New Life Designs

Daily muse.....

2009-04-14T08:05:00.001-05:00

It doesn't matter what they're telling you, only what you are telling yourself.

Grace.....

2009-04-11T22:14:00.000-05:00

The winds of grace are always blowing, but you have to raise your sail.

Daily muse:

2009-04-10T08:42:00.000-05:00

Losing is the price we pay for living.

Daily muse.....

2009-03-23T08:52:00.000-05:00

What other people think about me is none of my business.

This one bears repeating daily.......

2009-03-19T08:53:00.000-05:00

Daily muse: No person is your friend who demands your silence, or denies your right to grow.

Question?

2009-03-13T16:08:00.001-05:00

If you had just one wish that was granted, what would it be? Honestly?

Daily muse:

2009-03-11T08:22:00.000-05:00

The purpose of making mistakes is to prepare myself to make more. Who knew?

Hell in the hallway.......

2009-03-09T09:01:00.001-05:00

When one door closes, another one opens, but until then, it's hell in the hallway.

Daily muse......

2009-03-07T08:29:00.000-06:00

Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of it's strength.

Daily muse:

2009-02-28T08:51:00.001-06:00

No person is your friend who demands your silence, or denies your right to grow.

Love this.....

2009-02-14T09:00:00.000-06:00

Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday!

Wisdom is......

2009-02-12T08:37:00.000-06:00

Daily muse: One of the greatest forms of wisdom is seeing people as they are, not as we want them to be.

Contentment.....

2009-02-06T08:15:00.002-06:00

Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of what you already have. I have discovered that gratitude is the best tool for achieving contentment. Every time I stopped complaining about what I didn't have, and starting saying out loud " I'm grateful for....," not only did my outlook change, but the strangest thing happened, whatever I was grateful for, seemed to increase & get even better! Sounds too simple, doesn't it? Try it for a day or two, see what happens.

I've been featured!

2009-02-04T21:30:00.005-06:00

I've been featured on another of Etsy's great artist's blog, DZFantasy, check it out here. It's so cool to be recognized, especially by your peers. Thanks, DZ!

Love this thought......

2009-01-31T22:37:00.001-06:00

Found this on a lady's blog, hope she won't mind my sharing it, but it's the first thing that's made since to me in a long time.

"Our truest responsibility to the irrationality of the world is to paint or sing or write, for only in such response do we find the truth." Madeleine L'Engle

The truth will set you free.....

2009-01-30T22:17:00.002-06:00

The saying is, "The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off". I've had several experiences of that nature, & just about every time, I needed to hear & learn what was said. I heard this next one on Oprah's Monday night classes last year with Eckhart Tolle, one of my favorite authors. He said, "The world is not here to make you happy, it's here to make you conscious". That has been my experience, and the thing is, I've noticed that when I did get conscious, I also eventually became happy. Funny how that works.

Food for thought.....

2009-01-28T12:30:00.001-06:00

When in doubt, don't.

Found a great tutorial on making light box.....

2009-01-27T11:33:00.001-06:00

I found this great tutorial on how to make your own light box to take your photos. It also has great tips on improving them.

Regarding the knowledge of God's will.....

2009-01-25T22:09:00.002-06:00

Regarding, knowing what God's will is. I have spent a lot of time in that place, mainly because I'm such a control freak, and don't like surprises. LOL! And, I had one of those epiphany moments, recently. I truly believe that God gave us free will for a reason, and that he doesn't have to punish us if we follow it( without His love & support), we do a great job of that ourselves. I believe today that God's will for me is to go through whatever I need to go through in order to learn the lessons I need to learn today, whether that's happy stuff, bad stuff, easy or hard stuff. My job here is to learn and pass it on to others. My problem seems to be, my learner is defective, and you can't fix something that's broke with something that's broke. So, enter God, the Maytag Man for our mind. Without His love & support, I'm off twisting in the wind again. So, that's my lesson re: God's will, not sure if it's yours, but just thought I'd share.

If I had just heard this when I was younger....

2009-01-24T23:02:00.002-06:00

Heard a friend share something the other day, that if someone had told me when I was a kid, I might could have saved myself an awful lot of grief. She said she was having a talk with her 12 year old son regarding his acting out, and she told him," Son, you need to realize that how you react to stuff you don't like directly affects what happens next!" So simple, but sooo profound. If I had only known......

Life is about not knowing, having to change,........

