My latest creation!

Here is a project I've always wanted to tackle. I'm just now getting to it and am so happy that I did! This is a gorgeous gourd vase trimmed with a raffia collar and one of a kind glass bead in the raffia fray on the front. This handpainted design is one of the things I love best. I love polka dots and what better way to use them than to incorporate them into a work of art. This particular design is a limited edition. I only plan to make 10 of these total, so they are indeed unique pieces of art. Each comes signed and numbered for authenticity. I hope you all love it!

In honor of Cherokee heritage

Well, I'm taking my crafts in a different direction for now. Actually, this direction is nothing new to me but will be new to a lot of you. I love nature. I love making things out of natural objects. My latest creations are made with driftwood, gourds and other miscellaneous objects I've collected from the woods in north Georgia over the last few years. I'm really stoked about all this stuff! I love nothing better than to get my hands on something natural and making something lovely for my home. I've done woodcrafts, driftwood arrangements, birdhouses from old wood and such in the past and hope that everyone else likes what I create. I probably won't be selling a lot of this stuff, as most of it is made for family and friends as gifts. Why am I doing this now? I don't know...but it sure is fun! (Here's a pic of what I finished tonight. The gourd freshly cut and then the finished project!)





Oh by the way. Did you know party of my heritage is Cherokee indian? Would you have guessed it to look at this blonde haired, blue eyed, fair skinned girl? Hahaha! Well, it is and that brings me to the other thing I wanted to talk about today. Have you ever heard of a professional storyteller? My 2nd cousin on my dad's side is a professional storyteller. She's awesome!!! You should go to her website and click on the gallery tab to hear some demos of her stories. My favorite isn't on her site, but is on a CD she made. The name of the story is "Rindercella" and it's just awesome. I love her!!! www.fayewooden.com

Living beyond yourself

Sometimes it's easier said than done. What does living beyond yourself really mean? Well, to me it means putting aside your own agenda, your own feelings and your own desires for someone else's good. Not always an easy task. Face it, we're all selfish creatures...it's human nature to be that way. But in order for us to show others how much we care, we are required to go out of our way to be the help, the ear, the shoulder or the servant that they need at that moment. Let's look at it in the practical sense. Living beyond yourself can be something as simple as my hubby going outside in the bitter cold to get something for me that I left in the car. It could be something as simple as spending the day with a friend who needs some company, even though you have many things that need to be done at your own home. It means making some cookies and taking them to a local assisted care center so some lonely elderly people can have some homemade treats and enjoy some company for a while. All of these things are examples of living beyond yourself. I wonder what this world would be like if we all lived beyond ourselves for just one day. One day given up for someone else's benefit, not because we want something in return or as a "pay it forward" because someone else did something nice for us. Just a day filled with service to another person, done out of the love in our own heart and for no other reason than that love for each other.

Camera, lights, action!

No, I'm not an actor now. Hahaha!

We took the boys on a Christmas light show tour Friday and Saturday nights. It was actually fun for all of us and the entertainment is almost free. Perk! Friday night we took them to Pettit Creek Farm in Cartersville as soon as we picked them up, since we weren't very far from it. Nice light display and live animals. I believe the drive thru the farm's lights was a little over 2 miles long. They also offer hayrides and you can pet live reindeer! Other animals at the farm included: donkeys, camels, zebras and I think there were some horses too. It was so cool to see the camels and the zebra!!! I loved those! I took pics but none turned out well enough to post.

Then we went to another display in Rockmart on the right side of 278 a little way up past Hwy 113. This one was not quite as long but was still a great light display. Afterwards we got milkshakes and went home.

Saturday night we went to see the lights at Life Chiropractic. It was really really nice but not quite as big as last year's display. Christopher sat on my lap while we rode thru the whole display twice and boy is he heavier than last year! I got some pics and have posted them here for you to see. Afterwards we all got cappucinos and headed home, plugged in the tree and lit a fire in the fireplace. Who says entertainment for kids costs a lot? I can always find something for us to do that is either free or very cheap for the whole family!

Hope everyone else is having some fun this Christmas season. Get out and see some lights!!!

Feeling kind of funky

I love my paper crafts but I also love other kinds of arts/crafts as well. Here's a couple of photos when I was making oil lamps...keep in mind that I also love animal prints! Also in today's mixed bag of pics are some of my ladybug postcards, paintings I've done and other art projects.

Toodles!

Don't box me in!

