2010 has flown by...Already into May and of course I'm just blogging for the first time. Oh well, nothing like the present. Las Vegas Market was in February and then I found myself travelling to the Midwest (Minnesota) in March for the Gift Show and April revealed a trip to China to the Canton Fair. What an experience for a south Georgia girl or for anyone

An amazing year and it's just February...

Okay, I may be the worst blogger ever but I am trying to do better this year. I can say that most of January was spent getting ready for the Las Vegas World Market. It has come and gone and plans are in the works for Minnesota Gift show in March and China in April, yes China. My friend and I are collaborating together on a new venture that should prove worthy of blogging. My mother says to keep a journal so I figured this would justify as a journal of sorts and I can share all kinds of cool pictures as I journey along..Las vegas is one of a kind as most of you may know. There are really no words to accurately describe such a energetic city. The lights alone are worth mentioning and the shows are in a class of their own. We saw three while we were there for our seven day stint. Phantom of the Opera, "O" Cirque de Soleil and Jubilee. They were all fabulous. Now down to business which is what we were really there for. I am kicking off a home decor wholesale business and so I was getting my feet wet. Really, did I have to do the big one to start with? Of course, so I could partner with Shan (California) and brainstorm our heads off for five continuous days..I am excited, exhausted and thrilled with the possibilities ahead for us.

First Day of Fall

Well again it's been three months since I blogged last. Time marches on, summer blew in and out and the weather is beginning to change....The humidity is still present in south Georgia, USA. Summer was filled with a few little vacay's that meant a whole lot and my business partners/friends just got back from a women's conference in Orlando featuring Beth Moore and a couple other speakers. The rally of 10,000 women in one center for the weekend was an episode that I had not experienced before. Anyway, we were revived and rejuvinated; now we continue to "rest in our faith" as we face our daily challenges and life experiences.. There are new and excititng changes with Lori's Holiday (my design business that God has called me to). A dose of God's grace that has been in the works for awhile. I'm amazed but remember that God's timing is better than mine so I diligently continue to do what's in front of me and keep praising and thanking him for all my many blessings. Our world is precious and we have so many things to be thankful for...My life is better for owning a small dog. Roger, has my heart. He has been with me for a little over a year and has been through a lot of drama with me; my father's sickness and death, both daughter leaving the nest, my craziness in dealing with both, never complaining of anything. I'm grateful that this little fella came to live with me last August. Thank you Alden for finding Roger and bringing him home and thank you God for giving Roger and me new life. Happy Fall, Y'all.

Where does it go?

Time. In recovery zone, we say it stands for "Things I Must Earn." It's been three months since I last blogged and it seems like yesterday. The events and happenings have been and gone and still keep showing up. For me, God is everywhere and keeps things showing up at just the right time. Why do I question or doubt? My faith wanes at times and I hope to have the word tatooed on my ankle by the end of the summer to keep it in the forefront at all time reminding myself that we all can have it if we know how to tap into it. People, places, things keep showing up at just the right "time" and I believe that "timing is everything." My life has been one big time and as I wake each morning and say my gratitudes, I realize time is my constant at my fingertips and I must seize the moment. I can't control a family member's timing or a friend's. I can either "get it" or not. This summer, I plan to slow my schedule and watch the time and know where my days, hours, minutes and seconds are spent so that one day when reflecting, I'll remember that when referring to Summer 2009 - it was an memorable "time" of my life.

A Grand Grand Opening

As we faithfully cut the red ribbon on March 6, a dream turned into a reality. Setting up to play and watching the community turn out as The Bus Station opened its' new doors as a Gallery of Sorts was a surreal experience. The morning started bleak with news that sent me onto an emotional roller coaster. Even though I was about to be a proud new business owner, my "real"

home life was still in disarray. My father has passed about three weeks earlier and as I knew he was with me in spirit, it would have been damn nice to have him there. To see his face among the others as we unveiled local art and artisans in the quiet sleepy town of Colquitt, would have been the icing on the cake. My younger daughter, with her state of affairs unsettled to say the least, kept my thoughts preoccupied. But in the nth hour, the grace and mercy that usually shows up at just the right moment, compounded the building on 201 w. college street and magically transformed my thoughts and attitude to a state of gratitude. The busyness and excitement showered us all with just what I needed at that moment. We continue to build and grow and learn our life lessons practicing faith and courage as we feel our way.

Don't be confused if you get to the site and it's full of Lori's Holiday. That's me and so is the Bus Station. I've picked up a few partners on the journey, Janna Cobb and Sam Jackson Moses. We're an eclectic mix personnally and we've carried this message into our present location so take a look and stop by if you're ever in the neighborhood. Take care until next time. Lori

The Adventure Continues...The Bus Station

As doors open and close in our daily lives, the latest "door opening" that has transpired is the opening of the brick and morter store front of
"The Bus Station." Located in Colquitt, GA which is the home of the folk play "Swamp Gravy." Google if you want to find out more on "Swamp Gravy. Anyway, it's a new adventure and has been carefully prayed about and considered and so here we are..We will have our grand opening the first of March to coincide with the beginning of the Swamp Gravy spring production. I'll continue to design and create as now I have a more business like setting to keep me focused and diligent in my work. That's a nice thought however artists work at their own pace. Spring is soon to be here as we still experience our few and far between cold spells of February...Life is Good and I am grateful for each day and experience God's Blessings faithfully. Until next time...Lori

Blessings in Disguise.

When you hear the word cancer, our heartbeat quickens and our fears rush in. It's a natural response to a dreaded disease. As we begin to muddle through the emotions and endure through the process of accepting what is, the blessings begin to show up in the most obscure ways. Little things become huge and gratitude becomes the order of the day. If you have yet escaped battling the "C" word with yourself or loved ones, my heart is with you. If you are like others of us, we find "God Winks" daily in prayers and healing devotions, a good doctor's report, an unexpected phone call from an old friend or a dose of humor to carry us into tomorrow. Being able to say at the end of each day, "I've had a good day" means so much when we are thankful for the little things and are able to spend precious moments with the ones we love. As the "Reason for the Season" approaches fast and furious and we all make out lists and check them twice, don't forget to look for the "Blessings in Disguise" we are handed daily in our doses of life.

Blessings and Thanksgiving to all. Lori