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 passed!!!  She's now a therapy dog!!!  I just have to wait for all the paper work.  I hope that won't take too long.  I'm anxious to get the girl working!


2) Set up for the show was quick and easy.  Now, here's hoping that there will be a lot of sales in the next 3 days.  If not, it is what it is.  I'm happy with the set up.


3) Foot soaks are good!!!

She Passed!!!!!!

And She's Exhausted!!!!
It was a rough evening!
There were so many little kids there, and they wore her out!!!

Pixie is now a therapy dog!!!

When the paper work is completed, Pixie and I will be able to go to hospitals, nursing homes, and other places where therapy dogs are welcomed.

Whew!!!  I'm glad this over!!! 

Shhhhhhhhhhh!!!  The girl had a big evening, and she's tired!!!!

Still Getting Ready for the Show this weekend....

And look who's helping me!

The Girl is doing her best to help me!!

Posts this week will be short.

The show begins on Friday and goes through Sunday.

When I am finished, 

I hope to post some video blogs!

Hang in there!

Keep your fingers and toes crossed,
tonight is Pixie's last observation.
If she passes, then she will be a therapy dog!!!!

The First Sunday of Advent

The first Sunday of Advent is this Sunday.  It is then that we begin our journey towards Bethlehem, to see our Infant King. 

I sit in the darkness watching the lights hidden by the curtains.  I weep for those who have gone before us on their roads to Bethlehem.  I miss them this time of year, very much, but then I rejoice with memories,
singling out times of joy and laughter.  Then I weep in gratefulness for having had them in my life for good or ill.  No matter what, they helped to make me the person I am today.  For that I am most grateful.

I think of our Infant King who was born in a stable, cold and poor, but into the arms of a family who loved Him.  I hold those moments close to my heart and wonder how they felt, not knowing, but knowing the promise of the Messiah.  I think of how the world welcomed Heaven's Light on Christmas Morning when Love was born.

Again, I cry, as I begin my journey to Bethlehem.  I hear the silence in this darkened room as I watch the lights of Christmas.   I don't know, but I know. 

Pixie doesn't like her veggies.

Every night, I make Pixie's raw diet.

It sits in the refrigerator until morning.

In the morning, the raw meat has rehydrated and so have the veggies.

They are saturated in the liquid.

As you can see, the liquid and the meat is gone.

However, what is left are the,

you're right,

veggies.

I have to sprinkle a raw food powder on the veggies, and  then

Pixie will finish most of her veggies.

So, how does Pixie like her veggies?

Well, I can tell you how Pixie likes her sweet potatoes.

Add a little butter and some brown sugar, and

Pixie will eat an entire sweet potato!

That's my girl,

she knows what tastes the best!!

I think I'll have to try this with carrots, too!!!

I Heart Macro! I'm Already Decorating!!!!

And It's Not Even Christmas Eve!

I Heart Macro!!

After the holiday

I hold on to the memories.

We had fun.

We enjoyed each other.

We laughed.

We remembered.

We ate.

We joined friends in celebrating the day.

We played games.

We watched TV.

We took naps.

We even went shopping.

It was a good time!!

After the holiday, I know how truly blessed I have been.

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) Jenny

2) Nick

3) Pixie

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I am so Blessed!!!

Thank you!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!

Sale Time!!!!

I'm so THANKFUL for my customers, I'm having a sale from now until Sunday, November 26! 

Use the coupon code:
THANKFUL at checkout for 20% off your order.

Now, I'm trying getting ready for Thanksgiving, so, please shop! shop! shop!!

Click

HERE

to visit my Etsy store!!  Thank you!!!!

New Tab on My Blog

And it's called "Gratitude Journal."  Click HERE to go to it!  I have wanted to continue my journaling on this blog for a long time.  Now, I have to journal.  I hope to do this everyday, but we shall see. 

I've read that people who live with gratitude are happier people who sleep better at night.  I want to be one of those people!

My question for you then is:

Do you journal?  If so, what kind of journal do you keep?  Do you keep a gratitude journal?  Has this helped you to improve your life?  I'd love to hear from you on this!!