Decorating for Christmas

I've got the tree up and absolutley love my origami ornaments on it. I am also using some of my own origami Christmas boxes for my wrapping this year, for the smaller gifts. I haven't gotten finished with any of the craft projects I am making for gifts this year, but hope to be done with a few of them soon. One project I'm kind of putting off is the stuff I am making out of my gourds. It's gonna be messy! Here's some pics of our Christmas decor for this year. Enjoy!!!

Thanksgiving memories

Hey y'all!

Just got my tree up and although I haven't finished with the ornaments, it's really nice. I'm so glad we got a prelit tree last year. It makes the whole ordeal of putting the tree up so much faster.

We spent the day with my mom, Granny, Aunt Merry, Uncle Doyle, Uncle Mark and my cousin Ashley. It was a really nice day for all of us. So often other relatives drop in to eat with us, so it was nice to just have our more immediate family together. Granny really outdid herself this year, especially considering all she's been thru lately with her heart condition. That lady could definately give the energizer bunny a run for his money when it comes to energy. I have no idea where she gets it from. She let me go out to the wash house and pick some cuttings off her plants so I could bring them home and start some plants for myself. I haven't gotten any cuttings from her in quite some time so it was a real treat for her and I to be alone together playing in her plants. I got a number of pieces off her airplane plants, kalanchoe and jade. Maybe one day I'll have as many as her. I just love indoor plants!

I got to thinking about all the wonderful things I have to be thankful for and there are just too many blessings in my life to count them all. Honestly. Marc and I live in a lovely home, our cars are nice (and paid for), we have 3 handsome & healthy boys, we have a few pets to love on, food in the kitchen, the best friends in the world and each other. We are blessed...truly blessed. I could just go on and on listing out things for which we are thankful.

Another aspect to this day of Thanksgiving is thinking of all the years of Thanksgiving I've had. Every year has been a little different but always spent with family...except one year. Three years ago I had a friend who was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer of the stomach, reproductive system and it was also in her liver. It was a devastating blow to her, her family and to all of us who loved her. Her first Thanksgiving after the diagnosis was spent at home trying to decide how far she would allow the doctors to go with her treatment. The prognosis was not good and she was told her time was quite limited. She went thru the 12 months with good days and bad. When the next Thanksgiving rolled around she was in the hospital with complications from her colostamy. Her husband and children stayed home. I called her that morning to tell her Happy Thanksgiving before I left to go see mom. She told me she'd be spending the day alone as her family wasn't coming to see her til 6:00 that evening. I was horrified but knew immediately what I had to do. I called mom and told her I wasn't coming after all and drove myself straight to the hospital to spend the day with Regina. There was no way I was going to have my friend laying in a hospital bed with no one there to share the day with. It was a wonderful day. I read to her, we talked a little, she napped a little, we shared her hospital food (blegh), shared funny stories, cried a few tears and just had a wonderful time together. At one point she even had me sit in the bed next to her so I could pray over her. She shared stories of her life (a most interesting woman who at one time had been married to a sheik from Arabia). She didn't lose her battle with cancer for another 5 months. I've treasured the memories of that day as it was a most precious gift many times since then. That one day spent in the hospital with a sick friend will be my most treasured Thanksgiving memory for the rest of my life. I will never forget it, nor will I ever forget her. Happy Thanksgiving my dear Regina...you are still loved, thought of and missed.

A weekend with the boys

We had the boys this weekend and although they wear me out, they also fill my heart with joy. They are very busy young men and a challenge sometimes because they yearn for adult attention and love so much. I do my best to take time with each one alone and build them up emotionally, teach them something or just to give them some extra love. Each one has his own needs, each one has his own love language and each one has his own special way of expressing himself. I now understand what my dad always tried to explain to Cyndi and I...that he loves us both in the same amounts but loves each one of us differently. I never understood how a parent couldn't just pick a favorite. I understand this much better now that I am a stepmom. I love calling them "son" and I love that they call me "Seesa" instead of Lisa. A long time ago I nicknamed them the "monkeys", and in order of their birth they are respectively "monkey 1", "monkey 2" and "monkey 3".



Donald (monkey 1) is the most mature of the 3. He is also the quietest of them but that's not always a good thing. Sometimes it means he is up to something. Gotta watch him with the eyes in the back of my head. LOL. He's our little nightowl and has been known to crawl in bed with his dad and I to watch late night TV on more than one occasion. He's also smart as a whip and quite the ladies' man, he's just got some quality that girls love.


















