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HoofPrints Newsletter
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March 19, 2015
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ABOUT THE COMPANY AND THIS NEWSLETTERFarriers Greeting Cards was started by Gina Keesling in 1986 (in a very small way) to provide helpful promotional materials for farrier husband Rob. Along the way we became HoofPrints.com, too, adding a selection of fun horse and dog products geared toward women of a certain age. This newsletter is emailed to subscribers a few times a month, depending on how often I have something to share. Watch for special sales, interesting stories, uplifting quotes and more.
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 Feeling overwhelmed? How to be happy anyway...
According to author Martha Beck, PhD, society these days has evolved in such a manner that folks think they've got to be prancing around gleefully (think: Swiffer commercial) in order to be truly happy. On the contrary, Martha says "True happiness is sustainable delight in the beautiful moments of everyday life."
Martha's article in Oprah Magazine How to Find the Kind of Joy that Lasts also says;
"People started telling me to "be here now" when I was about 20. "Great!" I responded. "How?" Be still, they said. Breathe. Well, fine. I started dutifully practicing meditation, by which I mean I tried to be still while compulsively planning my next billion-watt wow. But one day, while reading up on the latest research in positive psychology, I discovered a two-word instruction that reliably ushered me onto the plains of peace when I couldn't force my brain to just "be still." Here it is:
Make something.
You see, creative work causes us to secrete dopamine, a hormone that can make us feel absorbed and fulfilled without feeling manic. This is in sharp contrast to the fight-or-flight mechanism, which is associated with hysteria hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Research indicates that we're most creative when we're happy and relaxed, and conversely, that we can steer our brains into this state by undertaking a creative task. To get a dopamine "hit," make something that pushes you to the furthest edge of your ability, where you're not only focused but learning and perfecting skills. Cooking an unfamiliar dish will do the trick, as will perfecting a new clogging routine. At first, depending on how addicted to mania you happen to be, the excitement-grubbing part of your brain won't want to stop obsessing about over-the-top experiences. It will cling to its fantasies about the next huge thrill, its fears of Suicide Tuesday. Keep creating. As you persist, your brain will eventually yield to the state psychologists call mindfulness. Your emotions will calm, even if you're physically and mentally active. You won't notice happiness when it first appears, because in true presence, the mind's frantic searching stops. In its place arises a fascination with what's occurring here and now. Though this feeling is subtle, it's the opposite of dull. It's infinitely varied and exquisite. The aftermath of a creative surge, especially one that involves a new skill, is a sense of accomplishment and increased self-efficacy-which psychologists recognize as an important counter to depression. Instead of a Suicide Tuesday crash, you're left with the happy fatigue of someone who is building strength. Pay attention to this process, and you'll see that the motivation to be here now will gradually grow stronger than the cultural pressure to seek excitement. You'll find yourself increasingly able to tune in to the delights of the present even when you're not actively creating. When this happens, you'll be on your way to genuine happiness: abundant, sustainable delight in the beautiful moments of ordinary life." Read the rest here
Not feeling creative? Does making something sound like just more drudgery on your "to-do" list? As someone who "makes stuff" all day as part of my job, I've come up with a little different two-word instruction. Mine is "Clean something", and while I'm not a PhD in psychology like Martha, I've discovered that it works as described above for me. Now, I will be the first to reveal that things around here are pretty messy. Some days I think the only difference between me and the folks on hoarders is the fact that messes and disorder really bug me. OK, I'm not as bad as the hoarder people, but it sure could be a lot neater around here.
Which brings me to exactly what I do to help ME feel better. We all have stuff that bugs us - accumulating stacks of papers/magazines, Christmas decorations in February, fingerprints on the fridge door, the overflowing junk drawer(s) - mental note: there's ephemera for scrapbooks in there... Anyway, every so often I pick one thing that's really bugging me, and just TAKE CARE OF IT. If you do this, you have to be careful / disciplined that the thing you pick doesn't blossom into a multi-faceted project that you can't / don't complete and end up feeling worse. Otherwise, insert your little "Clean something" efforts into your day a few times a week. Eventually all those areas that make you feel bad to look at them will dwindle (somewhat) and you'll feel slightly less overwhelmed.
