Wordless Wednesday ~ Pretty Fall

photo by Denise Dion-Sullivan

Fall Women's Online Business Expo - Blog Giveaway Winner!

Thank you for all who stopped by my blog and Etsy shops this weekend for the "First Annual Fall Women's Online Business Expo" (Thank you Runako Designs for providing the opportunity). I held a giveaway for the weekend. The prize was a $15.00 gift certificate for use at any of my three supply shops on Etsy. I am happy to announce "Jael Custom Designs" has won the gift certificate. Congratualtions to Jael and thanks again to all who participated!

Unusual Job Opportunities

Here is list of little known fields that might be of interest to some:
1. Accent-reduction specialist
2. Casting Director
3. Child life specialist
4.Creative Perfumer
5. Orthoptist
6. Orthotist/prosthetist
7. Program analyst
8. Program Evaluator
9. Prospect researcher
10. Surgical Technologist

For a full detailed description, complete with starting salaries, view the original CNN article:
"10 Little-known Fields with great Job Opportunities"

Monday Musings ~ Life List Revisited

Last year around this time, on my 50th Birthday to be precise, I began blogging daily. One of my very first posts was a "Life List". The concept is similar to having abut a "bucket list". You know, those things you want to accomplish during your lifetime. Today I thought maybe I would revisit the idea and make a list of what I would like to achieve in the coming year. A resolution list of sorts like most create at New Years. I've always reflected on the new year on my birthday so this year begins a tradition with updating the list. This years list is somewhat simple since I have some financial constraints, but yet am so thankful for the start of another year....

1....learn metalsmith jewelry 2... meditate daily 3....exercise at least three times a week 4....Visit the Guggenheim Museum 5... continue to read for pleasure 6....paint more often 7.....LAUGH at least several times a week, if not daily (my husband will have to help here) 8....road trip to Montreal 9...continue with accupuncture treatments (really helping) 10....Play the lottery monthly 11. hope to win the lottery monthly ;) 12... plant a vegetable garden in the Spring 13....visit - get reconnected with old friends 14....Save enough money to buy a SLR camera 15..become a better photographer. Most of all ... make sure my boys and husband always know how much I love them!

feel free to share your list in the comments area....
lovingkindness mantra mediation image found on google images

With Gratitude

Today is my birthday. Each year as I reflect and life continues to propel itself forward, I realize how little I want and how much I truly have. As I wake up on this new day, today, another day, another year ahead - I am grateful to have lived, have loved, and have been so loved. These are truly great gifts. I am happy that this year, once again, I get to share this day with my sons and my husband. Those I treasure most!

Fall Business Women's Online Expo - Saturday and Sunday - Booth #18

In the mood for shopping? Visit the First Annual Fall Business Women's Online Expo, an event sponsored by Runako Jewelry and her blog Girls Night Out. You will find numerous shops with a wonderful assortment of items. Get a jump on that holiday list, buy some supplies to begin creating a few gifts or find something special for yourself. Come on over and check us out!

Let me share a bit about myself and my Etsy shops that will be participating. My name is Denise and I consider myself more of a designer rather than artist. I draw my inspiration from the world around me and the changing of the seasons (hence one of my Etsy shop and blog name "The Seasonal Cottage"). I work out of my home studio on the coast of Southern Maine in a little town called Kennebunk, so there is much beauty and seasonal contrast to draw from.

I have been collecting vintage prints, postcards, illustrated books, and vintage ephemera, jewelry findings and other interesting embellishments for many years. Using these vintage treasures with newfound ones and a bit of creativity, I follow my muse ~ always looking for something new to explore. I have three supply shops on Etsy and my hope is that you find that special item to complete your own personal creation. I also have three handmade shops and invite you to visit them for unique home decor, jewelry and other accessories.

Here is a list of my Etsy shops and the specials I will be offering for the whole weekend. Remember to leave a comment at the end of this post and let me know you stopped by and at the end of the expo, I'll be doing a door prize drawing for all my guests.

