2 Weekend Re-Post 2/2/13

Originally Posted on Thursday, September 15, 2011

Tantrum Thursday

Today's TANTRUM THURSDAY is very related to yesterday's!!  I really didn't mean to RANT so much yesterday, but sometimes when I get up on that SOAP BOX I just can't seems to find my way down!?!

One of the things that I did find out in all of AYE's classes is that there is not enough books for each kid in the class.  In Aye's school we are very lucky that they are able to get a 'digital' copy of the books, however, most school aren't that lucky.  We are also lucky enough to be able to let Aye use a computer in her room.  The fact is that with all the budget cuts we have lost the buses to our school, lost more and more students (because of the buses being gone), more teachers and also our books for the class.  HOW in the world do they expect out teachers to be able to teach.

Did I also tell you that they have lost the funding for ALL the after school clubs and groups?  That teachers are only allowed X about of copies per month and they have to provide their own paper?  I just don't understand.  I can't seem to figure out how they expect our kids to make a difference in this world if we can't even provide them the supplies to do it with.

I now that this is a common problem in MANY school districts. 

I know that this is something that is faced every day by teachers and school staff. 

I also know that this is WRONG! 

What do we NEED to do to fix this? 

What CAN we do??

I just don't understand, my father was a teacher and even back then it WAS getting bad, but now???

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Here is my listing for today in my ArtFire Studio, what do you think?

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Today's featured artist studio is New CreatioNZ.   This great artist finds the 'hidden' image all around her.  You will just love the different creations and styles she has in her studio.  Please go check her out!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/NewCrea…

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Yesterday I asked you all to call your best friend, and today, I would like to have you forgive your worst friend!  We all have them, those that were our friend and then something happened..... it is time to let go!  ~KM

2 Tantrum Thursday 11/17/11

Anyone that lives on the East Coast of the U.S. know about the storms that have come through between last night and this morning.  Once again the roads will be wet this morning when I take Aye and Monster on my school runs.  

Do you know that means? 

I do, 

LOTS of people who have 

NEVER seen RAIN on the ROADS

and don't know how to drive!

Yes, I went there!

Ladies and Gentlemen, I live in Florida.  There is rain - let's just say - A LOT here!  Yet, everyday that it rains there are these people who need to be reminded (or taught) what it means to drive on RAIN SOAKED ROADS!

I know that this is a Tantrum that many of us have.  I even know that some of you out there are the 'scared' and 'freaked' out drivers that don't know what to do when the rain starts falling.  My advice - call in sick!  I hope that EVERYONE out there knows that the last comment was just a TEASE, not meant as an insult.  I am just always amazed at how people think that wet roads, wind, ice, or even speed limits don't apply to them!  

So, for all of you on your way out, take a little more time, leave a little earlier

or JUST BE A LITTLE LATE

and be VERY careful on the road.  If not for yourself, for the other drivers!!!

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I have a new listing today, and here it is! What do you think??

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I haven't done my numbers in a long while, so I thought I would again today.  As you can see, the HOPS and #LINKLOVE really do work.  Just look at my growth! 

Blog

9/20/11 - 1,243 followers

11/17/11 - 1,360 followers

Twitter

9/20/11 - 2,459 followers

11/17/11 - 2,633 followers

Fan Page

9/20/11 - 3,908 Fans

11/17/11 - 4,172 Fans

Totals

9/20/11 - 7,610

11/17/11 - 8,165

Growth - 555 (58 days time) 

 

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I am only doing one hop today, come on and join me!!

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To close today I would like to quote Vincent Van Gogh

What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?  

~KM

2 Tantrum Thursday

Today is a wonderful day, so what could I possible have to throw a tantrum about?  Most people would think about computers, since I just had a fight with mine for over a week or so.  Well, I think I have complained enough about that.  For today, I actually would like to talk about customer service.  Actually, the customer service of my fellow crafter's and artisans.  

When I was doing Craft/Art show around my area I just LOVED the to watch the people that came in.  YES, even thepeople that DIDN'T buy anything too.  I would get to talk to them, see what they were looking at, and even explain more about my creations.  However, on-line I really don't get that chance.  I have to - for the most part - snag a customer via my words and photos.  This, of course, is the same when I buy something from them.  I often buy from people who are refereed to me by other artists, but I also search out my own people to feature and find NEW artists almost every day.  

For the most part when I do order something I get an email or note saying thank you with in a couple of hours.  A note when my item was shipped and sometimes even a follow up note.  THIS is the kind of communication I LIKE to have with the people I just purchased something from.  But then, there are those who don't communicate AT ALL!  I have actually gone from purchase to receipt of an item without even ONE personal contact with the artist.  

 

I HOPE that I don't OVER communicate.  I talk to my customers, I mean, REALLY talk to them.  I like to know where they heard about me, what they liked about that item, and even once they have received it, if it was everything they thought it would be.  

For all those who are crafters/artistsn, like me, remember, the only contact  you have with your customers is the contact YOU want!!  For my customers...... THANK YOU, I love you all!!

