Back to Ebay!

I haven't been on ebay in quite some time.  All my ebaying friends have told me it's not doing very well right now.  But I think it's time to get back, so I'm starting to post some stuff again.  I am also looking for other avenues to sell in such as Etsy, eCrater and maybe even my own website.  I may even get a spot at an antique mall for my vintage and retro resale items.  Something to think about!!  Don't want to spread myself too thin, but feel like I'm getting stale and need to take a step forward with my business.  Anyone else feeling a little stale lately?

Movin' and Groovin'!

After 18 years of teaching aerobics, I decided to follow God's leading and quit!  Wow, it's sure an adjustment, but I am feeling such FREEDOM!!  That's what happens when you listen to God.  And now.....the adventure begins!  I plan on "movin' and groovin'" and trying to get my in-home business of making cool purses out of recycled items up and running.  I've been getting lots of compliments on them and have even sold a few without much effort.  But first, I have to get my work area ready, get all my materials organized and......naw, I want to create the rest will just have to wait!!

Time off to work!!

That's right--I took time off from my 8-5 job to 'work' at home for a few days.  And boy, did I work!  My son and I cleaned out behind our fenceline.  We have a large ditch/bayou that runs directly behind our fenceline and there is an area of ground about 20 to 25 ft deep between our fence and the bayou.  That area was COVERED in bushes, weeds and old branches that the previous owners had not trimmed in a long time.  It is clean now!!!  Jonathan (my son) and I worked until it was all done and the ground is pretty much level now.  My motivation for working so hard?  SNAKES!!!  Yes, we occassionally get snakes in our yard and I figured if I removed the underbrush and stuff that the snakes couldn't sneek up on us.  May sound a little strange to some, but I HATE snakes and get rightous indignation when they come on my property.  We've decided we might put a little patio back there so we can relax and enjoy the 'wilderness' of the forest that's beyond the bayou.  Lots of plans.  I did manage to work on my business a little and remake a few purses I've had for a while.  They turned out pretty good-I've included a few pictures and I will be posting them for sale on my etsy page--www.aRemadeLife.etsy.com--if anyone is interested.  Let me know what you think and God Bless any and all who read this!!  Pat,  A Remade Life

Going "Green"

I have always loved to created and re-create items from bits and pieces of fabric, trims and such.  I decided awhile back to find and use 'un-usable' things like--torned blue jeans, stained clothing, old trims and zippers and old purses--and remake them into something useful and hopefully lovely.  It's like a treasure hunt for me when I go garage selling, to flea markets and resale stores.  Digging through piles of junk often turns up wonderful items like vintage buttons, old cast iron crosses, vintage fabrics--all at a cost of only pennies to me!!  I'm enjoying combining these things and hopefully helping the enviroment by keeping them from going into landfills.  God  has called us to be good stewards over all His has given us and that includes taking care of the enviroment and those who dwell in it!  Take a look at my lastest project--I call it a "Do-Over" purse 'cause I'm giving it a second chance--and let me know what you think!  God Bless all and any who read this,    Pat    A Re-made Life

Flea Market!!

My son Jonathan and I went to the flea market this morning--and it was COLD!!  Winters here in Texas are predictable in their unpredictability!  This morning was overcast, cold and windy--a deadly combo.  We walked the flea market outside as long as we could then we would go inside (they have a large, HEATED, metal building with more vendors) warm-up and then go back outside.  And it paid off--I found 2-boxes of old, cast iron crosses for only 25 cents each!!  Want a bargain.  I can't wait to work with them and see what I can do with them.  Jonathan found some good stuff, 'boy' stuff, that he was excited about--game guides (he's a gamer) and 2-figures to add to his movie collection.  All in all it was a good day, but I'm really glad to be back in my warm home!!  I'm trying to find focus with my recycling/art business, but I've found that lately my attention is wandering everywhere.  Adult ADHD is so frustrating!!  I start working on my denim purses, see an article on recycled pillowcases and can't wait to start another project!! Oh well, I'll get control and organized soon.  Hmmmm, what can I do with those crosses--God's blessings to all and any who read this!!  Pat,  A Remade Life

Old Friends!

I joined Facebook recently at the urging of a co-worker.  I must say it seemed daunting at first, but I have made contact with so many old school mates and friends!  It's very funny to see their pictures as they are now 'cause I still see them in my mind as they were in high school.  I grew up with many of them from elementary school on but after graduating from high school, we lost touch.  While facebook is still a little daunting to me, I'm hoping to find many more of the 'kids' I grew up with.  It's nice to know if they are doing well and nice to remember how much fun my childhood was.  Sometimes being an adult is hard, but good memories and the grace of God gets us through!!  God's peace to any and all who read this!!

Aging Like Fine Wine!

So my mom called me Sunday morning and wanted me to go with her to see my 2-elderly aunts.  They are both living in assisted living facilities, although not in the same one.  I have not seen my aunts in a long time even though they live only 10 mins from me.  (major guilt trip!!)   My mom and I went to lunch and then to see my aunts.  The youngest of the two, Aunt Ella Mae (we're from the south, can you tell?) is only 87 yrs young!  Ella Mae is suffering from lung disease and is on a breathing machine--she has smoked most of her life and even though she has quit, she is now suffering the consequences.  It was hard to see such a precious woman in that state, but her faith is strong and she has a very loving family.  We then went across the street to the other facility to visit with my older Aunt Alma (ok we're from the DEEP south!).  Alma is a whopping 97 yrs old and still going strong!!  Her arthritis is the only reason she is in assisted living.  Alma giggles!! I love to see her giggle!  We only had a little time to visit with my aunts, but it made a big impression on my heart.  Having family is a very dear thing--memories flooded my mind as I talked with these great ladies and I vowed to return as soon and as often as I could to visit my aunts and enjoy their company.  Don't let time get away from you--enjoy your family and your life for they may not be here tomorrow!!  I didn't have a camera with me, but I will next time and post pictures of my aunts!