Silver Bella = Help a Fella

 

Thank you all SO MUCH for your sincere comments on my last post... a read them a few times this week when I really needed some encouragement.

I know it seems to be all I've been talking about lately, but I also want to let you all know how important this trip to Omaha is for me.

In the last few months, I have definitely had my share of setbacks and discouragements. A few times I have wanted to just call it quits with everything, I mean everything. I wanted to close my shop and abandon my blog at one point. Not because of the hard work and sacrifice it has been to even MAKE this trip to SILVER BELLA, but because of all the other things happening in the mean time.

I have never really shared a lot of really personal things here on my blog, mostly because I like to keep things light and for the most part "neutral" and focus more the good things that we can all enjoy.

That is not to say that negative things don't happen to me, because if you only knew... I've had my share negative as well. If you know me personally, outside of the computer screen, you have probably been a sounding board to some of my trials.

Having this blog has always been a source of healing for me, I've shared that from the very beginning. However, in this same world of sugary "sweetness" there is also an occasional taste of "sour".

I am learning that one or two (or even 500!) bad experiences in life don't have to ruin my entire life experience. We all struggle. We all hurt. We are all faced with adverse circumstances or encounter cruelty at some point in out lives.

The good part is that I believe we are all empowered with the unique ability to forgive, to heal and to resume. We are even able to resume life even if we don't forgive or heal, but we may not experience our lives in a truly gratifying way.

SORRY~~~ I got off on a tangent, didn't I...??!

Okay, just one more thing, then back to what I was saying...

I have been working on me for quite a while now. I don't think that will ever end. *wink* But in some of the difficulties that I've encountered here in blog-land, I am seeing that it is *totally the right thing* to exercise boundaries and to trust your intuition.

Be honest and sincere, give credit where it is due, offer help to those who ask, apologize if you've hurt someone, treat others the way you wish to be treated.

The same rules apply in real life. Just because you are reading your computer screen, doesn't mean there isn't a real person behind each word. I AM REAL! I have feelings and what others say and do really does affect me! Just ask my husband! ha ha

I think that sometimes people think that they can use the Internet as a means of living an alter reality where they can do and say anything without feeling any of the consequences, like they would in "real life".

I apologize if this is a bit "heavier" than my usual posts, but I just can't seem to let this go... it needs to be said. So, thanks for listening! :0)

~~~

What was I telling you? Oh ya, what does going to Silver Bella mean to me,,, that's right...

I am not rich, never have been. We are a pretty average family. So, for me to go to Silver Bella has really been a huge sacrifice for my little family. I've worked my butt off to be able to go and I won't take ANY SECOND of my trip for granted~ I PROMISE!

I know there are many of you reading this who would LOVE to come with, so I will do my best to take a TON of photos and give you the entire run down of events! :0)

~~~

Lastly, I am finally ready TO SHIP MY PACKAGES TO OMAHA!

 

These are my HUGE boxes, leaving this afternoon full of goodies!

 

Can't wait!

I have a few more peeks of the things I've been tirelessly working to bring to the Bella Market Faire... so I'll leave you with those photos...

big hugs,

Analise

 

 

   

 

 

 

:0)

Comments

[Amy Powers]

Analise, I loved meeting you and your mom! I'm so glad that you found a way to make it to Silver Bella. Don't you feel like your creativity tank is positively overflowing?

I hope that things are looking up. And I hope the trip was worth all the hard work getting there. I think you are amazing.

As for the things that get you down and the not-so-positive parts of blogging, I'll tell you what I am learning. You are building this sweet little enterprise that touches many people, encourages them, and gives to them. Keep marching forward and try not to even glance backwards. It will alter your focus and poison your sweetness. I know because I struggle with this too.

p.s. Tell your mother that my prom scepter was a huge hit in the airport for the trip back!

[princess lasertron]

seeing your booth at silver bella was fantastic. :) you're truly inspiring. xo

[Bristol]

Analise- I enjoyed reading your post~ I love all your work it is pretty and the colors are beautiful. Your blog is a favorite of mine. I am so bad about leaving comments and kind of intimidated at times, so silly. I wanted to go to Silver Bella so but my work schedule just does not permit. I hope that you had a wonderful time and your spot was much success! The table from your previous post, perfect~
Bristol

[Teah]

Analise, Thank you so much for your blog and sharing your awesome talent and inspiration with us. Bless you for ignoring the neysayers on-line and just blessing us with all of your delicious eye candy. Please don't stop, there are lots of us that look to your blog for our smiles in the day. I hope you have a wonderful and prosperous trip and that you Enjoy every second!

[Teah]

Analise, Thank yu so much for your blog and sharing your awesome talent and inspiration with us. Bless you for ignoring the neysayers on-line and just blessing us with all of your delicious eye candy. Please don't stop, there are lots of us that look to your blog for our smiles in the day. I hope you have a wonderful and prosperous trip and that your Enjoy every second!

