Play on Words Lampwork Challenge

Play on Words Lampwork Challenge

This week's word is:

LOVE

This is my entry.

Do you see what I put in there?

Here's a clue:

The Greatest of these is love.

So, How Does Your Garden Grow?

Wanna' see mine? It's all around the house!

I've expanded a bit this year. I've cut back on the number of plants in my table top garden, but I've actually expanded my garden. This mini garden has two tomato plants, one lemon balm, one rosemary, and one basil. I can hardly wait to start picking the herbs and tomatoes!




























This plant is huge! It took the place of a small bush that died over the winter. Next photo will show one of the tomatoes on it! Stay tuned!















That tomato needs to turn red soon!
See the roses behind it? That rose bush needs trimming!





















I have this patio tomato on the side of the house. It actually has 3 tomatoes on it. You just can't see them. I am so looking forward to the red color. Ooops! See the little elm tree there? That needs to come out.












In the back, there's the rhubarb! 4 plants are still thriving back there! Delicious!






On the other side of the yard are 3 more tomato plants, but they aren't thriving like the ones in the front. We'll see what happens!












Something has been munching on my zucchini. I didn't think any critter would come into our yard with Pixie there to guard it!













The pumpkins are starting to grow. I bought some of the tiny, sweet ones! I can hardly wait!

















The cucumbers like where they were planted. I can hardly wait to harvest the first ones! They are moving all over the place. I planted 3 different kinds in one hill. We'll see what happens with them.




So, that's it for now. How does your garden grow?

Greyhound Roo

This is one of my favorite greyhound videos on YouTube! If you want to hear a greyhound express herself, be sure to watch this video. It's not Pixie, but it's a great video!

Another Stormy Night

This has to be one example of Mother Nature at her worst. For two nights in a row, Mother Nature's wrath exploded over us in the form of thunderstorms, local flooding, severe lightning, and tornadoes.

Luckily, there were no fatalities in this duo of evening storms. People did loose homes. Not far from our home, lightning struck a town house. The fire was out of control in seconds. Machine sheds ended up in neighbor's yards. Trees ended up on top of homes. Now, there is some flooding.

When Mother Nature goes out of control, danger comes. We were lucky. Now, it's time for clean up.

Saying Goodbye to a Dear Friend

We said good bye to Sister Sharon yesterday. She will be missed.

This photo ---------------------------->
is 12 years old. The photo was taken shortly after Sister Sharon and I were grouped together as "Sister Friends." I'm not sure that either of us knew what to expect, but I can tell you now, that as I look back, we sure had a lot of fun being "Sister Friends."

Sister Sharon was a proud member of the School Sisters of Notre Dame. The SSND's are a teaching order of Catholic Nuns. Sister Sharon had been a teacher and tutor in her "active" years. (I learned later, that, at the Mother House, where the sisters retire, they are often more active in their later years than any of us could imagine!) When the mission of "Sister Friends" was announced, I decided it was time to become more active in the community. I attended the first meeting of Sister Friends where the "less active," retired nuns were paired with a member of the community. Sister Sharon and I were paired together, and we hit it off immediately!

While she was still active, we went to lunch, we visited various locations in the area, we attended Sister Friends activities together. I would actually get tired because this "less active," retired nun would wear me out!

Slowly, Sister Sharon's health began to deteriorate. She was confined to her chair and bed, but she loved to read! I'd bring her books to read. When she finished the books, we'd talk about them and then she'd ask me to give them to the older nuns so they could enjoy them. We weren't able to go out anymore, but we still had a great time discussing different topics whether it be books, our shared faith, or her beloved family.

Last Tuesday, Sister Sharon died. We buried her yesterday. I cried.

Three Beautiful Things This Week

Three Beautiful Things This Week was inspired by a wonderful blog that Clare writes called Three Beautiful Things. Everyday, Clare writes about 3 Beautiful Things that happen each day in her life. It's a wonderful blog! I can only hope to imitate her in a very small way.


1) It's so nice to feel appreciated. After the successful jewelry show at the hospital, I made an appointment with a local boutique owner to see if she would like to carry any of my items in her store. We met. She liked some of my jewelry, and she purchased it! Now, fingers and toes are crossed that her customers will like and purchase my product.

