New Work - Spring is Around the Corner

 Just a few new things I've added to the ol' Etsy shop in case you are in need of a boost of spring like I am!  Spring in Paris - that's a nice daydream...

Peacock Feathers - I have them in cuff connectors and pendants.  Love them!!! Did you know peacock feathers were used as a symbol of protection?  They were often used as ornaments on thrones to protect royalty and in depicted in the wings of angels to symbolize God's all seeing presence.  Interesting - I just thought they were a symbol of beauty, vanity and pride - who knew! 

And the a peacock in a flourishing garden.  I have one of these on my bead table. I need to whip something up with it tomorrow for the Art Bead Scene challenge.

Growing Pains

I took a much needed break from blogging and my Etsy shop while I took care of some of the business of living.  And while I took a break, I found myself as busy as ever working on things behind the scenes.  It's not easy running an empire, so many details to attend to and manage.  I'm hoping to find ways to delegate more, outsource some tasks and eliminate others all together.  In all my busyness to make a living I so often forget to make a life.  I don't take time to connect, it's all work, work, work.  And while it's fun and the best work possible, I don't feel I'm always doing it right. 

So what is the right way to run a business?  I think I need to look at the end first, I have to ask myself, "What do I want this business to look like in 5 years from now, in a year from now?" And work backwards to make that happen.  I do know I don't want to be running things the same way I am now, that's for sure.  While I'm so very thankful for my success, if does come at too high a cost sometimes.  And more importantly I need to find ways to make more income without driving myself into an early grave.  Hence the quiet and the making of plans, thinking things through and taking stock.  It's not easy to stop and say, "Hey this isn't working for me, I need to find a better way to do this!"

The photos are from the snow storm that has reintroduced me to the term lake effect snow and I'm afraid I've turned into a hermit this week.  Winter is always lovelier from inside of your toasty home looking out!  But the thing about winter - it means spring is just around the corner...And I'm going to take that lesson for my business too, even through there are changes and growing pains right now, good things are going to start sprouting up and blooming soon. 

This is from my new line of jewelry that will be launching soon.  I can't wait to share it with you!