My Brand New Favorite Lampworking Tool!!!!

I have been lusting after this tool for ages, 

and I finally saved up enough to buy one.

I love it!!!

These parallel mashers are made by Artisan Tool Works.

Click

HERE

to go to the site.

To order, you need to call Dave, but it's worth the call.

The tool comes with a single flat masher head, but you can buy other heads for the tool.

I ordered this head along with the masher tool.

It's for making lentils.

For years, I have been lentil impaired. 

Now, I can make lentils. 

Here are some photos.

I love this one!!

Of course, I like this one, too!!

Another favorite!

I'm so easily pleased!!!

I Heart Macro - Glass Shard in my Bed

This is what happens when I cut murrini in my bed.

Leftovers!

That's what I get for cutting murrini in bed!!

I Heart macro!!!

Stress and Murrini

When I get stressed I make murrini.

I have found that to be a zen activity for me.

My mind flows away from the stress and drifts deeply into the glass.

The designs flow as I work past my stress.

I find myself relaxing and more able to cope with the stress as I make murrini.

Can you tell I have been a bit stressed these past few weeks?

I'm getting ready for the art show.

I won't be taking these with me to the show,

but,

they will be coming to my Etsy store, eventually, along with all the other 

murrini I will have made by show time!

Stay tuned!!!

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 did just fine on her second observation for therapy dog certification.  Yahooo!!!!
One more observation and she will be certified.

2) We've had more beautiful weather this week.  I can walk outside in the afternoon with a light sweatshirt on, and I'm comfortable.  Yes!!

3) With the Art Charm Exchange behind us, the bidding has begun on the charms.  The funds raised on the sales of these art charms will be donated to Beads of Courage.   Click HERE for the auction.  Ooops, that's just for mine, but if you play around with the site, you will be able to see the other art charms.  Feel free to make a bid!  It's for a good cause!!!

Tonight is another Observation....

We'll be going to a nursing home where Pixie will join the other therapy dogs to visit with the residents.

Wish us luck.  

This is the first time at a nursing home, 

and

it's her second observation.

There will only be one more to go after this one!!!

Wooooooo Hooooooo!!!

The girl is on her way!!!

Getting Ready for the Show - Silent Blog - Sort of...

Oh, s*&^%$%^&**())*^t!

A closer look...

Like I said,

Oh, s(*(*&&^#@#$%%^&&**(())t!

As I Continue to get ready for the Art Show....

Sigh!

What did I get myself into?

I can do this!

I just need to keep working and plugging ahead!

One foot in front of the other.

Step by Step I find my way there.

Here are a couple of necklaces I have been working on.

What do you think I should name this?

I don't often make religious themed jewelry.

I do like this!

What should I name this?

Step by step,

I'll get there. 

I'm on my way.

Maybe not finished 

right now,

but I will be 

one day,

one day

very soon.

The Time Has Come!!! Art Charm Blog Reveal!!!! Thank You Jennifer Cameron!!!

I love charms!!

I love charm Exchanges!

And the exchanges and blog hops sponsored by 

Jennifer Cameron

are sweetened by sending in an extra charm to be included in an auction to benefit my favorite organization

Beads of Courage.

Makes this one of my favorite charm exchanged!!!
Before I show you the charms I received,
I want to show you my charm.
The theme of this exchange was
FUN.
What could be more fun than
Bacon and Eggs?

 Of course the answer is,
NOTHING.
So, the charms I sent in for the exchange were these,
a bacon charm and an egg charm.
My charm along with the others will be part of a raffle to benefit
Beads of Courage.
The link to the auction is
HERE.

Now, the reveal!

I wanted you to see the people who were in my group,

which,

by the way was kept secret until we received our charms.

The charms I received were mixed media.

There was chain maille, polymer clay, copper, enameled copper, glass, and seed beads!

What a great batch of charms!!!

I love each one of them!

Now, for a closer look at charms.

Aren't these the greatest!!!

Thank you!!!!