A little more advice: Pick something that you can accomplish in an hour or less. My biggest one here recently took only minutes to do, but hours of mental wrangling to get there... getting rid of the heaps of empty plastic horse supplement containers and lids that were cluttering my barn. I kept thinking there'd be a perfect use for them. But the use never came and I've been looking at stacks of tubs and lids collecting dust for years. The other day I decided "enough is enough!" and I rounded them all up and put them in the recycle bin. Took a few minutes! But now, the little part of my brain that was thinking about what I could be doing with those piles of containers is now FREE to think about other things. And believe me, I need all the brainpower I can get.
Try it. And let me know how it goes.
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ON SALE!
HORSEwork before HOUSEwork Big Burlap Tote
The cute little TIN SIGN with the same phrase was a big hit, so I've added HoofPrints own specially designed Burlap Tote - to carry all your HORSEwork supplies! This bag is sturdy and functional, right down to the jaunty button closure. Thick cotton rope handles are long enough that you can carry this as a shoulder bag. It measures a big 13" tall x 17" wide by 5" deep, and is made of natural jute fiber burlap.
One of the best parts is the PRICE! Regular price is only $14.95 - which is a deal, but for a limited time I've marked these down to just $9.95! If you're one of those folks who struggles to make a gift wrapped package look nice... here's the perfect solution. Just put the gift in this bag and voila - it's "wrapped" - and the recipient will think you've went above and beyond in both your thoughtfulness AND cleverness! To order click here.
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On the cleaning...
there IS a limit
I know I just told you to pick something and clean it up, but be sure to be judicious in your choice... which brings us to one of my favorite Lesley Bruce designs: Sorry... I only clean up after my HORSE! This crew sweatshirt is printed with a gal who's happily cleaning the barn... while we know her house is probably in disarray. The preshrunk heavyweight cotton blend crew is super soft - almost like suede, inside and out. We've imprinted it in shades of blue/grey; distressed to look like a worn favorite already. It's starting to sound like a broken record... but this shirt is another one that will no longer be available once the supply runs out. We knew that going into it - but this shirt is soooo nice, I bought what I could get, knowing that the end was in sight. So if you've been admiring this, don't wait to get one - we've put it on sale, while supplies last, for HALF PRICE here. This cute logo is also available on a lavender T-shirt here.
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HoofPrints' embroidered FARRIER GARMENTS are the most technically accurate and detailed available - I guess that sounds a little braggy... but it's the truth. Check out the other designs I found here, and here. Farriers spend their days telling uninformed clients hoof- healthy reasons why there are no nail holes in shoes past the widest point of the hoof (and in the toe) - the last thing they want in an embroidered logo is something depicting that very thing. And what's up with those scary heel caulks that stick out to the sides? A toe clip makes a nice decorative touch - but it's always drawn on the WRONG SIDE of the shoe! (sigh) OK, end of rant.
Before I made the shift to full time Farriers Greeting Cards, my "day job" was creating embroidered logos for customers at RAM Graphics. Along the way I learned a great deal about what makes a good design and what does not. (Heck, I am still learning that. You guys "teach" me by not buying the ones you don't like!)
Anyway, the process by which an idea becomes an image that can be SEWN IN THREAD on a garment is complex. There's a lot of computer stuff - to do with how the machine "knows" to sew - the sequence, tension, etc. But also a lot of organic, artsy thought goes into it. Just because something looks cool on the computer screen DOESN'T mean that it will translate that way to thread. And the color choices can make or break a design. Embroidery has a tactile effect to it that you canNOT very well simulate on screen. Fortunately, my embroiderer (and former employer) is very patient with me - and they work hard on multiple revisions of new designs until we get them just right. The result of this successful collaboration is what you see here.
Shown above is our embroidered legs design. It coordinates with our business card #BC4, too. It's over 14,000 stitches and takes a long time to sew - even though it's just 3" tall. It's available on a heavy, sherpa lined hooded sweatshirt here.
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Gina makes a blog - an update on that project:
For years, the HoofPrints order form included three tiny photos of our old farmhouse in various stages of remodel. I have had so many folks mention that they enjoyed reading about the transformation, that I decided to blog about it. The first entry; Fun on the Farm Part 1 is here. At the end of that story, I allude to the fact that there's more in the works.
