Promoting, Obsessing and Blogging

Finally sat down and made a necklace and some earrings. Got them listed on Etsy, onto FB, tweeted and pinned - whew! This social networking thing is a lot of work, LOL. I am going to meet with a photographer this weekend to see about getting some better shots of my jewelry.  I am pretty good at taking pictures, but I think someone with some commercial photography experience would be a huge asset. Here's the piece I completed and promoted today: (The caption is a link to the Etsy posting.)

Turquoise, Red, Brown & Silver Chunky Multi-Strand Necklace

The attorney's office got back with me today.  I asked the paralegal when they were wanting a face to face meeting, but the answer was kind of ambiguous, "I would imagine at some point in the near future we’d like to get together with you." I knew that already. I was hoping for something more specific, like - let's shoot for two weeks or three weeks?  My anxiety kicks in when there are too many unknowns and in this situation it feels like everything is unknown.

I am trying to stay grounded and not let this take over my life.  When I get obsessive I tend to get hypo manic. My mood has been pretty good though and I am taking my meds everyday. I check in with the doctor on Thursday and hopefully he won't change my meds again. He tried me on some OCD medication, but it didn't seem to really do much. I am concerned about the ruminating thoughts and slight paranoia but I will discuss it all with him, and see if he wants to change the cocktail again.  Maybe he will just while I am going through all this rehashing of such a painful time for me.

Recycled Reclaimed Bronze Lotus Leaf Petal Earrings

Being a member of the JET team, we are asked to promote some of the other member's items and shops.  Everyday they chose a different shop to spotlight and the team members promote an item(s) from that shop. That being said, here's a pretty little pair of earrings from a fellow JET Team member. I love their simplicity and delicate nature. Her Etsy shop, RusticRockJewelry has some very pretty items. (The caption is a link to the Etsy posting.)

Images and jewelry designs may not be reproduced, copied, duplicated, printed or otherwise used without the expressed written consent of Body Electric Jewelry or agents. All photos, text, designs are the property of Body Electric Jewelry. Photos may be used for personal enjoyment or archive purposes but photos, text and jewelry designs may not be used in any manner for financial gain or commerce by anyone other than Body Electric Jewelry.

My links:

FB:                   https://www.facebook.com/BeadedJewelrybyBodyElectric

Twitter:          https://twitter.com/BodyElectricJwl

My Blog:         http://bodyelectricjewelry.blogspot.com

Pinterest:       http://pinterest.com/bodyelectricjwl/

 

On The Mend?

Well, the attorney called back like he said he would.  I'm beginning to wonder if he passed the bar! :) LOL  It's refreshing to deal with someone who keeps their word.  Apparently they are willing to pursue legal action against this former rabbi, and the institution which looked the other way and covered everything up.  I want to pinch myself to be sure its true.  Is it possible that the truth will finally come to light? That his current flock of sheep will realize they are being led by a wolf?  I so desperately want to let that glimmer of hope shine, but my rational and practical side reminds me that the good guys don't always win, and lies can be sustained for generations.  I will do whatever I can, whatever is in my power to bring the truth into the light; for my own healing, for other victims and even more importantly to prevent further abuse.

I found some energy and created a new piece. After I finished I was just totally exhausted.  My chest is still very tight and coughing hurts all over.  I think the body is still trying to tell me to rest. But hopefully I am on the upswing. Here's the piece, the colors in this one are very hard to photograph.  The main stones are a beautiful combination of a rust rose, tan, beige and grey.  I used complimentary smaller beads and added some gun metal and silver to complete this necklace.

