I am not one to make New Year’s resolutions. I am a firm believer that you can make positive changes in your life on any day of the year. I am also a Believer that God works in mysterious ways three hundred and sixty five days of the year. He is not limited to January 1st.
*Steps off of soap box*
That being said, with all of the New Year’s hoopla a phrase came to mind. “You won’t know if you don’t try“. If you know me (well) you know that as much as I appear to be an extrovert, I have had a pretty rocky start. While I feel like I am finally where I belong, I still struggle with stupid insecurities. I should be over them by the time I am ninety or so.
This 2008 mantra of “You won’t know if you don’t try” is what led to me setting up my etsy shop. So far I have sold…ZERO ITEMS. I am OK with that. Really. Why buy my photos when you can take your own? Especially since I keep sharing what (little) I know with my Foto Friday series.
(Speaking of that – I hope to be back in action this Friday for the three of you who care.)
I am glad that I set up a shop, even if I do not sell a single item. I have to put myself out there, regardless of the response. I will not know if I do not try.
Etsy may not be my venue. A realtor friend called me today to see if I would take photos of a house for one of her listings. She said that if they turn out well I could have a steady gig. While it may not be my passion, it could very well support my burgeoning photography paraphernalia habit.
I also have dreams of the writing variety. I am not a writer by trade. I am an accountant…though writing plays a huge role in the contract accounting work I do. I love to write. Hence the (almost) daily posts. When I get something in my head it itches and itches until I sit down to scratch the itch and get it out. It drives me crazy if I have to wait. Absolutely crazy.
I applied a short while ago to a parenting blog for a writing position. I was DENIED. A small part was due to the fact that they thought my writing could improve (OUCH) but the majority of the reason was because I was Canadian. Nothing I can do about that, so I will continue to seek out opportunities. I won’t know if I don’t try…
On that note, I have been bestowed an honour. Those of you who read me in a feed reader will know this, but those who do not (HI MOM!) may not have noticed my side blog entry. Over there. To the right. I was nominated for four different awards.
I have been nominated for the Canadian Blog Awards in four categories.
- Best Blog
- Best Blogosphere Citizen
- Best Blog Post Series (Foto Fridays), and
- Best Personal Blog
Anyone can vote (Not just Canadians!). After a week, round 2 is whittled down to the top 5 in each category. I would really be excited if I made it to the finals in any of the categories. I do not expect to win, but it cannot hurt to try, right?
In other dream sequences…
You all know that I have a girl. Her name is Emily. She is da BOMB.
She also rocks her swim gear. (You may have seen this on Flickr)
I sometimes fear that I come across as showcasing her as my favourite. It is truly not the case. I love my children equally, but differently.
Emily arrived after four years of boy-dom. Of trucks and of superheroes and of testosterone. I was blown away when the doctor and nurse screamed, “It’s a GIRL!!!”
I am still blown away.
I have been introduced to a world of pink, and of purple, and of all things pastel.
We have been renovating out house for nearly eight years now and are almost done. Huzzah! Now comes the task of doing the finishing touches. The decorating, to make it look like a home instead of just a house.
I have recently been consumed with Miss Emily’s bedroom. After hours of searching on the Internet, I found the following set which I deemed to be perfect.
This was also posted on Flickr.
I will spare you all of the sordid details, but I ended up buying the quilt and sham from one vendor. The sheet set I was then about to order from another vendor? Was a FULL set. NOT a twin sheet set.
Then I discovered that people were selling the complete set (Quilt AND sheets) elsewhere. I was sad that all I had procured was the quilt and sham.
But then! Someone listed the sheet set!
Last night the auction was coming to a close. I hovered so that I could swoop in and scoop the sheets.
Then MY INTERNET FROZE UP. I kept hitting refresh like a mad woman. It finally worked!
The auction had ended.
I cried. Literally. Which (of course) had nothing to do with the hormones. Nope. Not at all.
