The Duchess Kitty crochet pattern is finally finished. You know how sometimes a project drags on and you just can't seem to complete it? That's what happened with Duchess. Anyway, she's finally finished, and the crochet pattern is available in my Etsy shop for $3.00. If it is sold out, just send me a message and I will relist it for you.
Here she is:
There are lots of crochet patterns for toys out there, but is there a pattern you wish someone would write? Is there an animal or object you would like to see in crochet? It can be anything at all.
]]>The Suncatcher Eyes business is still growing! This month I have added lots of new colors, including neons and even glow-in-the-dark eyes! These new colors are gorgeous!
I will be rolling out new listings in my Etsy shop over the next week, and hopefully life will be kind enough to give me a few days to work on my website and list all the new eyes.
Here are some of the new colors:
Tonight it's salmon loaf, rice pilaf, and sauteed veggies.
Four Noble
Truths
1. Suffering exists
2. Suffering arises from
attachment to desires
3. Suffering ceases when attachment to desire
ceases
4. Freedom from suffering is possible by practicing the
Eightfold Path
Hindrances
1. Sensuous
lust
2. Aversion and ill will
3. Sloth and torpor
4. Restlessness and worry
5. Sceptical doubt
Factors of Enlightenment
1. Mindfulness
2. Investigation
3. Energy
4. Rapture
5. Tranquillity
6. Concentration
7. Equanimity
For more info: Buddhaweb
I agree with many aspects of Buddhism, but then again I have the same problem with Buddhism that I have with all religions/philosophies: Suffering of children, unfairness, poverty, abuse, and hunger.
Having taken in one of my son's friends, my eyes have been opened to what life is like on the streets for teens (and for some who aren't on the streets).
Keep in mind that I'm talking about teens anywhere from 14 to 18.
Some of these kids live at the teen shelter because their parents kicked them out. We personally know 6 teen girls who were kicked out of their own homes when they got pregnant.
They have no supervision, no role models, and no one to hold them accountable. They steal food and clothes out of necessity.
Other kids live at home with their parents, but their parents sell drugs to the kid's friends to make money. Some of the kids who live at home don't eat for days. Their parents don't buy groceries or cook meals, buy them clothes, or provide for any of their needs. These kids don't shower for weeks at a time because they weren't taught the basics. Their days revolve around buying and selling drugs, getting people to buy them alcohol and cigarettes, and stealing if they're hungry.
I'm talking about Maine. Did you know that?
They form gangs because that's the only family they can find. They have to act tough to protect themselves.
No wonder the teen suicide rate keeps climbing. These kids are treated like they are disposable by their own parents, as well as society.
I think it's getting worse because funding for after-school programs was cut a long time ago for kids over 12 years old. After that, the kids are on their own. That takes away a safe and nurturing place to go for these kids. For some kids, that is the only place they can get a meal and not get yelled at.
It is so sad. I wish I could do more, but I haven't figured out what that is yet.
]]>I knew my Suncatcher Eyes wouldn't be the only hand-painted eyes on the market forever, but once it finally happened it was a punch in the stomach.
This seller is using photographs of hand-painted eyes that were staged just the way mine are on clear plastic canvas, descriptions that are very close to mine, and tags and materials that also closely resemble mine.
It's a terrible feeling to be copied, but I'm trying to look on the bright side: This will make me work even harder to get the word out about my products.