuming. I hope someone from the USPS stumbles across and reads this blog and then kisses my ass. But, hah, I only have 61 followers, so I doubt that'll happen.

goin through changes.

By nature, I'm a lover. I love realllyyyy hard, and I think I have professed this here enough times. Last night I made a decision to finally let go of my best friend. There has been far too much pain for me to handle and I can't keep letting her indecisions and bad decisions and just basic distaste for being honest and the person she used to be hold me down anymore. I think it's been glaringly obvious that person is not in that body anymore and won't be coming back. So I came home, and I sat on my bathroom floor and I balled my eyes out. I cried for the 24 years we've spent together, I cried for the times she held me when I needed her, I cried mourning what has been and what is gone.... And when I was done crying, I felt another weight lifted. I opened my eyes and looked around and was thankful......





And then I decided on my next tattoo.... "and this bird you cannot change" in the vicinity of my peacock. It has a sort of double-triple-quadruple meaning for me, so I love it. It was my cousin's favorite song, he died in 2001. My stepdad's favorite song, he passed in 2008. And it'll be next to my bird (duh). And of course the feeling that I am partially a bird or was a bird in a past life or maybe even I want to be a bird. I already talked to my tattoo guy and if he can cut me a good deal, I'll be getting more ink soon! More color in the peacock too! :)








After I decided that, I headed out to get my first pedicure ever! My friend's mom gave it to me as a gift for planning Hoop Day, I thought that was a great gesture! So, I'm not into people touching my feet, but it was my friend who did it. An hour of pure happiness and her calming presence sure made me feel a lot better about everything. Afterwards, she and her boyfriend came over and we ordered some pizza and drank some wine. It was a good night had by all. J had to go to bed early, so they left and I read some more of my book while he slept.








I'm having major issues with the post office for some reason. I ship through them at least 5 items a week, so now I'm kind of hurt by what is going on. Very rude, I'm not recieving packages TO my house... and my friend went to send a package out (she has a crystal shop) and was treated rudely and questioned about my business. I don't understand what's going on but it's hurting my feelings and making things a bit difficult for me in the business aspect. All because I questioned the whereabouts of a package that seems to be their fault that it was lost. Hmm.








Today's my early day, so I'm off in an hour and headed to help with wedding decor for my friend. Hopefully tonight is as smooth as last night ended. I can only hope.

Rollercoasting*

Yesterday was up, down, up, down allllll day for me. And while the ups were extremely high, the downs were still low, and that's never a good feeling!

UP: My hair was extra soft & curly when I got up! My hair NEVER stays curly, but this Moroccan oil I've been using is working it's magic. My hair is healthier than it has been in years (which is why it's precisely time to dye it)





DOWN: I emailed Camille, because she hadn't posted her swap package or said thanks, I knew something had to be up. Yep, she never got it. Mind you, I sent it priority, 10 days ago, delivery confirmation & insurance.... So it should've been there within 3 days max. My heart sunk when I called my post office and they basically couldn't help me. A missing package report has been filed and I was assured over & over that they would contact me within 48 hours & they assured me the package would be found. We're 24 hours in, and no call -- yet! Keep fingers crossed for us, I don't think I can reproduce the magic of that package :(





UP: Got an email from one of my very first out of state customers. Her son is getting married (on World Hoop Day!!!!) and she would like me to provide hoops & jewelry for the bridesmaids for the wedding shower. We still have to discuss specifics, but I am thrilled at this. I'll be traveling 2-3 hours away for it, but what an opportunity! I'm on the edge of my seat for her next email which will contain all the details & their decision with how things will be done (I gave 2 options - make & take, or I can make everything based on personality/likes/dislikes/color choices)!





DOWN: I had to make a very hard decision, and basically tell on someone, but it was in the best interests of a smaller someone (two of them) who have no choice in the matter and can't protect themselves. It'll be better in the end, and while I was shaky/wavering while I was talking to him, I felt like a ton of bricks had lifted off my chest afterwards.





UP: Ran to the grocery store & they had TONS of fresh fruits & veggies on sale, and I got some fruit dip & veggie dip! Woot woot!

DOWN: Got to check out and dropped dip all over the floor. This has never happened to me before and I felt horrible. They were super busy, so I just got some paper towels and cleaned it up myself. Another down, while I was cleaning some woman walked by and glared at me in disgust, I smiled back at her. I'm sick of being judged when I am only one of a small amount of kids in this town who doesn't have a huge drug problem. I may not look sparkly & clean (I do work in a car shop!!!), but I am a very kind person & it hurts me when people can't see past the exterior to get to know me.





