Day Dreaming - Do You?

I do! I day dream a lot. I find my mind wandering when I walk, talk, and watch TV. I have a hard time listening too audio books because I day dream.

So, big deal, what's so interesting about day dreaming? Well, I found some interesting information when I goggled day dreaming.

At answers.com I found the wikipedia definition of day dreaming.

A dreamlike musing or fantasy while awake, especially of the fulfillment of wishes or hopes.
or

To have dreamlike musings or fantasies while awake.

Is that a probelm? According to WebMD, there are many positive sides to day dreaming. Here's the article. Read through the article to this topic:

Boost creativity and achieve goals.

So, go ahead. Stop and dream. It will improve your day.

The Art of Dale Chihuly

Another Day

I Was One Lucky Human

This is one of the saddest days of my life. I realized this afternoon, that it was time to take Spike to the vet

Now, he's not in pain any more. Now, he's running the fields of heaven, nonstop, chasing rabbits, squirrels, and any other critters that live there.

I remember that fat little puppy we brought home. His name then was Chubs. His name was quickly changed to Spike and our lives changed forever with this silly dog.

He was with us through thick and thin. He gave us so much joy in our darkest days. And now, he's free! He's free of his pain! He's free to run again. I hope he finds a wonderful child to take care of in heaven. He was a wonderful dog!

Spike, we miss you!

And now, if you can stand it again, here's one last video of Spike whining.

Spike and Alternative Medicine--Acupuncture

As you know, Spike is nearing the end of his life. If the truth be told, today, which is tomorrow when you read this, I almost took him into the vet to "put him to sleep." He wasn't himself. His legs were very wobbly. He seemed to be in pain. I called the vet to make the appointment, then, Spike perked up! The change was remarkable! I called and canceled the appointment. Spike and I went out by his tree. It was almost noon, and we are still outside at 4:50 PM. He loves being by his tree!






Charolette came over and put the acupuncture needles in Spike! I am so amazed that he tolerated them. She put them on both sides of his spine, in his peace center on his forehead, and in one of his paws. Spike didn't flinch or pull away. She told me that animals seem to catch on that this is something that helps them. (The lady in the photo is Charolette.)

















This photo isn't the best for showing the needles, but I think you get the idea. Spike was very submissive. I couldn't believe it!




















Here's a closeup of the needle in Spike's peace point. He really calmed down after that was inserted.





















Can you see the needle that appears to be sticking out of Spike's leg? That's actuall in his right back paw. I was surprised. He didn't move. He didn't try to pull the needles out. He simply accepted them. It seems to be working. He's not where I want him to be yet, but, if he's in less pain, then I am happy.

Dale Chihuly - a Modern Artist

This is very interesting! I've never researched his life before.

On Oak Trees and Acorns

I've said it before, I am ready for a change of season. The next season we face in Minnesota is Fall. It usually very beautiful here during the autumn season. The trees change colors. The pods form on plants. Seeds mature and ripen. Squirrels begin to snatch the ripening acorns that have fallen to the ground and bury them for their winter food.

I've never really thought about an acorn much. I knew it fell from an oak tree, but did you know that an oak tree does not produce acorns until it's 20 years old? Did you know that oak trees can live up to 200 years? (Think of all the people who have stood under the oak tree and fell in love, married, and were buried under those strong branches.)

If you want to learn a little bit more about oak trees and the humble acorn check out this page. It's full of interesting facts about oak trees! You never know when this information might become important to you!

In the meantime, go ahead and visit my Etsy store. This acorn is listed there.

There is a time

Cupcakes

I love cupcakes! Not only do I love cupcake beads, I simply love CUPCAKES!

I found a wonderful site to learn more about the cupcake.

Did you know there are 2 theories about the history of cupcakes?

Read all about cupcakes here. This is a great site for recipes and articles about the humble cupcake.

When you have read about cupcakes and chosen your favorite recipes, go to Etsy and search the term cupcake beads. You're going to find some wonderful beads there. After that, go make some cupcakes!

So, How do you price your beads?

That's a question a posed on a forum that I frequent. How do you price your beads? The answers were quite interesting.

One person said that she felt that pricing beads was like religion and politics. Feathers might be ruffled. I honestly didn't understand that response.