Honey told me that if I really wanted I could buy the complete set and re-list the extra quilt and sham on eBay. This is sweet of him, but I am trying to be a rational woman in the midst of my monthly irrationality. Maybe nobody would buy the quilt, and we would be stuck with two sets.
I should not be so distraught that I did not win those sheets. Plain white sheets will do. This is my (cheesy) dream and not a dream of Emily’s. I need to be a big girl and realize that some small dreams can die.
Or maybe I should stick to my 2008 mantra.
I won’t know if I don’t try.
I think it will serve me well, in all areas of my life.
Anywho, I’m sure Emily doesn’t want Sabrina and Emma’s sheets anyway. She would like her own, crisp, white set….start a new combo, perhaps pink, or purple! Love it.
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Etsy can be hard. The great thing is, is that it is a storefront, so things can sit in there fo a long time if need be. I sold over 500 pieces on eBay and have only sold 7 through etsy, but it is worth hanging in. Good luck with it
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Oh how funny. I am also scouring the internet for twin bedding for Eva, and fell in love with a beautiful quilt & sham set from Pottery Barn. I saw it on Ebay two weeks ago, but didn’t buy it, expecting other ones to list as well. But, I’m kicking myself now, cuz I haven’t seen another set listed since. Sigh.
The quilt set you picked for Miss Emily is Adorable!! And you probably won’t ever notice the sheets anyway. But I totally understand having your heart set on it, and hope it works out for ya.
Teresa’s last blog post..Chocolate chip Cookies and Americano Mistos
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I love your mantra – it’s a great one! You’re totally right, you’ll never know if you don’t try. Isn’t that the case with blogging, card-making, photography and a few other things that you didn’t know you would love until you tried doing them? See?
Now add scrapbooking to that list – okay??
Hannah’s last blog post..Summer Promenade
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That set is adorable. I haven’t ever had any luck with eBay… freezing internet – argh!!
Elizabeth’s last blog post..Sellin? Out
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What darling bedding!
And that pic of Emily is so cute, what a look on her face!
Kristin’s last blog post..No Rain!
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I LOVE that little girl of yours! So, instead of sledding have we taken up winter surfing? I also love the bed set…I would have felt like a princess in that when I was younger!
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I agree with Matthew! Buy the complete set, and then you either have an extra quilt and sham, or you sell them on eBay to someone who doesn’t care about the sheets and would love a deal!
I’m sorry that (not the hormones, no!) made you cry. I hope you’re feeling better.
bethany actually’s last blog post..January interlude
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Good luck with your Etsy shop!
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I’m puzzled. How does being Canadian disqualify you for writing on a parenting blog? *scratching head*
We just got the lavender Emily sheets for Makenna! Her room looks darling
LVGurl’s last blog post..Triathlon Tuesday, Week 1: An Introduction
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FYI: I voted for you in all categories. Good Luck!
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Oh Angella this post hit me hard… I gotta get over this. Some way, some how!
I am shocked that someone told you that your writing needs improving… WHAT do they know? And being Canadian disqualifies you? HUH?
Phooey on them is what I say, a great big fat sticky phooey!
LOVE the bedset! Love it!
Kami’s last blog post..Farmer in the Dell
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I am currently working on Rt’s new big boy bedding/bed and the new boy nursery. I ordered Rt’s quilt and shams off of ebay (pottery barn) and decided to go on my own for sheets. I bought some t-shirt soft sheets. I can’t wait to put it all together! I need to buy his twin bed first, but it will happen soon.
The nursery bedding, we bought an entire set. Was thinking of buying in pieces, but wasn’t sure if I could find just the two I wanted, so I went for the all 4 set. So, we’re set.
It’s so fun to decorate for your kids. Too bad they grow up and have an opinion. Then, it won’t be left up to just us anymore. boo!
little miss mel’s last blog post..just a little peek inside?.