I am still trying to sort out the best way to make that into a cohesive story - as with all things in life, it's got lots of complicated and interesting twists and turns to the "plot". If I were a fiction writer I doubt I could make up stuff that's any better.
If you missed any entries in this riveting tale, you can catch up using these links:
"Tell them we will take it." A chapter of My Stubborn Valentine is here
"I got this, really. How hard can it be?" Another chapter of My Stubborn Valentine is here
The Epic Mess. Also known as "Fixing the Fireplace" is here
Trials and Strong Backs - An Adventure in Remodeling is here
"No one will ever see it." - Another Adventure in Remodeling is here
At any rate, above is the main image from the second installment. A short portion of this verse by Lauren Davis Baker takes center stage, powerfully conveying the feeling most of us experience when we're in one of these magnificent structures. The barn in this picture was in my family for generations, sheltering horses, cattle and farm implements of all sorts. Sadly, this old barn is gone now. BUT - parts of it are about to embark on a new life, adorning the inside of our current home, an 1880's farmhouse located some 50 miles west.
Stay tuned as I use my blog to share stories and pictures from the past here on the farm, as well as current events as we integrate these old timbers into our latest project. You can even subscribe to get email updates as I publish new entries. Details here
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Clutter busting continues at HoofPrints
My efforts to clear the warehouse (and my house- house) of accumulated oddball products continues to gain momentum. I've written about it before. The point continues to be, sometimes the space becomes more valuable than the items that are occupying it. So this is where most places say... "our loss is your gain!" Well, check out this super-cheap stuff and BUY IT. And your gain will be my gain, too. Because I need that space on the shelf.
The Half Price Page is here - check this often as they're one-of-a-kind things that will sell quickly and be replaced with whatever else starts to get on my nerves. I am currently going through a large stash of samples* - so many wonderful things, it's hard to choose just a handful for the catalog. And the rest have got to go! Only one of each available so act fast if you see something you like.
*A note about the samples - Someone made a comment on the HoofPrints Facebook page that the samples are free to me and implied should thus be priced accordingly. Just to set the record straight - I pay for almost every sample I acquire. Occasionally an author or publisher will send me a book unsolicited, but I prefer to buy these anonymously so if I review and don't think it is a good fit for the product line, I don't feel guilty about not including it.
Half Price PRINTS are here - there are a lot of lovely prints languishing in drawers here that really should be hanging on folks' walls making them smile and beautifying their homes. Fall/winter is busy season here and I don't encourage print sales then - I don't have the extra time it takes to wrap these carefully for safe delivery. Now that Christmas is past, I've marked them way down now to sweeten the deal.
Half Price JEWELRY is here
The more I got to digging, the more I found. Jewelry doesn't take up much room - suffice to say there is a LOT of lovely stuff that needs to find a new home. Then there's that whole problem I have with the beads. It's getting worse. Stay tuned for details on that.
Half Price Books & Magazine Back Issues here
This represents a major turning point for HoofPrints owner Gina Keesling. This treasure trove of magazine back issues has been lovingly collected and hoarded for many, many years. It's getting to be a space problem, keeping them all stored AND due to the sheer volume of them, along with my busy schedule, they rarely get any attention. But even now, as I go through them to write sales descriptions, I am feeling sad at the prospect of letting go of this vast collection of pictures and articles about all the things I love - Horses, Dogs, Farriery and Blacksmithing, The West, Pretty Western Clothes and Jewelry, Awesome Country Homes, Recipes for Hearty Food, Healthy Living, Spirituality and more. I'll do my best to mention the content that stands out to me in the descriptions. Prices on these back issues reflect the fact that I am still very much in love with them, however they are at or below what the publishers are charging. The current sales list is small, but I'll be adding more as I am able; going through these is a slow process, as you can imagine, I get sidetracked frequently by all the fascinating content that lead me to hoard these in the first place.
The Closeouts Page is here
It features overstocks, items that are being phased out - still lots of good deals to be had there, too.
