tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-328344182024-03-07T15:05:02.739-07:00i like banjosnothing at all about banjos. mostly rambling about various things.erinraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02021154705400911955noreply@blogger.comBlogger580125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32834418.post-78141274593389243042013-04-18T14:52:00.002-06:002013-04-18T14:54:28.459-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Derwent water soluble graphite pencil. Very fun!erinraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02021154705400911955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32834418.post-10592938821109523262013-03-19T17:13:00.000-06:002013-03-19T17:13:36.908-06:00I am finally feeling better from surgery. No more dizzys, no more barfing, and very little head pain.<br />
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Stuff sounds better everyday. But I'm no where near comprehending speech. It is as expected.erinraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02021154705400911955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32834418.post-85255144457892091882013-02-05T20:24:00.001-07:002013-02-05T20:24:26.371-07:00Surgery dayWell, its over. I have the pain under control and I've spent the day napping on the couch.<br />
Everything went fine. Ill be able to take off the pressure bandage tomorrow and<br />
see the scar and if the shaved any hair. I was told they might to a finger width behind the ear.<br />
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Activation is Feb 19th. That's when we find out how the new bionic things sound.<br />
<br />
A big thank you to mu husband for taking care of me all afternoon. he is the best.<br />
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For now I have some tea and a kitty and some netflix.erinraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02021154705400911955noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32834418.post-73994407541707484442013-02-04T13:59:00.000-07:002013-02-04T13:59:08.691-07:002...1...Gathering soft foods and beverages.<br />
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Cleaning the cat box.<br />
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Running errands.<br />
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I'm not nervous about the surgery. I have been told that the recovery will be less rough than the sinus surgery i had a few weeks ago.<br />
I am feeling the apprehensiveness that comes with big life changes. That change of your sense of self. This comes up with things like hearing aids, glasses, braces, etc. It just takes some time to get used to.<br />
<br />
So anyway, here we go! We are leaving the house far too early tomorrow morning and hopefully will be home by noon.<br />
<br />erinraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02021154705400911955noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32834418.post-9130168062340616872013-02-02T15:43:00.002-07:002013-02-02T15:43:19.293-07:004...3...Prescriptions and soft foods picked up.<br />
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I don't feel like wearing my HAs makes much of a difference conversation wise, at this point. They basically make some sounds louder, like I can kind of tell the phone is ringing, sometimes. And I just noticed the heater turn on.erinraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02021154705400911955noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32834418.post-3320020782437641652013-01-31T10:24:00.001-07:002013-01-31T10:24:52.473-07:006....5....I am not aloud to lift more than 10lbs for 4 weeks after surgery. Not more than 25lbs for another few weeks after that.<br />
At First I was like.. Oh no! I wont be able to lift Tacitus [my shop cat].<br />
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20lbs<br />
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But then it hit me- my other cats are over 10lbs as well. Except for Kabuki who is only 9lbs.<br />
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Sheesh!erinraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02021154705400911955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32834418.post-40874855952019227412013-01-29T17:07:00.001-07:002013-01-29T17:07:06.110-07:00Sinus surgery- post opGlad that is over with. I will spare you the bloody details.<br />
At this point, I can breath better, my nose hurts less each day, and my sinus' feel absolutely cavernous.<br />
I still have a sinus infection- but I am told it should clear up in the next few weeks. No since of smell yet. I'll let you know when that happens.erinraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02021154705400911955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32834418.post-19387078851348039912013-01-29T12:16:00.001-07:002013-01-29T12:16:56.912-07:00Countdown 7...We went in for the pre-op meeting yesterday. It was not terribly exciting. We made sure everyone knew what ear was being surgeried and what not. I did get my processor, and got to take it home.<br />
I cant open anything. But I will at least be able to look over the stuff and instruction book pre- activation.<br />
