BLESSED!!!

This is Me and MY FAVORITE HAT....MY ALL TIME FAVORITE HAT!!!!

In fact this is me today, August 13, 2011 on 7th St. in the East Village, NYC just ready to cross over into my job.  I had just walked several blocks and had several strangers smile at me (due to my outfit and, of course, glow)...even had a comment that I was wearing "the best hat!" (from a busboy on the street!) classic NY.

So lets skip 8 hours till it's time to head back to the train that delivered me to NYC today.  I tied my hat to my bag while at work and I walked about 4 blocks through the E. Village down St. Marks St. which is a total zoo of people on a Saturday night at 8pm....people out and about EVERYWHERE!!!

As I waited for the light to change I look down and ... MY HAT IS NOT TIED TO MY BAG NOR IS IT ON MY HEAD!!! (sad face here)....(EXTREMELY sad face).

Oh...this hat and I have been through EVERYTHING together... I flashed across my mind ALL the adventures we had shared.... here's just a few:

Me on one of My First Adventures into NYC since moving here!!!!  

Driving Miss Daisy to Hana on a trio trip just my Hat, Miss Daisy and Moi

 

 

 

 

 

Another driving Adventure with Dear Miss Clifton!!!!

Meeting Betsey Johnson!!!

When hat was first made years ago with Elizabeth as lovely model

Sigh..... The History!!!  Or Herstory!!!

Okay...so I immediately turn around and back track "just in case".  I see a literal sea of people, sigh a bit..."Why OH Why???!!?!?!?!?!?!?!!?!?!?!?!?!!?!?!?!?!"

I make my first attempt at a positive thought..."I guess I have officially launched my hats into The Big Apple!"

Whatever! 

I look on the ground...maybe? maybe? I look on people's heads...everyones!!!!  I think what if I do find it on someone's head?  Would the give it back to me?  I mean it's NY!!!  

Sigh (I know but LOTS of sighing is happening).

SO...past St. Marks...crud! Not there!  Cross the street and down 2nd Ave... Nada!  I get across and start to head down 7th (where I work)... it is feeling like a lost cause and I am tired already from long day BEFORE missing Hat!  

I vow to walk to the shop...I tell myself if it is not there then I shall go and have a glass of champagne at the Italian Cafe to toast My Hats presence in My Life...to send it off properly.  This gives me a little comfort... champagne...mmmmm....sigh...keep going.  

About half way down the block...hanging on a gate post....

IS MY HAT!!!

Someone was so gracious to pick it up off the sidewalk (eeep!) and hang it up FOR ME!!!!

Like long lost friends I squealed with pure delight...My Hat squealed too...Hooray! Hooray! I promptly took it off the gate post...shouted a "Hallelujah!!!  Thank you Jesus!!!", tied the scarf tightly around my head and pretty much skipped all the way to the train!!!!

I AM BLESSED!!!!  SHINY SPARKLING BLESSED!!!!

RECEIVING THE OVERFLOW

A devotion for TODAY!!!

(from Joel and Victoria Osteen)

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“...we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance”

(Psalm 66:12, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Friend, no matter what your circumstances may look like today, God’s plan is to bring you through to a place of abundance. He wants you to have an abundance of peace, an abundance of joy, an abundance of resources — He wants you to overflow with His blessings so that you can be a blessing to the people around you.

One thing I’ve learned is that if you want to live in the overflow of God’s blessings, you have to have an attitude to receive the overflow. Remember, as a believer in Jesus, you are a child of the Most High God. Royal blood is flowing through your veins. You were not created to be average. You were not created to barely get by and drag through life. You have seeds of greatness on the inside. You are well able to do whatever God has called you to do!

Today, I encourage you to put your shoulders back, hold your head up high and start thinking like a victor. And when you’re a victor, you know that any adversity in your life is not permanent, it’s temporary. Have the attitude to receive the overflow of God’s abundance. Keep believing and keep expecting because it’s just a matter of time until He turns things around in your favor!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, today I open my mind and heart to You. I choose to believe that You have a good plan for me. By faith today, I receive the blessings You have for me so that I can be a blessing to others. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

----------------------------------------------------------------------

I SO needed this RIGHT NOW and I really love how God knows my needs and speaks directly to me through all sorts of sources.  This Dream Warriorhood can be very difficult at times...with all the excitement and joy of literally living My Dream I am still in this world dealing with day to day trials, people who test my spirit and situations that can be very upsetting.

But I plan on holding my head high today because if I started my day out concerned and then found this in my email it is obvious to me that God has me TOTALLY COVERED!!!