[Sara's Sweet Surprise]

Analise~I agree, this road can have it's twists, turns, and lumpy bumps. That's why we need to rally together and draw humor in. I know without a doubt you'll come back from Silver Bella renewed. You will have been surrounded by the best antidote. The fun, laughter, love, by dear friends old and new. It will be the best joy ride on this road yet. We'll be waiting for your return and excited to see your ETSY boutique open again.

Sweet Wishes,
Sara

[Sara's Sweet Surprise]

Analise~I agree, this road can have it's twists, turns, and lumpy bumps. That's why we need to need to rally together and draw humor in. I know without a doubt you'll come back from Silver Bella renewed. You will have been surrounded by the best antidote. The fun, laughter, love, by dear friends old and new. It will be the best joy ride on this road yet. We'll be waiting for your return and excited to see your ETSY boutique open again.

Sweet Wishes,
Sara

[Sarah]

hey hun!
Life is a hassle sometimes I know lately I have been blogging nothing about all the hard times Ive been through. Its hard to come on here and not want to blog about things going on in your life that arent all happy go lucky! I totally feel you on how you feel and how people need to be careful with what they say! Blogging is part of your life and you think of people who come to your blog everyday and get to know you are just part of your friends even if they are miles away! But dont let those people who write mean or hurtfull things get to you! THERE ARE PLENTY OF US WHO are here for you and love your stuff and what you bring to the blogging world! So go have fun at silver bella and bring me with ya in your heart I so wish I could of gone! You deserve to have a awesome crafting time so HAVE FUN and be with people who love you and are there for you!! BIG BIG BIG hugs

toodles-
sarah

p.s. you think you could emial me i have a question about your jewelry boxes!?!

[Jenny]

I know you like glitter houses so check out my blog!! I just got some goodies!!

[Ele at A Bit of Pink Heaven]

I KNOW what you are talking about. Good wishes for a wonderful Silver Bella (wish I could e there).

[Betty @ She's Sew Pretty]

Analise,You're so right that life isn't all "sugar sugar". Sometimes there's quite a bit of the sour stuff too! I hope you have a wonderful time in Omaha. I'd love to be going! You have a wonderful time! I should have convinced my hubby that I needed to go with you!! Big hugs to you!!

[karla nathan]

that is a sweet feast for the eyes! you'll do great and be so glad you went. It is a fun experiance, I loved it last year and can't wait for Thursday to get here! See you soon.

[Amy of Bunny Rose Cottage]

ANALISE!!!! I wish I could give you a big ole' hug right now!! You said EXACTLY what I feel inside, lol! I try to keep my blog really light and fun and sugary too! I often worry that people think I am spoiled or something. But I too struggle a LOT and go through a LOT of things inside. I just choose to not post them here because I too use my blog as an out. A source of happiness! I feel the same way as you and you say it all so beautifully! Bless you and thank you :) I would LOVE to be going to Silver Bella. I am so happy for you that you are going and I know that you will have a fabulous time! I cant wait to hear all about it and see all your pics!

Hugs,
Amy

[Barbara @ Southern Lady's Vintage]

Keep your chin up and just keep on doing what you do best! Have a wonderful time at Silver Bella!!! Can't wait to see all of your photos and hear alllllllllll about it!!

[Sheila R]

I found your blog just recently and have enjoyed your little space in blogland. I too am able to go to Silver Bella this year and a lot of sacrifices have been made, but I know it will be so worth it! I can't wait to meet you!

[ArtsyMama]

That last picture just takes my breath away. GORGEOUS!!! Take lots of pictures. I will miss all the bellas. I'll be livin' it up in NYC with my hubby. Can't wait to hear all about it!!!!
Kari

[Kim Caldwell]

What wonderful posts - just catching up on Blogs since I have been in a similar boat these last few weeks. All of your thoughts resonate with me completely. It can be so confusing that something so wonderful as our little Blogworld can be so emotionally damaging at the same time. Been in your place so many times over the last year. So glad you shared -- we all need to stick together. Don't give up and keep leaning on your friends. I am looking forward to meeting you next week -- your table looks awesome! I am thinking of you.

Hugs, Kim

[Pinkie Denise]

Oh, you just enjoy your well deserved trip. You are going to have so much fun and will make it all worth the trials of life getting there...I know and understand how things can try and get us down. As long as we keeping getting up and move forward we won't need to look back. I hope next year I well be able to join everyone at Silver Bella too. Your table is going to look absolutely BEAUTIFUL! Blessings Pinkie

[Stef]

Hey Analise! I love the pictures of your X-mas ornaments, I think I'm going to have the girls make a bunch this year. Homemade decorations are always better!

