****CONTEST!! CONTEST!!****

OK, so TheGenerationShop is holding a contest for our viewers and customers to become part of the creative energy that is behind our greatness! 

The contest will run for one week only!  What you are being challenged to do is ....

Create our design logo!

Yep, that's right. 

While the masterminds behind TheGenerationShop are pretty creative, we've sorta fell off the wagon on agreeing on a logo.  So, we want to give our readers, (and customers) a chance to submit their own take for a design logo to reflect TheGenerationShop and what it represents. 
Your mission should you choose to accept is to come up with an original design and submit it to our email address:   thegenerationshop@yahoo.com
The design can be black and white and / or color.  The design should pertain to something regarding generational concepts... (3 generations behind the shop), and should have the ability to allow viewers to associate it with our shop.  Please remember this must be an original design.  No copyright infringements!
Should your design be selected, you will be receive a gift certificate for our shop in the amount of $15.00, as well as, a $15 gift card to Walmart. 
When submitting your email, please include a descriptive paragraph concerning your design on why you created it the way it is, and why you think your design should be chosen.  You will also need to include contact information, such as:  Name, address, and Telephone Number so that we can contact you when you win.
Well, that's it.  Happy Creating and may the BEST design win!

Inventory

I haven't posted inventory in some time now.  We've had orders to fill and gifts to make.  Recently I received an order for 12 Tea Gloves for a Tutu Tea Party and am currently working on that now.  It is so much fun.  You'll see a picture of one of the gloves below.  My sister has really been busy as well, I'm loading her pictures here too.  As always, if you see something you would like to purchase, send us a message.  We'd love to talk to you about your custom order.

Toddler Glove with ruffle for a Tutu Tea Party.  She'll be the cutest 2 year old in the world!!!!!

 

My sister has been working overtime on an order she had for some flowers.  Here are some shots of them.

Wall hanging completed by my sister.  I LOVE it!  Do you?  :)

She also has been busy on this order as well for a hanging wreath.  I really like this one. 

A mess

A ton of things been happening 'round here people.  ton of things...
But instead of going into it all, I want to say ... YIPPEE!!!!  I sold some more gloves!!!!  They were made with a dark pink lamb's wool yarn that is one of my favorite yarns to use.  Very pretty if I do say so myself, but after I boxed them up and delivered them to the client, I realized I never took a picture to post!  LOL  so, with my scattered brain these days, I'm gonna chalk it up to complete insanity and hope that one day I'll have enough of that yarn to make more... that yarn is tremendously pretty.... soft... pretty ... soft and pretty yarn.... LOL.  Oh! A great friend of mine asked me about some gloves for her daughter's tea party.... I really need to call her for the measurements! Ugh... maybe I'll have time tomorrow.


I cancelled my Girlfriend Day, but am severely tempted to call everyone back and tell them to meet me, if only at the bookstore for coffee and the smell of books.  I need my girls. 

So it may be a while before I post, but maybe not... Maybe I'll post something tomorrow, but maybe not.  With me, ya just never know!  :-)

Must love to everyone!!!!!

Poems

One day last week, I was in the basement going through some old boxes that have never been unpacked, though we've been in the house come 7 years in May.  Ugh.  Anywho... I found a box marked special papers in it.  I gasped.  Could it really be?  I thought this box had been lost during our move!!!  Inside, were letters and emails I had printed and kept from Jason when we were dating, then when we were married and he went overseas with the Marine Corps.  I read through some of them and cried for about an hour.  Good memories.  Jason used to be sweet and romantic.  ... he can still be when he wants to be, it's just getting him to want to!  But he is a good man that works hard for his family, so I guess I can't complain... but still it'd be nice every once in a while, ya know?  There were also a bunch of songs I had written and never recorded and a bunch of poems I had written back in High School, which seems like an eternity ago!  I wrote poetry all the time back then.  Don't really know why I don't write as much anymore, but.... here's a couple I wrote back then....  hope you enjoy.  Oh!  and for those of you who think you'll just copy them and put them out there as your own... well, good luck.  These are all registered under my maiden name.  And yes, the copyright is current.  :-)

