First of all, Jill and I did spend the evening sewing Monday night and I’m finally posting some photos of our fun. We set out to create a completely new design and came up with what I do believe is our favorite purse yet. As soon as I decide which fabrics will match with the most things in my wardrobe I’ll be making one of these Lily Kate bags for myself. That is if I don’t snatch one of these currently listed in the shop as my own. :)
You can find these purses in my shop here. Jill’s been busy making Lily Kate bags ever since and if you’re quick you may find one in her shop. She keeps her store much better stocked than mine so you’ll wanna check back often.
So It’s been a rough day for a lot of reasons. For that matter it’s been a rough couple of months. In fact for the most part there hasn’t really been much about the year 2007 that I’ll probably hold any fond memories of. So lately I’ve been thinking that I might be overdue for a count-my-blessings post. Just a reminder of some of the little (and big things) in life that I do have to be thankful for. So here are a few things that came to mind as I’ve been thinking about this post over the past week…
- Fresh mowed grass (although that was Tuesday and the lines are beginning to disappear)
- Pixel’s growing bladder. She no longer has to be let out every 5 minutes (although now I’ll need to figure out another reason to make a dozen or more trips up and down the stairs each day because I think it was actually helping my figure)
- Hummingbirds that visit the flowers on my deck.
- Carnation Instant Breakfast (and a sister who keeps my cupboard stocked with cartons of it from Sam’s Club) :)
- Blueberry muffins at Panera with Nikki
- Shoe-of-the-day pics from Jayne, love this girl SO much
- Video mail from the amazing and talented Katelyn, not to mention the sweetest card. She’s so good to me. :)
I really couldn’t ask for better friends. They’re so patient with me when I go days (sometimes even weeks) without checking in online or fall asleep on them while chatting (sorry Shari). I feel so blessed by the friends that I’ve met online. I know it doesn’t make sense to some but these girls mean so much to me.
Then there’s Jill who has been my friend since kindergarten. We talk almost every day lately and I love that. She’s been there for me in so many ways and I could never thank her enough for her friendship.
And my new sweet friend Nikki. I should’ve added my apartment in general to my gratitude list and one of my newest favorite things about living here is my neighbor Nikki. Having moved out on my own this past February and going through a lot of months where I felt completely alone most of the time, Nikki has been an absolute Godsend. Our dogs are the best of friends. I have to get video of them playing together because it’s the most hilarious thing. But Nikki is the greatest neighbor I could ask for. She’s always up for a trip to Panera for bagels in the morning on my day off. She calls to ask if ice cream sounds good at 9:00 at night and we make a trip to Coldstone. When she gets off work at 11 I’m the only wierdo who’s still awake that late so she comes over to chat and doesn’t care if I’m in my pj’s and looking a wreck. Gotta love that. :)
These are just a few of the beautiful people that I am so blessed to call friends. In a year where I have lost more than I could’ve ever imagined they have been there with love and support and a good laugh when I’ve needed them most. I truly don’t deserve their friendship but I’m so glad they stick by me anyway.
And I have to ask for your prayers for another friend who just lost his mom to cancer. She died peacefully in his arms last night. He has been there for me through the absolute lowest points in my life and has never left my side and my heart breaks for what he has been through the past few months. I wish there were something more I could do to be there for him. Please keep his family in your prayers.
I’m off to work this morning and then plan to spend a majority of my long weekend designing blogs.
Have a blessed holiday weekend.
Jillyd says:
First of all, I want to say that Shawn is an amazing friend. She is so giving and caring and compassionate and loving and kind. She has been through a lot this year but whenever I see her, she always has a smile on her face. Second, I have to thank her for not only being a great friend, but for teaching me to sew. Without her, Jillyd Bags wouldn’t be here. She gave me a hobby and a little source of income, and a whole lot of fun. She helped me set up my etsy shop and the first week or two had to keep it up for me because my computer wouldn’t log in for me. She also is gracious enough to put a plug in for me on her blog. I can’t thank her enough. But I must say, even if I never learned how to sew, she is still the greatest and we would still get together and watch the Bachelor, or Big Brother, or have a nice dinner and a movie or do what we do best, talk. I thank God for giving me a friend like her so many years ago (won’t say how many) and keeping her in my life. Thanks to all of you that she chats with online. and for new neighbors. I am so glad she has all of you in her life. I can’t be there for her as much as I would like to be with 4 kids and all, but I try to be there when she needs someone. To her friend, my condolences and prayers for the loss of your mom. I can’t imagine losing a parent and my prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Love ya Shawn, have a great weekend.
Jill
August 31st, 2007 at 10:29 am
Kimberly says:
First of all, I am glad to help out with your Instant Breakfast addiction. :)
Secondly, it is so good to see you do a “things I’m thankful for” post. It inspires me to do one too. I’ve done a lot of complaining lately - I need to have a different perspective.
Finally, I hate it when I don’t know what to say. I find myself in that position especially when it is concerning death. There are just no words to say to make the pain and hurt go away. I feel like if I offer positive words, it is just annoying. I guess for me, I am glad that I believe in eternity. It makes death easier to deal with personally, but not easier to know the right thing to say or do for someone who has lost a loved one. My heart breaks for your friend and his family. Life can be so hard and there are just no words or actions that can make it easier.
August 31st, 2007 at 10:31 am
katelyn says:
shawny.. i havent logged into my bloglines, so i must admit clicking on your blog to listen to your lovely music and seeing a post was a pleasant surprise… not to mention the fact that you listed me as one of your friends… although i knew it was coming, it is nice to know that others think of me as their friend.. and i feel the same!! somedays i go a whole day without laughing until i talk with you.. then i snort up a storm.. i am so thankful for that.. your bring out the creative girl in me, and i just plain love ya.. cant wait to get together.. i am so thankful for you..
kiss
August 31st, 2007 at 10:34 am
shabbyjuls says:
My sweet friend Shawny…you are one amazing, creative, talented, caring {{and the list goes on}} friend:) Love the new bags..I will have to pick one up soon. And to your friend…my prayers are going his way..know from experience that it is soo difficult. Sending hugs your way too:)
August 31st, 2007 at 11:40 am
jayne says:
OK, just for fun on Friday, let’s get into a spat! LOL “I love you more than you love me!”….them be some fightin’ words sistah! :D Can’t you see me tellin’ it to you with my finger pointing and all??!!!!
OH, remind me to send you some shots of the IKEA furniture I put together last Sunday….looks great!!!
Give the Gupster my most sincere and heartfelt condolences………
:*
Love you………….more. :D
August 31st, 2007 at 12:31 pm
Kim (OliveJuice) says:
Sincerest heartfelt ((((hugs)))) for you and Mr Gup. I love you to bits and bits my sweet friend.
Dang, I just popped over to your shop and both lily kate’s were snatched right up. :( Please make more!!
August 31st, 2007 at 8:34 pm
shabbyjuls says:
Ditto with Kim……please make more:)
September 1st, 2007 at 11:46 am
Sandra says:
Love the new bag design! So bummed that the cream one sold. :( Glad you are doing well and busy, but the fun kind of busy!
September 1st, 2007 at 11:36 pm
Kerry says:
Glad your back to the blog! I’m glad you’ve been keeping busy! The new bags are super cute! Have a great day!
September 4th, 2007 at 12:15 am