Good-Bye 2017

What a year 2017 has been.  Some years zoom by with relative sameness as past years.  For us 2017 was not like past years!

We started off the year with big plans for Pear Creek Cottage to attend the Business Boutique one day event in Sacramento, California.  This was Pear Creek Cottage's first "Live Event".  Taking ones on-line business to a "Live Event" is revealing, to say the least.  Learning to display items; engage in conversations that are in real time and not "virtual", and using different financial services for handling transaction were all part of our learning curve.  But, we LOVED it!  Meeting other women who are either in business, or dreaming of starting a business was such and encouragement and inspiration to us.  It was a big booster shot.

After returning home from this event, Terri and I were hustling.  We were super busy through-out the Spring and Summer.  Not only with filling orders and running the business, but we also were planning and creating for the Super Business Boutique Event in Nashville.  The plan was formulated, and to be executed by Jan and her husband Jerry. 

Yet another curve ball came our way in July of 2017 when we were notified of Jerry's pending layoff from his company.  Not what we were expecting as we had carefully planned trip expenses to Nashville.  We had decided to drive and take some extended time traveling since we were coming from California.  As the clock ticked down and the departure date arrived, we had by that time gone back and forth on the practicality of attending the event so far from home. 

The practical side was tugging on us to "throw in the towel" and claim defeat as our plans were shattered.  But, we are people of faith!  We made the decision to step out in faith, believing that this wonderful opportunity that had come to us was a gift given by our Father in Heaven.  So, against conventional wisdom, we stepped out and drove ourselves back to Nashville for the Big Business Boutique Event.

Along the drive, we were encouraged and had our spirits lifted by the adventure of "not knowing" what exactly was next.  Expectancy and excitement were our companions as we literally were moving forward in faith, believing that the risk we were taking was and still is part of our growth process.

Seeing the different parts of America as we drove to our destination was also a moral booster for both of us.  We have always dreamed of driving across country and exploring this great nation.  So, we decided to enjoy the adventure and the scenery, even though some states topography are not our favorites, we did find beauty in the diversity.

There was so much to absorb and learn at the BB in Nashville.  I am still applying the notes I took, and making changes and adjustments to my business to help grow and blossom in 2018.

Needless to say it was overwhelming and invigorating all in one.  To see the power of women believing in their dreams, and the people who are behind them helping them realize their dreams is a powerful force.  Many husbands also attended the BB, which kind of surprised me, but then, on the other hand, inspired me.  Seeing the men, behind the women believing in "the dream" sometimes even more, than the woman herself is amazing.

I had my own support team rooting and cheering behind the scenes and in the grandstands! Thank you to my family and friends who have supported and believed in me, all the way.  Of course, I too had my husband right there by my side. Speaking life giving words of hope and encouragement over me.  Also, I had the very best traveling companion.  My best friend and my soulmate.

As we come to the close of this year, and look forward with anticipation to the faith adventures that await us in 2018,  we especially want to THANK YOU for all your support, belief, love and favor that you've blessed us with this year.  It may not seem like a big thing to you, but by supporting our small business you are believing in our dreams and promoting us to move forward in helping others realize their dreams as well.  So ,a huge big Thank You from the bottom of our hearts.  Looking forward to exploring 2018 with you.

Patches and Daisy's Adventures to Nashville and Beyond

Patches and Daisy's Adventure to Business Boutique was full of unique opportunities to meet new people, and to even go home with their new owners.

As we left California, and drove across Nevada, Utah and Wyoming, I was assembling new brothers and sisters for the original Patches and Daisy's that I made.  I wanted to be able to have as many as possible to take to the Business Boutique in Nashville.  Each time I would complete one of the bears, I would smile.  Hoping that each bear would offer their new owners the same response!  JOY and gladness.  Learning to live as "The Beloved".

What a great time of learning and sharing we participated in at the Boutique.  Laughing with others, and encouraging them in their business endeavors.   Exchanging ideas and contacts.  I am particularly grateful that Jerry, my husband, was able to make the trip to Nashville with me, and all the Pear Creek Cottage goodies that we piled in the car.  Having his stable presence was calming for my excited nerves, and his assistance in set up and take down was so helpful.

