I'm Stupid, I'm Overwhelmed, or Both

This is me.  While I'm attempting to cut up these big pieces of wood into little pieces of wood, what I'm really doing is contemplating throwing my computer under the spinning blade and roasting marshmallows over the ensuing barrage of sparks.  I have made the conscious decision to go all out promoting the on-line aspect of my business, http://nnlamps.com.  First of all, it seems like every site I use that relates to my business, like Facebook, and even this blogger site, are changing their layouts, profiles, or whatever name they give to the way you actually input to your page and the resulting look you get when you're done.  I find this colossally annoying because it takes soooooo much time to figure out how to use these sites all over again.  Seriously, am I just stupid?  It took me hours to add "social plug-ins" to my blog and my website.  And on my Facebook page,  http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Natures-Nurture-Lamps/173645422688422, I've been trying to find where to put the links to my blog and website - and actually have people be able to find those links without searching for half the day.  What am I missing?  Maybe I should go to the dreaded "help" page.  But once again, that takes the one thing I just do not have enough of - time.  So, if I post using the "public" setting, what does that actually mean?  Does the whole planet see it?  Do they see it because it posts to everyone's wall?  That would be too easy.   I'm thinking it can be seen by everyone if they search for it, right?  If I post as Nature's Nurture Lamps, does the post get seen only by the tiny number of people who have "liked" me so far, or does the post also go out to all my friends on my personal page, too?

Should I even bring up the subject of SEO?  'Cause I'm thinking I'd rather poke something really sharp in my eye than tackle this monster.  I had to ask my son what SEO stood for, for Pete's sake!  (Search Engine Optimization.  Who knew?)  HTML, (or is it HMTL?), meta tags, keywords - seriously, people???  I do not have a degree in computer science, or computer technology, or computer anything.  I don't even know what kind of degree I would need to figure this stuff out.  Can't I just hire someone to do this crap for me?  Oh, wait, silly me.  That would entail using the second thing I have none of - money.

Branding.  Just the thought gives me nightmares.  Why would anyone want to brand themselves?  Isn't it bad enough that we do it to all those poor cows?

My son, from here on to be known as "Eamon", because that is , after all, his name, is a techno geek.  He is the Picasso of amateur video production.  So, why not utilize yet another on-line venue to promote my business which no one will ever see along with everything else I do that no one ever sees?  Because it would be a hoot, that's why.  I could publicly embarrass Eamon and the rest of my family without really embarrassing anyone because people would have to be able to find my video, and since I don't know how to make that happen, I figure they're pretty darn safe.  Insert big sigh here.

So, the moral of the story is, like the rest of you micro business owners, I will keep plugging along, learning what I can as I go, trying to stay afloat in this booming economy we got going on here.  I will stop taking things so seriously, because in the big scheme of things, none of it matters.  Unless I get hit by a bus, which would have to leave Route 104 at a fantastically high rate of speed, slam into and run over the giant tree in front of the cars in the driveway, run over said cars, barrel right through the humongous posts supporting our post and beam house, take a left down the hallway, and finally smack the ever lovin' crap right outta me as I sit in my office typing this blog.  I'm not too worried.

Keep your nose to the grindstone, fellow crafters and business owners, and if that hurts to much, then just have fun.  It's what I'm going to do from here on out.  Anyhoo, gotta run. I think I hear someone coming down the driveway.

Happy SEOing,

Kathy
http://nnlamps.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Natures-Nurture-Lamps/173645422688422

And Time is Still Marching On

The last time I posted was before my grandson, Greyson, affectionately known as G-Man, was born. Way back in October of last year. And here we are, some three and a half months down the road, and my little baby boy has already lost that newborn look. Ok, I realize he is not actually my baby boy. I understand that I must share him with his mothers. Intellectually, I get that. But my heart does not want to share. My heart wants to hog him, my arms want to squeeze him, my fingers want to pinch his chubby cheeks. I want to butt my big nose in where it's not needed and pick him up at the first sign of distress. Then, alas, when I do pick him up, thinking I can cure all his ills, he just keeps screaming. Until, that is, that I hand him to my daughter or daughter-in-law, at which point, his cries are instantly quieted. It dawns on me that these two remarkable young women have all the maternal instincts I was absolutely positive only I had. Oh, sure, they might ask me things like what kind of diaper rash ointment I would use, but when it comes to the stuff that's truly important, they have it figured out. Because that's what good parents do. They figure it out.

