Monday, December 21, 2009

The thinks you can think...........

I have been thinking this morning. The house is quiet and I have been wandering the past Christmases of my blog and thinking about all that has happened this year.

Did you know that around this time last year I was invited to join in the Stitches and Craft show in Melbourne. That invitation pushed me to have a go at pattern writing. I needed to get and ABN, which means I am actually a business - ooops !

I have been thinking how funny it is that I just fell into this whole "business" thing with no plan , no desire and absolutely no bloody idea what I am doing. As a business ? well lets say I am still working at the day job. I wonder if this business could ever be self-sustaining or if I even want it to be? Do I have the energy needed to take up all those opportunities? Do I want to push ? Do I want to hand over some of the responsibility to someone else, join a distributor or do I want to sit at the kitchen bench folding patterns and popping them into plastic bags in my pyjamas ?

I got to go to Sydney and step waaaaay outside my comfort zone by talking to a room full of people about blogging. I was really really surprised by how much I enjoyed this... I had an absolute blast! I would happily do more of this - all those school report cards were spot on - I can talk !! A LOT !!!

I have met, in real life some of the best people EVER. That whole meeting bloggers thing, at craft group or markets or get-togethers blows me away every time. This meeting and joining and sharing I want to do more of for sure! (and I want to win lotto so I can go and meet all my international friends - a bloggy world tour perhaps ? )

I have amazing friends who are so supportive of this crazy craft adventure and so many of you I have never met. You visit here, and provide a massive cheer-squad, you test my patterns for me and you share awesome stuff all the time. I owe so many thank you's.

I seem to have morphed into a person who makes toys, and I know this disapoints lots of people (and thanks for the emails telling me just how disappointed you are) and maybe it is a strange thing for a 40 year old woman to do - but I love it ! If I had the time and the skill I would make every single toy in my sketchbook....... It seems to make perfect sense in hindsight, I have toys in almost every room of my house. I wonder if this is some deep dark childhood piece of weirdness.....

BUT I also love to make "not-toys" like the robots at the bus stop. I can't explain how much I enjoyed that little project this year.....I really want to get better at that "not-toy" making stuff and better at taking photos .....so much to learn there ...

I think perhaps I am finished with selvedges for now. I'm sorry but that was not really a marriage as it turned out , just a brief but very passionate affair.

I had a market stall which I loved. I had such fun doing that market but I can't see it ever becoming a permanent fixture for me. I sew too slowly to ever have a great amount of stock and to be honest I don't want to make 20 or 30 robots or 40 elephants. I might want to make 6 or 7 but then I want to make something new. (and I suck at selling, really suck. I suck at putting a monetary value on something I have made. I suck at making sensible choices and adding costs and all that stuff and I give discounts to anyone who seems like a nice person - This was a bit of a revelation for me, I am quite uncomfortable standing behind the stall selling stuff, but I love to be at the front of the stall chatting and buying stuff from others. I suck)

I want to give a bit more....Does that sound weird? This year particularly I feel like this blog has opened up so many opportunities for me. I feel like I get so much from this blog and I am thinking of ways to maybe balance things out a bit .

If someone told me about all this "stuff" that would come about primarily because of my blog, when I started my blog I would have thought they were bonkers.......
I apologise if this all sounds a bit self indulgent ...basically it is me saying "far out ! what a year" and indulging in a bit of a one sided conversation with myself.

(one of the photos that I didn't send to a posh magazine when they asked me for a pic)

So I guess I'll be heading off into 2010, running a small business, folding patterns in my pyjamas, making toys and Not-toys, fondly thinking of selvedges but not sewing them, meeting bloggers, sharing stuff, talking, more talking, hopefully some giving, and saying thanks .

Yep that sounds like a plan , its as clear as mud !

78 comments:

  1. I love your blog. Love your toys, your patterns, your photographs. Love the way you think. Love, love, love!

    Keep having fun, and please, keep sharing it!

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  2. a great wrap up - you were exceptionally good at the talking to a crowd bit. I had a ball. And there is not a thing wrong with making toys - it is like mini sculpture and a much more creative process than practical things like bags and such - which is probably why you are drawn to it.

    And do you know I didn't end up with any robots for myself after buying from you at the market! not very clever thinking. Still, they are loved where they went to. I am looking forward to hearing more from you in 2010 - and maybe even seeing you about the place.

