deep thanks, a dark pit, a moustache, and a really good book

 
Hello, sweet friends! 

Oh, how can I begin to explain how helpful your comments, thoughts and good wishes have been?!  I will simply say this:  in some of the darkest days of my life thus far, your words have helped to carry me through.  I am so much more at peace these past few days with the way our family's life is changing, and that comes solely from the dear, dear comments left in response to my last post (and others!). 

I really do find myself torn, though.  How do we each create the life we were meant to live, both for ourselves and our families--because it is us, the moms and wives and sisters and daughters, who do that, isn't it?--staying true to ourselves and yet taking wisdom from others?  I'm still finding that line.  It is deeply confusing at times, and to be honest, part of that confusion comes from other moms that I see in the blogging community.  But here's the thing, and I'm learning it from you all:  I've got my own world, and it's different from hers and yours and everyone else's, and I do believe you when you tell me that this situation has lessons and wonders for us to discover, ones which will stand us all, but especially the girls, in good stead for a long, long time to come.

I was reading a book last night***, and one of the characters (he happened to be a badger) got lost in the dark and fell into a deep pit, at which point he heard a wise old ancestor (deceased, unfortunately) telling him what he really needed to hear (stay with me, here).  And he realized that this wise old ancestor ghostly presence had been trying to tell him in other ways, but he hadn't listened.  He had heard the words in the back of his mind, but had been distracted and worried about what others would think.  And I thought about that...Maybe this, this scary, bankrupt, lean and difficult time, is my pit?  Maybe I need to stop and really listen and hear what my heart, or God, or whatever you want to call it, is saying to me--once and for all?  And honestly, I am not even close to certain what it is that I need to hear, but I do think I'm on the right path.  I'm listening and I'm open, at last.

Whew...lets move on, shall we?

And now a peek at what I am calling "Poor Gal's Pendents," wholly and completely inspired by Eva's beautiful ones here, which you should promptly purchase if you have the means and inclination.  Really.  (Oh, golly!  Did you see the fake watches she has recently posted?  J'adore!)

Anyway, as I was saying...They are not perfect yet, not by any means, but I am experimenting.  They are very tiny, about 1/3 of an inch, and my favorite is the mustache one, made with a stamp that I love: 

 
The button is also a stamp, and the bow-tie is hand-drawn.  I'm going to try to make a little stamp of a bow-tie using a pencil eraser (like this--I've been doing this since high-school and it's sooo much fun!) so that I can use the non-smearing super-duper Stayz-On ink.  Then I put a clear coat of nail polish, and voila!  They'll get better next time around, but it's a start, and it was fun.  (Check this shop for wonderful small stamps, if you're interested.)

But please do purchase your own, okay?  I mean, unless you are severely counting pennies like me, we must support our handmade community.  And Eva deserves every bit of credit for her beautiful jewelry and everything else!  You get the drift.

Off to a glass of (very inexpensive) wine and a cuddle or two.  Thanks for reading, my dears.  I'd be lost without you.

xoxox.

***The book is called The Tale of Applebeck Orchard, and it is part of a charming series of mysteries by Susan Wittig Albert.  All of the books are based upon the real time-line of Beatrix Potter's life, when she bought a little farm in the Lake District of England, all by and for herself, with money made from her children's books.  The series features characters both real and imaginary--including animals who talk to each other!  They are marketed as books for adults, but are entirely appropriate for tweens and teens who may have a love for animals and quaint village life.  (Oh!  And for a really amazing bio of Beatrix Potter, check out The Tale of Beatrix Potter by Margaret Lane.  You'll love it!)...xo.

Comments

[amanda makes]

Have a lovely day, my dear. Lots of love, Amanda xxx Big hugs.

[v]

congratulations on reopening the shop Amy and don't think twice..you are great mom and very inspirational blogger! have a lovely weekend:)

[liz]

keep on moving, amy! you're on a path of growth and wisdom, and i'm so inspired by your courage.
sometimes it takes hitting rock bottom before we have the means to do what it takes to make big changes for ourselves.
i've been struggling with some of my blog-reading lately, as it seems i often find myself feeling inadequate compared to what i am seeing elsewhere. so i truly appreciate all of the blogger mamas out here (you!) who are writing and sharing their REAL lives and not just the shiny happy peaceful parts.
so thank you! and keep pushing through! :)

[Marianne]

Dear owner of this beautiful blog

You are amasing! You inspier me and many others in so many ways. You are so brave! I wish I could send you a guiding star.

Bless you and your famely

All the best from
Marianne

[Holly]

Yes--do listen to yourself. Feel free to ignore or guffaw at anything I write. Just keep going because you are doing just fine. And I love your little pendants too-the moustache is definitely my fave.

[feather]

i have so enjoyed reading your blog. i've linked to you today to share you with my peeps!

[Julie]

Although I'm newish to your blog and have only been able to check in about weekly, I had totally missed that you have an Etsy shop as well. I must be more observant. You always offer great inspiration and support to your readers. I hope you are feeling at least as much support yourself. I still have a lovely email message from you that i'll be hanging onto as an important reminder to keep away from the vicious cycle of always trying to "do more" with regard to parenting and managing it all. Receiving messages via Etsy convos is a huge source of support and joy for me.

Wishing you a spectular - or restful, peaceful, whatever you most prefer - weekend!

[Misakomimoko]

Hello Amy!
these little sweeties looks really cute, stamps look great on them.
Thank you for those nice words and supporting DIY ;)
I really appreciate.
Love your shop, hope to see it full of treasures again.
have a nice week!
eva x