UP: Made stir fry for dinner, as well as a broccoli/cauliflower salad -- YUM! Afterwards, I started on hoop stuff that I needed to finish.





DOWN: As I was packaging Angie's hoop for delivery, I ruined it. Seriously, I have been making hoops for over a year, and this is the first time I have kinked one. My heart dropped to the ground. Worst part ~ it literally cannot be saved, so now Angie has to wait a few more days, and I have to re-make the hoop. Luckily, I have enough tape. I may have cried... Okay, I did.





UP: I got a few custom jewelry orders, 6 hoop orders, and sold a few of my pre-made items. I ended my evening on the couch, reading SOMETHING BORROWED, the last book I bought before the Kindle. Starting tomorrow, I'll be loading things onto my Kindle to read =] (eeks!) J is back on a Xbox streak (blame the 8 days of rain we've been forecasted), so I have had plenty of reading/cleaning/crafting time since Sunday! Not that I'm complaining! lol

Handmade Swaparoo Loot For Me! :)

You may remember me posting once or twice (or five or six) times about the Handmade for You Swaparoo and how happy I was to have found the girls I found through it... =]

My partner was the lovely, dreadie Camille, and THIS is what she sent me (all of which I happen to love fiercely!)

A beautiful picture in a flowered frame
"just keep hooping"
This has a permanent spot on my desk :)
(see my pretty orange hookah in the background?)

I had to show this picture, because I fell in love with that ribbon!!!

upcycled notepaper!
love. especially because a few of the pieces are tattooed people.
i love me some ink! :)

& the painted cover which showcases a quote we both love
"dear god, make me a bird....."
i love it. i may have to hang it up when i'm all done with my paper!

a necklace handmade for meeeeee!
it includes some amazingly beautiful & unique glass beads,
and a shell from Carolinaaaa
(last time I visited, it was spring & the ocean was freeezin! I didn't get a chance to swim or hunt for seashells!)

Lastly, a handpainted peace sign ashtray/jewelry holder
(yes I still thought "ohh I coulda used that as a jewelry holder", even though it was broken on arrival!)

I knew as soon as I picked up the package that something was broke, but I'm glad I got all the lovely stuff I did :)

A big shout out to Miss Angie & Miss Beth for hosting this swap!
You 2 are both lovely ladies & I loooove reading your blogs :)

& as soon as Blogger fixes the original post, I'll link up and you all can check out everyone else's blogs who participated!!!

double you, tee, effffff?!

BLOGGER.... How could you abandon me during my most boring weekday at work EVER?!!?!?!! Anyways, glad you're back up & running!!!!


Today I have been in theee best mood! I ordered myself some cuteness for my garden, from a handy crafty friend! Also ordered a rosette from the one & only miss Angieeeee! And paid some bills. And took steps to get my feather extensions put in by my good friend/beautician! :) I am hoping to get them in the next month, so that I can wear them everywhere all summer ~ it also laid to rest my need to dye my hair an unnatural color. I'm gonna go with sleek, shiny brown, with the feather extensions it's gonna look amazeeeeballs!!!!


I got my Kindle last night. My boyfriend is amazing for ordering it for me. I am so impressed, the page looks like a real book, not a computer/phone screen like I was worried about!!!! I haven't had a chance to get any books, but I set everything up & plan on getting a wireless router this weekend (up til now, I just plugged the modem directly into my laptop & the 360, but I need one).


I'm reading Dead Reckoning, the latest Sookie Stackhouse novel. I swear, I can't get enough of Sookie & her weirdness. I wish I could meet her in the real world!!!!! :)


I'm setting out for a new Saturday venture tomorrow. Our area has a fresh farmers market which is looking for new vendors & tomorrow is my "try out" if you will. $10 vending fee, and I show up at 7, leave at noon, sounds like a good morning! Not to mention I'll get to shop for fresh veggies & I hear they have organic ice cream ~ YUM! :)


You may have noticed my complaints about prescription pill abuse in my area. Our local pharmacy (10 houses down from me) was robbed at gunpoint earlier this week. Today they caught the father/son duo who robbed em. The son already robbed a different place for oxy's when I was in jr high, and they stole pain patches & percocet the other day... WTF?!


OUTTIE!

always better.

