SweetPea & Violets: Pami's Page

It's October...

2009-10-01T11:49:00.000-07:00

I think that the Fall season has always been my favorite... with the months of September, then October, come new beginnings: a new school year (wearing favorite sweaters & boots), autumn gardens of squash & pumpkins, Fall's equinox, the ushering in of The Holidays and thoughts of gift-giving... (need holiday decor & gift ideas? see SweetPea & Violets' Gift Gallery)
Even though I so love and enjoy the season and coming holidays, it is also a time that I, as do many, occasionally deal with bouts of depression. Despite all of the festivities, it is so very common that one often feels overwhelmed with all that "needs to be done" - as well as an engulfing sense of lonliness. Yes, I have my family all around me, and yet I tend to still feel so completely on my own and isolated. The "kids" are all grown up and doing their own things. I often feel left to my own devices (not a bad thing, generally) and without someone special of my own to share the laughter and merriment with. Do I need someone to share these things with? Maybe not... but, it would be so much more... fun... to share it all. Throughout their childhood years, I always gave all I had to make sure my children would have funny memories to recall. The costumes (both made by me and bought upon occasion), the few get-togethers or parties that I actually managed to put together, the school parades and festivities... I did these things on my own, without benefit of a "partner's" assistance, support, participation. Thus, the resultant sadness, the lonliness. These experiences didn't quite live up to my... expectations. You know, those envisioned fantasies of blissful married life. My life, my married life of those years, was far from blissful.
And, yet, I perservered. I kept it up, hoping, hoping... for what, I don't really know. I suppose for what should have been and wasn't.

I have admittedly abandoned that mode of thinking in the past few years. Still deal with the sadness, but know that I do indeed have the power to make it different, make what I envision a reality. Working on that... It is where the aromatherapy and meditation comes in, I suppose. I've learned to deal with emotive responses and control how I react to given circumstances or events with meditative practice and essential oils. It helps, it really does!! Not that I'm perfect - far from it! Still so very much to learn... and I am learning, every single day. I want to share what I learn, the skills developing. I want to give back and help...

That's where my websites come in to play... I've used these websites to fulfill the need to give, to help, to create. They've been my resource, my implement through which I have both gained and made available usable knowledge. At SweetPea and Violets one finds the tools - essential oils, accessories, candles, books, even links to other resources - to utilize in helping oneself, in growing and evolving emotionally, spiritually. At Cottage Craft Creations, SweetPea's sister site, one finds the art and craftwork that, I believe, rounds it all out. After all, healing and creation kind of goes hand-in-hand, doesn't it? And, I do indeed feel the energy buzzing through me when I am creating - whether it's the hands-on of clay sculpting, drawing and painting, writing, or the needles clicking with the making of each new knitted or crocheted hat, scarf, sweater or baby afghan...

That said, I'd like to share a bit of poetry by a favorite unknown writer:

Preparation

What is needed, what is wanted

To purge the meek and save the strong,
what we need is a loving song,
to grab our axes with one hand,
and swing down harder than the land:

The vessel of which will hold our blood,
and the lungs that will help breathe out loud,
the feet that will climb over teeth,
and the warmth that will deny penetration;

the link that will lower into the dark,
the air that will consume our thirst,
the life of fire's wrath,
and the tune of wind's shout;

the extension of man's hand,
laid deep in nothing's mouth,
taken farther with one word,
defied again not by riddle;

tome's of wisdom far begotten,
chests of fear far departed,
logic represented,
never left in solid question;

if none are present with the coming lesson,
we will be undone at the seams,
lest there be another attribute,
of which will be allowed to lead...

This is not what we want...
simply what we need.

