When I was in college, I had a roommate who lived for self-help books. She should devour every single one she bought. My roommate would have a bad day, or stand at some inevitable crossroad in her life, and head straight to Barnes and Noble and buy a self-help book. Loving Yourself, Saying Yes to You, Being Comfortable in Your Own Skin, Promoting and Keeping Healthy Relationships..most of these titles featured some extremely confident looking person on the cover. They would smile back at her with arms folded across their chests like a bunch of genies ready to make all her wishes come true. These authors had always been on the brink of something - homelessness, suicide, bad relationships - and now here they were on the cover of their NY Times Best-Selling Book ready to tell US how to CHANGE OUR lives for the BETTER. My roommate would read these books and then in a few days be back to her old self. She looked so convincing that I began to think these books would help me. After all, they've helped thousands, perhaps millions, of other people. My roommate was more than happy to lend me her books, completely convinced that I would find the same solace she did.
So I read them.
And I got nothing. Absolutely nothing? Are you sure? the books asked me. Maybe you are reading too fast. Read again and focus on us and only us.
So I read them. Again.
And I got nothing. Again. The books sighed, obviously angry with me and demanded to go back to my roommate's shelf, where they can sit with her Biology textbooks and the other self-help books and talk about me behind my back. What is wrong with her? the books whispered. She doesn't get us. We can't help her.
Those self-help books were right: they couldn't help me. Just like everyone has a different type of learning (you could be audio or visual or written, depending on the subject), everyone has a different way of figuring out how they fit into the grand scheme of things.
And, as you will read, I am a very slow learner.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
And...We hit One Week!
Whew! Tomorrow makes the one week anniversary of Kora & Penelope! After all of the stress and worry, it finally happened. Every time I check out the shop, I get this little twinge of pride. It's all unicorns and rainbows and chocolate chip cookies from here, people. Well, not quite.
So now what?
Good rhetorical question, hypothetical me. Now we post! We create! We blog! We tweet! Well, not "we." Just me. And that's more than enough. I'm still trying to work out a schedule as to when to post and when to blog. The spring semester is wrapping up quickly, so I need to balance K&P with my students. Naturally, both are very important parts of my life. Not to mention the rest of my life too - I like being busy; it keeps me out of trouble.
Of course, there are other projects on the horizon too. I'm turning the "spare" room (AKA the room where we throw our junk) into a library. Complete with a crafter's closet! I'm happiest when I'm a) creating, b) reading, or c) working. Working all three into a library seemed like a great idea. To quote Virginia Woolf, "a woman needs a little money and room of her own." It was true then, and it's still true now. Right now, I'm concentrating on the room of my own.
After a very successful DIY invite session, my friend, Carolyn (the bride-to-be) has some of her invites done. We still need to finish them up, but we have a great system going. To anyone who is looking to emboss her invites - keep your cat away from the embossment powder! I will say no more. ; )
Aside from posting on K&P, I'm working on a mini-catalogue to share with my new customers. I'll keep you all in the loop!
More next time, dear readers. I'm hearing snow in this area tonight. Fingers crossed that my classes DO NOT get cancelled! I'm over snow days - Too much make-up work. (although, I could craft at home....hmmmm. Kidding!!!)
So now what?
Good rhetorical question, hypothetical me. Now we post! We create! We blog! We tweet! Well, not "we." Just me. And that's more than enough. I'm still trying to work out a schedule as to when to post and when to blog. The spring semester is wrapping up quickly, so I need to balance K&P with my students. Naturally, both are very important parts of my life. Not to mention the rest of my life too - I like being busy; it keeps me out of trouble.
Of course, there are other projects on the horizon too. I'm turning the "spare" room (AKA the room where we throw our junk) into a library. Complete with a crafter's closet! I'm happiest when I'm a) creating, b) reading, or c) working. Working all three into a library seemed like a great idea. To quote Virginia Woolf, "a woman needs a little money and room of her own." It was true then, and it's still true now. Right now, I'm concentrating on the room of my own.
After a very successful DIY invite session, my friend, Carolyn (the bride-to-be) has some of her invites done. We still need to finish them up, but we have a great system going. To anyone who is looking to emboss her invites - keep your cat away from the embossment powder! I will say no more. ; )
Aside from posting on K&P, I'm working on a mini-catalogue to share with my new customers. I'll keep you all in the loop!