At the beginning of March I am attending a jewelry making conference in Houston where I will be attending a bunch of workshops to expand my repertoire. I am really looking forward to it.  I love learning new things.  My mom is sending me to the conference as a birthday gift.  I hope to sell a few pieces before then because I need to purchase a bunch of supplies for these classes, and I just don't have the funds right now.  I will admit I am a little anxious about being in a large class with people I don't know.  My anxiety disorder rears its head on these occasions.  I never used to be anxious in these type of situations,  I rode the subway and/or bus everyday to and from school as a teen, public transportation in New York City, and I did just fine for the most part.  I think I do better when I don't have to interact with the individuals around me vs. an expectation of cordiality.  It seems like new situations and new people have me more and more anxious the older I get.  When I have a panic attack (aside from the dread, the sweating and the racing heart and thoughts) it goes to my intestines and bowls.  There is no feeling more humiliating and terrifying than having a panic attack and not knowing if you are going to get to a bathroom on time.  That intense reaction started after the abuse. I went to numerous doctors over the years and IBS was finally diagnosed, but having a name for it doesn't make it any better.  My daily meds keep it basically in check, but I am thankful that I can take Valium when needed.

On the sidebar of this blog I have created a BEJ Blog Button with a grab box.  If you have a webpage or blog of your own and would be willing to promote my blog, feel free to cut and paste the HTML code from the grab box to create my button on your page.  I'd be happy to do the same for you.

My links:

FB:                https://www.facebook.com/BeadedJewelrybyBodyElectric

Twitter:          https://twitter.com/BodyElectricJwl

Etsy:              http://www.etsy.com/shop/BodyElectricJewelry

Pinterest:         http://pinterest.com/bodyelectricjwl/

 

Images and jewelry designs may not be reproduced, copied, duplicated, printed or otherwise used without the expressed written consent of Body Electric Jewelry or agents. All photos, text and designs are the property of Body Electric Jewelry. Photos may be used for personal enjoyment or archive purposes but photos, text and jewelry designs may not be used in any manner for financial gain or commerce by anyone other than Body Electric Jewelry.

Getting Current & Solidifying Bonds

Today I finally caught up on posting the new items I've created.  I have a few left, but this listing marathon was long overdue.  All the boot bling is listed, including my new pieces for little girls.  The charm bracelets have been listed too.  It was a lot of work today but I am so glad its mostly finished.  I am very psyched as I used some of my holiday money to buy a new pair of cowboy boots.  My youngest daughter did too, and I can't wait to wear them out somewhere.  I used one of them today to photo a new piece of boot bling.

Here's my new boot with the new bling!

Now that most of the jewelry has been listed I hope I can use my time to be creative.  On the top of my list for this weekend however is seeing Les Miserables. The storm prevented us for seeing it the day after Christmas, so we are going to wait and have a nice dinner and movie date this weekend. Its been awhile since we've had a "date" and we are in serious need of some "us" time.  This whole smoking thing has me so upset - more because she lied to me and covered up her behavior than the actual smoking.  I desperately want her to quit, but more than that I want her to be able to be honest with me.  For a fleeting moment I thought about some kind of tit for tat, but it was fleeting - and my calm, rational side reminded me that two wrongs don't make a right. I just want us to be able to talk openly and honestly so that we grow closer.

My youngest daughter walked to Target for me today and just generally helped me out while I plugged along with photography, listings and marketing.  It was really nice having some company today while I did my work.  We really didn't say much to each other, but just the presence was nice.

I am not looking forward to taking down our tree.  It usually makes me cry. Getting it up is a hassle, but taking it down is just depressing.  I am tired now, but I did get a lot done today.  Hopefully tomorrow will be as productive.

12-12-12 Happy Birthday Nathan!

Friends of ours had a baby today - unfortunately he was born in Houston due to extenuating circumstances and so it will be awhile before we get to meet him.  I am so excited because I love little babies. I cried when I heard that both mommy and baby were healthy, happy, safe and sound.  I am going to have lots of opportunities to baby sit and help them both since they are first time parents - and I did it five times over.  12-12-12, Welcome to the world sweet Nathan!  Can't wait to meet you.

Getting a lot done today and mood is good.  I ran around doing some errands and I created a piece I really like.  There is a list of things that need to get done, but for whatever reason I am a bit less daunted by it than usual.  Fiona accompanied me while dropping the kids at school and on all my errands.  She is a big hit wherever she goes.

The fourth night of Hanukkah came and went.  We had a nice evening with the kids and now we get to redefine Hanukkah with just the two of us.  When they are all grown it will be another new chapter.