2) I love getting together with friends! Again, it was a social week with different friends. We caught up. We enjoyed each other. We laughed. We talked. We ate together. It was a good week.

3) On a much sadder note, my dear friend, Sister Sharon Keefe died this week. I was able to see her on the morning before she died. I don't think she recognized me. I do know she tried to speak when I was there, but she couldn't. She is so missed. I am truly grateful to have been her friend. I was blessed by that. When you are in the company of a saint, you are also in the presence of God! Sister Sharon, my dear friend, you will be missed, but I'm glad you made your journey safely home!

Making and Donating Beads for Beads of Courage

Beads of Courage is an organization dedicated to helping children with serious illnesses cope with these illnesses through the use of beads. Beads mark the milestones in each child's journey through their illness.
Beads of Courage are beads given to children when they have shown courage above and beyond and for when a child needs a boost. Here's a link to Lori Greenberg's post regarding Acts of Courage Beads.

A special section on Lampwork Etc. is dedicated soley to Beads of Courage.

After a child's course of treatment is finished, they are given a purple heart.

Should a parent loose their beloved child, they are given a butterfly to commemorate the life of their angel.

If you are not a bead maker, you can still support Beads of Courage through a monetary donation. Beads of Courage needs you!

Shopping Etsy: Search: Roses

I love roses! I decided to see what I could find on Etsy that had roses.

These Victorian Roses are from Debra Dane's shop. She describes the roses as "window" beads. Aren't they lovely? Be sure to check out her store for many more beautiful items. I love these!













This Flower Pin Brooch is from Lindseybs shop. Isn't it beautiful! I love the color, too! Be sure to visit Lindsey's shop for more great items.












Last but not least, the sweetest little shell beanie with a rose from Nuxie Made's shop on Etsy. Talk about sweet!









And I still love roses!

Pixie Marie Has Gasssssss

Look at those eyes! She's telling you this is not true, but she knows it is.
I had planned another topic for this blog, but because of this attack, I am letting you know, that Pixie has gas.

She will deny it.
She will look at you with those sweet eyes of hers, then she will look at me as though to blame me.
But it's her.
Pixie Marie has gasssssssss.

Summer Solstice 2010

Today is the day that marks the start of summer in the northern hemisphere and the start of winter in the southern hemisphere. For our neighbors to the south, there is more dark than light. For us, the sun shines for the longest amount of time than any other part of the year.

For us, beginning tomorrow, the amount of light will begin to decrease each day until the winter solstice begins the journey into spring. Now, we begin the plunge into winter.
The days will be hot, but each day, we will see a little less light each day. Soon we will be waking up in the dark as we start our day. Our evenings will become longer. It's time to start taking Vitamin D.

I don't know if I'm ready for winter, but the promise is there. Time slides beyond our reach. Weather changes. Without the summer solstice, this would not happen. Our journey continues.

More Memories - The Mulberry Tree

The Mulberry Tree has grown, and, right now, its berries are changing into the rich, dark red color that means they are ripe. I've never been able to collect enough to make jam, but that's not been a problem. These berries are delicious right off the tree, at least, those that are left when the squirrels and birds finish with them.

Last year, Spike and I would run to the mulberry tree where we would share the ripe berries. Even though he was old and feeble, he'd still charge out demanding his berries.
Spike would eat as many as he could from the ground under the tree, then he would demand that I give him some from the tree. He really loved those berries!

Now, I have Pixie. She doesn't like mulberries, but she tolerates me going to the tree in search of the ripe berries. She just looks somewhat puzzled as I reach for the higher branches in search of more berries. I have to admit, this is a time I really miss my silly old dog.

A part of my heart is still empty without Spike, but the tree is full of memories for me.

Memories Found

I was cleaning out old photos of people who don't belong there any more. As I cleaned, I found this. I don't know how old Jenny was when she gave this to me. I am so glad that I saved it! It wasn't even in my "Treasures" box. Talk about memories. We both laughed as we read it!















Page 2:
1. We have the best time when we: go shopping together. (We should do that more often.)

2. My mom looks prettiest when: she and my dad go someplace (That's so sweet!)

3. My mom is the greatest because: she loves me.
(And don't you or Nick forget it!)

4. My mom makes the best: lasagna. (I didn't know that!)

5. I always laugh when my mom: gets the dog to have a spaz attack. (That was fun!)

Think about the nicest time you've had with your mother:
When my dad and my brother left to our station wagon.
(That was fun!)

