The End of the Storm

As I write this, the winds and snow are beginning to slow down. I am seeing the outdoor lights going on at the neighbors' houses. This is a good sign that they are safe, too.

I'm not sure how much snow is on the ground, but there's a lot, and with the wind, there are a lot of drifts that continue to grow. The light is beginning to fade. Tomorrow, the ravages of the storm will be beautiful. Today, I am grateful that we are warm. We are dry. We are safe.

I pray for all of those who must go out in this storm.

They are those who drive the plows who are battling the roads for us and making sure that we can drive as safely as possible in the morning.

They are the police, the state troopers, those who serve as firemen, paramedics, first responders. They must be out there.

I pray for anyone who must drive the highways, if they can. I pray that they are safe, especially if they are stranded.

I pray that the airports are safe, and that those passengers who are stranded can sleep, at least a little bit, as they wait for flights to resume.

I pray for all those who are homeless, that they have found shelter, warmth, and food in this storm.

I pray for all who are suffering as a result of this storm.

I can hear the snow plows on the roads now. The storm will end before the morning. Maybe, the sun will shine tomorrow. The worst is over now.

Thrift Store Finds

I drove past the thrift store today, and I knew I had to stop.
It was on my list anyway.
I wanted to find chains, and, maybe a few beads that were too good to resist.
Even though I didn't find as much as I would have liked to find,
the treasures I left with are wonderful!
I found a few chains.
I'm happy with what I found, but I'm thinking I'll have to go back another time to find more chains.
Along with the chains, I found a knotted pearl bracelet.
I took the tag off because I've already worn it.
I'm not sure if they are "real" pearls or not,
but the bracelet is lovely.
I don't think I'll take it apart any time soon.
Oh, I paid 75 cents for that bracelet.
I also found that bright, plastic necklace.
The clerk who waited on me kept saying that the necklace was "interesting and bright."
Yes, to both statements.
In the right place, one of the those beads would make a design pop.
This necklace will be saved for that occasion.
So, have you found inspiration in your local thrift store lately?
If so, what did you find?

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) Sometimes a package in the mail is not what you were expecting, but what is in the envelope is saturated with friendship and love! Isn't Pixie adorable! Thank you, Lauren!

2) Jenny's bi-monthly labs were good, again! I am so grateful that she is doing so well!

3) I have been able to talk with two wonderful friends this week using Skype. It was great to talk to both of them. One was an international call, and the other was a call in the US. Those two calls really made my day!

It doesn't matter what Christina makes, she's good at whatever she does!

Christina used to be a lampworker.

I have to say, I am so sorry that she no longer makes glass beads,
but now, she has become an avid quilter, jewelry designer, and photographer.
She also has an Etsy store, now, and in it, are some of her fabulous stitched items.
Before we go there,
I want to direct you to Christina's blog.
Be sure to click on the "follow" link.
You will enjoy reading Christina's blog as much as I do!
I've "known" Christina for about 4 years.
She's one of my many online friends that I have never met.
I have to say, that I am also the proud owner of one of her lampwork lizard vessels!
It's one of my treasures!
Anyway, back to the subject,
Christina's Etsy store, CM Homemade.
Her store is rich in homemade, sewn items.
Take a look at this.


Virginia Tech fans, need a great gift for the VT enthusiast?
You can go right here and find this scarf.
Notice the photography.
Christina is good!
I love pink, and so does Christina!
This warm scarf is featured in her store,
with a great story to go with it.
You can find it here.
This would make a great gift for that special someone who loves pink and wants to be warm.
If you order now, it will still get to you before Christmas.

Need a hat for one of the little ones in your household?
This hat comes in two different sizes.
It sure looks like a fun one to wear to me!
You can find the larger size here.

If I were going to have a baby, I would kill for this bag!
It's a comfy place to lay baby, a changing blanket, and a place to carry those much needed items when baby goes out to visit.
The Pack Play Change Baby Tote would make a great gift for that new mom or expecting mom.
Didn't I tell you,
whatever Christina does,
she does well.
Visit her blog and her store.
You won't be sorry you did!

Christmas in New Zealand and Christmas in Minnesota

Have you ever wondered what differences there are in the celebrations for Christmas in different cultures, particularly, between Minnesota and New Zealand?

Well, this month, Deb Batten (Firebird Flamework) and I have decided that our challenge for artistic growth will be to document the differences in our cultures as we celebrate the holidays.

We are going to use our photographic skills to present to you a photo journal
of our lives as we celebrate Christmas.

Our reveal will be on December 27, 2010. We think that this might be enough time to recover from the festivities. I'm already tired!

In case you've never wondered about our cultural differences, I'm sure that now, you will be waiting to see what we show. So, stay tuned and see you on December 27th!

Oh, you can check out Deb's blog for her side of the story. (Notice I put the link to her blog at the end of my blog?) ;)