Miranda told me that you looked really cute at the Halloween party! Princess Leia! Totally the right costume for you!!!

Love,
Stef

[elizabeth]

Keep your chin up! You did it!
I can't imagine not being able to check your blog on A regular basis. It gives me so much enjoyment.
Have amazing fun at Silver Bella! I can't wait to see your photographs.
Blessings,
Elizabeth (BluebirdsandBubbles)

[Sarah]

Doing the happy dance! What lovely peeks you have shared with us. I can't wait to see everything in person! I think all of us from time to time feel discouraged and lonely and unhappy, but in the end we have our wonderful families to fall back on. And mommas can't do wrong in our babies eyes! Hugs, Sarah

[Natasha Burns]

Hello dear girl,
Thank you for not giving up and being the strong beautiful girl you are. I'm so grateful you're living and learning and growing through even the trials as well as the good stuff. We'll make sure every minute is "good stuff" next week, I can't wait to meet you and shop with you. Thanks for being you and being the wonderful kind and caring person you are xooxox

[Zita]

Oooh, I love your beautiful stuff, especially the vintage jewellery box filled with those amazing goodies. I wish I could be there at Silver Bella...maybe someday. Just don't stop blogging - there are people like me that depend on people like you for daily eye candy and inspiration to get through the day!

[Zita]

Oooh, I love your beautiful stuff, especially the vintage jewellery box filled with those amzaing goodies. I wish I could be there at Silver Bella...maybe someday. Just don't stop blogging - there are people like me that depend on people like you for daily eye candy and inspiration to get through the day!

[Lisa Parish]

Hi Analise, chin up. You are such a sweet and thoughtful person and I just love your blog. I try and catch up every day. I do appreciate all the time you must put into everything. I know how hectic life is with a family and home to run, not to mention trying to make a living. Here you are still managing to send out your thoughts and dreams into blogland. Take care of yourself and know that my love (and the love of so many others) is with you.
Hugs Lisa XX

[Teresa Raines]

I have been blurking your blog for a while now, and have enjoyed every minute. Thank you for your post today, and you DO have lovely things. Wish I was going to Omaha (never thought I'd say that).
Teresa in California

[Anita]

Sweet Analise,
What a true and wonderful post today..... Been a horrible 2 weeks for me and I have wanted to give up as well. So much "stuff" going on in my life and I am just tired of it all and want to run away...(can you pretty please pack me in your suitcase, just to get away??) Keep your spirits up and you have the silver lining to go to the Silver Bella event!!! I am sure you will sell out....your table is most scrumptious!!!
xxoo,
Anita

[LauriesCharmingDesigns]

Oh it was so good for me to see what you wrote. I actually felt like calling it quits last week...sometimes I wonder if anyone really cares. But I enjoy all my blogging friends! Your blog is so beautiful. Have a wonderful time!! Laurie

[Andrea S.]

Analise,
I feel for you, girl. I've been there. And it's very hard to open up like you did here, and I applaud you, my friend! Stay true ot yourself and what your heart is telling you, and it will never steer you wrong.
Can't WAIT to meet you in 6 days!!!!
xoxoxox andrea

[Heather ~ Pretty Petals]

Analise... I love that you opened up here on your blog. You are such a KIND... WARM... CARING... truly wonderful girl! Don't let any bad junk get in the way of you spreading your wings and doing what you love.

Your vendor table is going to be so so gorgeous! All of the hard work you have put into it really SHOWS!

I am so looking forward to meeting you and giving you a hug in person! xoxoxo Heather

[jennifer]

Very well said Analise....I so wish I was going...hopefully next year! Hope you have a wonderful time (which I am sure you will) because you deserve it! XO

[Diane]

Analise, Thanks for sharing even when you are feeling a little low, I know how tough life can be. This year sure has had some hard struggles, our work "Real Estate" has just about dried up and that along with this crazy economy , well let's just say things are tuff for a whole lot of people. I do wish I could be there with all you girls at Silver Bella everything you have made is beautiful. Great Style and I know you are going to sell out!
Hugs & Kisses,
Diane

[Cristina]

Hi Analise-I SO look forward to meeting you at SB and shopping!!! By the way...you are WAY ahead of me in preparations. Thanks for sharing your life in all of its honesty. This year for me has been extremely tough for a multitude of reasons. I'm just thankful every day that one foot goes in front of the other. :) Big blog hug for now and another when we meet in person!
xoxo
Cristina Sequino

[Cindy (Junque Art)]

Big Hugs to you!!! I'm glad you did not give up. You are going to have an amazing time at Silver Bella and it will be well worth it. Wish I could be there to scoop some of those goodies up off of your vendor table!

[katie moreland]

hope you have a great time! I love your stuff & know you will do well! Stop by my blog to win my purse combo giveaway!! >:)

[LiLi M.]

