Looking back on 2014

As I ponder 2014, there are so many things that made this year so special and memorable.  Nothing particularly elaborate or impressive.  But special, nonetheless.

What I have learned personally is the true value of friendship and the need people have for one another.  In this day and age, we have more ways of communicating than ever, and yet, many of us... (dare I say most?) are glued to our mobile devices and online social networks.  Thanks to the internet we can connect instantaneously and yet, there are still so many lonely people removed from vital human contact and companionship.  I am a prime example of computer excessiveness.  But over the last few months, I have found myself pulling away more and more from the computer and craving physical connection.  I made a point of inviting friends to our home over the holidays and I must say, I am all the better for it.

At the beginning of the holidays, I was feeling inexplicably down in the dumps.  I could not pinpoint the reason, really.  Perhaps it was a combination of not being able to visit my Oregon family this year, missing my dad who passed away not long ago, and my business partner taking off to her winter home, hence, missing her friendship, laughter and the joy of creating together.  Throw in a couple of funerals into the mix, a little menopause and blam!  Who knows?  Anyhow, for whatever reason, I could not get into the spirit of the season.  A friend commented how she was concerned to hear that I had only just put up my Christmas tree on December 14th, as she knows how early I normally have everything decorated.

Anyhow, I needed to somehow change how I was feeling.  Who needs a 'grumpy gus' at Christmas?  So I threw myself into spending time with friends and doing a few special things for people.  I enjoyed a fabulous Christmas tea with a couple of my gal pals at our favourite cafe in Qualicum Beach... Cafe Brie.  Another time I made some Christmas goodies and little gifts for the staff where I work.  I invited a neighbour over who I knew was going to be alone over the holidays.  Anyhow... you get the idea.  What I soon discovered was, I was feeling better; decorating, baking, and becoming my old self again.

So the moral of the story... when I start to do things for other people, I stop thinking about myself so much.  When I concentrate on finding ways to make others happy, I can't help but become happier myself.   Humans need each other... we need connection, we need purpose, we need to make a difference.  When we reach out, we change.  It's simple, really.

On that note, my hubby and I were invited out for a Christmas Eve get together, as well as a Christmas day brunch with friends.  So we were blessed by others as well. 

As for A2Sea Creations, we are now into our seventh year.  Who knew?   In September, we were heavily involved in the first ever 'Etsy Made In Canada Day' held in cities across Canada.  It was a privilege to take part and to meet so many wonderfully friendly and talented Vancouver Island artisans.

Cheryl and I have learned a lot over the years and have been blessed by our wonderful, loyal customers.  We also value the friendships we have made along the way.  We would like to take a moment to thank Esther of Newfoundland to Nanaimo and Patti at the Parksville Tourist Centre for continuing to carry our seaside creations and appreciating our work.  It's been a pleasure ladies.

Happy New Year to all of our friends, family and customers.  We wish you all only the best life has to offer. 

 Micki of A2Sea Creations - Etsy Made in Canada Day

Cheryl of A2Sea Creations - Etsy Made in Canada Day

The Joy of Family

How has everyone survived the holidays?  Mine was certainly a whirlwind of activity!  But what a joy it was to have both of my sons and their families visiting us this year.  To have them over, at the same time, rarely happens as one lives in Oregon and the other in New York.  So, needless to say, that was my very best Christmas gift.  That, and meeting my newest little grandson for the very first time!  I was one happy mom and grandma, that is for sure!

One thing happened, while we were opening gifts together, that I want to share because it was very special and comical at the same time.  My youngest son and his wife opened a rather large gift.  Much to my surprise, it was one of my framed photos that had been on display at the Quality Bayside Resort in Parksville, where my sons were staying.  (Fabulous place, by the way.  They went out of their way to ensure my family's stay was perfect.)  My son's wife came over to give me a big hug and to thank me.  With a puzzled look on my face I said, "I had nothing to do with it!"  She looked over at my other son, who started to laugh.  My eldest son had seen my photo hanging on the wall at the hotel and decided to buy it as a Christmas gift for them!  How special is that?!  We all had a good chuckle over that.  My sons never cease to find ways to surprise and impress me.  If you like, you can click HERE to view the photo my son purchased.  (I can't post the photo here because it warps when I try.... very strange indeed!)