Marcus (monkey 2) is precious and loves so much to help. He loves to work with his hands and to be taught new stuff. He is a constant challenge at keeping him busy. If something needs to be done around the house, he's the man. He's the handiest of the 3 boys and works very well with tools. He's also the man when it comes to doing the yardwork. He loves it! We have to tell him to stop or he'll mow everyone's yard! He's such a helper and has a servants' heart.



















Christopher (monkey 3) is the baby. Quick to turn on the tears and get in my lap if he gets hurt. He likes to be babied. He's a daddy's boy and whatever Marc does, Christopher is doing as well. He's Marc's helper most of the time. He jokes all the time and is definately the comedian of the boys. He was the most skeptical of me when I first met the boys and it took a little time for him to trust me, but now when I ask for a hug he is the first one in my arms and will give me a big ole kiss on the cheek.



















I adore my boys, even though I didn't give birth to them. They're not perfect, they're not the little girl I always wanted but they are mine and I couldn't love them more!

Marble Christmas balls

Here's one of my favs to hang on the tree. I have a number of these made and will be making more this Christmas season for gifts. It's been a while since I've posted one of my crafty projects so I thought I'd show these off. I love em!

Blog Slacker

I haven't blogged much lately. Too many things going on, but at the same time there's not much to write about.

I am excited about Christmas this year. I wasn't very happy last year at all...or the year before. I sure hope this holiday season continues to be a joyful one for me this year. We're thinking about getting the boys new bikes for Christmas. I've picked up some stocking stuffers here and there over the past few months. I've bought Marc one gift already and need to be shopping around for the best deal on his "big" present. Maybe since Circuit City is closing, they'll have some good prices. I'm not sure what I want. Truthfully, I have most everything I need but there are a few little things I'd like. He's set on buying me a GPS since I still have a tendency to get lost all over Paulding County. I think I'd rather have a couple of bookshelves...plus they're much cheaper than a GPS.

My craft endeavors of late haven't done a thing for us financially, but they have brought me lots of personal enjoyment. I guess that's a good thing though. I like to express myself, but I wish that others appreciated my artistic stuff as much as I. I know the economy plays into what people are willing to buy, so I keep my prices low to accomodate but it doesn't seem to help.

I had a thought on helping a local restaurant host an indoor Christmas Craft Show but it seems that there are so many other events are going on that no one is interested in participating. Sigh...I thought it was a great idea and a win-win for everyone involved. Hungry shoppers come in for lunch while out buying Christmas gifts, they get a chance to shop locally made merchandise. Some of the people I know are soooo gifted and make the most wonderful stuff of very high quality.

Gosh...this seems like I'm being fussy. I'm gonna sign off, go get the doggies in and get ready for bed. Sweet dreams!

I'm all pooped out today y'all

Did my first craft show today. It was a smaller one, which is why I chose it. I wanted something a little less stressful til we figure out the logistics of transporting, setting up a canopy and such. It was a full day and VERY windy! I did think to take some pretty marbles to put in my boxes to weigh them down so they wouldn't blow away. However, I ran out quickly and the boys saved me by running out and finding me some rocks to put in the remaining boxes. Oh, and we figured out real fast that the Christmas tree I took to display my ornaments needed to be tied to the canopy...after it blew over with a big gust of wind. Hahaha! The top on our canopy blew up really high and we kept having to adjust it. We've since returned it to Walmart and I'll be looking for a better one before our next outdoor show. ;) My face and lips are wind burned and chapped. I am flat worn out, I tell ya. I have no idea why I should be so tired except for battling the wind and the stress of managing the canopy and my stuff all day. Everyone was having the same issues pretty much and the wind was stressing them out too.

I got to meet lots of new people and network a lot too. One lady told me about an indoor show coming up in a couple of weeks at a nearby church. I may be sharing a booth with her at that one. I think indoors is best, as there are no weather issues and less stuff to take to the show to set up. I am also putting together a game plan so that set up and take down for a show goes more smoothly. A list of what to take...a list of what "job" Marc, the boys and I have to do. We're gonna each be in charge of two things for each show and hoping that will make things go more smoothly. This was an invaluable learning experience and fun too, since I got to hang with friends all day (I knew most of the crafters). I got some great pics too! I'll post those later as I need to format them to fit in my blog a little better. My first item is to get my craft room/office back in order. We just brought all our stuff in and sat it on the floor. Right now I'm headed to my bathtub filled with bubbles and then to bed. I'll see you all later taters!