- Odin Cult

...a bit more on Meditation

2009-08-20T14:07:00.000-07:00

I've been studying more of the meditation techniques, as described through the e-newsletters I receive from The Meditation Expert. I admit, I am a novice at this - it takes a lot of work and concentration to empty the mind of all thoughts (we've all seen, I'm sure, the funny commercials of Ellen DeGeneres attempting to meditate) to just breathe deeply and... be, for however long at a time. It does help to concentrate on the breathing - sort of like when a woman is focusing on her breathing when in labor (which I did during natural childbirth!)... You are just focusing on each breath, each inhalation, each exhalation. Slowly. Slowly. It's interesting how... relaxed one becomes during this practice. No thoughts. Just breathing.
I do like to have a complementary music CD playing simultaneously - whether or not it's actually distracting... I don't think so. I have several favorites, among them "Anjali" by Michael Mandrell and Benji Wertheimer, "Still Chillin'" by Gabrielle Roth, and, of course "Music as Medicine" by Nawang Khechog & R. Carlos Nakai (you can find this one at CD Universe, by the way). "Kismet" by Aurah is another good one. I also just love the music by Larisa Stow & the Shakti Tribe - I find her music more exciting and prayerful than meditative, though.
...to continue...
I persist with the meditation practice, always looking (hoping) for a follow-through of those generated feelings of well-being that is the result of each "session". I think that the particular essential oil blends that I assemble and utilize during these meditations have their effect on me, my emotive state, as well. I come away feeling more empowered, somehow... more hopeful regarding any given situation or circumstance that has been prayed about or meditated on - and, yes, I do sort of combine the prayer/meditation in a silent (for me, effective) manner... results come. Not always the results I would expect or hope for, admittedly, but always results in keeping with what I actually require - whether I am aware of that or not. Knowledge, understanding, always comes around.
I realise that I am such a novice, an infant, in this... I have read that it takes years to reach particular stages of meditative prowess - and I believe it. I believe one needs a teacher, a Master to guide through the basic steps of meditation, whether that be via one's religion or other resources such as The Meditation Expert, that I found and am so enthusiastic about. Perhaps one would read, study, practice with and through these guides and still come to one's own conclusions on technique and assists - such as incense and essential oils or complementary music such as that from Sounds True (where one can find those awesome sounds I mentioned above - "Music as Medicine", "Anjali", etc...) or even from independent online alternative music stations...
I am on such a path... how did I get here? I don't quite know. But, I happily continue...

On Meditation...

2009-08-12T11:56:00.000-07:00

It's August - my god, the year is passing me by, and without a lot getting accomplished! It feels like I am working so hard toward that ever-driving goal (my personal freedom, my website's success, a brick-n-mortar storefront - lifelong dream, that)... and I am not quite making any progress, visible or otherwise! It all becomes so overwhelming, the dreaming, the planning, the work with what feels like nothing to show for all that effort. I admit it - I do become tired. Just short of depressed, even. What does one do with this?
Sometimes, I take a break. Especially when I find myself succumbing to "naptime" a tad too frequently for comfort - i.e. more napping than working. That break consists of finding a good book and losing myself in delightful, suspenseful storytelling (thank you, Nora Roberts, Stephen King, and Dean Koontz). But, as much as I adore reading a favorite suspense thriller, that can be just another form of procrastination and/or avoidance. What is a better, healthier method (at least, for me) of dealing with these feelings of inadequacy and failure?
I fall back to affirmations and meditation. When I first started working at The Blissful Soul those few years ago, I had access to an assortment of marvelous self-help books authored by Wayne Dyer, Gregg Braden, and Louise Hay, among many, many others. I was quite amazed, in fact, to come across the original book by Ms. Hay that actually started it all for me quite some time ago: "...You Can Heal Your Life..." I had actually read this first book years before, without knowing who she was at all. Talk about full-circle.
I had taken that first book of affirmations all those years ago and sort of tweaked them to suit my particular needs and I utilized them as part of a prayer and meditation practice that I committed myself to. I can't say I saw a lot of change in my life, through those years, but I did feel better for the activity. Prayer in and of itself is quite healing, as far as that goes. And, I certainly did a lot of praying, that was for sure.
Anyway, over these years I've grown, done a bit of modifying to those prayers practices, those original beginning attempts at meditations... I've read and studied other texts - on theology, spirituality, etc - in conjunction with the self-help, locating a thread of connection between all. Creating, forging a prayerful path, if you will. Something to "do" pretty much daily that would give (or at least encourage) some semblance of peace that would, almost by default, create that productivity that would result in some sort of life success.
Has there been "success"? one might ask. Eh, to a degree, I suppose. I am much better at finishing those things I start, which is a plus. I have made life-altering changes... relocating from L.A. to Valencia being the biggest for me, so far. I work very hard to be more independent, to grow intellectually, emotionally, while improving health and fitness... I've worked hard to achieve some semblance of financial independance - hard, hard, hard that is!! Right now - yes, it is still paycheck-to-paycheck... but, I am so very thankful for that paycheck and the opportunities and friendships that have come with employment. And, I persevere with the website "business".
Again, to help me through it all, I have fallen back on the affirmations and a renewed interest in meditation. The affirmations are what they are (it's funny how sometimes the day will bring with it the very thing - or persons - that I have affirmed/meditated/prayed for). The meditation, though, I found to be improving as I took the time to study and learn how to meditate. I found a great tool in this through the Meditation Expert. Oh, my, this man, Bill Bodhri, just offers the most detailed teaching tools, meditations and advice on how to get the most from meditating. I am so grateful for stumbling across his website - yes, I found him quite by accident.
Most of my most influential resources have been found by accident, as it happens. More to come...

on Truth...

