In The Beginning

I was told by my close friend that when starting a new business, I must also start a blog. And seeing as I would trust her with my life, I figure, why not trust her on this. As a matter of fact, this new business has happened because of her. I am truly thankful for her love and support, and all the time and effort that she gave up to help me succeed. So Christi, this goes out to you.
I never had the thought to start my own business. I was always just content to work for others and let my husband, Rob, be the business owner. He was the go getter and the entrepreneur and on top of those titles he is also a painting contractor. He has always been a great provider, so I never had the itch to start something on my own (and when I say on my own, I mean taking the initiative to make a dream move forward, because starting a business, usually requires the support of others). In the past couple of years the economy has been in a decline and my husband's businesses have suffered, but he still made it happen with all of his hard work. A few months back he was in an a car accident that physically took its toll on him and made it almost impossible for him to continue with his painting business. And its because of this accident that I knew I had to figure out a way to help alleviate all of the burdens that were weighing him down. Not to mention, my friend Christi was heading to Baltimore to do a pet show for her business and I was jealous, because I wanted to go. I love trade shows! Especially ones that involve pets. And that's what started the fire that would turn into "Gracie's Miracle".
I wouldn't say that I am unmotivated, but to be honest all I have been able to think of for the past 18 years was how to keep up with our 7 kids. Our oldest is 27 and our youngest is 5, so you can imagine that life has been hectic. Lately, though, things have slowed down in that department. Most of them are grown or are in their teens and all that is left is our little 5 year old Ben. I can finally breathe a little. After all of those years, though, of being a sold out devoted mom, I feel that I forgot how to be creative and inventive, and that's where Christi stepped in. I was introduced to Christi by a very close and dear friend to me, Coppi, who has been telling me for years that I reminded her of her friend Christi. I always just laughed and shrugged it off, because she lived in Oregon and I lived in California, and the probability of me ever meeting Christi was nil as far as I was concerned. Well, it just so happens that Christi moved to California a couple of years ago, and after a year and a half of Coppi throwing out little hints to me of meeting Christi, we find out that Christi only lives a few miles down the road from me and that our kids go to the same high school. Talk about coincidences (I like to call it part of God's plan)! Well, Coppi, basically sets us up on a blind date, and what happens next is the beginning of a new chapter in my life. She has inspired me and taught me that there still is some creativity buried down inside of me, and that all I needed to do was go after something I was passionate about. For me, outside of God and my family, I am passionate about my pets. And that was the common thread that bound me and Christi together, not to mention our love for wine. Haha.
So, here I am now on a journey that I would never have even considered 6 months ago, but because someone else believed in me and made me believe in myself, I am starting a business that I am passionate about. And this is the beginning of Gracie's Miracle. Stay tuned, because in the coming days, weeks, months, and years I am going to bring you, the reader, on this journey with me of starting a new business, balancing family life, friendships and new adventures.