Friday, March 1, 2024

I've been busy

I have not had the time nor energy (physical as well as mental) to create too much these past several weeks. We had our contractor install new flooring at the store, which required all the stock and fixtures in that particular area to be moved elsewhere, and then back again.  We did have help from some friends with the moving and we are VERY grateful for that. 
We had the LVP installed right over the tongue & groove flooring Dad installed nearly 36 years ago, so the squeaks that existed are still there!
One weekend they did one half of the sales floor, and the next weekend the other half. We had them work weekends so we didn't have to close the store to have it done. Another weekend we had to move a fair amount of stock and fixtures so they could do some repairs to the walls that were hidden by built-in cupboards Dad had made. We had the cupboards removed so the flooring could extend all the way to the outer walls. 
Now we are in the process of getting some new fixtures to replace those built-ins that had to be destroyed in order to move them. Dad sure built them solid! It is a work in progress that may take another month or so to get to where we want it to be. 




As far as the house goes... we are going to have the bathrooms updated before listing it again. I am waiting on the Line Equity to come through so I can pay for the work to be done. 
I have some gnomes and angels in progress, but not too many yet. Hopefully more this weekend.


 

Wednesday, January 3, 2024

Hello Little Sister!

 I got your email through the blog, but had no way to contact you.

You can reach me at HigginsDesignStudio @ gmail.com.


Sunday, December 31, 2023

As 2023 comes to an end...

After Mistletoe Market, I still had orders for this years Limited Edition Christmas Gnome (Santa with Gingerbread). I only had 2 remaining after Mistletoe, so I made enough to fill the rest of the orders. 
I still have 6 to make today to finalize the Limited Edition of 35 pieces. All but 4 are spoken for.


In early December we chose to take the house off the market temporarily. 
Home sales traditionally are very slow this time of year. 
Of the few people that viewed the house, the only specific comments were about the bathrooms needing updating. So, we are planning to update at least the small bathroom, if not both. 
Then we plan to re-list the house sometime in March.

The house is now officially in my name. It's scary being a first time homeowner at my age! 
The fact remains that the house is too much for me... space and budget-wise. I need a smaller place.


Jordan Bannister and John Perkins 2023 PABA Co-Presidents present Cindy Higgins the First Annual PABA "Higgins Award".

The Higgins award was established to  recognize an PABA Member for exceptional service and dedication. Cindy has served on the PABA Board of Directors for 10 years. During her tenure Cindy has given her time and talents which has resulted in invaluable contributions to the Pendleton business community.
Not only is Cindy the first recipient, the reward itself is named in her honor and will be awarded annually.
THANK YOU CINDY!!!



Several years ago, I became Secretary of the Pendleton Area Business Association. A couple of months later, the group fell to the wayside because the President and VP didn't want to continue. It was dormant for a few years. 10 1/2 years ago, business owners wanted to resurrect the organization. I was the only remaining officer still in the area, and was the only one on the signature card for the bank account. 
We were able to re-group and I retained my position of Secretary. One President served 2 years, the next served 1 1/2 years. Not long before his term ended, our Treasurer unexpectedly passed away. One the President left, I was the only officer. I had a volunteer help with the treasury. Finally, I was able to encourage the right people to step forward and serve as full-time Treasurer and Secretary, and I became President (officially). About half-way through 2022, I stated that I could not serve any longer. I had my own business to attend to with my sister. The crickets didn't even chirp. I got blank stares in return... Then, in September, Dad passed away. I said at the next meeting that I REALLY couldn't do it any longer and needed a Nominating Committee to find candidates. FINALLY a few people stepped forward and volunteered for that committee. As a result, there were nominations for officers and a new Board of Directors was elected that November. I would remain on the Board as Past President per the By-laws. I was good with that. Today officially marks the last day of my time on the Board of Directors of the Pendleton Area Business Association. I am ready to let go... and I am grateful to those who  are taking the leadership of our organization on. I will remain an active Member at Large.

At our Christmas Party, they presented me with this award, which they named after me! 
I am beyond honored!



My wish for all is that 2024 have fewer obstacles and more joyous moments.


 

Friday, October 27, 2023

Busy creating for Mistletoe Market

I've been busy creating stock for Mistletoe Market. The show is in 1 week. The creative flow has been difficult at times because I need to clean and put everything away every time I leave the house for more than 10 minutes, just in case someone wants to view the house.
Glazed and ready for the final firing.
Some angels ready to assemble. Other items I ran out of time to glaze for tonight's firing.
The last of the items formed for next weekend's show. (I will make more after the show too!)
Collapsible bar that comes with it's own carrying case.
And a shelf underneath for boxes, bags, and tissue.

I have stopped shaping things for the time being so I can finish those that are already shaped. I will resume after the show so I can build stock for the store. I also found this wonderful collapsible bar that I can use as my wrap stand for the show.

Friday, September 15, 2023

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

A bit of production

As I was working with the clay this past weekend, it told me in no uncertain terms that some of it needed to be ghosts. So, I now have added Ghosts to my Gnomes and Friends!

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Happy 92nd Dad

We miss you so much. Making sure to have some peanut butter and cheddar cheese in your memory today.