Basket of Words

2010-08-07T17:06:00.018-04:00

Perhaps T*H*I*S is my most favorite addition to the Longaberger line. I love, Love, LOVE these new purses and accessories! They will rival that "Bradley lady" in every way!

I love the look of these rooms and I can show you how easy it is to decorate your home so you can entertain Longaberger style!

This is definitely NOT your Mama's Longaberger!

ATTENTION ALL PEOPLE INTO FUNDRAISING: Those with a cause...are you tired of selling candy, popcorn, wrapping paper, magazines and candles? It's time to turn to Longaberger for your next fundraiser and get 40% from the ltems you sell. Call me at 800.497.3487 to get started.

WOOHOO! Another Successful Longaberger Branch Meeting
......but the day didn't start out a winner!
Saturday morning I DID NOT want to get out of bed. I admit it, I am a night owl, not a morning song bird! And for a moment, when I first stirred, I thought "Yay, it is Saturday and I can cozy back down in this fabulous bed." I smacked my feather pillow to get the perfect place for my head and just as my golden locks (stop laughing) hit the pillow I realized I had a Longaberger Branch meeting in Gainesville VA - about an hour away. My first thought was how in the world do I force myself get out of this bed and the second thought was - NO (insert whiny voice here), I don't want to drive an hour to any kind of meeting.

BUT....I do love Longaberger and I do love hanging out with other gals that love Longaberger so I did it. After I got up I started finding things I just had to take so I could share some of my excitement about the Company's new direction. You see only 4 other consultants made the trek to Columbus last month for the Longaberger Bee (convention) and I knew that more would come to the meeting and be anxious for all the news. And those of you that know me best know I like to talk about my passions, so here was a chance for me to blab away.

I picked up one of my personal team members and we were off to the beautiful home of Linda Hendrickson for our fun time. And fun it was. Linda shared so many ideas about how to use some of the new products. And then what always happens - we all had ideas of our own that were shared. You have to go to facebook and search for "Willa's Love for Longaberger" to see some pictures, b/c I haven't figured out how to do mobile updates here, but suffice it to say there were a lot of ideas.

Now....CAN WE TALK???? I need to be serious here for a moment. There are a couple of things I know for sure and many things I don't have a clue about, but the bottom line is I refuse to give up on this "selling thing" and this "building my team thing" just because I seem to be getting nowhere! I still believe that people everywhere are buying gifts. We may or may not be working within a budget, but generally speaking we have people that we need to give little (or big) gifts to when the occasion arises. My question is....why not Longaberger? I really bristle when I say the word and people say, "oh those expensive baskets." I mean I get hostile about it. Like a dinner out, or a new pair of shoes, or a Vera Bradley bag (not to mention Coach) or a new electronic got-to-have-it device or tickets for two to the movies or ____________ (fill in the blank) ISN'T expensive. It's all about choice. All I'm asking is to consider the quality, the durability, the "hand-made to be handed-down," the made-in-America aspect and what you have is Longaberger. It's not just about baskets anymore. It is about baskets and everything that makes a house a home except the people....and it makes the people happy! So there you have it. Buy Longaberger and buy from me....you know....to make ME happy!!

And while I'm letting you "hear" my feelings on the subject how about considering joining my team. We are a bunch of successful, fun-loving gals that put extra $$$ in our pocket each month making people happy! I can teach you how to offer solutions to your friends and family's decorating, organizing, entertaining and gift-giving needs. Simple as that! And the sky's the limit when it comes to defining your business. It's custom made for you, because you are the boss. It's a great second job, stay-at-home job or a full time I'm-going-for-it job! Sorry, you're just going to have to trust me on this one. AND do me a favor; if you aren't interested but can think of someone you know that might be interested please get them to me ASAP!!

Please let me hear from you and if you are reading my blog I hope you will click "become a follower.
Hugs!
wb

What I've done.......

2010-07-29T15:51:00.009-04:00

Don't miss this amazing basket! The sale of each one of these beauties (and other Horizon of Hope benefits the American Cancer Society for breast cancer research. Longaberger has raised over $14 million for this important research that touches each of us. This campaign is in it's 15th year and I want to do my part to sell as many of these beautiful HOH products as I can. Check out the website to read more.
www.horizonofhope.com

It's THURSDAY....well, more than half over, but Thursday nonetheless. How did we get to Thursday so quickly? I know what I've been doing; what about you? I am still so excited about all I learned at the Longaberger Bee last week and have been trying some very new things. Many times I just give it a try and scratch my head and HOPE it works. Technology is not my strong point but I think I am teachable. Time will tell. Here's what I've done so far: and this is not in chronological order

1. Started a new business page on facebook. I learned this past week that I was actually boring my friends and family by sharing the Longaberger specials and "e-cards" on facebook. I thought I was doing a good thing. My reasoning was if they didn't want to buy it they wouldn't. How is that different from the many farm, mafia wars, farkle and whatever else request I get....oh yeah, I hide those requests. OOPS, it never occurred to me that people might me HIDING ME! Oh dear if I have lost you I will try and woo you back. So go to my new facebook page and become a fan. That's where you will find my ads for Longaberger Wacky Wednesday Specials, etc. On facebook it is called "WIlla's Love for Longaberger" I hope that gives you enough info to find it. I think you just use the search bar and type it in.

