Nancy Claus' Blog

Quilting in the Garden

                                        Quilting in the Garden

I love the title. It sounds like something that would be wonderful to do. If you’re in Northern Ca. this weekend, go to Alden Lane Nursery in Livermore.

First let me tell you how beautiful this nursery is. They have the most magnicent Oak Trees I’ve ever seen. I believe they are Centuries old. They provide the perfect backdrop for beautiful Quilts. Each morning the Quilts will be hung on lines that go from tree to tree.

I’ve visited and bought from Alden Lane Nursery many times. I’m honored that they asked me to be a part of their event this weekend. I’ll be signing my books. Mrs. Claus will be happy if she gets a chance to see the beautiful Quilts.

There will be several different  artists, Quilters, metal sculptures, paper arts, and did I say me? There will be tours, classes, lectures. Admission is Free!!!! If you want to sit in on the classes or lectures I believe there is a cost. There will also be food.

It starts at 9:00 and ends at 4:00.  I’ve been told to arrive early because the crowds are large. It sounds exciting! If you do have a chance to come by I know you’ll be inspired and have a lot of fun.

The address is Alden Lane Nursery   1-925-447-0280

                      981 Alden Lane

                      Livermore, CA. 94550

Fall is in the air!

 
                                          Fall is in the air!

You should see my lists of things to accomplish soon. I know I’m not the only one that lives by a list. I get such satisfaction when I cross something off. As fall gets closer the lists are getting longer. There are book signings and of course making sure books are shipped. I’m trying to get a coloring book done and ready for the season. It sounded like something very easy to do. I already had a lot of the coloring pages done. I think it really will be cute. My problem is printing. I still have a hard time figuring out costs here in the U.S. How can the printing be triple here? Almost every book that has any color in it is printed in China and shipped back here for 1/3 off the cost. I guess there are a lot of things I’ll never understand.

 

 

Nancy, “oh Hi Mrs. Claus” Did you say something about this coming fall? Yes, I did , can’t you just feel the chill in the air?” Nancy, do I need to remind you we live at the North Pole?”” Oh that’s right, how could I forget? Have you been working on learning about twittering and being on facebook? “Yes, and it’s been fun, I’ve been writing down what happens every day up here. We have so much fun. I hope everyone will enjoy my stories.” I know they will Mrs. Claus, they will fall in love with you. Did you know you can only write 140 characters on twitter?”” “ How, can I tell my stories with only so many words?” You’ll do just fine Mrs. Claus, millions of people have learned how.” “Ok I better go  I have a whole lot of work to do before I try twitter” Bye, talk to you soon

Social Networking

I finally figured out what was wrong with the way I was Posting. Yea Learning curves sometimes take longer than expected. At least for me. Now about social networking. In business it's always been about relationships. You meet someone, sell to them , stand behind your product. After awhile you have a relationship you can trust and your customer trusts you. Pretty basic. Now I'm talking to the wind, I type things wait for comments. I get that the world has changed and I'm catching up. The good news is, the new people I'm getting to know from different areas of the country.  

"Nancy," "Oh Hi Mrs. Claus. How are you?"" I'm great but where have you been?" "I've been learning a lot of interesting things about how business is being done differently." "what does that mean" "Well one thing I'm learning is about twitter." "What is that" "hard to explain, but I'm thinking when we get closer to Christmas, I'm going to introduce you to the rest of the world" "But I already know most of them" " I know that Mrs. Claus, but they don't know you" " you mean I'm going to have thousands of new friends?" "Yes and the one thing I know for sure is the world is in for a very special treat" "Thank you Nancy, I can't wait to tell Santa your plans" "When do we start" ""probably in the fall" "should I be doing something special?""No Mrs. Claus, just be yourself, I've got to get back to my writing. I'll talk to you soon" "ok by"

The plan is set in motion. I'll be telling you more in my next posts.