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we are twins. i’m OBSESSED with Isabella’s bedroom these days and making it PERFECT
voted for you, miss. because you are AWESOME.
ali’s last blog post..warning: this post is all over the place
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Love the bedding. It will grow with her. Off to vote now…
witchypoo’s last blog post..Going on Strike
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Love you!
Karen’s last blog post..let’s play the ?we love each other? game.
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I will buy the extra quilt from you and then you won’t even have to put it on ebay. How’s that!
ANF I will vote for you.
christy’s last blog post..Becky and Travis -June 2006
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OR…I could fix the sheets with my sewing machine.
Up to you.
christy’s last blog post..Becky and Travis -June 2006
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Good luck finding the perfect girly sheets!!
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We all struggle with insecurities, Ange. But I am so proud of you for chasing your dreams (big and small….that bedroom set is divine!) and staying positive.
Keep the mantra and I am sure good things will follow.
Amanda Brown’s last blog post..Grumpelstiltskin
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Angella,
1. If I had extra money, I’d buy the axe picture because I love it.
2. I’m not sure if I’m one of the three you speak of (hehe) but I was thinking of your Foto Fridays yesterday and was going to mention something about you starting them again … but mom brain took over and I forgot – I’m SO happy you’re starting them again!! I need help to get out of automatic mode (and I need to read your previous FF entries again)!
3. If I had a parenting blog, I’d hire you. I love your writing!
4. I think Emily’s little pot belly is the cutest! Kaylie had one for the longest time and I loved it. I think it went away when she was about three. I was sad.
5. That sheet set is absolutely divine! I have to look for something new for Kaylie, because I don’t think Dora the Explorer is appropriate for an almost-7-year-old! … speaking of that … I can’t believe she’s ALMOST SEVEN!!!
Girls are so much fun, I’m glad you’re enjoying yours!!
Jen’s last blog post..Die Hard Marathon
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It’s a GREAT mantra. And one I can/should use myself.
This is the year of great opportunities and great risks. And we’re both brave enough to handle what comes at us and what we chase after.
She Likes Purple’s last blog post..In just about six months
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Hey Ange, if you buy the whole set I will buy the extra quilt and sham off of you. Then I’ll piece together the rest of Haylei’s room. That is an adorable set and I have been trying to find something for Haylei’s “big girl bed”. It is that time, even though she doesn’t try to get out of the crib and some days I am tempted to turn it over like a cage. LOL!!! Let me know
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So excited for the return of foto friday!
Because, um, I have a fancy new camera and I can’t figure out how to use it. *hangs head in shame*
Hills’s last blog post..Rain Rain Go Away
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I love the new mantra! And when I have a few extra dollars I plan on buying some photos – I keep looking around my guest bedroom and bath to see where your daisies would fit – the purple would be purfect in the bath!:)
Erin’s last blog post..2008 will rock my socks!
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What a beautiful little girl bed set! I wanna girl, damnit! Not that I don’t LOVE my boys, but, well, you know.
AND…it’s your lucky day! My favorite flower is the sunflower. And I noticed you have a sunflower print!
Check your Etsy account lady!
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the thing is, you tried out for the gig – that is a big step in itself and one you should feel quite proud in doing so. any writer will tell you (and i’m no writer) that they are rejected quite a few times before their work is accepted.
remember that and keep on trying to do the things you love!
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Insecurities? Let’s talk about insecurities…Ah… and Etsy…I had big dreams, I did. Thought every single item would fly off the shop, well…. I had fun doing it though, and like you, I put myself out there and tried something new! Though I think from now on I’ll only be doing taggie blankets, those seem to get more views.
And you know how much I love Foto Friday:) Bring it on! And keep trying new things, at least you don’t give up or have a bad attitude when something doesn’t quite work out. I mean look at all your awards!! All I will say is this; (from the movie Napoleon Dynamite) “LUCKY!”
Now let me head over to those links and vote!