2. I purchsed two ads through facebook. We'll see about that. Another first. They cost me about $.64/click. So far no interest, but several clicks. They will only run for 2 weeks and I have a daily total that the click will not exceed!

3. I also am doing a trial (60 days) run with a company called Constant Contact. They will help me determine who, if anyone, is reading my emails and newsletters. The reports have been very interesting!! I now KNOW ALL!

4. I printed up a survey for strangers! How does that sound? Here's how it works. I will give strangers a copy of the current WishList with a survey. The survey is on a 5x7 card. On one side I have questions about the WishList and a place for them to give me their address or email address for more info. The other side has my address and a stamp already in place. I bought 100 stamps and will try this until the stamped cards run out and then evaluate the success/failure of this venture

5. I purchased a booth at the upcoming bridal show in my area. WOW it cost a bunch, but I am willing and able to try to break into this hot venue. There will always be brides and they always have money to spend on what appeals to them. Wish me luck as I turn my tiny 6x8 space into an eye-popping display that they will all just HAVE TO HAVE!

There you have it. Two days in my PJs all day long just to get all this done. I hope and pray this works. I really need to grow my business and sitting home hoping it will happen just doesn't cut it. It is VERY hard for me to ask for referrals, sales, someone to do a home show, team members, but I'm willing to try. If more than 100 people can sell more than $100,000 in one year why can't I?

Check it out!

2010-07-27T12:17:00.010-04:00

Check out each of the "E-Cards" to see what is available at Longaberger this week. Visit my website at www.longaberger.com/willabrown or call me at 800.497.3487 with your questions or orders!! OR Send me an email basketsfromwila@doitnow.com

I'M CHANGING DIRECTIONS!

2010-07-27T11:01:00.005-04:00

Hi All

Long time - no hear from! That would be me. I let life get in the way of blogging but now I am back! There is a good reason I'm back....as my title indicates, I'm changing directions just a little.

Here are some words that define me up to this point: in no particular order and these are the nouns, not the adjectives (you can add those in your comments if you like!)

A child of God

daughter

sister

wife

mother

aunt

grandmother

friend

scholar

reader

musician

teacher...to name a few.

I want to add one other word to that list and after returning from the Longaberger Convention and realizing that I do indeed own my own business ( love, love, LOVE that fact) it's a word I covet! I want to grow my business and become......a VIP Sales Leader! Simply put, I want to try and climb out of my comfort zone and share my love for these incredibly beautiful products with everyone that will listen.

I am 63 years old. I love my life. But it is time for me to make a huge contribution to our retirement. I know I can do this if I just share my passion...Longaberger!

MY EXPERIENCE:

For the last 45 years I have raised a family teaching piano and voice to help pay the bills. I have joyously worked as church pianist in so many churches since I was 16 years old. I have directed some of the finest church choirs, youth and children's choirs as well as military women's choirs around. I once had the amazing opportunity to be the opening act for Lee Greenwood in front of 10,000 people welcoming home the troops from Desert Storm in the 90s. I proudly served in Officers' Wives' Clubs wherever we were assigned and had the privilege of working side by side with the wives of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as we worked hard to raise money for those in need and worthy causes supporting our families in the military. I have taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, women's Bible studies, and even taught for years in the public school systems in Florida and Nevada. In the last 8 years I really took a "turn from the norm" and managed two Curves for Women facilities and headed up a staff of 15. Did I leave anything out - probably so, but the point is I have been living a life of total joy in service to others. I will always do that; it's part of who I am.

THE LONGABERGER CONNECTION:

In 1989 I discovered Longaberger. I wish more than anything I had been given the opportunity to sell it back then. But that didn't happen until 2002. For the last 8 years I have struggled with myself trying to figure out just how to make this work. We have an amazing product that has grown with the trends. It's not "your mama's basket company" anymore. But it is a company whose business statement is "To Stimulate a Better Quality of Life" for not only its consultants as we work our own business our own way, but also for the consumer. But something has been missing for me. I have to admit that I love to be in front of an audience, no matter what the size, and joining a direct sales company was supposed to give me the opportunity to do just that; have home shows, talk, laugh, instruct, solve decorating problems - all in front of 2-25 people as we gather to party. NOPE, it DIDN'T happen. In my 8 years I have done less than 10 "in the home" shows. Fortunately Longaberger has moved with the times and I now have a website I can use or my sales would have gone down the toilet the last few years. So I have struggled along.

BUT I WANT MORE!

1. I want a team. I want the team to be gals from all over the U.S. so I can travel to train my team and help them build their business.

2. I want huge sales. I want to figure out how to reach new customers. Those of you reading this that have been my support system for the last 8 years are probably saying a big hearty AMEN to this since I keep coming back to you over and over. So help me find some customers.

3. I want people to search me out when they have a gift giving problem (and no matter what the economy is we still BUY gifts) or a decorating need.

