Decision Time

Yesterday I received forms in the mail for an up coming Christmas Craft Sale.  I have known that they would arrive soon, but truthfully it seemed a bit early to be thinking about such things.

I worked this particular show last year, and frankly, I was very disappointed in the turnout and as well in the quality of merchandise that was being sold.  Some tables were very much flea market material... which is upsetting when you have spent hours and hours of work on new items, quality items, and the table beside you is second hand junk.

So no - I don't think I will waste my time and money on this particular sale this season.

I will look around at other sales, but really I'm thinking that I will give the whole exercise a rest this year.  Craft sales are not what they used to be.  So many of the really good crafters sell on-line and no longer have the need for craft sales, it's too bad really - because they are missed in these once lucrative sales.

I think instead of working for a sale, I will put my time and energy in to some very special Christmas Gifts for friends and family.  I have some great ideas for gifts this year, but all of them require some time, so I need to get focused and get busy.

I have found some great inspiration on several blogs I follow and especially lately on the Leisure Arts blog.  If you have a few minutes, check it out - there are some neat ideas and many many different crafts of interest on there.
http://leisureartsblog.blogspot.com/

Can you smell the flowers?

Last week I was on vacation.  We didn't plan anything special, but instead decided what we would do that day when we got up in the morning.  We did manage to do quite a few things but we also rested and relaxed as well.

The weather was fantastic - endless sunshine and warm, if not hot temperatures.  Who can argue with morning coffee on the patio, lunch on the patio, and afternoons spent stitching under the umbrella... on the patio.  One day I followed the sun around (on the patio) all day... and got a pretty decent sun burn for my efforts.

I tackled my perennial gardens with a garden fork and a lot of sweat equity.  There are now major holes throughout the garden where overcrowding used to exist.

I got to spend some time with my girlfriend, Denise... who seems to be busier in retirement than she was when she was working!!  And Hubby and I spent a wonderful afternoon and evening with Denise and her spouse, lazing around their pool, and eating a fantastic meal.

I wish you could see their pool area - especially the flowers...

Well you can - I took pictures...  it's beautiful.... check it out!

Doesn't this make you think of paradise?  It does me...

But vacation has to end, but not so summer... at least not yet.  There is still many warm and sunny days to be had, and I still have Friday's off to enjoy them.  That means more morning coffee on the patio, and a lot more stitching... on the patio.

Get out there and enjoy the summer... and don't forget to smell the flowers along the way!