Randi’s last blog post..Party Like You?re Two!
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You are awesome, such a great writer and photographer, your posts, always touch my heart and make me feel like I am there. You deserve an award for sure!!
I am sorry you haven’t sold any photos yet. I love some of em but Dave would just shoot me if I bought any, he has a thing for me painting all the art in our home, how boring!
familymclean’s last blog post..Plans-shmans!
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“your writing needs improving” I don’t think so… and that’s all there is to say about that!
suzie’s last blog post..Busy times
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I love you. And I love (photography, and rocking swim wear and) voting. Coincidence? I think not.
kerrianne’s last blog post..V is for Vacation, Vikings, and Virile
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What the freak does being Canadian have to do with it?
I’m surprised you were denied, but I am proud that you went out for it. I would never have tried!
I adore that bedding. I remember thinking how pretty it was when you first posted about it. I am glad that it worked out well.
P.S. If you ever want someone to bounce photo business things off of, one of my best friends runs a photography business…Just let me know. She has learned A LOT.
Loralee’s last blog post..My Three People
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I think you should sell your cards on your ebay site! That is something that takes time and skill that a lot of people don’t have.
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Two words..auction sniper. Or better http://www.auctionsniper.com. I could not bid without it. I just put in how much I am willing to spend and it bids for me right at the last sec. Awesome. I dont bid any other way anymore!
Lisa’s last blog post..Yay! Its 2008…ALREADY???
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I love the mantra.
I love the etsy store.
I love Foto Fridays.
I love your site and you totally deserve awards.
I’m just feeling like spreading love right now. You totally rock!
Jill – GlossyVeneer’s last blog post..P.F. Chang’s Rock & Roll Arizona Marathon 2008
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You were denied because you were…Canadian? So. Very. Confused. And as I’ve repeatedly told you, your writing continually blows me away; I hope you’re not taking what they said too much to heart!!
I love your mantra; stick with it!
metalia’s last blog post..Hmmm…
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Your blog…your writing is the reason I started mine
Thank you for inspiring me. Now, if I can start being as kind as you and less sarcastic, maybe I’d have more readers…
I was watching HGTV last week and caught an episode of Divine Design. The room being re-done was a room for two little girls. I thought of you when she was describing the wall technique…she made a photo into wallpaper– You could do this with one of your flower photos for Emily’s room!! It would totally match the bedspread!! I found a site online that does this type of thing–you should check it out!
http://www.yottaprint.com/
Also…I’m think I’m your number 2 customer
The Over-Thinker’s last blog post..I’ll try to make this Brief…
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Love the bedding! I bought Brenna’s the same way ~ except I bought the quilt and sham thru pottery barn and had it shipped. Waited for the sheets to show up on Ebay. They always do. They WILL show up again! Good thing you don’t need them right away – you have lots of time to keep checking. If they are still on the website Pottery Barn will ship them to you. Call the store in Toronto.
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ooh, I’m going to vote now:)
Vicki’s last blog post..2008 already…oh, really?
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I so just voted for you, in all four categories!
Karla’s last blog post..Revelations
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This is apropos of nothing else, but when I saw the title I immediately thought of that scene in Juno where here stepmother said that she was getting a Weimaraner and Juno says “WHOA! Dream big”.
And that’s all I’ve got for you. Also your choice of bedding is very cute and far better than the (lame) bedding I got when I received my big girl bed.
Heather B.’s last blog post..Secrets
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Awww, I’m sorry we won’t be seeing you on the parenting blog. That’s a hard blow to take, but kudos for trying; it takes a brave person to put yourself out there. Your mantra is spot on
And your photos are fantastic. If you were to try out a photography venture, I know you could get a lot of moola for your photos. I shoot weddings and portraits for money so if you have questions about it, let me know.
PS. I love my new macro extension tube — thanks for the suggestion!
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January is a alow time of year – I bet business will pick up! BTW does your Honey have an accent?
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