Bittersweet and the little soap company

*Timeless Continued*

I've been digging through some of the pictures my Uncle sent me. I must say, I am  flabbergasted by these photo's. Not only does my Uncle Richard have a knack for capturing the moment, he also must be commended for recording so many of these precious images.

Uncle Richard, Thank you for thinking so much to the future. I am deeply thankful.

Isn't this a great picture of my Dad? See the perfect capture of the moment thing my Uncle has going on..

Then the pic of my Dad standing in front of this enormous tree. The trench-coat and the tree together, timeless.

This is a picture of my Aunt Charla. My Aunt Charla taught me to crochet. She was a hip chick. I remember many things about my Aunt Charla. I remember her having the coolest hiking gear when we went hiking in Washington where my Uncle lived. I remember her perfume, Prince Matchabelli, and I remember her being kind and soulful like. Again, my Uncle captured this in the photo of her.       

This is me at about 6 or so. My Mom would dress me in these fancy little dresses and then I would run out to ride my bike or play in the dirt. This picture explains my early attraction to flowers and fragrance. He did it again!

As I look at these old photo's I am re-introduced to memories over and over again. That's the magic about pictures.

I think about the past and the present,  and while looking at these photo's I somehow feel connected as a human being. They pick me up when I am down, and make me smile. I guess that's what they're suppose to do. I know one thing for sure. Looking at these wonderful photo's makes me want to grab my camera and snap as many pictures as I can of my family.

This is a picture of my Uncle Richard. You know, the guy that took these timeless shots. This seemed like an appropriate photo of him to share with you. I believe it captures him.

Enjoy caring and sharing summer days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two big hugs go out to my Uncle Richard)      

Nifty Cute!

I spotted these little snow cone holders at Target the other day, and knew they would be nifty cute for displaying the fizzy snow cones. Who thought of these? What a great idea! Darn it, I wish I would have thought of creating these. I'm going back to Target and purchase some more until I have fizzzzzzy snow cones setting throughout the entire studio.

I received a call yesterday from a customer that has cancer and is going through radiation. Her last treatment is on Friday and she wanted to give the technicians a little gifty something. She chose to give each a bar of Bittersweet Soap. I wrapped each soap in a little bag and tied the bag with satin ribbon. I usually don't like plastic wrapping, but there's something special about these sparkly little soap bags. 

Over the years my company has been chosen for such thank you gifts, and most of the time it is a bar of soap that they choose to give.

I feel blessed that I am able to share my soap in such a positive spiritual way. I consider my soap to be a simple, but yet soulful gift for giving.

Enjoy a caring and sharing day.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

   

Plan In Place....and moving on.

When something unexpected happens to you, like the car accident last week that I had, it's important to have a plan. When I first got creamed I was pretty upset, and not really thinking about a plan quite yet. Now, I'm thinking plan. If you don't have a plan, things can get mixed up and you can easily be taken advantage of. I guess that's the way it's always been, but I really haven't ever pondered the thought too much until now. 

A plan protects you, and even can even comfort you. With a plan you know exactly what your next step is, it somehow lessens the blow, and builds your confidence.

I'm really getting tired of blogging about this accident, but feel since I'm experiencing such mental trauma with the insurance company that possibly this blog will help others going through similar issues.

Here's the story...

I have had the same insurance for twenty some years and never filed a claim. I have not even ever been in a wreck while I was driving. The gal that hit me ran the stop sign, I didn't even see her coming. She got a ticket for C & I driving. Once the insurance companies determine who's fault it is, it goes against their claim. Since it was her fault, it is filed on her insurance. One little catch though, we both have the same insurance company.

When the insurance company contacts you for the first time they send out the big dog first. He does everything he can to intimidate you. He lies, he cheats, and since I'm a woman, he's even thinks he's an even bigger dog! The first offer is usually around twenty-five percent lower than what they should offer. That's just the way they do. Never take the first offer, Never!

If you refuse the first offer, which is what I did, they then have the right to refuse you a rental car. So plan on them taking the rental back after about one week when you refuse their offer. It's just another part of their intimidation process. You see they have a plan... Now comes the wait... They won't contact you for a few days.

If you don't hear from them within 3 or 4 days call and ask to talk to the claims supervisor. In my instance I had an 03 car, but it only had twenty-eight thousand miles on it. Tell the claims supervisor to find you a car that only has twenty-eight thousand miles on it for the amount they have offered you. Chances are they would have to look long and hard to do that, and they know that!

