gathering spriggs

Busy as a...

Have you been seduced by busyness? 

 

My back screened-in porch and flagstone patio are beginning to come alive with the signs of Spring. Hosta plants unfurling, frogs leaping, birds nesting and a fair amount of bumble bees buzzing. I've noticed that the bees tend to get trapped inside the screened in area (we leave the doors open for our dog to go in and out) and end up never making it back outside. Many meeting fate with no escape. Last night I discovered a constant buzzing sound and looked up to find one such bee still beating its wings wildly as it moved up and down the screen searching for an escape route. My heart ached to see such a sight. Knowing what was in store for this little guy. So I grabbed a plastic cup and tried to gently escort it into the cup and away from the window. He however did not see my vision and ended up one very angry bee. Buzzing, flapping wildly and not letting go of the screen. For fear of being stung when I tried to scoop him up into the cup, I had to walk away. 

I stood inside watching him return to the busyness of trying to find a way out. 

Maybe the bee would not find his escape from a life of unfruitful wing flapping... but I knew I had been given a second chance. 

You see, as I finished up my taxes yesterday with the humbling realization of my slowest year to date, I wondered what I was doing with all my free time last year. I know I was busy and stressed ... a lot of wing flapping apparently. 

Then I read Tara Gentile's E-Book and realized I was seduced. Here are some of her thoughts from "Making Motion"

"Busyness isn’t just a jealous lover. She’s also a habit. You

get in the habit of having too much to do. You get attached to

feeling overwhelmed. You learn to depend on being unfocused.

You know it doesn’t feel good but you just can’t stop.

Part of the problem with being busy is that you often don’t realize

your own busyness until you stop at the end of the day, drained.

It requires an awakening of mindfulness to even realize how

deeply you’ve been seduced."

 

The good news is that I know I have been given a second chance. The hands of Love have guided me gently away from the screened in trap and into the glorious freedom of being truly alive. Truly connected to my own heart, my desires, my passions, and the ability to believe in my best ideas. So I can get out there and start pollinating. 

Just as Martha Stewart tweeted this week:

"My best advice? Be passionate,work hard, believe in your good ideas"

Lets start flying toward freedom together, shall we?

images: bee necklace- creations by juliann, poster: evencleveland

Story Telling

Friends, How are you today? This week? 

This morning I awoke early with a little time to ponder... 

and have been thinking about the beloved people in my life who are uplifting me right now in a time of uncertainty.  friends who have been a part of my story for many years. friends whose lives are closely  woven together with mine through the stories we share (past and present) .

this in turn led me to think about you... and your stories. I would love to know more about you. what things have brought you to where you are today.

Just to break the ice, I will start ... with a movie clip of my story. (because who can truly share their story in a tiny box meant for about 100 characters? but its a start) 

Hi, my name is Heather Lee Spriggs Thompson ... 

the daughter of two creative, spontaneous parents looking for a place to call home in central Texas. At the age of 8 we moved from city life to a small country town with Main street and plenty of antique shops. After a nearly two year battle my father passed away from a brain tumor. A moment that forever shaped me. My mother bravely raised my sister and me in this small town with the support of family and friends. She remarried, my youngest sister was born, and I went off to college to find myself. After two years studying art, I moved from West Texas to Nashville, TN (with my family). Unfortunately home life was unstable and unhealthy so my sister and I moved out and started new lives on our own. We spent two Summers in Romania, moved in with two other sisters and lived in a beautiful turn of the century home on a lake in Nashville. (Dubbed The Betty Crocker house.. it was a safe haven for our souls). Then I met my husband and all of that changed. We married in 2003 and stayed in Nashville after my friends and sister moved away. I began my decorative painting business, finished my BFA at a local art school, and then by 2008 was searching for a new creative business to pursue. Thus began Gathering Spriggs. Still a work in process I am getting closer to my dreams everyday. 

In fact, I have a "brand storming" session tonight via Skype with the fabulous Bernadette Jiwa of The Story of Telling. We met last week during a conference call hosted by Tara Gentile of Scoutie Girl. Part of the deal was that if you were on the call you were entered into a drawing to receive one free brand storming session with Bernadette. Yep!! I was one of the winners!! Oh the benefits of not only a fabulous community but of signing up and receiving newsletters. 

So in preparation for our phone call I filled out an in depth questionnaire to help her know more about me and help me better brand my business. 

Whew!! I've been talking alot today. So needless to say, Story Telling is on my mind today. It feels essential to communicating who we are and who we long to be. 