Loves!

No photos today...sorry peeps.

I didn't get any new photos to post today. Sorry about that. Just an update. Marc got well and got me sick all at the same time. I had a terrible bout with the stomach bug. Went to the doc, he prescribed Phenergan (which I have never taken before). So, I got home with my prescription and took a pill then proceeded to sleep for almost 24 hours! It worked...as in I was knocked out and had no idea I was sick. Marc was worried cuz he'd try to wake me and see how I was feeling. He said I mumbled and made no sense then I'd pass right back out. I don't remember any of it.

Good new is that I seem to be all better now! I am still eating kind of bland but at least I can eat now. :)

The leaves...they are a changin'

I had to take today off, due to my dear hubby being sick. That man is never sick, much less admits to it when he does get a sniffle. It started last night after he went in to work. He felt cold, clammy and nauseous. He thought he was just having a low blood sugar moment so he stopped in at a convenience store to get some crackers til time for him to go eat. It stayed down for about 30 minutes. He ended up at the station with his head in a trash can. Thinking that was it, he went back out on the road...for about 20 minutes. Finally around 2:00 this morning, he had to admit he was sick. He'd seen the bottom of the trash can a few times by then and was running a fever, achy all over and nauseous. He came home and woke me up to tell me he was sick. Then proceeded to become best friends with the trash can in his bathroom about 8 more times by around 10:30 this morning. I decided to take him to the doctor. We ended up having to drive all the way to Cartersville to a Doc in the Box, in order to see someone that takes our budget insurance. Yay for HMOs. Finally got out of there around 3:30 with a prescription for nausea and the advice to basically let it run it's course as long as he could keep Gatorade down. Bless his heart. I feel bad for him as having a stomach virus is terrible! The good news is that his fevers have stopped and he's now in the recliner taking it easy.

On the way to the Doc in the Box, I noticed how pretty the leaves were up Hwy 61. As I said in a previous blog, my camera is going to start going everywhere I go, so I took a few pics while I was driving (kids...don't try this at home). Here's one that I kind of liked and thought I'd share. The leaves are gorgeous and my pic doesn't do them justice but I thought I'd share nonetheless.

Now I have to get back to a sick cop...

OK, now that's just an insult...

I get back with the car we have to detail. While waiting on Marc to come outside, I sit on the steps for a few minutes. I saw a leaf on the step, the leaf did move a little but with my headache I decided my eyes were playing tricks on me. Well, I planted my tush on the step and jumped up with a yell...I sat on a bee!

Now I'm done with this day. I've got a headache and a stinger stuck in my butt. I'm so done...

Oh my goodness! HORRIBLE HEADACHE!!!

I have no idea why my head is pounding the way it is. It is literally making my neck, shoulders and my stomach hurt. Too bad I have a car that HAS to be detailed today. Otherwise, I'd be in bed with the covers pulled up over my head. I'm trying to stay in a good mood in spite of feeling so incredibly bad. So far I am keeping my mood light. Maybe it's because the house is quiet so I have no additional noise to add to the pain?

I did manage to find some really cool settings on my camera that I had no idea about before. I am so stoked! Now I'll be hauling my camera everywhere with me! Maybe I'll even get some cool pics to post!

I gotta run now...a dirty car awaits me. Love y'all!

Sorry y'all. I've been busy and I've been worn out. I've gotten lots of new things made, in preparation for my first craft show...just no pics yet to post. I've been rather thoughtful lately, turning inwards a lot, and thought I'd share something that lifts my head. This is my most favorite poem, for treasured reasons (and memories). One day I'll share those reasons. In the meantime...this gives me inspiration and I hope it does you as well.
Love to you all! -Lisa

The Touch of the Master's Hand

It was battered and scarred,
And the auctioneer thought it
Hardly worth his while
To waste his time on the old violin,
But he held it up with a smile.
"What am I bid, good people", he cried,
"Who starts the bidding for me?"
"One dollar, one dollar, Do I hear two?"
"Two dollars, who makes it three?"
"Three dollars once, three dollars twice, going for three",

But, No,
From the room far back a grey haired man
Came forward and picked up the bow,
Then wiping the dust from the old violin
And tightening up the strings,
He played a melody, pure and sweet,
As sweet as the angel sings.

