A little story about a girl named Bari

Much to tell, much to say. Right now a little proud "Ta. Da." ....

Why? Below is a Betty Weekender for Jennifer Paganelli made from her new Bell Bottoms fabric line which will be arriving in stores soon. I think this one is my favorite. A great big hug and Thank You through the computer to Miss Jennifer for giving me this fabulous opportunity! I am so honored. I'm almost silly, giddy honored.

I want to show these gals off, but there's also a little story here that I feel like I need to tell. It will sound just a tiny-weenie bit over the top, but no one ever said I wasn't over the top. I am. I admit it. I'm one emotional chick-idy.

I SO need to ya-da-ya-da. 'Cause if I don't my brain will whirl and no one wants to see that mess.  Here goes. I apologize in advance. But don't tell me you weren't forewarned...

My little story: Since starting Bari J.over three years ago, I have been pressing forward, pressing forward never really acknowledging any sort of milestones, acheivements but for a moment. My family would disagree because I tend to beam about it for a bit, but seriously, meanie Bari in my head has other ideas.

Then for whatever reason, this request from Jennifer snapped the old brain back into joint or something.

I started thinking about how far I've come since the beginning. And truth be told, it makes me want to sob. Just sob. Fall on the floor and sob, sob, sob. Messy sobbing. Not unhappy sobbing. Just sobbing. Maybe tired sobbing. Maybe relief sobbing. Something like that.

Someone at the Country Living event said, "Go ugly early". Meaning to me: "Start your dream. Get the not knowing what you are doing out of the way because if you don't go through not knowing ... you'll never get to knowing."

Well, everybody... I went very, very ugly early. A fact I was reminded of at the quilting store the other day... er... Thanks, Jane. Yes, I knew N.O.T.H.I.N.G. It's true, and now you all know it too.

Anyways, I'd been in touch with sweet Jennifer for some time when she asked me for several Betty Weekenders in her fabrics. I didn't think about it at first. Seriously, I was honored, but I didn't think, "How cool!" I mean, I'd been in love with her fabric line since it came out! (This was even before I was honored with Verna's project... which I'm totally stoked about too).

Then suddenly it hit me: That first bag. That first ugly, ugly bag! Jeezy peasy! I've worked my butt off since that first ugly bag. And not everyone thought I could do it.

Is it just me, or is this a universal female experience? That whole "god-forbid-I'm-proud-of-myself" bit.

I think I might just say goodbye to that for good. Here's a thought, gals... It's very not helpful.

(above... Betty Weekenders. The blue one is made from Jennifer's Bell Bottom line and the others are from a previous line. Except that one sticking out in the right corner of the pic.. that's Bell Bottoms. Two more to come next week. Wee hoo!)

Thank you, Jennifer. XO

~b

Comments

[Carrie S.]

They're gorgeous. Be proud, it's okay. I know from whence you've come.

[paige]

you are so inspiring to me!
jennifer has been a fav of mine for years so i can only imagine your glee!!
these bags are fabulous
you go girl!
xo

[Just Pure Lovely]

I was just having this (email) conversation with other mom bloggers. Many of us are "undercover" bloggers in real life - people think we are just boring stay-at-home-moms who do nothing but wipe chins (a very worthy thing that, and it is NEVER "boring"). Even when we have a big accomplishment, a tada, we don't tell anyone.

I wonder, too, why we women do that? It is so hard to toot one's own horn.

[*Heidi*]

You should be proud. Very proud. These bags are gorgous, with Jennifer's fabric and with your talent, combined they are winners! Wonderful!
*Heidi Woodruff*
Everday Cookies blog

[Mette]

They are absolutely gorgeous! Wish I had one of them. Happy crafting, Mette.

[Barbara Broussard]

I so enjoy your posts! You are amazing and I mean that. It's fabulous that you are finally starting to realize that fact. :-) I am so envious - even the ugly parts as I'm just starting out.

Only the best of luck and fabulous success to you,

Barbara Broussard

[Barrie]

What a wonderful story.

Another little girl named Barrie

[Ravenhill]

I love reading about your continued successes! You are so very deserving and I love to encourage you!!! Your bags are just fantastic!! I am glad you are proud - you have every reason to be!!!

Wishing you continued success! :)
-Happy weekend from Emily

[Barb]

What a fascinating post. I LOVE the yada yada. I crave that (I guess cause I'm like that too). It's refreshingly real, versus all those dreaded Stepford blogs out there.
Good for you! The bags look incredible.
And I'm continually inspired by you too.

[M&Co]

That is just the cutest bag ever! So fresh!
What a wonderful combination Bari J. and Sis Boom ; My favorites!
Big congratulations to you, and well deserved after all that har working :-)
I do not know what it is with us women, but I see it clearly in my work in the IT business, the men are so self assured and happy to take credit, while the women (me included) are always unsure if we're good enough....and when beeing praised wh just shrug it off with emberassement ....we should seriously work on that, and be proud of ourselfes...

[Jodi Weir]

Bari, are a very good writer indeed! I think this is one of the many reasons you have had such success with your blog. You are funny and thoughtful, as well as philosophical. Women can relate because they see a little bit of themselves through your eyes. You deserve all the success you have coming because your talent needs to be celebrated for more to see! I was so happy to discover your blog a few months back. I feel much further behind in my travels down this road to creating a new career for myself, but in the meantime it gives me so much hope to see you walking along ahead. Right now I feel more like the patient in the hospital with an IV drip attached to me pushing that thing down the corridor and shuffling along in my slippers! You on the other hand are already power walking your way to the finish line of a 10K!! Thank you again for sharing your journey and I hope your repetitive motion injury is healing.

[Suzanne Duda]

It's OK to be modest, it keeps you humble and likeable and real. But it's also OK to be proud of yourself, and to share it with us, because we're already proud of you! The bag is terrific, and Jennifer will love it...she is one of the most humble and likeable and real women around...she is also amazingly talented...just like you! xo suzanne

[Missy]

Gosh Bari, I thought you had been in business forever! You're such a pro and do everything with such ease. You SHOULD be proud of yourself! You are incredible and I think you should tell the world! If you don't, I will!

[Tia]

I think you are great. I love your bags and you have such a fun flare. Good for you for doing so well! You should be proud of yourself.

Cheers!
Tia

[Bethany]

Well, I will toot that horn for ya if you won't do it yourself!!! Toot-toot!
You shaould sure be proud of all that you've done....it's really admirable and really great that someone who makes something lovely that is high quality can make a success of it with lots of hard work in this world full of cheap low quality knock-offs!!!
Keep doing what you're doing cause it's really special :)

[Colette]

You mean you didn't realize that you're a fabulous fabric artist??? And successful at it to boot?
Yes, you are.
xox

[frenchgardenhouse]

Woohoo!! Great post, darling friend. Something to think about. It's okay to be proud, and still be humble.
xo Lidy

[jennifer Paganellli]

so sorry my sweet went on vacation..love this story and about going ugly early cause we are so hard on ourselves and if we waited for perfect moments nothing would ever get created..I am honored to be part of your growing fan base..love, Jennifer