May you find lots of reasons to laugh during this holiday week. Deep down, out loud, ear splitting laughter. You'll be glad you did!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!!!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Happy, Healthy, Holidays To You
Holiday Season 2010 is in full swing and soon will be over and done. We will move on to other, less brotherly love-ish activities like New Year's Resolutions, and organizing for tax season. Before those activities begin, I'd like to take a moment to wish you peace, love and health along with lots of laughter--which, I am convinced, is the best medicine of all. To help with that last wish, I offer this picture of my best buddy, Diego! Someone, who shall remain nameless lest the Humane Society decides to investigate, gave him this elf hat this afternoon and spent hours taking his picture. I was not home but was assured that a great time was had by all! Diego wasn't talking!
May you find lots of reasons to laugh during this holiday week. Deep down, out loud, ear splitting laughter. You'll be glad you did!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!!!
May you find lots of reasons to laugh during this holiday week. Deep down, out loud, ear splitting laughter. You'll be glad you did!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!!!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Handmade Spark #2: Photograph What Inspires Me
It's time to revisit Handmadespark's Creative Bogging Challenge, Part 2 , Photograph Your Inspiration.
http://www.handmadespark.com/blog/creative-blogging-challenge-spark-two-photograph-your-inspiration/
I have searched my innerself for an answer to this and it is a complex answer, not a simple one.
First: People who like my work inspire me to do more, give me confidence, make me brave. I have no way to photograph this so I have copied a selection of feedback comments from my Etsy shop and have listed them here. Please pretend it's a photograph!
aporter says:
This felt like this was a gift-it was so nicely packaged and the extra little circles you sent ....the writing on the box, the homemade tag-all of it was so special-it really was a gift. And I love the earrings!!!!
drawandquartered says:
I LOVE MY RINGS!! Really delicate and feminine and so well made. I love the stones too especially the pale blue and topaz. Thanks so much for the extra freebie and the polishing cloth. Super nice and professional seller. I will be back!
curiocorner says:
Fantastic design; so comfortable to wear. Excellent customer serivice; I know I will be back! Thank you.
Second: Material inspires me. Sometimes it seems like metal and stones decide what they want to be and then something special happens. Here is a pictue of some of my stones that I find inspirational.
Third, and last for now: California coast is my favorite place in the world. If I could afford a house right here, I would really be inspired, but for now a day trip to breathe the air and see the wildlife is inspiration enough!
http://www.handmadespark.com/blog/creative-blogging-challenge-spark-two-photograph-your-inspiration/
I have searched my innerself for an answer to this and it is a complex answer, not a simple one.
First: People who like my work inspire me to do more, give me confidence, make me brave. I have no way to photograph this so I have copied a selection of feedback comments from my Etsy shop and have listed them here. Please pretend it's a photograph!
aporter says:
This felt like this was a gift-it was so nicely packaged and the extra little circles you sent ....the writing on the box, the homemade tag-all of it was so special-it really was a gift. And I love the earrings!!!!
drawandquartered says:
I LOVE MY RINGS!! Really delicate and feminine and so well made. I love the stones too especially the pale blue and topaz. Thanks so much for the extra freebie and the polishing cloth. Super nice and professional seller. I will be back!
curiocorner says:
Fantastic design; so comfortable to wear. Excellent customer serivice; I know I will be back! Thank you.
Second: Material inspires me. Sometimes it seems like metal and stones decide what they want to be and then something special happens. Here is a pictue of some of my stones that I find inspirational.
Third, and last for now: California coast is my favorite place in the world. If I could afford a house right here, I would really be inspired, but for now a day trip to breathe the air and see the wildlife is inspiration enough!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Handmade Spark Challenge #1: How My Creativity Has Changed
My friends over at Handmade Spark are trying to get me to be more consistent with my blog entries, and I welcome the nudge.
http://www.handmadespark.com/blog/creative-handmade-spark-blogging-challenge-spark-one/ Each challenge provides a topic for a blog entry so here is my post for the first one (I am behind already): How My Creativity Has Changed in the Past Year or What I did on my summer vacation. No, wait. That was another assignment.
This past year, I moved from my townhouse to my daughter's home since my granddaughters are both in college and it made sense to combine houses. Besides, my daughter and son-in-law are fun to be with and supportive of my addiction to fire, metal and hammering. I moved from working on my dining room table to working at a work bench in the garage with cabinets and drawers and everything, even a cat! It is great to have my mess out of the house and in its own place although it took time to organize for most effective use of both house space and work space. There are climate challenges in the garage space but I am working around those quite well until we can build another space.