The music ceased and the auctioneer
With a voice that was quiet and low,
Said "What now am I bid for this old violin?"
As he held it aloft with its' bow.
"One thousand, one thousand, Do I hear two?"
"Two thousand, Who makes it three?"
"Three thousand once, three thousand twice,
Going and gone", said he.

The audience cheered,
But some of them cried,
"We just don't understand."
"What changed its' worth?"
Swift came the reply.
"The Touch of the Masters Hand."

And many a man with life out of tune,
All battered with bourbon and gin,
Is auctioned cheap to a thoughtless crowd
Much like that old violin.
A mess of pottage, a glass of wine,
A game and he travels on.
He is going once, he is going twice,
He is going and almost gone.
But the Master comes,
And the foolish crowd never can quite understand,
The worth of a soul and the change that is wrought
By the Touch of the Master's Hand.

New secret stuff!

I'm so excited that I have blog about my latest creation...but I can't exactly share pics just yet. Don't worry, I'll have these done and in my Etsy shop soon...in time for the Holidays!

(I feel so naughty, giving a tip off and then not spilling the beans...hahahaha)

So today I was sick and

I laid around folding paper. Big surprise, huh?

Below are some of the things I made and have now loaded on my Etsy shop. Check em out!

Well, I did it...

I have a terrible habit of toodling around town on empty. I detest stopping for gas, although I have no idea why. Maybe it's the memory of pumping gas in my old Cutlass on a windy day, only to have the wind blow my skirt up over my head. Or maybe it's the memory of being harrassed by a beggar at the gas pumps when I worked downtown. Who knows. So, I push the limits. Marc is forever taking my car and filling it up for me cuz he says I'm gonna run out. I've gone for about 20 yrs since the last time I ran out. Til today...

One of my stepsons and I were out running errands and we were honestly about to stop and get gas. I was only 2 blocks away from the station when I ran out. Now that is just an insult to the situation. I can see the station but I can't get there. Sooo, I call Marc. He hurredly runs home from his errands to get the gas can and come rescue us. In the meantime a friend of ours comes by...I am so embarrassed! He pulls up with his his daughters and they hang out with us...laughing at us, while we all wait on the side of the road. Marcus and I were starving too. Thankfully I had a can of diet coke in my lunch bag for work and a pack of crackers in my purse. So we have a roadside pic-a-nic while we wait. It looks like a party when Marc and our other 2 boys finally arrive. Now we have 3 cars, 3 adults and 5 kids all hanging out on the side of the road. Hahahaha!

Oh well, if life gives you a lemon...make lemonade!

On a side note...I'm getting all kinds of new inspiration for my crafts! I've no idea where my muse is or where it is...but it's somewhere around and I'm loving this new, fresh burst of creativity!

Gotta run peeps...will post some new pics later. Hearts!

Blogtime...

It's been a wild week. Very busy at work, different issues at home and so on. I'm still getting back into the swing of heading in to work during rush hour traffic. I spend the time chatting on the phone, drinking my coffee in my favorite travel mug, and sometimes just being quiet. I jockey for position on the roads, just like everyone else and we all end up getting there when we intended...hahahaha.

I am going to be sleeping late tomorrow...yay! Then it'll be a busy weekend with the boys. Once again, the testosterone levels rise and I am outnumbered. But then again, it's a great time to be treated like a queen! I sit here and wonder which of the boys will sneak in the bedroom first and try to bring my coffee without waking me up. I always wake up but pretend I'm still asleep and then giggle to myself when they leave the room. They think they are so sneaky...heeheehee.

We'll be fishing, cutting grass and detailing a couple of cars this weekend. Maybe we'll head out for a night of karaoke with friends. The boys love that, even if they do stay inside most of the time playing pool. Of course the camera will go with us wherever we go this weekend so hopefully I'll have new photos to post in a couple of days.

I'm still building up some of my Etsy inventory. Mostly because I'm addicted to origami now and can't...stop....folding....paper. Ha!

I'll keep everyone updated on new stuff as I can. See y'all soon!

Now for something nice...

Here's something I made today for a couple of friends. I hope they like these!

Work

Day 2 of my new job. I'm tired...still getting used to regular work hours again. This last year, although difficult, had spoiled me in the respect of my sleep. I managed my own schedule and that was fun, however it wasn't paying the bills. Marc and I have struggled through some really tough stuff this last year. I know we're not out of the woods yet, but at least we now both have full time incomes. Maybe there is some light at the end of the tunnel...and it not be a train! LOL.