These prices will be available with code submission - "Expo" from midnight Saturday, September 26 - Sunday, September 27. Click on the six shop banners below to visit each of my shops:
www.theseasonalcottage.etsy.com will be offering a special on all paper scrap/die cuts (not including foil dresdens). BUY THREE GET ONE FREE. D0 not place the 4th/ free one in your cart. Simply let me know which die cut you would like with the code word "Expo" in the message area at checkout. The free item must be equal or lower to the lowest priced item purchased.
www.theartistscloset.etsy.com - will be offering a special on all my 7 Gypsy products. BUY THREE 7 Gypsy items and GET ONE FREE. D0 not place the 4th- free one in your cart. Simply let me know which item you would like with the code word "Expo" in the message area at checkout. The free item must be equal or lower to the lowest priced item purchased.
www.thepapersource.etsy.com - will be offering a special on all my 7 Gypsy products. BUY THREE 7 Gypsy items and GET ONE FREE. D0 not place the 4th- free one in your cart. Simply let me know which item you would like with the code word "Expo" in the message area at checkout. The free item must be equal or lower to the lowest priced item purchased.
www.diondesign.etsy.com - will offer free shipping on all orders over $25.00. Simply place the word "Expo" in the message area at checkout and I will credit back your shipping to your paypal account.
www.simplyfrenchdesigns.etsy.com - will offer free shipping on all orders over $25.00. Simply place the word "Expo" in the message area at checkout and I will credit back your shipping to your paypal account.www.seasonalvignettes.etsy.com - will offer a token gift of a small bag of seashells with each purchase. Simply place the word "Expo" in the message area at checkout and I will include the gift in your order.

Just for stopping by this weekend, and leaving a message, your name will be entered into a drawing for a $15 Gift Certificate to one of my three supply shops. Winner will be announced on Tuesday. Simply leave a comment in the comments area. Thanks for stopping by.

So remember to visit the Expo list found at the Blog - Girls Night Out (click on the Fall Expo Sign below), starting at midnight, September 26th - Sunday, September 27 and browse the list of vendor booths on the right hand side of the blog(I am "Seasonal Cottage" - Booth #18). There will be blogs/shops offering specials, giveaway's and prizes. We invite you to leave comments and enter all the posted contests. Come and support female entrepreneur's around the world - but most of all have fun!

Friday My Hometown Shootout - My Favorite Place

This weeks theme was chosen by Cindy of Juneau, Alaska : "My Favorite Place to _________. "

I would finish this statement with: " My favorite place to be...to clear my head...to be inspired...is near the sea! Come walk with me by the shore of my hometown. (Please click on the photos for a larger view).

The sky and clouds on most days are absolutely glorious.

On this particular morning, I liked the way the clouds reflected on the pools of receding water.

I love the way ripples are sculpted into the sand by the tides.

You never know what treasures you will find.
One morning last week, I was walking with my son and we heard rich bagpipe music in the wind. Searching the shoreline we found this gentleman at the other end of the shore. What a beautiful sound that truly speaks to the heart and brought peace to my soul.

Thank you for visiting my hometown shoot out - remember to check out the other member blogs for a glimpse of their hometowns from around the world. Click on their blog links posted in the left hand column of the Friday My Town Shootout Blog.

Thursday Thinking Green Tip - Eco-Friendly Coffee Sleeve

Great idea for using an item in a multipurpose way. Create your own eco-friendly coffee sleeve by using a cotton stretchy wristband on your morning cup of Joe. Can't beat the price and think about all the paper that is saved!

Featured above are terrycloth wristbands from a wonderful Etsy shop called Loving Anvil. Click on the photo to be taken to the shop. Or you could do a search on Etsy for fabric designed "Coffee Cozies" - there are over 4000 choices!

Join us for the Fall Business Women's Online Expo

Join us for the First Annual Fall Business Women Online Expo, an event sponsored by Runako Jewelry and her blog Girls Night Out. The Expo is designed to promote and expose women business owners in the blogosphere. This event provides a wonderful opportunity for us as business women to network with others, thereby building our businesses on the internet. Besides the business end it will also provide a wonderful opportunity to make some new fellow blogger friends. If you are a business owner that would like to participate, click on the icon below to be taken to the blog post with details. Please check back in on Friday night for details of my weekend sale. Remember to also visit the blog Girls Night Out starting at midnight, September 26th. Get your pencil sharpened as it's never too early to get a jump on some shopping for the upcoming holiday's.

