GOOD MEDICINE:

Are you grateful?

This is a question we should all ask ourselves.  Do you even know what it means to be grateful?  Rather than get tied up in our daily thoughts, fears, negativity and hopelessness there is always gratefulness.  Believe it or not EVERYONE has something to be grateful for.  Maybe you have a reliable car that gets you to work.  Maybe you were able to pay your rent and you have a roof over your head for another month.  Maybe you had just enough money to pay all your bills.  I don't know about you but though I am broke, being able to take care of my obligations does make me grateful.

When you are feeling negative  or depressed try a grateful thought.  That positive thought will transform into a grateful feeling that will flow not only through your body, but exude through  you and others will wonder why you look different.

Honest Gratitude is Powerful!

CHOOSE to be Grateful and not Hateful....

Fall is in the air!  It has been a few months since I have written here.  Working all summer and feeling like you don't accomplish much can be tough.  Last week I made the decision to "Take My Life Back!"

What this means is that I since the recession began for us in mid 2008 we have struggled with choices and work opportunities.  My current work commitment is one of flavor, never boring, and in what some would say is a very negative environment.  I have to say that this is maybe where I can thrive.  I have struggled to find purpose in this, but I received a note today from my mom which said.

"Here it is, what if God has you where you are for a specific reason and of course we know this is true.  But, what if it isn't about you?  It isn't that he has something for you to learn (which doesn't mean you haven't learned anything valuable).  Rather What if He has you there to be the light in a very dark place?  What if He has you there for the sake of others?  You know things others need to know and the bible says we are the light or children of THE light (Jesus is the light of the world).  You have the answer that others are looking for and can't seem to find."

Now you may be wondering why she would right this.  Well the past two years has had it's ups and downs with working where I do.  Though I am grateful to have a job and a reliable pay check and great benefits, I feel I am ready to move on to something more positive with a more traditional work schedule, not shift work.

This note she sent came at the right time for me to reflect a bit more.  However it is hard not to think of ourselves.  We tend to want to be the driver of our own car called life.  When in reality we are the guest in the car that God is driving.  The message here is DON'T BE A BACKSEAT DRIVER!

  Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride.   Ecclesiastes 7:8

     Some may think since we are slow to realize the simplicity of life that we should have been aware of things long ago.  But I think life being so fast takes away the quiet moments that we should normally reflect upon.  

     So this is my realization, as I've mentioned before I am a horrible procrastinator.  Which is only part of the problem.  The other half is that I don't always finish what I start.  So when I think of this........  The only two things I have finished thus far is raising our son and graduating college.  I'm lacking individual focus......  I have so many neat things started that are laying around not finished.  I think that I really need to focus on one thing at a time and                                                         "Finish What I Start". 

       Doesn't matter how big or small how silly or important.  This I feel will not only lead to feeling more in control but also help in other areas of my life.  

     The last time I attempted this I had to schedule my week of ALL activities.  This helped me to be organized, focused, not stressed, or feeling guilty for neglecting something.  

     I am on my way!  Starting right now I will begin to schedule my week of things to do.

http://happitohelp.blogspot.com/

I just started a second blog.  I think it may be helpful for some who may need some help or direction.  I will post often as I find new resources.  I am also willing to assist with finding possible solutions if you will leave a comment on that page.  I enjoy finding solutions with ANYTHING, so don't hesitate to ask.  

<a href="http://www.madeitmyself.com/user/happigirlgifts.aspx"><img src="http://www.madeitmyself.com/linkbanner/findme.jpg" border="0"/></a>


I am spreading myself in as many markets as I can.  This is a new handmade market place I am trying on.

Graduate April 2014

I did it, I saw it through and complete my BS-Psychology degree.  I am so glad I chose this subject as it has much to do with human existence.  We are all alike but so different at the same time.  In my designing and other crafty projects I find that it is not only therapeutic for me, but also my degree applies itself to my creations.

I do not know where I will end up using my degree, however I am seeking something where I can utilize my experience and creative side.  

               ETSY & Luulla                       

Ok I wasn't going to, but I did.  I have all new items on my regular Luulla site as well as a few things on Etsy.  Etsy I am careful with, seeing as though posting 100 items is very time consuming to create a presence there.  So I just posted a few new items to spread myself out a bit.  We will see if anything comes of that.  I also update the www.zombiegoreme.com site.

http://www.luulla.com/store/happigirljewelry

https://www.etsy.com/shop/happigirlgifts 

"Shot Gun Shell Pendant"

Ok, finally had time to take these photos.  I had fun last night making more bullet key chains and now have a good variety of about 20 or so ready to sell.  I think that with this there is lots of room to grow.  On this particular 12 gauge shell I used genuine Swarovski crystals and in the sunlight they shine like diamonds.  Great accent piece for outdoor woman or hip country chic.  I little attitude and glamour at the same time with one piece of jewelry.

