Tidbits.

When I was in high school I had a regular column in the school paper called "Tidbits".
It was about... nothing. I remember pitching it to my teacher. At first she was so confused.
And then it clicked and she got it.
Just random blips and clusters of tips and information.
Funny enough, that's how my blog works now. Sometimes it's a short story.
Sometimes it's an inspiring word.
Sometimes it's a tip or recipe.
It's just little tidbits... bits of info about seemingly nothing.



Our first collection of jewelry at Faith and Life bookstore sold out.
So if you're local and wanted some, it's restocked as of today!
And we even added a few new designs in there. Go see. Main Street in Newton.



I think this is the busiest year we've ever had.
Hopefully we can squeeze in a vacation or two this year to regroup.
Everyone in our family is busy lately.
I guess going to bed completely exhausted each night is the sign of a productive day, right?
We're never bored, that's for sure!



The weather has been gorgeous!! So much color.
So much sun. But not too hot. Mornings and evenings are still cool.
We're spending loads of time outside. Planting flowers and the garden.
Sipping coffee on the porch in the morning. Taking long walks.
Swinging on the porch swing. Fishing.
I'd have never thought our family would love the outdoors like we do.



The kids are out of school for summer! I'm so glad. And so are they.
I love having the little buggers with me. Most of the time...
I've only had to break up 3 fights so far. But school just ended yesterday.
Ask me again in 3 weeks how I feel about summer vacation.



I have a meeting this weekend. The great thing for me is that I absolutely ADORE everyone who works with me.
I so look forward to meetings! It becomes girl time.
So really, I have a girl date this weekend. Business will be discussed.
But it's really just friends taking time together.
Life is sweet!



Our hearts are still with our neighbors in Oklahoma. We're thinking of them daily. Praying for them.
Honored to be helping with the Love More bracelets.
Thrilled to be donating to Convoy of Hope.
It's all so bittersweet. But it feels really good to do the right thing.

Love more {for Moore}

It was hard to send my kids off to school this morning.
I know they're in great care and have a staff who loves them.
But I couldn't get out of my head the parents in Oklahoma who don't get to snuggle their kids today.

Through June 1, we're giving $10 from each Love More bracelet to Convoy of Hope to help the tornado victims.
Convoy of Hope is a beautiful organization from my home town of Springfield, MO and they do amazing work.
They were there for Joplin, and now they're there for Moore.

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A personal note: Can I just be honest here?
Of course I can. It's my blog. I didn't want to do this.
I don't want to be the predictable "Oh, there's a disaster, let's see what The Rusted Chain is doing..." kind of company.
But I also know my life is not about me.
I've said many times, I don't do very many things well. But one thing I do well is make jewelry.
And that allows me to give in much bigger ways than I ever could on my own.

Yesterday I talked and texted with some of my assistants. "Is it too soon after Boston? I feel like we should do something but I just don't know."
I don't want the spotlight to be on US. It's not about The Rusted Chain. It's not about "ohhh, look at us, we're giving!! We're so charitable! notice us."
I was very worried about what people would think.
And I just felt like God was whispering, "Don't worry about what people think. Do what you know is right. The end."

It's absolutely not about us. It's not about me.
It's about giving more. It's about loving more. Sacrificing more.

We do a lot of giving quietly, privately.
But doing them publicly sometimes allows us to give in a much bigger way.

It's time...

Just a few weeks ago we were still getting snowed on.
But now it's time. For sunshine.
Warmth. COLOR.
Oh how I love color!


All of a sudden our yard is bursting with flowers, color, and life.
Morning and evening sun have turned to the shade of golden yellow I love so much.






Most importantly, it's time to switch from hot coffee to iced coffee.
And this, oh this, makes me incredibly happy!!
It's time!

In a magazine!

Did you know that Kansas has it's own magazine?
It's a beautiful publication spotlighting the best things in the state.
And guess what? They featured us!!
We're in the Summer issue, and the article is about the Kansas Barn Sale.



The BEST antiquing and junking around...
Also the best people. And the best atmosphere.
And the best art.
And the best cinnamon rolls.
And the best laughs.
It's a pretty great event!


Somehow my fellow Barn Sale Chick, Stacee, got left out of the article.
I'm not sure how but we are definitely a team! I couldn't do it without her.


It's always the first Saturday in October, which falls on Oct. 5 this year.

Find more on the Facebook page.

We're so flattered by the article!
And we're so honored that people love the Kansas Barn Sale so much, they just keep telling more and more people!
You want to come this year, right??

When you're the one left out.

I don't know how it happens. You're cruising along and life is good and all of a sudden BAM!
You realize how lonely you are.
Your friends have moved on without you, getting together, laughing, and having fun.
You can't seem to get accepted by those warm fuzzy encouraging supportive online women's communities that seem to reach out to everyone else but you.
You're not going to the cool kid's conferences.



You blog and get no response.
You tweet and don't have followers.
You update on facebook or other social media but it seems like no one is listening.

I don't even know what category it falls into: jealousy? pain? hurt? insecurity?
All I know is it feels... lonely.
Left out. Frustrated. Lost. Unheard.



And I wonder if Jesus is saying, "Haven't I told you to not turn to the world for your emotional needs?
Haven't I told you that I'm the only One who sticks closer than a brother?
Haven't I told you that I'm the One who is always by your side?
Aren't I the One who can bring a Peace that passes all understanding?
Yes. Turn to Me, child.
Not to flawed humans. Not to conferences or blogging communities. Me.
Turn to Me. For everything, for all of your needs. Turn to Me.
I will bring you friendship. Acceptance. Comfort.
Just turn to me."



If you're reading this, know that you're not alone.
And know that turning your eyes upon Him, releasing your struggles to Him, crying your lonely tears to Him is the only way to find the Peace and acceptance you're desperately wanting.