Other responses were really quite helpful. One person said that she paid herself $1 a minute to make the bead or piece of jewelry that she was making. She said that after she made the beads she would sort through the beads and then reprice. Beads that weren't made as well as other were priced down.

Another person agreed with this and included in her pricing system the time she spent photographing and cleaning her beads. I felt that was very helpful, too.

Someone else said that she priced her beads at the level she felt comfortable selling them.

We also had a brief discussion about hobbyist versus professional. Most of us agreed we want to make enough money to pay for our glass and tools.

Now, I'm throwing this same question out to you professional bead makers. How do you price your beads? What criteria do you use?

For you who buy beads, what criteria do you use when you buy beads?

I'm still struggling with pricing my beads. Help!

It was just one of those days

As I write this, it is today. As you read this it is tomorrow. That almost sounds like an old Chinese proverb. It's not. I am just hoping that as you read this, the day will have been better than today.

Since it was such a bad day today, I decided it might be best to counter each bad thing with something good. Let's get started.

1) My kiln has been broken for 3 days. :(
I've been able to use my non digital kiln. :)

2) However, since the temperature does not seem to be as accurate, :(
I haven't made anything other than spacers and small discs. :)

3) The part I needed for the kiln came today. :)
I forgot to change the part out exactly as the directions said so I had problems. :(

4) The JenKen people were more than willing to help. :)
The good news was that I was almost ready to finish and get it working
again. :)

5) The bad news was that I had to go around town to find some crimps I needed. :(

6) The local hardware store, Mutch Hardware, didn't have the part, :(
but Dave told me to go to an auto store to find it. :)

7) I went to the auto store for the part. :)
They had it. :)

8) I bought the parts. :(
They only cost me $3. :)

9) I put my kiln back together. :)
It didn't work. :(

10) I figure out that one part was in the wrong place. :)
I switched the parts. :)

11) The kiln turned on and started to heat. :)
Then it did the same thing as before. :(
It wouldn't stop heating. :(

12) Tomorrow, I'm going to a house warming party. :)
I'm back to square one with the kiln. :(

13. I have to wait until Monday to get help with the kiln. :(
Spike is having a good day. :)

14) It's almost bedtime. :)

I guess my smiles do outweigh the frowns, but I just wish I didn't have the frowns. Time to relax and forget. Good night.

Let's Shop Etsy Again!

I keep finding new, to me, wonderful stores on Etsy! I just wanted to show you three more that I found.



















I found this item in Mamapainter's store on Etsy. This magnificent piece is called:

HEART ART - Silver Leafed, Embossed Heart Grunge Heart.

Isn't this a wonderful work of art? Be sure to visit her store because you won't be disappointed.
























These magnificent beads are from Koregon Beads on Etsy. Dan and Kay Husko are the bead makers in this store. The name of this set is:

Some Like It Hot...Dan O Lampwork Beads...Set of 8.

I love the bright color in these beads. They remind me of flames!























Isn't this a beautiful bracelet? You can find it at Flame Kissed Glass on Etsy. The name of this bracelet is:

And a Round we gooo.

I love it!

I'll continue to feature more stores from wonderful Etsy sellers! In the meantime, be sure to visit these sellers on Etsy. You won't be disappointed!

I'm Ready for Change, Almost

The seasons are beginning to change. Right now we are here when summer has matured and is ready to slow down for a much needed nap.

















I'm beginning to see the winds of change in the plants outside.






















The brown eyed susans are in bloom.





















The ragweed cometh. These are all signs that fall is on the way.






















Soon the leaves will begin to change color. What a magnificent show we will see then!

















The birds will begin to fly south as we prepare for the onset of winter.
















Then there is the quiet beauty of the first snowfall.

I don't look forward to the bitter cold, ice and snow of winter, but I am ready for change.

There's Still Time to Guess!

I'm featured in this week's Theme for Thursday on Dorset Hill Beads Blog! There's still time. Go over and take a guess! This is such a fun part of Eileen's blog. You will enjoy it. Now, go over and take a guess! Hmmm! What do you think?

The Sights and Sounds of Yesterday Afternoon--the Perfect Summer Afternoon

This was what happened yesterday afternoon.


















Spike lay under his "other" tree in the living room.





















The new fireplace was finished.




















There were ribs on the grill.





















There were beads to clean.