*Sorry for yesterday's outburst, but thanks for the supportive comments. I appreciate you, ladies!!!! Talked to my momma last night & I feel a lot better now. Some people will never change.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Sooooo, lately I've been loving only classic rock. I go through phases with my music, but for about the past 5 years, nothing I listen to is new. I either listen to my music from high school: Taking Back Sunday, Brand New, Deathcab, Dashboard Confessional... all that stuff, or I switch it up with Grateful Dead, CCR, random other classic rock.... OR I go 90's with Hootie & the Blowfish, Blues Traveler, Alanis Morisette & Snoop Dogg. Anyways, the point is ~ any newer (or new to me) musical suggestions? And really, I listen to wayyy more genres and wayyy more artists, but these guys are the ones I continue to go back to. =]

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

I really don't have much to say, today, so enjoy some pictures of what makes ME happy.
*Most images are from weheartit

What a perfect little rainbow house!

What is normal!?

.perfect.

truth.
(edison's birthplace is 15 minutes from me, very interesting little museum there!)

isn't she pretty?!

mmmm.... i wanna embroider something!

enter my subconcious....

book art.

enjoy your wednesday, ladies, i know i will.
5.5 hours of work, then i'll be hooping until the sun sets.

what?!

I hate to be a downer, but WOW, that was a weekend from hell.

Starting Friday, it continued to be hell until this morning when I came to work.... I just wanted to go to sleep and forget about reality.

Where do I start? .... Friday, I got off work early and got all my stuff loaded up to head 2 towns over and vend. I got there a bit late, but it was still empty, so I had time to set up shop before I even saw one customer walk in. As the night went on, I became discouraged, so many people walking by my table without even glancing at my stuff. Maybe I was out of place? I don't know. I sold one single hoop (for $12, as it had a defective bit of tape on it). With jewelry, I did a bit better ~ I sold 3 pendants, a necklace, a few bracelets and a pair of earrings. But honestly, I am down in the dumps. I didn't make any profit. I made my vendor's fee back, and the little bit I made over that, I spent on food Friday while I was sitting there, starving. Anyways, Friday, I went home at 10 and slept like a baby til my alarm went off. Time to do it all over again, except this time ~ alone all day! And wow, was I ever alone.... Not one customer on Saturday. Spent the first 4 hours taping some extra hoops for sale and making a few necklaces. By 1, the guy in charge came in to ask if any of us had bands who would play on short notice, as the main event band had cancelled. Some guy in the beer tent apparently volunteered and gave me the best 1.5 hours of my weekend. Played all kinds of music that I personally love ~ Hootie & the Blowfish, Fleetwood Mac, Train, Blues Traveler ~ So, I left my stand in the hands of the woman who was next to me (seriously ~ no customers) and took my hoop outside. I hooped and hooped and hooped. Honestly don't see how that didn't sell any hoops for me! lol. But eventually, he was done playing, and they started with some more Spanish music on the PA. At that point, it was 5PM, I had been there since 10, and made $0. They offered me a free dinner, so I took it... and then packed up my entire stock by myself (since J got off at 5, I told him to just go home & not bother driving out of his way to help), and left.

When I got home, we had some friends over & I painted my FIRST picture on a canvas! Eeek. I like it. I'll show you a picture soon. I made one mid size canvas and one small one on canvas paper. :) We ordered some pizza, laid around on the floor and just had fun. It was nice! When they left, J and I both fell asleep in the living room til the middle of the night... Shortly after we went into the bedroom I woke up with horrible stomach pains and spent the remainder of my night/Sunday in the bathroom, just flat out sick... =[ It was Mother's Day, but my mom was actually out of town, supporting my semi-brother in his title fight up in Michigan (which he WON!!!)! J had to work, so I spent the day on the couch, nursing my sore tummy back to health.

Imagine my surprise when I found out from another of the vendors last night that SHE was sick too. Hmmm, I am officially blaming the free chicken dinner they fed us on Saturday. =[ I haven't been able to keep anything in, including water. It's pretty disgusting. lol

In other, happier, news.... Our first festival is in 17 days! EEEEEEEEK! I cannot freaking wait! We have to buy an air mattress for this season, but we have a brand new tent, cooler & a few other new things I'm excited about! Also -- garage sale season is starting around here which means TIME TO SHOP! We need a couch and some tables for our extra bedroom to be transformed into the hangout place. And last, but not least, my new tape order came in Friday and I'm so excited to get started with all my new tapes. YAY!