The Man In The Shadows
Life goes on in the shadoes of the road,
The trees seem to give weight to my heart's heavy load.
Is there anyone there to walk me through the other side?
Will anyone carry me with the grace of the ocean tide?
Who is that walking on the road all alone?
Why is He here, this bright and early dawn. 
This Man of Strength and obvious Light,
Will He be the One to make these things seem right?
He took me by the hand and led me the right way;
and then reminded me of all the trials throughout my day.
'Did I not help you then?' He asked, with love in His eyes,
'Each time you hurt, a part of Me dies. 
And yet you know that I am here to carry you through,
and meet all your needs according to you.'
'Walk hand in hand with Me.'

this was written after my Grandfather died.  And since he didn't pass away until September 1997 I was already out of High School and in college. Below is one of my favorites, I wrote it for Easter of 1997 and put it up on a bulletin board at our church and drew a dogwood tree in full bloom on it.  The blooms had blood drips on them and then in the top right hand corner drew 3 crosses on a hill, middle cross higher of course.....

They walked for what seemed like hours looking for the tree.
The one they'd use to display Isreal's so-called King.
They laughed and mocked the Savior and fashioned Him a crown;
and tried to calm their hearts as the tree crashed to the ground.
"We'll place these thorns upon His brow, a robe upon His back,
Nail His feet and hands, above His head we'll place a plaque.
Let's parade around the town and laugh and mock His name,
beat Him to uncertainty, for isn't He to blame?
He professed to be the King, the Master of it all,
being One with the Father - for us to listen to His call.
Whoever heard such hypocracy?  Whoever heard such lies?
Everyone agrees with us!  Just listen to their cries!
They shout for us to kill Him.  They scream and joke His name.
Where is His Glory now?  Where is His fame?"
Jesus died upon that cross
to take away my sin
to give me life and love and freedom
but it's MY life it should have been.
I should have been the one
who hung between the two thieves
and it should have been MY blood
which stained the dogwood leaves.

Below is a song with a Country flair to it that never quite made it to the recording studio... a friend of mine did learn to play it on guitar, but we never went anywhere with it.... hm....

Wind of Life
When I look in to my soul I see fustration
My hopes and dreams of success are in despair
I cannot blame others for what I've failed to do
When the chances of success are always there

Life is like a game of cards where each must play a hand
And some will win while others have to fold
The winds of life will cool the weak and weary
and leave others outside freezing in the cold

From time to time my life is over whelming
and I want to live another thousand years
and at other times my life is dark and cloudy
and it's hard to see through sad and salty tears...

Life is like a game of cards where each must play a hand
Some will win while others have to fold
The Winds of Life will cool the weak and weary
and leave others outside freezing in the cold
Life is like a game of cards where each must play a hand
Some will win while others have to fold
The Winds of Life will cool the weak and weary
and leave others outside freezing in the cold

Guess I'll take this breeze and follow where it blows....

Then a real sort of sappy jot I wrote down on the corner of an email Jason had sent me while overseas....

Love:  puts the music in laughter
            the beauty in song
           the warmth in a shoulder
          the gentle in strong
Love:  puts the magic in memories
          the sunshine in skies
         the gladness in giving
        the starlight in eyes...
     I LOVE my honey...

I also came across some sayings I had printed off and kept.  If memory serves me, I had these on my desk when I worked for Lexington State Bank back in the day.... (oh! and I totally don't know who actually said or wrote these, so I probably wouldn't copy these and try to pass them off as yours either.  There's rules against that... ;-)

'The best thing you could ever do is... become better at being you.'

'The biggest problem in marriages today is lack of communication, allow your mate to be your best friend, and talk things over with your best friend - everything really, enjoy each others company and never, ever allow family or society's problems become your nightmare.'

'True love is a balance of romance, friendship and devotion.  If you lack in one area... it isn't true love'

'Learn to compliment each other daily, whether in words, actions, or appearance.  This is one of the golden rules of dating, marriage, business and friendship.  Learning this early is a huge step towards maturity.'

'RESPECT should be number one priority for both sexes.  It isn't a matter of question, it is a matter of priorites.  Don't expect others to respect you if you don't respect them.  Respect should be given before a ring is ever involved!'


