In Honor of Raymond Wysocki, Sr.

I just wanted to have this more as a personal remembrance page -

My grandfather was very ill before I left for Italy in August. In the first few weeks in September, he took a bad turn. I was unable to come home to say goodbye, but I wrote him a letter and asked a friend to bring it to him to read it. Here it is, love and miss you forever, Papa <3 *9/17/2009*



Papa,

It pains me to have this letter given to you by someone else rather than myself in person. I’m not sure if I can thank you for touching my life such a fulfilling and beautiful way in a single letter, but I can try.

Of all that I can remember from my childhood, the most significant presence has been you. You were my rock, my foundation, and helped me grow into the person that I am today. I continue to live each day in the lessons and values you have taught me by your example; some of which are justice, honor, and pride for my country.

You were like a father to me when I was younger, when we hadn’t had Sam or Olivia yet. I can remember how much time I spent with you while Mom and Dad were at work. I’d go on your errands with you, to the grocery store, BJ’s, to the beach to collect smooth stones for that project in your backyard. I loved when you would take me to the carousel and wait patiently for me to pick the perfect horse every time to ride. When I first started walking home from St. Jerome’s by myself, you sat on a folding chair at the end of the driveway to see that I would get home safely. I had always felt that you would be there to take care of me.

You encouraged my creativity every day by keeping a Steno pad tucked into the Cadillac, telling me to draw something every day while we drove around. We would also play games, like I Spy (which you always let me win) and you would listen to and laugh at all of my jokes. You also would sing along with me to Disney tapes in the car. I haven’t gotten any better at singing, by the way.

These past few years have been so difficult for you, and I have seen it. Your spirit, which has always been so strong and fighting, has always remained. Even before I left for Italy I could still see it shining through. All I want for you is peace, as much as I want you for myself. I need for you to know that I love you and that you will never be forgotten. You have such a special meaning for me, and you are so important to me for reasons I can’t even begin to try and capture into words. I need also for you to forgive me that I can’t be with you, but I am taking you with me where ever I go. Even during every future moment I have yet to experience, like my wedding day and the birth of my first child.

I haven’t stopped thinking about you since I’ve left. I’m going to conclude with a poem taken from a song that reminds me of you that I have been listening to a lot recently.
Come stop your crying
It will be alright
Just take my hand
Hold it tight

I will protect you
From all around you
I will be here
Don't you cry

For one so small
You seem so strong
My arms will hold you
Keep you safe and warm

This bond between us
Can't be broken
I will be here
Don't you cry

Because you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more

You'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be here in my heart
Always

When destiny calls you
You must be strong
And then I'll be with you
But you got to hold on
They'll see in time
I know
We'll show them together

'Cause you'll be in my heart
Believe me, you'll be in my heart
I'll be there from this day on
Now and forever more
I'll be with you
I'll be there for you always
Always and always
Just look over your shoulder
I'll be there always

Papa, I love you so much.

All of my love forever,
Ashley

Recycled Sail Notebooks

Oh my god this is so awesome. Though I feel as though I may have more success with this product at live shows or in person, I simply have to write about it because its awesome. As I said.

So I've been experimenting with my sail cloth, and am always trying to come up with new products and ideas. I'm currently enrolled in a Book Arts class, which surprisingly, I absolutely love. It's as though all of my creative juices are finally coming together through my love of writing, paper, and sewing into one fantastic package. This book is a prime example.

It's blank insides are made from recycled sketchbook paper, and I knew that the sail canvas wouldn't be sturdy enough for a cover - as in, it would probably fold and be a bit flimsy without being sewn like a hem: similar to my sail wallets. So, after I cut out a piece and embroidered it, I dipped it in wax to see what it would do - and it just feels so cool. It gave it that extra push for strength and added a really cool, soft texture to it.



I then bound it with a running-Japanese stitch, which is actually a lot simpler than it looks. (I think I'll throw up some how-to's for stitching, because it's so fun!) And there you have it! This model is really big and thick, more like a sketchbook that you can take *anywhere* - I'm going to make some smaller ones once I can get more canvas embroidered and cut to go. So let me know if you're into a custom order, or keep checking back in my etsy shop for smaller pieces!

Featured Etsy Shop: Pila 12903

With cute jewelry and pristine photographs, pila12903's shop adds a great splash of color to your etsy browsing.

I came across pila during an etsy FS chat and I really loved the aesthetic of her shop. The photographs are a stunning example of her work, as they really pop against a crisp white background.

The owner is a small-town girl from California, and she credits her family to being incredibly supportive of her and her dreams. She also has a passion for music, and wants to use her hands rather than be stuck behind a desk in cubicle-land. :) One of her major interests is in charity work - which I can totally relate to - specifically to the heartsforhaiti shop on etsy, and she is donating her jewelry for another charitable event.

She feels as though her greatest strength is that she puts 100% into every item she creates, and her weakness is imposing a time limit to her creating (haven't we all been there? ;) She admires those on etsy who have built their businesses from scratch and have it as a successful business. She aspires to be among these successes one day.

For new artists, she advises not to sit around waiting for sales: promoting is very important. Great photos is also key: the harder you work, the greater the reward is when you achieve the sales that you desire. Along the same lines, Pila uses Twitter, Myspace, Facebook, Plumdrop for promotion, and always hands out business products and wears her products, as word of mouth is very effective!

Here are additional promotions for Pila's shop!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/pila12903
http://www.flickr.com/photos/priscillas_handmade_jewelry/
http://twitter.com/pila12903

While it was really difficult to decide on a favorite product, I would have to say that I LOVE the Cream Freshwater Pearl Earrings, $22 pictured below.