4. I want to build lasting friendships with my customers - old and new. This isn't your average pushy Amway dealer here folks, it's me - Willa Brown asking for your help!!

THE PLAN:

1. I want (NEED) you on my team. For as little as $49 you can join this amazing company. With that you get a free ($79 value) Medium Market Basket and everything you need to get started. You get ME!! I guarantee if you let me show you how, you can add income to your monthly bottom line! I PROMISE this will happen. Longaberger has so many products at so many different price points that there is truly something for everyone. If you read Longaberger, An American Success Story (and I will send you a copy) you will not be able to wait to get on board. You don't have to do home shows. Our number two sales person this year sold over $250,000 and she has never had a home show, but she does have 4,000 customers...all online! We need a piece of that!

2. If you don't want to sell and buy products at 25% off retail then become my customer and help me to get the word out. Please offer to do a catalogue or a home show and I'll do the rest. I will even send out your invitations for you. I need your help to find new customers. I will travel anywhere to bring the Longaberger story to you and your friends. Just give me a chance.

You get a prize if you stuck through this long blog! Just let me know what you think. Please let me know and then tell others about my blog.

SIDE NOTE: I have 3 daughters (two by marriage) and I really wish my core team consisted of the 4 of us! One is selling with me and it is my dream that the other two will join us. If I had these 3 I am convinced we would be an unstoppable force.

Pictures....I forgot to add them!

2010-01-14T11:29:00.006-05:00

Here are a few pictures from Christmas. As they say, "you had to be there" and if you had you would have split your sides laughing! We had so much fun. We missed Andy, Lisa, Alyssa and Kaitlyn so much though. We are planning our next family reunion and with this large family, so spread out, this is not an easy task!

Tom bowling and everyone else laughing
DANCING

and more DANCING

And the famous DIP!

These two need to take this show on the road

4 of my Beautiful Grands!!

What a gorgeous family!

Scott being....Scott!

...and Connor doing what he does a lot!!

Scott singing O, Holy Night!

Tom and the incredible Christmas dinner

Olivia and Larry are great pals! What a cute picture!!

The great pal team of Brown and Gilkeson!

We were always laughing...always!

.......or we were at the piano!

Ty getting ready for battle

Take that Daddy!

Not quite as long between post.....

2010-01-04T20:56:00.003-05:00

.....but close! Since I announced on facebook (3 days ago) that journaling was to be one of my goals (not resolutions) for the year, here I am trying to work on that goal. I let time get away from me. I need to learn from Andy, the consummate blogger, about stick-to-it-ness because he is awesome! I find myself at the beginning of each day checking to see what he has posted and yes, I am terribly disappointed when there is not a new note or picture or two. Yeah, I know, I know....something about working strange hours, but he still manages to delight me with his words and or course the many, many pictures that make me think the twins are just down the street....I*W*I*S*H!!

So what news should I share with you? How about the goals for the year? That's easy because they are fresh in my mind and they are written down and they have been shared on facebook for all my 135 friends to see. I did that on purpose because it does no good to have a goal if you keep quiet about it. I have to answer to someone about these things. So here goes:

I will read through the Bible this year. It has been several years since I have done that and I can't think of a better way to the new decade. Now here's the amazing part. I announced this on facebook a few days ago and got only one response. I was kind of sad about that because I was hoping several people would join me. Well, last night I was chatting with Donna, one of my favorite cousins in Texas, and she suggested I start a facebook group and invite people like that. I had no idea to do that, but in less than a minute or two she had us up and running. We now have 28 people joining us; friends and family of mine, hers and Christin's. HOW EXCITING is that?! Each night I will go there and post the next day's passage and we might or might not have a discussion/comments on what we read. The important thing is that we are all doing something together that will benefit us individually and as a whole. It's not too late to join us!!

I will walk 200 miles this year. Now, for you athletic types out there in "read-a-blog-land" that might not sound like a very lofty goal, but believe me for this gal with bad knees, a bad back, osteoarthritis, overweight, and lazy on top of all that...THIS IS HUGE!! I broke it down into 4 miles/week or 1 mile 4 times each week. I can do that!! I WILL DO THAT!! I asked for people to join me and got a few.....anybody else?

I will journal. I think it is important to write down thoughts and feelings and comments and hmmm, even questions. It really doesn't matter who reads this or if anyone ever comments. What matters is that I am engaged and trying to develop a discipline! Besides it gives me a place to brag about my husband, children, grands and kitties!!

I have a very strange music goal to share with you. I decided that I listen to basically the same music day after day. I switch things up, but end up hearing the same ole, same ole 'cause I like my collections. SO once each month I'm going to choose a different category; is that called a genre. Anyway, someone can correct me on that one. But I will listen to as many songs within my chosen group each month as I can. Two choices each month: one is always classical (this month it is music by Mozart - it's his birthday month) and the other will be whatever pops in my head. This month the theme (yeah, I like that better - theme) is music from Broadway Musicals. I'll let you know how I do. In the mean time I'm uploading songs from some oldies, like Brigadoon and Carousel. FUN!!