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Well, between my reaching my goal of 4,000 fans on my Fan Page and the 11 orders I received yesterday, I was NOT able to work on my beads :( .  So there will not be a new listing today, however, I will have some to list soon.... I am trying..... the beads are just soooooo little and my paperwork is just soooooo big?!?!  :~)

Here is one of the items I haven't showed off in a while... just to 'show off'!!

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Today I want to feature a local artist.  This wonderful 'sister' act has some of the most creative ribbon and jewelry creations I have seem.  Just look at this little 'gal'!  Hermanas Bowtique run by Maxine and Berdie.  We met a while back at a local show and have done business with each other ever since.  Not only do they make WONDERFUL creations, they also support myself and other artists in their work!  Please go visit them and enjoy their creations!

http://www.maxinestamps.blogspot.com

https://www.facebook.com/HermanasBowtique
maxine.rebeles@yahoo.com

 

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Only one hop today, I still have some to catch up on.  

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For today I would like to close with this thought - treat people the way you would like to be treated and your life will be wonderful!  ~KM

4 Tantrum Thursday

I have to say that after all the ranting I did last week, I almost didn't find anything to throw a tantrum about this week.  ALMOST!  After a moments thought I came up with

Christmas Decorations!

YEP!

Actually it is the fact that the retail stores have started forcing Christmas on us in June.  Actually there was a store I went into that had a small section of Christmas Items all year round!  Now, please don't get me wrong, I start on my Christmas items in the summer, but that is because I am making them.  Craft stores are not at fault, it takes TIME to make your items, so the supplies must be there sooner than the Christmas trees and ornaments.  

 

BUT, I like Labor Day, Halloween, Fall  and Thanksgiving.  I not only like to decorate for them, celebrate them, but also I like seeing them in the stores!  It makes it really feel like Halloween when you see the store decorated with spiders and ghosts.  Even if I don't buy anything I still like to walk through the shelves of decorations.  But almost every store I have been in over the last few weeks is focused on Christmas.  Yes, there are Halloween costumes - but only a row or two - with 4 rows of Christmas right behind it!

So here is my question, how 'special' can Christmas be if you see it for 5 months?  I want it to go back to being a BIG deal to decorate and enjoy the season, what about you?

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Here is what I listing last night in my ArtFire Studio last night, what do you think??

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Today's featured artist is RenGalSA.  This creative artist does some amazing things with polymer clay.  I found this little 'treasure' tin that my Aye would love.  At first I thought that it is painted, but if you look closely and read more about it you'll find out that it is actually polymer clay that has been attached to the tin - how cool is that??  She also is an amazing drawing artist.  Please go check out her sites and please make sure you let her know where you heard about her!

http://rengalsa.etsy.com 

http://rengaldesigns.etsy.com  

http://RengalSA.imagekind.com  

http://artist.to/rengalsa

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Today's hops!

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Today I would like for you to step back and look around you - be thankful!  ~KM

1 Tantrum Thursday

Today's TANTRUM THURSDAY is very related to yesterday's!!  I really didn't mean to RANT so much yesterday, but sometimes when I get up on that SOAP BOX I just can't seems to find my way down!?!

One of the things that I did find out in all of AYE's classes is that there is not enough books for each kid in the class.  In Aye's school we are very lucky that they are able to get a 'digital' copy of the books, however, most school aren't that lucky.  We are also lucky enough to be able to let Aye use a computer in her room.  The fact is that with all the budget cuts we have lost the buses to our school, lost more and more students (because of the buses being gone), more teachers and also our books for the class.  HOW in the world do they expect out teachers to be able to teach.

Did I also tell you that they have lost the funding for ALL the after school clubs and groups?  That teachers are only allowed X about of copies per month and they have to provide their own paper?  I just don't understand.  I can't seem to figure out how they expect our kids to make a difference in this world if we can't even provide them the supplies to do it with.

I now that this is a common problem in MANY school districts. 

I know that this is something that is faced every day by teachers and school staff. 

I also know that this is WRONG! 

What do we NEED to do to fix this? 

What CAN we do??

I just don't understand, my father was a teacher and even back then it WAS getting bad, but now???

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here is my listing for today in my ArtFire Studio, what do you think?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Today's featured artist studio is New CreatioNZ.   This great artist finds the 'hidden' image all around her.  You will just love the different creations and styles she has in her studio.  Please go check her out!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/NewCrea…

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Here are my hops for the day -

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Yesterday I asked you all to call your best friend, and today, I would like to have you forgive your worst friend!  We all have them, those that were our friend and then something happened..... it is time to let go!  ~KM

9 Tantrum Thursday

Today I wanted to take a moment and talk about something I firmly believe in

Common Courtesy while driving!

 As most of you know I have been doing a lot more driving these days.  I have suddenly remembered WHY I don't like to DRIVE in the city!  There are to many RUDE people.  I can not tell you how many times I have been on the way to drop off Aye or on the way home and someone has cut me off.  But not just pulled in front of me, actually CUT ME OFF.  This means that I have had to either hit the brakes (sometimes very hard) or swerve to miss from hitting this car.  Yes, I know that driving is a hazardous job and that you really need to be on the OFFENCE when you drive, but this is really amazing.  I actually can't believe that there are not MORE instances of ROAD RAGE or FENDER BENDERS than there are.  Between the people trying to CUT in the lane after they have RACED down to the LAST possible moment to the people who are swerving in and out of traffic trying to make it there 4 seconds faster, why aren't we just playing bumper cars?