2009-04-25T10:39:00.000-07:00

... and (the) Truth shall set you Free... that's a favorite quote of mine. One definition of Truth is: the quality or state of being true; the quality of being according to experience, facts or reality; conformity with fact... (from Websters Dictionary) Integrity and truthfulness are both important qualities to me. Fun-loving aside, I make the effort to incorporate both in my behavior and life. Thankfully, those traits are a given part of my character, though it isn't always an easy way to be or even to aspire to, let me tell you! Meditation helps. Reading inspiring books by awesome authors such as Gregg Braden or Wayne Dyer (and many, many others) helps, too. As do readings from the Gospels - of Thomas, of Mary Magdalene, etc... I love those.
You may be wondering what brought this particular musing on... It's true, recent familial and friend losses have just wracked me. Not dealing with it all as well as I could be. Work pressures - both online business and on-the-job - create a stress not always easy to cope with. And, the personal issues that just don't allow one to breathe... Where does the Truth fit in all these? I suppose in how one perceives the goings on and happenings in one's life. The realization that the Truth of our lives is not always what or how we perceive our lives to be. Truth is. What we perceive of our daily life experiences is emotional, our response to what is happening. Standing back, re-assessing, looking at a given situation or happening without emotion (not easy!!!!), but clinically, examining the facts of that same situation or experience - it is liberating. There is that enlightening "oh! I get it, now" epiphany that just lightens the heart. And, I've truly needed my heart lightened, lately... that is a fact. That is Truth.
I came to this lovely location, a year ago, now. An anniversary of sorts, I suppose. One I didn't celebrate, though in retrospect, I suppose I should have. After all, I've come a long way - if not as far as I would have hoped. I am still working on specific changes - personal, intellectual, spiritual, emotional. Hard, hard, hard! Physical - I have lost weight! A good thing, must'nt over-do... The whole idea of re-locating in the first place was to re-create my life. Which I am working on. It just hasn't been as I thought - which brings me back to the Truth of things. I am who I am, what I am, where I am. I am becoming what I aspire to. Those I allow into my life are who they are - or as they perceive themselves (not always truthfully) to be. It is up to me to discern correctly, wisely, and make the decisions on who to keep in my life and who to "weed out" as it were. And, there are those I want in my life - for what they can bring, what can be learned, experienced - new for me. That's one of the blessings of coming here - I've met some wonderful, loving people... true, I don't know them, not really. There's only so much information to be gleaned in certain environments, after all. And, sadly, people do have a tendency to reveal only what they want you to know - not necessarily the truth of themselves. Which brings me full circle. Perceiving about others based on conjecture - not on truth - bad for the heart. But, as I stumble upon the truth of things, I take that information and I go on... I persist in this new adventure, discovering new things, new places, new people - re-discovering myself. I like this journey...

End of Month Update...

