where the HECK did January go?

as the first month of 2012 comes to a close...

ideas swirling.

"to-do" list growing.

"WANT to-do " lists overflowing.

soul searching commencing

inspiration abounding

attempting to harness and direct my creative whims!

two weeks ago I spent 4 days at the Atlanta's Americas Mart attending the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market. I roomed with Kelly Rightsell (of Kelly B. Rightsell Designs & Jamie Lentzner (of Jamie's Painting & Design), and we were joined by London Edwards (of My Little Dish). Just the experience of hanging with these three women would have been enough to make my weekend complete! All three are artists and business owners as well as long time veterans of the baby/children's decor & gift scene. It was a priceless experience to swap business stories & ideas, analyze growth and changes with in the industry, and explore the newest trends in color, style and icons together. It did my heart good to feel the true camaraderie between us all - in an industry where i have seen the worst side of competitors & peers - it was nice to know that there are still some solid souls out there to share laughs, drinks & aspirations with.

chance meetings...

you really never know.... just be open to the possibilities! while at the show on saturday.. i stopped for a quick hummus, pretzel and water break in one of the gift floor "snack areas".. it was buzzing and all the tables were full. i really just needed to sit for a minute to rest my feet, refuel and get my game plan together for the afternoon. i saw a table full on women that had one empty chair - i wandered over and i asked if by chance I could join them... i was gladly welcomed and struck up a conversation with Laurie. I soon learned that Laurie (Laurie Wisbrun) was an artist and fabric designer ( fabulous lines with Robert Kaufman) and has a new book about to be released called Mastering the Art of Fabric Printing & Design ( available for pre-order here on Amazon... i just ordered mine!) I appreciated meeting another artist at the show ( kind of a rarity among all the buyers & exhibitors!) ... and i really look forward to getting my hands on that BOOK!

while there i also attended 2 fabulous seminars - the first was Baby & Kids Trends in Design: What's New, What's Next , Presented by the amazing Christiane Lemieux of DwellStudio- I have followed Christiane's entrepreneurial journey for years and I was so excited to hear her take on the top trends for baby & kids design - and the second "Daily Design: How the Everyday Inspirations from Blogs Change the Industry" - presented by Heather Clawson of Habitually Chic, Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan of Apartment Therapy, and again, Christiane Lemiuex - a wonderful insight into meshing all forms of social media into your business. both full of great ideas, and personal experiences.... ( i purchased Christiane's book Undecorate while i was there - for her to sign for me - and I was like a giddy school girl when talked to her a bit after class!)

back at home... barely unpacked.. and my Hello Soul. Hello Business e-course commenced. The Business Soul Sessions is presented by internationally-renowned mixed media artist and author Kelly Rae Roberts, and award-winning entrepreneur Beth Nicholls, founder of Do What You Love - together they are spreading their vision to revolutionise the way entrepreneurs approach business. so far.. so good! it's lots of work... and i'm always behind... but i do feel like i'm digging deep into what makes me tick! (they are offering the class again in April!)