Friday, April 1, 2011

2 Years and Climbing!


As I sit this morning, praying and getting ready for our doors to open, I am pondering and thanking God for the many blessings that Joys of Life has brought me in the last two years. Sometimes it seems like yesterday we were painting the fixtures, and getting things ready to open. Other times, it seems like it's just always been here and what I've been doing. It's called "convergence", when you are doing what you know God has called you to do with your life. The fellowship and friendships shared within these walls is fun, sometimes full of tears and touches hearts (mine and yours). Each day is different, the needs are different, the expectations constantly changing, but the peace of knowing this is where I'm to be right now with my life, with the talents God has given me, gives me peace. I come in to work with great expectation for what He will do that day. For how He is growing the business, the people he is bringing through these doors (and via Internet) from all over the country and into Canada. I cherish the relationships built, the stories shared, the way I've seen many of you grow and create from your heart. I am blessed to have you sharing this journey with me. I know I haven't arrived. Things are ever changing in life and what we think tomorrow will hold, but I know God is directing my steps, leading me in what He wants me to do each day and in helping me create works of art and letters of love through my scrapbooking. I am grateful for today, our 2 year anniversary, just as I am for every other day i go through. Thank you all for what you bring Within These Walls at Joys of Life Scrapbooking.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Trying to Get Over the Winter Blues


It's been such a tough time through this winter season. The weather just keeps pummeling us and I know I feel beat down by it. The store has had many slow days as we deal with the weather worries, class cancellations and people just wanting to stay inside. You guys though are all excited for classes which I'm grateful for. The calls and emails help keep my day busy when there are not many people out and about. I guess the one good thing from all the weather is that we have been able to get ahead a little bit with scheduling events and doing samples for upcoming classes. As I have taught so many of you, you have to just scrap what makes you feel good that day so that's what I've been doing to try to fight the winter blues.

We've finished working on the classes for February. All the samples are in the store and on the website. We are also working on future classes - this past crop night I finished the Artist Printer Tray we will be doing for Mother's Day in April. Good thing because we already have a bunch of people signed up who were in the store on Saturday. I'll have those photos soon loaded to the website. Attached is a photo of one of the new Bo Bunny Paper Lines that I can't wait to get in!

This weekend has been a great time spent with the grand kids. Now I'm even more excited to begin to scrap some of the those photos soon. So, enjoy the 'snuggle time' you are having with the cold winter weather. And hang in there - it should be over soon. I found this quote I thought was appropriate in light of what we're feeling...

For being the shortest month of the year, February can sure drag on and test our grit. Instead of fighting winter to its bitter end, try embracing the subtle ways nature can sustain you. Take a walk around your yard. Listen for the first birdsong. Turn your face to the warmth of longer sunlit days. Spring is just around the corner.
(Jane McKeon)

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Happy New Year


As we embark on the new year here at Joys of Life Scrapbooking, we look forward with eager anticipation to those new faces and people we will meet as well as give thanks for each of you, our current customers and friends. This year promises to be one of many new projects and ideas. We are already getting in new products to recover from the end of year sales and are anxiously awaiting the new products that will be revealed later this month at CHA's (Craft & Hobby Association) big show in CA.

Keep watching the blog, newsletter and website for updates. We will try to be better this year about doing updates and keeping you in the loop beyond just receiving our newsletters.

Blessings for the new year!
Stacey