You can even take that first offer and purchase a new car, make up the difference out of your pocket, and still  file a dispute against the insurance company. It will take some time, but you will eventually get your money.

Not knowing any of this information, and finding it out and researching it helped my create my plan. I hope that you never have to deal with such a thing, but chances are you probably will at some time in your life.

Remember to construct a plan, and don't allow the insurance company to stress you. That is what they are trying to do. Take a deep breath, and release...Remember too, you are too blessed to be stressed!

I promise, I will not talk about this anymore. It was everything I could do to finish typing this morning. I feel it's important though for you to know.

Yesterday I enjoyed creating some new things for Vintage Two, and I updated the web site with our auction updates, so check it out! 

Enjoy a caring and sharing day.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

It's A Numbers Thing!

Did you happen to notice yesterdays last comment? I  have this thing about numbers!  Exactly  two-hundred, and fifty three posts, and the very same number of comments.  What are the odds? Well, I won't go into that, but let's just say it's very unusual that both would match.

I'm continuing to add items to VINTAGE TWO. Check out the paper weights. Cable man is dropping by this morning. We are switching to cable telephone service. We currently have everything else with them, so I thought if would be more cost effective to have our phone too. After I called the company, I found that we will save around fifty dollars a month. I have the Bittersweet phone line at the studio, and it is still land line. I think that's what they call it?

Speaking of phones. I don't have a cell phone! I know most people do, but I don't. The rest of my family have one, and I will use it occasionally if I'm traveling alone, but ninety-eight percent of the time I have NO CELL PHONE. Does that seem weird to you? I actually purchased one, and had it setting around for about three years or so, never used it! Let's me honest here. I really don't like cell phones. I mean come on, is it that important to be talking to someone everywhere you go. I used to get so irritated when customers would come in and be talking on their cell phones. I would here conversations like, "I don't know what do you want for dinner"?

Now they have the phones that stick in your ear, and if your looking at the person from the other side, you don't notice their on the phone. I have even started talking to them thinking they were talking to me, and then they turn their head and I see the headset. Don't let me go on! Because you know I will. Anyway, cell phones, a controversial subject.

More to something fun... More Saturdays flea market finds. I found this floral box, and love the patterns. I'd say from the fifty's.

This box stumped me. It has the word Cannon on the front. Cannon with two N's. Possibly a perfume box? Anyway, I guess it doesn't matter because I like the box.

This little perfume atomizer is a delightful find. I collect these, so it's always nice to find things you collect while flea marketing. This is another item you don't see very often. The rose bud on top is a pump for distributing your perfume.

Check out the seventy's fabric. It's a thick canvas fabric that will make the cutest pot holders for Vintage Two. I also picked up the string beans, just thought they looked good with the fabric. 

I love this sparkly clip! Very French, and sexy! I can't wait to wear it with my favorite pair of jeans.

These little paper coasters were a true delight neatly packaged in their original box. You know the Vintage Kitchen Swap is coming up, hmm.   

I believe that completes my collection of Saturday's Vintage Finds.

This Spring and Summer are going to be so much fun with Sandy and Vintage Two. I'm really looking forward to blogging about all the flea marketing, and exciting trips, and adventures.

I believe I'm caught up with Bittersweet orders, and am anxious to assist Mr. Smith with his quads.

I will take a few shots and place them on Vintage Two. I'm working on paper items now. The little note books are so cute!

Enjoy a caring and sharing day!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

It's A Numbers Thing!

Did you happen to notice yesterdays last comment? I  have this thing about numbers!  Exactly  two-hundred, and fifty three posts, and the very same number of comments.  What are the odds? Well, I won't go into that, but let's just say it's very unusual that both would match.

I'm continuing to add items to VINTAGE TWO. Check out the paper weights. Cable man is dropping by this morning. We are switching to cable telephone service. We currently have everything else with them, so I thought if would be more cost effective to have our phone too. After I called the company, I found that we will save around fifty dollars a month. I have the Bittersweet phone line at the studio, and it is still land line. I think that's what they call it?

Speaking of phones. I don't have a cell phone! I know most people do, but I don't. The rest of my family have one, and I will use it occasionally if I'm traveling alone, but ninety-eight percent of the time I have NO CELL PHONE. Does that seem weird to you? I actually purchased one, and had it setting around for about three years or so, never used it! Let's me honest here. I really don't like cell phones. I mean come on, is it that important to be talking to someone everywhere you go. I used to get so irritated when customers would come in and be talking on their cell phones. I would here conversations like, "I don't know what do you want for dinner"?

