Happy Thanksgiving!

I wish each and everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.  Families may far apart, but not in our hearts. 

There is much to be thankful for...and not just this time of year.

I am thankful for my family.  We have 2 strong healthy boys and a sweet daughter in law.  Our oldest and his wife purchased a home this year.  Both our boys were hired permanently by their employers.  They may not be the dream jobs but they are both working and making their way in this crazy world.  Timm still works for the same company after 33 years.  I'm thankful for the stablility and comfort it brings. 

We've been married 28 years.  I'm thankful to wake up next to Timm every morning.  I can't even imagine what my life would be like without him. He is my soul mate.

My parents will be married 50 next April.  I'm thankful they are such great role models for us and so many others.  They are kind to each other, loving and giving.  I'm thankful for the values and morals they gave me, I hope I have done the same for my children.  Lord knows I've worked hard at it. 

We've not traveled much this year, but am thankful for and have enjoyed the trips we've made.  It's comforting to know that the truck and toyhauler are now paid off.   One of the first thoughts when we did that was that we'll never be homeless.  lol

We've lost a couple of friends and family this year, but they are thought of often by many. Knowing they are in Heaven makes it more comforting but we still miss them down here.

Warm Thanksgiving wishes go out to all our friends and family on this day.  Share your homes and hearts with others, spread your hospitality and give of yourself.  Share you kindness, faith, and love with others. 

Happy Thanksgiving,

The Martin's



One Show Left

That's right...just one show left. I've had a great season so I can't really complain but now I am scrambing to finish new product between now and Nov. 30.  I'll lose a few days in all that with Thanksgiving, tree hunting and window painting but I've stocked up on 5 Hour Energy and need to get some of the bigger stuff completed.  The Dickens Festival is Dec. 1-4 in St. George at the Dixie Center.  I've shopped it for years and its so much fun to be there.  I'm hoping as a vendor I'll feel the same way this year.  In the meantime, I gotta bet busy...talk to you soon.

Show and Tell Friday

I know there lots of craft shows going on this time of year.  I'll be a two of them this weekend.  The first one is going on already.  Behind the Picket Fence is a home boutique I've had the pleasure of being a part of the quite a few years.  Jen puts on a great show and its close to home for me.  Take the time to visit this one.  You won't be disappointed.

I'm doubling up this Saturday and participating in a one day show on the far northwest side of town.  Brandy and Julie had their first event in July and I think they did a terrific job.  This one is looking to be even better.  They got a large number of vendors so it should be exciting.  Let's hope the weather holds out for the vendors on the patio and grass areas.  I booked super early and will be inside...thankfully.   

So there you go...far northwest just off US95 and Durango and northeast on Sunrise Mountain.  I hope to see you at one of them.  Sunday, I'll be prepping like a mad woman for my last show of the year in St. George.  It's the Dicken's Festival...I'll give more information in a few days on that one.  In the mean time, get out there and support your local crafter!

Show and Tell Friday

It's been a whirl wind week after The Great Craft Festival last weekend.  It was a pretty good show.  My friend, Diane and I were scrambling to get enough stuff done for the booth.   We featured Christmas and Harvest.  I forgot to take photos right away so some of the stuff was already gone by the time I got around to it. 

The tall, lighted posts flew out of there!  I wish they were easy to ship, I'd list them on Etsy.   Speaking of Etsy, I've had a couple of orders this week for Thanksgiving pieces and a pattern...WOOT, WOOT!

And if I wasn't busy enough already, we have a BBQ here at home this weekend for about 40 people.  Yeah, I know, I said let's do it.  Apparently, I was out of my mind at that moment.  Everyone enjoys them so much and I hate to deny them some really tasty, smoked BBQ...and it would be spring again before we got around to it so it's this weekend.  Come on by, there will be lots of food.  Besides, we just bought this awesome smoker and Timm and the boys are dying to use it.  We've been cleaning and prepping for days and would love to have you come...it's Satuday at 2pm.  We hope to see you there.

Kind Words Are Always Appreciated.

As a crafter I can tell you that we are often left wondering if what we do is appreciated by others.  I think that's why many of us love to show our wares at craft fairs, etc.  Just hearing the positive reinforcement of others complimenting your efforts and creations is enough for us to keep creating to share with others.  Janette Paglianite is just one of those gals that has really made my day...and to have her share it on her blog...well, you know how I feel I think.  Janette Paglianite...THANK YOU!  You made my day. 

http://allinalittlepagsday.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-goodies-but-not-just-by-me.html#links

So please make another crafter's day and let them know how much you appreciate their creative efforts.

Veteran's Day

I would like to extend my heartfelt thankfulness to each and every member of the military, past and present, for their service and sacrifices made to protect this great nation of ours.  Your families have suffered and sacrificed with you even though they've not been near you...which is the biggest sacrifice of all. 
I live just a few miles from Nellis Air Force Base here in Las Vegas now, I grew up with the base as my neighbor...literally.  Planes and jets come and go all hours of the day and night.  To some, it is an annoyance but I realize it is the sound of freedom and I don't mind.  I get to watch the Thunderbirds as they practice routines and sometimes I swear I could reach out and touch them they fly over so close.  I feel priviledged to see them so often. 
I have friends that are in the military, some are retired too.  My father, uncles, and grandfathers, and father in law all served our country as well.  I want to say 'THANK YOU' for your time, integrity, devotion, pride, service and sacrifice.  They seem like such simple words but I want you all to know they come with great emotion and thought.

Next Show

If you love craft shows this is one you really should attend.  Jennifer hosts one heck of a great show.  If you're in the Vegas area this is one you gotta see.  Lots of great crafts, food, and handmade goodness!

The Craft Festival This Weekend

Come out to Cashman Center this weekend, Nov. 5-7 for the Great Craft Festival!  This is a wonderful craft show with lots of handmade crafts for home decorating, gift giving, eating, and something for yourself I'm sure.  I'll be there along with my friend, Diane with fun stuff you know you want.  Come by, say HI, shop with us...we'd sure appreciate it.  We'll be on the first aisle about halfway down.  We've been busy crafting our guts out to restock for you!  See you there!