So now I hope you will take a turn to share your story. ( and I hope it will be the start of many more). 

What is your story today? 

image: quote book tumblr and prettyfnmess

What Does Your Blog Say About You?

Good Morning glories! I'm having a bit of a late start today but I"ve been thinking about the state of affairs here at Gathering Spriggs. With the anticipation of a new site on its way, I feel as though I have never been more ready for a change. A new look, a new outlook. 

Maybe it is also this time of year with seasons changing, Spring dawning slowly. My world seemingly caught between two places. Waiting. Waiting for a diagnosis. Waiting for and seeing change come at its own leisurely pace. 

Over the past few months, I have debated over how much to reveal here on GS about my personal life or my private thoughts. Some blogs are used as an open journal, or a place to collect images of inspiring design, or even to share new creations, ideas or creative processes. And it is here I feel in between as well. I have been struggling with focus my whole life. Trying to write a business plan for a couple of years now with every intention of being goal oriented this year. Until I began having some health problems that kinda threw a wrench in those plans and have caused me to come to terms with my limitations. 

And so.. I hang here with you in the balance. Sharing a little of myself and a little of that which inspires me. And I am so very grateful that you stop by and offer a bit about yourself too, in this little corner of the world called Gathering Spriggs. From the beginning I longed for this blog to be a place to gather friends, hearts, and inspirations. Thanks for being a part of my journey. I am daily blessed by YOU!!

And so I ask you the same thing I have been asking myself... What does your Blog say about you??

images: teacup: sanne van winden, we are in this together: lorena siminovich

The New Face of Blogging

Friends, I am noticing a change this year. No, not "the change" but changes in what seems to be a new era of blogging. Have you sensed it? Ever since this article from Poppytalk earlier this season, I (and I imagine others) have been pondering what our online presence means now 5 years after the big design boom online. How do we navigate blogging, selling our wares or social networking in what seems to be a completely saturated market. Where do we find ourselves in this ocean of familiarity? 

Recently, I have taken a more honest and forthcoming approach to blogging. Instead of just submitting pretty pictures, I try to put myself, my personality, and dare I say my vulnerability into my posts. And it seems other bloggers are beginning to ask hard questions on their sites as well. This post by my friend Christina of Down and Out Chic got my wheels turning this week with her honest struggle of feeling lost in a popularity contest. And then there was the Alt Summit last weekend. Have you been reading all the post-summit posts this week? Here are a few: 

Oh, Hello Friend 

Design for Mankind and Part 2

Design Sponge Biz Ladies : Online Etiquette and Ethics

One theme that resonates with me on nearly all these posts is authenticity. Presenting yourself, your ideas and your continued creative inspiration  seems to be the key to keeping afloat in this ocean of blogging. No one else has your unique voice. So keep those wheels turning and sing your song with courage! This ocean needs you. 

On that note... what are your thoughts on this new direction. How do you navigate on these high seas of change? 

image: one of my design heriones at All The Luck in The World and she has a lovely shop too! 

The Meaning of Success

Friends, thanks so much for being with me here everyday to listen and share with me. It is a solace to me. Since the New Year I have been researching new business ideas, marketing, and PR. But then  my health took a turn and I have to put some of my grandiose ideas on the back burner for now. I ask myself a lot, nearly everyday what does "Success" mean. Does it mean money in your pocket? Does it mean more numbers on your blog stats? Does it mean more sales on Etsy? Does it mean reaching your target weight? Or is there something more... something deeper. Daily victories?

What does success mean to you?

Survey Says?

Friends, I have a question for you... Or a favor to ask. After reading this post on sfgirlbybay, I was inspired to host my own impromptu survey to see what things you like about Gathering Spriggs, what things you wish you could read more of, and what things could stand some improvement.  You won't hurt my feelers here. As I put on the final tweaks on the new website and blog page I am thinking about a few items to include and some to remove. 

What are your thoughts on :

- more frequent posts? (do you like more than one post per day?)

- more info on creative business strategies or blogging tips?

- offering freebies or special invites to GS readers?

- do you like posts on color or design?

- how bout features of etsy artists /sellers?

- include more of my own artwork or home image (or have we been there done that enough?)

 

I would love to know what you are wishing for in blogland this year?? 

Thanks for your constant support, and I look forward to hearing more from you! 

