Wednesday, March 12, 2014

:: marching on. . .










One month. . . oops. 


Sorry, I must say that my goal for posting more often this year has already pretty much gone down the drain. Sorry. Especially to those of you who ‘follow’ me. . . who actually have signed up to get notice when I post something - either on a blog reader or with the Google Friend Connect (on the side column). That still humbles me. . . that folks would actually sign up to see what I post. So, thank you. You’re all sweetie-pies in my book! So, this morning, I’ve sat myself down at Starbucks - with the main purpose to get this post written


The one format I’m not comfortable with is Facebook. Sorry. . . the inconsistencies of how it operates is too frustrating for me. I have been encouraged told that I “need” to have a “presence” on Facebook for my business - but then I read about all the hoops that a business page needs to jump through . . . & I just don’t get it. . . it’s seems to be a lot of time spent - for no guarantee that the folks who ‘Like’ you on Facebook will ever see what you post. . . Sigh. So, I’m sticking with my little blog, Twitter (for now), & Instagram. (... & I must admit. I really like Instagram, & honestly - it’s the ‘social media’ I use the most.   I guess it’s the visual aspect of it, & I love how you can post to it so fast with a little caption (or not!) So, if you want more visual peeks at what I’m up to - you can click on the Instagram button on the right to ‘follow’ me there! (You can set up a private account if you wish & you don’t have to post photos if you don’t wish to.)  But, I will warn you. . . it can get a little addictive! I must admit - that I was checking Instagram several times a day - just because it was so fun & easy to catch up with the folks I follow (from all over the world!) - but now I limit myself to a morning & evening check-in to my Instagram account. Speaking of addicting. . . no, I don’t ‘do’  Pinterest. I admit - it looks lovely. . . but again, I’m a visual person & I know I would get lost in it & I just don’t have the time to spare these days. (... ergo the not posting for a month!) 

I've also been thinking about how I want to manage posting things about my business. Although much of my time is spent on things involved in my needlework, quilting & designing. . . as well as the website, I don't want my blog seen to be all about promoting it. When you think about it - a blog does have the role as a kind-of a diary, and is a nice way to document what's happening in you life.  At the same, I know that some folks visit my blog so that they can see what's new with the designs - so I am going to try to keep the posts that are exclusively about website features to a minimum, (so that folks don't feel like all they get is a sales pitch), &/or if there is something about a website offering that I want to mention to you - I will place it at the end of a post. This way, if they wish, folks can skip to the part they care about most!

So now. . . to catch up. . .
Mr. Bailey has been such a good boy & has not had to wear the cone for a little while now. He actually did get a little tired of wearing it, bless him.

We have have an incredibly mild winter. So much so - that I have felt a little guilty reading about all the storms most of the rest of the country has had to endure this winter. I spoke with my brother the other day - who lives in the Minneapolis, MN area, & he actually sounded pained as we were talking about the winter they’ve had. (... & they got more snow today! Ouch!) I do realize how I do like living here in Arizona!. Things are beginning to bloom all over all around us! (. . . & a little funny background on the photo of the blooming little cactus. . . Dad is not fan of having cactus in the yard. . . & so for this Arizona yard.garden - It is the only  cacti!. . . & in a pot - to be sure it doesn't spread! lol!)

I'm reading 'The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Society'. . . again. It's such a perfect read! I just finished a pretty challenging book (very good - but a tough subject matter.), & so reading the letters between Juliet, Dawsey, Sidney, & all the folks on the isle of Guernsey - is such a happy & sweet way to end the day. This is actually the fourth time I've read it. I've read books again - but never have I been able to read a book this many times & actually enjoy it more - each time I read it. The interesting news is that there is a great interest in making the book into a movie. It will be interesting to see if that ever happens.

I’ve been working on some new quilt patterns & have a couple new ones made & will hopefully have them out by early April. One of them is a re-making of one of my most popular patterns, ‘For My Grandmas’. I received so many requests for it in a queen size, that I’ve (finally) taken it on to make it larger. (... & I must admit, I’m loving the process & the results!. . . This one will be for my bed!)

A big thank you to all of you letting me know how much you love the PDF versions of the patterns. I will continue to be sure that they keep coming!

Thanks for hanging in there with me and my little blog. I'm so glad you came for a visit!

 Bren

3 comments:

Sinta Renee said...

I like all your photos, I scrolled through them thinking: I love the dog bed cover and I have that book... but still need to read it. I made the quilt...
I am happy to read that you are making new patterns for Spring. I love my For My Grandmas' quilt... can't wait to see the large version!

suz said...

I love seeing what you are working on but also what is going on with your dad and Bailey and what's happening in your neck of the woods (I live in NH). There are so many different media outlets and I don't blame you for limiting yourself to what you are comfortable with. So glad to find someone who loves that book as much as I do - I'm on my 3rd read - and you're right - each time I find something new.

Vicky said...

You have such beautiful blog posts, and I'm following you on IG. Bren, I don't think you should worry about whether your blog is about personal stuff or website stuff. We love reading about whatever you're doing! Especially Mr. Bailey!!