My Longaberger business will grow by leaps and bounds this year. I really do love this company. I love what it stands for - I love the made in America by Americans. I love the family owned, family run business. I love the only-in-America story of the man that had so many things going against him but kept believing in his dreams of a better way of life for many, many people until he made the art of basket weaving that started with his father and his grandfather into a multi-million dollar company. AND I love that before he died of cancer in 1996 he gave the company to his daughter who took up the challenge and has lead the company through the best and worse of times and it just still keeps thriving. ALL THAT TO SAY THIS: I plan to "grow" my team, "grow" my customer base and "grow" my income so Sam and I can retire already!!

And finally HEALTH with all capital letters! I have to get on top of things this year. On October 31, 2009 I entered a challenge with Andy. We are both on Weight Watchers and each night we are supposed to tally what we ate and send a report to each other. We have been doing awesome....well, at least until Christmas week, but we will get back to it...RIGHT ANDY??? I have lost 15 lbs since the two of us started this and 25 lbs since I started from my highest weight.....which shall forever be kept a secret until maybe when I reach my goal. AND speaking of goals, I will reach it this year. I set milestone goals for Christmas (was over by 1 lb), Valentine's Day, April 28th, June 1st, September 15 and for November 16th when I plan to reach my final goal. This will take prayer. Along with this weight loss goal is the goal to go to my doctor more regularly. I haven't been doing that. In fact I would be mortified if you knew how far behind I am on some very basic tests. I just got tired of hearing them tell me to lose weight and that everything that "ailed me" was due to my weight. Well, take that doctors....now I'm on the way to that goal, but I won't be waiting until I get there to see them again. Hmmm, note to self.....need to think about adding the goal of conquering some doctor fears to this list!

There you have it. I will try and entice you to check back often by posting pictures TOMORROW. I hope you will feel free to comment, offer advice, pray for and with me, join me on any of these goal challenges if you like and just check back when you can!

Oh Happy Day!

2009-08-18T11:34:00.004-04:00

Has it really been 6 months since I last posted? Guess so, the date doesn't lie. I thought I would be more faithful to blogging, but life got in the way and I didn't think it was the kind of things that everyone wanted to read about.

So here is the short version:

Sam, my beloved, got sick in January - really sick. Turned out to be pneumonia that wouldn't go away. After months on antibiotics with other odd symptoms showing almost every week we decided that something else had to be going on. Well, you know the military heath care system - that took time and time and then some more time!

BOTTOM LINE: He has been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, (RA) and just FINALLY began treatment last Friday. He has had numerous appointments and test along the way to rule out other things before we could proceed with treatment, but we are now on the way. He has lost a lot of weight, not dangerously, but through Weight Watchers (and my excellent cooking) and is feeling 100% better. Last Saturday he actually did some manual labor by cleaning out the garage and he did fine. We are thanking the Lord for the healing that is and will continue to take place.

Another thing that has happened is the loss of my sweet kitten Oriella. It has been hard to go back to look at her pictures in this blog so I have avoided doing that. She died, quite unexpectedly, on June 28 of FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis) and we grieved for a very long time. Pocahontas is fine except for the fact that she misses her playmate terribly! I have become her new playmate and she is now very spoiled!!

Good news is that she has a new baby brother; literally because he has the same parents as her. His name is Wolfgang Amadeus Brown and was born July 18. We will get him mid-October and we can't wait. He is a cutie, the only boy in a litter of 5 and he is already almost twice as big as his sisters. Pocahontas will have her hands (paws?) full when he arrives. We call him Wolfie for short.

THIS and THAT:

Trips:

#1 - #5 - I have been to Texas 4 times since January and I'm so thankful I get to go often to see Mom and the rest of the family. I always stay with Scott and Ally and love my time with the boys! Next trip there will be Sept 3 - 7 for Austin's birthday.

#6 - I took a few friends to the Longaberger Homestead in April and we had so much fun. It was the Collector's Club Gathering. We drove from here to Morgantown WV to spend the night. Can you say "room party"? We got up early the next morning and drove to Fraseysburg OH where the Homestead is located and spent the day looking, playing, eating and oh yea - shopping. We all also worked with a Longaberger basket maker and wove out very own Lady-Bug Basket. TOO CUTE! We left late in the day for the 3 hour dirve back to Morgantown - more room partying and then the next day back home again to Virginia. We were tired but it was oh so much fun. We have plans to make it an annual event and hope to add to our numbers next year!!

#7 - Sam and I went to the Longaberger Bee (convention) earlier this month. If you have been then you know just how special this is. If not come with me next year. I can't describe the fun, learning, excitement and pride in a company that we get to experience for 4 days. It is something we will NOT miss. Both of us made a basket with one of the talented basket makers on the last day and they are beautiful. Tomorrow I promise pictures!

#8 - We leave this Sunday for Nags Head!!! It will be our first trip to the Outer Banks and we can't wait. We are spending the week with the Taylors. ALL THE TAYLORS! The older Taylors are treating family and friends to a week in a beautiful 8 bedroom home that is located right on the Atlantic. Oh yes, we are watching the tract of Hurricane Bill with great interest! For those of you that don't know, Randy Taylor was Sam's roommate (old lady as they are called) at A&M. He was best man at our wedding and he and Lois have been our dearest friends forever! This will be a treat for us to get to spend a whole week with them.

