Putting the Puzzle Together

Hi everyone!

Like everyone I guess, I find that at the beginning of this new year I have taken the time to step back and reflect a bit.  Or maybe it was my dear husband who sat me down and paraphrasing just a bit said, "Jen, YOU are Curiosity Cottage...not just the website or the booth, but YOU are the very essence of Curiosity Cottage.  It is time for you to realize that and fulfill your dreams!!"

So though my new year has gotten off to a very busy & hectic start, I have come to the realization that it is time to stop and work on putting all the pieces of the puzzle together.  I have had the vision for my own business for the past 25 years, but it was not until 2010 when the "right people, right place & right time" started to fall into place that I started to watch my vision become a reality.

Why now?  What has led me to want to look at the big picture?  Well first and foremost I think it is because God has blessed me with a Helpmate that believes in me and wants to see me put the puzzle together.  Maybe he is just worn out from seeing the puzzle pieces scattered all over the kitchen counter - LOL!!  Having this kind of unconditional love and support is priceless and a very valuable catalyst!!

I also think that God was winking at me with BOTH eyes when He led me to Kim Yuhl!  Her 8 week challenge for Blogging Your Story has been the road map that I needed!!  It is not only helping me put the puzzle together, but I am also able to teach my students about these things in my Blog Creation Course.  As a result I am also going to participate in her small business training Secrets of Better Business because I am not only passionate about my own little Curiosity Cottage, I want to help others see that they too can take a dream/vision and turn it into a dynamite business!!

So join me in this journey as I clear off the card table and start to put the pieces together!!  Yes, there is a lot of work ahead, but oh, will it not be EXCITING to see the puzzle when the pieces are all in place??!!!

Stars & Stickers

Hi everyone!

I must admit, I am such a "Stars & Stickers" kind of girl.  This is why I enjoy going to my Weight Watcher's Meetings, versus only participating in the program online.  When Mary, our leader, gives me a star or "Bravo" sticker, you would have thought I had won the Nobel Peace Prize.

It is the simple things in life that make me smile.  Though I have to tell you, when I saw yesterday that Nothy Lane from Aft Agley had nominated me for a "Liebster Blogging Award" you would have thought it was an Oscar.

So the researcher in me then proceeded to do several things.  First I went to Nothy's blog to find out more and second I went to Google to find out more about the award.  Okay, so there is not a committee that decides to bestow this upon me, but the idea is really incredible.   It is designed to increase the number of followers that an up-and-coming blogger have on their site.  Since Nothy is from Canada & I am from Louisiana AND this nomination did not come from an immediate friend or family member, I am thrilled.  What a GREAT way to meet new people in the blogging community and broaden this online experience.

As any writer will admit, even if it is to themselves on a cold winter night, we all like to know that people like to read what we have written...that we are on the right track...that we just may be on to something with this writing stuff.  So I will keep you posted and let you know if Curiosity Cottage becomes a winner.

  

Exciting Times Ahead

Hi everyone!


I am so thrilled to report that many new and exciting changes are in the works for Curiosity Cottage this summer!! While educators usually look forward to summer as a time for a much needed break, I am looking forward to it as 3 months devoted to my business. Not only am I in the process of creating new items to share in terms of embroidery and sewing, but I am also in the process of studying the whole realm of possibilities that blogging brings, to individuals, businesses, and other organizations. The results of my research and work on my own set of blogs will then be used to develop a new course that I will have the privilege of teaching.

Those who know me personally know that I love to teach and create things. I am so privileged in that I have been able to take my creative side and blended it perfectly with my technical expertise resulting in Curiosity Cottage becoming more than I would have ever dreamed possible this time last year. What is even more exciting though is that now I can use my love of research and use the knowledge I gain to not only enhance my business but to share what I learn with others. Helping young adults find their way in this sometimes crazy world is so rewarding!! I always tell my students that gone are the days where you get a degree and sit in a cubicle. Now the sky is literally the limit in terms of taking what you love, combining it with the skills you acquire in college and seeing where the path leads. The best part of that lecture, I am not just presenting this to my students so they can be tested on the material later, I am living this through my own personal life!!

So this summer will be filled with exciting new things I cannot wait to show you as well as new ideas and organization to Curiosity Cottage’s online presence. After all, summer is for having fun and I am having the time of my life!!