I Heart Macro! Ornaments

And the lights sparkle!

I Heart Macro!

What's Up? The Sky is Up, but I really Think This Post Will be About Why I'm So Tired....

Listing Saturday::

Thanksgiving is over.

We have lots of leftovers.

The Hoffman Family Xmas Tree is up.

We had a great time at our Thanksgiving Celebration.

I thought we had been getting together for 25 years.  Turns out it was 22 years.  Oh, well, we near the quarter century mark.

I'm getting ready for a big show this weekend. 

I'm going in with a lot of polymer clay items.

I drove Nick to the airport and came home in freezing rain.

My wrist is aching.

I haven't been sleeping a lot. 

I need to do MORE dishes!

Now, I need to get organized for the show.

I'm worn out.

I'm dozing on the computer.

Good night!

Snippets of My Bathroom

I used a lot of polymer clay to decorate my bathroom.  This is a little sculpture that is part of my "Little Garden" series.  I enjoyed making this.

Here's the other corner of the bathroom.  I love this little sculpture of girly girl things.  I didn't make it.  I found it at the Dollar Store a while back.

The milk bottle and flowers were given to me by Jenny for Christmas.  I love the flowers!

 Here are some polymer clay flowers I made for the wall.  I've really enjoyed these flowers for decorations.

Here's the other wall, and it's filled with flowers.  The lights are on either side of the mirror which is the focus of the room.

Here's the door reflected in the mirror.  You can see the flowers that I love!

The Day Is Here! The 2014 Art Charm Exchange Reveal and Auction for Beads of Courage Has Arrived!

The theme for this year's Art Charm Exchange was

SOAR!

 In my mind,

what would make you soar more than to fly on a butterfly's wing.

Well, there were other ideas, and I'm going to show you the charms I received in exchange for my butterfly wing.

Aren't these amazing?  

I love them!

Thanks to Monique, 

Lamplight Crafts,

Chris Eisenberg,

Culturezine!

More exciting charms!

Thank you,

Moriah Betterly,

Elizabeth Auld,

Windbent,

and

Sheila Prosterman!

Didn't I tell you I received 

THE

BEST

CHARMS

EVER!!!!!

In addition to the fun we had making and trading our charms,

there is an auction to benefit 

BEADS OF COURAGE

on 

EBAY

Jennifer Cameron 

has done an amazing job coordinating the exchange and the auction.

The photos of the charms are beautiful.  Click on the link above and make a bid.

100% of the funds made go to 

BEADS OF COURAGE!

Thank you,

Jennifer Cameron!

Since this is a blog hop, too,

Here's the list of all the participants in this hop and auction!

Blog Hop List!

Jennifer Cameron: http://www.glassaddictions.com/blog

Alenka Obid: http://pepita-handmade.blogspot.com

Alicia Marinache: http://www.allprettythings.ca

Andrea Glick: http://zenithjade.blogspot.com

Caroline Dewison: http://blueberribeads.blogspot.co.uk

Cassi Paslick: http://badatbeingmom.blogspot.com/

Cate van Alphen: http://fulgorine.wordpress.com

Cheri Reed: http://creativedesignsbycheri.blogspot.com

Chris Eisenberg: http://www.wanderware.blogspot.com

Cory Tompkins: http://www.tealwaterdesigns.blogspot.com

Genevieve Gabbert: http://www.glassaddictions.com/blog

Jami Shipp: http://celebratinglifewithdamamashipp.blogspot.com

Jenny Davies-Reazor: http://www.jdaviesreazor.com/blog

Jill Bradley: http://www.jillybeads.blogspot.com

Kim Dworak: http://www.cianciblue.blogspot.com

Lee Koopman: http://stregajewellry.wordpress.com

Lennis Carrier: http://www.windbent.net

Lesley Watt: http://www.thegossipinggoddess.blogspot.com

Mallory Hoffman: http://rosebud101-fortheloveofbeads.blogspot.com

Melissa Trudinger: http://beadrecipes.wordpress.com

Michelle McCarthy: http://www.fireflydesignstudio.blogspot.com

Monique Urquhart: http://ahalfbakednotion.blogspot.com/

Moriah Betterly: http://mlbetterly.blogspot.com

Nancy Dale: http://nedbeads.blogspot.com

Nancy Smith: http://wirednan.blogspot.ca

Niky Sayers: http://silverniknats.blogspot.co.uk

Perri Jackson: http://ShaktipajDesigns.com/blog/

Renetha Stanziano: http://www.lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com

