Life after paperwork

This is the first weekend in ages that I was totally focused on my work and not obsessing on what paper needed to be organized, stamped, authenticated or shipped out. I think we are both feeling a weight off of our shoulders! The agency got our documents and everything looks good. Happy, happy! This was my third Monday free since starting my new 4 day work week that I actually spent it in my studio. The past two have been at the Vietnamese Embassy.

I managed to bind 2 books this weekend and make some other cute things. I've sold quite a bit the past few weeks as well as some custom work, so that's been great. The latest things can be seen here :)


Yesterday we took a drive to Bloemendaal aan zee and walked along the beach for a few hours. It was a gorgeous day!

Adoption bracelet

For a while I have been trying to find a bracelet or pendant I can wear that somehow symbolizes our 'wait'. Pregnant women have their bodies, and since I will never have that, and I'm a visual kind of girl, I wanted something that is special for our adoption. A few weeks ago I tied a red string around my wrist (which is still in one piece and has been a great comfort :), but I thought it would be nice to have a piece that we could have as a keepsake; something tangible I can give to our child to show how much we were thinking of him or her.

Last week via-via my Etsy site, I came across a wonderful Dutch jewelry designer who lives in Germany. Her shop is called Dindi and her work is lovely. After emailing back and forth, she came up with a design incorporating a little mantra that I like and say at least a few gazillion times per day. She is mailing it tomorrow, so hopefully it will arrive by the weekend. A little positive light since I'm having an Endometriosis flare up and am popping painkillers. The good news in regard to that is the new treatment I started in May seems to be keeping these episodes at bay for at least 3 months at a time. It's been a weight off for Hans as well as myself, and for that I feel blessed! Click the image below for a closer look: