Ahtee's Reads

I adore books. My day job is in a book store and books have been a huge part in my life. My family always had tons and tons of books around and going to the book store was always something my parents approved of. Here's a list of books I hope to read this month:

Business: A list of books I'm reading to help me get one step closer to my dream of living off of my own small business.

Made to Stick: by Chip Heath and Dan Heath- What makes a product "sticky?" The Heath brothers talk about the art of making ideas unforgettable.

Built to Love: by Peter Boatwright and Jonathan CaganWhat do your products need in order to make a sale? Emotional fulfillment.

Good to Great- by Jim Collins- Collins explores how good organizations and business can become ones that produce great results.

Boss of You: by Emira Mears and Lauren Bacon- The subtitle (which is what made me pick up this book) reads "Everything a woman needs to know to start, run, and maintain her own business."

Pleasure: Stories I'm hoping to read this month that just tickle my fancy.

Snow Queen's Shadow: by Jim C. Hines- One of my favorite authors. This is the conclusion of his Princess Novels. I kind of don't want to read it because it means the end of the series BUT I HAVE TO! Cinderella, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty are a kind of Charlie's Angels. How could you not love this series?

First Lord's Fury: by Jim Butcher- Another final book to a series. GAH! What will I read after??? This is one I'm doing in audio and it's fantastic. The first book is called "Furies of Calderon." Imagine everyone uses magic and you're the only one who can't. That's the pitch that got me into this series.

Firethorn: by Sarah Micklem- An orphan (the best stories are centered around orphans) with amazing powers falls in love with a with a king's nobleman. Amazon says "Blood, insightful, emotionally wrenching, and beautifully written..."

Ghost Story: by Jim Butcher- The 13th book in the Dresden Files series. This is Harry Potter for adults. Want another good audio book to listen to? Pick up this series. All of them are a fun ride. And James Marsters (from Buffy) reads it. Releases July 26. Might not get to read it til next month. *pout*

I'll probably post blogs on each book (hopefully I'll read all of them). What are you guys reading this month?

A New Found Love

I've found a new material to love. Waxed Irish linen cord (or thread... whatever makes you happy).

I still love copper, mind you, but the colors this cord comes in... just makes me giddy.

 Charming Double Wrap Bracelets

 Branching Out

Leafy Wrap Bracelet

My blog and jewelry making has taken quite a hit the last few months. And I've been pushed to the limit, I tell ya. I'm forcing myself to work less hours so I can focus on my jewelry and blog more. Why? Because, right now, my job is not worth the stress and the attention it gets on the days I'm not physically at work. 

I'm starting to have nightmares about work. That's a bad sign.

So. I am taking back my life and moving forward. I know this sounds familiar since I've done this once (or twice) before. I'm hoping this time it sticks.

Be prepared, my friends, for regular blog posts, comments on your blogs (I love reading them, but haven't had the time to offer real comments), and of course, more jewelry.

Check out the shop for my wrap bracelets. Branching Out and my Leafy Wrap Bracelet (featuring a Marsha Neal button!) will be in the shop later tonight!

Newest Addition

I missed Wednesday's "Wordless Wednesday" post. 

Why?

Because I was busy trying to get everything done at work so I could spend Thursday and Friday with the newest addition to my big brother's family.

 Isn't he precious?

Love you, Little Kian.

Wordless Wednesday 6-15... well, almost wordless

Welcome, little nephew. We've been waiting for you...

Just Make It Stop

 I'm tired of being stressed out so much.

 Two of my friends transferred out of my store because it was on a list of possible stores closing/going into liquidation this week. We find out this week if it's going to happen.

 They talked me into not quitting a few months back. You can imagine how I feel right now.

 An ache in my chest, really. Love these ladies. And I'm feeling abandoned.

  I know they did this for themselves and that it was a good move for them so part of me is happy. Most of me is happy.

 But that small part that is hurting... well... it hurts.

 I'm a drama queen. It's not like we were going to drive off a cliff together. I understand. Really.

I can't move back in with my parents. All this jewelry and art making would end. Not to mention my boyfriend of 3 years wouldn't be able to go with me. My friends... sigh...

Can I live off of my jewelry?

Wrap Bracelets

I woke up with an intense headache this morning. Still pounding but at least it's not as bad as this morning. Instead of a horse stomping its hooves on my skull, it's more like a spoon keeping beat on my temples.

Company's been talking about closing my store. Just talks but it's been a rough couple days. But. Made these.

These two are going to be on Etsy in about an hour. Made with waxed Irish linen thread and seed beads. I love seed beads... did you know? There's a pretty pewter leaf charm and Czech glass flower. I love Czech glass beads... did you know? :P Closes with a wooden bead I've turned into a toggle. YAY!

The one below is mine. It was the first bracelet I made with the waxed linen thread. Also with seed beads. Used an om charm. I'm going to make another bracelet like this one to have up in the shop some time next week.

I need some serenity in my life. Will be taking some time off from work the week after next. Just 3 days but I'm looking forward to it. I'll be visiting my brother's family... welcoming his first son (yet to be born) and spending some quality time with my sister-in-law and her son... my nephew no matter what anyone says.

Someone remind me to bring them some macarons. They love macarons.

Wordless Wednesday 6-8