What Does It Mean To Me: Memorial Day

I'm an immigrant.  I came to this country for a better future.  I came to be able to do more with my life then I knew I could in my country, Poland.  I came for the freedom - freedom to chose the school I want to go to, to choose the job I want to do, and, truth be told, to have more things... a house, a big TV...

When I first came to the US, I had no idea what Memorial Day was really celebrated for.  For many years, it was a day I had off from school and work so I could do things I enjoy to do.  I went camping and hiking.  I did my crafts.  I spent time with my family.  Sure, I knew what Memorial Day was - to honor those who fought and died for the country.  But I really didn't think of it much.  It was not my holiday to celebrate since I was not born here.

It wasn't until years later when it hit me.  America is MY country now, not Poland.  This is where I live, where I have my family and where I will spend the rest of my life.  I do have to say, living through the moments like September 11 and Hurricane Katrina had a big impact on me and the way I think about America and the people that live here.

Memorial Day for me is to remember that freedom is not free.  This country is free because of the people who fought for it and died for it.  It is not just a fact.  It is not just another day off.  It is a feeling in my heart, the ache for those who are no longer with us and for those families that grieve for their loved ones.  I have all I have and I can do what I do because of these brave souls.  When I'm with my kids enjoying the sun in my back yard, and I watch them play and laugh, there are men and women somewhere out there that are dying so I can enjoy those moments.

"Freedom Is Not Free" metal artwork by Iowa Metal Art

Does it mean I don't care about Poland anymore?  Not at all.  I still love Poland and I still celebrate the great things Poland achieved and is doing.  I teach my kids about the country their mom was born in, and their roots.

But America is where I live now and where my heart is.  This is the place where I plan to spend the rest of my life, and where my kids will live.  This is my home and I care deeply about those who keep it safe.

God bless to all who are no longer with us and who died fighting for freedom.  God bless to all who continue to do so.  Today and always - I remember and I thank you.

Shop Indie on Cyber Monday 2013

If you asked me what "indie" means 1.5 years ago, I would not know.  So many thing changed for me during that time.  I used to think that if you have a hobby, than that's all that is, a hobby.  It wasn't until late in 2012 that I realized my hobby can be my business - my indie business, Twisted Thread and Hook.  I found awesome communities that support indie and handmade businesses.  We believe in the same values, we support each other, we believe in each other.  I can truthfully say, I discover a totally new world and I love it!

Will you be shopping indie and handmade this holiday season?  I know I will.  

Here's what's on my calendar on December 2nd: Storenvy Cyber Monday Flash Sale hosted by Lu & Ed.  All participating shops are offering 30% sale for one day only!

Here are my favorite picks from each shop, but there is sooo much more!

Handmade Gifts For Little Ones!

Sock Bunny from Kiser Krafts

Mollie Dollie from The Mollie Shop 

Stuffed Monster from Lu and Ed

Turtle bank from Just For Littles

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Eco-friendly Gifts

- Gift Basket from Playablu

- Reusable Paper Towel from Nature Junkie

- Crochet Washcloths from Unique Creations by Tracy

- Organic Mascara and Powder from Squishy Warm

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Manly Gifts

Crochet Hat from June's Pretty Things

"Let's Be Bad Guys" Pin from Little House of Crafting

Razor with Handmade Handle from Mystic Eye Creations

"Shop Indie" Shirt from Krmbal

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Unique Jewelry Gifts

Crystal Dreams Necklace from Enchanted

Animal Print Bracelet from East Evelyn Square

Hand knoted leather bracelet from Anzipanz Designs

Rose Earrings from Afua Handmade

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Handmade Toys for Kids

Plush Doll from Scrawny Girl

Unicorn from Ribbons and Robots

Peg People from Landon's Toybox

Sensory Soft Blocks from Baby Moon Boutique

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Nautical Inspired Gifts

Cupcake toppers from Adore by Nat

Boat Wheel Rug from Twisted Thread And Hook

Nautical Bracelet from Fairy Tale Accessories

Turquoise Water Art Print from Knotted Tree Photography

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Jewelry for Special Someone

Aqua Flowers Set from Mystigail Adornments

Snowflake Clip from Violet's Buds

Hoop Earrings from Michelle Bleu Jewelry Designs

Copper Earrings from A Single Dream

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Warm and Cozy Handmade Gifts