Looking at my work now, I realize that I could not have made the creative progress that I have made in the space in which I was working previously. I've added several bench tools, more micro torches, (The big one is yet to come. Probably this year.) The mess is still there and I have decided my creative approach centers around "chaos theory". When many unfinished components are lying where I can see them, something clicks visually and larger pieces almost create themselves. This happens often when I am repeating production processes that might seem boring to someone else. As I do the repetitive work, it frees the creative part of me and I can visualize something completely different and unique.
Next week is my birthday week and I am now officially ancient, a crone if you will. Yet, I am excited about every day and I love the creative possibilities that lie ahead.
http://www.handmadespark.com/blog/creative-handmade-spark-blogging-challenge-spark-one/ Each challenge provides a topic for a blog entry so here is my post for the first one (I am behind already): How My Creativity Has Changed in the Past Year or What I did on my summer vacation. No, wait. That was another assignment.
This past year, I moved from my townhouse to my daughter's home since my granddaughters are both in college and it made sense to combine houses. Besides, my daughter and son-in-law are fun to be with and supportive of my addiction to fire, metal and hammering. I moved from working on my dining room table to working at a work bench in the garage with cabinets and drawers and everything, even a cat! It is great to have my mess out of the house and in its own place although it took time to organize for most effective use of both house space and work space. There are climate challenges in the garage space but I am working around those quite well until we can build another space.
Looking at my work now, I realize that I could not have made the creative progress that I have made in the space in which I was working previously. I've added several bench tools, more micro torches, (The big one is yet to come. Probably this year.) The mess is still there and I have decided my creative approach centers around "chaos theory". When many unfinished components are lying where I can see them, something clicks visually and larger pieces almost create themselves. This happens often when I am repeating production processes that might seem boring to someone else. As I do the repetitive work, it frees the creative part of me and I can visualize something completely different and unique.
Next week is my birthday week and I am now officially ancient, a crone if you will. Yet, I am excited about every day and I love the creative possibilities that lie ahead.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
San Francisco Santarchy, Ho, Ho, Ho!
If you read the previous post about the SF SWEA Christmas pageant, then just know that these pictures were taken on our way back to the car. As we were walking down the SF hills, we noticed an unusual number of people dressed like some version of Santa, joining in the walk. Big Santa meeting, was our first guess. As we got within sight of Civic Center, we could see clumps of red--with legs and arms. As we got closer we could see that multiple Santas, some stranger than others, were congregating in the square at Civic Center. Not knowing what we had chanced upon, I began taking pictures, hoping my camera battery would last just a little longer.
We later learned that this was the Santarchy event where over 1000 Santas met at Civic Center at 12:30pm and went pub crawling through the city "pubs". It seems by the pictures that a good time was had by all! We sure had some laughs and it was the other end of the scale that balanced out the sweetness and traditional Christmas pageant from the homeland with a rowdy spoof of tradition in San Francisco.
And a good time was had by all!
We later learned that this was the Santarchy event where over 1000 Santas met at Civic Center at 12:30pm and went pub crawling through the city "pubs". It seems by the pictures that a good time was had by all! We sure had some laughs and it was the other end of the scale that balanced out the sweetness and traditional Christmas pageant from the homeland with a rowdy spoof of tradition in San Francisco.
And a good time was had by all!
Saturday, December 4, 2010
San Francisco SWEA Lucia Pageant
Attending the San Francisco Swedish Women's Education Association's Christmas Fair was a terrific way to begin the "Holidays". There is something about a large group of girls, dressed in white, carrying lighted candles, led by an older girl with a crown of candles on her head, singing beautiful songs in a foreign (to me) language, that is magical. . So I lied about the candles. Originally, in Sweden, they did carry and wear lighted candles but today the candles were cardboard with battery powered lights. Good thing, since some of them were carried at an angle and a couple of them were used as face scratchers on the way out. Of course, the playfulness of the younger children dressed like Tomkins in their red outfits, provided comic relief
 |
| Star Boys |
Over 60 children ages 5 to 16 participated in the pageant and they were on the stage a long time. The pageant was presented three times in one day, so the younger children did get a little tired. A smaller number of boys were dressed in white with pointed hats that had big gold stars and quarter moons on them. It is my understanding that these are the Star Boys. I have no idea what all of that means.
 |
| Gingerbread "Men" |
At the end of procession were the Gingerbread Men who were dressed in costumes that I covet. If you couldn't smile after experiencing the Lucia Pageant, there is something seriously wrong.