It was such a great re-connecting time as husband and wife.  We were both under considerable amount of stress the weeks leading up to the event.  Me, with getting items ready to take with us and sell.  Jerry, with finishing up things at his company, as he lost his job, right before our trip.

This whole year has been teaching and reminding us that we live by faith and not by sight.  When we said yes to attend the conference in Tennessee, we had no idea at the time that Jerry would be losing his job.

We are thankful we stepped out in faith, and followed our hearts, and went on this trip to Tennessee.  We are not sure how God is going to work, but we believe with confidence, the changes we are experiencing and traveling through are for a greater, deeper purpose than we realize.  We are choosing to TRUST, and live in JOY.

We have a fondness for The Great Smoky Mountains.  They have become one of Jerry and my favorite places to visit.  We weren't sure that the trip would allow for extended travel time that allowed us to journey into our beloved mountains.  But, as it turns out, that was another added bonus from our Loving and Caring Father God.

It seemed so fitting that Patches and Daisy were able to enjoy the scenery as much as Jerry and I do.  The musical sound of rushing water over the rocks in the river.  The ever so slight timbre of leaves falling, and the brisk Fall air were a soothing balm for us.

My eyes were brimming with tears of joy and thankfulness for the opportunity we had to take this trip and enjoy the majestic beauty in God's creation.  It seem like a "Shalom Moment" ; all is peaceful and calm, knowing that no matter what happens in the future...we know that we are safe in God's hands and He will carry us through these times of unknowing and uncertainty.

"In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him".  Psalm 95:4 
              



We don't see all the answers from our current perspective, but we are continually choosing to "walk by faith, and not by sight"; as the journey continues to unfold we will share what we are learning along the way.

"But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. Isaiah 43:1"

The Beloved Bears are HERE!

Ever since reading Bonnie Gray's book, "Whispers of Rest", I have been on a quest, a journey, learning to live as the Beloved of God.  This book, and the process of change, has been eye opening and just what I needed at just the right time.

Like many folks, I've struggled with the need for approval.  Feeling inadequate.  Trying to gain acceptance.  One of the patterns that I've developed has been to work harder...to gain more.  The harder I work, the more others will like me.  This has worked like a charm!  It has turned me into a workaholic, an emotional "stuffer", and a stressed out human being.  My relationships have suffered,  my health has suffered, and my soul has suffered.  Not a good way to live ones life.

I really enjoy creating with my hands and my heart.  My head is full of creative ideas and possibilities.  My creative process is usually an extension from what I am learning and discovering, emotionally, physically, or spiritually.  As I've been digesting the truths in the book "Whispers of Rest",  I like to create little tangible reminders of the precepts and truths I'm learning.  This helps reinforce the lessons I'm learning.  A way of reviewing and remembering.

One of the ways I am choosing to remember is through this adorable little stuffed bear which I made.  I named them, "Beloved Bears".  A truth to remind me that God takes the pieces and the patches of my life, and stitches them together with His threads of grace and mercy, to create 'ME'.  His one of a kind creation that brings Him joy.  That is hard to comprehend at times.  I bring God JOY!  Not my workaholism.  Not what I do.  Not what I look like, or what I say.  But me, just as I am...I bring Him JOY!  He delights to be in my presence.  WOW!  Even just typing the words, stops me in my tracks once again.
I have wanted to learn, embrace, and live these truths.  The idea of the "Beloved Bears" came to me as a way I can practice remembering.  I thought, if I put magnets inside the bear, I can stick him on the fridge, in my office....on my exercise bike...wherever I can see him and be reminded of the truth he represents.

Now, you know a little of the back story how the bears came to be.  To me, when I see them, they make me smile.  They bring me joy and hope.  I hope they do the same for you.  You are special.  You are unique, one of a kind...made for a specific purpose.  You are BELOVED!

Patches and Daisy will be accompanying me to the Business Boutique in Nashville, Tennessee.  This is an incredible opportunity that has been opened up to me.  I am still in process getting ready.  There have been obstacles in the way which should prevent me from attending; like my husband losing his job.  However, our God is greater, and stronger, and bigger than the obstacles, and we are trusting that He is leading us, even when we don't understand.
You can use the Coupon Code: PEARCREEK for a discount to attend the Business Boutique.