Back to business

    Well, vacation is over and it's back to business.  Even though I wasn't able to make jewelry while I was on vacation; I did have good intentions.  I planned on sketching everyday, working on my Etsy site and working on marketing plans.  Just like New Year's resolutions, my plans went by the wayside.  (As did my diet!!!)

   Spending a month in Florida was great!  We golfed, we swam, we walked, we biked, we shopped and we shopped ( I know I repeated that twice but we did LOTS of shopping. Well I did lots of shopping, not the hubby.)  We visited with friends and family and I actually read three books for enjoyment and not for knowledge.  (Speaking of books, Barbara Becker Simon's new book is coming out early...... mine should be here by March 9th.  I'll be sure to share my opinion.)

   If you are ever on Pine Island, FL be sure to visit Matlacha.  It is a colorful little community that you have to drive through to get to the Island and it is very arty.  The little shops there have a creative weekend the second weekend of each month from November to April.  They have food, music and artist demonstrations.  There is some really nice work there.  (If I only had money!) 

   I did sketch a little (only one day and it wasn't jewelry.)  Although I did get a lap quilt made for my mother's birthday, so some creativity was going on.  

I knew the business would take a hit with me being away for a whole month.  I didn't have internet connection at the house and had to travel down the road to the library every time I wanted to use it.  What a pain that was!

   Anyway, we got home last night.  We left Florida on Thursday and got to NC to visit my daughter and her family on Friday.  We should have been home yesterday but what a surprise it was when NC got 5 inches of snow.  So.... we stayed an extra day.  Boy that was so hard; an extra day with the granddaughter.  But we managed.  (She is such a little doll!)

   Today I am facing one month's worth of mail, newspapers, dust and an empty refrigerator.  Plus, the family room is full of suitcases, bags and dirty clothes.  That must be why I'm in such a funk right now.  Don't really want to do anything.  Hopefully tomorrow is another day (Yes Scarlett, I know!)   And, next Monday I have jury duty.  (That is another story in itself, which started in January)

   So, it is back to business and making up for lost time.  I've got two classes coming up (one is full), an event at the studio, a class to make up for some school students and a class for a private inquiry, a radio interview, and business taxes to get done (I'm  sliding into a deeper funk now.)   And my display studio needs to be decorated for St. Patrick's day.  I need to make samples for my bell cap and toggle class and get things ready for Arrowmont which will be here before I know it.  

   Sorry, I can't take any more.  The thought of all that has wiped me out and I need to go to bed.  Good night!  

   

Part time business- Full time job

   Well, I only have one more week to go until I graduate from my business class.  The class was three hours long for nine weeks and was well worth taking it.  But I am finding out that starting and maintaining a business is full time work.  (Darn, I'm retired and I only wanted part time work... but that just doesn't work!!!)   We covered a lot of information and my head is somewhat spinning.  Our business plan is due next week and I hope to work on it tonight and get it finished.  I made a business plan last year when I started making jewelry, but nothing like this.   A business plan is a pretty detailed thing.  This class has spilled over into my personal life too as I am budgeting my personal money better.  (The hubby isn't happy with that one as he has to watch his spending too.)  But, that is a good thing!  (Did I just sound like Martha Stewart?)