Hello Annalise,
I wish you have a great time over there in Omaha! I hope you get distracted from your daily worries and that you will look back saying o this was so worthwhile. Have fun! Enjoy! hugs LiLi

[Brandy]

I so know what you mean. I really really hope you sell out at silver bella and have the best time ever!

[Kris]

Oh Analise, I hope your trip is fabo and you have accomplished so much. I have to thank you as I found your shop first on Etsy and it really brought me to collage with your little mixes, etc. I love all your work, colors, and ideas. I give you a hug for letting me come out of my creative shell. I too have had many ugly unhappy struggles the past few years personally and professionally. Your sweet items have put me on a new tract. I still have to work my day job but I so look forward to a time when I can work for myself. I hope we get to meet one day. I only learned about Silver Bella from all you sweet bloggers. Next year if they have it, I really plan to go. Have fun!
Kris

[Jenny]

Wow! I really hope things work out for you and everything comes together!Have so much fun at Silver Bella!

[Cheryl Dack]

Great post, Sweets! :) I just slapped the labels on my last box and it's funny...my pile of boxes looks almost identical in size to yours. Phew...feels good to have that boxed up and will feel even better to drive away from FedEx without them!!!!

I agree with you HEARTILY about blogging and life and the ways they intersect. It's a fine balance, as we've talked about, between being light and fluffy and entertaining but also staying AUTHENTIC. Sometimes that means just being authentic and not presenting anything in our lives as different than it is. Other times (like today!) it means telling it like it is. I swear the best posts and the most memorable ones are those where bloggers open up like you did. I love them and I know others do, as well. Helps us all feel "understood," which is a HUGE part of why so many of us blog in the first place, don't you think? One of these sincere, "tell it like it is" posts overshadows a dozen people who are acting rotten! These posts are where our souls really touch one another, I think, and that's really what it's all about!

Anyway...applauding your honesty, Miss LeesieBella. Love ya!

[Cheryl Dack]

Great post, Sweets! :) I just slapped the labels on my last box and it's funny...my pile of boxes looks almost identical in size to yours. Phew...feels good to have that boxed up and will feel even better to drive away from FedEx without them!!!!

I agree with you HEARTILY about blogging and life and the ways they intersect. It's a fine balance, as we've talked about, between being light and fluffy and entertaining but also staying AUTHENTIC. Sometimes that means just being authentic and not presenting anything in our lives as different than it is. Other times (like today!) it means telling it like it is. I swear the best posts and the most memorable ones are those where bloggers open up like you did. I love them and I know others do, as well. Helps us all feel "understood," which is a HUGE part of why so many of us blog in the first place, don't you think? One of these sincere, "tell it like it is" posts overshadows a dozen people who are acting rotten! These posts are where our souls really touch one another, I think, and that's really what it's all about!

Anyway...applauding your honesty, Miss LeesieBella. Love ya!

[Jennifer Hayslip]

Miss Analise,
Thank you sweetie for opening up to us all and for just being YOU! You are such an AMAZING sweet and kind friend and Im so sorry to hear that you've had alot of personal dealings in your life right now. Im SO grateful that you have NOT thrown in the towel!!! Life as you well know throws us all a curve ball once in awhile. You & your *Sugar*Sugar shoppe bring me the biggest smile! I know you have worked so incredibly hard for Silver Bella and I cannot wait to see ALL of your hard efforts pay off!!!!!! We will have a weekend full of bonding, crafting, singing (yes!) and tons of giggles!!!! :) Hugs to you sweet friend! XOXO,Jenn

[Wanda]

Have they gone out??? I hope so. It's so funny...today was my deadline day to get my things shipped to Omaha as well. :) Don't worry...all your hard work will pay off for you. You have no idea how many ladies have been waiting to meet you....and your goods. :) This is going to be a great experience for all of us. Now that the vendor night things are in the mail...relax a little, have fun getting your supplies ready and remember just breathe when it seems overwhelming. :) Take care and it's less than a week away....there are Bellas all over the country just screaming happily right now.

[Holly]

Oh, Analise, God bless you! I so appreciate your heart here. Whether you want to keep things light or bear your soul, I accept you for who you are and for what you want this blog to be!

When I saw a new post for today, my heart gave a little leap! Every pic you posted made me hold my breath! Sooooo, sooo pretty, girl!!!! The first pic especially blessed me! I'm not even sure what they are- ha-ha- but I LIKE! Thanks for all you do to enrich my life.

You just go to Silver Bella and you let any ole bad water just roll off your back real fast!!! :>

~ Hearts ~

[Melony at Whimsy Daisy!]

What a heartfelt post, and your transparency to share your feelings is touching. I hope you have a wonderful trip with lots of laughs, hugs, and new experiences. Enjoy every moment and be proud of what you've accomplished. It is amazing.