living dreams

CHA update.

We've been getting some emails and phonecalls about whether we are at CHA this year. We're not. It felt strange yesterday, knowing that it was Day 1 of the winter show, and I was here in BC and not in Anaheim, amidst the crowds. Or the supposed crowds, I guess.

We're not there for so many reasons. The first being, the loss of our entire computer systems which meant we lost a lot of our programs, files, etc etc etc etc etc - much more than I can even explain. We have some on backup, and the rest has been sent to the computer doctors who hopefully, through a miracle, fix everything back up. We spent all of December buying new computers, setting things back to where we could function and at least take/ship orders but of course that put us way behind. It was hoped that we could get back to a place where we could have stuff ready for the show, but it became obvious very quickly that we could not, so the decision of not to attend CHA was made.

For some reason our paper printing prices have gone up significantly as well. This made the decision not to attend CHA much easier - and so we are now looking for new printers.

The economy. What is there to say? We figured there would be less attendees at the show this year (and from all reports I've heard, the attendance is definitely down). What we spend vs what we would get in orders did not translate into good numbers - so that was another reason.

The roof. Right now there are roofers tearing up the roof and putting a new one in place. Thank you God, for a new roof. But did it have to cost that much? Oh well. Thank you, anyway.

Our business plan: there seems to be a gamut of companies and kit clubs who are offering clear stamps, so we have to figure out ways to keep FontWerks fresh, different, engaging. We are working on that now, and will have new options for retail/kit/enduser customers alike. Like custom printing and diecutting? We'll have that. Vinyl? Check. Custom stickers on a small scale? You betcha. Slowly but surely we will get all these systems in place and get it all out to you.

So, where are we now? We do have some new releases to get out, and I'm thinking we will have it out next week sometime to our retailers. We are going to take it slow and easy and ride out this downturn, with your help and support. We will do what we can. We will trust in God, we will keep on keepin' on and enjoying this industry and cheering on our friends within the industry. We will cry when we see big and small companies fail. We will be happy for those who prevail. We will work with those who are working hard to keep on working. (Gosh, I feel like I am giving an Obama-esque speech, lol).

We are still here, we have a few things planned up our sleeves. Just have to get back on track a little and we will be back out there with you with more great designs and products! Thanks for checking in with us and stay tuned.

My Everyday Yes.

2009 has already proven to be quite the rollercoaster ride for me, with ups and downs,emotions, swallowing of pride, forgiveness, the surprise of how things aren't as bad as you might think they are, the way family closes ranks to protect its own, the uplifting of prayer, and the hugs that say,"I'm here."

So, I'm a bit of a rag doll. December was a doozy for me with the computer systems failing, and I reached a point where I was too exhausted to even breathe. But through the days and into the New Year, I've been blessed more than I have in the last few years, as family has come and gathered around us and prayed and I'm feeling so, so blessed.

I'm glad I thought of Daily Yes before all this happened. Because I was bound and determined no matter how bad each day was, that I would find a Daily Yes to celebrate. I didn't actually have the time nor inclination (I was deathly ill, remember? :P) to create, but I looked for daily yes's as a way to count my blessings, even when it looked like the day was toast. It's like a fist pump, to celebrate the amazing and good in every day, a way to fight for strength and a boost for the soul.

Let me share them with you:

- Daily Yes: our family devotion time, just before bedtime. We're reading the Picture Bible aloud every night, and then there's question/answer time, and we try to show the kids some relevance to their lives. We're not trying to make it preachy and forced, and our hearts are always blessed when we read the 20 or so pages and deem it enough, and the kids both say,"no, read more!"

- Daily Yes: The kids' prayers. We're moving away from "Now I lay me's" to more personal and familiar conversations with God. Mostly Em, although Cam today said the cutest prayers for "poor people who sleep on the floor, help them get money from other people..." And their faith and trust in God just bolsters our faith, and reminds us how we should be more like children sometimes.

- Daily Yes: Getting things around here done. Lots to do.

- Daily Yes: Baking time. The kids and I have been baking and enjoying our treats. I'm taking photos of our baking sessions and will create a little book with the photos and recipes. Cam and I baked some peanut butter cookies a few days ago, and Em was our photographer. It was magic.

- Daily Yes: exercising. And feeling good about it.

- Daily Yes: seeing a house project coming to be, after a looooooong time of needing to get it done.

As 2009 goes on, I know we have quite a bit to go before I can completely breathe right again, and there's still so much work to be done, but I'm finding comfort in the fact that there will be a Daily Yes everyday - and that blessings are there to be found, everyday.

Way to start off 2009!

I've been fighting putting off this post as the first post of the year was not going to be a "I am deathly sick" post - but here I am, and while not on the edge of expiring, I FEEL it anyway. Fever, nasal and chest congestion, vertigo and headache = not getting much done.

Have been thinking on Daily Yes though, and when I am better I will share - but in the meantime I am back to bed - think healthy thoughts for me, will you?