The in-laws are coming this weekend along with two of my sister-in-laws and my nephews so that they can ride the Polar Express in Grapevine Mills. We will be busy at McKinney Trade Days but depending on how long they hang around there, we may join them after we break down the booth.

I am struggling with marketing and promotion.  I want to reach more people and grow my business and my community.  I don't have the money for large marketing and advertisement.  Possibly I need to check out my local newspaper, but I wonder just how large the readership is given our propensity toward technology these days.  If anyone reading this blog has any useful ideas, please feel free to comment, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Time to move on to the next thing on my list; housework - yuck! LOL

The Holiday Season

So far I've had more time to be productive today.  My anxiety is fairly low and my mood could be best described as "stable".  Although this new medication (an anti-psychotic) seems to be helping there is a bit of lethargy attached to it.  Got a new piece made and then was able to promote it, and another one I had made some time back.  Here are the new creations:

Tonight is the last night we have the kids this Hanukkah - they go to their dad's tomorrow after school to finish out the holiday with him.  I don't know why its so difficult to celebrate the remainder of the holiday without them, but its always been weird - kinda like Hanukkah is four nights, not eight.  Its been that way for years and you'd think I would be used to it by now, but it never seems to get easier.  At least we get them for Christmas every year since their dad celebrates only Hanukkah.

We are almost done with our Christmas shopping - down to two gifts I think.  I just finished a piece I am giving as a Christmas gift to my sister-in-law.  She is a hair stylist and really enjoys what she does.  She's very into bling and hopefully will absolutely love this.

I am trying to get some pieces ready for our show at McKinney Trade Days. I am looking forward to this fair, and hope the pedestrian traffic is good. The weather is supposed to cooperate and reach the mid to upper sixties both Saturday and Sunday.  It hasn't felt much like the holiday season with our weather being so mild. We've had a few cold days and that dusting of snow, but it still kinda feels like it should be Thanksgiving approaching and not Christmas.

Here's a link to the McKinney Trade Days website/map, our booth is on Herman Drive, spot 114.  McKinney Third Monday Trade Days Map Maybe some of you who read this blog will stop by!
Here are my various links:

Etsy: My Etsy Shop

Facebook: Facebook Page

Twitter: Twitter Profile

Pinterest: Pinterest Profile

Babies, Business and Being Calm

Did the baby shower thing today.  We’ve been to two in the last two weeks.  Everyone is pregnant at my partner’s work place, and it seems like each and every one of them is having a boy.  I honestly thought my baby shower years were over and done with.  I’m going to be 43 and most of my friends have already had their brood.  I have five, and I am certainly done with reproduction.  Every baby shower holds the same activities for its participants.  I can honestly say I am not interested in wrapping another streamer around anyone else’s pregnant belly.  My time is usually spent assuaging the expectant mother’s fears of labor, delivery and nursing.  My physique on the other hand does not leave them with much post-partum hope.

Currently we are on our way to Wichita Falls, “City Lights” parade.  We haven’t even celebrated Thanksgiving, and we are basically celebrating Christmas.  Attendance at this parade is an annual tradition for my partner’s family.  So we are driving three hours to stand in the cold and watch people walk or ride down the street throwing candy at kids.  I am wearing one of my new pieces – marketing, marketing, marketing.  And I am carrying my business cards just in case someone notices.  Someone did notice earlier at the baby shower so I am hoping for a new customer soon.

 

I drive a red mini cooper (whom I fondly named Maxine – I enjoy irony.) I love my car – we zip around town together getting all sorts of compliments.  I need to get a “Born to Bead” license plate cover and we will be the perfect pair. My partner is driving now and I feel nice and relaxed.  The weekends are better for my anxiety and depression – not being home alone helps tremendously.  Beads and dogs are great but they seriously lack conversational skills. 

 

Christmas Before Thanksgiving

Won’t be able to bead today (unless of course I can’t sleep again).  I miss the creative process when I cannot engage in it.  But today is about business promotion.  Gave a card out at the shower, and maybe I can hand one more out today (if I don’t freeze to death). Gonna spend some quality time with the woman I love and with family. Weekends are always too short.

My nephew is on this float somewhere - with his cub scout troup.