I have taught my daughter and son to open the door for ANYONE that is in front of you and hold it for those who are behind you.  I have taught my daughter and son to say please and thank you, yes sir and call and adults by Mr. or Ms..  As Aye is only 11, I just hope that I can teach her to be a courteous driver and STAY ALIVE when I have been having trouble doing that myself - a 25+ year driving veteran.  

And as I avoid that ONE MORE DRIVER I hope that my children do not learn from my comments that yelling and using BAD words is a good thing!

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I don't have anything new to list today, however, if you would PLEASE go vote for me over at the ArtFire Beadweavers Guild I would be so thankful.  My entry is #7, although I really would like for you to vote for your favorite - even if it isn't mine.

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Today I want to feature this very MULTI talented artist - Butterfly-Crafts.  This wonderfully fun artist can create almost anything, in almost any medium.  There were so many beautiful things in her studio that it was hard to pick what I should feature, however, this card caught my eye!  Talk about going with our THEME for the day!?!!?   Please go check out all her sites and make sure you let her know where you found out about her.

http://www.butterfly-crafts.com  

http://www.butterfly-craftsonlin…  

http://www.facebook.com/Butterfl…  

http://www.butterfly-crafts-supp…

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Hops I will be doing today!

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Today I would like everyone to be curious to someone.  Their family, their friends, some random stranger driving on the road; someone.... who knows, maybe we'll start an epidemic!  ~KM

4 Tantrum Thusday

Today, before I start my TANTRUM, I would like to introduce you all to someone I have come to know - Queen J and here blog.  She saw my Tantrum Thursday and asked me how I came up with the idea!  Now you have to know her bog name - Tranquility, Tantrums, & Tiaras... .  She and I have been watching each others blogs for a bit and when she asked if she could use my TANTRUM Thursday theme I gladly said yes!  Now she is off and running.  And you really MUST read her Tantrum from last week - it is wonderful!  Simply click here and you'll be able to read it and add her to your daily reading list!!  

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With that behind me I would like to start RANTING and RAVING about 'Kids being Kids'!  Once again I would like to start this off by saying that I do NOT intend to offend anyone, 

this is MY opinion, 

NO ONE 

else's.

(this is just a photo I found on-line)

As most of you know I have a 6 year old kindergartner, Monster, and a 11 year old 5th grader, Aye.  Now when I was a kindergartner I was so very innocent.  Things like cloths, hair, shoes were something my mom worried about, not me.  By the time I was in 5th grade it was a little bit on my mind, but for me life was more about playing, running and sunshine than anything else!

 (This is just a photo I found - it is not anyone we know)

In school there are several that are in my son's kindergarten class that have dyed hair and 'named brand' cloths and shoes.  One of the boys in Monster's class wears his hair in a 6-8 inch mohawk and has earrings in each ear.   There is a girl in a sister class that has highlights in her hair and wears make-up everyday - yes, she is 5 or 6 years old.  When I go to volunteer in my daughters 5th grad class I see everything from dyed hair, make-up, fashion cloths and even 'tanning bed' tans (I know, because I asked).  Several of the kids in my daughters class could pass for 16+ in body type and look.

(don't know this kid either!)

Now, I know that things are changing, times are different than when I grew up, and we're 'not in the country' anymore, but still!   There a big difference between 'being cool' and letting kids be kids.   I understand that there is a BIG issue with pier pressure and bulling in our schools, but this is just to much.  When did we start letting our 6 year old's start growing up and wearing make-up?  I understand that we want the best for our children and that we want them to be their own person, but when did we start pushing our children to grow up at age 5 or 6?  

(don't know this child either)

For Aye, the 'styles' she chooses are her's - at age 11 I think she is old enough.  I find the need every once in a while to 'draw' the line at an outfit or look, but for the most part I am proud of her and her choices.  She 'does her own thing' when it comes to style and as long as there is a peace sign somewhere she is pretty open.  She has asked to start wearing makeup and we are still saving that as a 'special' occasion item.  

But my question is - when was 11 grown up?  When did we stop letting 'kids be kids' and ask them to focus on style and pier pressure before they are even a teenager or before they are even 6 years old?

 Aye's school photo 2010-2011

Monster's school photo 2010-2011

It is just my thoughts!!

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After being told that she had not talent in art class at the age of 16 - MariaPalito studio was born when a pack of hand made Christmas cards were made and her talent was awakened!  It is EASY to see that this lady has LOTS of talent.  To read more about her 'crafting' adventure please go to her studio and see all her creations and her bio.  Make sure you tell her where you found out about her!!

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Today's HOPS

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For all of you that are mothers, please take time to clean the dirt, make-up or crayon off your child's face and just look at them - they are so beautiful!!!  ~KM