My business partner, Cheryl, is enjoying her winter home near Yuma.  I must admit, however, that I do miss her.  But I'm glad she is enjoying herself with her 'second family', basking in the wonderful warmth of the climate and the people.  I don't believe there is one day when she isn't doing something!  She gets invited out to dinner by people constantly, she goes to the local quilting group, she gets involved in the numerous events that take place in the park... what a gal.  Her energy never ceases to amaze me.  And she is no spring chicken either.  (And she is probably going to kill me for saying that!)  Anyhow, she is indeed an inspiration to all who are lucky enough to know her.  (There, hopefully that makes up for my last comment!  Whew!  But it is true.)

So, do we have any new creations on our site?  Certainly!  Here are a few to feast your ocean-loving eyes upon... 

 Antique Copper & Seashell Bookmark

 Ocean Treasure Bottle

 

Gift Box

Handcrafted Seaside Bookmarks

The Magic of Winter

'WINTER WALK' - PHOTOART BY MICKI FINDLAY

It is so pretty outside today... our Christmas lights glow with their magical hues against the perfect white backdrop of our very first snowfall this year. Everything is so quiet and peaceful. I have some Christmas baking to do today and what a perfect day for it! I wonder if we will have a white Christmas this year? I can always dream. One would think that my eight years in Mackenzie BC would have cured me of that desire, but not so. Although I must admit, six months of snow is a bit much. I am glad to be living on Vancouver Island.

My sons, Gordon and Matthew, loved the winters in Mackenzie, however. They were just little boys and did not seem to notice or care that they went on for so long. I recall the snow forts they built and the numerous tunnels we shoveled to make a 'maze' of sorts through the entire front yard. It was a magical time for them as they played endlessly in the snow, decked out from head to toe in various layers of clothes, snowsuits, scarves, toques, mittens and winter boots. I always dreaded when they would have to come in to go to the bathroom because it seemed to take forever to undress and redress them for the brutal cold. Some days it felt like that was all I did all day! But they could not play outside all the time because Mackenzie can get down to 40 below at times. You didn't go anywhere on those days unless you absolutely had to. So as fun as it was for my boys, I am glad to be back here on the island alright. Brrrrr!......

I am almost done my Christmas shopping... only a couple more things to buy. Our house is all decorated and ready for David's son, daughter and their partners to come and celebrate with us on Christmas Eve. I still cannot figure out how I managed to stuff a Christmas tree in my little Hyundai but I did. That car has certainly served me well, although it is sounding pretty rough these days. I have loaded everything in that car including loads of firewood!

I hope that this Christmas is extra special for everyone this year. I am saddened to hear of various Christmas school concerts that have completely bypassed the whole Christmas message. I know that has been happening for quite awhile now, as far as the baby Jesus is concerned. But I am told that now there isn't even an elf or a jingle bell! And they are now called 'Winter Concerts'. Hmmm..... political correctness seems to be our modern day 'Scrooge' and it is sapping the life, joy and magic right out of the season. How ridiculous!

Well I will not let Scrooge get me down! Merry Christmas everyone! And a very happy new year!

Luke 2:9-12
And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

Remembrance Day Service in Victoria, BC

'LEST WE FORGET'

Yesterday my hubby and I traveled down to Victoria, BC to visit his daughter and her boyfriend. While we were there, we went to the Parliament Buildings and took in the Remembrance Day service. It was a beautiful day and a lovely service. Turns out that close to 10 thousand people showed up. I was very encouraged to see so many businesses closed, some with a sign in the door stating they were closed in honour of the fallen soldiers. Thank goodness that many people still remember and honour those soldiers. But it was mostly all the smaller businesses, not the bigger companies. And it is the bigger companies that can well afford to close their doors for the day.