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  3. I so totally agree Jodie,
    This year having become both a reader and a blogger, (always a crafter) seeing your work and other indie crafters at the stitches and craft show this year, TOTAL BLISS! i have discovered that not only am i not alone, But i am not disabled, but differently abled, I can do what i love in my own home in my own time health permitting, and feel i am making a difference in this world.
    I want to thank you (and i will be thanking Vikki too) for your part in my emerging, (encouraging me to go and do blogging)
    I love your energy, patterns, stories etc.
    Have a Wonderful Christmas, a happy New Year and i want encourage you in all your ventures. (one day i would LOVE to thank you in person).
    I don't want to scare you and sound like a stalker or anything, just letting you know what you have done for me.
    Keep blogging, dreaming and sewing new stuff, Love it all.
    Just want to say
    THANK YOU
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  4. You have given me what i need to summarize this year on my blog too! thanks!

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  5. Fabbo post Jodes! You are an endless supply of creative inspiration and for that, I thank you.

    Keep up the fantastic work adn I look forward to seeing your new patterns.

    Merry Christmas!

    BTW: Am AMAZED that people email you about their disappointment...jeezs!!

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  6. You are indeed doing well. I guess people respond to people doing what they love. Whether it is toys or not toys or whatever else may take your fancy in 2010, people like me come here to take a dip in the pool of Jodie, and I for one am perfectly happy knowing that the pool of Jodie is an endlessly changing and varied place. I'm never quite sure what I will find, and I don't much care - what you makes is not nearly so important to me as that fact that you are always chasing the next thing, always trying new things, always pushing and challenging yourself. That you feel compelled to go on, and that you have no plan and that the opportunities excite you and yet also involve learning and decisions...I love it ALL. I will be more than happy if 2010 is just the same as 2009. Only different. Thank you for a great year and I look forward to another with anticipation.

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  7. Love that photo Jodie. You really should have sent that one in as it captures you perfectly!
    It was great to meet you at last year's Show. Great to see you going from strength to strength.

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  8. What a lovely thoughtful post ! Wishing you all the very , very best in the New Year and beyond .

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  9. Hi Jodie: Didn't know you could do serious! What a year - and I know it hasn't always been easy, just like mine, but there has been plenty of variety and lots of laughs along the way too. Thanks for all the sharing - on the blog, your Daylesford stall and at Stitches and Craft (especially the workshop - that was a blast!)I'll shout you a coffee in the new year - meanwhile, hope you and your family have a great Christmas. Jan x

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  10. Love you Jodie - and you know I love your toys and I hear every word you say about what blogging opens up for you - it is incredible

    Mx

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  11. What a brilliant post to end the year!!! We have allot in common you and I. All the very best of wishes to you for 2010. Who knows what's around the corner...lets just wait and see shall we? x

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  12. that sounds like an excellent plan!
    I wish we could meet up sometime, so many of the things you wrote about ring true for me too, for me, it is in the initial making, the sketches to the finished item, not the churning out of 50 items all the same.

    If you ever make it to japan, the door is open and the kettle is on, if you are lucky there might be a cake too!

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  13. wow what a year, i always enjoy your posts & all your amazing creations.

    i can't believe someone would send you a negative email, who are these crazy people!!

    can't wait to see what you get up to in 2010, have a fab christmas

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  14. Well Jodie, I think you've just summed up the concept of 'creative journey' beautifully. Do what you love and do it your way and it will satisfy and nurture your soul. I'll look forward to seeing where you journey next.

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  15. You are fabulous woman! Love this post and identify with many of the thoughts.

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  16. When I grow up, I want nothing more than to be a 40 year old woman making toys and not toys and folding patterns in my pajamas. It really sounds like a dream come true. Thank you for sharing all of your loveliness in the blogging world. And, if you are ever in Salt Lake City...

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  17. Jodie, why dont you open a 'blog shop' and sell those 6 or 7 little toys or non toys that way.
    Happy Christmas!!
    Irene x

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  18. wow if you win lotto for the world bloggy tour make sure you have enough to take me and Annie..........
    and I have a blog meet plan which involves you driving a few hours and me shit loads but more on that later............
    to think that first little WEIRD meet go you addicted to blog meets.........lol.........
    our blogs sure have created interesting paths in our lives and I would never have thought it would have happened pre-blog.........