Now they have the phones that stick in your ear, and if your looking at the person from the other side, you don't notice their on the phone. I have even started talking to them thinking they were talking to me, and then they turn their head and I see the headset. Don't let me go on! Because you know I will. Anyway, cell phones, a controversial subject.

More to something fun... More Saturdays flea market finds. I found this floral box, and love the patterns. I'd say from the fifty's.

This box stumped me. It has the word Cannon on the front. Cannon with two N's. Possibly a perfume box? Anyway, I guess it doesn't matter because I like the box.

This little perfume atomizer is a delightful find. I collect these, so it's always nice to find things you collect while flea marketing. This is another item you don't see very often. The rose bud on top is a pump for distributing your perfume.

Check out the seventy's fabric. It's a thick canvas fabric that will make the cutest pot holders for Vintage Two. I also picked up the string beans, just thought they looked good with the fabric. 

I love this sparkly clip! Very French, and sexy! I can't wait to wear it with my favorite pair of jeans.

These little paper coasters were a true delight neatly packaged in their original box. You know the Vintage Kitchen Swap is coming up, hmm.   

I believe that completes my collection of Saturday's Vintage Finds.

This Spring and Summer are going to be so much fun with Sandy and Vintage Two. I'm really looking forward to blogging about all the flea marketing, and exciting trips, and adventures.

I believe I'm caught up with Bittersweet orders, and am anxious to assist Mr. Smith with his quads.

I will take a few shots and place them on Vintage Two. I'm working on paper items now. The little note books are so cute!

Enjoy a caring and sharing day!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Bukuro

In Japan this word means little bag.  Not so very long ago, a Japanese woman would tuck a  bukuro inside the sleeve of her kimono. Everywhere she went she enjoyed the sweet smell of lavender.

I purchased a Japanese craft book several years ago, and had a blast making these little bukuro's. I used Japanese fabric, and hand sewed each one. You mustn't allow stitches to be visible. I used a blind catch stitch on each one, although I do see a few stitches here and there. It's a Jill thing!

There is something enchanting about crafts from other parts of the world. I'm especially fond of Japanese crafts, and partial to Japanese stuffies. I appreciate the patterns and fabrics, and the special attention to detail that goes into the things the Japanese make.

There is something about hand sewing that makes you feel warm and soulful, and there's nothing like the feeling that goes into hand sewing a project. It's as though some of your soul has rubbed off onto the creation, and is forever embedded into each little stitch.

I would imagine that's part of the passion some people experience while quilting. I hand sewed a quilt years ago. I remember the joy of choosing the fabric for the quilt, and I still remember the peaceful soulful feeling I experienced every time I picked it up to sew another stitch. One stitch after another, and another, each one the same, but yet different. Oh maybe I got up to fix a glass of iced tea, and went back to sewing the quilt, and again the same small straight stitch as before. Funny, I don't remember sewing the last stitch! You would think you'd remember the last stitch. 

To this day when I pull that old quilt out of the blanket chest I can still feel that same warm cozy feeling that I experienced while making that quilt. The hand sewn stitches tried and true, and forever you!

Enjoy a caring and sharing day!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one) 

    

It's A Wonderful Life!

Yesterday was magical! I was surrounded by great friends and happy customers on my last Thursday at the shop. Thank you for all of your beautiful warm words, and thoughts. I felt a few teardrops fall down my face as I read your comments.  Your kind words mean so much to me, you'll never know. By the end of the day I had balloons, wine, and chocolate, three of my favorite things, sent via special delivery by my friend Alan who owns the flower shop just a few doors down from Bittersweet.

Alan and I have become good friends just in the past few months. I've known him for several years, but just recently we have become good buds. He brings me little stems of flowers throughout the week to place in the shop, in which truly brightens up my day.

Then there's Dana. I have known Dana for more than several years. Dana and I met through a mutual friend some eight years ago. Dana is a true jewel of a friend! I was so excited when she and her friend dropped by yesterday. It made my day!

Last night the bookstore hosted a book signing. Mary Carol Garrity was signing her book. If your not familiar with this gal, she resides in a small town in Missouri called Atchison, just about forty-five minutes west of Liberty. Atchison is the birthplace of Amelia Earhart. It was a dying town until Mary Carol snapped it into place. She is somewhat of an icon figure around here. Her merchandising sets her apart from other shops, as she has a keen eye for details. She has a following within a four state area. Now that's pretty darn impressive to me!

