To be honest, I don’t actually know when my anniversary is. Mike and I went on vacation March 20-22. I have a picture of Mike’s clock on April 11th. I made my mom and I’s clocks shortly after that. I don’t remember when my first sale was. And since then, there have been a lot of firsts.
There was the first sale, the first business name, the first business card, the first consignment store, the first sale to a stranger, the first returning customer, the first art trade, etc.
This started as a hobby as I dealt with a lot of health issues. I wanted to make money from it, but didn’t want to run my own business. I kept trying to get friends to take over as my “business partner” so I could just be the “artist” Fortunately/unfortunately my friends keep trying to make me a better person! They will give me advice and tips, but none of them will do 100% of anything for me. Even the friend that built this website for me is slowly teaching me how to run it by myself.
I am now on terminal leave with the United States Coast Guard. My last official day is April 10. I will have served for 12 years, 8 months, and 22 days, if I just did the math right. I’ve been stationed in Texas, Washington, Alabama, and Ca. I’ve been North to Nome all the way down South to Costa Rica. I accomplished a lot, met a lot of great people, and saw a lot of great things.
As I transition out I’m trying to figure out what I want to do next. What am I good at? What skills do I have? Where would I fit in best? How can I continue to help people?
Part of that journey has lead me to accepting I am a business woman along with being an artist. I can run this on my own and should. I can take it to the next level and want to.
So, from the vacation that lead to my love of sand dollars to my official last day in the Coast Guard, let’s celebrate one year!! Let’s release any anger or bitterness that we may be holding on to and be thankful for the things that are good. Let’s thank the friends we have in our lives that have made us better people. Let’s enjoy where the journey takes us. Thank you for being on my journey with me.
Sabine Pass, Texas. My first unit in the Coast Guard
Pismo Beach, California. The place where this journey started 
My love for sand dollars and this new life š
As angry as this makes me because I too understand the stupid weight game (turns out the male run CG doesn’t care if you can’t make weight because you had twins, weird) I’m glad that you decided your mental health and well being are more important than playing a game. You’re an awesome OS and I’m glad to say I served with you:) you’re also a pretty fucking awesome human and great friend. Love you lady!
Iām sorry you are struggling. Those boys are handsome, though, and damn lucky to have a strong, intelligent, wonderful mom. Thanks for the love and support. It was an honor serving with you as well.