okay, so maybe not...

I'm realizing that tomorrow morning as a goal isn't going to work after all, barring an all-nighter. And since I really want to be present tonight for Alfredo's trick or treating, I'm going to give myself a bit more time to get the next issue ready for you.

Here's something to get you in the mood...

A Christmas Sampler!

(straight from the pages of the next issue!)

coming up for air

Hello, friends! Did you wonder what happened to me? Well, you're about to find out.

The next issue of Inspired Ideas is just about wrapped up. Set your alarm clocks for bright and early Monday morning. You really won't believe your sleepy eyes. I hope I don't sound too boastful but it really is amazing. There are more than 30 projects on more than 150 pages. (Yes, I am crazy!)

messy work

I'm having the best time making the cutest stuff and the biggest messes...all in preparation for the next issue of the magazine. You really won't believe the incredible talent of the contributors...their projects are so sweet and wonderful. I'm hoping you'll be so inspired that you'll drop everything to craft something immediately. That's my goal.

Meanwhile, I'm finishing up a sweet little Christmas sampler for the magazine...pulling pieces of thread from this nest. I think this photo might make some embroiderers out there cringe...the ones who have all their floss nicely organized on little cards in numerical order.

a glitch...

There was a little problem with the advertising page...it should be all fixed now. Let me know if you have problems with it.

Click here.

your favorite ornament?

Send me a beautiful photo of your favorite Christmas tree ornament and it might be selected to appear in the pages of the next issue of Inspired Ideas.

Email photo to amy (at) inspireco (dot) com.

I can't wait to see!

advertising open for the next issue...

Click here to learn about advertising opportunities for the Holiday 2010 issue of Inspired Ideas and to reserve your spot.

it's beginning to look a lot like...

I'm working steadily on the next issue...I don't want to say a date out loud yet but just picture yourself flipping through it while you raid your kids' trick or treat bags.

I'm really, really excited about how things are coming together. I have some really wonderful friends who've said they'd help and they're making the most adorable things. And I have a few things up my sleeve that I hope you'll love.

I was going through each of the projects in the current issue one by one but I sensed that enough was enough. If you haven't seen the magazine yet, please check it out. And if you'd help me spread the word about it, I'll love you forever. (I will anyway)

Alfredo is napping and I have so much to do. I wish I could keep making stuff for the next issue but instead I have to clean up the heaps and piles all that lovely work has created to make room for some company coming tomorrow.

p.s. Rich thought the tone of my post about Alfredo from last week was a bit sharp. And he thought it was strange that I seemed to be reprimanding you. I hope you didn't see it that way. I was just fretting a bit. Alfredo knows his story very well and knows that we are all his family, including his Papa and his Mama. He just doesn't see our differences (I would love it if he never really did)

vote for The Cottage!

My friends Ann and Linda at the cottage are finalist in their county's retail business of the year award! And they need your help. Will you vote for them? Click here.