I find myself to be so distracted by life in general that it is very hard for me to be creative. I have been working on two lamps that are entirely different than anything that I have ever attempted, and it seems that absolutely nothing satisfies me. So I take them apart and start over, but I'm just spinning my wheels. Some of my distractions are good, like when my thoughts wander to G-Man and I realize it's time for a visit or I will go into G-Man withdrawal. But there are so many other distractions, ones that actually affect my life right now, and ones that I fear will affect my life in the near future. Like money. Or lack there of. Like the upcoming election. Like Iran and Syria. Or my eldest daughter, who is still trying to get the VA to cover her medical needs. Or my bowling average. Or the fact that my husband got a sports car to celebrate his mid life crisis and I got a treadmill. Really? Seriously?

The only thing that I have made a decision on this week is that I am going to get serious about my business and my life. And I'm going to do that by lightening my ass right the hell up. I am taking things waaaaay too seriously, and it needs to stop. Because, if the truth be known, the sun will rise if I only bowl a 500 series. The earth will continue so rotate on its axis (or whatever is rotates on) if I fall off my treadmill because I am so inept as using it. Let's face it, that 2 inch layer of dust didn't accumulate because of over usage.

So, I urge you all to keep things in perspective as you're putting $80.00 into you gas tanks to watch the gauge go all the way up to the half full mark. Yee haa. In reality, while it may be a pain in the ass and in the wallet, it's not what is important. What's in that photo at the top of the page is what's important.

Hoping for inspiration,

Kathy
http://nnlamps.com

How Things Change

On October 17th, my son, Eamon, played his very last high school soccer game. Even though the team lost, he had one of his best games, making some jaw dropping saves. (He's a keeper. That's a goalie, for you non soccer aficionados.) I want to tell you what a great experience it was, (and it was), and how proud I am, (and I am), but mostly - I was devastated. Why was I not so devastated when my oldest daughter, Kira, played her last game? Why was I not so devastated when my other daughter, Keelan, played her last game? Why? Because he's my baby. In a few short months he'll be graduating, then going far away to college. As I watch him drive off in his very own car, I can't help but wonder - how did this happen? How can I be my mother? When did I become my mother? When did she become my grandmother? Why do I sob at the mere thought of him leaving, becoming a man? Who am I kidding - he's already a man. I never thought I would be at this place, this place where only others get to. This place where we must face our quiet houses. This place where we must find out if we have anything left in common with our spouses now that we have no one to interrupt us or demand our constant attention. This place where we must face our own mortality. Oh, my. How things change.

I found myself descending not into depression, but into "the pit", or in other words, my shop in the basement. I needed solitude. I needed to think, to feel, to find a way to cope. I sat in my usual place, looking at all the little replica animals around me, waiting to be placed into someone's special piece of art for them to enjoy forever. I sat that way for a long time - no TV, no iPod, no phone - just silence. I found pleasure once again in planning my pieces, laying them out, rearranging, deciding what goes where. I poured the resin, and spent a few hours molding, shaping and building. I finally sat back, feeling satisfied with my work, yet at the same time still feeling something was missing. My hands gravitated towards a new piece of wood, towards some little toy monkeys I'd been saving for a special lamp. I sanded the wood, sealed it, did all the things I usually do to make a lamp. But this lamp was different. This lamp was for someone I haven't met yet, but whom I love unconditionally. This lamp was for the person who will, in fact already has, unknowingly renewed me. This lamp is for Greyson, who at this moment is still unborn, his two mommies, my daughter and daughter-in-law, ready to take on the ultimate challenge and experience the ultimate joy. This is for my grandson, who has helped me to understand that each phase of life comes with it's own unique set of joys. Any day now he will make his entrance, this first grandchild of mine, and change us all profoundly. Hurry, Greyson. Gramma needs you.