Fridayyyy, Biaaa

*I just realized my about me says I'm 22.... I'm almost 24 now -- wooops! :)

**I have lots of new followers lately. Hello all & thanks for finding me interesting enough to read!

I promise I'm not always as boring as I have been this week... I've been preparing for a vending gig this weekend and it kinda takes a lot out of me. Still dealing with some personal disappointments, too, and hoping for the best with them. I just feel like I give my all to everything I do, so I can't understand why some other people don't seem to care. It must be a really, really bad feeling to just not give a care about yourself or anyone in your life... I feel bad for that.

I got my swap package from Camille!!!! Bad part, something was broken. Good part, I loved everything else. Sending yours out today lovely! :)

And I have nothing more to write about that hasn't been said before, so here are some pictures I find inspiring and maybe some song lyrics.

"Gypsy, sittin lookin pretty
A broken rose with laughin eyes
You're a mystery
Always lookin wild
Like a child without a home
You're always searchin
Searchin for a feeling
But it's easy come
And easy go"
-Def Leppard-

I love him.

I'm hoping to make something along the lines of what she's wearing on her feet!

Ahhh.... My dream someday is to be this person.

Oh, a few more things.....

~ Does anyone have a Kindle, Nook or other e-reader? J has offered to buy me one (because I have 3 overflowing bookshelves, no more room, and refuse to get rid of many of them), but I can't decide which one to go with or if I even want to go down that road. Advice is much appreciated!

~ Does anyone know of a reliable moccasin company, aside from Minetonka? I am going to be buying some new ones this week and I'm going for top of the line & durable. I need these babies to last at least an entire summer... I'd like to spend under $50 (this is a BIG splurge for me, but I can't keep affording to spend $10-20 on them and ruining em so quick!)

~ Lastly, I think I'm gonna delve back into my teenage years and put a streak of color in my hair.... purple, pink or blue? Suggestions welcome :)

Beauty = Happiness

I wrote & posted this on Facebook last week after being inspired by a quote I found on Bhakti Omwoods blog. That girl has beautiful posts & a beautiful soul, if you've never come across her blog before, I urge you to check it out :) Anyways, without further ado, this is my thoughts on beauty & happiness & life in general....

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‎"Beauty appears when something is completely and absolutely and openly itself!"
- Deena Metzger

This morning I saw that quote. And immediately thought of myself, thought of certain friends & family in my life. We're all growing up and coming into our true selves and it's amazing to see how happy most of us are becoming... Beauty is sooo much more than skin deep, but when you see a happy person, you automatically smile. That's beautiful. When you see a happy person, you think of them as beautiful, because you can feel their happiness, you can see their happiness and it makes their aura, their entire personality that much MORE beautiful. Beauty isn't male or female, young or old, fat or thin; beauty is happiness extending out from that smile, that personality, that hug, that meeting of the minds when you haven't seen that person for a few hours, days, weeks, months...

Lately I've been thinking like... When did I turn into this person that is SO sure of what she's doing? I don't even give any thought to what ANYONE else thinks of me anymore, and it's absolutely beautiful. When did that start? And this quote gave me my answer... as soon as I stopped caring, as soon as I became the person that I KNEW I was, without worrying about what my "friends" or anyone else thought about my clothes, my make up, my hair, what I do for fun -- that is when I became so happy. Because I grew into myself and didn't look back. I don't think about my past mistakes. I don't look back on allll the things I did and said and the people I offended, because it's over & done with, and why should I worry about it? You can't change the past, so you might as well live for the moment.

A few weeks ago, I saw a girl who I hadn't seen in years. She was so HAPPY, and it was nice to see. She's been in & out of trouble, but one thing remained, she never seemed happy over all the years I've known her. And now she is. And what's she doing? She's living for herself, doing what she wants to do... no matter what other people say about it. She is taking responsibility for the things that she had done in the past, and when it's over with, she's going to continue doing what she loves. And I can almost guarantee that she will continue to look (and be) happy in life. I want to live that way too.

Everyone in my life is here for a reason. Whether you're my friend, my sister, my cousin, some random person who I met once or twice and feel this amazing connection to -- there's a reason behind it. Everyone in my life right now teaches me so many different things. How to love a friend, how to respect someone, how to have fun, how to laugh & cry together, how to move on, how to dream, how to look at a situation from all points of view, because we've all been down SO many paths. We all have so many dreams, and we are working on achieving them. There's still so much time & room left to grow and live, and I'm going to meet sooo many more beautiful people to add to my life story. Isn't that lucky, aren't we all lucky to know each other, even if everyone doesn't get along all the time, there's still that connect of mutual love between us all.