Page 3: A Poem

Marvelous at "mostly" everything. (She said mostly.)
Occupation as a teachers aide.
Taste in clothes is good. (We laughed at that one!)
Her work at home is appreciated.
Everyone loves her.
Right "nearly" all the time. (Notice she said nearly.)

What memories!

Three Beautiful Things This Week

Three Beautiful Things This Week was inspired by a wonderful blog that Clare writes called Three Beautiful Things. Everyday, Clare writes about 3 Beautiful Things that happen each day in her life. It's a wonderful blog! I can only hope to imitate her in a very small way.



1) Pixie had a great time at Heartlund Kennels. I was at the Bead and Button Show. She loves going there! They did tell me, though, that she doesn't like her food. Now, we're off in search of new food, and we might have found it!

2) The Bead and Button Show was an amazing experience! It was great to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones, too! The classes were fantastic. They are always well done, except for one, but we won't discuss that one. It was last year. The week flew by.

3) It's great to be home! I'm still tired, but I'm recovering! I'm already looking forward to next year!

Last Thoughts from the Bead and Button Show

This was the bag from the Bead and Button Show this year. Even though it looks blue, it was really purple!



































The classes were great!
I love my corsage!




















I love my new necklace!!


















The shopping was great! These are recycled saris. They are torn strips of fabric that are sewn together by Indian women to make a living.

I can hardly wait for next year!

Ahhhh! The Bead and Button Show Sara Sally LaGrand's Class

Day 2 of my experience at the Bead and Button Show - Sara Sally LaGrand's Glass Corsage Class. Now, when you see this photo, you might think we had a terrible time in our class. In truth, you would be wrong. i can truthfully say that we had so much fun as a group. Sara faked this photo! She's way too sweet!





















This-------------------------------->
was our glass class! Sara smiled the whole time!


Day 1: we made our beads.
Day2: We put together our corsages and our necklaces! Just wait till you see!

















Here's a group photo of all our corsages. Can you find mine? Well, if you can't......
















Here it is!
---------------------------------------->






















Here's my necklace! I love it!
I was stopped by so many people at the Bead and Button Show because they thought it was great! I don't just think it's great, I think it's AMAZING!















This necklace has hardly come off of my neck! I LOVE IT!


More tomorrow on the B & B Show!

I'm Home!

More later, but it was a great trip! On both flights, the TSA checked my bags. That was no surprise!! I had so many tools, but what did surprise me was...









My glass was checked!!!
See the seal? More tomorrow because I'm so tired tonight!!!!

Bead and Button Show

It's the Bead and Button Show's 10th Anniversary! I'm here! Let the fun begin!

More tomorrow.

Today, I take Sara Sally LaGrand's lampwork class! Yipppeeee!!

A Special Event with Betty or a Snippet of Life

Jenny and I visited Betty in the nursing home
where she is recovering from a broken leg.
This is the sight we saw when we arrived.
Both Betty and her friend looked over to say Hi!
The other baby stayed on the seat in the shade.
The other baby hopped over the chair to bask in the sun behind Betty.
Then the baby moved to the sun to see what was there.
The more adventurous baby was making a decision.
It was ready to go, and it did!
But, it's sibling stayed and visited more. It seemed to like the sun!

This is it for a While

This is the new Easy Wire! Guess what!












I'm in it!















At least my article for these earrings is in it!

Pick up your copy and give them a try!

Another Etsy Shopping Spree

Search word: Charm

Let's see what came up in this search.

This is from page one of the search.
Guardian Initial Angel Hand Stamped Sterling Silver Angel Personalized Initial Necklace from
Brag About It on Etsy. Aren't these charms sweet! And are there charms in this store! Wow! All of them are wonderful, too.







What a great gift for Mom or Grandma! This is from Lynx R Us5 on Etsy. This charm necklace is called You are My Sunshine! I love it!



















This beautiful LOVE charm comes from Purple Moon Gifts! It is absolutely beautiful in its simplicity! This charm is made from fine silver. I love it!
















Now, how did this get here? This is a VINTAJ charm from my store. It actually came up in the search. I love this dragonfly!






See what you find! Today, I found some great stores I didn't know existed! It's been fun!