#9 - I already mentioned my next trip to Texas but I thought I'd also throw in Sam's travel to Atlanta Sept 11 - 13 to be with the Brown II while Austin participates in the Triathlon Iron Kid Event. Wish I could go...boohoo!

#10 - Speaking of Browns....September 25th - Oct 4 we will be in ANCHORAGE! It's been since January 2008 that I have visited and even longer since Sam was there. Thank God for the video conferences we have ever so often because we at least get to see the girls and Andy and Lisa often, but this is a dream trip for us. We can't wait to get there!

#11 - Might as well add this one that is really a trip within a trip. When we get to Anchorage on Friday, we will board the train the very next day and have a side trip to Seward AK. Yup, you read that right! You know me and trains. Well, Andy found us a trip that features a jazz festival while on board the train. We will party on the way down, spend the night in Seward and come back to Anchorage the next day.

#12 - When I get back from AK I will have to go to Texas to see Mom and the family, then rent a car to drive North to Dallas to pick up Wolfie and fly home from there. That will be a fun, but busy trip but look at the reward at the end.

# ????? - After that we don't know, but probably will make plans for Thanksgiving and Christmas that involves travel somewhere. When you live so far from family you love (wait a minute; they live far from me) you travel to go see them so as long as we have the means, then we will travel. Thank goodness for piano/voice lessons!!

Guess I need to get on with my day. It involves getting the house ready for Bunko Friday night and an HUGE Open House the day after we return from Nags Head. What was I thinking??? Oh, I remember - I wanted to have an open house so I could make money to take more trips!!

Look for pictures tomorrow. I have lots to download to the computer and and then to this site. Wish me luck!

Thanks for reading!

WB

2009-04-13T10:31:00.001-04:00

Happy Easter...Happy Spring...Happy, Happy, Happy! I hope you are happy whatever your circumstance, wherever you are.

Happiness has eluded me the past two months, but I'm pretty sure I have discovered how to get it back and when I have it within reach there will be no stopping the smiles, joy and sense of well-being in store for me! Before I get there though, I need to make a list of things that have caused this doom and gloom I have been feeling. After that list is complete I WILL move forward with a major attitude adjustment and find the happiness that usually defines me.

I Stand Corrected....and more pictures!!

2009-02-18T09:50:00.004-05:00

....okay, so I was a little harsh with my words. Thank you Josh for reading and if you were the only one, it would be enough!!

The new furniture is in place and we love it! Unofrtunately, so do the kittens. We alreayd have some very tiny scratches on it when they go zoom, zoom, zooming across. Pocahontas loves to sit and hide at the corner to watch for Oriella and THEN, it's Katie Bar the Door....off she goes. We're okay with that because it will have that lovely lived in look.

Sam asked me to take some pictures of the kittens up close and personal so I have included those as well.

have a wonderful Wednesday wherever you are. We have snow today, but it will be gone later when all turns to rain! UGH!!

The Kittens LOVE their Valentine flowers from Brownie!

2009-02-14T13:49:00.008-05:00

Is This All There Is?

2009-02-14T13:35:00.004-05:00

I think I'm about ready to give up. I have blogged a few times. The last one was really a tribute to son Andy. No comment/s. I at least expected to hear from him. He probably didn't read it. So I am asking myself what is the point of all this. Are people; family, friends, acquaintances just to busy to read or comment or maybe both? I'm so confused! I thought this and "facebook" was a way to keep up with all the above, but I am pretty sure I'm getting just a little discouraged with the lack of responses.

NOT IMPORTANT! I'll just keep on adding a few words here and there and keep waiting to strike a chord in someone, even if it is a dissonate chord.

Today is Valentine's Day and there isn't much going on here. No celebrating for the Browns. Myabe it's a day for young people, newlyweds, people who are hopeful of a developing relationship. Maybe it wasn't meant for couples who have been married for almost 41 years and who, before that magic wedding date, went together for 5 years so, hmmmm, that means a total of 46 years of togetherness. Seems to me like that would be a reason to celebrate, but so far other than obligitory flowers, no plans for celebrating. In fact it is almost 2:00PM and I'm still sitting here at the computer in my jammies and Brownie is out making bank deposits, making purchases at Home Depot and visiting his mechanic that recently screwed him when repairing the truck. Sounds exciting, doesn't it?

Oaky, enough belly-aching I will sign off and try to post a few pictures of the kittens who were more excited about the flowers than I was.

2009-01-27T10:16:00.001-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 3RD BORN CHILD, ANDY BROWN!!
I love you!!!
....See below for comments about this day!