Shai Williams: http://www.shaihasramblings.com/2014/11/art-charm-exchange-auction.html

Sheila Prosterman: http://catswithbeads.blogspot.com

Susan Delaney: http://susandolphindelaney.wordpress.com

Susan Kennedy: http://www.suebeads.blogspot.com

Terri DelSignore: http://artisticaos.blogspot.com

Toltec Jewels: http://www.jewelschoolfriends.com

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

It's that TIME AGAIN!

Black Friday deals are already being offered. 

Stores are going to be open on Thanksgiving Day. 

I applaud the stores who refuse to be open so that their employees can spend Thanksgiving with their families.

What's going on?  Have we really forgotten the meaning of family, being together, and celebration?

Sadly, I think we have.

I know that time with family can be difficult.  No one looks forward to that.   However, when we choose the store or item over the special time of celebration, whether we celebrate with families, friends, or a simple glass of wine, we make a mistake.   We are social creatures.  We are meant to share our joys and sorrows with each other.  We are meant to laugh and talk.  We are meant to cry.
We are meant to remember.  Celebration is an important part of our social structure.

The joy of the holidays is no more. 

That can change, but you have to make the decision to bring The Real Thanksgiving and Christmas back.  What can you do?
 
Resolve not to shop on Thanksgiving.  I don't care what the deals are!  Stay home.  Spend time with the kids.  Spend time with the family.  Make a call to wish someone you haven't seen in a long time a Happy Thanksgiving.  Catch up on family news.  Play a game.  Relax and watch TV. 

That's a big step.  Forget the things.  Remember the real meanings. 

I Heart Macro! Lemons

When Life Hands you Lemons....

Listing Saturday:: Reasons to Never Do a Show Where People Only want Free Things

1) The only people looking at my table were little kids with dirty, snotty, greasy fingers. 

2) Parents weren't paying any attention to the kids. 

3) People only want free things.

4) I don't sell free things.

5) Follow your gut about what the show will be like.

6) Realize that you should have listened to your gut an just stayed home.  

7) Realize that even though you feel that this was a total waste of time, you learned a lesson.

8) You do meet some nice people.

9) No one was looking at your beads.

10) Making $5 is not worth the work. 

Three Beautiful Things This Week

Three Beautiful Things This Week was inspired by a wonderful blog that 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) The storm wasn't a big one, but it was enough to cover the ground and shovel.  That's okay.  We have a lot more winter to go.  It's just gotten started.  We are having January temperatures in November.  I forgot it was November.


2) The first of the two shows I do is today.  It's the kick off of Toys for Tots.  I'm looking forward to this event.  Wish me luck!


3) Pixie is still adjusting to the new carpeting.  That means that when we are not home, Pixie goes down to the basement.  She doesn't like it, but it's warm.  Pixie has her blanket and bed.  Pixie has a huge area in which to play.  She's fine.  She just wants her couch.  I guess we'll have to see about getting a couch for downstairs.  She will be happy if we do!

30 Words Thursday:: Pixie

Pixie is so confused.

Not only did we get new carpet today,

but

when I'm gone she has to be in the basement.

No more going potty on the carpet.

So, you need a picture of lemons, but you don't have any, so you remember the saying, "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade..."

I had written an article for Catholic365.com that dealt with lemons. I was out of lemons.  I needed a photo of, at least, one lemon to submit with the article.  All I had was one banana.  I looked at the banana, and I thought, "I could get creative with this."  Hmmmmm.

