Last Day

So today is the last day of spring break. It's been a busy break. I had a long list of things to get done and I barely scratched the surface. Isn't that how it goes? Most of the things I have left to do can be done during the week and on weekends. And there's only 3 weeks of school left once I go back. So there's time to get things done, but I know I'll just keep adding things to my to-do list.

One of the things that I did get done, to a certain degree, is working on my branding. I think it's an ongoing thing--working on a blog, branding, etc. But I ordered new business cards (same as before but with different pictures). I'm also adding postcards with some of my favorite pics to the shop. I'll create bundles with a similar theme. This isn't even the new product that I've alluded to over the past week. It just happened! I'll also use some of the cards for when I send out packages.

Speaking of packages. I know I mentioned that I started a new Instagram to sell some of my items, but I also started selling clothes on Poshmark. It's fun. I get to see a lot of items that I haven't seen in a long time. In fact, I bought a dress that was hugely popular about 3 years ago. I kicked myself for not buying it then. But I found it, new with tags, for a good deal. I've also connected with other sellers which is fun. But I started getting myself in trouble where I was shopping instead of selling. The point is to sell items that I no longer wear (or can fit into, as the case may be). I want to support other sellers, so a good way to do that without spending money is to share their items. And that I can do!

I've also had Chicken Librarian stickers made. I'll send those out in packages as well. They'll be a fun addition to each package sent. Or they can be used as a freebie giveaway. I'm currently mailing them out, for free, to anyone who wants one. So if you'd like one (it's just my logo with my website) email me your address and I'll gladly send one to you.

But why am I telling you all this? There's a purpose, I promise. It's mostly that I've been looking back through my pictures finding some that I want to use as a 'this moment' picture, but also on my business cards and on the postcards. It brings back memories for me. I can see how much my photography has improved over the past couple of years. But I also remember where I was just a couple of years ago, how I'm working towards (and living) the life I always dreamt of. I look back at those pictures and I remember exactly what was happening, where we were at when I snapped that pic (or pics). Like the cows for example. I was trying to get home from grocery shopping and our road was still closed at the time. I had to take a back road but there was a tree across it. So I turned around and detoured. Except the detour was closed. So then I had to take a really back, back road! One I didn't know. But I saw these cows in the woods. I know I've told this story on instagram but I don't think I ever shared it here. It happens to be one of my favorites. It tells a story without telling the story. And I hope I'll always remember that day and how unnerving, but funny, it was. Lost on the backroads within walking distance to my house.

So, I'm working towards my goals. Isn't that all we can really do? Figure out where we want to be and just keep working towards it? Two weeks ago I was worried about our finances. I mean really worried. And we stopped spending. I started selling things. We looked at our meat stores (plus we purchased our beef and pork for the year). We have enough meat to last well through this year, and hopefully until this time next year. All we need is fresh produce, and that will be coming soon enough. I haven't had a chance to see how much (or little) we've spent these past couple of weeks, but I would say this has been our best 'no spend' month so far. I did purchase frivolously on poshmark, but I still have some things to sell and to list that should make up for some of that spending. I would say right now I've broken even on poshmark. I've sold just as much as I've spent. So no more spending there.

I've also started booking classes for this year. I have one booked for certain at my local library--Northern Wayne Community Library. I'm still booking for the 2019 season, working on other library programs, and figuring out how to sell in local shops.

I guess the point in all of this is to say that for years all I wanted to do was stay home and build a homestead and somehow make that a viable business. And now I have that opportunity and I'm making it happen. Something I never thought would actually happen. That I'd always talk about it, dream about it. I can look back and see how much I've learned, where I still need to go, still need to learn. But I'm living a pretty good life, relying on what I have, seeing things clearer, seeing the future and all the possibilities. To be happy with the here and now and what we have. Because what we have is a pretty good life filled with love, laughter, and friendships. I'll take it!