Some random pictures taken at the Leadership Conference in Columbus

2009-01-27T09:46:00.006-05:00

This is David Wesley. Sam and I met David several years ago when we were weaving our own basket at the Homestead. He is the most amazing basket maker. Shortly after meeting him we ran into him again and again; once in Williamsburg for a Longaberger Away Tour, then in Killeen TX for another Away Tour. Each year we went back to the Bee or to the Homestead for an event we would see David. Apparently we weren't the only people impressed by this man. Tami Longaberger chose him to "star" in their first edition of Longaberger Home, a video magizine. PLEASE check it out on my website www.longaberger.com/willabrown.

The new Mother's Day Basket. What you can't see in this picture is the beautifully hand-painted lid knob that accompanies this beautiful basket and compliments it perfectly!

Ah, the ultimate! This is the 3rd in a series from the Master Crafters of Longaberger baskets. It is truly a work of art and one I shall have, by golly!

Taken from the 5th fllor of the Hyatt Regency, downtown Columbus Ohio on a very cold snowy day. No matter; I was toasty warm inside and all our classes, demos, and exibitions were inside the building so we didn't have to venture out unless we wanted to.....And I did not!

The new Botanical Weave shown on the ever-popular Boardwalk Basket. This is the basket I take to the grocery store with me and when they say, "paper or plastic," I say BASKET!!

2009-01-27T09:40:00.004-05:00

The beautiful Potomac River at sunset on December 25th, 2008. You know geese mate for life, so here is Sam and WIlla Goose having a "stroll" on the river.

On the way home Pocahontas decided to help Brownie drive. It reminded us of a photo of Sam and Sadie when she sat behinf him almost the entire cross-sountry trip when we moved from Las Vegas to Dayton OH so many years ago. BYW, Sam and Poca use the same hair colorist!

The beautiful Oriella guiding the way home from in front of the wheel where she gets a much better view of what's coming ahead.

2009-01-27T09:38:00.002-05:00

Catching Up....after 2 months!

2009-01-27T08:46:00.004-05:00

Andy has shamed me into blogging. I have learned so much about him from reading his blogs. You think as a mother you should know your kiddos inside and out, but not true. I continue to be delighted when he shares his and Lisa's story with humor, sincerity, and thoughtfulness as he grows into fatherhood, advances his career and matures with the love of his life, his beautiful wife, Lisa. Today, on his 33rd birthday, I celebrate him and all he means to me. I treasure the memories of this day throughout the years and the belly laughs he has always had for me. While he will always be my baby, I'm very, very proud of the man he has become and the example he sets for his girls! I love you Andy and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

So where have I been these last few months? I guess it took me longer to recoup from the musical than I thought it would. Actually I took off for Texas the day after closing to see the family and haven't stopped traveling since. Sam and I enjoyed a very unusually quiet Christmas and New Years. All the children were busy doing their own thing so we stayed here and they stayed...well...there. Christin and Tom, C, R, & O were in Florida spending their last Christmas in Florida before the big move to California. Scott and Ally, A & T moved into their new home the week between Christmas and New Years. Andy and Lisa, A & C socked into the cold and snowy winter in Anchorage where Santa lives close by. .....And a good time was had by all.

I'll include some pictures from some of our trips but here's the rundown; After we got home from Texas we went to Williamsburg for the Grand Illumination. We took the kittens with us for their very first vacation. They loved it. Sam, not so much. He practiced being a "cat whisperer" and tried to come up with an authoritative sound that would whip the kittens into submission. They thought the "psssst" was pretty funny and it just made them scamper faster up the curtains. I think he was thrilled to head home after the week-end.

During the holidays we stayed by the fire most nights, went to see several movies and FINALLY put the Christmas tree up on the 25th. I called all the kids on the 26th to wish them Merry Christmas because we celebrated a day late! BTW, if you haven't seen Australia do yourself a favor and go see it. Sam and I loved it. It truly is an epic and a wonderful film.

Right after the New Year I went to Columbus Ohio for the Leadership Conference. It almost felt like a vacation because I had so much fun, well, not counting the fact that I had hive from the day before I left to after I got home. Don't know what caused them, but they didn't keep me down! B and I went to Baltimore the night before I left for Columbus because I had such an early flight. That was a fun night away for us and a night without being awakened by kitties. They spent their first night at home alone...and did just fine! My flight home was delayed twice because of weather and I finally got home on Sunday afternoon, tired but inspired. I love the Longaberger Company and once again have been given tools to go out there and make my business fit me! Look out world!

The day after I got home, and everyone that knows me know I always take a day off after a trip TO DO NOTHING, I got a call from Alison telling me that Scott had been admitted into the hospital with a raging mean, angry "bug". I felt I needed to go and help out wherever and however I could, so off to Texas the next morning bright and early. He was in the hospital for 3 days and then it was an uphill climb for strength as he recouped. I got to visit one day with Larry, I spent time with Mom, and one Saturday Jan and I had a blast being together. THE I GOT THE BUG! It wasn't pretty and again I had to delay my flight to come home.

Now, a few days later, I'm trying to get caught up from what seems to be several months of getting nothing done. Everything is messy and in a state of disarray here and I think it is due to lack of attention. I'm hoping to jump into the many projects in my "I need to do" list. First I have to heal my back though. I messed it up two days ago and even though it's a little metter today, it is very hard to move and get things done.