2009-01-29T12:35:00.000-08:00

It has been exactly a week since my dear Uncle Joe was laid to rest. Goodness, but his passing was a bit of a blow. That he should make his exit on my mother's birthday... and just after calling her with felicitous birthday wishes. A part of me is still in a bit of a shock. I can only imagine how my cousin, his daughter, must be reeling from the blow - not to mention the rest of his family: wife, younger daughter, grandchildren... all and everyone that knew and loved him. He was quite a character.
I think about my uncle, my own mother's near-death illness of the past year... and I am faced with the truth of my own mortality as it stares at me just a bit more closely than I am comfortable with, I must also admit. I suppose Death is our constant companion all throughout our lives, a given, as much as many of us would think (believe) or even convince ourselves otherwise.
It does (these events), however, insist that I really look at the life I have lived and examine just how I would continue... There is a need to acknowledge (at least for me) the necessity of "living life to its fullest" (I know - what a cliche)... How does one do that???? Extremists risk-taking? I don't know... I am slightly unsure. Too old to be that unsure!!! But, yes, yes, yes... one, anyone, I must live each day as fully as possible - not so much crammed-full of activities that would threaten to numb both mind and body, but with feeling. With ideas and awareness of our surroundings - the world we live in and those who populate it. And that leads me to my own personal thankfulness for my world - this Earth - and yes, thankfulness for all those that have been integral to my development throughout my lifetime... even those who have brought such sadness or pain, anger, disappointment... all have been necessary for growth. I know that. Even if I wasn't quite so thrilled with the happenings at the time.
So, I choose to take this time, those past experiences, and move forward. Educate myself as much as possible (neverending, that one). Offer those daily prayers of thanksgiving for all that was, is and will become.
I must be honest here... one of the indulgences I allowed myself over the past weekend was the reading of the Twilight series of books. I know, I know... where have I been? I recall when the series first came out (via my book club notices) and I purposely chose at the time to not allow myself to become enthralled. I do have a tendency to become... infatuated with a series - or character, more like. I have pretty much all of the R Salvatore "Dark Elf" books, the Harry Potter volumes (and DVDs)... Stephen King's "Gunslinger" series... (I could go on and on with my "list") I love fantasy fiction. In any case, to get back on track here, reading those books did their bit in adding to that teensy bout of melancholy I indulged in, if only for 24 hours. You know - the mortality acknowledgement brought by my uncle's death, swiftly followed by the nod at my own fast approaching birthday... Sometimes I absolutely detest getting older. The fear that life has/is passing me by with so much undone. And then, what? I realise that there is so much more to do! So much more to "live", to experience, to learn. For myself. Yes, yes, those who populate my "world" will have a share, a part, but (and forgive me, don't misunderstand) I need, I must live for myself. And, so, as I go on with the studies, the work (the website!), the personal growth, the evolvement - I make every effort to take all I can from the "lessons" while simultaneously sharing all I've had (and will have) the priviledge to glean with any, with all I come into contact with. You've been forewarned.
p.s. SweetPea & Violet's January Newsletter for any interested...

It's a New Year!

2009-01-19T10:38:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, all... I know, it has been much, much too long since I posted on Pami's Page. A bit going on, I have to admit - with the wesite, as well as in my personal life. Life does have a way of continuing on, as I do. To that end...
Even as I plug along promoting and updating SweetPea & Violets, I work at my other job - sales associate at Macy's. I have to admit, I do like my job. I like the department I work in, as well as the people I work with. Working through Christmas was an experience - very busy, stressful (in a productive way!) and exhausting! But, I did enjoy it very much. I like productivity and being busy. I like helping people and having my presence be a positive influence/experience to all involved. It has been a bit distressing, I will admit, to hear/read the news of store closures - and, no, where I am employed is not one of them! "My" store is actually in the midst of remodeling - due to be completed fall '09. It has also been distressing to read really negative blogs relating to bad customer service, etc, as related to Macy's employees (and company/store policy overall)... I cannot speak for the stores throughout the states, but, where I work, especially in my department, customer satisfaction is of utmost importance. We do our best to make customers happy. I know that I go out of my way to address my customers requests - and I like doing that! As for store policy - not a lot I can do or say about that. I have read blog comments from those that expect so much, demand so much (and I have assisted a few, myself) to the point of ridiculous-ness... However, I do believe that customer service is the backbone of any successful retail establishment and I think that if associates are not living up to our promise/commitment of service... well, a lot can be said for upbringing, in addition to on-the-job training implemented. It takes a bit of both. If I am rambling, apologies... Just know that I am commited to doing/giving/being my best - both at my department store job and in my website business.
As for the website: I have been caught up in making site/page revisions and in adding new product for 2009. As I continue to educate myself in all things aromatherapy, it only follows that it should carry over into what I do with SweetPea & Violets. I am working hard to create a "green" website presence - though I will be the first to acknowledge that not all of my offered gift products fall into that category. I am working on it, though! I have come across organizations and groups, other product sites that truly offer not only great products, but informative, educational information. Green America is one of several that I really value receiving newsletters from. Mountain Rose Herbs is another favorite company (I get my herbs from them!) that was voted Co-op America's (now, Green America) People's Choice Most Green Business for 2008... Congratulations to them!
In continuing along that line, though I do still love the Taronga candles line, I have pursued more organic candles and aromatherapy oils - I have included two new lines at SweetPea & Violets: Inbal Aromatherapy [I was familiar with them from The Blissful Soul store (visit Cheryl's updated Blissful Soul website btw)] and Crystal Journey Candles. At the SweetPea website you'll also find Inbal essential oils, as well as massage oils - great romantic Valentine's Day idea! I must say, I am looking forward to these changes, even as I implement them.
This past year was busy for me... family illness and loss... the move to Valencia (still love it here), a new place, a new job... Creating a new website and promoting that through various online communities. You'll find SweetPea & Violets at both MySpace and Facebook, in addition to StartUp Nation and Adlandpro. I work hard at promoting, but never seem to have enough time to do all I aim for! Hopefully this 2009 will be just a bit more successful at that, more productive. In speaking of that website promotion, though SweetPea & Violets did not make it in StartUp Nation's top 100 competition, we are trying again - this time in the first annual Leading Moms in Business 2009 competition. Check it out and vote for SweetPea & Violets! Thanks very much, in advance...
You know, some might believe that 2009 has had a rough start - what with our economic woes and all - but, I am one that believes in the adage that we receive what we give. I have so much hope and faith in our futures, despite the negatives that seem to make up all news media... we have all suffered losses, it is true - some more than most, both personal and financial. We need to hang in there. Have faith. Pray. Meditate. And work to make it all what we would have it be. That's what I believe. It's what I do. I hope you will, too.
Blessings.