Baby Boots from Bellamy Tree

Crochet Dog Sweater from Anna Bela Artistry

Fingerless gloves from Jaime D. Designs

Lacy Scarf from Tiger Knitty

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Colorful Gifts for Home

Fall Leaf Framed from Lady Lack's Designs

Knitted Hoop Art from Crafty Podes

Tile Coasters from Kira Kira Kawaii

Rainbow Pillow from Poppy's Garden Gate

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Timeless Gifts

The Inner Workings Necklace from The Lie Producing Factory

Floral Key Necklace from Sweet Mayhem Boutique

Alice Silhouette Necklace from Cel's Deconails

Time Charms from Pelhuaz by Red

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Girly Girl Gifts

Tutu Dress from The Knotty Boutique

Bella Shirt from Anomic Apparel

Flower Clip from Knit Picky Mama

Wrapped Headband from D. Rix Creations

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Christmas Inspired Gifts

Polka Dot Stocking by Sassy by Sacha

Christams Cards from Sweet Pepper Parties

Christams Ornaments from Mohu

Holiday Earrings from Calluna Muse

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Bright and Happy Jewelry Gifts

Retro Fabric Ring from Kute As A Button

Chunky Bead Necklace from Sapphire Haven

Pendant Necklace from Artystik Ego

Rose Earrings from Sandy's Shop

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Countdown to Christmas 2013 - Gift ideas!

I'm too old to to do this

My 5-year-old son, took a few classes of gymnastics this summer. One of the things he learned there was a handstand (with support). For the next few days, he was constantly practicing his new skill, most of the time without anybody to spot him, which didn't make me feel too comfortable, but there is no stopping him. We settled on a couple of places where there was more open space and floor was covered with a rug.

One day, with my husband and I in the room, he started practicing again and I said that I used to do that in my gym class. Hmm.. that would mean last time I did that was about 19 years ago.. I should have expected he would ask me to show it to him. My immediate response was “Well, it's been so long ago, I don't think I can do that anymore” while picturing myself falling on my head and hurting my neck or whatever else. My husband smiled at me and said “Oh, come on, I'll spot you.”

Great.. Why did I say anything about it? Now if I don't try, my husband will think I don't trust him, and my son will be disappointed. That's not a lesson I want to teach my child.

“OK, fine, I'll try it, but I'm really not sure I can do that anymore.”

So the first time was a failure. I did not push off hard enough.

I tried again. To my greatest surprise, I did it! My husband caught my feet just in time so I would not fall over. For a good few seconds, I was standing on my hands.

Really? I was able to do that? I was not too old to do that?

Ok, so I'm 36 and I don't consider myself old-old. However, doesn't having 2 kids, a husband, a house, a 9-5 job and all the responsibility that comes with it, make you kind of old? If it was not for my son's asking me about doing a handstand, I would never actually consider doing it. But really, WHY NOT?

And it occurred to me, that being “old” is a big excuse so many of us use because we are afraid to try and fail.

What if I was not able to do the handstand? Well, then I would have known that yeah, my skill is gone, but at least I tried and now I know. It surly would not mean that I am old.

Sure, there are still things I do not try even when my son asks me to.

“Can you burp loud?” - Maybe, but that's not the behavior I care to endorse.

“Can you lift this couch?”. So my back is bad (I'm still not old), and the couch is heavy. .. I know my limitations.  If I want to stay active with the kids, I better stay away from things like that.

So here's what my son taught me:

“Never use your old age as an excuse for not trying. Instead, use your years of life experiences to be smart in what you are trying.”

So make a goal, try something different today - something you might not normally do.  Maybe even a handstand***.

*** Check with your physician before attempting.  I cannot be held accountable for any bodily harm, damaged goods, holes in the wall that may occur as a result of "trying".  That's where the 2nd part of my wisdom comes in.. so be smart and try!

Get Inspired #2 - I know the sunshine is coming...

I know the sunshine is coming...

Collection inspired by Black and Silver Glass Pendant Necklace from SNLCreations.