This as well as other items are currently for sale in my shop, take a look.

http://www.luulla.com/store/happigirljewelry 

"My customized conceal carry purse"

This the leather concealed purse my dad bought me for Christmas.  It was plain like so many of them are.  So I decided to bling up a little.  I used genuine Swarovski crystals to add just a little.  This is a smaller purse with a heavy duty shoulder strap.  This is a perfect purse to take with you to the store our outing.  The key chain was the first one I had made also and I just attached it to my zipper.

Check out some of my new key chains on my site.

http://www.luulla.com/store/happigirljewelry 

http://www.shirleystudioart.com/


This is my moms long awaited website.  Take a look!

"Bullet Bling Key Chains"

Here you go! 

 This has been my new angle on how to recycle used shell casings.  I got lucky when my dad had a small bucket stowed away in his old shop.  With that treasure find, I was all set to begin my new love.  These are the first ones to be made, and all with genuine Swarovski crystals.  Swarovski is the highest quality crystal you can buy, and shines like diamonds. 

 So keep in mind ladies if you are looking for something unique or if someone you know has everything, these make a great gift.  I will be posting these to my Luulla site next week and they will vary in price.  

On a recent mini vacation back home to Southern Nevada I made my first quilt start to finish.  This was not to be anything fancy, just something to test out the process.  This quilt was sewn on a Juki long arm and took just a little over an hour.  After this came the finished trim, which was also easy.  I can see why some get into making quilts this way.  They not only are made to last a lifetime, but always make a nice gift.  I have three more to make, and then maybe will do a few baby quilts just to have on hand.  This quilt here is a lap quilt, which is a bit smaller than a twin size.

While there we enjoyed the sunny, warm, and dry weather.  With exception of a few windy days it was perfect.  Another fun thing I am venturing into is key chains.  I think I mentioned before that I am really getting into bling.  Not "TO MUCH", just enough to enhance things.  Recycling clothing and adding bling is a lot of fun for me and I may post things for sale soon.  I am still considering my own website as my mom is starting her own as well www.shirleystudioart.com .  It is still under construction, but I hope it is up by summer.  I plan on having many man and women gifts made with shell casings soon.  My dad set me up real good with shell casings during our visit.  They will make great gifts for that person who THINKS they have everything.

Just Happi Me!: "Bullet Bling Pendant"Ok, so besides makes quilt ...

Just Happi Me!: "Bullet Bling Pendant"
Ok, so besides makes quilt ...: "Bullet Bling Pendant" Ok, so besides makes quilt tops since Christmas, I have also been playing with bling.  I am not an...

"Bullet Bling Pendant"

Ok, so besides makes quilt tops since Christmas, I have also been playing with bling.  I am not an obnoxious blinger, I just think some things need subtle enhancement to bring out the item your inspired by or working on.  With being a country girl at heart I love the idea of using recycled shell casings for jewelry.  With more concealed carry women or "country chics" and women who now hunt along side men for sport, I feel they still need to remain girly and need a little bling. 

This particular pendant was my first with a 12g shotgun shell and I used acrylic crystals  "mistake".  It was a trial run so I didn't mind much.  All future pendants, ear rings, key chains, hairpins, etc will be strictly Swarovski crystals. Yes they are more expensive but they shine like diamonds........  and you get what you pay for.

I can't stop thinking about spring.  I found these cute clay or ceramic garden posts on www.Pinterest.com.  They are made free hand with rubber stamps.  When it is cold outside and the holidays are over I always set sights on the time change in March and warmer weather.  I do not like the cold or having snow sit around for months.  I don't ski or partake in any winter sports so I definitely live in the wrong area.  If there was a stable economy in southern Utah I would be there for sure. 


Since my last post I have not done much.  I did bling two things but not enough to really brag a lot about.  Then again doing anything is worth bragging about.  I dressed up an old t-shirt and also a new travel bag I got as a gift.  I will have to post some pictures of those.  I did buy some really pretty fabric for quilts from Hobby Lobby after Christmas, which I'm excited to make.  I have only one college class left through February and I will be done with school, thank goodness.