The songs were lovely and especially so since they were sung in Swedish. Now I'm ready for Christmas!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Getting Ready for Thanksgiving
These wild turkeys sat on our fence several weeks ago, taunting the dogs and making themselves known to the neighborhood. We first saw them when they were tiny--about 15 of them running together. Now there are only a few left. Maybe they are hiding from turkey hunting humans. Not to worry; there are no hunters in our house. Our golden retriever has made it his job to chase them out of the yard and our pug has joined in the chase. The turkeys have helped us mentally prepare for Thanksgiving, that uniquely American holiday. We have family visiting from Sweden but I think they are familiar with our Thanksgiving ways. The Swedes in our house don't care for turkey much so we also prepare enchiladas, which makes me happy since I grew up in New Mexico. My side of the family enjoys their Mexican food in addition to an occasional turkey leg. And don't forget the dressing!
 |
| Two Of The Fifty Or So Wild Turkeys In Our Yard! |
Monday, November 1, 2010
OUR BAT HAS A NAME! ROMUALDO!
OK. So what I learned here is that I really need to learn how to do this better! And I need to get a larger computer screen--but everything in its own time. Right?
A big thank you to every person who participated by voting and some of you included the contest in your tweets--something I have not learned how to do yet--and maybe never will--but thank you. I have many things to learn.
It was a tight race between Ugo and Romualdo with Ozzy coming in next. I counted wrong a couple of times and pretty much lost control of the whole thing--but---Romualdo, my bat came back yesterday after being gone for at least three days. I had a family member draw one of the strips of paper for the winner between Romualdo and Ugo. Romualdo it is. I will be sending a "certficate" for $20 to etherealflowers for suggesting Romualdo and for providing pronunciation help! I will also send a $10 gift certificate to kosmika for suggesting Ugo, a name that almost won. Additionally, I selected Mairi for voting. Actually, Mairi voted twice for Ozzy because she like it so much!
So to recap:
$20 gift certificate to etherealflowers
$10 gift certificate to kosmika
$10 gift certificate to Mairi
I'll send verification to each of you in the next two days. Thank you for participating and for being such good sports. I'll try to be more organized the next time I do this. You have been terrific!
A big thank you to every person who participated by voting and some of you included the contest in your tweets--something I have not learned how to do yet--and maybe never will--but thank you. I have many things to learn.
It was a tight race between Ugo and Romualdo with Ozzy coming in next. I counted wrong a couple of times and pretty much lost control of the whole thing--but---Romualdo, my bat came back yesterday after being gone for at least three days. I had a family member draw one of the strips of paper for the winner between Romualdo and Ugo. Romualdo it is. I will be sending a "certficate" for $20 to etherealflowers for suggesting Romualdo and for providing pronunciation help! I will also send a $10 gift certificate to kosmika for suggesting Ugo, a name that almost won. Additionally, I selected Mairi for voting. Actually, Mairi voted twice for Ozzy because she like it so much!
So to recap:
$20 gift certificate to etherealflowers
$10 gift certificate to kosmika
$10 gift certificate to Mairi
I'll send verification to each of you in the next two days. Thank you for participating and for being such good sports. I'll try to be more organized the next time I do this. You have been terrific!
 |
| Romualdo, Our Bat Visitor |
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Last Day To Name That Bat
You have until the 11:59PM on October 31 to vote for your favorite bat name. Only vote once but you can talk others into voting for your favorite. My previous count was off and the count is now (officially):
Ozzy -3
Ugo-4
Romualdo-5
One vote per screen name, please. Oh, the suspense is almost too much! One lucky winner will receive a gift certificate for $20 and I am going to draw a screen name from those who voted and that person will receive a $10 gift certificate just for voting. Gift certificates will be redeemable in my online shop: http://www.fusedntwisted.etsy.com.
Get out and VOTE!
Ozzy -3
Ugo-4
Romualdo-5
One vote per screen name, please. Oh, the suspense is almost too much! One lucky winner will receive a gift certificate for $20 and I am going to draw a screen name from those who voted and that person will receive a $10 gift certificate just for voting. Gift certificates will be redeemable in my online shop: http://www.fusedntwisted.etsy.com.
Get out and VOTE!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Three Way Tie For Bat Name--Two Days Left
VOTE Count
Ozzy-4
Ugo-4
Romualdo-4
OK, don't make me draw one out of a hat for this winner! You have two days to vote. It's between these three unless you can get a bunch of people to sign on and VOTE!
Bat the bat has been gone for two days and I think I saw him back on the porch tonight. Hurry up! I really need a way to call him home!
Ozzy-4
Ugo-4
Romualdo-4
OK, don't make me draw one out of a hat for this winner! You have two days to vote. It's between these three unless you can get a bunch of people to sign on and VOTE!
