I had the best time today. It had been AGES since I had spoken in front of a group of over 80 people and it was so much fun that I can't wait to do it again. I enjoyed it so much I thought after it that I should have gone into teaching like my photography professor wanted me...oh well. The professor of the class wants me to speak to a few more of her classes this semester, so hopefully it will turn into a regular thing.

I will returning next week to hear their input on the quality of my product and find out how to improve it before sending out samples. I can't wait to hear what they have to say...these women really know their stuff!

I am thinking of pulling out of Slippers, the local boutique I have been renting space in, and moving my things to Beehive in Atlanta. The rent would be 1/2 the price and it is gear towards indie designers...more the speed of clients that would be interested in my bags. I have made enough in sales for it to pay for itself, but....

I have so much to figure out, once again...I have to admit that my life is very scary, these days, but I am loving every minute of it. For those of you that know me well, you know that I love roller coasters.

I was able to spend my entire Monday in Atlanta shopping for fabric at the fabulous Spaceage! At this point I am trying to focus on getting samples together. I have picked out 3 combinations of fabric and trim out of 6 that I will be giving the buyer to choose from. Tomorrow I am speaking a class at UGA for the Fashion Merchandising School. I have decided to incorporate an inspection and review of the quality of my bags. This is one of the focuses of the course, but it will also give me the chance to hear directly from 50 women from my target market without having to do my own study. I am scared and excited. What a rush...teehee.

The photographer that wanted to hire me last week changed her mind 30 minutes before we were suppose to meet and discuss the details. What is up with that? One would imagine that you would think things completely through before you would get the hopes of another up…on to the next interview…

For a few days we thought warm weather was here to stay, but then BAM it snowed today...back to the Irish Coffees.

Saturday afternoon Brian and I attended Tommy's, Brian's older brother, birthday party. It was a fun celebration at his local bowling alley. I bowled a high of 104 (better then expected) and we indulged in cake and soda. The best part was watching the 4 year olds play...Gab actually hit a 113, which made everyone scream with excitement. Oh, the games.....

Mom's donation



I have lots of fun plans for this weekend. Tomorrow Jayne and I are attending Blondes grand opening reception, which should be a great networking environment. I look forward to meeting new people and imagine it will be full of them considering Brandy, the owner, is a complete doll.

Saturday Brian and I are contemplating two different events we would enjoy. Henry Rollins (former singer of Black Flag) at the GA Theater or The Experimental Music Festival. I am It might just come to us doing both, b/c I can't pass up the opportunity to see Rollins. We are born on the same day (6 years apart) and he makes me laugh my ass off. The thing I enjoy the most about him is his ability to NOT take himself serious. That is an art in itself.

The grand finally is The Taste of Athens on Sunday. Mom and I donated and they awarded us with 4 tickets. This way we can take Janine. It has become a tradition with Janine and I to attend early, do our tasting, and then walk the silent auction line bidding and sipping wine. It is so much fun that we look forward to it for months in advance. The photo is mom’s donation. I would show mine, but it will have to wait, b/c it is similar to one I am gifting and I don’t want to ruin the surprise is they are reading.

One last thing, I have a second interview with Katie Ramsey on Wednesday for a part-time postition and I am very excite. Fingers crossed, we can work something out. I think it would be a very inspiring place to work.

Life in the Fast Lane

Janine and I went out for 'Dinner and a Movie' last night. I have to say that Youth Without Youth has to be, hands down, the WORST film I have seen in the last 15 years. We knew 10 minutes in, but of course, we didn't say anything to one another and sat through it suffering through every word that rolled ofr Tim Roth's tongue. I screamed from the pain all the way home. Good thing I had The Queen at home waiting for me, which in my opinion, was loaded with a cast that was WAY too sexy to be British. -teehee- but a very good movie.

Today I am hading back into the boutique, after having a day off for interviews, and I am getting busy on Bibbi's bag. I am so excited about the bag that I can't wait to finish it and drop it in the mail...eventhough it has taken so long for me to get around to it. You will be happy to know that I am getting back to my roots and only sewing with 'lylou' style fabric. I figured out that I had lost track and started sewing what I thought women would like, which they do, but they will like these EVEN more...thank you to Bibbi for being my test market. -wink

Opinion needed: I am contemplating sending this fabric, along with a few others 'outdoorsy' fabrics into Sundance. Your thoughts?

Bibbi awarded me Friday, but I am just now getting around to passing on the awards. On Friday I had a few things and people that made my day.

DOL ruled in my favor on the appeal I brought forth again CCSD. I will receive back pay in unemployment and continue to receive it every week for the next 4 months (unless I find a job). That is one dark curtain that has been lifted.

I had a super fun interview with Ann Peden on Friday for an accounting position. It went well and I should hear back from them Monday. The house she works out of sits on a beautiful piece of property outside of Watkinsville (small town outside of Athens) with a cow pasture, so it is not uncommon to come across a grazing bovine at the window while crunching numbers. I can’t think of a better environment to work. I hope to get the job and if I play my cards right I could even make it a part-time position.