Doesn't this look like a lemon?

Well, the editor at Catholic365.com didn't think so, either.  So I played with the photo a bit.  I added the circles.

"No," she said.  "That's still a banana."

She was right, that still didn't look right.  So, I played and played with the photo, and, take a look at this!!!!

I made lemonade, so to speak.  These fruits really DO look like lemons! 




Sometimes, no matter how creative you become, you still can't change the very nature of things.  Bananas are still bananas, and lemons are still lemons. 



The grocery store had a wonderful supply of fresh lemons! 

Soon, I'll be making the lemonade!

Leo's WoodShop on Etsy

I know Leo of Leo's Wood Shop personally.  We attend the same church and have many spirited discussions on our faith.  Leo is a very busy man.  He's always doing something or making something.  He's a woodworker among many other artisan crafts. 

What I didn't know about Leo is that he has an Etsy Shop.  I found this out today. 

Do you see that birch long advent wreath?  He has that in his Etsy store.  Click HERE to find it.  I have one just like this that I brought out today to prepare for Advent.  You don't have to celebrate Advent to purchase one of these wreaths!

Leo's woodworking is very environmentally friendly.   Leo does not cut down live trees to make these candle holders.  You can also leave his wreaths out all year.  The look great!

I love mine, and during the holiday season, I receive many compliments.  

There are other styles available, too.  Follow the links that I have posted, and you can see all of these amazing works of art.  Leo is a master woodworker, and, even if we have spirited discussions, he's a great guy, too.

Visit his store, quickly, before the wreaths sell out!  You will enjoy your purchase!  

After the Snow

From Church to Home.  This is what I saw, after the snow

Someone wrote her name in the snow.

The neighborhood was blanketed in a gentle blanket of snow.

The roads were much better today.  The snow had stopped falling.

The hill looked beautiful!!!

The road in the neighborhood was snow packed, so I had to be careful, but the sun shown on the crystal diamonds.

Snow frost!  The trees need no other decorations!

 The view from on top of the hill was amazing!

It's Amazing!  The plants are still green!

I Heart Macro! The start of Winter.

I Heart Macro!!!

Listing Saturday:: Reasons to slow down and really enjoy the holidays

1) No matter how much you do, you'll never really be ready for Christmas.

Slow down.

2) What would you rather have:: time for family and friends or the house immaculate and presents wrapped like on Pinterest?

Think about this.

3) We don't when our last Christmas will be or when you will all be gathered together again.

This is a fact.

4) Why be stressed and upset about the small things.

When you were a kid, did you stress about Christmas?

5) So many times, we don't enjoy the holidays.

You make the choice.  You can do it!

Three Beautiful Things This Week

Three Beautiful Things This Week was inspired by a wonderful blog that 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) Almost ready for the show in a week!  Actually, I can hardly wait!  One of the great things about shows is that you get to meet so many interesting people!

2) Pixie was photobombed!  Isn't that cute?  I love the apps on my phone!  Pixie cuteness is fun!

3)  We had our first snow this week.  We were supposed to have a massive storm, but we ended up with less than an inch of snow.  I'm waiting for the "real" first snow, when there are huge snow flakes and, certainly, more than an inch. 
Wait!  Did I just say that???

Have a good week!

30 words Thursday:: Turkey Scope

Prancing outside the window,

ready to run at the slightest sound.

Looks like Thanksgiving Dinner to me.

Really they are only

Two turkeys enjoying the free food next door.

 

 

 

 From Erin's Blog:

Treasures found:: Inspiration is everywhere.

 

The premise of 30 Words Thursdays is simple...

Take an image (preferably one you shot, or have permission to use).

Write 30 Words about it. No more. No less.

Post it each Thursday.

Add your link to the InLinkz on my 30 Words Thursday post.
(InLinkz code will be open for one week.)
Enjoy seeing what others have captured by visiting them and leaving a comment.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

30 Words Thursday: Grab an image (preferably one you shot or one you have permission to use). Write exactly 30 Words (no more, no less). Post it.

