Let's start simple. Everyone wants to matter. And they do. And in professional relationships... how we treat each other is how we show it. And sometimes... it's not the outcome that reveals whether someone mattered. Its how the ending was handled. Because everyone matters. Not just when it's convenient but especially when it's not. If everyone matters...then how we act also matters. I have been a professional for over 44 years. I have seen so much kindness ...and pain. Yes pa

Starting something new~ a hobby, a project, a venture~ brings a contrast of emotion...and thought. The thrill of a new path... and the apprehension of failure... colliding at once. I've known that tension all my life. New paths~ whether designing a patio, dyeing a new colorful skein of yarn, trying a new fiber arts hobby, starting a company, or renovating a home~ come with that same mix of inspiration...and apprehension. And this is where I say we separate the wheat from the

After starting the new school year we all were provided a school supplies list by the new first grade teacher. A box of tissue. Some pencils. Perhaps a bottle of glue. We always went off to the store to pickup our supplies on the list. My wise Mother always guiding us along, pen in hand, to check off the items as they were placed in our shopping cart. This is where my Mother's job shined. For she was a school teacher herself. And she made certain that every item on the list w

Back to my wise Mother who watched me pick out my first toy at the local store one day as I approached my 3rd birthday. We had gone on an outing and since my birthday was coming fast, she had told me I could select whichever toy I wanted with one requirement...I must be able to pick it up and carry it to the front register for payment. Seems like a simple choice and task for a three-year-old. And to a point it was. But alas I did not just select a coloring book, doll or even

Into the Weeds~ What a saying. Truth in words. And as you know the name of my blog. People ask...why this name? Well, because ending up in the Weeds was exactly how life has gone for me. A career unplanned, yet spanning 44 years plus... Into the Weeds. Because running a business will absolutely cause you to head into the ditch and end up there...more than you plan. Into the Weeds. Because life, in general, will send you there ~ no matter how many times you try to stay on the

You may be wondering, why 'A Gardener's Journal'. And what does this journal have to do with a lady who designs and is responsible for building outdoor living spaces as well as hand dyeing yarn. Let's talk... You see, I haven't had a personal garden space since my late teens. When I was a teenager I was the appointed family gardener. Responsible for our backyard garden where we grew summer vegetables and keeping our flower pots alive and florific throughout the summer. I knew

My wise Mother would tell you it all started somewhere between the Red Dump Truck and the Crayon box. The Red Dump Truck goes back to my 3rd birthday. The Crayon box by the time I turned six. That's when she could see that I was not the most typical young lass. I had a penchant for dirt and building as well as a knack...and need for color. I, however, would probably tell you about my management skills at the ripe old age of five. As the Kindergarten class was playing and my

I am often asked by clients, co-workers, employees and friends~ How did you start working in this business anyway? Sheepishly and curiously, they ask with reticence. Carefully, as if the mere question may offend. But it is of no offense. I understand. For you see, even in these modern times, it is quite an accomplishment, and I admit, an atypical career for a woman. I mean, how did this lady who started out studying biology and later architecture at university end up working