More thoughts on Website & SEO...

2008-09-21T13:49:00.000-07:00

To continue with those thoughts on website and search engine optimization: I have been doing a lot of "homework" (I suppose it could aptly be called that - I am reading, re-reading, and reading some more, as well as taking notes, after all!), researching those sites and sources that have been recommended to me. I have found a lot of good info, very good info and absolutely great info at some of these... My brother, who is also one that is a really talented researcher, sent to me some really good links - from which I have been able to gain the most usable tools and resources. So, with those "tools", I continue on with the "tweaking" and fiddling around with my SweetPea & Violets site, adding this, deleting that... It is so much work - but, I think I like where I am heading with it. I have added a bit of new product, new content and services, and I have begun affiliate marketing from the site - which I have been told is "the" way to make money with a website. We'll see. It is all a lot to assimilate, both into my brain as well as the website. I persevere.
Among those links that my brother passed on to me was one in particular that I was so greatful to have come across: Steve Pavlina's Personal Development for Smart People... My goodness, this is the best informational blog/website! He writes a lot, offers a lot of tips and advice, and just pretty much shares all he knows with the goal of helping people better themselves. I really, really was so glad to have come across his website and blog. You'll find links to all of his archived blogs, plus links to other self-help oriented sites and products.
Another good site is ProBlogger.net where Darren Rowse tells you everything you need or want to know on how to make money with your blog... Imagine that. Here I am struggling to make money from my (retail) website, and there are those that are making a living from their blogs! He also offers links to archived blogs and other tools and resources. In any case, they are both really helpful, resourceful sites; I mean it. I was quite taken-aback by the possibilities of all that can be accomplished with just a little bit of creativity.
To that creative end, as I mentioned above, I have added a few new items to SweetPea & Violets. To complement the addition of more (hopefully decent) content, I now offer a select variety of aromatherapy books! I'll be adding more on herbs and other facets of aromatherapy practice, but for now, I think it a good beginning. I am working on the addition of more variety of essential oils (as well as a page devoted solely to that product) and aromatherapy tools such as aroma lamps and diffusers.
As far as money-making - one of the affiliate ventures I am working on promoting is SFI. Some might say "Oh, not another one...", but, you know, I am actually seeing a bit of turn-around with this one. I'm seeing a response to my ads, and I actually received my first commission check! That was a thrilling moment, no kidding! It is taking a bit of time and work effort, I will be honest about that, but, I can see it beginning to grow (especially this month!) and the potential is making itself known. With no commitments or cost to look, it can't hurt to check it out.
I have continued with the other community sites, having a bit of fun and "meeting" new friends. At SweetPea & Violets' MySpace, I found two old "friends" - those I knew from The Blissful Soul - That Yarn Store (a real-live yarn shop located in Eagle Rock, CA) and Aurah - an awesome band that actually played live at The Blissful Soul. Visit me at MySpace and see for yourself. Another friend I have made is Beau Moreau. Another musician, really cool music. I've added a banner - a direct link to his music and site.
I'm still in the running over at StartUp Nation btw... I've no illusions of winning, mind you, but it's still nice to get your votes! So, vote for SweetPea & Violets, yes? Thanks...
'Til next time...