I received this amazing pair of earrings from Mannybeads on a trade that I have worn every day since.

I am awarding Scaredy-Cat for making my day, b/c everytime I see that profile photo is makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Along with the wonderful daily entries it is a wonderful blog to read. Thanks for making my day everyday!

beagles ROCK!

Last night I had a dream that I was in bed and Jake came in to say good-bye. he stood by my bed and let me pet him and tell him how much I love him, then he turned and a pack of beagle buddies came running in to get him. As he ran out the door, he turn back and barked as to say 'I love you and everything is fine. Good-bye.' It was such a sweet dream. I woke up this morning recalling that the BEAGLE TOOK WESTMINSTER last night!

dad's dear feed

Mom had foot surgery today and it is the last step to her being back on her game. It is so exciting to watch the change in her. Before I know it she will be back in the garden working. It will be nice to see a smile on her face again. She has been through so much this winter , but every moment was worth it.

I was also called by three employers for interviews, so that is a boost up. If I am lucky I might have a second interview by the end of the week. When it rains it pours and I love the rain.

Tomorrow I will be a big 41! In celebration I thought I would share an interview I had recently.

pair of slippers mom made

Kopah Soaps

I received a variety of these yummy soaps in the mail yesterday and now my house smells like heaven. This is my first order with Kopah and I am completely impressed with the aromas and feel of the soap. It was like opening a box of candy. The lavender was a much-needed addition to my world.


The Year Of The Rat

I am a Goat and Aquarius ....crazy combination.

Mum's latest project

I finally spent a full day at the boutique in a week. I was a fish out of water, but it was good to get back in the swing. I honestly spent 1/4 of the day with customers and the rest of the time updating my shopping cart and job searching. I have to admit that it feels good to have the cart current, since I am celebrating my 1 year Lylou handbag anniversary on the 13th of February, which just so happens to be my 41st birthday.

"I mean, what?"

Brian forced me out of the house last night for a walk. It was wonderful. The sun was late day, but still warm and there was a slight breeze...and to make it even better all of the cameilia bushes are in bloom. I had to snag one for my dinner table.

There is nothing better then a bowl of cream of asparagus soup from Lumpkin Cafe on a cold rainy day. One of the many places that will make you fall head over heels for Athens, GA. Later that afternoon Chad, waiter at Lumpkin Cafe (below) and I cut out for a beverage at Foxyz for happy hour.

Sometimes you wonder if they know. This is Ashanti curled up on Jake's pillow while I catch up on emails. Today I got myself out of bed and have been keeping myself busy with much needed house work. I might even get a special order done and shipped out tomorrow. It really does help to keep busy, but there is always that cloud in the back of your head.

Thank you to all of you that have sent your regards for Jake. It has meant a lot to me. I realize I have been out of the loop the past few weeks, but just know that even though I am not around you are still in my thoughts. Once I am back on my feet I hope to get back to being myself and start calling on friends to socialize.

Saying good-bye to my old friend, Jake is the hardest thing I have been through since Gibbon. My sweet baby was involved in a head trauma on Sunday afternoon. I had the opportunity to cuddle with him and tell him how much I love him while on a 20-minute drive to the Animal ER Clinic in Watkinsville. After an hour in the waiting room the vet came out to speak with us. I had been preparing the last hour for the words to come out of my mouth.... I said them.... as they hung in the air I broke down in tears that haven't left my eyes since. I was there for my doll baby while his sweet and loving soul pass from this life into the Great Beyond. The image of him and his partner in crime, Gibbon, makes me smile and recall all of the wonderful times I spent with him and for a split second I feel happy...until I realize that I am never going to spend a half hour catching him up on the latest episode of CSI NYC over dinner, because he could never stay awake through the entire episode and it was very important for him to keep up with what is going on...or hear my Jakie snoring next to me in the sewing room, b/c I couldn't sew without him next to me. I love him so and he will be missed every moment of my day. He was the best dog I had ever met and the years we spent together were gold. The tears are rolling and sleep is impossible.

wine rack for Nourish

I have been trying to keep my chin up by working on the business plan for the housewares boutique. I have decided on a name, Nourish. The plan is going to take months to work out, but in the long run it will be worth it. That is, WHEN (not if) I get the money for this adventure.

Yesterday I had a case of the mean reds and ended up staying home from the shop and watching movies with the dogs. It is funny how things can just rear up in a moments notice and kick your ass...well, today I am feeling better and taking mom to lunch, then heading to the shop for a good days work. I also have an interview with TSAV, the company that Robby works for, so fingers crossed something good comes of it.

We are having a woman come in to the shop tomorrow for a big Bella Bra sale, so hopefully it will be slammed and women will be knocking down doors to buy a Lylou bag....oh, right...I should be saying 'women WILL be knocking down doors.' Positive thinking! Sometimes positive thinking gives me a headache. -teehee