I've been thinking more and more about getting a commerce membership on our community website. However, the stir of caca is still there so I think it might be in my best interest to wait. I just don't need the drama at this time, as I'm not up to fighting it. The most horrible part of the existence of a couple of troublemakers, is that it affects some of the most talented artisans I've had the priviledge to know. I am truly disappointed by it. I continue to be puzzled at why the powers that be haven't stepped in to take any real action against it. I know they are probably hoping it will iron itself out, but in the meantime some have been hurt and that hurts me.

I continue to post on Etsy. I haven't had any sales yet and I'm not sure how to generate interest in my product but I'll figure it out as I go. I love my crafts and know there is a niche for the things I make. I've been busily creating more of the coordinated desk sets, as I feel it is a unique product.

This year will be a crafty Christmas for the Riley family. I'm already thinking of things and planning those gifts. I'm also gonna finally use up all the gourds I grew a couple of years ago and make gifts out of those as well. Yay! I am totally excited about that!!!

Well, I'm up too late and need to head to bed now...6:00AM comes early!

Love to my peeps and toodles!!!

Latest creations

Well, I've been busy with my origami stuffs. :)

Here's some pics that I've listed in my Etsy shop. My user name is Deewee and my shop is called "Peaceful Paperings".

BTW- If you have little girls, or will need to buy gifts for a special little girl in your life. I highly recommend MamaShai and Sage, both on Etsy, they have some really cute items for very reasonable prices. Plus they are both awesome peeps in real life!

Well peeps....I got a call this morning and I have a new job! This is a regular full time job, not seasonal, not part time and "supposed" to become full time job...it's a REGULAR JOB! I am excited and at the same time a bit afraid to be too excited (with what has happened over the last 12 months). I'll start next Monday, do training for a week and then to work I go! I'm thrilled to have an office/cubicle of my own again! I've missed it soooo much. I'm such a creature of routine and habit...moreso than I'd realized.

I'm also coming up with tons of new ideas for my origami treasure boxes. I'm now listing on Etsy.com and hope that it will help bring in a few extra dollars.

I'll write more later, as I'm excited to start working on my new ideas at the moment.

Toodles loved ones!

My creative outlet...

I have to be creative. It's just about the only little thing I get to enjoy now days. Thankfully, I am not attracted to crafts that cost much. I mostly like using natural things. Gourds, driftwood, paper, wood & so on...

Here's a few pics of my latest endeavors. Not listing/selling yet, but I hope to be soon!

Arbitrary pics

Strange things I've photographed...don't ask why. Mostly because what I saw at the moment humored me...

Welcome to my world

I probably won't be as faithful a blogger as I should. There are many things I'd like to share but my need for privacy, at the moment, will not allow. I'll try to keep it light but I warn you now...if I am in a mood, don't be surprised at a few raw emotions showing through my writing. I wear my heart on my sleeve and it's difficult for me to keep things in. So, when my emotions are running high, I will tend to hibernate/isolate myself. That's just my nature. I don't like vulnerability unless it's on my terms.

For now, I will post the past 12 months in review. My friends know the story, so I can discuss this. A year ago, after having a very successful 17 year in accounting, I was fired. This was no fault of my own, but rather I was made a scapegoat by a couple of gentlemen who wanted to keep their jobs and threw me under the bus. I know this for fact, and it has been confirmed by co-workers still employed at the company. It doesn't make it any less painful. And yes, it still hurts deeply. It was humiliating and still is. Since then I have floundered a bit while trying to find work again. Nothing has worked out. I have found myself suddenly "unemployable" and now a victim of a recessed economy. While my husband and I try to face what is before us, I find myself unable to be brave. We are in a desperate situation.

I am in a place unfamiliar to me financially. I've had to work hard all my life to attain success, however none of it seems to matter now. I've climbed the corporate ladder only to have the ladder cut off. Success came easily to me as I was good in my field...excellent even. I would often be promoted passed my co-workers because of my abilities. One year I received a 20% raise due to being recognized as an outstanding employee (those in the working world know this is quite the exception). This is not being shared to brag, but mostly to re-assure myself that I am/was good at my job. However, with the last 12 months under my belt, I find myself questioning my worth.

I know we should not define ourseslves by our jobs. However, when you spend so much time somewhere everyday, eventually your professional life does have a way of boosting your self esteem. Wrong? Maybe...but it happens.

I guess that's all for now. Comment if you like...or don't...I'm not doing this for popularity.