Be blessed!!! 

Katherine

p.s. you too can receive daily devotions like this one at http://www.joelosteen.com  it certainly has been a blessing daily in my life!

Where For Art I????

My GOODNESS.... it's been a long while!!! About 2 months worth of long while!!!

It's as if I have been lost in the Great Big Apple!!! I guess I have.  I have spent that last 2 months getting into the flow of this, My New Life.

. I have created a new website www.wix.com/kcmillinery/hats 
. I have made a few new hats!

Created some art...

 
set up my home sweet home....

 

Aaaaaah....home!

I am still doing what I was doing when I last checked in (and I promise not to take so long or abandon you).

I have learned SO much from Barbara Feinman and her Millinery business at 66 East 7th St. NYC.  I think this has grabbed most of my attention for it was essential to dive in deeply and soak in all that was necessary to be a solid and valuable part of her team.

I have learned classic straw hat making: blocking and classic trims.  Each step and process has felt like a family member I haven't never seen but knew existed showing up and we just are so happy to meet each other.  We were meant for each other and we are part of each other. 

Basically...I am meeting my bliss. 

I am still absolutely amazed as I walk towards the trains that will take me to NYC.  I AM HERE!!!  After all these years I have made it to my heart's desire. I am daily amazed at what my eyes are seeing. The architecture, the views, the people, the fashion, the parks.  I am in love and it seems the feeling is absolutely mutual!

to the train!

Times Square...happy accidental detour one eve!!!

Washington Square park...on route to work...SO LOVE IT HERE!!!

Aaaaaahhhhh...The Met!!! xoxoxo

Sundays in NY!!!

Central Park...blissful!

and The Food!!!!

It's a pretty amazing daily ride!!!

Yet...here comes my human nature.... to be truthful these past two months I have wondered...wondered about where I am living, where I am working...both are true blessings and yet I know I am meant for so much more.  More pay for my efforts and talents, and to actually live in the state I want to live in, in the city I want to live in.  

I found this to be a little bit of a struggle.  Not a bad struggle...let's call it a stretch. It has done what it was meant to do which is bring me closer to God (exactly what He was hoping for).  I dove deeply into His promises.


I so know that God has plans for my future and is guiding me along the best pathways for my life and I see what the possibilities are and... well... it is simply time for me to rest in this promise...patiently.


I don't want to seem ungrateful for I am NOT!!!  I am most appreciative of the multitude of daily blessings I see.  When I start to slip down my slide of questioning it's time for me choose to focus on these obvious blessings.  


It's all about the focus right?  What are you choosing to "see"?


When I realized this I saw that YES! I will soar to greater heights, more fabulous residences, a career that I can feel proud of and that not only supplies my needs but allows for me to bless others joyfully...THIS IS IN PROGRESS!!!


And for now...for now I remember a wish I had (about 2 years ago after my trip to NYC).  I wished to simply allow myself to be a student. Not having to worry about career... possibly taking a student loan and just learning.  Something I never really allowed myself.  I know the value of schooling but always felt like it took too much time and I didn't want to give myself the time.


Well... I AM giving myself this gift of time and education. Not only that but it's as if I have a fully paid scholarship to embrace ALL of this learning. In fact, I came to this decision on July 20,2011...just about a week ago.  I wrote and signed the following:


I, Katherine Carey, am accepting the gift of Education, SOLELY, for "at least" the next year.
Until August of 2012 I will be pursuing the levels of knowledge necessary for my career.
This is a Sabbatical.  This is A Gift.  I will study:
.classic hat making
.running a hat business - both at Barbara Feinman Millinery (my JOB!)
.accounting
.excel
.powerpoint
.marketing - all home self studies and courses at F.I.T. (The Fashion Institute)
.art history - the Met, MOMA, Guggenheim, Whitney, etc
.US history- Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, and all the amazing historical sites NYC has to offer!
As well as any other subjects that spark interest.
This is my commitment... Katherine Carey


This basically means that I will soften my quest to push my business and let my business grow naturally AS IT IS. I consider my lovely room in Jersey City to be my dorm room.  It's MOST affordable, a couple trains away from the city I love and has everything I need to "afford" to be a student.


As soon as I prayed over and made this commitment, signed it and hung it on my wall

I headed out for 2 of my 3 days of the work week.  I had an amazing day working with my favorite teacher Barbara Feinman herself.  I could feel my spirit soaking in every detail (and there are many details).  I bought myself a fresh new notebook to write in daily what I am learning/doing.  The next day after yet another fabulous work/learn session she offered me to showcase a few of MY Fall hats in the shop.