Here's hoping you all find peace in your art or craft, as I have.

Best regards,

Kathy
http://nnlamps.com

From Joy to Fury

My wonderful daughter was married to the very pregnant love of her life on September 24th of this year. New York State legislator's pulled their heads out of their asses long enough to do the right thing and legalize same sex marriage. I love this photo of them (my daughter on the right, my older daughter right behind her, and my new daughter-in-law on the left), because every face in that picture shows the pure, unadulterated joy we all felt that day. Homophobia, in fact, bigotry of any kind, does not exist in our house. Now, we just have to figure out how to get rid of it in the rest of the world.

For those of you who get offended at strong language, my apologies up front, but I have no intention of holding back. I encourage you to continue reading, as the subject matter is of the utmost importance.

My daughter works for Constellation Energy Group at Nine Mile Point in upstate New York. She is a guard at a nuclear plant. It seems that Constellation (CENG) has decided not to extend medical benefits to my daughter-in-law. Hmmm. Let's take a closer look. Obviously, my daughter and her new wife are gay. They are also pregnant. They are legally married in New York State. They are NOT domestic partners. CENG, being the total bigoted fuckwads that they are, will not allow my daughter-in-law to be covered under my daughter's medical insurance, originally citing the Union she belongs to as not recognizing the marriage. They also said they would not allow my grandson to be covered upon his birth until my daughter adopted him. Ummmmm, wrong. First of all, Nine Mile Point (NMP) is a closed shop. She can't just drop out of the Union. You're either management or Union, there's nothing else. CENG's original claim that this is the Union's fault is an out and out lie. They have since admitted that company policy does not recognize domestic partnerships. Well. How about that. Except a) they most certainly DO recognize domestic partnerships for non Union members and b) HELLO!! ANYBODY HOME??? This is not a domestic partnership - they are legally married!!! And last but not least c) according to our attorney, my daughter will be on the birth certificate when her wife gives birth to their son. No other proof of parenthood/guardianship is required. CENG has acknowledged that they fucked that up and will cover the baby upon his birth. And yet, they still refuse to allow my daughter-in-law to be added to my daughter's insurance. I commend the Union for stepping up and going full steam ahead to remedy this situation. I commend my daughter's co-workers who are completely appalled by this situation. And, if I may take a positive, hopeful note, I, in advance, commend CENG for stepping up and doing the right thing and allowing my daughter and daughter-in-law to share the same benefits as their straight counterparts, which, as I am more than sure you are aware, is their legal right as a married couple in New York State.

Now, if CENG decides to remain being twatwaffles about this, I CANNOT WAIT to launch the attorney's that have contacted us about this on them. I CANNOT WAIT to spread the word about this precedent setting case to the news media. Without making the smallest effort on my part, word is already spreading. CENG will see their name up in lights all over the country for being a homophobic, bigoted company who's main goal in life, in my opinion, is to break the Union at the expense of their employees. This is clearly discrimination. I am sure that CENG is aware that documentation is my friend. I have lots - every email that's been exchanged between my daughter and the company. CENG had no problems with adding my daughter-in-law to my daughter's insurance right up until the day came to actually add her. Then their tune suddenly changed dramatically. This is not hearsay. This is for real. This is blatant discrimination.

So as not to represent Constellation Energy Group as the only piece of shit company without knowledge of the law or a fucking conscience out there, let us give credit where credit is due to New York and Company, my daughter-in-law's former employer. She was fired when she was seven months pregnant. Why? Golly, gee, we don't know. We can't seem to get an answer. Her reviews are all outstanding. The reason they give is "policy violation". I wonder what policy? Don't know, they won't say. There were no warnings that she had violated any policy. Just "you're fired." Hmm. You know why we haven't gotten all the paperwork we requested from them, such as all her reviews, any reprimands, etc.? Because, once again, documentation is our friend, not theirs, in this case, and they know it. So, New York and Company, is there any possibility that you don't care for pregnant lesbians? Bigotry at it's worst. Your name will be right along side Constellation Energy Group's as this country's two biggest assholes. Congratulations.

