Running List of Wise Things Danaja's Has Said

1.  Danaja:  "Daddy what do squirrels drink?"  Daddy:  "Water"  Danaja: "Maybe, but Maybe Not" - @ 4 years old - Danaja continue to wonder about life and ask questions. A wise man name Socrates who lived before Christ said that wisdom begins by wondering about things.  Even when you get older, continue to wonder about everything.  Don't stop wondering...

2. Telling Daddy that the little boy on the bus was "awkward".  When asked what that meant: "he's strange and different, but it might hurt his feelings if I said that." - @ 4 years old - This shows compassion for others. I've learned after 50 years on earth that if you practice compassion (sharing in the suffering of others) you can master living, religion, and have peace of mind.  EVERYBODY is suffering in one way or another.  EVERYBODY that you meet is suffering. When you can tap into that fact you will be OKAY with your own "suffering" and know that it is just a condition of the human experience. Also being compassionate will deepen your relationship.  IT IS NOT EASY TO BE COMPASSIONATE (because your ego doesn't want to do that) but if you are showing this capability at 4 years old you can continue it if cultivated. 
3. When ordering food pointing and saying everything you wanted, but saying you are allergic to eggs, not because you are but because you don't like them and knowing if you say you're allergic then you don't have to eat them. - @4 years old - That's the way lawyers think...nothing wrong with using what you know will work even it's not 100% true. I call it twisting the truth. Lawyers and people in business do it all the time, just be careful that you don't make it a habit of "twisting the truth" as a practice. 

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