...thoughts on communities and networking and other website aggravation

2008-08-23T16:18:00.000-07:00

I've only recently begun networking via communities such as AdlandPro and StartUp Nation - both of which are more business affiliated (you'll notice their banners on this blog site, actually - I am indeed a loyal promoter, I suppose). I've had my difficulties with these, as one needs to be a paying member in order to reap the major benefits. I've posted my ads as directed, issued friend invitations, and been invited. Started a forum or two. And been completely flummoxed when attempting to reach members for feedback on my site or any "offers" I myself may actually be promoting. (Yeah, I succumbed to that hype, too) Salespider is pretty cool - I seem to be able to get the feedback I am looking for over there. And, really, the few people I've "met" at each community are pretty nice and very helpful. At StartUp Nation, I've actually entered my business/website in a competiton: Homebased 100 2008... I've no idea how I will do, but any votes would be appreciated! StartUp Nation HomeBased 100

At the (really good!) suggestions of a couple of Adlanders, and after much consideration and back-and-forth debates with my own good sense, I finally relented and started this blog (after several attempts directly on my website - dismal failures, each). Blogging is interesting - though, I tend to get carried away with nonsensical writing rants. I am learning as I go; I like to check out other blogs and have even found a few of my community friends. It'd be very cool to actually end up with a blog that has grown as popular as, say, oh, I don't know... (the oft radically opinionated) maddox.com (a favorite of my son, I have to admit - and, though it isn't necessarily a favorite of mine, the guy is an interesting writer - if radically opinionated :-). Of course, I realize that would take years.

And, now I have again taken good advice (relented) and started pages with both Hover Spot and MySpace communities - to start (haha). I succumbed after noting a few of my own favorite businesses with pages of their own over there. I admired them (check out Mountain Rose Herbs MySpace page) and figured, okay, if it's working for them (and it seems to be, judging from both's number of "friends") it might work for me. Also family members are convinced that it will bring attention to SweetPea & Violets. Which is want I want! Have a look and maybe even join yourself! http://www.HoverSpot.com/parriaza and http://www.Myspace.com/sweetpeaandviolets

Sometimes I feel I have no idea what I am doing, while my entire goal is to promote my online business - SweetPea & Violets - which is a retail venture, not an "opportunity" such as those promoted on both AdlandPro, SaleSpider and even StartUp Nation - all of which I do belong to and from which I have made a few decent contacts. Not enough sales, as of yet. But the contacts are there. It's all about the "friendships" fostered and the contacts made, after all.

And, of course, the whole idea of promotion is to make sales (much needed sales!!!) that will indeed validate my staunch belief in a tangible brick-n-mortar store front. My goal, my dream, my ultimate achievement - a store of my own. Maybe two or three, even. Who knows? If I am gonna dream, might as well dream big - right?

In any case, I am working, it feels, around the clock on maintaining these pages, these sites, these blogs (one can blog on every one of these communities - there's even blog access at my Etsy site!). My hands hurt, my eyes burn, my head aches. And, I am never finished! There's always something new to add, some adjustment that needs to be made...

So, I have started the new pages on Hover Spot and MySpace. Added a few images of my work (myself and SweetPea & Violets logo, too) - but, no candles or aromatherapy images, although I do make mention of my services in the way of spiritual guidance, if one so needs... I have sent out a few invites (and had a few responded to favorably, yay!) So, now, what - I sit back and wait for results? For potentially thousands reading my/SweetPea's info and flocking to my website to buy a candle or two, maybe an essential oil, or (yikes!) maybe even one of my beloved hand crafted knitted/crocheted sets???? If only.

Unlike those articles (and I have read HUNDREDS) that promise the world and the moon in immediate financial success, I have found that all of this business promoting does indeed take work and more work, commitment, and time!!! The one thing I don't always have a ready supply of. You need to understand how to build a website (or have the money to pay someone else to do it for you), you need to understand a myriad number of techniques of selling - and there are all sorts of techniques of selling, believe me, most of which I do not get, personally - and then, there's ad/copy writing which is a major pain in the butt. I don't require convincing when I have made up my mind to purchase something, so it is hard for me to not only be motivated but to understand the necessity of creating a convincing reason for someone else to want to buy from me!

Though I rant, though I become mightily annoyed, disappointed, discouraged, I never lose sight of the goal - to promote my business and make it grow. I want people to look at my sites and think "wow, I like that..." I want them to look at what I offer and want to buy it for themselves or for a loved one, as the case may be. I work hard to make my sites user-friendly

-- though I do honestly wonder at my success at that, as feedback has not been what I would prefer. I receive several "Your site is so pretty..." but, that doesn't help, if all its prettiness doesn't sell the product I am offering. I ask for input, I'd rather have the sale - I'll be honest.

That said, I will keep up the work, the never-ending promotion, the commitment to create a successful business enterprise: SweetPea & Violets.

Onward. For any interested, I am working on a really late newsletter - had a few problems with my email provider and lost my entire email contact list... I won't go into that. I am working on it and all should be good-to-go shortly. I'll keep all interested posted, and with that -

'til next time...

