I am floored by some the amazing artist there are on Etsy. I seriously reccommend that you take time to search around there...but make sure you check out mine too :)

So there was a forum on Etsy that asked what was the biggest compliment an artist can get and at first I answered a repeat customer (which is an AMAZING compliment), but I'm also extremely humbled when an artist that I admire buys from me.

I came across this one artist that makes beautiful victorian/vintage inspired clothing and thought, "I know I've made it when I can buy from her". Seriously beautiful stuff. And she's been my plumb line for success. BUT, a few weeks ago, she contacts me telling me how much she loves my stuff!! What a weird world. I sold her this bracelet:


What a flippin' amazing compliment!!
Now I don't know if I've "made it", but I covet this one dress she's made so much that I JUST HAVE TO HAVE IT!

So, check her out guys.....introducing BONZIE
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5104063

And here's the dress I want:

PS: She's Irish which makes her all the more better, right? I miss that lovely British country side! (And that disgusting instant coffee all you British people drink)

I organized some boxes of old things I had stored at my parents house. I found some great trinkets....
Come on, any one of you would have pranced around in that wedding dress if you had the house to yourself too! I can't believe I actually still fit into it.
Now there's honesty! Haha.

Starbucks and Beads

I'm sitting at my home-away-from-home, Starbucks. Is it really surprising that this is where I find the most solitude? With an "Iced Grande toffee nut x-milk Double Shot on Ice" to my right, I'm filing all my paperwork with this great new program I just bought from JJMfinance.
You can find him @ his Etsy shop, http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5418829.

And as I'm plugging away, another Starbucks enthusiast sits next to me. I have yet to catch her name, but we start to chat about life, work and God. An ex-Luthern pastor gone teacher, she's expecting a baby and stopped by for a quick sugar rush hoping it will perk up the baby to show "its" true colors. (Their going to find out the sex today).

Let's see..what's new?
Well, for all my lovely New Jersey friends, I'm going to make a trip out there in the middle of July. Elena recieved John Mayer concert tickets and was so lovely to ask me to join her. A day of Mr. Mayer and Mrs. Baxter...amazing.
I didn't think I'd be able to come out with my finances being so tight lately, but I crunched some numbers and it turns out that with all my frequent flyer miles (thank you, England) it's only going to cost me $5.00!! Yeah, that's a deal.

I still haven't made a final decision on if I'm moving to Portland or not. Actually, my heart is very set on it and I'm just waiting for my pal, Tristan, to decide. Whatever I chose, I know my life is going to dramatically change in the next few months. I hope for the better.

Grace.

The Start

Well, I've not only made the big plunge in opening my Etsy shop, but I've also applied for a tax id number. If you don't know, it is telling the government, "Yes, I have a business. Yes, I'll pay the due taxes on it."
To me it means a bit more, something along the lines of "Yes, I'll spend countless hours I don't have filing papers." Dang it. Of course there are perks like I won't have to pay taxes for my supplies and I can buy wholesale...I just hate paperwork.

I also made a trip to the bank to open up a seperate account. That's where I met Brad who handled my account. He was a swell guy and made the process enjoyable. Yesterday I even recieved a little note congradulating me on my new business.

My first blog entry! I am hoping I can keep on top of this for you guys. And if you have stopped by to witness this first entry, how bout some encouragement? I haven't written for a blog since the livejournal days.

Hmmm...maybe we'll take an adventure together? What was I thinking 5 years ago on this day....

" Igrieve.
I know many peoples love will grow cold, I just didn't know it would effect me this way. So many close to me are trading in the blessings of God for the passing things of this world.It is interesting how God can continue to use these people to draw me closer to Him.
The last few weeks I've desired to know Christ more than ever before and this strong ambition can be attributed to those who have forgotten their First Love. No matter what situation I come to, I run to His throne.
I witness it and I want more of God. I see someone turn away, I'm reminded how greatful I am. I endure knowing of my foundation.I meet someone backsliddin, I am grieved and therefore pray hardcore, growing my prayer life.I WILL not give up. I will run this race. Not just trotting by, hoping that I'll make it, hoping there even is a prize, but KNOWING that I will win. As everyone slows their pace or stops not able to go on, not wanting to, I will sprint. I'm not slowing down. Even if I'm the last one in the race and sure of the victory. I will still run with all my might. There you will see me cross the finish line, recieving the crown of victory, the crown of life. "

As for my jewelry, I'm working hard trying to crunch in any designing time around my other job, Starbucks, as possible.

Grace,
Courtney