More next time, dear readers. I'm hearing snow in this area tonight. Fingers crossed that my classes DO NOT get cancelled! I'm over snow days - Too much make-up work. (although, I could craft at home....hmmmm. Kidding!!!)
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Why I will continue to delete and retype entries (The Dream Series Part 2)
Hello, dear readers, it has been awhile. So what happened? I was all pumped up and ready to share my thought process to the world...but then, I began to editorialize. For some reason, the last post had been angry and frustrated. All of my fears and negativity came bellowing out, and what I was left with was a post I was less than proud of writing. That is not what I want to accomplish here, so *delete button*
But now that Starbucks has celebrated its 40th anniversary, and I'm almost ready to launch my own store, I'm still considering the American Dream. What does it mean, o pioneers? Job security? Doing what you love? Contributing to your environment?
Or is it all of the above?
I'm extremely fortunate in the fact that I have accomplished much and (thanks to my mother) have very strong ambitions. Of course, I'm also blessed with many responsibilities - family, work, friends, and a special needs kitty - that take up most of my time. So where do I come in? Where do my dreams begin to take flight? I used to think it was selfish to pursue what you wanted. In order to do so, you have to devote so much of your personal time to something that will only benefit you. But now I understand that was my naive worldview doing the talking. It isn't selfish. The happier you are, the more you can do for those around you. You cannot make a difference if you are unhappy with your lot. Think of that Gandhi quote we always hear: "Be the change you want to see in the world." It may be a cliche saying, but does it make the cliche any less true? Or is it overused for a reason?
Well, come midnight tonight, we shall see. I'm happiest when creating, and I'm a better person when I create things with other people in mind. It's my turn to try for American expansion like so many other pioneers before me. Isn't that the point? To believe in the "pull yourself up by the bootstraps" and to work hard in order to profit? That's the American Dream we're taught at a young age, and it's the only one I know.
As I prepare for the launch tonight, I wish you good luck on your search for the new frontier, fellow pioneer. I'll see you on the other side.
But now that Starbucks has celebrated its 40th anniversary, and I'm almost ready to launch my own store, I'm still considering the American Dream. What does it mean, o pioneers? Job security? Doing what you love? Contributing to your environment?
Or is it all of the above?
I'm extremely fortunate in the fact that I have accomplished much and (thanks to my mother) have very strong ambitions. Of course, I'm also blessed with many responsibilities - family, work, friends, and a special needs kitty - that take up most of my time. So where do I come in? Where do my dreams begin to take flight? I used to think it was selfish to pursue what you wanted. In order to do so, you have to devote so much of your personal time to something that will only benefit you. But now I understand that was my naive worldview doing the talking. It isn't selfish. The happier you are, the more you can do for those around you. You cannot make a difference if you are unhappy with your lot. Think of that Gandhi quote we always hear: "Be the change you want to see in the world." It may be a cliche saying, but does it make the cliche any less true? Or is it overused for a reason?
Well, come midnight tonight, we shall see. I'm happiest when creating, and I'm a better person when I create things with other people in mind. It's my turn to try for American expansion like so many other pioneers before me. Isn't that the point? To believe in the "pull yourself up by the bootstraps" and to work hard in order to profit? That's the American Dream we're taught at a young age, and it's the only one I know.
As I prepare for the launch tonight, I wish you good luck on your search for the new frontier, fellow pioneer. I'll see you on the other side.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Why I will Drink More Starbucks (The Dream Series Part 1 of 2)
Hello, babies, welcome to Earth! One of the many thought wasps that I fight with everyday is the "what am I doing?" thought wasp. This then branches into a series of wasps:
Am I doing the right thing?
What's the point of making this decision?
Should I try or will it be expensive/failure/waste of time?
Can I even do this?
Usually when this happens, I try to walk away and maintain a positive outlook. But in a world where book and movie reviews make themselves into a sour disposition in order to maintain a pretentious, know-it-all tone, dreaming and romanticized goals fall into the "haves" pile (while the "have nots" have to work two or three jobs to live until the next paycheck) and any form of creativity is met with scorn, jealousy, and a competitive nature (for fear of falling behind or seeming "out of the loop"), the positive outlook begins to wane and I'm left with a bad taste in my mouth...and thought wasps.
