Citizen of the month

Danaja's Place

Updating The Blog
Danaja I have a lot of updates to make to this blog for 2014 and hope to do that before the end of this year. You came to visit me twice this year.  Since your last visit in October I decided to rename my Etsy site Danaja's Place and work on getting a spot at the local Antique Flea market as a start of the dream shop in my head.

Steps to Starting Danaja's Place
So, on Friday Nov 21st I met with the folks who own the local Antique market and there is a permanent spot that is available.  They NEVER come available because it's a pretty popular market. On Wed Nov. 26th I went down to the register of deeds in Charlotte to register the name Danaja's Place.  Oh, there are so many steps to the process...and of course there is a cost for each and every step.

The next time the Antique Flea market is open to the public is next weekend December 6th.  I'll go and check it out and make sure that it has decent traffic AND the kind of folks that typically buy my stuff at art shows. I've learned over the years not to jump until I've done my due deligence. It's only a 6 months lease, but it might not be the right spot.  So, by next weekend I'll know if I want to open the shop there or not.

Where the Name Came From
In the meantime yesterday (Thanksgiving) I dedicated myself to setting up the Etsy shop under the new name. Originally I called it Encouraging Words and Gifts, but didn't do much with it really, because it's a lot of work. In all honesty I wanted the memory of doing it on Thanksgiving Day.

I really feel great about the name Danaja's Place.  I came up with this business name about six months after you were born. When I would gather up things to mail to you I would wish there was a place for grandparents who lived away from their grandchildren where they could drop off their items and this place would box it up really nice and personal and mail it to the grandchild...so that's where the name came from...I'd call that shop Danaja's Place.

Starting With Etsy
Link to Danaja's Place on Etsy
At this point I just want to establish Danaja's Place in 2014 so when you are 18 years old (14 years from now) you can say that you have been in business for 15 years. That means something...longevity...so it's a start BUT starting is always half the battle.  I just think that no matter what you grow up to be or do that fashion is going to be a part of that. So, Danaja's Place can morph into whatever you want it to be...'cause it's your place...

Danaja Love' Actress and Dancer in the Making

It's been a while since I've updated your blog Danaja, but this picture did it for me.  Here you are at your 4 year old check-up and your mom said you didn't like wearing the gown. 

When I look at this picture I can see you on stage...acting.  You are so expressive and emotive. 

There is so much I need to fill into your blog, but this is a new start. 

During your time in summer camp everyone talked about how you danced.

Your Dad says that you like the Disney Channel and are picking up the routines from there.

Your Mom says that you are coming out of your shell. 

You are destined for greatness. 

You As A 2012 Christmas Elf

I have a lot of pictures and posts to update on your blog and hope to do that over the weekend.

The below is a link that Cousin Shawna sent me during the holidays.

I watch it over and over again...you are the Lead Elf of course!!!

Elf Yourself Production

Our 1st Annual Vacation Together

Tuesday, July 31st

We left on Tuesday, July 31st around 10:30 in the morning from your home town to North Carolina.  You were GREAT on that long trip.  You didn't cry hardly at all. We made a few stops for food and two restroom breaks.

Here you are happy and laughing..................................and reaching for the phone because you love gadgets (and are very good with them!)

Fascinating with the Garage Door Opening By Itself

When we got to NC the first thing that seemed fascinating to you was when the garage door started opening all by itself.  Of course after that you were the clicker of the garage door opener every time we left the house.  You watched the entire process until the door opened and closed.  We pushed the button a couple of times so you could get used to the pressure needed to activate it, then you had it. I see an engineer in the making.

Inside the house and pictures of you, Daddy and Mikayla

Once we got inside I took you around the house and showed you pictures of you, Daddy and Mikayla throughout the house.

You ended up walking around the house with Daddy's pictures that first day.

Here you are looking at the picture and saying Daaddee...

 Once we got a good feel of the surroundings I gave you some grapes which I knew you loved. It didn't matter where you went that day, that picture of Daddy was going with you.