Is It Really January

January is notoriously slow for us in terms of sales, in the past it has also been slow in terms of production. NOT THIS YEAR! So far our online sales have out-paced last year by about 90% and it's just the middle of the month. We've also seen an increase of sales on ready to paint items from our store front.

Some of 2012's best sellers

Honestly, I really hadn't paid attention until I got ready to write this post. I've been focusing on building inventory and getting ready for craft shows and our busy season online. Last year I took January and a portion of February off to liquidate my mother-in-law's collections and get her house ready for sale. Years previous to that I took the time to catch up paperwork and get our information to the accountant for taxes.

Ornaments and new paperweights almost ready for over glaze

This year I'm a little more organized but I still have a long way to go. Reclaiming the basement is progressing, not as quickly as it had at the beginning of the month, but it's usable again. If I had to I could pack up the items that are still waiting for new homes and clear the bar for use. The office reorganization is taking a bit longer. I cleared the desk, sorted the items for home, shop and mother in law, pulled out the trash and now the baskets sit until I can get back in there and work one basket at a time.

Lessons Learned

This week's Friday Files is going to focus on what I learned in 2012.

Chalk Art Folded Card
by Recipe for Crazy

I've learned good friends are hard find. If you have one or two really good friends you are blessed. I'm blessed with three that I can't imagine not sharing my joys and frustrations with over a glass of wine and dessert or around the fire pit on a cool night. I married one of them, met another in the second grade and stole one from my brother. Two of them may be "absent" for short times but when get back together it's like no time has passed.

I've also learned not everyone who comes into your life is destined to remain. Things are often said in frustration, which creates obstacles that are too large to overcome. In times like this I am truly thankful for my husband, when I feel the need to withdraw from society and regroup he's right there along side me, supporting me and helping figure out what lesson is to be learned from those situations.

Ceramic Believe Keepsake Box
Found at GrapeVine Ceramics & Gifts

I've learned that I'm strong. Self preservation and will to succeed are necessary. I've been called stubborn and strong-willed this past year. I may not have accomplished everything I wanted in 2012 but I gave it my all, no matter what.

Heading into 2013 - My family and friends are going to be priority. Simple times like a smile over a cup of coffee will not be rushed. I won't look at relationships that end badly just on lessons learned from them. Projects and goals are going to be split into small manageable steps, it may not always look like I'm accomplishing something but in the end they will get done, and if not - there's always 2014.

Inspirational Resolutions Necklace
by Bookish Charm