Layoffs

 I've been trying to write this post for about 8 months now.  This is a tough one.  The short version of the story is that we had a huge lay-off in my work place - almost 200 engineers lost their jobs over a period of a few days.  I did not lose my job, but I did go through a big emotional wobble.  I pretty much felt like the daffodil in the picture there.  I try to keep this blog really upbeat, so I did not have much to write about for a while.

Here's what I tried to write shortly after the layoff:

I've been debating with myself for a few weeks now on whether to write about this subject.  My workplace had a huge number of layoffs.  Fortunately, I still have a job.  I am very grateful for that; I am the breadwinner for my family.  Without my income and benefits package, we would be in very serious trouble. 

There are a lot of things that .  Many of my friends and long-time coworkers are suddenly gone.  Transitions are very important to help people adjust to major changes.  That's why we have retirement parties and celebrate marriages.  In a layoff, there is no transition.  I've worked as an engineer for 16 years in three different industries... 

I was having some trouble pulling my thoughts together in that last paragraph... I can't even remember now where I was going with that last sentence! :)

Work has been keeping me really busy.  I put my Etsy store and on-line indentity on hold for a while because I was just too tired in the evenings to keep up with it.  I am feeling better now.  Over the spring and summer I spent my free time doing very tangible things.  It is really cool that my family jumped in and made these group activities.

• We planted a flower garden.
• We started composting and vermicomposting.
• We planted blueberries, a fig tree, strawberries, raspberries, a lemon tree and a bunch of tomatoes.
• We joined a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) and started buying our produce from a local farm.
• We stopped buying cereal, crackers and snacks from the store.  Now we make most all our food at home.
• We built a chicken coop.
• We raised 4 chickens who are now just about to start laying.
• We trained our chickens and dogs to get along.

What is interesting about this list is that these are all things that made me feel more in control of my life.  A layoff makes a person lose trust and feel threatened.  I needed to do things outside of work to restore my sense of independence from the company and connection to my family, even if it is just in small ways.


I will post some more details about what we have been up to this summer - especially about the chickens.  I did not expect it, but I have fallen completely in love with chickens.  I had no idea they could be so delightful!

Voting for the Etsy Beadweaver Challenge "Nest"

Last week I blogged about my Honeycomb Bracelet - my entry in the Etsy Beadweaver Challenge "Nest".

I want to let you know that voting has begun and will continue through the 15th.  Anyone can vote for their favorite by stopping by the Etsy Beadweaver Blog.  I really encourage you to stop by and see the amazing entries. 

Here are a few of my favorites from my talented teammates.  I love the creativity and skill these entries demonstrate.

First Out of the Nest from The Bead Beach

Cocoon Beadwoven Bracelet by Bliss Works Studio

The Nest of A Beaded Bead by Boonie Beads

Loreng the Goblin's Nest by Flagrant Designs

Beaded Cuff Bracelet - Skinny Wrapped - Nest by Random Creative

Driftwood Carnelian Nest Necklace by annamei

These are just a few of the fabulous entries - please stop by and choose your own favorite!

A Bit of Poetry

A few weeks ago I blogged about my younger son's sculptures.  Thank you everyone for you nice comments on that post - my son enjoys reading them very much.  I've been wanting to feature my older son too, but he is much more private than my younger son.  Today, I got my wish - my older son wrote some haiku for school.  I love them of course - I am his mom!  After some pleading, I got his permission to blog about two of them.

 He stares in wonder

as the geyser erupts

with steaming waters.

Wrapping paper flies.

Children laugh in pure joy.

This is Christmas Day.

Thanks for letting me share with you :)