Make it or Break It: A New Approach to Budgeting

Friends, today I have a special treat for you from a good friend of mine: Brigitte of Covet Chicago who writes on living a creative, intentional life. She began a 6 week series last Fall called Warm Soft Money that is changing the way I think about money, budgeting and spending based on my core values. Brigitte offers up a "unique process for managing your personal finances that will help you save for your big goals and eliminate guilt in spending."

Here are some questions I asked Brigitte to find out how she personally felt about this captivating series:

1. As a writer and blogger on intentional living what ignited the initial idea for starting such a series?

 

The idea for Warm Soft Money rattled about my brain for nearly a year before I settled on the format for the series. My husband and I typically undertake the process in February, which is when he finds out if he’ll receive a raise for the year. Last February, I was still focused on interior design, so I wasn’t sure how to make the topic fit. When I re-imagined the blog this Fall, I spent a lot of time examining my life and what experiences have shaped my transformation from pessimist to optimist. Values-based budgeting was one of those things.

 

After a few false starts, I sat down and outlined the steps to the process. I’ve read a few personal finance blogs, so I knew it was unique. And I stand behind the central concept – a values-based approach to budgeting creates balance in your life.

 

2. You began the Warm Soft Money series by talking about values and assigning amounts to these core values/goals. How has this method proved affective in your own life?

 

I try to keep my core values central in everything I do. If you tease them out until you get at the very foundation of what you live for, it brings incredible clarity and comfort…a touchpoint if you will.

 

When our actions contradict our values, we create friction. And, especially in the U.S., nothing reflects what we value more than how we spend our most limited resources: our money and our time. Most values-based models focus exclusively on time, which, frankly, is a cop-out.

 

Ok, end rant! Warm Soft Money has helped me remove gushing cuts in my budget, places where I was spending money that didn’t bring any return of joy, and re-allocate my cash to support my priorities.

 

3. With a New Year upon us and many of us stirring with creative energy, how would you say Warm Soft Money works differently for creative (artistic right-brained) types than other budgeting strategies? What would you say are the advantages of a Warm Soft approach?

 

Gosh, what a question! Artists and creative types tend to have a very complicated relationship with money. But cash isn’t the enemy – mindless consumption is.

 

The Warm Soft Money approach to budgeting is different than your average bear, because it’s all about nourishment. I call shenanigans on the notion that “money can’t buy happiness.” Sure, money on its own, piling up in your bank account or in a tin can will never bring you joy. But, it’s a resource. One you can use mindfully to support your goals.

 

4. What was your favorite part of the series as a whole? What did you learn from presenting it in this way on your blog?

The reader participation, absolutely. When people started sharing their personal mission statements, I was totally blown away. I ended up writing additional posts to highlight readers…what they learned, their fears, their values. Reading through it again now gives me the warm fuzzies.

 

But, I also learned from the feedback that came in. To me, the initial portion of the process is the most difficult – sussing out your values. But I found that readers responded to that part more enthusiastically and shied away once we started talking numbers.  I’m currently looking at the last two steps to see how I might enhance them in some way to ease that tension, which I’ll offer in a free PDF.

 

5. After a well planned and carefully orchestrated 6 week series, where do you find yourself now with Warm Soft Money? 

 

Aww…thank you! I’m stepping back from it, so that I can look at it with fresh eyes and see how I can make the final PDF even better.

 

6. Can we expect any more from you on this subject?

Absolutely! I have a list of related topics that didn’t quite fit, so I’d love to continue writing about using your cash to nourish your values. I think it’s an important message, especially here in the U.S., where we’re constantly bombarded with messages that tell us to consume, consume, consume. Sure, buy away…but there’s power in aligning your budget with your core values.

(For more insight you can read this article Brigitte wrote this week for When I Grow Up Coach)

 

 image: via sfgirlbybay

Holding on: Holding Back

Greetings dear friends! How was your weekend of festivities? Back to work already or still recovering? I am still traveling today on a whirlwind trip. And there is much to share with you this week but for now I wanted to create a conversation with some thoughts I've had on these long stretches of open Texas highway. 

After a road trip inspired conversation I began thinking about what I've been holding onto that has been holding me back this year. You know, those little things that seem to go unnoticed in the daily bustle of busyness? For example, I think I tend to hold onto the small lies that sneak in and tell me that I am unworthy or unacceptable. Without realizing it I am subtly buying into them and thinking that I don't have what it takes or that I am not enough for the people in my life. 

So realization is the first step to recovery right? So I am acknowledging here in front of you and making a pact to be alert in 2011 and watch for the little things that I hold onto that can hold me back. 

