I have decided to completely retire and no longer take in sewing work. 

What a year about to end!

 

               12/27/2020

You've probably had enough of 2020, so that's not my intended topic today, but to say I'm glad to see it go.

I've come to realize this blog of mine needs some refreshing and finally getting around to making a new post. Just in case you've read my story to this point, there a few new events to add. I'll summarize those in my best attempt to be concise. (which does not come easy to me--see?)😁

 

After I found myself unable to care for my ailing husband at home anymore, I put myself through an abbreviated version of the education I'd started many years back in the nursing field. I'd been an L.P.N. student before becoming a mother. In 2015, I became a certified nursing assistant (C.N.A.).   I worked in local facility caring for dementia patients about 4 years, until I retired and started babysitting the grandchildren that had come along by then.

Funny observation recently:

My son had pointed out that once his son went to school all day, I would "get to" spend the whole day with "the baby" who was yet unborn. Those kids are so special to me, that I now wonder just who manipulated who in that discussion. 

While on the subject of family, I've lost two of my brothers since I last visited this page.

and Tom this year       Jeff in 2012                                                                                                                   

Now I realize this post has nothing much to do with sewing, but this blog is about me, and who I am and what I want to say. 

Thanks for listening.

And, continuing "the story", 

as inquiring minds want to know...  

 I've "met someone" special, as they say. 

Enough on that.

Addicted to Embroidery!

So, I bought myself a used embroidery machine for Christmas last year. It is very much an obsession, passion, and at times addicting. Materials, and supplies can be costly, 
so it's time this thing starts earning its' keep. 


Here is a sampling of what I have made and will offer for sale at my first ever craft show next month. I can start taking orders for Christmas after December 9, 2018.  I have thousands of designs available to choose from.

 Just a few badge holders above...

                        Kitchen Towels

            Made 

       "in the hoop"
              
        Zip pouches

Update 12/2020 I have much more that these embroidered items now (maybe over 100 kitchen towels for instance). You may have seen me downtown  (Fond du Lac) at Farmers Market in the summers 2018 & 2019, but not 2020. I don't know yet about 2021. 

The major event I spoke of earlier has occurred.

My beloved, husband Jim

passed away June 5, 2016

Having years of anticipatory grieving, I know 

that I am going to be ok.

"Grief is like the ocean;

it comes on in waves

ebbing and flowing.

Sometimes the water is calm,

and sometimes it is overwhelming. 

All we can do is

learn to swim."

         ---Vicki Harrison

Ann Marie Custom Sewing

is active again.

The best way to reach me to schedule your

free consultation by appointment only is to

Call (920) 238-7862

Thoughts...

My life is somewhat on hold. I stand on a precipice awaiting a tragic event that is inevitable. I do not wish it to happen soon, by any means. In the meantime, I must take care of me, and prepare for the new life that lies ahead of me. I am learning to be comfortable with my own company, and struggle yet to settle in to my new home. (Yes, there are many boxes yet unpacked after nearly a year)

In case you have found me online with an address on Rogersville Road, you may have discovered the house is gone. Sorry about that. The best way to reach remains by phone. (920) 238-7862.

 Our home on Rogersville Road was used for training of the 

town volunteer fire department and completely destroyed in the spring of 2014.

Location and Current availability

(This post has been updated 12/27/2020)

     Please call to    inquire.

(920) 238-7862

Address is 108A East 2nd St., Fond du Lac, Wis.

However, I cannot accept unexpected customers. 

 

Unfortunately, due to the current pandemic, I have not accepted any sewing work for many months, but will consider a no contact drop off if I am able to take your order. It would be wonderful to chat with you about it, so please call. 

UPDATE/"de train! de train!"

      ♪ ♫....."And with all of his strength

       he gave a mighty shove.
           Then a miner yelled out

         "There's a light up above!" "

                                          

                                                     ---Jimmy Dean--- 

                                            

 

"There's a Light at the end of the tunnel, and it ain't a train!"                    

                --Ann Marie--

(OK, so I couldn't find a picture of a train, but this one fits, too.)



It has been a long year for me. For over a year I have been told my husband is terminally ill. "My" life has been a roller coaster of crises, but how to share with you my perspective without whining? How about some cheese, crackers & chocolate to go with the wine? (As tempting as it is to get very drunk and stay that way, it doesn't help much. I've tried.)

My story is who I am. This blog is for my sewing business, but also about me. I alone am ANN MARIE CUSTOM SEWING. Bear with me.  Perhaps you need inspiration yourself? Perhaps you are only curious?  That's ok.  I need to express myself.  I do realize my problems are not unique.  Nor am I asking for your sympathy. Being pitied is nearly unbearable.  I am so weary of being the drama queen, but I cannot help myself from frequently sharing with anyone kind enough to listen.


I must say here and now, that hospice workers are some of the most wonderful people I have ever met. Love and care are the heart of those who provide hospice services. THANK YOU to Agnesian Home Hospice and the Hospice Home of Hope. Words are inadequate to express my appreciation of these beautiful people. 

What is my point? you wonder.

The point is about my conscious choice to have faith. Certainly, I could resign myself to accept the inevitable outcome in a somewhat "what-EV-er!" attitude. But, it goes beyond that. I have naturally experienced the gamut of emotions throughout these many months of drama. Yet I am constantly reminded of the loving presence and care of the Lord. That is the inevitable. I cannot run from Him.

My husband is on several medications to help with his anxious emotional state, but many times he resists the effects of those medications UNTIL we pray, or read something inspirational.

What will happen "tomorrow"? I do not know. I have these blinders that only allow me to see what I need to in the moment. I can do "today". God has my tomorrows. In realistic terms (my awareness of the things I cannot dwell on for now) my future is bleak.

I have to selectively limit my availibility to work, but can still sew for you. Call to inquire. (920-238-7862)

Thanks for listening.

NOTE: I have deleted the post with directions and pictures of the studio, as we have had to move.