I am so looking forward to Christmas!

The week after, I will be moving Bittersweet home. I have moved so many times that I do believe I would consider myself to be somewhat of an expert on the subject. Moving is never fun, but this time around I am really looking forward to it, and am anxious to get it done.

Need to make some bags of bursty before going in this morning so I better get going.

Only two more days left!!!!!!!!!

Enjoy a caring and sharing day!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

 

 

Giving Is More Fun Than Receiving

Isn't it? That's why I love this time of year!

This holiday season I'm choosing to give more than I receive, and watching for those little windows of opportunity that will allow me to give. It is going to be the best Christmas ever! 

I'm beginning the kind acts immediately. I've actually already began.

The idea began when a couple of my very close friends stopped by the shop. They are indeed my treasured friends, and I think the absolute world of them. Both friends are feeling a bit of a money pinch, and had told me their Christmas budget was very slim. I could tell they were both bummed about the upcoming season. I know how they feel too, because I too, have had the pinch before. Christmas is so commercialized these days, and puts a tremendous amount of  pressure on those that are less fortunate.

That's where I come in. What's the point in owning one's shop, if you can't share it with the ones you love?? I offered them gifts for their friends and family from the boutique, and what a wonderful gift that would be to me.

It reminds me of this story...

A few years back, Christmas Eve, when Bittersweet was above Julie's shop, I was getting ready to go home to my family when I happened to glance out the window. I noticed a young family in a beat up old truck unloading phone books out of the truck bed. I thought to myself, Christmas Eve, and this family is spending it delivering phone books probably to make money for Christmas. I was compelled to run out and offer them items from my shop, which I did. It was one of those instant reactions, didn't even think , should I? Just did it!

I felt awkward at first, and didn't want to make them feel uncomfortable, but introduced myself as the owner of a shop upstairs, and that since it was Christmas Eve, I was getting ready to go home to be with my family. I explained to them that I had made too many holiday gifts and that they were going to just set in my shop and go to waste.

They followed me to the shop and began choosing gifts for their two young girls that were setting in the old truck. I told the young woman to pick out things for herself too, which she did. You could feel the love! It was an extraordinary soulful feeling that I will never forget.

I also know without a doubt, I looked out that window at exactly the time I was suppose to. I remember going home to my family that night and having warm feelings of love and admiration for each little thing we did together.

A few years later after I moved to the square, and another Christmas Eve, this cute young couple comes in the shop. I didn't recognize them at first, and they said "do you remember us?" Of course, it was the couple that made me think about the true meaning of Christmas. They proceeded to tell  me how much the gesture meant to them, and that how they had no money that Christmas to buy gifts for their family, and how grateful they were that I came down to talk to them.

The couple stops by every year around this time just to say Hi. Every time I see them I think about that Christmas Eve and how wonderful it was.

Do you believe in Christmas?   I know I do, and wish it could be Christmas every day. Why not pretend that it is, and be little Christmas Angels everday.

It's the finger prints of life, and things that make our life more ......

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)   

Day Off!

I have  been enjoying both yesterday and the weekend off doing fun things around the house. Most weekends are filled with making things for Bittersweet. 

The dining room project left me with the makeover fever. I'm ready to change the entry now. I'm thinking a gray blue? I'm not sure yet, so I think I will think about it some more before I jump right into it.

The garage sale preparation is going well. Where did all this stuff come from?

Patrick needs a new cello, so we're shopping for cello's this evening. I love the cello! It's such a soft and soothing sounding string instrument. He also plays piano. It's nice listening to both, especially around the holidays. I am not musically inclined one bit. I think I even flunked out on Peter Pumpkin Eater.

It's refreshing to have a child that loves music and enjoys playing it and filling the house with beautiful sounds. Lennis and I are lucky.

Definitely, one of those things that make life a little more interesting.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Little Bags

Little bags...

Most people have at least one compulsive  obsession with some sort of thing. For instance, shoes.. I know, you just can never have enough shoes! Believe me  I understand.. 

My obsession,  little bags.... Not big bags but little bags. I adore them! 

Since opening the boutique, I have made hundreds, maybe thousands of these little bags. I hand sew each one and embellish them with delicate lace and silky ribbon. The little bags are perfect for holding treasured gifts. The recipient always is appreciative and adore them, as I do.

So, if you happen by  Bittersweet.. You might find yourself admiring those little bags.. Uh oh, that's how I got started....

Little things that make life more interesting. Don't you think?

Happily, Jill 00