<br />
Someone else on the internet recently posted "<a href="http://www.askhear.com/unboxing-an-advanced-bionics-neptune/">unboxing" photos</a>. I got all of this stuff too. Take a look. This is for one- ONE processor. I get 2 for each ear. Currently I will have to wait for the second processor, as I am the lucky recipient of the new <a href="http://funnyoldlife.wordpress.com/2013/01/19/new-cochlear-implant-processor-from-advanced-bionics/">BTE being released this coming summer</a>.<br />
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7 days until surgery.erinraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02021154705400911955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32834418.post-22288125547113714492013-01-09T14:26:00.000-07:002013-01-09T14:26:29.939-07:00Going Cochlear<span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.78333282470703px;">We are starting out Jan- and 2013 for that matter, with some big things.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.78333282470703px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #424242; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 19.78333282470703px;">Next week I am having sinus surgery. Hopefully the end result will be that my </span><span style="line-height: 19.766666412353516px;">since</span><span style="line-height: 19.78333282470703px;"> of smell returns, and the sinus infections go away. [I've had a sinus infection for the better part of the last 15 years.]</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #424242; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 19.78333282470703px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #424242; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 19.78333282470703px;">A few weeks after that I am having cochlear implant surgery. I have lost quite a bit of hearing in the last year. Most situations just sound like noise. If you've had an awkward conversation with me the last number of months, or I said "i'm sorry i just cant hear you." and it came off as rude, and like I was cutting you off- it </span><span style="line-height: 19.766666412353516px;">wasn't</span><span style="line-height: 19.78333282470703px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 19.766666412353516px;">meant</span><span style="line-height: 19.78333282470703px;"> to be. I am frustrated, and I really really cant hear you. Like, the music is on along with the dish washer, dryer and </span><span style="line-height: 19.766666412353516px;">vacuum</span><span style="line-height: 19.78333282470703px;"> cleaner and someone is trying to talk to you from the other side of the house- cant hear you.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #424242; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 19.78333282470703px;">So I'm moving forward with cochlear. The surgery is early Feb. and the actual activation is a couple of weeks later.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #424242; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 19.78333282470703px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.766666412353516px;">"The switch on is usually the worst day of most people's lives. The only thing I can tell you is...it gets better."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.766666412353516px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #424242; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 19.766666412353516px;">It does get better. I am going to do my best to keep control of my frustration and rage after activation. I know to expect beeps, clicks, mechanical sounding </span><span style="line-height: 19.75px;">things</span><span style="line-height: 19.766666412353516px;"> it could be months </span><span style="line-height: 19.75px;">before</span><span style="line-height: 19.766666412353516px;"> voices sound "right". But at some point, they will. I feel like i need a 100 pk of temp tattoos that say "This too will pass". Because good lord, this kind of thing is <i>maddening</i>.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #424242; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 19.766666412353516px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #424242; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 19.766666412353516px;">I ordered the Advanced Bionics Neptune processor. It is worn off ear, is water proof and comes in fun colors- also you can get skin it </span><span style="line-height: 19.75px;">appliques</span><span style="line-height: 19.766666412353516px;"> for it. A new BTE processor is being released this coming summer. I will </span><span style="line-height: 19.75px;">receive</span><span style="line-height: 19.766666412353516px;"> this when it comes out.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #424242; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 19.766666412353516px;">The Mr. is blogging: </span></span></span><span style="color: #424242; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 19.75px;">http://sexycyborghusbandry.wordpress.com/<br />This site can answer a lot of your questions: http://cochlearimplanthelp.com/</span></span>erinraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02021154705400911955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32834418.post-65362640128901700052012-11-28T10:53:00.001-07:002012-11-28T10:53:49.653-07:00Sunrise/SunsetIt seems that we have had some extraordinary sunrises and sunsets this fall. Here are a few photos I have snapped with my phone. None have been cleaned up or edited in anyway.