Row, Row, Row, . . .

On the way home from preschool, I asked my four year old if he had learned any new songs at school. He answered yes and broke into song.

Row, Row, Row your boat
"gipply" down the stream.
Merrily, Merrily, Merrily, Merrily,
Like upon a dream.

This song, as simple as it is, resonated with me and my life right now. Life with Marigold continues to row, row, row steadliy along. Sometimes the rowing is "gipply" and these situations help Marigold grow. However, most of the time Marigold rows merrily along and it feels like "upon a dream."

I am happy to report, the past two months have been "merrily" moments for Marigold. Februrary started off with a visit from my sister and her family. We had a wonderful time and my sister and I got a lot accomplished. My sister designs custom children's clothing, so preparation for a spring and summer line for her is not a daunting task. Her help allowed me to row gently into the Marigold spring/summer line without sinking. We worked long hours during her visit thanks to our husbands, who held down the fort with the children. I don't know how you put into words or show someone how thankful you are for love, help and support that is so desperatly needed at that moment. That is what she did for me.

Marigold continues to row into more stores. Each boutique is special and unique. I really enjoy getting to know the owners or managers, who are all very strong and wonderful women. Some boutiques I don't get to personnally visit because Marigold caps are now traveling throughout Illinois with a wonderful sales rep doing the leg work. With this, Nellie has been so gratious to help design Marigold's first catalog and continues to do all the photography and all other advertising. Another talented friend is working on Marigold's logo and packaging. Stay tuned for the exciting changes.

Never would I have imagined life upon a dream like this...through God's direction Marigold continues to row. Thanks precious son for your sweet song for inspiration and reflection.

The Wearable Version...

After my Golden retriever shared his creative expression, I thought it best to post the wearable version. Pictured is an original Marigold cowboy hat...one of many unique designs. This crocheted cowboy hat is the perfect backdrop to showcase the animal print ribbon bow. The ribbon is woven within the hat and finished with vintage "bling."

My precious friend stopped by and couldn't resist. I couldn't resist taking her picture. This cowboy hat fits her style perfectly! Her teenage daughter who was waiting in the car, promptly put in her design request for a pink ribbon bow with vintage bling. I'm off to fill her request. Apparently, my golden was right...Marigold cowboy hats are irresistible.

Spring clearing...

It feels like spring so I am prompted to clean and clear out. My husband keeps asking when the "clearing out" is going to happen with my caps. My work room has spilled out into the t.v area and is quite a MESS!!! Luckily amongst the clutter and "creativity" I was able to locate a new summer favorite. I will clear the cap mess soon.
As for spring cleaning, I am focused on getting the "baby" who is 3 1/2 out of his crib, giving the oldest his own room, making the 4 year old feel he has his own space and moving my messy daughter to the back bedroom of the house. I've been busy moving furniture, dismantling bunk beds and the crib, along with planning paint colors for the new rooms. Now I stare at three bedrooms in shambles and know the caps in the basement are in desperate need of organizing. I'd say the warm weather couldn't be a better distraction for clearing, cleaning, and procrastinating. I think I'll go running. Now where is my marigold running cap?

Good enough to eat!

From my family, I welcome all creative suggestions and guidance concerning Marigold. Today it was our golden retriever who couldn't resist assisting in creative expression.

The Marigold spring/summer cowboy hats are tempting...and apparently good enough to eat!!!

Marigold Spring '09 - "Freshly Picked"

Marigold spring caps are in full bloom at www.marigoldcaps.com. Still more work to be done... I will blog more later...

I will remember...

i am having one of those moments. A moment when you try to be rational and you don't even know where to begin. The day was busy with activity...but now it is quiet. I look around at all the to-do piles accompanied by the long to-do list rolling in my head and I feel a little dizzy. I stare, hoping that if I think hard enough I can will everything to be finished. Staring and chocolate can only go so far and then I see it... It's a paper from a dear friend of mine that is titled, "I Will Remember God's Truth." Like salve to my soul, I read it again and again. It reads like this...

I Will Remember God’s Truth

I will run the race with perseverance and fix my eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of my faith. I will consider Jesus, so that I will not grow weary and lose heart; Heb 12:2-3

I will not be haunted by apprehension.
I will take a deep spiritual breath and remember what God says:

THE LORD IS my Shepherd- I shall not want; Ps 23

THE LORD IS my Helper- I will not fear; Heb 13:5

THE LORD IS near – Do not be anxious about anything; Phil 4:6

THE LORD IS my Rock, Fortress, and Deliverer.
My God is my Rock, in whom I take refuge – 2 Sam 22:2-3

THE LORD IS my Strength and my Shield – Ps 28:7

THE LORD YOUR GOD IS with you – Zep 3:17

YOU ARE MY GOD my Savior,
and my hope is in You all day long! – Ps 25:5

The piles and to-do list are still there, but I know God's Truths are what got me through yesterday, will get me through today, tomorrow...always!