Now, here's a list of the other participants in this hop.

Enjoy!!!!

Alenka Obid http://pepita-handmade.blogspot.com/2012/11/art-charm-exchage-reveal.html

Alicia Marinache http://www.allprettythings.ca/2012/11/charm-swap-reveal-blog-hop-and-auction.html  

Babette Cox http://babettecox.com/blog.htm

Carol Watson http://www.carolwatsonartglass.blogspot.com

Carolyn Chenault  http://carolynchenault.wordpress.com/2012/11/12/beads-of-courage-auction/

Cassi Paslick http://cassisbeads.blogspot.com/2012/11/beads-of-courage-charm-swap-reveal.html

Charlene Jacka http://clay-space.com/2012/11/early-christmas/

Cheri Reed http://creativedesignsbycheri.blogspot.com/2012/11/to-participate-in-charm-swap-you-must.html

Cheryl McCloud http://cherylmccloud.blogspot.com/2012/11/charm-swap-reveal-blog-hop-and-beads-of.html

Deb Kauzlarich http://debkauzlarich.blogspot.com 

Denielle Hagerman http://somebeadsandotherthings.com 

Emma Todd  http://apolymerpenchant.blogspot.com/2012/11/art-charm-swap-in-aid-of-boc.html

Erin Prais-Hintz http://treasures-found.blogspot.com/2012/11/art-charm-swap-laugh.html

Ginger Bishop http://lilmummylikes.blogspot.com/2012/11/art-charm-exchange-2012.html

Inge vonRoos http://ingetraud.wordpress.com

Jean Peter http://jeanpdesigns.blogspot.com/ http://jeanpdesigns.blogspot.com/2012/11/2012-charm-swap.html

Jeannie K Dukic http://site.jkdjewelry.com/blog/2012/11/12/beads-of-courage/

Jennifer Cameron http://wp.me/p1xIa0-wn

Kia Dallons http://kiadallonsstudio.blogspot.jp/2012/11/laughter-is-best-medicine.html

Kimberly Roberts http://bahamadawn.blogspot.com/2012/11/art-charm-swap.html

Kristi Bowman  http://dreamsomedesigns.blogspot.com/2012/11/charm-swap-reveal-hop.html

Lea Avroch http://lajewelrydesign.blogspot.com/2012/11/2012-beads-of-courage-art-charm-swap.html

Leslie Schenkel http://twistedchicken.wordpress.com/?p=171

Linda Florian http://www.lilysofthevalleyjewelry.blogspot.com/

Lori Greenberg http://lorigreenberg.com/blog

Lynnea Bennett http://designsbylynnea.blogspot.com 

Mallory Hoffman http://rosebud101-fortheloveofbeads.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-time-has-come-art-charm-blog-reveal.html

Marcy Lamberson http://studiomarcy.blogspot.com/2012/11/charmed-by-minions-im-sure.html

Marsha Neal Studio http://marshanealstudio.blogspot.com/2012/11/charm-exchange-and-beads-of-courage.html

Maureen Connolly http://mrsbeadsley.blogspot.com/2012/11/charm-reveal.html

Melissa Meman http://melissameman.blogspot.com/2012/11/art-charm-swap-blog-hop.html

Monique Urquhart http://ahalfbakednotion.blogspot.com/2012/11/charmed-im-sure.html

Natalie McKenna http://www.grubbi.co.uk/

Perri Jackson  http://shaktipajdesigns.com/11/blog/reveal-the-laughter-art-charms/

Renetha Stanziano http://lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com/2012/11/art-charm-exchange-auction-and-reveal.html

Robin Koza http://www.robinkoza.com 

Shaiha Williams http://shaihasramblings.blogspot.com/2012/11/art-charm-hop.html

Shannon Hicks  http://uptwnsh-fallingintothesky.blogspot.com/

Shelby Foxwell http://sundownbeaddesigns.blogspot.com/2012/11/charm-swap-reveal.html  

Shelley Graham Turner http://shelleygrahamturner.blogspot.com/2012/11/reveal-2012-charm-swap.html