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  19. Ha! I'd say that selvedge thing was a VERY passionate affair -- especially the many night stand with the dress! How could anyone be disappointed in you making toys -- they're so stinkin' cute!!!

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  20. Sounds like a pretty good plan to me!

    If you ever want another affair with selvedges, let me know; ive got a bundle collecting in one of my sewing boxes with your name on it :-)

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  21. Gosh Jodie, the thoughts you thought!!! What a great wrap up of the year. Isn't it funny the paths we end up on sometimes and the things we leave behind. You are such a personality, don't take yourself too seriously and create the coolest things, we all love that. Happy Christmas.

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  22. i swoon over your toys, and "not toys" on a regular basis. i have even grown quite fond of selvedges as well, saving them for who knows what. i only have you to blame. :) i haven't been a follower for very long, but i always look forward to your posts.

    -krista

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  23. Great post Jodie. I too find inspiration in the things you do and I think you are a passionate crafter who is certainly giving in many ways. It was fantastic to finally meet you in Sydney and I look forward to 2010 and another catch up

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  24. Just do what you do, cause we all love it! As long as you dont stop then we can all be happy! yay

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  25. i love your toys and your blog - but you already knew that! I love the way you write and your passion about crafting and creating adn blogging... but you seem to be in that place deciding on fun making or money making.. I cannot beleive people would be dissappointed in you for making toys!!!
    have a read:
    http://makeandmeaning.com/2009/12/16/shake-your-money-maker/

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  26. I so enjoyed your robot scenes, they really bought a smile to my face. It's nice to think back over the year, a lot can happen in the space of 12 months. Congratulations on all of your stuff. Mx

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  27. Do what you do best Jodie - be yourself cause we love you just the way you are. Whether it's toys, not -oys, selvedges etc I don't care - all I know is I count myself lucky to have not only met you but also eaten pizza at your kitchen table...vbg...and to bask in your creativeness for just a bit. Keep up your wonderful work. If you can't be comfy in your pj's folding patterns - then what hope is there for the rest of us.
    Have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

    Love and hugs

    Catherine

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  28. Hi Jodie, not commented before but have been enjoying your blog all year, especially loved the bus stop story! Keep doing what you want to do not what you think you ought to do.

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  29. Get better at making toys and taking photos ...how could that happen, they are all fantastic already. I loved the "not-toy" story at the bus stop - made me smile every time I opened your blog.

    Have a great Christmas and may 2010 bring many more cool toys!

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  30. Jodie
    you have to do what you love.. if not, it becomes a chore and you may as well work 40 hours a week in a job you dont like getting paid each week... I am passionate about $'s at the moment, but I do have a 5 year plan... it can change, and the goal posts may move, but I do have an idea rolling around in my nogging..

    take care and quilty huggers and enjoy what you do...

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  31. I can't believe people would be disappointed in anything you do!?! And fooey to them if they are!! I have loved following your blog over the last couple of years and seeing how you've evolved into this awesome crafter. I love everything you do, and it shows just how much you love it too. Keep it up, I look forward to the years to come in seeing what you create next!

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  32. You will always be my crafty superhero - I love all of your creativity and humour, and I'm always waiting for one of your posts to pop up in my reader.
    I hope you have a wonderful christmas and I can't wait to see what you come up with next year!

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  33. A wonderful, touching post! Thank you for the great patterns you have designed, Jodie! I rediscovered my passion for doll making thanks to you!
    Wishing you very happy holidays and that 2010 may among others bring you a win in the lotto, so that we might actually be able to meet you (O:

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  34. How could anyone be disappointed?? I love this blog...everything about it! Be you. You are fantastic!

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  35. You are one of life's treasures
    Ms RicRac!

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  36. Did you really get an email, or more, saying people were disappointed? I hope you deleted them. And, I like what you're thinking. I do. I do.
    Oi, and thanks for the pattern ... I have been meaning to blog about it ... ahhhh, life, it's getting away from me.

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  37. I am with you all the way Jodie - great post. Same goes for me, just doing, no plan, just enjoying. Wish you a wonderful Christmas break, and 2010.

    Rita

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  38. such a great post Jodie loved reading it and ALWAYS love reading your blog and seeing your wonderful creations, I do wish I could get to that Blog Convention next year sounds like a hoot!! xxx merry xmas hohoho and all that

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  39. Look! That's you that is!

    Keep on blogging.