And right up there with CENG and New York and Company, as much as I love my country and am a huge patriot, I must put our government. My eldest daughter is a veteran who served in Afghanistan. She's home now, complete with her honorable discharge and her mental and physical scars - but she has no health insurance. Shame on the U.S. of A. for allowing this travesty to continue to happen. Every honorably discharged U.S. veteran should have medical care for life. Period.

In closing - it's time to get our shit together, people.

Kathy
One very pissed off mom

P.S For all of you expecting my usual crafting blog, or at least a blog that mentions my craft, I took some liberties today. Thanks for reading.

Sweet Inspiration

Every once in a while there comes along an "ah ha" moment which we never could have foreseen, which we never expected, a moment so obvious in its simplicity that it leaves us nearly breathless. A moment in time that makes negativity and the perplexities of every day life fade into the background, if only for that one moment in time. It is a moment not to be missed.

On a recent visit to my daughter's in Queens, we decided to take a day trip to the Bronx Zoo. While riding the monorail after walking around in the drizzle all day, the train rounded a bend, and there he was. A solitary tiger, a specimen of beauty so complete that I was nearly moved to tears. It was not until days later that I realized I had been able to capture my moment - and his - in a photo that would allow me to ponder upon the thoughts of this magnificent animal for the rest of my days. This regal cat emanated peace, displayed contentment merely by the lazy blink of his eyes. Whether he was truly at peace at this moment or it was simply my perception of what I wanted his reality to be, I don't know. But at that moment, it didn't matter. He could have been waiting to pounce on some poor, unsuspecting prey and thinking "lunch!", but it didn't matter. His tranquility was contagious. The vibrant orange of his spectacular coat contrasted vividly with the summer green of the trees. That same vibrant orange reflected softly in the still water, a calm oasis that rippled only slightly as the cat flexed his muscles. And as my eyes took in the majesty of this creature and transmitted that unforgettable picture to my brain, the reality of aging parents, struggling businesses, children's growing pains, unpaid bills and a bed beckoning me to return to it and remain there with my head under the covers until the end of time all left me. Only for a moment, but they left me, those problems determined to sidetrack me, because I could not deny that no matter what I believe, no matter what my trials and tribulations are, no matter how challenging my life has become, life was resoundingly beautiful. This world cannot be a bad place when there exists in it the power and glory of my exquisite tiger at the Bronx Zoo.

As you all work in your studios and workshops, creating your own beauty in the world, I wish for you to have an "ah ha" moment.

Best regards,

Kathy
http://nnlamps.com

Crafting Can Be Messy - But Teenage Boys are PIGS!

This fine young man is my son. Quite the stud muffin, yes? This is the young man for whom I had to implement the "when I'm working, I'm dead" rule that I mentioned in an earlier blog. A few years ago, my son began playing a very unusual musical instrument. It's called the "butt trumpet". The "butt trumpet" is a distant relative of another invention of teenagers, both boys and girls, most commonly referred to by the young athletic types as the "snot rocket". What could this possible have to do with making lovely little lamps, you ask? Allow me to elaborate.

My shop, a.k.a "the pit", is in the basement, as is my son's bedroom. Until a few years ago, the noise coming from his room was easily identifiable. It was music, or something he considered music. Bear in mind, I work with resin. I can't have the stuff jiggling all over the place as it's trying to cure. And yet, that's exactly what happens when the boy turns on his mega big ass surround sound stereo system. My pouring table shakes from the pounding subwoofer that's vibrating right through the cement floor. And then tiny specks of dust start floating down from the ceiling. I thought this would be about as bad as it could get. I had cured him and his two older sister's of "snot rocketing" anywhere but outside. "Snot rocketing" - you know, when a soccer player or football player (choose your outdoor sport) launches a giant booger at an unsuspecting competitor. Don't deny it. All you jocks know just what I'm talking about. But, no, it got worse. Read on.

