Sunday, November 19, 2017

Pocket Letter Fail...



For those of you who follow me on FaceBook you already got my opinion of my local Post Office.  I was so proud of myself for completing 17 Pocket Letters for my International mail recipients.  I had taken one to my local Post Office and confirmed with the clerk that my International postage was sufficient to send my envelope on its way.  So I came home and completed all 17.  I mailed them.  Two days later I collected my mail in the pouring rain and there were all 17 of my envelopes.  I have no photo here but I did on my FB post.  They were wet and soggy and the imbecile at the post office had rubber banded them all together with a note.  It said these must mail as a parcel and I would need to add an additional $12.35 postage to each one!  Excuse Me!!!  I am not wealthy and therefore that cannot happen.  To put it mildly, I was incensed!!!  I have had lots of issues with my mail being delayed and returned by the idiots at the Post Office but this tops them all. I am sad and angry and feel the worst for my recipients.  I had to switch up my plans...


In the meantime I was able to sew 10 Origami Coin Purses using fun Mahjong themed fabrics.  I found this on Sew4Home and here is the link.  I love these coin purses and they have lots of uses.  I won't divulge the purpose for this group so as not to spoil any holiday gift idea.  I may need to sew a few more.  I enjoy being able to sew these. The first ones I made, I hand sewed metal snaps and it took lots of time and work.  Then my friend Donna of Brynwood Needleworks introduced me to Kam Snaps.  WOW!  So much easier and quicker.  Thank You Donna.  Check out the links and you will find the pattern so you can make some for your gift giving.
On our Home front, Mr. C and I have removed our home from being listed.  We kept at it for an entire year and had NO Buyer and NO offers.  Only a handful of showings and nothing positive.  After meeting with our broker and the VP of Sales and Marketing for Coldwell Banker Grass Valley, we heard nothing new to encourage us to stay listed.  They stressed the importance of us being "STRATEGIC" with our marketing...that is there job and what we are paying them for!  They also stressed we must be "STRATEGIC" in our pricing...which meant they wanted us to drop the sales price another $50,000 and include an additional $2500 for the Buyer's agent commission.  My very wise husband said, "Anyone can sell dollar bills for 50 cents." 
Weather wise we have had some very good soaking rain the past couple of weeks.  The mountain ski resorts have gotten good snow and are open for the season.  Looks like we will not be having a drought this year.  Autumn has shown her colors and now the trees are barren.  Winter is just around the corner.  Happy Thanksgiving my fellow Americans and Safe Travels to all...
Blessings to each of you around the world and may you take time to enjoy the Magic of the Season... 

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Sewing and Pocket Letters...


Hello November.  You are beginning the month in a most productive manner.  Thank You.
I thought I was done sewing Dresses for Girls Around the World...until my local ladies invited me to join them.  I have just completed six dresses and here they are shown on the sewing room love seat.  I was able to unpack enough of my sewing supplies and machine in order to sew these.  Now I have renewed zest and will continue to sew.


Yesterday, today and the rest of this week I decided to make a mess on my studio work table which is 4' x 9' and such a joy to work on.  It is high enough that I don't have to lean over and kill my back.  This is also where I do all my sewing fabric cutting.  With the holidays coming all too quickly, I decided I better get busy.  I gathered supplies and got to work...actually this is pleasure for me.


I am creating some Pocket Letters for Christmas mailings.  Due to the cost of postage, I am keeping them very simple. Just a few stickers and some chocolate and a little surprise charm.


I decided to use one of my many 2018 calendars I buy from multiple charity organizations.   This little fox just melts my heart. I will have lots of variety when I am finished.  The post office is already getting busy.  We have November birthdays to celebrate. My Granddaughter Amy and Mr. C's Sister along with some friends.  Happy Birthday to each of you. 
We are getting rain and the Fall leaves are blanketing the ground. Winter is near and I feel the chill in the air.  I shall try my very best to Embrace Winter this year...as it is not my favorite season. 
November Blessings and Happy Thanksgiving to those in our United States of America.  Bliss and JOY...