I had started a Facebook page boycotting my favorite store because I had received an email update from them saying they would be open on November 11. I felt compelled to let them know how I felt about their decision and I wanted others to know as well, so that they may also be motivated to tell the stores they frequent that it is not acceptable. As long as customers shop on Remembrance/Veteran's Day and do not speak up, the stores will continue to stay open. Sadly, money talks. It is my hope that amidst our drive for so-called 'progress', growth and big business, we will not forget the very reason we are able to enjoy and celebrate the important things that have made our country what it is; namely freedom, democracy and a sense of community. Perhaps my boycotting effort will not, in and of itself, make a significant difference, but I am hopeful that in doing so, I may have ignited a spark in others to do the same in their communities and let the stores know how they feel. If we continue to shop on that day, the stores will stay open; supply and demand.

I feel strongly that if something is important to us, we need to make it known. And our children desperately need role models. If we as parents take a stand, our children will learn what is really important to us and what is worth believing in. Just as we honour the veterans who have been our heroes, let us be heroes to our children. None of us are perfect parents, myself included. But our children don't need us to be perfect... they need us to give them something to believe in. Something bigger than ourselves. Thank you to all those who gave their lives to give us freedom.

Memories and Music

CANNON BEACH, OREGON - PHOTO BY MICKI FINDLAY

Holy cow! I can't believe how long it's been since I've blogged! I have been very very busy finishing a huge wedding song contract so I have been a little preoccupied, to say the least. But today I finally got it all finished and packed up ready to ship to Ontario. What a great feeling... especially because the recipient is so happy with her song! It is very creatively fulfilling for me.

As for my trip to Oregon to visit my son Matt, his wife Cristina and my adorable and funny baby grandson Levi, what a treat that was for me! I took the slow way down to Roseburg, along the Oregon Coast; a breathtaking part of the world. The ocean is crazy wild and there are so many quaint, old, interesting towns along the way. I took in the Sea Lion Caves which amazed me... so much so that I stood in one spot for over an hour because I could not pull myself away from the sight of hundreds upon hundreds of sea lions sitting, playing and nuzzling. Some of the males challenged each other on the rocks as the violent waves came crashing over them. It was a memory I will never forget.

I so enjoyed getting to know my grandson. I feel so blessed that I was able to be there while Levi did some new things for the very first time. He had changed so dramatically over the course of a year and I have missed so much, sadly. But he sure made up for it while I was there!

As far as A2Sea Creations is concerned, much of our work has been put on hold during the summer months as Cheryl and I have caught up on time with our families that live so far away. However, I did make some new wire-wrapped sea glass pendants and one is now for sale on our site. Cheryl has been making magnets for our upcoming Nanaimo Farmer's Market. (Sept 29th) I will be posting more info about that soon. We sold a couple of items and I just mailed them off to Iowa today. I love how the internet makes our world so 'small'! I get to talk with people all over the world and know that our creations are being enjoyed in so many faraway places. So cool!

I hope everyone is having a great summer and spending time catching up with loved ones also!

Off to Oregon!

Well I have to say, I am terribly excited about my trip to Oregon to see my son Matt, his wife Cristina and my darling, funny, delightful grandson, Levi. I am leaving tomorrow for Victoria, bright and early, to take the Black Ball Ferry Saturday morning. What a great way to go! No long waits at the border; no having to drive through crazy, scary Seattle. And I have decided to go the scenic route all the way down the beautiful Oregon Coast. Good thing I have a battery charger for my camera and two extra batteries. I learned my lesson the hard way when I was in New York to see my other son Gord, and ran out of juice. No more!

My grandson was born in November of last year and he has changed so much and I have missed all that. What a sad thing. So now it's time to get down there and become re-acquainted with little Levi and enjoy being a grandma. What a gift that is! I hear he throws up an awful lot so I'm thinking that it's a good thing I have a few more clothes this time. Oh well... all part of the fun! lol

I am having a great summer. I hope that whoever might be reading this is having a great one, too! Off I go!