The one about the letter.

**Ahem.** Once upon a time that was last February, I started a letter. This was not just any letter: it was a letter born out of daydreams, hopes, and a serious desire to “find my tribe.” In this letter, I wrote to the craft company of all craft companies begging asking them to please, please hire me (in summary).

“Dear People, I would be great at all the things & the stuff.”

Fast-forward.

Despite writing multiple versions, revisions, and re-writes, the letter did not get sent in February or March…or even April…or May (I could go on). Every time I would go to send it I’d chicken out, not wanting to risk the inevitable rejection from a company I had been idealizing for what felt like forever. Meanwhile, I got a contract offer from a major SUPERbrand and jumped at the opportunity. That opportunity was AMAZING–I worked with a whole company of insanely talented individuals, I was fortunate enough to land some fantastic projects, and I learned more than I thought possible. The letter stayed a draft.

Fast-fast-forward.

Life happened like it does. There were a lot of Mondays, weekends, and the days in-between. By this point I was looking at building a solid career path with team SUPERbrand. I liked the idea and the notion but the same dreams & hopes of combining my love of crafts with my day job popped up every time I tried to career goal set. So, I braved up. I polished the letter yet again and this time SENT IT OUT.

Ta-da.

I figured at that point, “Hey, at least it’s out of your system!” Rejection or no, I played my hand.

Fast-fast-fast-forward.

YOU GUYS. THEY CALLED. Well, technically it was email but either way, they were amazing and generous and kind and they didn’t reject me. There were several meetings and conversations and in the end, they offered me a job and I enthusiastically and whole-heartedly accepted. I won’t be on the team I wrote the initial letter to (aka the yarn team) but that letter opened the door to connect me with the team I AM joining (aka the fabric team). I am going to get to work and serve a community of crafters. They’re going to allow me to represent their brand, use my favorite skill-sets, and combine my passions with my day job….because I pressed send. So listen to those nagging hopes/dreams/passions, even if people tease you for spending your free time knitting or you might end up with a rejection.

Because sometimes it actually pays off.

Be brave, press send, and make a scary change to do something you love. You’ve got this.

I start Monday!

 

Alexis Street

In true procrastinator fashion, it’s been about 10 months since I last posted. I don’t want to make excuses, but life has been busy. Seriously. 

Our second daughter was born last May, we celebrated four years of marriage last summer, our oldest daughter turned two in November, and we bought our first home in December! So, yeah. Busy. 

I can’t say that I feel less busy now. Actually in all honesty, I’m more busy now than I probably was last summer. But as I’m sitting here rocking my baby to sleep, I really want to share some details of my oldest daughter’s birthday party. 

Like I said before, she turned two in November. And it was fun. 

Welcome to ALEXIS STREET!

  
My daughter loves Sesame Street. Her favorites are Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Abby.  So what other kind of party could we possibly have thrown her, other than to create her own Alexis Street? The short answer: there is no other party. 

Let the mommy crafting begin! 

Balloons, pipe cleaners, and lots and lots of flower pins became her very own Alexis Street balloon wreath.  

  
Small canisters, crayons, and a hot glue gun were all I needed to make some utensil holders. 

 
Spray paint, wood, and a crafty husband with power tools helped me make her own lamp post sign. 

   

 It turned out so good!

   
We sorted M&Ms and I drew some Sesame Street characters on the little containers. These were mainly for decoration fillers. And of course for eating. 

 
And lastly, I made an Elmo face made out of tomatoes, carrots, and olives. 

  
The party was a success! Our little Princess turned two and celebrated with all of the people she loves! Birthdays are so much fun. 

Here are some party photos of the end result!             

  WELCOME TO ALEXIS STREET!!