    We'll be reading.

    xxxxx

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  40. SO glad I was one of the new bloggy friends for 2010.
    Looking forward to more crafty meet-ups!!
    Go for it ... what ever 'it' is. You'll be great!!
    Andi x

    PS that photo you included is HILLARIOUS!!

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  41. No elephant herd for sale? Having dipped my toe into pattern writing this year I can understand how you feel...I like doing things at my pace, in my own time, in my jammies. Whatever your future holds I know it will be filled with lots of fun-ness.

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  42. Sounds like a great plan to me!

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  43. Keep making your fab toys Jodie, I'm sure you have lots more toys/non toys up your sleeve! And try to disregard any disapointee's, some people just like to have a whinge. The rest of us think you're ace, what ever you make, and can't wait to see what wonders you will come up with next. Thanks for your lovely blog, I think you already give alot by sharing your patterns,ideas, enthusiasm and sense of fun. Have a lovely Christmas, bye for now xo

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  44. You are a treasure Jodie and I'm so glad I got to meet you and hang out with you this year. Your toys are fabulous, I can't believe anyone would feel disappointed in you for making them! Rock on Ric-rac.

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  45. Business Schmizness! If you're enjoying it as it is and having a larf, then clearly it's working whatever it is. I love the image of you stuffing patterns into packets in your pajamas!

    I imagine you, glamorous (apart from that photo where small softies are pulling at your legs and telling you, make more of me!) in your silk satin jammies, mug of coffee beside you... elegantly placing patterns into packets.

    There's what you do for work and what you do for a living. And the only thing you ought to be doing for a living - is living.

    More power to you Jodie, I loved the bots at the bus stop too. Can't wait to see Big Ernst as well. In black and white from that Bergman movie!

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  46. Love your work! Wishing you and yours a joyful Christmas! I've got a great giveaway on my blog for Aussie residents, do pop over.

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  47. Oh my lovely Jodie-friend! You really have had an amazing year! But do you realise how fantastically inspirational you really are to all your many, many friends and fans (and their 12 year old daughters)? You are truly brilliant and so damn funny at the same time! Just get on and win that lottery so you can come and visit - actually better not. I may decide to keep you!

    But I have to say I am TOTALLY perplexed by the idea of ANYONE being disappointed in you making toys??!?!?! And emailing you about it?! What have I missed?

    Have a wonderful Christmas and roll on more brilliance next year!

    Locket xxxx

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  48. That's what you call " a good year"! Nice to be able to sit quietly and take it all in.
    Just remember, you've given us all a good year too, your blog is the best entertainment around......keep it coming.

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  49. A great insight into your year Jodie, thanks for sharing, being honest and as always your fab sense of humour! May 2010 be as successful as 2009!

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  50. Oh No! Your selvedges have been restoring my faith! Only kidding! Keep doing whatever you like, that's what I do. I will come visit you at Stitches next year and buy you some coffee. Hey, where's my craft group pressie? Luv sim

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  51. What a year Jodie! Love all the inspiration to be found at RicRac - the toys, no-toys, and selvedge creations, and best of all your cracking sense of humour! Have a wonderful Christmas and best wishes for 2010!

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  52. Sounds like a really great plan! Thanks for taking us along for the ride - whoo hoo!!

    Love and big hugs - Shari

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  53. That's a fantastic plan. I'm so glad I get to come along and observe.

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  54. Whatever you do you'll be great Jodie and the blog is a constant inspiration and source of fun! Hurry up and win that lotto so you can visit us over here. Have a wonderful Christmas.

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  55. I'm just trying to figure out why the plastic bags are in your pyjamas in the first place. Doesn't it make it uncomfortable when you are sitting down to pack patterns???



    (hahahaha. word verification is 'coartion'. I supoze U shud praktis this in yoor lyf)

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  56. What a good post Jodie - it's what I would have written myself if I was bothering to write on my blog! I look forward to sharing heaps more crafty fun with you in the new year. Have a fantastic Christmas. xxxx

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  57. people emailed you because they were dissapointed you are making toys? geez, manners people! pfft to them I say, I love your toys. Looking forward to another year of your posts and projects and wonderful sense of humour!

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  58. You're THE BEST! And i'm so very glad to have got to know you this year. Here's to hoping 2010 goes to plan and is an awesome year!!!
    xoxox

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  59. Meeting you was definitely a highlight of 2009 for me, and I am SO looking forward to having more fun next year.