 

   

 

Filoli

I believe I've mentioned Filoli before in a previous post. I was down there today to see a buyer. It was so amazingly beautiful. I'm usually there at Christmas time. The gardens are still beautiful but winter beautiful.Now it's springtime. The day was perfect. I was just going to spend a couple of minutes walking though the gardens, When I stepped though the gate, it took my breath away. I wish I was better at  getting pictures on the computer. I could share the huge field of daffodils with you, or the drapey white tree against the most beautiful backdrop. This is an historical house that is 36,000 square feet and amazing gardens and the most inviting gift shop that was once the carriage house. I believe this house was used for the TV series Dynasty/

Filoli is in Woodside Ca. which is part of our technology area. I'm told that at lunch time, you'll see several people that work in technology walking the gardens during their lunch. I'm very sure it's a very relaxing way of unwinding. I hope anyone that is reading this blog will one day have a chance to see the gardens especially in spring. As usual there was a lot of traffic on the way home, but it didn't seem to matter. After reading this blog back to myself it sounded a bit like a commercial. You just have to take the time to smell the Roses,daffodils,tulips whatever pleases you

I believe I've mentioned Filoli before in a previous post. I was down there today to see a buyer. It was so amazingly beautiful. I'm usually there at Christmas time. The gardens are still beautiful but winter beautiful.Now it's springtime. The day was perfect. I was just going to spend a couple of minutes walking though the gardens, When I stepped though the gate, it took my breath away. I wish I was better at  getting pictures on the computer. I could share the huge field of daffodils with you, or the drapey white tree against the most beautiful backdrop. This is an historical house that is 36,000 square feet and amazing gardens and the most inviting gift shop that was once the carriage house. I believe this house was used for the TV series Dynasty/

Filoli is in Woodside Ca. which is part of our technology area. I'm told that at lunch time, you'll see several people that work in technology walking the gardens during their lunch. I'm very sure it's a very relaxing way of unwinding. I hope anyone that is reading this blog will one day have a chance to see the gardens especially in spring. As usual there was a lot of traffic on the way home, but it didn't seem to matter. After reading this blog back to myself it sounded a bit like a commercial. You just have to take the time to smell the Roses,daffodils,tulips whatever pleases you

Post Cards

The hardest thing about self publishing is the marketing. I'm lucky because I've been in sales for so many years, I have at least some knowledge about how things get branded or get sold. The problem is there are so many people telling you what to do, it's hard to pick what is right for your company. The secret is try not to throw away money. I realize that's a very simple thought. I've done very well with all my book signings. A lot of the success has to do with being able to talk to people. I'm having to sell myself as much as my books. I can't be everywhere in the US, so now it's time to get information out to as many stores as you can.

The first idea is sending a postcard. I'm really happy with how it looks. It's two sided color. It is 81/2x51/2. Unfortunately the post office considers it a letter because of size which means a 44 cent stamp. I wonder who decides these things, but I have too many things on my mind to try too straighten out the post office. Back to my project. I've decided to concentrate on California first before I try to do the whole US. I'll be mailing them in about a week. I'll let you know what kind of response I get. We do have a call to action. If you place your order by a certain date, I'll sign the books. Keep your fingers crossed.

Mrs. Claus

Hi Nancy, Did I hear you right? Do we get to go traveling? You know Santa does that all the time. He knows all the shortcuts. Would like him to give you a ride where ever you need to go?

Oh Mrs. Claus

That's very generous of you too offer. Could you imagine the excitement of seeing Santa in the middle of the year dropping me off to talk about the books? It's a very nice offer but I think it would cause too much confusion to have Santa that close.

OK, I just wanted to help, by the way Santa is very excited about your books. He loves that they are written from my perspective.

Blogging

I have to start out with an apology, it’s been too long since I’ve blogged. There is so much that has happened. I believe I left  telling you about some of the book signings I did in November and    December. Next year I’ll tell you more and hopefully be able to advertise ahead of time. The signings were more successful  than I could imagine. I met great people. I heard wonderful stories. The people that had bought the books before had lots of great comments. I would go away at the end of the day with my head filled with so many new ideas. I can’t wait to get started.  I’m determined to be better at communicating with all of you this year. Mrs. Claus also has a lot to say.

