Surviving March Madness!

What a whirlwind the past few weeks have been.  I apolgize for not posting the last few weeks...... it seems like time has run away from me a little lately.  I'm sure that many of you can relate. Truly I'm thankful to have so much to do, so I hope that I don't come off as whining!  My last post was written from the PCQHA show and this entry is a little wrap-up of the past few weeks' hectic happenings since then.  Hope you can see just what I mean.  Here's a pic of Lois (which she hates) putting the finishing touches on a garment while at the show. 

It seems like the controlled chaos began when our truck engine blew, and to make matters worse it was just a few days before we we're supposed to be leaving for the show!  Then we found out more bad news - its warranty had just expired a few months prior....what a bummer!  Things were starting to get complicated, with no time to shop for a truck and no truck to haul, we were forced to use the M-Box (our show mobile) to haul up to Rancho for the show.  Once at the show we were all set up and settled in things seemed to be going a little better.... despite one day lost to really rainy weather. We made good use of our time shut inside the M-BOX.  Mom kept busy doing finishing work, sewing on giant crystals and snaps while I was on a roll stoning away at on our kitchen table.  Our makeshift mobile studio isn't anything fancy, that's for sure, but it allows us the flexibility to work, keeping our production going while selling and running our vendor booth.  Losing production time at the shows can be a big problem because we are a smaller company and usually have orders to finish.  Some of you may remember our cute PINK tent.  It was hard to miss, but didn't really allow us to get much work done.  Sadly for now, our pink booth is temporarily out of commission until we figure just how to adapt it to our needs.  I  really have to admit I miss all the pink and our sparkly crystal chandalier!  For now we're a little less glamorous at the shows and a little more business.  Making the most of our time is just what makes the most sense.  In case any of you were wondering just what happened to the pink booth girls - we're here.......just with less pink :(

There can be alot of down time between your classes, especially if you aren't an all-around rider showing in multiple events.  This is when many of you do a little shopping, tend to your horses, stalls, band manes, or relax with your barn mates.  For us without horses to worry about at the shows, we love to get away from the shop a little to watch our favorite classes, playing pretend judge and cheering for our favorites!  Sometimes watching classes can offer me tons of new inspriation.  I often like to sketch new ideas for designs while watching you all out there.  Of course we do a lot of visiting and talking at the shows, so it's really nice to come inside to read, work, or just take a break.

Back from the show and what a week! We had a few rush orders that had to be wrapped up and shipped out in time for the Golden-n-Grand. Gotta love those last minute shoppers!  Then back to work on patterns for new HMS styles and preparations for this weekends' Equine Chronicle ad photo shoot.  We also received this cute client picture of Hanna Taylor of Arkansas and her appy, Kramer.  I wish I could see her face THIS WEEK when she received her brand new Custom By Heather package in the mail!  Check out Hanna's new custom look in pictures above. I'm sure her special new outfit will be a longtime favorite. Thanks Hanna and family for the adorable pic!  I will definitely share the next ones of Hanna modeling her new clothes too.

In the midst of all this work I had a bridal party fitting to attend (bridesmaid again!) and a best friend's baby shower (she sure looks cute with that big belly!) and then I'm on to planning a wedding shower in Dallas for my other close friend and college roomate this May.  More excitment was my Grandpa Merchant's birthday party on Wednesday night and most of the family gathered together to watch him blow out 84 candles!  Pretty impressive!  I also met my very new two month old second cousin Arianna for the first time.  She was definitely the center of attention at the party.  Our family has an amazing way of growing.  Big families can be lots of fun and a little crazy too!  I'm lucky to have them all so close by.

Just for fun I also recently decided to sign up for scuba diving classes and get certified.  I've been studying a lot lately and last night completed my first in-pool session!  So far it's a little overwhelming, familiarizing myself with all the new equipment.  There is so much to remember.  I hope I get to the point where it's second nature....kind of like saddling up a horse and knowing just how to do it.  I have to admit it's a bit scary, but I'm up for the challenge, plus swimming is great exercise too!  I'm glad I've finally made the time and scheduled it to pursue a longtime dream.  I will let you all know how it goes.  My first ocean dive is April 17th in the FREEZING waters of Monterey, CA, the weekend before we hit the road for our next show, this time in a bigger, better, shiny new truck! with more space for all our show clothes. We'll hope to see out paint friends up at Rancho for the combined CPHA - 7CPHC show from April 21-25. I guess it all worked out and I survived March maddness.

Best wishes and Happy Spring!

Heather