For a little while now I have been following blogs and thinking, wow how awesome would it be to do a blog, but then I think what am I going to post about. How do these people come up with ideas?   Well tonight was finally my ah-ha moment. I was at the gym on the treadmill listening to my first podcast from Jessica founder of Create & Thrive this great blog I came across. I am also now subscribed to her Thriver Circle website that allows me to meet other creative types and learn how to expand my business.   Anyway the podcast was 00, the first one she did, and she talked about how she began and the road that led her to her jewelry, that turned into a business, which after hard work grew and how she returned to a love of teaching by creating the Thriver Circle group. So here I am on the treadmill staring out at the mini hill in front of me, watching the cars go by listening to this “inner voice”, as she talked about her first sale and how it felt, the satisfaction of knowing someone wanted to exchange money for what she made, and I got chills remembering my first sale on Etsy. Then she went on to talk about the passion she had for her jewelry and helping others learn, and finally how life is too short and we need to be doing what we love. Well the chills turned to full blown goose bumps.  I had been puttering on Etsy since 2013 and just did my first art show, but holding back. I, of all people (being you know a BIG C survivor) should know that life is too short. It’s like this wall, or fear that has been holding me back shattered.  I love making art, I love the smile on people’s faces when they buy one of my pieces, and knowing a bit of me is out there in the world making people happy. So after this epiphany and fear breaking here I am doing my first blog post, and already the ideas for art pieces are churning. All I have to say is life is too short, I am thankful for my talent, my family, my friends and my wonderful Fiancée. So 2016 get ready because Side Street Design LLC is going to be kicking Etsy butt and the blog posts will continue. This is the start of my new journey. No more fear, just excitement and hope. Stay tuned!!!