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Here's what we talked about last time
Last newsletter is hereALL newsletters are here |
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NEW - IMPROVED
Horse Woman's LONG TALL LIST of things to do here
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Customer Favorite:
TUFF CHIX GLOVES
"Best. Gloves. Ever!" ~HoofPrints customer testimonial. More info here |
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Bomber Jacket
~ $10.00 OFF! ~
MORE ABOUT THE JACKET: This one's not really suede of the genuine leather persuasion, but you'd never know by touching it. It's made of a high-tech polyester fabric, velvety mocha suede on the outside, cushy oatmeal-colored sherpa fleece on the inside. The two layers are bonded together so this fits like a dream. Smooth, warm, comfortable. How could it get any better? The fabric is 4-way stretch, AND it washes up great with no special coddling in the laundry. Two-way zipper unzips from the bottom for freedom of movement. Zip pockets hold all your stuff without being bulky here
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Woman's Place Is On A Horse Gift Bag
This metallic pink gift bag is sturdy, durable, and UNDER $4.00! It measures a handy 9 "x 4" x 12" (not counting the handles) When I posted a picture of it on HoofPrints Facebook page, a customer chimed in: "I love this bag! It's just the right size for my lunch, or shoes + a big bottle of my favorite flavored water. And, since I carry a giant tote anyway, it takes up no room to have it folded and available when I need it, Plus -- it's pink; what more needs to be said?"
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Horse Lovers Bible
Leather bound Bible is gift boxed - it's the bestselling NIV version with additional 12 pages of horse photos accompanied by inspirational thoughts and scripture verses.
Bible Pocket Partners
31 days of meaningful devotional pages - perfect for cowboys and cowgirls of all ages! HoofPrints Christian products are here
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HALF PRICE
Best-Selling DVD
This is a great DVD - there's a lot of wisdom here, and I'll even forgive him for saying that it's a bad idea to train with treats. (hey, no one can know EVERYTHING!) The Buck DVD is here |
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I Make Horse Calls Books
"I was so grateful for the care the gentle senior student took with Pischka that day. ... I will not forget the thoroughness of that student, and would emulate her when I entered practice. I would never dismiss an owner's complaint, because I remember how I felt when vets dismissed Pischka's illness, never trying to find out what made Pischka so sick." -from Horse Calls, available here |
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The Doctor is In Horse Thermometer
Measures a big 17" tall and under $15.00! Order here
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This Hug's For You
Equine Sympathy Cards here
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Courage doesn't always roar...
sometimes courage is that quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "i will try again tomorrow." To order click here
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Silver Dog Whistle
Solid Sterling Silver Whistle on waxed cotton cord here
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Farriers Traveling Desk
Corral your paperwork on the road! And it's HALF the cost of the previous version here
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Message
I LOVE hearing from customers. You can contact HoofPrints owner Gina Keesling via email at gina@hoofprints.com |
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Find us on facebook
Be sure to LIKE our facebook page - it's where we announce special sales, breaking news and everything else we find interesting. To see it go here |
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Share our emails
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Viral marketing... it sounds bad, doesn't it?
You can ask my husband - a frequent topic around here is that of forwarded emails - and the psychology behind them - just WHAT prompts people to decide; "I am going to send this to everyone I know!".
We receive a lot of them. Some are pretty good, and others are dumb. Dumb in a myriad of ways... Alarmist email rumors that have been around forever - that folks keep sending "just in case it's true" Pictures of someone's butt (or worse) - don't even get me started about the firecracker butt - but at least that one was timely when it showed up around July 4. Christian messages that are uplifting - until you get to the end and you're threatened "if you're not ashamed that you love Jesus, forward this - if you are, then delete." Pictures of cute puppies and kittens (awww)
I enjoy writing these newsletters - and sharing all this stuff with you all. But the fact is, it's also a way to help us stay connected with customers and sell products during the time between catalog mailings (which is only once a year) So I really, really like it when someone new stumbles upon the newsletter and is excited to "discover" our company and the products we offer.
In all my efforts to make the newsletter interesting and forward-worthy - it never occurred to me to JUST ASK you all to send it! Duh. Sometimes the obvious is elusive, I guess. So here goes - my request to ask you to forward our email newsletter to your horsey friends. All we ask is that you please be judicious and only send to folks who might be interested. Otherwise we are no better than the "firecracker butt". Click to get started. (please note - using this form does NOT subscribe anyone to our list - it is a one-time only forward)
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