NOW...this is how God works and His sense of humor.  Just when I say to myself, ever so mightily... I accept and I will only be a student...with in two days I am offered to be... Myself, Katherine, A Milliner.  I simply smiled and said..."Hooray!!!!"


I think what is was is that I simply PASSED the test at hand!!!  A test within myself to ACCEPT where I am and more importantly EMBRACE HERE AND NOW!!!


Then...as of yesterday I was upgraded again... 4 fold!!!  My Uncle Pat had gifted me a New-To-Me and practically brand-new-completely laptop which I picked up and when I opened the package...I WAS BLOWN AWAY!!!!

The screen size is 4x's larger than what I have been using...I CAN SEE!!!  As well, this beauty (and it IS such a beauty) is full of memory, useful programs including Microsoft Office which has ALL the programs I want to learn!!!

So NOW I really AM SET to be a successful student and even better a SUCCESS in general.  I can truly run My Business!!!!

God has blessed me so!


SO this, My Dears, is what I have been up to.  A grateful, challenging, creative, beautiful life stretching towards and fulfilling My Dreams.  


(silently smiling blissfully)



 

The Search Reveals Beautiful Promises

Part of sharing this journey with you is sharing the high's and the not so high's.  It's about life and the valley's (or seemingly valley's) are the stepping stones to true growth.  So I am sharing the more intimate details of my path in hopes that it may encourage YOU on Your Journey to following Your Dream. 

For US:

A Devotion for the Start Of A Fresh New Week:

There is a reason I needed that Champagne Moment a couple days ago.  I really, REALLY HAD to stop and count the blessings because though I am FULLY aware of them I was feeling pressured and a little distraught.

I am so aware of God's timing in my life.  So noticing each and every detail He is revealing to me, taking care of for me, blessing me with.

However, I am human.  Flawed and imperfect. 

I found myself ready, willing, and able to go forth into this "Promised Land".  I was ready to tackle the giants to indulge in all the blessings. (reference to Numbers 13:25- ch.14:12 The discovery of the Promised Land and the report from the scouts.)

I boldly said, as Caleb said, "Let's go at once to take the land". (ch. 13:30)

And here I am!!! 

But what I felt last week was my spirit of ego (reflecting as insecurity) rising up. 

I entered into this new territory READY to be a student...excited and willing (still am), knowing this is unfamiliar territory, all new to me, a major learning curve, a time to be most humble...however, as willing as I am, I found myself able to eat the humble pie but then choking on some of it.

I kept my thoughts to myself for I KNOW it is silly stuff.  But I found myself sensitive to what I was hearing.  There was much positive words, and constructive critiques. I am open to the critiques as this is why I am here!!!  To learn!!!

However, I found myself reacting. In my tired state, my learning so much every day from how to get around from point A to point B, C, E, F, back to D, to all the new skills, to learning how they run their business, to my new housemates personalities, to just having housemates after all these years of living alone, to my new hood, my new life and trying to keep myself in check....I simply felt weak.

How human.

I found myself singing Isreal And The New Breed's song: "I KNOW Who I am, I KNOW WHO I AM, I AM YOUR'S, I AM YOUR'S!!!"

For I really do!!!  I know EXACTLY who I am and what I am here to do, and what talents God has granted me, and why I came, and why I am here to learn, and WHAT an amazing blessing this is...I AM FINE!!!!

Hence...the need to get a bottle of bubbly and actually TOAST the amazingness of God working in my life.  That and taking a grateful rest that was much needed.

So today is my last day off before I head back in.  A fresh new week, a fresh new attitude and I just found myself so aware of why I (secretly) reacted and that by doubting myself and my abilities I was just attempting to build up my ego which is so... frankly... lame.

I felt I stumbled...or more likely tripped myself.  I remembered a verse about this and couldn't "quite" remember where it was in the book of Psalms so I started at the beginning....it would be one I had underlined.

While searching for this verse...look at what God revealed to me today...so powerful, so awesome, I really wanted to share these words with YOU for they are for YOU as well:

Psalms

18:16
He reached down from heaven and rescued me; He drew me out of deep waters.

18:32
God arms me with strength, and He makes my way perfect.

20:4
May He grant your heart's desires and make all your plans succeed.

25:4
Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow.

27:11
Teach me how to live, O Lord.  Lead me along the right path.

31:14,15
But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying "You are my God!"  My future is in Your hands.

32:8
The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.  I will advise you and watch over you."