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This morning</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset Nov 24th- North sky</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset Nov 24th- South sky</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/395114_10151166839958873_1316367912_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/395114_10151166839958873_1316367912_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset Oct 15th</td></tr>
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<br />erinraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02021154705400911955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32834418.post-31841791343390019102012-11-11T18:52:00.000-07:002012-11-11T18:52:32.723-07:00Writing to writeMy Christmas Cactus is getting ready to bloom. Lets hope that this year my cats don't eat all of the buds off. [Apparently there are variety's that are actually Thanksgiving Cactus's.]<br />
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Tomorrow I have my first day off from work that hasn't involved a doctors appointment in a month. I think I'm going to try to schedule a visit to the chiropractor. My back is feeling wonky- and worse and worse, really. I haven't been in for an adjustment in at least a year, maybe two.<br />
We had a very wonderful and much needed Sunday of sitting around watching TV. Seems like we have been so busy and so tired lately.<br />
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I'm working on xmas gift lists. What to get other people, what to ask for my self. My birthday is in December, so its always a bit odd. I need to start writing things down and saving lists. My husband and father are the hardest to shop for.<br />
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A few years ago I finally admitted to my self just how much I truly enjoy the holidays. Its not so much about presents- but more about decorating, party's food, friends, movies, music and beautiful things. Its all I can do to not stock up of lots of decorations at Target. For one, I don't have much space in my house for display [or storage], for two, our cats do tend to get into things, and I hate to find things broken or knocked over.<br />
This year I'm not sure my house will get much love. My store, however, is getting totally decorated. I am making paper garlands, snow flakes and window displays this week. We will have gift boxes and shrink wrap. I have some fun kids holiday things, but also just great supplies. Art supplies doesn't need a season.<br />
I am trying to get some homemade ornaments and cards to sell on consignment as well. I am really thrilled to be a part of a small business district.We are promoting both Small Business Saturday and in December Jingle Mingle. There will be a window display contest. Not sure that we will win, but I most certainly win for most contentiously changing window display.<br />
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This December will be crazy. I have lots of classes planned in the shop, and the general hubbub, and well, everything else. I'm excited.<br />
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I have a ripe pomegranate on the kitchen counter. I think I will devour it tomorrow.<br />
This probably sounds weird but I am totally looking forward to doing some major hose cleaning and garage tetrasing tomorrow.Maybe work in the yard. I am just glad to have nothing planned.<br />
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My husband has just returned from the store with a box of wine and ingredients to make potato leek bacon soup and roasted brusselsprouts with pancetta and some sort of salad.<br />
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We had a long talk about Thanksgiving planning. Maybe doing a friends potluck TG on Friday, looked at recipes for delicious things.<br />
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Wouldn't it be fun to do a once a month iron chef style pot luck with a set of friends? Like, say, everyone bring a dish involving potatoes. Then assign main course, apatizer, salad, dessert.<br />
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<br />erinraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02021154705400911955noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32834418.post-89329765413188319322012-10-23T14:42:00.002-06:002012-10-23T14:56:59.102-06:00Hearing update 2012An update for this year....<br />
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<br />erinraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02021154705400911955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32834418.post-63816249057755997062012-09-15T11:02:00.000-06:002012-09-15T11:02:41.282-06:00Table settingsI am bad about cleaning photos off of my camera. Looking through photos today, pulling some for work, I found some from my husbands birthday dinner in April. Every time we do a dinner party, i find my self wanting to photograph the glassware and table setting. They rarely come out well, which I like to blame on lack of correct lens and too much clutter in my house- which makes for a bad back ground.<br />
