Archive | August 2010

First to Expose A Floral Supplier/Vendor List

Aug26

"I'm the First" By, Nancy Alexander

To Expose A Floral Supplier/Vendor List…

Today, I am soooo excited about my new book!  I literally have been working on this for almost two (2) years!  Yes, that's what I said.  Well, you know…life happens…we get a little behind…new thoughts take the place of old ones…and you start over again. 


Then, surprisingly, the second revision was better than the first, and the third revision was better than the second, and so on…  So thank Heavens for detours and delays!  There are many good works — and some upsetting works — that God has orchestrated in our lives.  These touches from God have caused detours, renewals of life and spirit, health and marriage, and a new appreciation for what really matters! 


These detours have been so instrumental in my life, my work, my success, and my joys.  But today, I want to talk about a detour that put me (us) on a path to much success and happiness!  My husband Steve and I have literally been working 30 to 60 hours a week for quite a while now on this new book.  And from these hours of writings have come many new inspirations, topics, and desires for other books in the future.  


Since it is not Formally named yet, for now, we'll call it:

"The FIRST Secret List of Floral Design Suppliers — EVER PUBLISHED!" 

 

I really wasn't kidding when I said this process started almost two years ago.  So many of my customers and friends who have purchased my instructional videos on wreath design have been calling, writing, and emailing me wanting to know where I purchase my supplies.  They are learning to make wreaths similar to mine but without the types of supplies I use (at reasonable prices), they just couldn't get the exact same look that they loved so much in Ladybug Wreath Designs.

 


 

Above you can see a sample of one of the wreaths from www.ladybugwreaths.com.  Our wreaths are different, "wild & woodsy", inspired by nature and filled with "critters"!  Each one is on a "wild birch" base which is totally and completely unique to us.  In this new book, my customers will have the opportunity to purchase supplies such as these to make their own wonderfully beautiful wreaths!

Okay, now back to the book.  This one literally started as a one page spreadsheet almost 20 months ago.  I kept trying to work on it, to finish it so I could get it out to my customers, but was always held back.  I knew it needed more, I knew I wanted to give my customers much, much more than they could ever expect, but what?….and how?….  So, I waited.  I prayed.  God has His own timing and I am learning to be patient and wait on Him.

During these last months, God has inspired my creative spirits in such a way that I am speechless!  This book will be well over 150 pages long!  It is chock full of so much information that my customers will jump for joy!  Each of them will benefit from my twenty-five years of experience in the floral design field and will have my hand-picked list of suppliers that is exclusive only to Ladybug Wreaths.  These are wonderful companies and vendors with exceptional products and most with reasonable prices.  I searched, experimented, and placed many orders, formed friendships, and work relationships with these suppliers, so…to me…they are the BEST!

So, as I start back working today on this book, I just wanted to post on my blog as to what I have really been up to.  I want you to know that I am doing something that has been inspired by God and I am happier than I have ever been.  We have also started on books of other subjects such as:  Business: Storefront, or Internet;   How to be Cured From Fibromyalgia;   Yard Sales as a Business Resource;   How to Paint, Distress, Yard Sale Furniture;   Painting Flowers, Ivy, etc. on Old Furniture;   Decorating Your Home With Color;  Searching and Finding Your Own Style;   How to Sell on eBay;  and…  Taking Professional Pictures of Your Items for Sale!

Turning 60… The Best is Yet to Come…

Aug24

Upset??   Should I be upset that I will soon be turning 60?

No, My best years are yet to come! 

WOW, as I think about 60 years, that is a LONG time!  I think back and try to remember things that have happened in my life.  I am realizing that trying to remember 60 years worth of living is almost impossible.  We always remember milestones in our lives:  I remember that at 3 years old, my twin sisters were born – and how very proud I was!  I remember walking down the aisle at 12 years old, giving my heart to Jesus – knowing that He truly was my Savior and Lord.  I remember renewing my life and my faith to Him again when I was 37.  I remember my wedding day…how sweet and special that was – walking down that same aisle again, but this time to join my heart and my life forever with my True Love – Stephen Danner Alexander.  We were so young, and so much in love…thinking that our lives would always be so filled with the wonderful feelings we enjoyed that day.  I remember the birth of each of my children and how my heart overflowed with JOY, fear, and overwhelming responsibility — JOY won out!

  

Unfortunately, times of pain, fear, and uncertainty fill a lot of my memories.  Then there are times of death — my grandparents, my aunt and uncle, my parents, and Steve's dad.   Many years of pain, and fear that I would never be well again (or that no one would believe me or find out exactly what was wrong) always come to mind when remembering the past.  There are sooo many times in my life that I would NEVER like to remember or think of again; and there are so many memories that I want to hold in my heart forever!

I now know that the times in my life which were filled with pain and struggles are the times that God was working on me…pruning me…snipping here and snipping there to grow my Faith in Him like I never experienced before.  I thank God every day for each season of my life because it drew me closer to Him and to the ones I love.  He loves me, He leads me, and I only want what He has for me every single day for the rest of my life.

I do so desperately want to remember all of the everyday occurrences which filled most of my 60 years…special – loving times with Steve and our boys; Matt and Andy.  There were days filled with first boo-boo's, crawling, first steps, first words, and then as years went by…first days of school including tears – mine – not theirs.  The times I left little boys at camp for an entire week, only to pick up a much older – bigger, more grown up boy at the week's end were sooo emotional, but sooo special.  The talks and laughter with our boys, the walks, playing kickball, and numerous other games were so much fun for us all. 

And how could I forget first dates, the first time each son drove out of the driveway alone…by himself…with me praying him back home safely!  Sports were so important, as was music, board games, family gatherings, "tickle my back Mama", "scratch my hair Mom", ohhhh, so many special memories flood my brain as I am writing.  And then…their wedding days!  And just when you think the milestones can't get any sweeter, you experience the birth of your first grandchild.  Sooner than you can change a diaper, we had three more!  This is good!  Special memories, fond thoughts, and loving feelings…Oh, God, please never let me forget these!  Let them come back to my mind as each year of my life continues to come quicker and quicker.

My life has changed, it is different now.  I am a different person thanks to God's pruning.  I now enjoy and appreciate life, God's love, and family more than ever before.  Things that I have always thought were important are no longer important…they just aren't!  God, and his promise of eternal life is important!  Loving, caring, and sharing with my husband is important.  Somehow making a difference in the lives of our four grandchildren, so that they always remember "Mimi & Poppy" is important.  Seeing our boys as men — good Christian men with wonderful, God-loving wives is important.  Watching how they love, provide for, and care for their families is important.  Watching them as Dads is important.

Thank you Lord!  I cannot begin to count my blessings.  I could go on and on and on.  I am so thankful you are now leading my and my husband's lives.  I look forward to the days, months, and years we have left on this earth.

Again…NO…I am NOT upset that I will soon turn 60.  My very best years in life are yet to come.  I know who and what to appreciate now.  I know better how to love those who are important, and how to help those who are in need.

 We are only promised today, and today I will make the most of every single moment enjoying life to its fullest!!!