...thoughts on aromatherapy

2008-07-11T15:12:00.000-07:00

I've known of (been familiar with) the term "aromatherapy" for a long while, since the late 1980s, in fact. Of course, aromatherapy, itself, goes way back farther than that. Wisewomen and medicine men and women of old practiced exactly that, if calling it by another name at the time. The art of aromatherapy is fascinating - knowing herbs by sight, touch, smell; knowing the properties of any particular plant or flower. Knowing what part of each plant to use - leaves, flowers, roots - and the resulting benefits of each (again, whether by use of tea, poultice, or collected oil essence). Fascinating. I never tire of reading up on the subject overall, or of delving into particular methodologies.
What first came across my path was a sheaf of photocopied pages from an old book. I read about the different herbs, their properties, their origination and habitats, the uses of each. Peppermint leaves crushed into a paste to clean the teeth and tongue - or even the use of a twig to clean between the teeth - and this before the advent of tooth paste and brushes! A rinse of rosemary to cleanse one's scalp and hair. Lemon for lightening. Creating colognes from lavender, rose petals, orange zest and a bit of alcohol. Or men's cologne with bay leaves, spices, and rum.
Aromatherapy practice consists of beauty treatments: skincare, bodycare, haircare - inside and out (with caution and the knowledge of an educated practitioner, please!). It includes treatments (use of herbs in teas or inhaled essential oil essences) that alter our moods and emotions. Oils are used in massage therapy to ease body aches and promote both relaxation and healing. And through each of these methodologies, aromatherapy heals the whole person - body, mind, and spirit.
Imagine how long aromatherapy has been around - our prehistoric ancestors watched and learned from nature around them. And passed it on to us.
My favorite aspect of aromatherapy is discovering essential oils particular aromas and properties and finding those that are complementary in order to create a really terrific blend.
I first began blending, quite by accident, in the store where I worked. At the time, I was only concerned that it smell great! In the end, my first blend not only smelled terrific, I had concocted a blend that, when inhaled, one couldn't help but feel uplifted, better. I liked that effect. I liked that customers commented positively on the aroma filling the store. It was 2 years later before I reproduced the blend to sell it. I have it for sale, now, at my website SweetPea & Violets.
A delicious blend of orange, lavender and white clover (hard to find, folks!) I call it Irish Morning. I am working on others, including a "signature fragrance" - something that is the epitome of what I want others to understand what SweetPea & Violets is all about.
Just a note, here - I am not a practicing herbalist or aromatherapist. I am an aspiring aromatherapist. I am working on certification, a degree in holistic theology, as well, even as I write this. But, I am not prepared to offer advice, other than a recommendation to one who may be more qualified than I. What I do here, in my writing, as well as through my website as I create products or just sell safely ready-made product, is offer to share what I know and what I am learning. That aspiration is what inspired me to create my other website: Your Well-Lived Life - to be able to share and to point interested readers toward those other sources and/or sites that I believe will be of help and growth. So, there you are.

For those interested, I've completed the SweetPea & Violets website newsletter, which will shortly be sent out. Showcased a few really good items: promoting the Terra Nova products, and, of course, the candles. Added a few notes regarding the gifts that I have offered in the past, as well as a link to a gift catalog found on my Gift Gallery page. Made those all-important updates to my Etsy site: SweetPea16.etsy.com which will hopefully result in a little bit of positive feedback - and maybe even a sale or two!

In the meantime, I keep up with my studies, my work, my art. I've begun the writing, again (thank you my Adlandpro , Salespider and StartUp Nation community friends for inspiring me to commit to a blog - though I did heartily resist)
More to come...

