First Santa pic

For weeks now, I had been wanting to take my girls to see Santa. Stella now recognizes Santa, knows he lives somewhere called the North Pole and is aware of Christmas (the songs, lights, trees). These past few weeks have been busy with the everyday stuff; and between work, the girls and home, there really isn't much time left. I decided that Sunday the 23rd was my last chance. Santa would be gone the next day and because our future plans have not yet been decided, it is possible that this would be the last chance of them taking a photo with Santa in New York. A Santa in Dominican Republic doesn't make much sense to me (I really can't imagine Santa in his red outfit and boots in an eighty degree weather). I had not really planned for this, which I should've, and so I dressed them quickly in jeans and a top (terrible choice for photo outfit) and drove with them to the mall. 

Long story short, it did not turn out as I had imagined it would. I made my girls wait for almost two hours in line and ended up getting home an hour late, making my husband also late for work. Stella was excited while we were on line, she even asked if we could take Santa home. As soon as it was our turn, she ran and sat next to Santa and I was happy that we finally made it and my girl would have her photo with Santa. But, the minute Santa started talking to her she got all nervous (scared, maybe?) and refused to take the picture. After a few minutes of trying to convince her and getting her to sit next to Santa, we settled on a picture and I then regretted wasting my afternoon, making my husband upset, having the girls wait for so long… all for a crappy photo of them. I'm not even going to post it here. I haven't and probably won't show it to my husband. 

I guess the point of this post is to express my frustration and failure when it comes to creating memories, traditions for my family. I would love to be the wife/mother who is able to do, if not all, at least most of the things that cross my mind but I guess sometimes I'm quite over my head and I have to learn to take things as they come, accept my reality for what it is and not expect much more than I am capable of. Yes, it does sound mediocre but I'd probably be more content and less disappointed at myself. 

Fall sale!

Well, hello there!

I'm so excited to announce that Lucella Studio is having it's first sale. Yeap, just in time for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It will be going on all week so there's plenty of time to stop by for some adorable accessories.

Also, this saturday is Small Business Saturday, a great opportunity to support not only Lucella but all other small shops as well.

Use code "FALL2012" for 20% off all items.

Happy shopping!

Staying in on rainy days

Walking down Houston on a rainy day in New York City, 2006.

It rained for most part of the day today. Though I don't like getting wet while getting to work or to pick up my girls, I do love rainy days; especially when I get to stay home and watch from my window. My current apartment doesn't allow me to enjoy the view, I mean, looking out my window all I see is someone else's living room or kitchen. Not fun. I remember living in Great Neck or Briarwood and just enjoying the sound of water falling, watching it slip down the glass, form small puddles on my fire escape or lawn. I know this living arrangement is only temporary so, for now, I can only reminisce.

There's also something terribly sad and romantic about the rain; and, though it may seem cold and inconvenient, it's conducive to building warm memories with loved ones and if alone, to creative afternoons. I've been most creative when alone and it's raining. There is no better time to reflect, organize or catch up with things. Right now, I may be too busy for any of this but, there will always be rainy days and it's just a matter of time for us to reconnect.

Paris vs New York

I just discovered this lovely blog, Paris vs New York. The graphics are colorful and nearly all the images bring a smile to my face. I've only been to Paris once but been in love with her all my life... As for New York, it's my home and has my heart.

Can wait to purchase a couple of prints from this blog, or maybe the book!

In search of a way

For the past few weeks, I've wanted to update the shop with a ton of new ideas I have in my mind and it's been almost impossible. Every day I plan to make time for creating these new items but I end up falling asleep while putting the girls to bed. I wake up at one or two AM and I have yet to wash the bottles, shower, pick up the kids' mess and organize their bags for the next day. It is then too late to do anything. The idea that I can’t commit to my plans or do anything besides being a mom is taking the best of me lately and it’s making me go down a path I really can’t afford to take. I can't afford to be miserable all  the time or resent myself for all I'm incapable of doing. I have two girls that depend on me and my well being. Somehow I have to find the way to be content with myself and who I am so that I don't ruin what could be a life of wonderful memories with my girls. I need to find a way...

First order

I just mailed out my first order and it feels great! Pretty exciting, don't you think?

  

Shop has launched!

I'm happy to announce that my shop, Lucella Studio, has finally launched. I've been practically ready for months now but it seems that, as usual, my fears take over causing me to come up with excuse after excuse in order to delay what needs to be done. Anyhow, it feels great to have this online space where my creative self gets to start something new. It's quite a challenge and I'm really hoping all goes well. I invite you all to stop by and take a look.

Till next time!

My Lucy-lu

Today my little Lucia is seven months old. She's growing rapidly and it seems that every day away from her is another day that I'm missing something new. I missed her seventh month birthday and her first time on a walker. It's been only a few days without her but I can't wait to have her in my arms once again. I love you Lucy-lu.

Unsure of where I'm heading

I can't make up my mind these days; it seems like it's all over the place, with a trillion ideas and things I'd like to do or think would be fun to make, refusing to settle on a single project. For months now, I've been planning to open an accessories shop: hair clips and headbands for little girls. I've made a bunch of hair clips, purchased hundreds of dollars worth of supplies, spent countless hours on my computer researching business ideas and models, looking at what other people do and comparing one with the other, trying somehow to find my place in the handmade world/business. My shop is practically set, I just have to let go of my fear and do it, click a button and launch my site. Something is stopping me and while I insist on it being perfect, my mind is also suggesting several other things that I could be creating.  Stopping by the bookstore this evening and looking through craft magazines and books has only made it worst. Now I'm thinking maybe I should make handbags. Crazy, right?

I want to create and I'd love to make a living doing something I enjoy. Somehow I feel that I won't be happy making several copies of the same item, I've discovered there's not much fun in that. But what if that's an excuse to not move forward, what if I'm feeding into my fears? Perhaps I'll love interacting with people and have them appreciate and buy things I do… I don't know, I don't know exactly where I want to go or do. I'm stuck.