Am I getting cold feet? Not in the least. My years in theatre, honor classes, and public ivy undergrad and graduate schooling can make me just as competitive as the next person. But I don't want to fall into yet another rat race and the need for more. I want this Etsy store to be somewhere women can splurge on themselves or their friends and family. I want this K&P to be a little pick me up during a bad day. I want K&P to be a piece of sunshine when you think you can take the winter anymore, or a cool glass of homemade sweet tea when you can't take the summer heat. That's what I want for my customers - and myself.
Enter Starbucks. Well, not really. If you know me, you know my obsession with the coffee. But even with my "tall nonfat"/ "grande red eye"/ "venti frap" loves, I wasn't prepared for what I was about to read: My Sister's a Barista: How They Made Starbucks a Home From Home by John Simmons. I bought this book for a dollar at my local library sale, and just decided this week to make it my lunchtime read. Good choice, if I do say so myself (and I do).
My Sister's a Barista tells the Starbucks tale - from its humble beginnings at Pike Place Market in Seattle to becoming this ubiquitous beacon of espresso, indie music and coffee cups. The book reads like a fairy tale - how the founders fought hard for their brand and how they continue to fight to uphold the brand's goals and ideals. I know there are a few haters out there when it comes to their coffee (and honestly, if you are a "hater," find a better thing to hate than "the coffee is too expensive." Been there, heard that - so is everything else at this point), and this post is not about turning you into a Starbucks fanatic. But reading this book inspired me - maybe there is a place to dream, make a living, AND make people happy. Is it possible? Could Americans - the most sardonic, cynical group of people in this world - be capable of embracing a brand like this? Well, anything is possible if you believe in fairies. And I do (it's easy - clap three times).
So what did I learn? Well, dear reader, just turn the page (::cough cough:: I mean, scroll up)
Am I doing the right thing?
What's the point of making this decision?
Should I try or will it be expensive/failure/waste of time?
Can I even do this?
Usually when this happens, I try to walk away and maintain a positive outlook. But in a world where book and movie reviews make themselves into a sour disposition in order to maintain a pretentious, know-it-all tone, dreaming and romanticized goals fall into the "haves" pile (while the "have nots" have to work two or three jobs to live until the next paycheck) and any form of creativity is met with scorn, jealousy, and a competitive nature (for fear of falling behind or seeming "out of the loop"), the positive outlook begins to wane and I'm left with a bad taste in my mouth...and thought wasps.
Am I getting cold feet? Not in the least. My years in theatre, honor classes, and public ivy undergrad and graduate schooling can make me just as competitive as the next person. But I don't want to fall into yet another rat race and the need for more. I want this Etsy store to be somewhere women can splurge on themselves or their friends and family. I want this K&P to be a little pick me up during a bad day. I want K&P to be a piece of sunshine when you think you can take the winter anymore, or a cool glass of homemade sweet tea when you can't take the summer heat. That's what I want for my customers - and myself.
Enter Starbucks. Well, not really. If you know me, you know my obsession with the coffee. But even with my "tall nonfat"/ "grande red eye"/ "venti frap" loves, I wasn't prepared for what I was about to read: My Sister's a Barista: How They Made Starbucks a Home From Home by John Simmons. I bought this book for a dollar at my local library sale, and just decided this week to make it my lunchtime read. Good choice, if I do say so myself (and I do).
My Sister's a Barista tells the Starbucks tale - from its humble beginnings at Pike Place Market in Seattle to becoming this ubiquitous beacon of espresso, indie music and coffee cups. The book reads like a fairy tale - how the founders fought hard for their brand and how they continue to fight to uphold the brand's goals and ideals. I know there are a few haters out there when it comes to their coffee (and honestly, if you are a "hater," find a better thing to hate than "the coffee is too expensive." Been there, heard that - so is everything else at this point), and this post is not about turning you into a Starbucks fanatic. But reading this book inspired me - maybe there is a place to dream, make a living, AND make people happy. Is it possible? Could Americans - the most sardonic, cynical group of people in this world - be capable of embracing a brand like this? Well, anything is possible if you believe in fairies. And I do (it's easy - clap three times).
So what did I learn? Well, dear reader, just turn the page (::cough cough:: I mean, scroll up)
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Let it snow?
