Is it really the end already??

Is it really the end of the school year already? Well, it is here in Colorado, although not for a few weeks in other parts of the country. How was it snowing 2 weeks ago and summer break now? Regardless of my questions, my kids are out of school for the next 12 weeks & we'll have to figure out a whole new set of routines. On one hand, it will be a joy to skip the morning rush to get them up, fed and off to school. Not to mention carpool. I'm also happy to have a break from nagging about homework and bedtimes. On the other (more experienced and cynical) hand, there will be sibling fighting, constant foot traffic in and out, much begging for sprinkers and lemonade stands, and little time for me to get any work done. On the 3rd hand (huh?), it's great to have everyone a little more relaxed and to see the kids become "rebonded" with each other after a long year of school. Little man is actually potty trained and much more self sufficient this summer. That will be a huge help!

I made jewelry for the kids' teacher gifts this year, as I have every school end for a while. I hear through the grapevine that the teachers are pretty excited at this prospect. My oldest has been at the school for 6 years - so there is a lot of my jewelry hanging around teacher's necks to compare. I also do a nice little business making teacher's gifts for other friends whose kids are at different schools. Everyone is always looking for something new to give on the last day of class. The necklace above is a new design this year and I'll have it up on the website soon. http://www.mjanedesigns.com/

The Big Leap

I've been reading (listening actually) to a great book by Gay Hendricks called The Big Leap and I really want to share it with everyone. I loaded it on my iphone through Audible. I'm a big believer in paying attention to the information that's going into your head through your ears. There is so much media around that I think we're sometimes unaware of how much it can affect your mood. I really consciously try to listen to something positive at some point during my day. There are so many great podcasts and audio books available for little or no cost. Download them to your player of choice and YOU control who and what's informing you about the world. (Don't get me wrong, I'm not above an episode of Real Housewives on TIVO now and then!!)

So anyway, my current fav is this book The Big Leap. It's premise is that we all have "upper limit problems" that we're probably not aware of. These limits keep you stuck and prevent you from achieving your full potential. It's a fascinating concept and I've found a lot of truth in it. Worth checking out for sure. Here's the link: http://thebigleap.net/



http://www.mjanedesigns.com/

Just Let It Go!

I had big plans for today. Yes I did. I was going to get a lot done. But then my middle child felt horrible this morning and had to stay home and go to the doctor. Also, the dishwasher installer, dry wall repairman and roofer all showed up. (Not when they were scheduled to.) Add to the mix a certain 3 year old little boy who has not been happy with anyone or anything all day. Needless to say, the day didn't go as planned.

I finally gave up my big intentions and Jess and I made some Shrinky Dink jewelry. Which was a whole lot of fun for both of us. The to-do list will still be there tomorrow. Not too bad a day after all...

http://www.mjanedesigns.com/

A GOOD Day!

http://www.mjanedesigns.com/

What a good day it's been so far! Got a good workout in this morning, all 3 kiddos went to school, then I grabbed my laptop and was out the door. I've been hiding out in one of my favorite bookstores, The Tattered Cover, since 10:00. Adding new pages to the website and tweaking photos. I have to leave at 2:00 to pick up little boy, but what joy to sit at this comfortable table in peace for a few hours. Ahhhh......

Love This Band

Recently "discovered" the John Butler Trio! Great band!! Good beats, easy to listen to, they inspire me at the moment.

The Downside of Having Your Own Business

What did I "forget to find out" when I thought it would be SO great to have my own business? All of the numbers and paperwork!! Just finished taxes. This is a view of my poor desk. I will say that I'm much better with the business side of things than I once was, but I will NEVER learn to like this stuff. One day I should write down everything I've learned about taxes, liscenses, EINs, credit card processing, web hosting, business banking, wholesale buying, etc....but what I really want to do is make jewelry that makes me and others happy. SO, now that this silly Federal obligation is done, I'm back at it!!

www.mjanedesigns.com

Totally random picture of a wood carving that I thought was cool. Love the thoughtful look on his face. I need some of that peace today! Life has spun out a bit the last few weeks. No idea when I'm going to edit and post the 140 pictures I downloaded today! Where did March go??!!