About the time my little angel hit puberty, the "butt trumpet" added a new dimension to my suffering. The first time he blessed me with his talent, he had plodded down the basement stairs in his disgustingly sweaty soccer uniform and kind of dripped into his room. Expecting the onslaught of "music", and I use that term loosely, to spew forth momentarily, I heard a diffent sound. A long, low, gurgley rumble, soft at first and then growing in intensity until I had to cover my ears, rolled boldly into the pit. Have you seen "War of the Worlds"? The remake, not the original. This was a tripod kind of sound, only wetter. It could have been much worse, my friends. The accompanying oder could have left me unconcious on the cold cement floor, but no! I work with resin. I use a respirator! Gasping for air, hands clasped to my ears, I ran for the relative safety of that mask, jammed it on my face and drew a massive breath. I was going to live! Thus, my introduction to the instument my son has become quite adept at playing - the "butt trumpet".

So what can we learn from this? We could lock our sons in their rooms with an air filter, I suppose, but I was thinking more along the line of expressing the importance of wearing the proper protective gear for the job. If you ever get a hankering (a WHAT?) for experimenting with resin, wear a respirator, not just a particle mask. And if you're a power tool junky, put on the safety glasses. I've come close to learning the hard way that skimping on the protective gear is just plain dumb.

On that note, get out your air purifier's and happy crafting!

Regards,

Kathy
http://nnlamps.com

I'm a Reject!

What is not to love about this lovely piece of work? I ask you, how can this kind of genius be rejected? Because one person's genius is, well, not another person's genius. Yes, not being accepted to a show definitely falls into the sucks category. I've had rejections to three major shows already this year, which will result in an estimated loss of income of $6000.00 or more. That REALLY goes in the "sucks" category! Now, I could sit around and feel sorry for myself. Let's face it. That's exactly what I've been doing. Or, I could examine the reasons for not being accepted to these shows and learn from them, in theory anyway. Unless I'm too butt hurt to open my eyes and look at it without the "who can resist me" attitude. So let's have at it.

Show rejection #1 - I have applied to this show for years. It has a very complex application process and it's very hard to get accepted for the first time. I got farther this year than ever before in this process. I made it through the first jury round. My understanding is that there are two rounds. So, I'm getting closer. At this point, I think the only thing I can do differently is to apply earlier. It shouldn't make any difference when I apply as long as it's by the deadline, but sometimes it just does.

Show rejection #2 - Quite frankly, this one pissed me off. The jury consists of retailers, not crafters. The jury form stated my craft was not hand made. Which leads me to believe that although I was told submitting my website URL was sufficient and would be referred to for the artistic process and additional photos, that this did not happen. Even though as the result of continuing research I have never found a big box store, import store, or another crafter with the same product, or even close, for that matter, I received only 7 of 15 points for creativity. Really? They decided I was simply embellishing the resin. OMG. Honestly, I'm not even going to address that because it's so ridiculous. The first, and only thing I could think of that turned them off is that I use manufactured resin and porcelain animals instead of making the animals myself of polymer clay as I have in the past. The problem with making my own animals is that a) I suck at it, and b) it is simply not cost effective or time efficient. I would have to raise my prices by at least $15.00 per piece and then I would not sell even one of them. So, from a business stand point, I can't justify hand crafting my little animals.

Show rejection #3 - This show is, again, very difficult to get into. There's a huge amount of entries for a relatively small amount of accepted artist's/crafter's. I think a sign of the times is that more and more artisan's are applying to only the larger, more "sure thing", very established, long standing shows. We can't afford to have shows where our profits are tiny, or worse yet, we wind up in the hole. I have found that the smaller shows are searching for crafter's while the larger shows are turning many quality crafter's away because so many apply. I also think this will level off as the economy improves. That may take another 150 years, but I'll try to remain optimistic.

That sums up my words of wisdom. My apologies for another thing that sucks, which is my grammar. I'm having a humongous brain fart and just throwing ,'s and 's all over the place because I can't remember the basic rules of the English language. Sniffin' too much resin, I'm sure.

Happy crafting,

Kathy
http://nnlamps.com