Ok, big enough post.  I'm off here to go paint with my little bundle of sunshine!  Hope you enjoyed! :-)

Vote! Police officer of the Year!

Vote for James Weaver! Email Fred McClure for a form for Police Officer of the Year!!!!! fred@fredmcclure.com. This is a great honor and James deserves it.  He is an awesome Police officer in Davidson County!  Vote for James!  Vote for James!

Spring Time here we come!!!!

I am so looking forward to Spring.  We had a couple of warm days here, in the high 60's and low 70's.  I went outside on one of the days, (don't remember which) and washed down my back deck, the table and chairs and my glass sliding door and kitchen window.  Then brought my daughter's painting easel out and she painted while I finshed up a crochet project.  My husband brought over McDonalds and we all sat out on the porch and ate french fries and listened to my daughter talk about her 'Masterpiece'.  :)  It was such a beautiful day.  Today is raining, and I am sitting here at the computer staring out the window wishing it were sunny again.  Oh well... I think that's out for about a week.  Forcast calls for rain and cloudy overcast for the next week.  pooh...
I've been sick for about 2 weeks, I mean really sick.  But the doctor gave me a new prescription this past Monday and I am feeling so much better now.  (yes! it is only Wednesday!!)  Most of the pressure has decreased in my right ear and there is no pressure whatsoever in my left one.  I can hear again!  Woohoo!
I want to give props to my husband for his wonderfulness over the last 2 weeks.  He has been awesome.  He's taken care of the little things since I was in bed mostly.  He took care of big things, well b/c I didn't feel like it.  And he took care of things even when he thought I wasn't looking.  For instance, one night I fell asleep lying in bed watching TV and the bed-side light was on.  He came in, turned off the light and TV and made sure I was ok.  He didn't try to wake me, but as he was walking out I woke up and saw him.  I just smiled and went back to sleep. 
He has invited me to go with him on Saturday night to something he's interested in.  I'm not really keen on that kind of thing, but I am going b/c I know it's something he likes.  I have decided to make the best of it.  Hopefully, it will amaze me and totally blow my mind!  :)
Let's see... my upcoming list includes.... planning and attending the next Girl-friend Day (set for March 20th), finish obtaining stuff for the military boxes I'm putting together, finish a couple of outstanding crochet projects that are on order, finish my taxes!, get moving on planning my HS reunion, and... just spend time with my little family.  We don't do enough together.  Jason nor I do either... maybe we should establish a date night?  hm...

Showing LOVE to my military family

Anyone who knows me, has seen or heard of my complete support to the men and women who serve the USA in the military.  I learned fairly quickly the first year of my marriage to a Marine that you either love the military, as a spouse, or you hate it.  There is no in-between relationship.  Fortunately, for me, I LOVED it.  I missed my family tremendously when we did not live near them, but I loved the military life.  I learned and saw things through the eyes of my husband that caused the respect I already had instilled to grow and mature and bloom.  Our men and women give more than most civilians realize, and do so without blinking an eye.  It's their job.  It's what they signed on to do.  It's what they need to do.  These men and women achieve greatness on a daily basis.  They are awesome.  They are our Troops. 
With all this said, I am inviting you to join me in using our crafting skills for our brothers and sisters.  Check out this website:  http://theshipsproject.com/  If you crochet, knit or sew and could take time out to do one  / or two projects a month, it would bring a smile to a soldiers face and the resolve to continue in their purpose for doing what they do would strengthen. 
Take a moment to read the statement below from a serviceman who received a knitted hat while he was deployed...

I'm a sailor on-board the Harry S Truman (CVN75). The other day I was asked if I would like to receive a hat hand knitted by a supporter of our cause. I said of course I would and they issued one to me. I received a black and brown striped cap that is extremely comfortable, stylish, and appreciated. I used to freeze in my rack when I went to bed, but not anymore. So, I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for thinking about us while we are out here. It's people like you that remind us why we are out here fighting the good fight. So, once again, I just want to say thank you and God bless you for all that you are doing.

Another testimony reads: 

This is such a great thing. I can't tell you how much it means when you receive something from home (USA) when you are deployed. The fact that people donate their time to say thanks and send any form of appreciation does wonders for morale. There are also many people here who don't have family or don't have family who have the means to send things. Your kindness touches so many people on so many levels. Again thank you for your time and support ~ and to your network of stitchers.