How about you? Do you struggle with this ? Are you holding onto things in your life that might hold you back in the coming year? 

image: holli

Make It or Break It- A Pretty Success Story

Hello friends! I know its Wednesday and I usually post my "Make It or Break It" series on Thursday but I am ahead of myself this week. Ever since receiving the questions back from this interview I have been giddy with anticipation to share the secret wisdom from one of my personal creative business heroines. So go refill your cup of tea (or coffee) and sit down with me to hear from Tamar Schechner of Nest Pretty Things!

1.I know you are a creative entrepreneur. How did you start your Etsy business?

Tamar: When we moved to the country side I knew I would have to seek alternative work, I thought I would start an Interior design business, which I did, only Vermont is so tiny I couldn't really make a living out of it so I started crafting, I could knit a little so I pursued that, learning as I went along, I opened my first Etsy shop in 2006 and sold hats, then I taught myself how to sew and started making totes and pouches. That was very time consuming because I am a crazy perfectionist...then I started designing jewelry and that really took off and I absolutely love it! This year I opened another shop with Jewelry for kids,you can see how my work evolved if you go back to my first sales..

2. What would you say has been the secret to your success?

I am not sure what the secret is, it took a few years to build the business and I just never gave up. I've worked for magazines my entire career as a photo stylist and creative director so I have a lot of photography experience in my background, but I had no knowledge of sales and marketing so I read a lot about it and tried lots of different things until I begun to actually feel I know what I'm doing. I am very driven and I've never been as creative as I am now (I am 52 by the way, so it's never to late to start something new!)

3. What are your some of your joys and challenges of having an online business?

For me it's mostly joy, I love working from home and being my own boss and I love being able to sell all over the world! 

4. What advice would you offer creative business novices?

be very clear about what your are selling,

try to be original,

take great photographs, If you don't know how Etsy guides has some wonderful advise 
www.etsy.com/storque/seller-handbook/etsys-guide-to-photography-10979/

Promote your business when ever and where ever you can, personally I love to blog, I also post photos on Flickr, and Pinterest.

Stick to it and don't give up!! it takes time!

 

Thanks Tamar for taking time out of your VERY busy schedule to chat with us here! And if you haven't checked out her lovely shops on Etsy please stop by (there is still time for ordering last minute gifts).

Nest Pretty Things: Women's Jewelry Shop

Nest Pretty Things Kids: Children's Jewelry Shop

Nest Pretty Things Blog : For all things beautiful and inspiring 

The Gift of Failure

Last Friday night while sitting at a Mediterranean restaurant listening to my husband play Latin Jazz, I picked up a local magazine for women and paged quickly through what seemed to be "another Holiday gift guide" when I came across this insightful article by Margie Maddux Newman. In it, Newman suggests what my counselor advised me years ago, our mistakes can help guide us.

She quotes San Francisco Chronicle columnist Jon Carroll as saying “Failure is how we learn. I have been told of an African phrase describing a good cook as ‘she who has broken many pots.’ If you’ve spent enough time in the kitchen to have broken a lot of pots, probably you know a fair amount about cooking. I once had a late dinner with a group of chefs, and they spent time comparing knife wounds and burn scars. They knew how much credibility their failures gave them.” 

Not only do our mistakes give us credibility but Newman implies that they have power (when we own them.) Our failures are our own. They go with us as reminders of where we've been and where we could be. However, it is how we view them that can make or break us.  

Don't even get me started on my kitchen fiascos. From trying to microwave a whole egg in a glass measuring cup and soon learning a new lesson in physics as exploding egg pieces decorated my kitchen crevices, to broiling a pan with parchment paper a bit to close to the element, I am quickly gaining a fair share of battle scars. 

Then there was the year (not too long ago) I received let's say roughly five speeding tickets. Several fines, a couple of driver's educational courses and nearly having my license revoked has me driving much safer and wiser. 

But what about the failings that aren't fodder for a comedy routine? Like a business plan gone wrong? Money invested poorly or living beyond our means? (All of which I have had to live and learn) After the initial stages of grief, I came to a place of acceptance. A place of looking back and looking forward at once. Remembering and revising. Giving myself the grace to know my mistakes and use them for good. So how about you?

Are your mishaps friend or foe?  How can you give yourself the gift of grace in the sight of failure especially now?

And as Newman reminds us :

  " The man who makes no mistakes does not usually make anything." William Connor Magee 

image: Kris Chau