MIA (missing in action!)

I'm back! well actually I never left. I more sort of arrived in California and forgot to turn on my computer. Just like that! It was amazing that I could actually do that. Most of my days are consumed with online things -  checking orders, emailing, making new stuff, more emailing, editing, etc. To just not turn on my computer felt like not breathing at first... and slowly a magical thing happened. I went outside. I went places. I laughed. I cried. I drove. I ate. I played in the sun. I was free.

So all that was lovely, but it came with a price. I neglected my shops, and made a few customers upset. For that I'm truly sorry. This morning I turned on my computer after a long morning of drinking coffee and pretending to shop for things I didn't need... I came home and plugged in.

I have worked all day long. I think I have repaired a few relationships with customers. I think I'm back in work mode.

anyway just a short and sweet note to give a sign of life!

Things are returning to normal. The family is going back to work. I packed up my husband and sent him off to the airport this morning.

I've got a couple weeks left here in California before I join him back in the cold and wet Netherlands. So I'm going to enjoy it ( and try to keep caught up with work)! 

x Lorraine

Snapshots -Surprise Romantic Trip to Disneyland!

Snapshots of my California Christmas

Snapshots around the neighborhood where my family lives

44 days in California

I'm back in the motherland. The sun is shining. I'm back in my moms arms. All is well in the world today. 

It's only been three days but a lot has happened. I had a burrito which was amazing, and it was so spicy it almost brought tears to my eyes ( because it was spicy and because it was SPICY!). 

I went to Target - my favorite store - almost within a few hours of me landing. I was almost delirious. 

I also went Christmas tree hunting! Many more things but I'm so tired that I can't think right now. 

Here are a few snaps from the tree hunting- oh and a cute photo of my parents being romantic

x Lorraine 

Valentine's Day is already on my mind!

Being in the greeting card business means that before Christmas is even here - my mind is already on Valentine's Day! Here are a few new cards in preparation for V- Day 2013! Many more designs to come

X Lorraine 

Thank you for not believing in me

The other day someone said something really mean to me. I don't think they realized that it was a mean thing to say or maybe they did. Either way - I owe them a huge thank you. It reminded me that as a small business owner - work is never done. I can never really rest and enjoy a normal weekend like the average 9-5er's that work normal full time jobs. I hold the key to my success. I have the power to create, and bring in my own money. I do not depend on huge companies to support me. I have only myself, my supporting customers, and a few friends that are rooting for me as I push myself and become better every single day at what  I do.

For the people out there that think that what I do is still just a lowly hobby... or the ones that are angry at me for not conforming to a normal job like the ones they have... or the others that are just jealous of me for following my dreams instead of having a dead end job - thank you.

You are the ones that make me get up early every single day even though I don't have to. The ones that make me work from the moment I wake up to the time I sleep.The ones that remind me that every single day is to another chance to make something great and do exactly what I love.....without having to commute or get out of Pj's. The sky is the limit for me. There is no stop sign, and no telling how far I can go.

So go ahead. Call my business a hobby. I dare you. It's good for me. 

x Lorraine