What brought me here in case you are interested........
|
The concept of From Nana With Love originated as grandchildren entered my life. Although I have always enjoyed being creative, it came naturally and I think in my younger years, while being too busy with the pressures of everyday life, I took my skills for granted . In the midst of raising 2 beautiful daughters there was always something that called for a creative eye from costumes to school projects and of course there was always redecorating around our home. My work in a Nursery School and later in a Rehabilitation Center required a creative mindset as well so what to me was so natural proved to be a highly recognized skill in the workplace.
I love my daughters with all my heart and soul. They are without a doubt the loves of my life. They are my most successful and significant accomplishments and their happiness brings me a sense of purpose and fulfillment. They are fortunate in that their husbands are their best friends, so whenever I see their families together, I feel a sense a great pride. Still, I had heard over the years that there is nothing that compares to being a grandparent. I understand that now and I wholeheartedly agree. There is more than love that I feel when I am with my grandchildren, when I think about them, as I watch them or care for them. I have thought it is probably the age factor or perhaps having time with them without the daily pressures young families experience, and maybe it is a combination of experience and age. I can watch any one of them as they play, as they discover new skills, as they succeed at something or even if they fail and I am overwhelmed with emotions. Whatever the case, I simply find an appreciation of the miracle of their being. There is true wonderment in what they do. Their curiosity, their energy, their openness, their honesty and their trust - trust in those they love and the world in general. Their innocence is enlightening and uplifting. Wouldn't it be wonderful if that could be captured and continue through the years?
Nana, Papa, Grammie, Grandpa or whatever you are known by, there is a ring to it that cannot be described....and I believe can't be duplicated. There are times I simply cannot get enough of my grandchildren. They bring light and new love into my life. However, I have to admit that there are also times when my solitude and the silence of my home is equally as precious to me. Having the option to enjoy my grandchildren AND my solitude is one of the many benefits of being Nana.
Being the realist that I am, I know very well I will not be around to see all that I hope to see of them. Time keeps marching on as it is. With that in mind leaving something behind for them has become very important to me. That is pretty much what stirred my creativity towards children again. Each grandchild has a Memory Box that I made for them using significant pictures and items specific to who they are. As the years pass, I have already and will continue to give them mementos that will keep me in their thoughts as they grow. Tooth Fairy pillows became a way for me to be a part of the 'losing the first tooth experience' regardless of where I might be at the time. Special poems, handmade birthday cards, personalized play items, monogrammed t-shirts and arts and crafts aprons are just a few of the many ideas I've come up with for each of them. For Mommy and Daddy I designed the Babysitter's Helper as well as the Caregiver's Emergency Information Sheet to communicate important and necessary details in caring for my grandchildren. As they grow and experience new things, I....a.k.a. Nana.....try to foresee more ways I can remain a part of their lives in the future.
Since I started making these gifts for my grandchildren, feedback has been extremely positive from a variety of sources. Many have asked where they could purchase these items and were disappointed when they heard they were not available. Thus, the point of this story, those requests sparked "From Nana With Love". It is my hope that I can make my designs, keepsakes and other related projects available to a much wider community. Once again, being the realist I am, it is certainly not my expectation to make a living through From Nana With Love or my Yoga Instruction which is my other love in life. I do hope however, that my handiwork will bring some enjoyment to others. I hope you enjoy your shopping experience at FromNanaWithLove.com.
Om Shanti..................God's Peace,
|