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erinraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02021154705400911955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32834418.post-20273989238715600602012-08-28T10:59:00.000-06:002012-08-28T10:59:24.400-06:00vegetables<br />
I have recently discovered that I am now far enough into adulthood that my pallet has changed. In recent weeks I have consumed eggplant, squash and even, yes, zucchini [and didn't barf]. I can now taste the nuttiness of eggplant rather than and overwhelming bitterness. The squash and zucchini were both well sauced, but with out the harsh bite I remember them having.<br />
I've never been a particularly picky eater, but I am happy to admit that its nice to add a few more vegetables to the list of things I will willingly eat.<br />
I will probably never seek out zucchini, but I might not have to pick all of it out of my "mixed vegetables."<br />
In a forum discussion recently, regarding foods people do and don't like, someone said that, as a child his father told him, "pick a single food to hate with out question." Basically once you chose something you wouldn't be forced to eat it, but you would be expected to eat everything else. Apparently this man in now in his 40s and had made it his whole life without ever having tried brussel sprouts.erinraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02021154705400911955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32834418.post-31325951392850748232012-08-09T18:02:00.000-06:002012-08-09T18:02:28.039-06:00oi being deafBeing deaf...<br />
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I couldn't tell the Pandora had stopped today.. and in fact was sure I was still listening to low volume music of some sort.<br />
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I saw a discussion the other day about being comfortable discussing your deafness. I continue to be surprised by the number of people who are young and have grown up deaf, who are terrified to mention it to anyone. If they get into a conversation they cant follow, they just walk away. I don't quite understand why. I mean, clearly they are shy and embarrassed, but what a way to go through life.<br />
I think I tell 95% of the people who walk into my store that I'm deaf, and they are going to have to : speak up, be closer to me, slow down, etc. Most people either don't get it, or do, but very very few look at you like they are annoyed. Its not that big of a deal and things end to go better when you are up front about it as soon as a situation arises aka, if you have asked them to repeat them selves at least once already.erinraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02021154705400911955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32834418.post-5212271077896763882012-08-04T11:56:00.000-06:002012-08-04T11:56:38.760-06:00First Friday- AugustThere is something exciting about starting out each new month with a First Friday celebration. First of all it is a chance to have quite a few people wander through the store who might not normally step in. Some of these people buy things- fun things like origami kits and coloring books and fruit scented markers. Some people look around seriously and tell us they will be back to do some more serious shopping later.<br />
I like changing out the window display monthly. Its a lot of work, but it seems to keep people interested. Scooter didn't catch your eye? Maybe the superheros will.<br />
From the business standpoint its nice to have a little jump start to the monthly revenue goal.<br />
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I'm exhausted this morning, and going into a very crazy week. We have our first class tomorrow and Wednesday. Thursday we are setting up for the county fair which runs all weekend. I will be glad when It is over. The next event is not until Oct 6th.erinraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02021154705400911955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32834418.post-63437553808188738242012-08-03T10:27:00.000-06:002012-08-03T10:27:33.584-06:00lima beansI discovered yesterday that canned lima beans are smaller than frozen lima beans. They also smell funny.<br />
<br />
I also made a pretty darn good lima bean bake:<br />
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1 can lima beans, rinsed and drained.<br />
1 head of cauliflower chopped/ broken into small bits.<br />
olive oil<br />
paprika<br />
Italian seasoning mix<br />
feta cheese<br />
spicy Italian sausage<br />
sliced black olives<br />
<br />
Oven at 400.<br />
Drizzle some olive oil into the bottom of a casserole dish. Use a cauliflower clump to spread around evenly.<br />
Cook sausage, breaking up int chunks.<br />
Layer in cauliflower, lima beans, sprinkle paprika and italian seasoning, black olives, feta cheese and sausage.<br />
Mix together.<br />