If you would like to participate in the 30 Words Thursday with me, please add your link below.

 

It was An Interesting Day, it was...

I really feel fortunate.  I have a Christmas show coming up in a week and a half.  I have been hitting the thrift stores looking for possible decorations.  I hit the jack pot today!  I love these angels, and the big one, was the most expensive prop costing $1! The only problem I have is that I don't know how I'm going to make the tall angel stand up straight since it has no stand.  Maybe I could glue a cardboard stand on the back of it to prop it up?  I'm not sure.  I'll give it a try, but I do think these lovely ladies will add a wee bit of the Christmas spirit to my table.

Today was bleak and snowy.  I needed some "comfort" food, so I stopped at Taco John's for lunch.  Normally, I wouldn't complain, but when I see a smoker, and this person was a chain smoker, holding their cigarette out the window, I have to wonder why.  Do they think they will keep their car cleaner or not get the smell of smoke on themselves?  I don't know, but after being behind the person for 10-15 minutes, my car stunk of smoke.  (The wait was long.) I'll explain why in a minute.  That really killed my appetite.  I am not a smoker, and I have only smoked once in my life.   (That's another story of my teenage angst years.)  However, I don't get holding the cigarette out the window thing.  If you don't want to smell up your clothes or car, don't worry, it's too late, and yes, you smell.  I don't want to endanger my health, and I don't want the smell of smoke on my clothes or in my car.  Keep that cigarette in the car.  Stepping off my soap box now.

The reason the line was so long at Taco John's today was because their computer system failed.  The good thing, even though I was stuck behind the smoker, is that because their computer system was down, lunch. was. free!  I thought that was very nice of Taco John's.  I will return and the next time, I will buy my lunch!

Special Edition:: For those Who Served, Thank YOU!

During this ceremony in the Oval Office, President Eisenhower, June 1, 1954, changed Armistice Day to Veterans' Day.

Thank you, Vets!

We will never forget!

More Challenging than the Others:: Flora

Working with polymer clay is fascinating!  As much as I love glass, I love polymer clay. 

Flora looks like she's ready to nest.  She actually looks plump and ready for spring.  She has a pony tail made of spring greens.  Her hair is full of flowers and a single bird that made it's way to nest.  I don't know about you, but I do like Flora!

What do you think?

Bon-Bons Anyone?

I took an online class created by Heather Powers of Humblebeads.  I loved it!  This is my version of Bon-Bon Beads.  They are significantly different from Heather's, but I still like them!

I plan to try to make some like Heather's versions, but I cannot guarantee it.  We'll see what the day brings.  I might be stuck inside all day.  We are supposed to get a HUGE snow storm.  We shall see.

Nevertheless, I loved the class!

I Heart Macro!!!!

I Heart Macro!!!!

Listing Saturday:: Ways to turn a bummer of a day into a better day

Treat yourself to a latte or tea.  Savor the taste.

Smile.

Breathe Deeply.

Stop.  Look out to the horizon.  Focus on what's far away.

Go to the library and browse.

Walk your dog.

Jog in place.

Take a nap.

Grab your Gratitude Journal and list 10 things for which you are grateful.

 

Make a quick plan.

 

Take a nap.

 

Focus on something humerous.

 

Be the solution and not the problem

 

Help someone out.

 

Secretly pay for someone's lunch.

 

Pay something forward.

 

Take a nap.

 

Read a book.

 

Buy new shoes, if you can afford it.

 

Hold hands with someone special.

 

Window shop.

 

Pray.

 

 

 

Three Beautiful Things This Week

Three Beautiful Things This Week was inspired by a wonderful blog that 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)  My new, favorite necklace arrived from Caroline Cornic Isola.  Caroline is an amazing polymer clay artist!  I love her City Scape beads!

Here's the link to her Etsy Store::

Klick-Art.  I love her work!   She's also on Facebook.  Here's the link to her page.  She posts her work there.  I love this artist!

