The Reminder

In this life you can allow a lot of things to discourage you from working on things that are important to you and I must say I myself, can easily get caught up in everyday life and get overwhelmed and deter myself from my plans.

 This past weekend I participated in an overnight ladies night inn at The Hyatt Lodge McDonald Campus with my Just 4 Wives  (Real Wives of Chicago aka RWOC) group and it was very enlightening. I was reminded by my sister friend, Alice, that my story is not unique. That there are a lot of women out there just like me that would love to hear my story; that would love to hear how hard it was for me to wake up in the morning, go through it but still persevere;that it will make women feel like they are not alone.  At that moment I made a mental promise to myself that I would try harder to not get discouraged and shut down, that I will not worry about what others think and let my fears win, but at the same time I will do what I can, and show the love that I have for myself and require that love and respect back. We're in this together Goddesses, and I can assure u that we got this! Here's to the bad and good days! Love yourself!

Tattoo

I've been wanting to get a few tattoos for a long time, but I haven't done it for a variety of reasons.  I've spent a lot of time trying to convince  my Husband to get his 1st tattoo with me, but it just hasn't happened (It will though).  This past weekend some good friends of mines decided to have a ladies night at the tattoo shop, and it was sooooo much fun.

I was a little nervous because I got my last tattoo about 16 years ago, so I was scared of the pain, but I pushed through it with the help of my girls.  My tattoo is the 1st one below.  I wanted to get this Arthur Ashe quote because it empowers me, its my mojo, and I wanted it to be somewhere I can see it as a constant reminder.  I have anxiety issues, and at times very overwhelmed so having this reminder is a huge help for me.  In addition I got a semicolon butterfly.  The butterfly represents transformation, freedom, grace, and growth, and the semicolon represents Project Semicolon born from a 2013 social media movement.  The movement is dedicated to presenting hope and love to those who struggle with depression, suicide, addiction and self-injury.  It encourages love, and inspiration.  The actual semicolon symbol is used when a writer could've chosen to end their sentence, but chose not to.  The writer is you and the sentence is your life; chose not to end it...Today people all over the world are tattooing this mark as a reminder of their struggles, victories and survival, and I want to do just that.  Getting this tattoo is absolutely the best tattoo for me, because I know that God has so much in store for my present and future.

My Arthur Ashe quote w/semicolon butterfly

L got a tattoo of a drawing her son made.  This mom loves her kids.  I don't think I love mines that much, lol.

S got her kids names.  I love the footprint coloring

A didn't get a tattoo but came to support us.  She took a nap and woke up ready, lol!

Fine Jewelry Friday!

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry, but it's confession/venting time!  My head is screaming and spinning right now.  I'm so happy to be about 80% done with the new Jewelry, scarves and headbands, but I wish I was 100% done especially since I have 2 shows coming up this weekend!  The Vintage Clothing & Accessories show in Grayslake, IL and the  Bridal Expo, but I still have to put all of these items on the website, so if you want to order something new, you will have to email or call, and I'll email you an invoice for payment. 

I'm so upset that I've neglected my ETSY store.  I really need to be on top of this!  Does anyone else out there have this problem of letting life and facebook stop you from tending to your ETSY store?  I'm also upset that I ordered labels about 3 weeks ago, and they have yet to come, so some items this weekend will be sold without labels, and that kind of making me angry, as well as my last order of beads haven't come yet, so tonight I'll probably be up all night, and to top it off I'M SO SLEEPY, and this foggy weather isn't helping at all!

I'm so incredible thankful for my gift, and these opportunities, but I think it's just time for a nap.  Then I'll wake up and feel the imaginary sunshine on the FINE JEWELRY FRIDAY!  Have a great weekend Gods & Goddesses, I KNOW I WILL! Only to start Potty Training bootcamp with my son on Monday.  Talk to you later!

Music Monday

I met a great bunch of intelligent young women  at a new book club that I joined, and I would love to develope a great friendship with them, and I had a very uplifting time with my Real wife of Chicago Sisters and potential ones.   I don't want to get off of my high from this weekend, so I thought I would continue it  with this song.  Enjoy!