Busy Busy Bee

Okay, so I knew I hadn't blogged in awhile, but I was a little surprised when I realized my last blog post was just over a month ago.

I've swept away the dust bunnies and am ready to hit the keyboard.

First, I'm pleased to announce that my divorce is final. Five years ago when I said my wedding vows, I didn't believe in divorce. But I've come to understand the certain situations warrant it. I am now officially a single girl again, and am looking very much forward to this new beginning. Starting with a new last name, which I will do just as soon as I can get the paperwork into my hand (my lawyer currently has it- or ex-lawyer, I should, say, since I no longer have a need for her services).

I have decided to make the business that I've been doing as a hobby for the last few years official. I will be getting my business license under the name that I have chosen: Shoppe von Shultz. I have also decided to keep CelebrateLife open. I had previously opened woogiewoogie for my handmade supplies- but CelebrateLife is near and dear to my heart and I am not ready to part with it. So I will instead keep my supplies there and get rid of woogiewoogie.

I am doing my first craft show on Sunday, and have been working well into the next day to get things ready. Only time will tell how it will go, but I have a good feeling about it. Of course, prayers and well-wishes are always welcome!

Now that my financial situation has been determined, I can go to the university and apply for grants and/or loans to finish school. That is high on the priority list, since I would like to be completely done with my degree before Tanner starts kindergarten.

I have a LOT of new projects that I'm working on, but I will save that for another day and another blog post. I would like to instead talk about something that touched my heart today and really reminded me again of just how blessed I am.

I got home from work and opened a package from a good Etsy friend of mine, beadbug00. I call her Jess when I'm not calling her bead. :)

There were two surprises in my box- a clay pendant that she had made for me that says, "CEL" on it (my Etsy nickname for those of you who don't know). And there was an extra surprise- one of her beautiful glass pendants with a ladybug on a leaf. I've had it hearted in her shop for awhile, and she was just so incredibly thoughtful and generous and I cannot wait to wear her special gift tomorrow.

As I write this I'm wearing a gift pendant from my other dear Etsy friend, Elizabeth (happylake). It's a clay pendant with three frogs on it and I've worn it to work a couple of times and have gotten compliments on it (no surprise!). I have three of her beautiful frog themed pendants, as well as some beautiful flowered pendants. Just look below, you'll see. :)

And then I had a convo from another Etsy friends (my Etsy friends SO rock!). MK (MissKnits) had included me in her Thankful Thursday blog. It was so sweet to be included, and it's a good reminder that you are affecting people when you don't even realize it, good or bad. And it makes me want to strive to always be a positive influence in other people's lives. You can see her blog here. (PS, she has way cute stuff in her shop. I personally love her washcloths and throw-a-fit dolls.)

So today, I'm thankful for all of these things and more. And I will definitely be around more, both on my blog, on CAKE, and the threads now that I have the long and difficult process of the divorce behind me.