Facebook

2) I need to make more Christmas Pickles!

3) Sad news.  My cousin, who was 8 years younger than me, went to sleep last night and did not wake up this morning.  Her husband tried to revive her, but he was not able to do so.  She will be missed. 

30 Word Thursday:: The Leaves Are Gone

Sculptures,

living and strong.

Bare

Open

Naked

Ready for the rigors of winter.

Twisted,

Gnarled,

Reaching Beyond the Earth.

A sign from the grave of winter,

The sculptures will bud.

From Erin's Blog

Treasures Found:: Inspiration is Everywhere

The premise of 30 Words Thursdays is simple...

Take an image (preferably one you shot, or have permission to use).

Write 30 Words about it. No more. No less.

Post it each Thursday.

Add your link to the InLinkz on my 30 Words Thursday post.
(InLinkz code will be open for one week.)
Enjoy seeing what others have captured by visiting them and leaving a comment.

Pixie Cuteness Day!

This is now my favorite photo of Pixie and me!

She was very loving that night and lovable.

It's been an Interesting Day, or Is This a New Style of Bead, or Things Happen, Don't They?

What do you think?  Do you like this new "bead?"  I decided to use a metallic clasp for a necklace.  I had poured the crimps out.  I was stringing the clasp.  The clasp fell
INTO. the. CRIMPS.  You guessed it.  The clasp pulled the crimps in, and they became a new bead.  Not really, but it is an interesting concept.


Then, as I sat there thinking to myself, "Wasn't there something about not getting a magnet near your computer?"

At that moment, massive crash!  Luckily, it was fixed quickly and I didn't loose anything.  My photo library was damaged, but it repaired itself. 

Whew!

Well, that's enough complaining.  Time to make some lemonade.  Wait!  No sugar!  Sigh!!!  See you tomorrow!

Art Charm Exchange, Beads of Courage, and a Bowl of Beads

I haven't been able to torch in a while, but there comes a time, when beads need to be sent to Beads of Courage. 

I started cleaning out beads today.  I almost have a full bowl with a lot more to go!!!  I hope the kids like them!

Just a reminder, the Art Charm Swap is over.  I'll post my charms soon.  There will be a blog hop and an auction to raise funds for Beads of Courage on November 14.  Stay tuned for more details.

Now that it's November, it's time to start thinking of the holidays.  Thanksgiving is coming up soon.
I'm hosting the annual gathering this year.  It's always a wonderful time of year to get together, talk, and enjoy that bird! 

After Thanksgiving, of course, comes Christmas.  I want to scale back this year.  Everything will be casual, except, of course, Church.  That will be Midnight Mass.  I love being out in the cold at Midnight to attend Christmas Mass! 

Then, during December, we begin our ascent into spring.  The light of day becomes slightly longer as we move into January.  Of course, we will have a lot of snow, but, it's better to have the snow and see it glitter in the sun.  (I can't believe I said that!)  Dusk is my favorite part of day.  The blue of the early sunset reflects on the snow and I feel peaceful. 

For now, even though I think we should do it all year, we need to give thanks.  We are such a rich country.  We have so much that others don't have. 

Last year, at this time, I had a broken bone in my foot.  Actually, it wasn't a broken foot bone or a broken ankle bone, it was the connector bone between my ankle and foot.  I am very grateful that I don't have a broken bone this year!  That hurt!

I Heart Macro! On Being Grateful!

"Over and over I marvel at the blessings of my life: Each year has grown better than the last."

Lawrence Welk

Listing Saturday:: November:: The month of Remembering and Thanksgiving

 

November

We remember.

We thank.

We gather.

We eat turkey.

We prepare for Christmas.

We celebrate.

We speak our memories.

We miss our loved ones who are gone.

We get cold.

We stay inside.

We shovel snow.

We wear long underwear.

We call our loved ones.

We attend church.

We look at old photos.

We cry a little.

We laugh a lot.

We play games.

We remember other holidays.

We gather with our extended family.

We give thanks.