So when people look at me funny because I'm wearing a long skirt, or when people question why I have a tattoo that says "loner" when I'm really anything but... I am going to smile and laugh, and inside, I'm going to wish that they could have this peace that I have... This knowledge that I love myself NOW, no matter what I did before, this feeling of self-love and security in my life. Because really, no matter what is thrown at me, I've proven to myself and others that I can get through it & above it. And there's still soooo many roads to walk down, but I'm confident that I'm going to live an amazing life full of amazing, beautiful people. :)

Sooooo you might be laughing or thinking I'm corny, but I'm just being truthful and this is my shout out to all the beautiful people in my life, I love you & thanks for helping me become who I am now.

.ps - this definitely goes for all you blog girls, too. i may not have met you (yet), but you're in my life for a reason & sometimes you guys are the ones who can make me feel better when no one in my real world can.... & Camille, I felt the need to post this for you, after your post about being judged by people... I hope maybe it gives you a little boost & I hope you know you're beautiful, no matter what anyone else thinks about you changing your style, etc.

Make Me A Bird....

Dear God,
Please make me a bird
So I could fly far
Far, far away from here.

(you may remember that from a little known movie called Forrest Gump)

My peacock... I just love her.
I hate seeing all those bumps on my skin, ew.

I want to be a peacock when I grow up :)

I feel like plastering this on some people's doors, cars, FOREHEADS.

Best advice I've ever recieved.

Ahhhhh, I wanna cuddle in that patch of feathers.

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J caught someone breaking into our house last night.
Thankfully, he has a gun.
The gun & the stick he has worked enough to scare man away.
CREEPY!!!!!!
If he would have chosen one window over, it would have been the one at the foot of my bed.
Not the one in the extra bedroom/ferret room.

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Found some more vending prospects!!!
Been finishing up Camille's gifts for the handmade swap :)
Been finishing up stuff for vending this weekend!!!!!
Might have possibly found a girl whose stuff I really like, to vend with me at some of the bigger festivals this year :)

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Other than that, all I've been doing is keeping my mind off things by creating.
Also, proud to thank you Miss Angie, for being my first bloggy friend to order a hoop.
I'm so excited to share the love :)
And dang, she picked a pretty design!

April Showers Bring May Flowers....

In April I.....

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  Hosted my 2nd event & raised $3,020 for autistic kids =]
  


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  Scheduled lots of festivals & vending for summer
  


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  Got my best friend back from out of state (joy didn't last long)
  


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  Joined the Handmade for You Swaparoo (packages go out this weekend!!!)
  


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  Read 10 books
  


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  Tried to expand my friend circle (so far, so good)
  


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  Mowed the grass for the first time this year, played lots of games of fetch with Ruca, and tried hard to keep our house lookin good!
  


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  Went from dating a dreadhead to a man with no hair, he looks like he's 15 again :)
  


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  Lost my best friend, but gained a sense of what hard drugs can really do to a person
  


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  Got a raise!!!! I'm now a salaried employee, yeahhh baby!
  


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  Tried to keep my hopes & goals high....
  
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In May I Want To....

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  Make myself a new hoop, my dream hoop!



• 
  
  Outsell my personal record at my first vending, this Friday
  


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  Paint my first picture with acrylics on canvas (hopefully soon)
  


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  Sell over 40 hoops this month!!! (already got 8 done & sold, 4 more ordered)
  


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  Enjoy my first ever Hookahville & see Slightly Stoopid in concert! (Memorial Day weekend, tickets being ordered today)
  


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  Save a life (in progress)
  


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  Teach Ruca to jump through a hoop (she's afraid)
  


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  Learn 4 new hoop tricks, including the hands-free vortex (we'll seeee!)
  


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  Find a new (to us!) couch, we have to move our chill space into the extra bedroom for summer (no AC in living room), and our current couch can't be moved.
  


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  Line up the rest of summer with vending
  


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  Plan the perfect bachelorette party for my lovely friend :)
  


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  Read 10 more books
  


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  Last but not least, step up my game & start selling HOOP COVERS & BAGS :)

What are YOUR plans?!