34:19
...The Lord comes to the rescue each time.

37:4
Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart's desires.  Commit everything you do to the Lord.  Trust Him, and He will help you.

AND THEN....I found the verse I was searching for:

37:23,24
The Lord directs the steps of the godly.  He delights in every detail of their lives.  Though they stumble, they WILL NEVER FALL, for the Lord holds them by the hand.

..................

Amen to THAT!!!

A few more that "bing-ed" out to me:

37:34
Put your hope in the Lord, travel steadily along His path, He will honor you by giving you the land.

38:9
You know what I long for, Lord; You hear my every sigh.

..................

God's promises are so rich and He ALWAYS follows through.  These are promises WE CAN COUNT ON!!!

I am ever grateful for this.

..................

Joshua 24:13
I gave you land you had not worked on, and I gave you towns you did not build- the towns where you are now living...

SO....I know this is a long entry...maybe no one even read this...and that's just fine as the beauty of writing this is that it is deep inside of me, new armor, fresh nourishment and I AM NOW READY, WILLING, AND ABLE TO TAKE ON THIS NEW WEEK IN THIS NEW LAND!!!!

I thank God for loving me so much and showing me all this amazing love and rich promises!!!  Exactly what I needed, exactly at this time!!!

Be blessed this week.  God loves you so. 

A Champagne Moment

It's May 29, 2011...I NOW live on the East Coast in Jersey City, NJ across the river from Manhattan, NY.

OH how my life has changed!!!

So here's a Toast...To The Amazing Blessings God has granted me:

. November 2010 ~ Released me from my former job at Hanzawa Store in AMAZING terms that made it not only graceful but blessed, as well as, a month swifter than I expected (which was a real treat!)

. I was able to collect unemployment for the first time after working since I was about 15...TOTAL BLESSING

. My former boss gifted me a waive of personal loans from her in the sum of $1000 on my last day of work PLUS paid me a full salary though it was a short pay period, as well, she wrote me a wonderful 2 page letter of recommendation (that I have already used!)

............ (sip!).............

. I was gifted the month of December to retreat and realign myself for this next chapter of my life...a true crossroads...actually a brand new book!!!

. I made the decision to move to NY!!!  A dream I have had for 20 years!!!  To build my hat business and discover what is out here!

............ (sip!).............

. The night before I bought my ticket I answered a Craig's List add for "Millinery Production/Sales" - simply because I couldn't believe that exactly who I am was the job title.  I didn't expect a response as I wouldn't be in NY till May and this was February.

.  The job answered me!!!  I was asked to stop by when I arrive as she never knows if she will need help...this thrills me!!!  Just simply for the connection into the "hat" world of NY!!!

. I BUY MY TICKET!!!!!

............ (sip! sip!).............

. Packing up my life goes smoothly and efficiently.

. I sell my Beloved Car Daisy (even though she is fighting me not too).

. I leave Maui on Excellent Terms, Fully Loved, like a Big Hug!!!

. I immediately am transported to Arizona (fastest flight I have ever experienced) swoosh!!!!!

. I get to hug my Mom!!!

. and then my Dad!!!

............ (sip!).............

. I have the total pleasure to recoup from "The Move" with Mi Familia...six weeks of spending quality time with them....SO, SO TREASURED!!!!

. My Mom and I repaint their backyard and it comes out FABULOUS!!!!

prior loveliness

absolute fabulousness

. I spend Easter with my family

. I get to celebrate Mother's Day WITH MY MOM!!!

. May 9th I turn 43 with a wonderful group of new friends in Green Valley, AZ

............ (sip!).............

. I land in NJ May 11, 2011

. I bike ride around the West Village, NYC, NY and then see The Statue of Liberty from Liberty Park which is now my neighborhood park....May 12th

. Very, very, very tired third night in I just take a peek at Craigs List... to see what's out there and I see, posted that day, May 13th, Millinery Production/Sales (!!!)... I immediately go to my email to write the shop (because, of course, I know this shop now) and in my email box ALREADY is a message from the store owner,  Barbara!!!!  FOR ME!!!

............ (sip!).............

.  I go to the shop, Barbara Feinman Millinery, East Village, NYC, NY on Saturday, May 14th to meet her...it is a MATCH!!!! (We both feel so!!!!)

. I go in Monday May 16th for a try out and LEARN HOW TO BLOCK A HAT...something I have wanted to learn for YEARS!!!! (was actually hoping to learn by moving to NY...F.I.T (Fashion Institute) or maybe in London...HIGH ON THE LIST OF MUST-DO'S!!!!

