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Learning how to market myself

I am trying to learn how to market my etsy shop better. I want to drive more traffic there. I would like to know what it is that people want to see. What types of things do they want to buy? I often times wonder if I am the only one who likes the things I make, besides my kids of course. I am trying to branch out to include more womens accessories in my line also. I have made some online contacts that have given me ideas on what to do for womens items and I am currently working on those designs.

Yesterday I took the plunge and went into a new shop that has opened up. I left my card for the owner so that she could see my designs and possibly start carrying my items in her store. I am praying that I will hear back from her.

The rain and the worms that show themselves

It has been raining ALOT in Virginia these past 2 weeks. My husband laughingly says that even the worms are beginning to drown. At my house, I think every worm in the ground is on my sidewalk and driveway. Unfortunately this leads to smooshed worms also YUCK! My 5 yr old daughter finds them quite fascinating though and enjoys watching them slide along. I think about the sweet little Robin who has been showing himself lately around my house. I'm sure its only for the delicassies, but he brings a smile to my face as I hear him singing his sweet song. I'm reminded now that Spring is upon us. I begin feeling myself become lighter, as I enjoy the sunshine more and my time outside. Cabin fever is slipping away now.

Em's big kill!

Yes, my almost 11 year old daughter is a hunter. I'm not sure how this came about honestly. She was always a girly girl growing up, playing with baby dolls and barbies. Then her daddy talked her into going hunting with him and she was hooked. Suddenly there are camo bibs and boots in her room and a hat that says "I do hunt like a girl" emblazoned in pink across the camo. I think back to my younger days and say "maybe she got it from me". Honestly, I remember going hunting with my dad one time and he insisted I should fire my gun. I came home with a sore shoulder and a wrecked self esteem as I distinctly remember seeing that squirrel laugh at me. I think he realized all along he was safe from me. So, obviously she didn't get it from me, but I digress! Last year she shot her first deer on my parents farm. One shot and it went down right where it stood. It was a little doe. This year she had her sights on a buck. I had no doubt that she would succeed in getting her buck this year. Funny thing is, her dad and her both thought this deer was a doe until they got about 5ft from it and it jumped up on them while they were tracking it. Yes, it was a spike! She pounds the air with her fist! She kept the phone hot on their ride home from the farm and called everyone she could think of according to her dad. I am waiting for her with the camera when she gets back. Bundled up in my columbia coat as today it decided to snow. So now I show you the magnificent buck :)

Family photo!

Convincing my hubby to have his picture taken is kind of like convincing our dog that she doesn't need her chew toy! It ain't happening!!! But last night I was in luck! We were all dressed up, unfortunately to attend the wake of my hubby's best friends grandfather, but dressed up all the same. So I decided to grab the camera for a few quick snaps. Now, all of us are not in any one picture of course because I do not have a tripod, but at least you get the picture :)

The pictures aren't the best in the world, but at least we have some to keep now of most all of us together. Now I'm trying to figure out how to convince him to get a Christmas portrait :)

Our little friend has disappeared

I haven't seen the toad since posting his picture the other day. I have to wonder if the cat next door might have found him an irresitible treat. :(

The visitor in my yard

I find myself chuckling as I write this tonight. My dogs, 2 mini schnauzers, are totally terrified of our visitor! He has been waiting patiently nightly for about a week now on my front sidewalk. He sits there, doesn't say anything and doesn't move. He just watches us as we move around him. I sometimes wonder if he is waiting to be kissed so he can turn into a prince again LOL!








My daughters have enjoyed looking at him. Not exactly a handsome fella, but he looks like he is eating good.





I took the opportunity to take some pictures of my flowers out front also when I took the toads picture. It was night and I used my night flash. It also had just rained. I was impressed with how well these pictures turned out.