Can you imagine what it would mean to a soldier, who is sitting beside his rack, wondering if what he is doing is worth it (Yes, our men and women do wonder this.  Just as we civilians wonder it, from time to time, about our own jobs) and receive a package with your hand-made item inside with a 'Thank You' note attached?  I can imagine his morale would shoot through the roof and his next move would be more precise and designed to make those at home proud.
So please, take a moment to look at this website.  Search the internet for more projects of this same cause and take a moment to ask yourself, 'How can I ignore this opportunity?'.
Happy crafting, my friends.  Much love to all.

Oh my Goodness....

OK, so I totally should be smacked!  I went to work today... after being sick all week... I went to work today.  I made an incredibly stupid move!!!  I am so whipped I could cry.  So I think I'll lay down and take a nap now, at 5:45 PM until my daughter comes home at 7:30-ish PM.  Then go to bed again sometime around um... 10:30??? Wonder if I'm aready asleep and I'm dreaming.....

Sick Days

I haven't posted in a while for a couple of reasons.  The flopped contest I ran.  I am so dissappointed!  And the other reason is I have been really sick.  This cold really kicked my butt! 
Double ear infections, severe sinus infection, broncial tube infection, fever and the dreaded Norovirus on top of it all.  I was ready to cry Uncle a time or two, let me tell ya.  Never have I had earaches like I've had this past week!  It's been horrible.  I feel for every child out there that has ever had them!
We has a bit of snow last night, about an inch or so only.  But for some reason our local county school systems were closed!  The doctor took me out of work for 2 days, but when work realized I was on codine meds they told me to not come back until I finished them b/c I couldn't be around the machines.  So... Here I am.  Still eating soup.... cooped up in a house with a 5 year old who is extreemly bored and I'm running out of steam!  ARGH!
Besides that, all is OK in the house.  I've just finished spraying everything down with Lysol again.  I cleaned the bathroom, again... and now I'm doing laundry.  Well, ok, so now I'm on the computer here, but really... I'm doing laundry.  My wonderful cat has been the greatest heating pad for me.  She's staying right here on top of me constantly.  As we speak she is in my lap making it difficult to type.. but not impossible.  I love her!  She's so cool. 
My church family and my blood family and my neighbors have all been calling to check up on me, to see if I needed anything.  I keep assuring them I am fine.  In fact, my husband has taken care of just about everything!  He has been amazing!  He went and bought about 10 to 15 cans of soup for me and crackers.  He woke up our daughter one morning and made sure she got ready and fed for school, even packed her lunch.  Then came in to see if I needed anything before he left.  It has been wonderful, but I hate I've been so sick to really enjoy it!  HA!  I'm thinking we should totally have a do-over when I get fully recovered!  :-D
My friend Brandi had a jewelry party last night I missed.  But hopefully I can still get something (albeit small in price) from a website she has about it.  Brandi is one of my 'girl-friends' and I can't wait for the next 'girl-friend' day in the next few weeks.   It's right around the corner and I am getting just as excited as I was for the first one.  I still haven't figured out what to do with the girls, but ... maybe something will come to me soon.
The church is having a Soup Dinner this Friday night.  It will begin at 5:30 PM and go until everything runs out, and there is no price attached.  Donation only.  If anyone is in the area and you are interested in going, email me and I'll get you the details....
Later all!  Until tomorrow....

PS.  This is from a post by Fashion Designer Rita Saardi.  I liked it so I copied it... hope you like it too....

I like being a flower girl....I don't like being a modern girl....Fashion should be all about fun...
Fashion is sometimes everything but fun...I'm glad that I'm always having fun doing it,
even when my fingers are bleeding and my back is aching...
today I'm working on a project that reminded me of this...
I sure am "The Flower Girl" and for those who prefer conceptual overdone and overworked ideas...
just keep walking don't stop at my station...I'm proud to be a "romantique"

Also...

If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love. Don’t be surly at home, then go out in the street and start grinning "Good Morning" at total strangers. --  Maya Angelou

And...

"The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do." -Walter Bagehot