Black White Baby Mobile by SweetDreamsBabyShop

Black and Silver Glass Pendant Necklace by SNLCreations

Black and Silver Fantasy Bookmark by WhispySnowAngel

Black Rose Cameo Pearl Necklace by BijouxEmmElle

Black Yellow Asymmetrical flower necklace by JoolaDesigns

Sunflower iPhone Case by SoulCenteredPhotography

Minimalist Photography, Butterfly by LongForgotten

Monster Pillow, Black and Yellow by WildRabbitsBurrow

Black and Yellow Cupcake liners by SugarFoxShop

Cherry Blossoms Pillow Cover by PookieandJack

Erin - Black & Yellow Satin Headband by BrittneyLeona

Goldfinch inspired black & yellow clip by VioletsBuds

Coin Purse Floral Change Purse by CreativeJenV

Yellow and Black 8x12 iron gate heart by PhotosOnTheRun

Yellow and Black Dot Birthday Pillowcase dress by DesignsByThem

Elegant Black and White Table Number by evelynne99

Animals in The Handmade World

Animals are always a great inspiration in the world on handcrafting.  

My selection of some of them from the great artists from FMNDDTeam on Etsy.

Needle Felted Rabbit by Stitchcrafts

Rainbow Snake Scarf  by practicallyfrivolous

European Squirrel, original watercolor painting  by ORIGINALONLY

Two Little Flowerpot Mice by QuernusCrafts

White Cat Button Ponytail Holders  by WhispySnowAngel

Hand Hooked Rug - The Loon by SNLCreations

Cute fluffy owl hand knitted baby booties by fabiusmaximus

Ladybug Door Hanger Pillow by PookieandJack

Phone Case - Bald Eagle by SoulCenteredPhotoart

Butterfly Die Cuts by UniquesStashNStuff

Kitty Note Card - blank by PiecesOfMePaperCraft

Mini Oil Lamp no.1 by RFColorfulCreations

Kids Soaps - Cat and Mouse by LostRiverRags

Reusable Lunch Bag - Elephant  by TheGreenHaven

Blank Notecard with Envelope - Lab by PalmerUnionDesign

Easter Bunny Basket Magnet  by JansCraftShop

Sponsored by send bulk email from excel.

I went biking and my head got clear

It was my day off from work. Kids were in school or day care. I decided that it's a great day to try out my new bike. I have not been on a true bike ride (without kids) for few years now. So I changed, got my water ready, cell in hand only to realize my bike does not have a water bottle holder and I have no pockets for cell phone. Sure, I could have taken a backpack, but that's not really comfortable... So, I drank as much water as I could, put the cell phone aside, and jumped on the bike (with my helmet on). No, I don't need a lecture on dehydration and what if I get into trouble and need to contact somebody. I was just set on going.

I had a beautiful ride. This bike was seriously going almost by itself (at least on the flat surface and downhill).  Finally, somebody came up with the handles that are comfortable for my hands without giving me carpall tunnel pain.   It was worth the expense. For those curious, it's Cannondale Quick.  I can't say the same about the seat..  need to get a gel seat cover or something.

So, I was zooming on the Dutchess Rail Trail.  The weather was beautiful.  Windy enough to cool me off, but not to bather me too much.  Sure, my legs were hurting and I got a bug in my mouth (thank goodness for sunglasses though) but I felt great.  I was afraid to stop in case my legs would give in and not let me go back on the bike (after all, I did not have a cell to call for help).  I ended up doing about 18 miles, non-stop in about 1.5 hrs.  Yes, I did walk at the very end, but seriously, who could bike up that steep hill that leads to my house.  Well, my husband would, but let's get back to my story.

During my ride, I had lots of time to think about things that are going on in my life.  One of them, of course had to be my crafting business.  I'm really happy where I am right now.  I started it at the end of year 2012, but really, didn't define what I want to do until just recently.  From that point, I really think I made big progress.  But I was thinking about this blog.

I created this blog to promote my business because this is what you do.  You write clever posts to attract buyers, who see you have a shop and they fall in love with your things and you make lots of sales..  Arghm..  nope..  I realized, I have nothing to write to "attract" buyers.  When I was on my bike, I had a big a-ha moment.  I need to STOP thinking about this blog as a tool for promoting my business.  I need to start having fun with it.  I'm going to write about things that are interesting to me, things that are going on in my head and are asking to be typed up.
So what if nobody reads it.  If somebody finds it interesting and/or helpful or whatever, woot! woot!  Let me know and you'll make my day!  But my main goal is to have an outlet for the many things going on in my head, and simply writing about things I love.

When I get a chance to take a picture of me on my new bike, I'll add it to this post!