Back In The Swing

Inventory is finally over, the new POS system is running pretty smoothly, the shop is put back together and I finally feel like things are getting back to normal around here.

I snapped a few shots of the store because it is always fun to look back and see where we have been and how things have changed. This year the big difference is the new opening in the far wall that leads to our new batik room. The Bernina sewing machines live in our old batik space in front of the big arched window. Those photos didn't turn out - too much glare from the snow outside!

The second reason that I was busy snapping photos is that we have been selected to be featured in a special issue of McCalls Quilting. As a "Hometown Favorite" quilt shop, I had to design a quilt exclusively for them and provide photos of the shop and myself. The issue is set to hit the newsstands this spring, so I am going to have to figure out how to take more photos that don't show the snow outside. Not showing the snow in the shop photos will be easier than not showing the wrinkles in the photo of myself. Is it just me or is the image you have of yourself a lot younger than the image you see in the mirror?

One thing I know for sure, the older you get the better friends you have. In addition to my BFF Bernie, I "hang" with a wonderful group of shop owners. We trade ideas, work together on special events, support each other through thick and thin and laugh a lot. Most of us have blogs and I think that when you are finished here, you should click on over to read what Debbie has to say about what you are worth. Scroll down to her December 31st entry. While my favorites differ from Debs, the idea is the same, check it out.

http://quiltingpossibilitiestimes.blogspot.com/

Just because things were running so smoothly, I upgraded from Vista to Windows 7 this week. Technology and I don't get along too well on a normal basis, making changes always tosses me a curve. The upgrade erased my contact list and calendar, that means I have lost the dates for the speaking engagements I have scheduled this year. That's going to make my life interesting.......