Blogging for Business

Some of you may be surprised to find out that this blog was started over 4 years ago to extend the reach for an audience for Annarella, a retail design, gift and art gallery. That business got caught in the economic crunch coupled with some personal problems and closed 3 years ago. The blog ontinued as I turned to Annarella Girl as a full time endeavor, but the intent remained the same - to use it as a tool to develope new customers while keeping old customers in the loop with what was happening. This year it has become more personal with my thoughts and stories of my life as well as the business. Periodically I visit it with the idea of how it is contributing to the business. The last few weeks I've been looking at this angle.

Conclusions. It doesn't work as a business tool. I'm not sure why, but I've never been able to capture even a small audience. Lots of people try it out. Read it once or twice, but then drop it. As far as I can tell few readers recommend it to others. Few other bloggers link to it from their blogs. One notable exception is Susan @ magnolias end who has been a cheerleader from the early days. (Go to the highlighted link for her blog. I love her wise and gentle voice. It uplifts me, and frequently informs me.)

I've tried different approaches to see if I cans register an improvement in my stats. Seldom do I have a noticeable uptick in readership or comments. I'm left with several possibilities. First, I'm not saying anything that is of interest to others, family excluded. I'm not informative rather I'm opinion based and there are so many blogs out there who can offer those with much better writing and observations. Although I do write about what I'm doing with Annarella Girl, now that I have a business page on Facebook, it seems redundant to blog about it, too. So I'm left with wondering what to do. Do I continue in the same unproductive vein? Or do I try to re-invent the blog, again? I have more thinking to do. Although blogging has been good for my mental health, I need to make the best use of time and effectiveness for my business tools.

Any insights you may have are welcome. What has worked for you? How is the best way to move forward?

Onesies

newborn size

0-3 mos

6-9 mos

In the sewing room a row of onesies is growing. They make me smile with the bright colors, colorful prints and gathered skirts. Because I use name brand onesies whenever and whereever I can find them at a reasonable price, there are never a full a range of sizes. So if you ever see one in a size you want, grab it.

This Sat, March 3, Mama Ds and Annarella Girl are sharing booth space at a show in Round Rock at Cedar Ridge High School. (Love the inside shows because wind and rain don't interfere. We all stay dry and snuggy.) Show is put on by Theatre Boosters so all booth fees go to a good cause. Come out and support the talented students and a cause that contributes to their programs.

Cedar Ridge High School, 2801 Gattis School Rd, Round Rock. 9:00 - 3:00.

New onesies will be there!!!!

Don't You Wish...?

Don't you wish the dirty clothes hamper would stay empty for a week?

Don't you wish every day was filled with sunshine and blue skies?

Don't you wish you could eat everything you liked and didn't gain weight?

Don't you wish all could follow their dreams?

Don't you wish we could work at our passions and make a living wage?

Don't you wish all the hungry could be fed?

Don't you wish we lived in a world of peace and compassion?

Don't you wish we could all be wise, funny amd good-looking?

Don't you wish there was time to read all the books we want to?

Don't you wish it was proper grammer to end a sentence ith a preposition?

Don't you wish the house would declutter and clean itself?

What "don't you wish?"

Winners and Losers

Juxtaposition this morning on CNN. First story is about the hospitalization of Nelson Mandela and a brief review of all he has done for his country and the  world. He comes as a true leader with a philosophy of peace and respect for humankind. What a monumental task he has accomplished by ending apartheid and creating a nation of potential in diversity and on the strength of differences and samenesses. Wow!

Second story about the Republican primaries and the belittling tone the candidates are taking with each other and the current administrations. (What a contrast to Mandela.) And they say it is necessary to draw their differences.Mean, nasty little boys and girls. Where is the quality of leadership? Certainly not in this crop of politicians and their advisors. So sad.

The Latest

The latest in my pastel palette and probably the last arrangement of the fabrics. I'm getting ready to post this on etsy if you want to see more pics.

Now onto some onesies as I am woefully low in short sleeves, and in the main, especially here, that is what people want.

Forward sew!!!

Crying Goodbye

Tears well silently from my eyes as I cry for the death of a beloved aunt Elizabeth. She is the last of a generation on my husband's side. A part of my life for 55 years, I weill miss her as will all her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She was special.

Actually I mourn for myself, selfessly. I mourn for my loss. I mourn for the loss of possibilities. It's been 10 months since I've seen her, and she was in good health then. So that was my last hug, my last grin, my last conversation. And now there is no more possibility for more. I am sad.

Welcome me into your home one more time. Give me a warm hug and smile one more time. Share a reminiscence one more time. Let me see the sparkle in your eyes one more time. You were such a lady with few mean words ever. From the generation of "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all,." by example you urged us to be better people. We had many laughs together sharing family silliness. You enveloped us in a gentle love.

I will miss you. I hope I can honor your spirit by living my best life with love, laughter and peace as you did. Goodbye.

Afternoon in the Sun

It is an unbelievable day - warm, sunny, soft breeze. I don't want to be inside. Give me a good book and let me soak up the warmth. Butler agrees. At every opportunity we find ourelves edging toward the door. Despite having a meeting tonight, I don't want to organize or clean. No, no, no, I want more sun. Well, it will be dusk by the time people arrive. Dust doesn't show in the dark, right?

Here's the latest dress. I showed it under construction on my ironing board. Looks cute all finished, doesn't it? I've said it before, but I'll repeat it, I really enjoy the combination of soft colors with fabric patterns that have an old-fashioned vibe.

Next I have to get some onesies done. Short sleeve weather is here, and I'm not prepared. Gotta stay away from that door to the porch even though I can feel it pulling me even now.

Like a plant I need water and sun to grow strong and sturdy. Sun, here I come! Tomorrow morning I'll post it on etsy.