Shirley Moore http://beadsandbread.blogspot.com/2012/11/beads-of-courage-art-charm-reveal.html

Stephanie Haussler http://pixybugdesigns.blogspot.com/2012/11/laughter-art-bead-charm-swap-auction.html

Susan Kennedy http://suebeads.blogspot.com/2012/11/beads-of-courage-charm-swap-reveal-and.html

Toltec Jewels http://www.jewelschoolfriends.com/2012/11/BOCArtCharmRevealBlogHop.html

Vanessa Gilkes http://culturezine.com/blog/

I Heart Macro! Stones

d

Drilled stones

I Heart Macro!

Do You Have a Person?

The other night, as I watched the final season of Grey's Anatomy, I saw Meredith and Yang talking to each other through out the show.  They were on the computer, on their cell phones, and as they talked Yang kept reminding Meredith that she was "her person."  They both acknowledged that they were each other's person.  Through thick and thin, Meredith was Yang's person and Yang was Meredith's person. 

I thought about this, so I thought I'd ask you, "Do you have a person?"  What does "your person" mean to you?

I don't have a "person" right now.  When I think about it, "my person" would have to be loyal.  My person would be someone to whom I could tell anything in the world, whether it was good, bad or indifferent.  My person would have my back in any situation, and I do mean, any situation.  My person would hold my head when I throw up.  My person would hug me if I were crying.  My person would sleep on the floor next to me if I needed help.  My person would tell me the truth when I needed to hear the truth.  My person would not desert me in any situation.  My person would be there, even at a distance, through thick and thin, high and low.  My person would ask me if I was taking my medication.  My person would go with me to the doctor and make me tell the truth to the doctor, even if I didn't want to tell the truth.  My person would not lie to me to spare my feelings.  My person would just be there, sitting in silence, when I needed the silence to quiet my soul. 


Right now, I don't have a "person," so I am content with Pixie.  She already does so many of those things.  I'm happy to have her.  Maybe someday I'll have a person, but I don't think so.  I'm okay with that, too.

So, do you have a person?  What does your person do for you?  What do you do for your person?

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) Lunch with a friend equals fun!

2) Pixie showed quite a bit of personality this week.  When I didn't move at the pace she expected me to me, she slapped her paw on the bottom step as I came down to take her for a walk.  I don't think I was moving fast enough to suit her.  Loved it!!

3)  I ordered a new tool today.  I saved enough money, and I ordered my new lentil tongs yesterday!  I'm happy!!!  It was a good week!

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month

Be aware.
Here's a link to tell you more about it.

National Diabetes Month

There are so many people who have this chronic disease but don't know it.

Go HERE to learn what the symptoms are.  If you or one of your children have these symptoms,
go to the doctor!  Diabetes is a manageable disease, but it needs to be managed.

You will receive help when you see the doctor.  Make an appointment now.

See the cute little dino?  Lauren of May Beads has a section in her Etsy store called Dinosaurs for Diabetes.   Proceeds from the sale of these dinos will go to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.  Isn't he cute?

Click HERE to go to these sweet dinos and help a cause!!

No Matter What Happens Tonight When the Votes Are Counted...

The sun will still rise in the East.
The sun will still set in the West.

Children will still go to school or be home schooled.

Parents will go to work.

Bathrooms will still need to be cleaned.

Breakfast will be cooked.

Lunch will be eaten.

Families will gather for supper.

The people of the East Coast will be bracing themselves for another storm.  Hopefully, their power will not be lost again. 

People will gather in coffee shops to recap the election.

We might or might not know who our President will be.  We might or might not know which initiatives passed the popular vote.  In spite of the uncertainty, I know that Pixie will sleep away most of her day. 

Some things will never change no matter what happens.  Life will go on.  We can only hope that life will be better for each person each day.

Earrings. So What do You think?

If you've followed my blog for any time at all, 

you will notice that I don't show earrings.

The truth is,

I used to not be able to make nice earrings.

Well, I'm proud to say,

that with this show coming up at the end of the month,

I was forced to make earrings.