Hi everyone. I’ve missed our chats. What a wild crazy Christmas Santa and I had this year. His trip was so exciting. I’ve been trying to write about some of the things that happened, but there are so many things I don’t know where to start. Keep reading Nancy blogs, there are a lot of exciting things coming. Happy New Year!!

Getting Ready for Christmas

Filolis Gardens

Filolis is in Woodside CA. It's a 36,000 sq foot house with beautiful gardens. Yes the sq footage is correct.The house belongs to a trust. It's open to the public most of the year. They close for just a bit at the end of Oct. then open the day after Thanksgiving. It is so breath taking beautiful, it's hard to explain. Designers do their decorating magic on the trees, then every room is filled with merchandise that goes with that room. IE. kitchen has all kitchen items. They sell tickets to get in and I believe they are sold out everyday except this tues-Sat. I,m able to do book signings there and what a treat, the people that come though are just wonderful. I'll be down there most every day this week. If your in the area and can come go to their website. I believe it's Filoli.com

That's all for now, I've got to get moving.

More Booksignings

It's been awhile since I last wrote. I've been on a whirlwind of book signings and even one speech. Last weekend I was appearing at Rogers Gardens as Mrs. Claus. This is the only place I do this and what fun. The crowds were the best ever. I read all four books and sold hundreds. It was really exciting. If you ever have a chance visit Rogers GArdens in Corona Del Mar. It's hard to explain except it's magical. The gardens are different than most nurseries. They had Christmas trees made out of succulents This year there was a 4 foot cuckoo clock  hung over a magificent mandle with a flat screen TV in the fire place. It really is a place you shouldn't miss. The visuals That the designers put together are so special.

The next day was at Mozarts in Redland CA This is a store that grew and grew It must be at least 5 stores. Again they had beautiful Christmas trees. There was so many things to buy my head was spinning. My friend that was traveling with me did a good job shopping. My job was too sign books, which I did. The owner of this store was so gracious as were all the people working for her. These type of independent stores are so special, They know their customers and care about their customers. Please shop these type of stores no one wants them to go away.

Mrs Claus

Hi Nancy, Hi Mrs. Claus. Did you just write that you dressed as me? Yes I did and it was fun. Hummmm, why wasn't I invited? You were, look at your calendar. Oh my, sorry I forgot, that was a very special day for Santa and I. Really, Mrs. Claus I don't think You ever told me what that special day was. Oh Nancy now you've made me blush, could we talk about this another time? Sure Mrs. Claus but you have made me curious. Thank you , we have been so busy up here at the North Pole. I've never seen so many toys made. Santa is still way ahead of technology but he sure likes some things that make some of the machinery work faster. I'm going to have to close, I just heard a really loud noise I better see what's going on. I'll wirte soon

Book Signings

Sorry I haven't been keeping up with my blogging. I've been doing a lot of book-signings. If any of you get a chance to come to Northern CA and you have extra time to shop, I 'm going to tell you about some wonderful Stores. I started out last Friday at Ladera Gardens and Gifts in Portola Valley. The area is absolutely beautiful, There are a lot of small ranches with Horses. Ladera Gardens has been a nursery for many years, as I was walking though it I was amazed how incredibly healthy all the plants look. A few years ago they added on a gift shop. When I was signing my books I was struck by how well liked the owners are. All their customers seemed very happyto be there.

The next day I was at William Glen in Sacramento. This store started out as a candle shop many years ago. They grew and grew, now they have China, Housewares, gifts, linens, candles, etc etc The visual in this store is breathtaking. It amazes me when you go though all their different rooms, how everything is put together. When I was signing my books it was fun to listen to customers oh- ah over all the beautiful merchandise.

Sunday I was in Los Gatos at Cotton Works. If you haven't been in Los Gatos for awhile, it's so much fun to see all the small stores. California is losing their look to large box stores. When you get a chance to walk though small stores you really find some wonderful items. Cotton Works is a very sophisticated gift store. You almost feel like your buying one of a kind. They do a beautiful job of display.

I love all the different people I meet. Lots of different walks of life.   I'm am leaving for  my 5th signing this weekend, I'll tell you about the different stores I went to in my next post.