Okay, I need to stop NOW. This is beginning to sound like a version of the Perils of Pauline and I have found that once I go down the pity party road it's hard to make a quick comeback.

Check out the pictures and let me know what you think. Oh, I guess I should tell a few more people about my blog. That might help the response!

HEY, It's SNOWING! I love snow.....

For a Laugh!

2008-11-26T16:45:00.003-05:00

Oh my goodness! This picture was in the Mt Vernon Gazette, our local newspaper in Alexandria. If you google Mt Vernon Gazette and click on the first link it will take you to this lovely picture. TONGUE IN CHEEK!

I'm in Texas now for Thanksgiving, hoping to see as many relatives as possible. Sam arrives tomorrow and I can hardly wait. I will blog more later. But I couldn't resist shairng this hee-haw picture with you!

Moving toward Thanksgiving!!

2008-11-20T10:13:00.021-05:00

They found Sam's open briefcase and thought it would be the purrfect place for a catnap!

Sleepy kittens, but boy, oh boy, do they love togetherness!

Cast posing on opening night!

Getting hair and make-up on opening night....no nerves here!

Here is Oriella playing with pocahontas in the paper that comes in the packing material from Longaberger. They love it. Why did I buy all those toys??

WOW, how time flies when you're having fun, or when you are so busy you don't even know what day it is! So Sam tells me today that the day is Thursday and that in one week we will be eating Tom's turkey around the big table with family in Texas. I can hardly wait. I haven't seen my newest beautiful Great Niece and since her grandmother (my sister, Jan) will be visiting elsewhere, well I guess I'll just have to be the one to hold and spoil her!! Look out little Bella, Auntie Willa is on the way!

Alas, alas, before I get there I have 3 more performances of Beauty and the Beast. The amazing cast of 41 did a great job last week-end. We played to huge crowds that rewarded us with standing ovations and whistles. I am the music director for it, as well as the "orchestra" (by playing the piano thoughout the entire show) and I have throughly enjoyed the challenge. The music is so well known and it's just really too hard to hide any goofs, so I have had to PRACTICE. Who knew at age 61 you still need to practice, but it's true all you aspiring studnets out there. Practice makes almost perfect! We close on Sunday night, strike the set, have a cast party, and I get outa Didge early on Monday morning! Woohoo! Oh, just a matter of record, but when we started tech week last week, I thought it would be fun (not sure that's the right word) to log my hours actually sitting at the piano. So the results are in; from Monday through Thursday at dress rehearsal plus performances on Friday, Saturday and a Sunday matinee I SAT for 33.5 hours! AfterThanksgiving I will be pointing out that sitting at the piano for that many hours certainly explains the "broadening of my bohunkas" (as we call it in the family - thanks to Cary) and that the turkey, gravy, stuffing and all the rest had absolutely nothing to do it. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

The kittens are doing so well. They have developed their own distinct personality and both are just the cutest, most inquisitive little ones ever. I have to "baby-proof" the entire house. Oriella fell into a huge Longaberger box the other day and couldn't get out. Well, she didn't actually fall in; she jumped in of her own accord and even called Pocahontas to join her. Both of them just sat there in the bottom mewing so pathetically. They are just too cute. I keep trying to call them their short names Oreo and Poca, but I am having trouble. I love their unusual names and find that when I call them using their very official names they come a'runnin. Well, when they want to!

Time to sign off. Please feel free to share my blog site with others. I've included some pictures (let me say I hope I will be able to do that) of the kittens and one of my favorite opening night photos taken from behind the piano during curtain calls when the cast was acknowledging me at the piano. Tears in my eyes made it difficult to see the music. Good thing I had practiced!!

2008-11-08T13:39:00.003-05:00

I borrowed this picture from the wonderful lady that sold my kittens to me. Her website is www.raresiberiancats.com and when I checked in today to see if new kittens had arrived this picture greeted me. Isn't this a cutie. She looks exactly like our little Pocahontas.

More later from me. I have lots to share and then I guess I really need to actually start giving this website to people. HA!

The Twins in AK

2008-10-28T15:28:00.001-04:00

Just in case there is someone out there that has not seen Andy and Lisa's blog I stole this video for you to see and after you see it you will want to go there. Both girls are walking, but Katy has decided to show off her very good impersonation of a bull-dozer! The giggles crack me up and Sam and I can't wait to get there for Christmas.

I haven't shared this site with too many people. It might be that old fear of not being able to communicate very well. But I will keep trying. I got an email from Jan, my sis, and she was glad I was doing this so she can keep up with me. Something about us not talking to each other on the phone very much and life getting to busy....for sisters???! NEVER! I love you, Jan!

The kittens are growing if you can judge by how much the bitty kitties eat! Good grief they love to eat. I guess it that makes sense because they reach the "human age" of 15 by the time they are 9 months old. That's a lot of growing. They crack us up every evening jumping and scrambling all around the family room. Sam has adjusted well to staying upstairs with me and the girls instead of his usual place in the basement on the computer. Tonight after I get home from rehearsals dinner will be ready (I already did that) and he will make us a fire in our beautiful fireplace that is now behind my wonderful new Longaberger firescreen. We both really like it and are now waiting for the wrought iron log holder to complete the Longaberger look.

