Already Thankful

This past week has been so very stressful. Between work and personal issues and Lucky Duck growing pains and my mom. My mother suffered a heart issue that would cause it to beat very irregularly and this week she was scheduled for a corrective surgery. And while she was nervous about the procedure, she was very hopeful. I, on the other hand, was a wreck about it. You see, I think the world of my parents. They are amazing role models, leaders. They are my heroes. I simply do not know better people and I can only aspire to be something like them. On top of that, she is one of my best friends. The thought of surgery messing with her heart made me physically ill. But I am so very pleased to inform you, her surgery was yesterday, and while it took three times as long as originally planned, She did great. Its all over and hopefully she will get to come home today! I cannot express the relief that has washed over me the last 24 hours. I am so happy.

I also took more steps for my little Lucky Duck. I found a place in the house that will make a great little studio for the time being. It just needs a little work (and a little more heat) but I'm really excited about it. It will not only be a great little spot to work but in a crazy busy house, I've found a place to escape. I can't believe it took so long. It was truly just staring me in the face!A few adjustments and I'll have a Lucky Duck HQ.

And the cherry on top of this deliciousness, My logo is done! I have a wonderful friend, Tom, who is an amazing graphic designer and he came up with a beautiful logo for me. I hope to debut it very soon. but first the trademarking. I couldn't be happier. That means I'm only a hop skip and jump away from business cards and postcards, banner and avatar for my shop, and the Lucky Duck is really about done. Tom, for the record, you are wonderful! Thank you so much.

Little Engines and Climbing Mountains

I did it! 100 hours+ later I finished my very first item for The Lucky Duck. Its a beautiful banket that my boss requested to give as a gift. It is a very warm yellow with a cream ruffle trim. It is so very soft and I was so pleased with how the ruffles fell. I tied it with a chocolate brown satin ribbon, gift ready. I promise to try and have pictures soon.

I am also very excited that my little logo is in its final stages and my business cards are all designed and ready to be finished. I also have designed matching postcards for my thank you notes. Its coming together. Little by little.

However, in all my excitement and hope- I can't help but be a little scared for my Duckling. Its rough out there. You can't miss it if you are anywhere near a TV, or computer, or paper. . . Its everywhere. Crashing economy and people sitting tight with everything they have. I know I do. This is a very difficult time to be pushing my little dream through. My head is filled with so many "what ifs". I can plan and read and prepare. . . but-

I just don't want to see this fail. I find myself trying to be very much like the little storybook engine- I think I can I think i can I think I can. . . We just have to get over the mountain.

A new day, a new revolution

Currently I sound lieka very poor Disney villan. My throat is on fire and i have to push it to continue to talk to all the patients here at work. Which, I will tell you is not helping the situation at all. While many are cocking their heads and wishing me well. . . I still hurt.

Thank God its Friday and next week I return to my normally scheduled program. So far at this desk I've gotten sick, been yelled at by a mother who lost her kid, been coughed on, had to touch germy germy papers, messed up all sorts of appointments. . . and the list goes on. I'm not sure whyI was put up here to begin with.

Anyway, sitting up here has given me a bit of time to think. . . well when I could hear my thoughts over screaming ill behaved brats. . .

So yes busy musing- And I have come to the conclusion that those who believe that everything happend for a reason must be the strongest people. I can't do that. Its those people that pull me through. So to them I say, keep being strong. You are hope. And while I struggle with that concept, I believe you are right. And further more I believe in you. We do learn from everything, events make us stronger, I don't know why some of us seem to need to be so strong, but. . . if we learn something- anything. . . then there was a reason. We learn and grow. And trials do come to an end. Sometimes it truly feels unending, but there is an end to it. A reason to keep going. So do not give up. A new day is coming tomorrow-

After its all Said and Done

While the rest of the country is in an uproar, celebrating or mourning. . . I find my self more lost in thought. I thought it was a difficult election. Both sides had winning qualities, both had drawbacks. Perhaps picking the lesser of two evils is too strong a statement, but I struggled. I myself have a pretty conservative out look but this country needed change. It needs positive change. People need something, someone, to hope and count on and I believe any individual who is willing to bear that weight is one worth respecting.
While I made my decision, and I will keep the details of that decision to myself. I am pleased that a final decision was reached, the first step of change has been made. I pray it will be in the right direction. And for all who feel they lost, take a moment to consider: You took part in a very historical election. There has never been one quite like this. And while your candidate may have lost, he is a very honorable American and has done well and will continue to do good.

Thank you. Long live democracy.

You are Your Brothers Keeper

Given certain current circumstances, I would just like to take a moment to say to everyone, my friends, my loved ones, complete strangers: Never forget we are each others keepers. Words are often exchanged in anger, but never ever should words lead to anything more. We are, everyone of us, so much more important than that. No exceptions.

Its so easy to forget. To write it off. To explain it all away. No anger. No stress. No anxiety. nothing. You are worth more than the world.

Oh Christma- Wait its only november first!

I walked in the local superstore this weekend, terrifying as that maybe on any normal day, but on this day I walked in on a shocking act. Right there in the middle of the store, in the front door way no less. . . Putting up a Christmas tree. Next to the 50% off Halloween things. You know Halloween that we just had two days ago. I was completely unaware of the war going on between these two huge groups. The Halloween treats and spooky things lurking on the shelves waiting to grab you as you wonder by. Plastic bones reaching out at you. But now perhaps I understand their previously misjudged enthusiasm. It is not quiet desperation. Hurry Hurry and take us home, They are coming. . . They lure us to them with bags of candy. . . and upon arrival, it is already too late.

Carnage. The poor reaper and super zombie lay battle ridden, dead on the floor and standing over them, the boxes of brightly colored wrapping paper and bows. Gleaming in their new packaging. Victorious. Seeing this I must quickly look away, almost too much to handle. But ducking around the next aisle does me no good. Giant green and red displays have made their presence known. Shock and amazement rattle me. . . not even two full months till Christmas, and the little singing animals sway back and forth chattering their glee.
*sigh* I gather what I came for, cast one more pitiful look at the bones and double bladed plastic battle armor and slink home to start sketching out my Christmas list. . .