Making Changes for 2013

I started about a week before the new year by removing wheat entirely from my diet. It's only been a few weeks and I feel so much better. I thought it would be more difficult and that I could never accomplish this...I have given up bread!!!

This is a pretty big change, so you may be wondering, what brought this on? I read a book by Dr, Davis called Wheat Belly. If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it. It starts with a mini history lesson on what has changed with wheat since the sixties and the effects it is having on the human body. It ends up explaining about how our bodies work and why wheat may mot be the right choice for everyone.

 I have proclaimed myself wheat-free. Have you made any health proclamations for the new year?

In Honor of Patricia

 

I met Patricia at my first handmade show. She looked at my items for sale and said in her teasing Argentinian accent, "...you must have a lot of patience...".

Patricia constantly crocheted, made resin jewelry and loved telling stories about her cat, Sam. I truly got know her at a later show that we labeled a "dud". Neither of us made a single sale and I think it was because the event was not advertised well but that's a story for another time.

Patricia and I had a whole afternoon to chat. She told me about living in Argentina and how she used to have a cat that would do tricks. We compared notes about different handmade shows and had to chuckle at the fact that we had signed up for this show (that was not such a good idea). It was a peaceful chatty afternoon and we ate lunch together. If we hadn't arrived ready for a handmade show, it would have been just that — a nice lunch and afternoon chatting with a friend.

Last week, Patricia sadly lost her battle with cancer. She will be missed — her directness, her insights, her sense of humor and her chuckle. I will miss seeing her at shows and watching her crochet while she talks to people. I'll miss seeing her eyes light up while hearing about Sam's latest adventures.

In honor of Patricia, please do something kind for a stranger this week. She put me (at the time a stranger to her) at ease with her observation when I first met her and I will never forget that. (I was a nervous hand maker at my first show not having any idea what to expect.)

Quotables

“If you just learn a single trick, Scout, you'll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view . . . until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.” -Atticus Finch

Mark Your Calendar

Stop by and check it out! 

AIGA DFW’s Second Annual Creative Flea takes place February 2, 2013 from noon – 5pm at Life in Deep Ellum. Admission is $5 in advance and $10 at the door for members and nonmembers. AIGA DFW will be donating half of the proceeds of admission to a local charity – to be nominated and voted on by YOU and all Flea attendees.

We'll also be collecting shelter and canned food donations for admission as well. 

When: February 2, 1013, 12p-5p
Where: Life in Deep Ellum
2803 Taylor St, Dallas, Texas 75226

 

Quotables

“Beauty in things exists in the mind which contemplates them.” -David Hume

Quotables

“I knew that I had come face to face with some one whose mere personality was so fascinating that, if I allowed it to do so, it would absorb my whole nature, my whole soul, my very art itself.” -Oscar Wilde

Start 2013 Green

It's a new year with a clean slate and time to do the green thing. Here are a few thoughts to start your year off right;

Mulch Your Christmas Tree
Yes, it's still January and many of us still have our trees up. It's ok, I know a couple families who wait  until Valentine's Day to take 'em down. Whenever you take down the tree, be sure to check with your city to see where you can mulch it. Many cities then use the mulch in their parks and community areas.

Re-examine Your Eating
In the new year, we all want to try new things. Take a look at what you've been eating. Do you grow it? Is it grown locally? Although it's difficult to grow everything we may need, Farmer's Markets are a great way to fill the void. The majority of farmer's markets have a nice variety of fruits, vegetables, honey, herbs, bread and natural home goods. Find one near you with your zip code here.

Recycle Your Electronics
So many people got new electronic gadgets for the holidays. What will you do with your old gadgets? If they are in working order, passing the on to a family member or friend that would enjoy them. If they are no longer working, check with your city to see where you can dispose of the safely.

Quotables

Deeply appreciate and give thanks for everything.
        
- Mama Gena