2009-01-22T11:01:00.003-06:00

...taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next. Delicious ambiguity. (Gilda Radner)

At one time, that statement would have scared the bejeebers out of me, (and to be honest, it still kinda makes me a little squeamish!). Seems like, control, or the illusion of it, has been the biggest grief causing issue in my life. I was either exhausting myself by trying to control everything, or flipping out because I couldn't control anything. I had a eye opening "Aha!" moment yesterday. Which, by the way, I thought I had already dealt with and moved on! As a kid, I somehow developed the core believe that I was responsible, for everything, and because there was so much chaos in my house back then, I developed a believe that I had the power to control people, places and things if I just did the right thing, the right way, managed well. Especially with anyone I viewed as an authority figure. It's how I "controlled" the constant fear I lived in. Fast forward, 20 years or so. My approach to any authority figure in my life,(which was just about everybody at that point) was to twist myself into a pretzel, become a social chameleon, read their minds so I could give them whatever they wanted trying to get them to, in return, do the same for me. It was exhausting, and an impossible task doomed to failure. I set myself up for failure every time. What I realized was, I was trying to exercise power I didn't have over people who didn't have the power to give me what I wanted in the first place. Hmmmmm, amazing. Now I know, the only One who can provide everything I need, EVERYTHING, including the ability to be responsible for myself & my life, is the One who created me to start with. When I saw that for the first time, my shoulders dropped 4 inches, and I took the deepest breath I have ever taken in my life. I don't have the power I thought I had, and neither does anyone else. But, I finally know Who does. What a relief!

Deep In The Heart of Texas.....

2009-01-21T14:16:00.002-06:00

Check out this Etsy Treasury West put together my Michell, from the Deathly Cute shop; my Red Glass Heart Bracelet was included. Thanks, Michell!

My Declaration of Independance for Inaugural Day!

2009-01-20T11:26:00.000-06:00

I, Pam G., DBA NewLifeDesigns, do solemnly swear and affirm that from now & in the future, I will no longer obsess, follow, participate, or be a slave to the mass commercialism prevalent in today's society. For far too long, this budding artist has allowed fear of economic insecurity and disapproval to adversly affect my creative instinct. Well, no more! I hereby declare that I will only create pieces of art that are inspired ONLY by my inner desire to see it come to life, NOT for the sole purpose of acquiring money, or to avoid criticism. All items that were created in accord with my previous philosophy will be gone from my shop, one way or the other, by 8am Wednesday morning. This is my personal contribution to a change we can all believe in. To thine own self be true! Do what you love, and the benefits will follow.
For those that agree, can I get a HELL, YEAH! For those not able, or willing,or just don't care anymore, I totally understand. Thanks for being my witnesses.

Worry is like a rocking chair....

2009-01-20T09:17:00.003-06:00

Worry is like a rocking chair; gives you something to do, but doesn't take you anywhere. Read that in my daily meditation book this am, it's so true. I finally figured out that worrying all the time, for me, is all about procrastination and control. I used to believe that if I worried long enough and hard enough, I could control and be prepared for anything bad that happened, (funny I never did that regarding good things!) What I didn't take into consideration was the fact that I would not be the same person in the future, and my self then would be able to deal with the event, but that today's person could not, because we weren't there yet. Clear as mud? Yep, same here. I also know today that if I spend all my time in worry, I'm too busy to actually DO anything! So, I am going to try to follow the philosophy that asks, Do I have TODAY what I need to handle TODAY'S issues, right here, right now? So far, the answer to that question has always been, YES. Amazing, huh?

New USPS shipping rates...

2009-01-19T14:25:00.004-06:00

The new shipping rates for the USPS becomes effective today. You can view their link here.
Ok, does anybody else have a problem getting this? Gas prices are the lowest they've been in 2 years or so, and you know the post office isn't near as busy as they used to be D/T email, ezines, etc. And I have personally experienced how efficient(tongue in cheek) their service is, so, wassup!? Another one to add to your magical mystery tour!

Etsy Texas Crafters (ETC) Has Secrets!

2009-01-18T22:20:00.003-06:00

Etsy Texas Crafters (ETC) Has Secrets! This special event begins tonight, Monday @ 12am til 12pm. All you have to do is go to one of our shops, (search teametsytx) and find the hidden Armadillo picture in one of our shops, you will receive a free gift included with the purchase! Just search for etcsecrets, and you too could find hidden treasure! Good luck!

We can't change the wind.....