Things have progressed.

Take a look and let me know what you think

I really like these!!!

I mixed metals in these.  They honestly look better in person than in the photo.

I used some upcycled metal beads in this pair of earrings.

I like the contrast of the clear and the metal.

I made this pair using my antiquities beads.  Love them.

 

 You could wear these to a spectacular winter party or to work.

The photo doesn't do them justice at all!!!

So what do you think?

Like them?

Guess Who Passed her Therapy Dog Test!!!!

That's right!!!

Pixie is going to be a therapy dog.

She has two more observations to go, and then, it's official!!

Pixie will receive her red heart and scarf.

She will be able to give of herself without even knowing she's doing it!!

I'm so proud of the girl!!!

She's almost a therapy dog!!!

I Heart Macro!!!! Milk Weed

I Heart Macro!!!!

The Power of the Bead

Sometimes, you just need to experience something to understand the effect it has on someone.

As you know, I am a very big supporter of

Beads of Courage.

Beads are given to children to help them cope with serious illnesses.

I don't remember the exact date, but, in October, 

Beads of Courage hosted a Flame Off.

I participated in this Flame Off

at a distance.  

I was part of Team Arizona!

Go Team Arizona!

I mailed in my beads,

then, earlier this week,

on a day when I was down in the dumps,

I received a package from

Beads of Courage!

My mood soared!!!

Now, I have my Beads of Courage!

 

 I have my name, a Beads of Courage bead, and a special bead for participating in this flame off!

Thank you,

Beads of Courage!!

Thank you!

Oh, I was playing with the hipstamatic app on my phone.

Double exposure.

Woooooo Hoooooooo!!!

Toast of the Town Blog Hop

When Erin Prais-Hintz announced this blog hop,

I jumped in with both feet.

Erin designed a necklace for Michael's and named it

Toast of the Town!

I loved the necklace!

I decided to try it.

The only rule Erin had for this blog hop was that we should try to stay true to the spirit of the necklace she designed.

We didn't have to shop Michael's for our beads.

(I did!  te-he!)

We could use beads from our own stash.

All we needed to do was to follow the directions for the necklace Erin designed.

Oh. My. Goodness!

Follow the directions?

Okay, I did.

Here is my necklace, and I love it!!!

 When I went to Michael's I took Erin's directions with me.

I was determined to follow those directions to the letter.

Ooooooops, as you can see I didn't.

There was a 50% off sale, need I say more?

Anyway, by the time I was finished, I had chosen red, black, and white for my color palette.

The only mistake I made was in the toggle clasp I bought.

The Michael's where I shopped did not have the clasp that Erin used in her necklace, so I bought a different one.

 As I worked on my necklace, it became apparent that my beads would not fit through the toggle clasp, as I needed to do.

I had to use a bigger clasp.

 It doesn't appear to be that big, but it is!

By using this big clasp, I was able to fit my beads through the hole.

Whew!

I decided to twist the necklace and wear it as a choker.

I love the eclectic look of the necklace when I twisted the choker.

I will enjoy wearing this, especially with the holidaze coming on!

Thank you, Erin, for hosting this blog hop!!!

Now, here's a list of the other participants.

Tanya - A Work In Progress

Lee - Strega Jewellery

Elisabeth - Beads for Busy Gals
Molly - Crafting A Life in Indiana

Pam - Re-Maker

Beth - EB Bead & Metal Works

Emma - A Polymer Penchant

Michelada - Micheladas Musings

Penny - Copper Penny Designs

Kay - Kayz Kreationz  (Note: Kay had to go out of town. Do check back for her reveal!)

Mallory - For the Love of Beads

From This to....

You do know the old saying,

"Who ever dies with the most beads wins."

I think, if I died right now, 

I. WOULD. WIN.

Since I am getting ready for a show at the end of this month, I decided I would use the beads I have and not make new beads for my pieces.

So........

I went from this pile of unwanted beads

to

This

Side A

Side B

AND

Side A

Side B

With Only 1 Bead Left...

I think that they will sell.

I hope!!!