Wordless Wednesday ~ A Lone Gull

photo by Denise Dion-Sullivan

Tips for Writers and Bloggers

Check out this great resource for writers and bloggers written by Deb Ng - 60 Helpful Blog Posts for Freelance Writers and Bloggers. Here is a list of the first 10 with their links - click here to be taken to the original post for the list of all sixty: 60 Helpful Blog Posts

1. 10 Sure Fire Headline Formulas That Work at CopyBlogger
2. 101 Essential Freelancing Resources at Freelance Switch
3. 7 More Sure Fire Headline Formulas That Work at CopyBlogger
4. 5 Step Goal to Setting and Achieving Goals for Your Frelance Writing Career at All Freelance Writing
5. 50 Ways to Screw Up Content at Big Red Notebook
6. How Bloggers Make Money with Blogs at ProBlogger
7. Be a Better Interviewer at Chris Brogan
8. 3 Ways to Never Lose Sight of Why You Rock at Rock Your Day
9. 101 Blog Tips I Learned at Daily Blog Tips
10. 6 Cool Tools to Track Your Time at Freelance Switch

Fall In Maine ~ Monday Musings

Well, I am away for a few days visiting Cape Cod with my sweetie! So while I am visiting the Cape hopefully enjoying the end of summer - enjoy this visual video on Fall in Maine.

Quote of the Week

photo by Marilyn Shannon

Mary Travers - Saturday Featured Artist

I grew up listening to and loving the music of Peter, Paul and Mary. Mary died on Wednesday, September 16, 2009. She will be missed. Here is a great YouTube video that features one of my favorite songs of PP&M and transcends generations in theme:

Friday My Hometown Shootout - Domestic Animals

Sandy has chosen this weeks photo topic- Domesticated Animals.

Let's begin at Harris Farm where I purchase our milk (still packaged in glass bottles), organic veggies and meat.

Mommy cow and her babies.

"Petey" (name I gave him). Reminds me of the dog from "The Little Rascals".

A neighbors horses.

Sheep grazing at a local farm by the seaWhen my sons were younger they called these cows "Oreo cows". They came over to the fence and posed for me. They were a very curious couple.
.
Misha, our cat looking as though he is in deep meditation.

My sweet babies Cori and Lucky
A few pets from the past:
We once had a sweet indoor house rabbit named Brodi. He had a great personality.
Lizzie was quite the food hound and has been dearly missed for the last three years.
Thanks for joining me and remember to visit the Team Blog : Friday My Hometown Shootout.

The Truth about Recycling - Thursday Thinking Green

I have to admit I found this video entertaining!

Wordless Wednesday - Blue Skies and Glistening Sea

photo of Cape Porpoise Harbor, Maine by Denise Dion-Sullivan

Pantone Fashion Color Report for Spring 2010

Brought to you from the Pantone Color Institute - Spring Colors 2010 from New York Fashion Week, September 10 – 17, 2009.
"Designers bring splashes of sunshine to the runway for spring 2010. Vibrant brights add a sense of excitement to the color palette, while practical neutrals provide a safety net for cautious consumers."

“Now more than ever, women are vigilant when it comes to spending,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “Instead of re-inventing their wardrobe at the start of each season, consumers want pieces to complement what they already own. Pairing a bold color with a basic piece or freshening up their look with bright accents addresses the need for practicality, as well as fun"

Links:
Click here: Spring 2010 to Preview colors
Fashion Trendsetter

Peace One Day ~ Monday Musings

Peace One Day, the idea of filmmaker Jeremy Gilley, has successfully inspired and documented the creation of an annual day of global ceasefire and non-violence on the United Nations International Day of Peace - 21 September. Find out more and register your commitment for Peace Day 2009 at www.peaceoneday.org
You can also visit Urban Outfitters for Peace One Day tee shirts - all proceeds from the tee shirts will be donated to Peace One Day.
Links:
Website - Peace One Day: www.peaceoneday.org
Documentary Film: http://www.peaceoneday.org/en/film/the-day-after-peace

Quote of the Week

photo by Marilyn Shannon

Tribute to Vincent Van Gogh ~ Saturday Art Feature

Remembering 9/11

I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love.
-Leo Buscaglia

in rememberance of 9/11 by NCuevas

click on photo to be taken to NCuevas shop on Etsy

Friday My Town Shootout - Aged and Weathered

Pauline has chosen this weeks photo topic - Aged and Weathered. (Click on photos to enlarge for more detail). A walk around town reveals...