Now, listen to what I heard. The cicadas were keeping up with the train! It was a wonderful afternoon!

Shameless Self Promotion Day!

Once in a while, I believe in Shameless Self Promotion. Today is that day! I've listed some new things in both my Etsy and Artfire stores.

















These discs and rounds are in my Etsy store. I love the colors. They're soft and very fall.
























I call this set Autumn Bundle, and it's in my Etsy store.
























These murinni are also in my Etsy store. They are called Tidal Pools.

Now, we're off to my Artfire Store.






















This bead is in my Artfire Store. I'm really proud of it. Murinni Flowers on Yellow Burst. I really like this one!





















Aren't these fun and funky? They are in my Artfire store! They are called Jeans Appeal.























This Tribal Mask is in my Artfire store, too!

Well, thanks for looking! More to follow in a while.

Just a Song

Pay It Forward, I was a winner!

I honestly believe that the reason I started to read Cindy Wimmer's blog was because I had heard about her first blog give away. If you are not familiar with Cindy, she is an amazing jewelry designer. Her blog name is: Sweet Bead Studio, and it's filled with tidbits about her life, her jewelry designs, and friends. Cindy sells her jewelry on Etsy. Be sure to visit her store! I think you'll agree with me, that he jewelry designs are awesome!

Anyway, I digress. I entered Cindy's Pay it forward give away, and I won! It was a true day brightener on a some what blah day.



Also included in this day brightener, was a lovely journal! Isn't it beautiful?






















Thank you so much, Cindy! You really made my day!

Now, I have a question for my readers. I know what I'm going to do with the journal, but I don't know what I'm going to do with the beads. When I look at the silver and the beautiful beads, I see a necklace. Now, I'll be the first to admit that I am not a jewelry designer, so I am asking you, what do you see when you look at the beads? Help me make a decision, please.

What I did on my summer vacation

I stayed close to home, and here are some of the things I did.


















I scratched an itch with a hot mandrel! Ouch. Somethings you don't forget!






















I grew a garden on my front porch. Look at those tomatoes! Delicious!





















I made beads!





















Spike and I spent a lot of time outside by "his" tree!






















I made jewelry.

All in all, it was a fun summer!

Oh, Oh! Is it really Happening Already?

I looked out in the ravine today. Look what I saw!


















I'm not a fan of the summer heat and humidity, but I think it's a little too early to see the leaves starting to turn yellow!





















I looked a little to my left. More of the same!





















I looked to my right. It's there, too!
It's been a nice summer, and fall will be nice, but winter is close behind.

Memories for Life Scrapbooks

I belong an Etsy team called Etsy Bloggers. One of our tasks is to blog about the featured blogger of the month. This month's featured artist is Memories for Life Scrapbooks. I can honestly say that I am so glad that I don't scrapbook because if I did, I would be spending a lot of money in this store. Look at some of the great items that I found.











Look at this word Friends album. Isn't this great? What a great item to commemorate events with friends! I love it!






















Look at this! This is a flip flops guest book! Isn't that clever? I love it!





















I know my daughter would love this! It's a My Cat scrapbook album. Isn't this great?

Another place you need to visit is Edi's blog called Memories for Life Scrapbook!
I think you'll like the visit you pay there, too. Don't forget to follow her or put her on your blog roll.

Easy Peasy Wire Earring Tutorial

If you like easy, if you like simple, this tutorial is for you. I, personally, love copper wire. When it comes to earrings, I can almost wear a rusted nail in my ears. However, I do know people who, if they even whisper the word copper, will turn green. I don't know which category you fall into, but these earrings can be made in copper or silver or brass. I am using copper for this tutorial. It's easier to photograph and I enjoy wearing it! If you do not like copper or you turn green, feel free to use silver.

What you will need:

8 inches of 20 gauge copper or sterling silver wire cut in half

burr cup if you have one or a bit of fine sandpaper to sand the edges of the wire























Round nose pliers, long nose pliers and wire cutters























Begin by making a hook at the end of the wire. I like to work with both pieces of wire at the same time. It helps to keep the coiling even, or so I would hope!





















Continue coiling, but leave ample space between the coils.





















Continue coiling until you have a big coil. You are finished! You won't even need backs for these earrings. Enjoy!

Breathe Even More