Remembering Craig with love

It was nine years ago today that I said good-bye to Craig...my first born son.
He had battled cancer for just one year before he left us. At the time, I wondered how I could live even one day without him. Somehow, I have managed to live nine years without seeing that cute face, hearing that deep, sweet voice, feeling the big bear hugs he would give me and laughing at the his wonderful sense of humor.
I've asked God many, many times why he took this love from me and what I was supposed to do with my life without my Craiger. I still don't have the answers, I long to see him every single day and would give anything to change the past. But, this is what happened and I know that I must go on and live my life the best way I can.
I try to honor Craig's wishes that I help others who don't understand how precious life is. He would get so frustrated when he heard of people taking life for granted. He would say, "they just don't get it Mom." He knew that God was everywhere and watching over us and wanting the best for all of us.
Today I honor my Craig and ask all mothers to give their children an extra hug, kiss and encouraging words today and everyday. That is something I cannot do with Craig, but I do with Matt every time I see him.
I love you Craig and I am so happy I am your mother. Please stay with me.

It's all about LOVE

One of my very favorite invitations that we created in the store was inspired by an Envelopments invite.

This one was for a Bridal Shower using a bronze 5x5 envelofold, a tourmaline layer, another bronze layer and printed on ecru micah. We have made others similar to this one with onyx and pyrite, wind and yellow topaz and pennyite and watercress.

Add a quote or a monogram on the tag and you've got a beautiful custom designed invitation to a bridal shower, engagement party, rehearsal dinner or birthday party.

Shop here!

We've been here three years!
And, we're having a HUGE Sale!!!

What gives you comfort and joy?

B.B. Sowder

Is my comfort and joy these days. I love this dog so much! Some may say he looks silly with his underbite, but to me it's beautiful. We found B.B. at a pet store and rescued him. B.B. is a happy dog, loves the color orange and his favorite toy is a small ball with feet. He is forever grateful to be in our family and I am forever in love with my dog.

I've been a bit remiss...

Looked at my blog today and saw the last post dated November 15th. Seems as if it were yesterday. Well, I'm going to start this thing again and hope to make it a habit.

New year, same old problems. Money. Lack of mine and lack of my customers'. I've made some drastic cuts and changed some of my buying habits, so hopefully I can get back on track again. The wedding business is in bloom and I'm hoping it continues.

I am asking all brides in Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield, Zionsville and Indianapolis to stop in my store and see the beautiful wedding invitations we make. I also do day-of papers too.

I marked down everything in the store. I want to move some inventory and go buy some new products. But, I just received some beautiful note cards from Karen Adams and cute invitations from Meri Meri. The new products are marked at 25% off. Crazy.

More tomorrow...

My favorite holiday card

It's time to shop for holiday greeting cards, especially if you want them personalized.

The card I've featured is designed by one of my favorite designers, Prentiss Douthit. I've had the pleasure of meeting Prentiss and visiting with him while attending the New York Stationery Show.

I love his designs because they are fresh, elegant and absolutely beautiful. He is a nature lover and it shows in his designs. His holiday collection is definitely a best seller in my store. Prentiss designs not only holiday cards, but also beautiful birth announcements, wedding invitations, everyday greeting cards and stationery.

I love his work and I encourage you to view his collection so that you can enjoy his talent also.

www.prentissdouthit.com/

Welcome to my world!

This is my first blog and I have to be truthful, I really don't know what I'm doing. I've been encouraged by many friends to pursue a blog and now seems to be a good time to begin.

I own a retail store in Carmel, Indiana...Westwood Paper Company. Our main business is designing and printing custom wedding invitations. But, we sell and print stationery, invitations and note pads too.

I've learned a lot since opening the store in March of 2006. Hopefully I can share my wisdom (or lack of it) and help anyone who has a store, is thinking of opening a store or anyone who loves to shop for paper.

I will blog about wedding papers, etiquette, ideas for celebrations, the trials and tribulations of running my own business and maybe even something useful. Please check back often...you never know what's on my mind.