2008-07-01T14:48:00.000-07:00

Happy July... I like "firsts" - the first day of the week, of the month, of the year... it somehow feels new, that I can begin anew. I like the feeling of opportunities waiting to be explored.
I have been so busy working on all this internet/website stuff. I feel like I am neglecting other equally (or more!) important things - sorry, sorry, sorry! I will do better. There are just so many "important things" - family predominantly. But, I feel so driven to make this website business adventure of mine successful. Enough of that for now...
The SweetPea & Violets e-newsletter will be going out shortly. In it, I have made mention of all the website changes being implemented, as well as making reference to these other promotion activities I have undertaken - all in the name of "converting targeted visitors into customers"! I also make note of my etsy store, where I will be showcasing SweetPea & Violets knits and crocheted sets - not to mention the possibility of putting any other handcraft and art work of mine over there. So, if anyone that is familiar with my crochet work, you can find it there: http://www.sweetpea16.etsy.com
Please, visit & let me know what you think. I've only posted a few things, so far, but I have new stuff (never before seen!) that I will be putting up soon. It may feel like it is too hot (weather-wise) to sell knit/crochet, but I never feel that way about creating it. Crochet is one of my favorite things to do. Anyway, if you stop by my etsy store, leave a comment, please. Oh, and if you'd like to commission something made special, email me with your request. I'll gladly work with you on the details.
Some of that promotion activity has included joining varied ad communities. Two I am working with are Adlandpro and Salespider. Still exploring, but finding good things and good people. Thank you, Melanie and Debbie, for all your good advice and suggestions! Another good community that I've only just discovered is StartUp Nation. So far, it seems pretty cool. Lots of stuff to learn, though. And, I admit, I am a bit shy about adding my thoughts to the different forums available. Although I have had an idea for one kicking around in my brain, in which I may rant about a particular subject and blow off some steam.
I realize that these communities have probably been around for some time (goodness knows blogging has been, and look at me, I'm only just starting at that, too!) so, bear with me if I sound a bit naive or ignorant, at first. I will find my way. I will learn this internet world. I just never had any desire to before now. I had no interest in the internet, other than to check my email box - and I was terrible about keeping up with that! Now, that I am here, I suppose I am making up for lost time.
Back to my websites. Been working feverishly the past several days getting stuff added and making little tweaks here and there. Adding new product, new suggested resources - you'll see at the sites. http://www.sweetpea-and-violets.com and http://www.your-well-lived-life.net
(apologies for the wrong url in my last post... I was tired; it was an oversite written out of habit - the website logo/banner actually reads: "For... Your Well-Lived Life", but the "for" isn't in the web address...) Please visit; let me know what you think via email (or you can come back here and post a comment - that would be cool). I appreciate all comments and/or suggestions. It is all about improving and growing the business, after all.
'Til next time...

Welcome to Pami's Page

2008-06-26T16:51:00.000-07:00

June 26, 2008

Now, that I've made the transition from L.A. proper to this great spot (community of Valencia) and (though continuing to make "moving" adjustments) pretty much settled in, I've made time to work on my business website, clean it up, implement changes, and such. A part of those changes has been a whole-hearted endeavor at advertising that I had never really fooled around with before. Classifieds, site optimization, traffic exchanges... I had no idea that having an internet business could be so much work. Don't get me wrong, I am enjoying maintaining, cleaning up, "optimizing" my website... I am just getting a bit... tired, I guess, of all the work and not a lot to show for all my effort. Anyway, part of the "program" of bringing attention to my business was connecting with communities (which I have) and setting up a blog (which this is supposed to be). I have attempted to create web journal pages directly on my websites, but I've never been happy with the results. So, after a few of my new community friends suggestions (good suggestions!) here I go, once more...

and so...

First post to a brand new blog - again! I hope and trust that all my loyal SweetPea & Violet friends will like this format, this new place better than all my previous attempts. To be honest, I am new at this. I do get enthusiastic when it comes to any sort of writing endeavor, whether it be journaling, diary-keeping, or... blogging. I find that there is so much I want to say, so much to share... where to start? I do promise that I will make every effort to not be long-winded or preach-y - instead to offer well-researched and thought out bits of information and such that readers will actually not only be interested in, but appreciative that they found this spot! I am optomistic.

That said, for those interested in my website (http://www.sweetpea-and-violets.com/), as I noted in the site's Newsletter, I am making a few more changes. I am cutting back on product offered, having decided to specialize in the aromatherapy - including candles, incenses, essential oils - and favorite organic fragrances & bath products. Even though I love my craftwork, guys, knit and crochetwear just doesn't sell in the summer. So, even though those beloved hat/scarf sets will be available (I do have the etsy site, after all) they just won't be available through the SweetPea & Violets website - for now. The same goes for my art work and jewelry. I've also decided to forgo the site's Newsletter - June's is it, folks - opting to instead utilize the SweetPea & Violets' monthly/bi-monthly e-newsletter to relay the same information. All news, product updates, everything will be passed on through that medium, as well as referrals to this new blog site. I think it will be a bit more efficient, all in all.

Speaking of "news", btw, I have been hard at work on a sister site, if you will... For Your Well-Lived Life (http://www.for-your-well-lived-life.net/) is all about just that - finding those things that enhance and fulfill your life. It's mostly resources and links to other sites that offer free stuff, books, music, etc... things I have come across in my own search for enlightenment that helped me in one way or another and that I felt the need to share. I hope that it will be received as open-mindedly and enthusiastically as I felt while working on it... oh, and it is still a work-in-progress, as I continue with research and add new info (pretty much almost daily). I do like it, though. 'Til next time.