Cover with foil and bake for 30 min. Remove foil, bake 10 min.<br />
Serve.erinraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02021154705400911955noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32834418.post-67483591227449429232012-08-02T11:29:00.000-06:002012-08-02T11:29:04.417-06:00a walk to workI really like walking to work. How ever I dislike getting to work and being all sweaty. I cant wait until the morning are cooler.<br />
To day I walked by a house that was a cute little cottage, with big trees in the front yard. I could see iris and a few other things poking through the tall weedy grass- over running what looked like it was, at one time, a very beautiful garden.<br />
I found my self wondering as I often do what had happened. Had some one moved, or passed away? Were new owners unable to keep up with the demands of the garden? What did it look like when it was in top shape?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2oSS4Za5Zev8JllJZE5WNCEW8nEqgm5QwwRekuXyzUkntiDQ2s6G5ORnB0wZ-bQK4Ef_5ye4q238E-jDjOXfn4t3PH2zVgzYfDZIwo9XCiXL60VBYGTpTIgiso1HW4y9iRtsLw/s1600/2012-08-02_11-16-01_68.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2oSS4Za5Zev8JllJZE5WNCEW8nEqgm5QwwRekuXyzUkntiDQ2s6G5ORnB0wZ-bQK4Ef_5ye4q238E-jDjOXfn4t3PH2zVgzYfDZIwo9XCiXL60VBYGTpTIgiso1HW4y9iRtsLw/s400/2012-08-02_11-16-01_68.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>When I lived in Ft. Collins I used to regularly drive by a house the had kitty head shaped wooden fence post toppers. Someone clearly spent a lot of time making them.erinraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02021154705400911955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32834418.post-58664018394811600492012-07-20T15:05:00.000-06:002012-07-20T15:05:43.705-06:00All the things are changingNot only have I let this blog go by the wayside, my garden has too. between hot weather, sprinkler problems, new schedules and not pulling the weeds our vegetable garden is looking pretty over run and ragged.<br />
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Quite embarrassing.<br />
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I am back to work full time. My shop opened its doors on June 1st. I'm busy, I'm stressed and I'm working a much different schedule than I ever have before. My husband has also changed jobs. Things are slowly starting to shift into a routine.<br />
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In local news:<br />
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Its been extraordinarily hot this summer.<br />
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There was a shooting at the premier of the new Batman movie last night. 12 are dead and 59 wounded. Denver is in shock. Very sad.<br />
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annnd.. thats it. Just been busy putting one foot in front of the other.erinraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02021154705400911955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32834418.post-36798441431678204712012-05-21T08:27:00.000-06:002012-05-21T08:27:52.521-06:00Yard updateWe have been finally getting around to working in the yard the last few weekends.<br />
New mulch, working on the flagstone patio, bought seeds to plant, lawn mowing- all the good stuff.<br />
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In other news, I now have a phone that supports instagram and have been having a great time photographing flowers in the yard. Here are a few:<br />
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</div>erinraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02021154705400911955noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32834418.post-88635745299033555562012-05-03T08:46:00.002-06:002012-05-03T08:46:18.554-06:00<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">Yeash, I have not meant to let this blog go by the wayside. mainly I have been busy, or not feeling like blog worthy things were happening.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">But now, news:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"> I have been working [for over a year] to start my own business. I recently signed a lease for a store front space, located on Tennyson St. in North Denver. Things are moving fast and I hope to open my doors before June 1st.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">Thank you for friends and family for all of your support, warm wishes encouragement advice and ideas. You have made me feel truly blessed.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">If you haven't already, go "like" Super Good Art Stuff and watch for news about the grand opening. I would love to see you all there.</span>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><br /></span>erinraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02021154705400911955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32834418.post-69617580343222315512012-03-15T07:07:00.000-06:002012-03-15T07:07:19.922-06:00Give Away! Enter to win a copy of the New Sunset Western Gardening book. My mother was asked to review the book, and in exchange was given 5 books to give away on her blog The Art Garden.<br />
