A Mini Break...

Hey there! It's been a while. I didn't go far, but I did take a mini pause. I've found that sometimes the pressure of blogging can become overwhelming. I want to continue to update this blog because I love doing it and because it's my journal of sorts. But, I do want to remain authentic in what I post. I'm a firm believer that your readers can sense when you are just posting to post. I definitely don't want to get into the habit of doing that. So with that being said, please excuse the pause...However I may need to take those every now and then.

Anyhoo, last week I was in serious worker bee mode. My business partner ran a marathon on Saturday (kudos to her), and we had a private A Toast 2 Artistry party the same day, so I was on my own....Boy was that exhausting! But with the help of my son, and my assistant, we got it done! Also, the hubs and I are opening 3 new farmers markets in the next 6 weeks and there is so much to be done prior to the openings. We currently own and operate 1, and have never operated more than 2 at a time, so please pray for us as we journey into what God has lead us to do. We are excited, grateful, and amazed by our blessings. Sometimes we really just can't believe it! I'm so thankful to be able to do the things I love. After working in a corrections facility for 12 years, I never thought I'd finally be doing all the creative things I desired to do. I praise His name daily! Whew...Okay, I had a moment. Lol!

Below are just some random pics of what's been happening. Hope you all have been well. I'll be doing a blog stroll today to catch up with everyone.

Car Selfie

I made the Peace, Om, & Hamsa bracelets & the others are from Alex & Ani.

 Store Display (love!)

We finally got some rain! I was happy...can't you tell?

My demure look...Ha!

Working inside the Macy's Starbucks at the farmers market.

Peaceful moments on my porch with coffee :)

Friendship...

I truly value my friends and my friendships. I've never been the type of girl to have many friends. Believe it or not I've always been somewhat of a loner type. Not because I didn't like people, but because I just preferred to keep my circle small. Well it is almost impossible to do that in business. Sometimes you have to open yourself up to new relationships and friendships in order to grow (in life and business). At first I had a difficult time opening myself to a new circle of friendships, but then it got easier and easier.  I've always heard certain women say that they don't like to have several female friends because "women are messy." Well one thing I've realized is that the person who normally says that is the person who is usually creating the mess....Lol! Those are people I watch out for,  and as of lately those are people I have cut out of my life. I look for certain qualities in people when I decide I want to spend my time with them, lunch with them, have personal moments with them. Just like when choosing a mate, I believe we must be selective in choosing our close friends as well, but not so closed off from people who seem "different" that we miss out on the opportunity to make a great friendship with someone who looks different, or is from a different culture, or age group.

Anyhoo, I will touch more on this subject later because there is so much to be said. Anybody who knows me and is my friend knows that I care about them, expect things from them, love them, am honest with them, and will be there for them. That's how I roll with my friends. ;)

How do you guys feel about friendships? Do you have several, or just a few? Are open to knew friendships, or do you keep it to a minimum at all times?

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