Simplify

This summer of high highs and great stressers has made it clear: it's time to reevaluate a lot.

1. Computers are NOT my friend and I pledge to spent less time at this keyboard (this is the second time I'm writing this, as Firefox shut down, deleting my almost finished first draft - case in point).

2. I'm reminded that my priorities do not involve wealth (though I'd have more if they did), but I still need to make a living.

3. I've been doing way too many things to do any of them well.

So - this morning I canceled both of my online shops - Etsy and Bonanzle. I'm going to do paintings for the gallery in Manistee which wants to carry my work. I'm going to focus on illustration, which is both my most effective and most enjoyable way to support myself.

The CADDi is still an adventure - I'm still seeing progress and having fun hearing when someone gets a kick out of using theirs. I have plans for it yet.

But - I'm going to find more time to smell the roses...did that yesterday at MSU gardens with our German guest on a glorious Michigan summer day...THAT's important!

Bonanzle,CADDi Coverage, and Michigania

1. Though a crooked path I've heard about Bonanzle, which is like Etsy crossed with Ebay - you can have an e-store to sell just about anything you want. This seemed like a good idea for me as I have my book and some All Dogged Up products, which don't fit the Etsy model. So, I've put up shop at Bonanzle. I still have a lot I want to add. There seems to be a nice sense of community there so far and the customer service has been great. We'll see if I can generate any sales, which is the point, after all.

2. Lisa Cocuzza at It's a Glam Thing was wildly generous and filled some print space she had in this publication with an ad for the CADDi. What a great surprise! There's a little glitch in that it reads barbco.com rather than barbo.biz, but people will see the CADDi and can google it, or talk about it, or just start to understand it, which all adds up in good ways. I'm so very grateful to Lisa!

3. Michigania, a Lansing store full of tons of Michigan products, is now carrying the CADDi. The owner got it right away, as she demonstrated how she carries her coffee by the lid with her teeth sometimes (with mixed success) when her hands are full. Buy local!