Dear Diary,

Way too long since I've updated.  Mainly, because there isn't a lot happening right now.  The house search continues.  I've had another disappointment - but know it was God closing a door - that I'm sure I was not suppose to go through. 

On Monday during my prayer time, I got real honest with God, about my frustrations and doubts, and questioning Him as to whether I really could do this.  I feel like I've gone to far to turn back now - I've made some commitments and I don't want to just quit.  I asked God to please assure me that I was right about Him telling me "you can do this".  I asked Him to help me to trust in Him and not in myself - or the circumstances I see as barriers.  He gave me the following Bible verse:

If the Lord delights in a man's way, He makes his steps firm; though he stumbles, he will not fall, the for Lord upholds him with his hand.  Psalm 37: 23-24

I believe this is a confirmation from the Lord - that He will make my steps firm - that He will keep me from falling - that He will uphold me with His hand.  So why should I doubt?

I'm hoping to be able to check out a couple houses this week - it may be rather difficult with it being Easter weekend.  But, we shall see.

Later,
Kathy

 

Dear Diary,

I've been missing in action for awhile.  But for good reason.  Isaac Judsen was born March 31st.  He is quite the little guy.  He ended up being a C section - which meant Meme was needed longer than had been expected.

So now, to catch up with what's happening regarding The Scrap Inn. 

My business cards arrived - now I need to start passing them out.  They look very nice.  I hope they will generate not only interest in The Scrap Inn - but will be placed in the hands of future guests. 

I had become very discouraged in the property search - it is not going at all how I expected.  I have had a hard time getting answers from those who are supposedly finding me the property.  Not quite sure what the problem is with that.  Then there are some other issues that I can't discuss here - that have come up.  Sunday night - Bob and I came up with the perfect plan.  Only to realize about an hour later that it would not work.  So, needless to say I was becoming very discouraged.

While feeling discouraged I had to remind myself, that I need to put my trust in God - and not become discouraged by circumstances.  I reminded myself that if this is God's plan (which I believe it is) - it will work out - just the way it's suppose to in His timing.  Bob and I began discussing other options - which led me to look on Craig's list for a house.  (I hardly ever go on Craig's list).  Anyway, tonight I called about a house on Craig's List.  It sounds perfect - the price is right - the location is good - and this may be a better option regarding financing.  The house is still occupied by the owners - and it may be a while before they are actually ready to sell - so now it's a waiting game.  I can't go into all the details - but it looks very promising.  My prayer is that God will open the doors He wants us to go through - and that I will be patient and allow things to happen in His timing.  I'm reminded of the verse - God has a plan for me - a plan to prosper me and not to harm me. He's in control. 

Dear Diary,

Funny how things work - I decided I needed to get my pre-business cards designed. This is the result. It's funny - I was thinking I need a theme color combo - kinda like FedEx - or UPS. Hot pink and lime green are two of my favorite colors together - plus the whole theme of the card goes perfectly with the Scrappinpsycho's Asylum.


The idea of this card - will be to hand them out now - in order to promote The Scrap Inn - even before it's open. I plan to hand these out to everyone I see in the scrapbook aisles of Hobby Lobby, JoAnn's & Michaels.  Or, I guess I should say - to anyone who will take one.  This will at least give them a way to contact me - and to keep up with the progression of The Scrap Inn!

How do you like my card and my idea?

Dear Diary,

Another pretty unproductive week.  We did look at a house on Sunday (through the windows).  The parking would be excellent - but there are just too many other things to compromise on.  One being - the scrap space.  I thought about using 2 rooms - separated only by one wall - but with the help of those who gave their opinion - here and at TwoPeas - I don't think that is an option.  So the house hunt continues. 

I did a little shopping this week - got a few goodies at Garage Sales on Saturday:
Bose sound system
Large White board (still in the wrapper)
a Shower curtain and hooks

That's all I can think of right now.  I also, got several things at Goodwill - I'll add later.

Question of the week (or until I change it) - How far is too far - to drive to a retreat?

Later,
Kathy

Dear Diary,

Wow, what a crazy busy week.  Despite the fact that I had the little corndog to take care of all week - I was still able to work 40 hours, see Gnomeo & Juliet, go to the zoo, play mini golf, go to the park, and of course some shopping for The Scrap Inn.  I'll catch you up on the latest purchases later.

Today we (hubby, corndog & I) went to a small town close by that had a house that looked like it might be a possibility.  The town was ok - not too far - and not a bad drive.  We were able to look at the house through most of the windows.  The parking was perfect - the house looks like it's in great shape - but it was difficult to determine if the rooms would work for scrapping.  My realtor is checking on the zoning - and then we'll go from there.

Question of the week:

Is it important to have all the scrappers in 1 room - or would it be okay to split the group up between 2 rooms?

What do you Want in A Scrpbook Retreat?

Please answer this question below!

Dear Diary,

Everything is kind of on hold here.  It's Spring Break - and with my little Corn Dog out of school - life is a little too busy to be doing much on The Scrap Inn.  Next week I hope to be able to get back into the house hunt. 

I'm also planning on making some business cards.  They will say:

 "Coming Soon to a town near you -
The Scrap Inn LLC ~
       Your Scrappin' Getaway!"

Then I'll have this blog address
my email address 
my phone #. 

I'll hand these out to "scrappers" whenever I get the chance in the scrapbook aisle of the local stores, at crops etc.  Once I have an address then I'll have permanent cards made and use them in the same way. 

I also plan to allow those who want to to put their name on the back of the business card - and hand them out.  If someone books a stay at The Scrap Inn from their referral (their name on the back) the referrer will receive a discount on their next stay at The Scrap Inn.

What do you think?  Do you think this is a good marketing plan?