Welcoming Weathered Wicker

A granite bridge that has been here forever (or at least as long as I can remember having grown up here). It is well covered in plants and moss. I love granite stone. It is found all throughout New England in house foundations, bridges, gardens, countertops....

Below, a wonderful house being prepped for painting.

A weathered sign with original owners name from long ago. Stevens is a very common name in my hometown.Lobster traps and lines damaged from Hurricane Bill.
Weathered chain by the Pier in Cape Porpoise
Thanks for stopping by and remember to click on the camera on the right hand side of my blog to visit the Friday Shoot Out gang and view their take on this weeks theme.

How to Make Handmade Paper - Thursday Thinking Green

Wordless Wednesday ~ my shadow

photo by Denise Dion-Sullivan

Tips for "Empty Nesters"

So I dropped my son off at college last Saturday, sigh. I am finding this period of my life like a roller coaster of emotions. I am quite excited for my son and for entering a new phase of life for myself. I am thrilled that my sons are both fine young men. It is admittedly a great feeling like completing a painting or personal creation and liking what you have accomplished in the process. However, I have to recognize I spent a large portion of my adult life caring for them full time and so need to give myself time and space to process this big change. I have come up with some suggestions of things I plan on doing to cope during this transition, perhaps you will find some of them helpful. Feel free to share your own as well in the comments section.

1. Reconnect with your spouse or significant other. Plan a getaway. My husband and I plan on going away for a few days in the next few weeks. It has been a hectic summer and will be nice to relax and reconnect with each other.
2. If you haven't created a "life list" create one now. Begin looking at what you would like to do with the second half of your life and take steps to achieve your goals.
   
3. Do something for you. Become a volunteer with a non profit, take a class, learn a new skill. Try something new. Perhaps you have always wanted to learn to paint or sculpt. Go for it!
4. Join a group. I love going to museums, galleries, movies and such. I have created a "culture club" of women who will get together once a month and participate in a cultural activity.
   
5. Create a few care packages. I love sending care packages and know my firstborn really appreciated them during college. Plan a few packages for your child with items you know they will use and enjoy.
   
6. Get support. Sending your last child to college is a transition in life. Recognize it for what it is and give yourself time to process it. It is a loss of sorts and you may feel depressed. Look to your family or friends for support or if need be, professional help to help you through this time.
7. Embrace the positive! Celebrate the accomplishment of raising an independent individual well on their way to making their place in the world. There is joy in such an event.
   

Links:
Empty Nest Moms
Women to Women
Empty Nest Book List

A Mom's Thoughts on Letting Go ~ Monday Musings

I'll admit I am writing this post two weeks before my youngest son leaves for college. I know I will need quiet time for a few days after " the drop off" day of September 5th. Of course as a SAHM (stay at home mom) for the last 20+ years I have mixed feelings and emotions. I am so excited for Evan and the experiences that will come with going away to college. He is a very talented and responsible young man and I am so proud of his smart choices in life thus far. But selfishly admit I am quite happy that he is in Boston, only an hour and half away. I truly enjoy his company and this means when he wants to have a visit, shopping adventure or just a luncheon chat, I can easily drive down for the day.

So with that said, I thought I would share a short post on thoughts of an "empty nester" learning to let go. I know there are many others out there facing the same feelings this month. Please feel free to share your perspective under the comments section. I found the original post of this "poem" entitled "Letting go takes Love" on the Internet (by 'author unknown') but have changed it to reflect my own thoughts, feelings and perspective.

A Mom's Thoughts on Letting Go

To let go does not mean to stop caring,
it is because you care that you let go.
To let go is not to cut ourselves off from our children,
but the realization that to grow they must be set free.
To let go is not to care for,
but to care about.
To let go is not to fix,
but to be supportive.
To let go is not to judge,
but to allow them to be an individual human being.
To let go is not to be in the middle arranging all the outcomes,
but to allow them to affect their destinies.
To let go is not to nag, scold or argue,
but instead to listen intently, allowing them to process life.
To let go is not to enable,
but to allow learning from personal choices and natural consequences.
To let go is not to be protective,
but to permit them to face the realities of life, while standing close by.
To let go is to admit powerlessness, which means
the outcome is not in my hands.
To let go is not to deny,
but to accept.
To let go is not to regret the past,
but to grow and live for the future.
To let go is to encourage one to spread their wings of self discovery
and for me to continue on my own path of the same.

I love you Evan and will always be here for you!

love, Mom