The studio

Well, we passed our final inspection on Friday. I absolutely love this little studio and I foresee many happy creative hours inside. Here's a new picture. Let me know what you think. I'm collecting swatches for the door color. I'm thinking of a yellowish orange.

The new studio

Well, it's been over a year and the new studio is almost completed. After the ACC (Architectural Control Committee) did not approve the studio where it stood, the final result was having to tear it down and rebuild it closer to our house. :-( Fortunately, Michael and I were away during this heartbreaking event. The studio is now attached to our deck and although we have lost some of our backyard view, Brian and Ed are doing an awesome job. It's going to be fabulous when I add my little touches. We will be landscaping forever I think! I'll keep you posted on the progress.

My new studio

My birthday

So, tomorrow is my birthday. I worked all day today on Fishbowl Cards getting ready to be an exhibitor at the Abilities Expo in Atlanta in October. Tomorrow, golf and then dinner with friends. It will be a great day and if it included the ocean would be an absolutely perfect day. Life is good. Always remember...Include, Inform, Inspire, Imagine. I'll let you know how I played golf tomorrow, because I'm really growing to love this game. Good night all. Well, right now, "all" is just me. Take a minute, send a thought. Would love to hear from you...wherever you are.

Fishbowl Cards is going to Atlanta

My daughter, Christen, and I will be attending the Abilities Expo in Atlanta October 15-17. This is an exceptional show and I'm thrilled that Fishbowl Cards will have a booth there. If you live in or near Atlanta I'd love to meet you there. Our booth is going to be fantastic! We've never been to Atlanta before so if any of you know some great places to eat please let me know. I can't wait to hear from you!

Well I finally finished my business plan. It took about 3 straight days but I think it truly defines my business model. Now I can start looking for investors. Go Fishbowl Cards!!

It's August and I haven't written in my blog since April. I am now committed to writing in this everyday.

There are two main reasons for this blog. The first is to let people know that Fishbowl Cards is out there and I'd really appreciate any comments, feedback, or suggestions you might have. The second reason is to help people know me better. Who I am, why did I decide to take on something so daunting and herculean that the huge, multi-billion dollar mega stars (Hallmark, Recycled Papers, American Greetings, etc.) have ignored. Well, Fishbowl Cards has been an idea of mine for over 10 years. The original name was Crooked Rainbows back in the late 90's. It was during a conversation with a dear friend of mine, after just being laid off at a catalog company, where I was down about not really accomplishing enough in life. Two hours later, and a few glasses of wine, Fishbowl Cards was born. I immediately set down an unchartered road and have never turned back. This has become more than a passion of mine...it has become a part of me. I have loved designing the product line, having focus groups with people with different disabilities to gain their perspective, going to disability trade shows and just listening to what people want and need. I know this will be successful and hopefully, the product line speaks for itself. I can envision bricks and mortar retail stores that are barrier free, card racks that people in wheelchairs and walkers can access by themselves, a product line that I am proud to sell and people are proud to buy.

All for today....I'm writing a business plan and it's already taken me 15 hours. This part does not come easily to me, but so important to the success of the business.