. I get the call Monday night they want me to apprenctice...it's how she hires someone...could I come in 2-3 days a week for 3 weeks and then after this I'd be on payroll...I say "YES (true I wouldn't be getting paid at first, HOWEVER, I would be learning what I was going to pay to learn for free!!!!) YES!!!

............ (sip!).............

.I go in to the shop that Saturday and before the day is done I am told that I am getting paid... I AM A STRAIGHT HIRE!!!!

............ (SIP!).............

.I started this whole process in November 2010 and 7 months later I have gone from "working" a job managing a  grocery store in beloved Haiku, Maui, creating my hats on the side to spending a month and a half with mi familia, to living here in My Dream, and in the first week here I have been hired to work with high-end milliner Barbara Feinman NOW getting PAID to learn what I came with the idea I would  pay to learn!!!!

. and the "topper"....I AM IN NYC!!!!!!

. As Sally Albright would "likely" say: It only took 20 years and 7 months and a week!!!

so my last SIP to that!!!!!

I thank God for taking me on this journey...I am grateful and amazed!!!!

Sometimes the blessings of our heart's desires come so fast it feels regular and even "too much".  In truth I was feeling this earlier today... overwhelmed and tired.  That's when I know a Real Champagne Moment NEEDS to happen... it's time to reflect and realize the AMAZINGNESS of My Dream Coming True!!!  So worth ALL the effort and ALL the process.  Counting my blessings...works EVERY TIME!!!

"Cheers!"

A New World

Here's a few photos from my first few days in NYC!!!

First day view from Liberty Park, NJ

(about a 15 in. walk from my new home).

Views of lower Manhattan, The Statue Of Liberty, Ellis Island, and my new surrounding body of water...The Hudson river.

mi casa

my new neighborhood

my sanctuary

                                  

my view...my room is in the back of house and I overlook the backyard with is green, green, green!!!

city flavor

Happy Katherine

New Territory

Cornerstone Church Of Christ

Pacific Ave. , Jersey City, New Jersey

right aroud the corner from mi casa

There are three churches in my hood.  A Catholic Church whose steeple I see from my room, the Hispanic Church whose music was awesome today as I walked by and here...the beautiful Cornerstone Church Of Christ where I stepped boldly through and found myself in a completely new world.

One of the things I wanted to do while being out here was visit different churches old and new in the city...and I am blessed indeed to have this church 5 min walking distance away.

I've thought how amazing it would be to one day go to a service in Harlem but it turns out I JUST DID right here!!!

Yes INDEED I stood out in the crowd!!!

HUGE church, small congregation, and me.

I glowed I guess is the best way to say it. 

I simply dove in.

Out came the tamborines, in walked the church ladies in their hats, the gospel organist started up, out came the Bishop and he started to sing...I could barely understand a word...but I kept hearing Jesus so I  mumbled along to the tune....

Seems everyone else was so I fit right in!

We belted out "Nothing but the blood of Jesus" and it sounded like the entire church was full when there was really about 40 of us.

The offering came and I had my envelope and the tray wasn't passed, instead I was guided to walk up and drop it in the plate and in a train and haole me was led to lead the train!! 

(to clapping, tamborines, organs, and "hallelujah's!") 

All I could do was smile hugely...the congregation smiled back...it was amusing to say the least.

And then the message came...

"The Power Of Prayer"

You KNOW I immediately felt at home with this.... I am in!

Acts, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, Job

Power  of prayer heals

Have confidence that God will do what He says

God WILL answer my prayer

Pray for my friends

District Elder Moses Priester, Jr. sang as he gave the sermon...passionately, beautifully he would talk and then it would turn into a melody. We ended with a spontaneous....

"There is power, power, wonder-working power in the precious blood of the lamb."

Then the prayer call and that was a beautiful site.  One fella fully got filled and rather overwhelmed with his love for Jesus and, well, lets just say that when the Dist. Elder realized he was going to keep shouting his praises (and he WAS shouting...shouting and bouncing) well the church just joined in....up tempo tamborines, loud drums, classic gospel organ...frankly I was waiting for Jake and Elwood to come down the aisle with Aretha...

all I could do was smile... I smiled for an hour and a half!!!

When it was all over I was warmly greeted by the congregation and even invited to have a soul food lunch downstairs to which I had to pass for this time...

I couldn't handle anymore new experiences this week...heck I just arrived four days ago and look how quickly God is launching me.

But I'll be back....

soon.

What a blessing!!!

Classically Blessed!

And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul.

Isaiah 58:11