2009-01-18T21:14:00.003-06:00

There's a saying I read on a coffee cup I got from a friend a few years ago, it said," We can't change the wind, but we can adjust our sails." Now, I don't know about you, but I've been trying to control the wind all my life. It always seemed like the only really logical thing, to me. Looking back, from where I am now, I can see how that little philosophy has really caused me grief! It was an impossible task that always set me up for failure. The weird thing is, I always seemed to blame everything else for it. The failing, that is. Now, occasionally, I get a glimpse of how much easier and more effective it is to just adjust my sails, and let the wind do it's thing. Funny how we seem to grow into the lessons we need to learn, instead of just taking the test, and, zap, you got it. School's never out, is it?

Wanna play a game?

2009-01-15T22:02:00.004-06:00

Ok, this is a neat way to get connected with people, and to give others a chance to pass it on. I found it on Another Sober Alcoholic's blog. I agreed to play, so Steve sent me my five random questions to answer. If you'd like to join the fun, check out the rules at the bottom of my answers.

Here are my questions and answers:

1. You are picking up your lotto winnings tomorrow. What, if any, are your immediate spending plans for that $15,000,000 (Fifteen million dollars) or part of it?

Well, first, go to Barnes and Noble for a BIG Mocha Latte, then buy all the books I've put on my wish list. Then, I take my DH and go to Outback for their biggest steak and Bloomin'Onion, (first things first, ;-).) Then pay off my car, my student loans, my credit cards, hire a maid, and a chef. Hire a gardener. Then, put the rest away in a high interest rate savings until I get over the shock!

2. If you are a 'traveler', where is your favorite place to visit in the world? Where to live? And, if you are not that kind of traveler, where would you like to "try out" visiting? Living? I'm not sure I'd like to live somewhere else, for sure, but I would LOVE to eat my way across Italy, top to bottom. Then, I want to go to Ireland, where my roots started, and visit the wonderful people and take in the gorgeous scenery. (There was a time when I wanted to DRINK my way across Ireland, but alas, that is no longer an option!) I'd also like to go to England, and visit their awesome historical places and castles, etc.

3. Do you have a favorite medium in which you prefer to work your magic? E.g., beads, stones, metals, chain, plastics, other? Please don't just answer: OTHER! -grin, :-) Oh, YES, I love anything that sparkles! My favorite seems to be the Swarovski Austrian crystals, they are soo gorgeous. The more bling factor, the more excited I get! I can spend hours in my local bead store.

4. If not married: Do you prefer male or female company for afternoon coffee (or chat)?
If married: Do you prefer male or female company for afternoon coffee (or chat)? Being married, I think it depends on the person, but mostly I like to spend time with my lady friends, we all seem to be pretty much on the same page!

5. How many days would it take you to consume 24 8-oz HERSHEY BARS (no almonds!)?...(with almonds!)? That is, providing guilt, or any of that mental crap did not get in the way... DAYS??!!! Are you kidding?? I can name that tune in 2 hours!

Ok, now it's YOUR turn to join the fun. Here's how to play:

RULES:

* Leave me a comment, below, saying: interview me

* Comments with e-mail addresses will not be published to preserve privacy

* I will e-mail you five questions. I get to pick the questions

* You then answer the questions on your blog

* You should also post these rules along with an offer to interview anyone else who e-mails you wanting to be interviewed

* Anyone who asks to be interviewed should be sent 5 questions to answer on their blog

* It would be nice if the questions were individualized for each blogger

Enjoy! Tag, you're it!

Have you ordered your Valentine's gift yet?

2009-01-13T23:54:00.003-06:00

Check out this newly listed beautiful glass heart bracelet. You'll get lots of hugs & kisses with this gorgeous piece.

newlifedesigns | Twitter Grader

2009-01-12T22:12:00.001-06:00

newlifedesigns | Twitter Grader

Posted using ShareThis

The most awesome article.....

2009-01-11T20:05:00.002-06:00

I found the most awesome, attitude altering article I've read in a while. I've been dealing with some major health issues over the last year & a half, and I've vacillated between depression & self pity, to resignation & acceptance. But, I have to admit, I was staying more in the former than the later. This article really helped me look at things a bit differently, and possibly changed my outlook. For anyone dealing with any life changing health issues, I hope you will read this & that it will help you. I know there are no coincidences in life, only events in which God chooses to remain anonymous. Read the article here.

Right here, Right now...

2009-01-11T17:37:00.001-06:00

The most effective way to deal with the future is to stay in the present.

2009-01-08T23:45:00.002-06:00

Technorati Profile

The secret of health....

2009-01-08T23:11:00.002-06:00

The secret of health for both mind & body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment, wisely & earnestly.

Make peace with your life.