    Although I may not always comment, I am a regular reader and admirer!!

    Eleanor xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  60. There is nothing strange about women like us enjoying making soft toys!

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  61. You do what you love, you are beyond awesome at it, and bringing Rose Tattoo and Kiss lyrics into crafty creations was by far the highlight of my blog-reading year! Thanks for all the inspiration. xo
    PS Perhaps you need to collaborate with two other people: someone who loves to stitch, and someone who loves to sell!? Then you get to design, design, design...YAY!

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  62. I've been trying to figure out why anyone would think you shouldn't make toys. Perhaps they think your dolls and elephants and mice and hedgehogs and all are art, and not to be played with? Oh, but they're so soft and friendly, and what in the world could be nicer than a toy to make someone smile?

    I'll keep saving selvedges - they've become a habit. If the affair rekindles I'll be ready. :>}

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  63. Loved meeting ya this year! Look forward to some fun times in O-ten.

    You make me smile with your ace approach to everything. I envy your high as spirit.

    Gee I sound so mature and stuff today.

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  64. Hope you have a fabulous Christmas and looking forward to following whichever plans of yours come to fruition in 2010!

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  65. soundsn like a great plan! have a great christmas!

    corrie;)

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  66. Brilliant Jodie - brilliant. Looking forward to seeing where you go next year.

    Hope you and your family have a lovely Christmas time and a safe and healthy 2010

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  67. A plan - however mud-clear - is always good.

    Here's hoping that 2010 will be filled with more laughs, more sewing, and a little less selvage.
    xxn

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  68. Your clear as mud plan sounds as bright as day to me! Way to go girl, is what I need to say now. And then: I suck at selling too. Brilliant at buying...

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  69. I am so glad that someone as organized as you also struggles with pricing and selling! It just kills me to try to figure out what number to put on my creations... and I tend to cringe when someone asks me how much something is.

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  70. Do what you love Jodie, and when you get bored move on. Don't feel that just because you are a 'business' now you are locked into a specific path. Business is business and will never be as fun as just doing for the love of it.
    Enjoy all your new opportunities and have a lovely and relaxing christmas
    xx cintia

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  71. Hi Jodie,
    I just love your blog...the bot story was just wonderful as are you toys. I see nothing wrong in doing what you like, if uoi don't you will just stop and that would be such a shame. I love your sense of humour and the times you have expressed how I (and I'm sure many others) feel.
    And mud can be fun too...not to mention a lovely shower or bath after.
    Merry Christmas and have a lovely funny muddy 2010
    Hugs,
    Sharon

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  72. It's the perfect time to recap ones year and you have amused all of us with your thoughts. It's never one sided in blogland Jodie - there is always someone reading and connecting with your thoughts.

    Love what you do - so keep on doing it - we'll all be here to support you.
    Christmas hugs, Kerryanne

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  73. Wow..Jodie I think you give heaps..in thoughts, patterns and prettty nice pictures and of course words (which you do very well!). People have talked of a book...will this be 'revealed' in 2010?!
    It was lovely (and a hoot too)to meet you in Sydney- inspirational is a word to use too- after all the online stuff. I love watching your creations unfold whatever they are and whatever they are made of. Enjoy your holidays!!

    (I might even start a blog ;-0)

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  74. Gorgeous fun Jodie!

    Don't change a thing sweetie - you're absolutely gosh darn Perfick exactly as you are! I'm very proud to be a member of your fan club!! Dib dib, dob dob, the badge is in pride of place on my lapel!

    Have a fantastic Christmas darling girl! Loves ya to bits!! I'm also very comforted to know that I'm not the only person in Aus who is not at home in the kitchen! LOL...

    Merry Christmas sweetie!
    Vik xoxoxo

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  75. I enjoyed reading your thoughts on the year. You have spread a lot of joy around the world. I can't wait to see what the next year holds! Just don't give up the blog!!
    You're awesome.
    Karen

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  76. good thinking, jodie. your creative spirit will take you wherever you want to go. i'm raising my glass to a fab 2010.

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  77. I very much enjoyed this post, well said! have a great start to 2010. Mx

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  78. Congratulations on a great year, Jodie! I am still enjoying reading back through the earlier posts on your blog, since discovering it only recently. I have also just finished assembling 5 elephants from your pattern while on our summer camping trip. Looking forward to seeing more from you in 2010!

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Hellloooooo !!!!