Drawing ends soon, so hustle on over there and leave a message.<br />
<a href="http://jocelynsgarden.blogspot.com/">http://jocelynsgarden.blogspot.com/</a>erinraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02021154705400911955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32834418.post-35919856834391358832012-03-05T19:02:00.000-07:002012-03-05T19:02:26.132-07:00ColorI'm pretty excited to see the explosion of color in fashion this spring. Its been slowly trickling back after several years of black/ gray/ tan/ white pallets.<br />
It seems as though we are collectively saying "fuck this depression. I'm tired of this shit. Its time to have some fun."<br />
<br />
Lets hope. Seem slike a change of attitude- collectively, is what we need.erinraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02021154705400911955noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32834418.post-51480647433644557652012-02-17T08:57:00.000-07:002012-02-17T08:57:31.841-07:00SGAS Follow upWell, its been close to 3 weeks. I have not raised a single cent. Well, not here anyway. I have received another generous family loan, and am now down to needing $15k.<br />
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Thank you for all of the well wishes from friends and family.<br />
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I am applying for a formal loan to finish fund raising. and trying to secure a space. I have turned in an application on one space, but have not heard back yet.erinraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02021154705400911955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32834418.post-59849108451305376302012-01-30T10:01:00.001-07:002012-01-30T10:09:19.085-07:00Super Good Art StuffI received some bummer inducing news earlier this week, my application for Kickstarter was denied.<br />
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I have been debating about what to do. The reason behind a Kickstarter campaign was to allow the friends and family and random strangers to donate a few bucks, in a legitimate way. [Please don't hand me $3 cash, I will probably end up at a froyo shop.]<br />
Moving forward I think the best thing to do will be to place info on this blog and FaceBook, set up like a Kickstarter page.<br />
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The Down Low:<br />
I am opening a small art supplies store in the Tennyson Art District in Denver, CO. My dream is for this to be a warm, fun, community friendly store, carrying student and professional grade art supplies. I plan to run classes for children through adults- think Painting With Your Pet, Graphic Novel Illustration or Macaroni Snow Flakes. I cant wait to participate in Tennyson First Friday shenanigans.<br />
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What I Need:<br />
I need $63,000 to make this happen. That seems like a lot of money, and it is. But fear not, at this time I have raised $38,000 through a grant, gifts and a generous private loan. At this time I am researching SBA type loans.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I NEED $25,000</span><br />
<br />
How Your Contribution Helps:<br />
SBA type loans have very high interest rates. The less I have to pay back, the easier it is for me to financially run a successful business.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">The money collected will go toward working capital, fixtures, office equipment like computers and printers, and inventory.</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
I have heard a lot of support from friends and family. People telling me that they would like to help me out- if you have $2 to donate, that's fantastic. If you have $100 to donate that's fantastic. If you are broke and want to send well wishes, I would love to hear from you!<br />
If You Contribute:<br />
$1- $25: A heaping spoon of gratitude and an invitation to our grand opening.<br />
$26- $50: Store logo bumper sticker<br />
$51- $75: 4 post cards designed for this project<br />
$100 and up: 1 piece of original art work<br />
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<a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=F5DEZUKQWN3QN">CONTRIBUTE </a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CYqztf18fPgkE0Xzl68apN0syzjTuFBZ-uXdc2rXcZtjOv4YbRL7q5djIuETFkctIzP-nGtEIkbYF59fDNcC3pfpAfHXjYuGJ-cz3_XnFeX68vaZysI_-bErttCK8mhiFrhccA/s1600/Super+Good+Art+Atuff-07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CYqztf18fPgkE0Xzl68apN0syzjTuFBZ-uXdc2rXcZtjOv4YbRL7q5djIuETFkctIzP-nGtEIkbYF59fDNcC3pfpAfHXjYuGJ-cz3_XnFeX68vaZysI_-bErttCK8mhiFrhccA/s400/Super+Good+Art+Atuff-07.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">You are making a contribution to ME. This is not a charity, or a non-profit. The money collected will go toward working capital, fixtures, office things like computers and printers, and inventory. A contribution does not make you a shareholder, or in anyway involved with the business. No money will be returned or payed back. You are not guaranteed anything, except the contribution "prizes" as stated above.</span>erinraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02021154705400911955noreply@blogger.com0