Speaking of rehearsals, I am getting close to the end of rehearsals for the Mt Vernon Community Children's Theatre's production of Beauty and the Beast. We have 2 more rehearsals this week, 3 next week, and then 4 during tech week where we will run the show with make-up one night, make-up & hair the next, make-up, hair & costumes on Wednesday and then we add the full dress rehearsal on Thursday and open on Nov 15th for 2 week-ends of 3 performances each. This has been a bit ambitious for the cast but they are an incredible bunch of talented kids. In Sept we auditioned 165 children between the ages of 8 and 18 to find the perfect cast of 41. If you are in the area I hope you will be able to come one night.

Okay, I can't remember how to add pictures again....sorry! TOM, I NEED YOU!!!

Pictures of the new Kittens

2008-10-24T18:42:00.001-04:00

I have some pictures for you, but I'm not sure I know how to do this. My resident computer geek is leaving me tomorrow so if he can't help me tonight I'm doomed!!

The Beginning

2008-10-23T11:51:00.002-04:00

Hi All, and I'm not sure who that might be since I haven't shared this brand new hot-off-the-press-site with many people. It's brand new for me to be on the blogging end of a blog. I love Andy and Lisa's blog and have gratefully followed it for years; when your children live that far away, as in, Aggies in Alaska, you are grateful for each and every word, picture and video from them. Andy started a good thing and people he doesn't even know sometimes fuss at him when he is slow to post an entry.

I'm pretty sure that will not be the case with people who read my blog, but I hope it will bring you a smile and that you will be compelled to send me a post in return. Let me begin this post.....hmmm, question #1, is this a post or a blog. Sorry, still learning!

Last week-end I picked up my two little kittens. They are beautiful and so much fun. Those of you who know Tom, one of my adopted children (son-in-law), has been living with us since June would also know that he is NOT a cat person. Never has, and never will be, much to the disappointment of his daughters, Rae and Liv. However, I knew he would be leaving us this month and had not intended on getting the kittens until November. Somehow my mind was changed so now Tom has been in the same house as....DREAD...kittens since Saturday and he doesn't leave us until Saturday, the 25th. What has happened in the interim might even excite Rae, Liv and even Christin! He is smitten with the kittens. When someone shows me how, later this evening, I will post pictures of said adopted child petting and even talking kitty talk to the girls. They love it and return the favor with purrs that sound like an idlying Mercedes! This morning he was seen patting Orio (pronounced like Oreo like the cookie) because she had chosen his briefcase as her bed. After several heart-felt pets he told her he didn't need the briefcase today anyway and that she should stay and enjoy it. Then he came over to the couch to pat Poca (short for Pocahontas) and tell her good-bye. Christin, are you reading this!? I know, he probably knows he is leaving soon and so why not go all out, but all that petting has not produced one single allergy moment. There may be hope after all!

Now, back to the kittens; Oriella (Orio) was born Aug 6th and Pocahontas was born on Aug 19th. They are Siberian cats and look very similar to our beloved cat, Sadie, who was a Norwegian Forest cat. Actually Siberians are considered forest cats as well because they originated in the forest of Eastern Siberia. They are a fascinating breed and one Sam and I both love. They are more dog-like thanj cat, meaning they aren't as independent as most cats. They are very talkative (they actually chirp) loving, clingy lap cats, and obey commands such as come, no, sit and whatever else they are taught. We used to tell Sadie when it was time to go to bed and she would head upstairs grumping the entire way. They are very regal looking and extremely muscular as adults, weighing between 18 and 20 lbs. Sam and I are both looking forward to watching the transition from kittenhood to adulthood in the coming months.

I wanted two kittens so they could play together and become great pals. They are already that if their chasing, jumping, bumping,and sleeping together is an indication. They have been together, with their siblings, since birth so there was no need to bond. I think they miss their litter mates but already seem to be very well adjusted to life her at the Brown house. They started in our bedroom and I stayed with them most of the time Saturday and Sunday. On Monday we ventured downstairs to the kitchen and family room. Lots of exploring insued. On Tuesday they had their first admiring public as friends came over for lunch and to meet the new members of the household. Later that day they were allowed to explore the living room for a short while I taught one lesson. Okay, I did get a little concerned when Poca made her way behind the Steinway and there was no room to turn around; she made it though and I didn't have to move the piano out to rescue her.

Yesterday they finally had the run of the entire downstairs and loved running all around the dining room, living room, family room and kitchen circle. Then they started ripping up and down the stairs and bounding up and down the hall. We could hear the pounding of little feet when we were sitting in the kitchen! Trust me that's huge because they only weigh 2 1/2 lbs each!The "last frontier" will be the basement. There is way too much to get into so that might take a while and a little more maturity.

I hope you will check back for pictures and then complain when I take too long to post more. As soon as Tom shows me how to do that I have many to share and even a video, but that might require more knowhow than I can muster in one afternoon!