2009-01-06T09:02:00.002-06:00

The greatest goal you can set this year is to make peace with your life, no matter the circumstances. These 10 powerful insights from Echart Tolle will get you started. You can read them here.

Grateful for another year sober!

2009-01-05T23:04:00.002-06:00

I celebrated my 12th year sober today. If someone had told me 15 years ago that I'd be where I am today, I would have said,"What are you smoking? And, you got anymore?" I am so grateful for my life today, which is a huge turn around from throwing it all away back then. Even though there are plenty of problems in life, I thank God being drunk isn't one of them! I'm grateful for my husband, for my two grown sons, my daughter-in-law, my sweet grandbaby, and all my wonderful friends recovery has given me. Most of all, I'm grateful that God didn't give up on me. Thanks, God, love ya!

First Monday Sale!

2009-01-05T09:50:00.001-06:00

Etsy Texas Crafters is having their First Monday Sale today until midnight. You will find some great bargains from the Texas Etsy artists/crafters here.

Great FREE jewelry calculator

2009-01-02T17:01:00.001-06:00

I found a great free jewelry price calculator here, check it out:

Will you finish strong?

2009-01-01T21:40:00.002-06:00

I just watched this awesome video, it made my day! See it here:

The sky in motion! Beautiful!

2008-12-31T23:37:00.001-06:00

túrána hott kurdís by hasta la otra méxico! from Till Credner on Vimeo.

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T21:20:00.002-06:00

Another year has come and gone,
at times it seemed short,
and other times long.
But however you viewed it.
you must admit,
it really did fly,
lickety split!

So we get another chance,
to start anew,
a whole new year,
for me and for you.
So whatever you do,
don't waste this year,
cause what's left of your life,
is really quite dear.

So live your whole life,
with integrity and love,
and get lots of help,
from the power above.
And when your time comes,
to make that transition,
you'll be more than ready,
for a brand new position!

Check out these lovely items from my favorite shops on Etsy

2008-12-29T11:22:00.000-06:00

Newly listed Chardoney Wine Pearl Illusion Necklace

2008-12-28T23:04:00.003-06:00

I finally finished & listed this gorgeous Chardonnay Wine pearl & crystal Illusion necklace, so pretty & dainty, you can check it out here.

It's HERE!

2008-12-25T11:14:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas, it's here. I'm about to make the deviled eggs, put on the ham, watching Neiman Marcus parade from Dallas. Family will be here in a while, then major PIGGING OUT will go on! Can't wait to dig into that home made yellow & chocolate cake! (I know, have to eat my dinner first!) Blessings to all!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T18:39:00.002-06:00

Wow, it's Christmas eve....finally. I can hardly believe another year is almost gone, my 56th. Our Christmas is a lot different nowadays, then it was when the kids were little. With the oldest boy & his family in the military, we don't get to spend many holidays with them. The youngest boy is going to be able to get over for dinner with his sweetie, but between his FT job, & his band, his visits are few also. So, our Christmas is mostly spent with just me & my DH, pretty quiet. Yes, it's different, but it's still pretty cool. We're so proud of our kids, and their doing exactly what their supposed to be doing. As the old saying goes, all we can really give our kids, are roots and wings. So, Merry Christmas to all, & to all a good night. ;-)

Head Banger Parrot

2008-12-23T22:02:00.001-06:00

Pink Floyd Reunion

2008-12-22T14:44:00.000-06:00

I'm on Myspace !!

2008-12-22T14:01:00.000-06:00

Check it out!!

Santa needs a bailout?!

2008-12-22T09:57:00.000-06:00

Now, I know the economy is very bad right now, but who would have thought it was THIS bad! Check it out here.

How readable is your blog?

2008-12-21T12:56:00.000-06:00

Want to know what your blog's readability level is? This is cool! Click here.

Tips to Update Your Shop On Etsy

2008-12-18T08:53:00.001-06:00

I found this great article on a blog about how to use your time in the most productive manner to keep your shop updated & improve your business. I bookmarked it to print out to use myself, as I need a lot of help in that area. I really didn't realize how much time away from creating my jewelry the business part of this thing would take. Here's the link. Hope it helps.

SALE CONTINUES!

2008-12-12T10:58:00.000-06:00

Ho,Ho,Ho, all! Only 12 more shopping days till Christmas! My sale continues with free shipping! Check it out here.

Newly listed...

2008-12-10T22:50:00.000-06:00

Just listed this GORGEOUS, unique Swarovski faceted crystal button gold filled ring. It seems to be a different color, depending on which way you hold it. Check it out
here!