Hello, dear readers! I apologize for going missing for awhile. Between the snow canceling my classes (after only one class for each!) and all my projects piling up, I've been very busy. A few updates:
-The Etsy store is going well. I manage to find a lovely wholesaler who is willing to work with me regarding supplies. I have so many new designs in the works! Also, the storefront is coming along nicely.
-Minerva, my darling kitty, has taken to scratching himself until he bleeds. So, like a nervous mother, I've been trying to figure out what it could be. I've narrowed it down to the mean lady at PetSmart who doesn't cut his nails right (the second time this has happened! And she is just so mean to the cats; it makes me furious) and the dry air in the apartment. But, he's healing well and now we've taken to saying, "Minerva, SOFT" every time he scratches. He's getting the hint.
-After much debate, we've decided to give up the apartment hunting. It's too much to worry about now, and with our job transitions, maybe we should hold off. Which means....REDECORATING!!!! A crafter's dream! More on that to come...
-I've discovered that the Canongate Myth Series is available on Nook. Needless to say, I've been keeping my nose in Baba Yaga Laid an Egg. I'll keep you posted on how it ends. Also, in the reading department, I've recently finished A Short History of Women. So, that is also on the list for a quick review soon. Honest - I'm getting to it.
-School has started! And I am fortunate enough to be asked to teach another class. So that means reading a new textbook and writing a new syllabus. Whenever I finish both tasks, I feel as thought I've accomplished a great feat.
-And the BIG CRAFT PROJECT. My friend is getting married and she asked me to help her with the invites! I'm so excited. More on that to come as well.
-Oscar season! Hopefully http://the-screen-goddess.blogspot.com/ will be up and running before we know it so I can give you my take on the movies this year.
With that being said, I've been working all morning. So, it is time for some tea and yummy digestive cookies (I got hooked in England - go to Shop Rite NOW and buy some. Delicious AND low in fat!).
-The Etsy store is going well. I manage to find a lovely wholesaler who is willing to work with me regarding supplies. I have so many new designs in the works! Also, the storefront is coming along nicely.
-Minerva, my darling kitty, has taken to scratching himself until he bleeds. So, like a nervous mother, I've been trying to figure out what it could be. I've narrowed it down to the mean lady at PetSmart who doesn't cut his nails right (the second time this has happened! And she is just so mean to the cats; it makes me furious) and the dry air in the apartment. But, he's healing well and now we've taken to saying, "Minerva, SOFT" every time he scratches. He's getting the hint.
-After much debate, we've decided to give up the apartment hunting. It's too much to worry about now, and with our job transitions, maybe we should hold off. Which means....REDECORATING!!!! A crafter's dream! More on that to come...
-I've discovered that the Canongate Myth Series is available on Nook. Needless to say, I've been keeping my nose in Baba Yaga Laid an Egg. I'll keep you posted on how it ends. Also, in the reading department, I've recently finished A Short History of Women. So, that is also on the list for a quick review soon. Honest - I'm getting to it.
-School has started! And I am fortunate enough to be asked to teach another class. So that means reading a new textbook and writing a new syllabus. Whenever I finish both tasks, I feel as thought I've accomplished a great feat.
-And the BIG CRAFT PROJECT. My friend is getting married and she asked me to help her with the invites! I'm so excited. More on that to come as well.
-Oscar season! Hopefully http://the-screen-goddess.blogspot.com/ will be up and running before we know it so I can give you my take on the movies this year.
With that being said, I've been working all morning. So, it is time for some tea and yummy digestive cookies (I got hooked in England - go to Shop Rite NOW and buy some. Delicious AND low in fat!).
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Banner Posted? Check!
I know I've been missing for awhile, but I'm working really hard on opening the store by the end of the month! I'm so excited; for once, I feel as though I'm working on a project that is truly, unequivocally mine.
So the banner is up at www.etsy.com/shop/KoraAndPenelope but you can check out the pic here too:
How fantastic is this? This is such an amazing journey - thank you, dear readers, for being a part of it.
So the banner is up at www.etsy.com/shop/KoraAndPenelope but you can check out the pic here too:
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Logo is up!
The new K&P logo is up on Twitter and Etsy! Check out the links below!
Many special thanks and love to my wonderful boyfriend who took the time to design it:
Many special thanks and love to my wonderful boyfriend who took the time to design it:
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