Reflections of 2008

Reflections on my business.
I had some great ideas this year and came up with some great fused glass colors. I can finally say that I am starting to develop my own style in wire wrapping. I put together some great designs and came up with several original ones that I even managed to impress myself with.
One advantage of being stuck in Portland was the ability to go to the Bead Expo at the Portland Convention Center. I had a lot of fun and got to see a lot of beads!
I broke down and finally started selling on line. I have really learned a lot about creating a good looking store and how to take great pictures of my jewelry. Dichroic is a real pain to get good pictures of. With glass there is the glare and reflection factor, add in the dichroic and you have twice the reflection and colors try to change or come out wrong! Oh, and previously I've been trained to think "One Good Picture", well online one has to have multiple good pictures! I'm learning how to do more than take a variation of the same shot over and over!
Sales were better than I expected due to the economy. However I sold mostly $6.00 to $12.00 items.

Reflections of 2008, Part I

I've found myself thinking back upon the past year and allowing myself to admit that personally it was rather horrible. In hindsight I've been to hell and back. I think most of my family, friends and ex would agree with that assessment.
It is hard to believe that it was just a little over a year ago, December 22, that our eight year old daughter was diagnosed with acquired Aplastic Anemia. This plunged us into a seven month hell of hospitals, treatments, complications and a routine of bi-weekly blood tests, weekly transfusions and a complex schedule of medications including a daily injection.
Unfortunately she did not survive and succumbed to complications from the disease exactly seven months to the day of her diagnosis after fighting a three week battle with an aggressive fungus. She astounded all her doctors, nurses and caretakers with her will to survive. She is my hero.
I'm grateful for many things that have helped me through this difficult time. I have my spirituality and have found much comfort in the meaning of "God's Will". I don't have a lot of regrets thankfully. I loved and appreciated her while she was here and I know that she knew that. I had the chance to make my peace with her and to say good bye. Also lots of support from friends and family and my craft to keep me busy and give me a reason to keep going.
I have now made it past my first Christmas without her. I still miss my buddy, cohort, junior partner, third generation glass artist, grade A student who had an unquenchable zest for life, a great sense of style-my darling "baby" girl.