Pool table is open

2008-12-09T23:38:00.000-06:00

I've got this cool pool table here for 9 ball, stay a while and play a few games!

Oh, wow, so many new things...

2008-12-09T22:03:00.000-06:00

I found a really cool widget site, and am finding so many widgets to add to my blog, I may not have room for posts! Is that bad? Check it out here.

Just listed..

2008-12-08T21:44:00.000-06:00

I just made & listed these Gorgeous Swarovski Emerald crystal earrings. They are such a pretty color, check it out here.

I've been featured .......

2008-12-05T21:46:00.000-06:00

I've been featured in an art/hand crafts magazine called Guilty Pleasures! Check it out here.

Need a good laugh?

2008-12-04T11:06:00.000-06:00

Check out this post on my sweeties blog.

Thought for the day

2008-12-03T22:29:00.000-06:00

In order to acquire anything in this life, I must relenquish my attachement to it.

Just made 3 sales!

2008-12-02T15:38:00.000-06:00

Wow, I just made 3 sales on my site at the same time! Awesome. Gotta get going packaging & restocking for more. It was kinda hard at first, to put my art out there for sale, it feels like I'm selling a piece of me. But, I now realize that that's a good thing. What better way to share yourself with others? And support your bead habit? LOL!

Birthing doll?

2008-12-02T08:19:00.000-06:00

I just saw an add for a doll, made in Brazil, used to teach young women there about the birth process. Apparently it actually has a little baby in the dolls stomach, that also has an umbilical cord attached & can be put to nurse! It can also be put back for the next teaching session. Wow! What will they think of next? I'm sure it would be a great teaching tool for an age appropriate person, but, it's possible that it might also have an unexpected benefit. Inspiring birth control!! LOL!!

Thought for the day:

2008-12-01T22:22:00.000-06:00

I'd rather have a crust in peace, than a banquet in anxiety.

Thought for the day:

2008-11-30T11:25:00.000-06:00

Marriage is finding that special someone you want to annoy the rest of your life.

Why is it called Black Friday?

2008-11-29T09:36:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was the big shopping day traditionally. (Not for me, I was still recovering from turkey coma!) But, I still wouldn't get out in that mess for anything. It's finally dawning on me what's really important, being that I'd much rather save my money so I can spend time with my family then spending money on things I can't afford. Maybe that comes with age, maybe with experience, or both. But in light of the current economic fiasco, our current state of affairs appear to stem from out of control spending, i.e. trying to live beyond our means, keep up with the neighbors, looking good at all costs. It's becoming more important to make each purchase count. Such as, giving back by using recycled material, and buying handmade. Buying a handmade item means getting a little piece of the artist's heart and soul. To me, that is contributing to the economy in a way that makes sense. What could be nicer than that? For me, it's time to reassess the things I thought were valuable and that mattered. So, I would say Black Friday will be an appropriate title as long as out of control, mass merchandise consumerism remains the driving force in our society. This is the kind of change you can believe in.

Post Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T09:39:00.000-06:00

We survived another one. Well, actually enjoyed it, but ready to move on. Not ready to get out to the stores to shop yet. Hate the crowds, traffic, etc. Online shopping is much easier, I just bought a laptop online at Walmart, they've got some pretty good deals. And speaking of deals, I'm having an After Thanksgiving sale in my Etsy jewelry shop, most items are marked 10-40% off, with free shipping for all items, until Sunday @ 7pm. Click on my items list to check it out! Happy Shopping!

How embarassing!......

2008-11-27T14:04:00.000-06:00

I actually had to interrupt my Thanksgiving cooking to stop and CLEAN MY OVEN to stop the smoke coming out of it. It almost set off the smoke alarm! (That used to be how my kids knew the food was ready!) I've improved a little since then. LOL!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

2008-11-27T11:30:00.000-06:00

Hope all are being blessed in some way today. Our family couldn't be with us today, but we are so very blessed to have them. They are still with us in our hearts and spirit. I'm still planning on overeating today, as it's a "family tradition", don'cha know!

Check this

2008-11-27T11:24:00.000-06:00

Check this out, this is my hubby's blog!

Success!

2008-11-27T00:31:00.000-06:00

I did it. This is really cool. OK, I know I sound like a real nerd, but, being a young 56 years old, I don't think I'm doing too bad. ;-) I even got my hubby to get one too.

Welcome to my world!

2008-11-26T22:22:00.000-06:00

Well, I finally did it, I've dragged myself into the 21st century and got myself a blog! Course, I haven't figured out how to WORK the darn thing. But, bear with me, I will. Things may get a little weird, but, story of my life.