Bat the bat has been gone for two days and I think I saw him back on the porch tonight. Hurry up! I really need a way to call him home!
Friday, October 22, 2010
$10 Gift Certificates
OK. Time to vote! I will be awarding one $10 gift certificate for every 10 votes with a limit of 5 certificates. So far, I will be drawing one out of my bat hat! Your favorite name will receive the $20 certificate. If this is confusing, comment here or convo me on etsy.
Get out and vote--for bat names and government. Both are important! Sorry, I couldn't help myself.
Eleven votes are in so I will be drawing one of your names from a hat for the $10 gift certificate. If there are another 9 votes, I will give away another $10 gift certificate. GET OUT AND VOTE! Get your friends, relatives, co-workers, and acquaintances to vote. Voting ends at midnight (PST) on October 31.
VOTE Count
Ozzy-4
Ugo-4
Romualdo-4
Here are the Bat names you are voting for:
BAT NAMES
I bijoux dello Sregatto has suggested: Jeeves
www.bijouxdellosregatto.etsy.com
Kosmika has suggested: Ugo
www.kosmika.etsy.com
Mairi suggested: Buffy
www.mairitales.etsy.com
etherealflower says:
i'm a sucker for old fashioned names
and when i looked at that lovely bat i thought: ROMUALDO!!
[listen to the pronunciation here http: //translate.google.com/#en|en|ROMOO- ULDO]
www.ethrealflower.etsy.com
Clouds80 says:
I thoght this name for your pet: Ozzy !
Barbara.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Clouds80
VOTE COUNT
Kosmika said...
uhm.. the old hard rock fan in me forces me to vote for OZZY! :D
October 18, 2010 1:06 PM
I bijoux dello Stregatto said...
I vote for Ugo! I had a Guinea pig named Ugo and he was so sweet!!
October 18, 2010 1:13 PM
lucia said...
I vote for.....
ROMUALDO !
So funny :)
October 18, 2010 2:33 PM
eleonora said...
I really love Romualdo!!!!!:D
October 18, 2010 2:40 PM
Elena said...
I prefer Ugo..It's easier to call!
October 18, 2010 2:57 PM
knittingcate said...
I vote for Ozzy!
October 18, 2010 3:47 PM
Cloud Number Nine - Flynn said...
Romualdo!!!! :D
October 18, 2010 4:16 PM
etherealflowers said...
i won't vote for mine XD
i say UGO!
it makes me laugh almost as much as romualdo :D
October 19, 2010 2:46 AM
Mairi said...
Ozzy for president!!! :D
October 19, 2010 3:33 AM
Relydesign said...
Romualdo is my favorite ;D
October 19, 2010 3:38 AM
DreamsCorner said...
I vote for Ugo!!!
:DDDD
October 19, 2010 3:25 PM
Get out and vote--for bat names and government. Both are important! Sorry, I couldn't help myself.
Eleven votes are in so I will be drawing one of your names from a hat for the $10 gift certificate. If there are another 9 votes, I will give away another $10 gift certificate. GET OUT AND VOTE! Get your friends, relatives, co-workers, and acquaintances to vote. Voting ends at midnight (PST) on October 31.
VOTE Count
Ozzy-4
Ugo-4
Romualdo-4
Here are the Bat names you are voting for:
BAT NAMES
I bijoux dello Sregatto has suggested: Jeeves
www.bijouxdellosregatto.etsy.com
Kosmika has suggested: Ugo
www.kosmika.etsy.com
Mairi suggested: Buffy
www.mairitales.etsy.com
etherealflower says:
i'm a sucker for old fashioned names
and when i looked at that lovely bat i thought: ROMUALDO!!
[listen to the pronunciation here http: //translate.google.com/#en|en|ROMOO- ULDO]
www.ethrealflower.etsy.com
Clouds80 says:
I thoght this name for your pet: Ozzy !
Barbara.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Clouds80
VOTE COUNT
Kosmika said...
uhm.. the old hard rock fan in me forces me to vote for OZZY! :D
October 18, 2010 1:06 PM
I bijoux dello Stregatto said...
I vote for Ugo! I had a Guinea pig named Ugo and he was so sweet!!
October 18, 2010 1:13 PM
lucia said...
I vote for.....
ROMUALDO !
So funny :)
October 18, 2010 2:33 PM
eleonora said...
I really love Romualdo!!!!!:D
October 18, 2010 2:40 PM
Elena said...
I prefer Ugo..It's easier to call!
October 18, 2010 2:57 PM
knittingcate said...
I vote for Ozzy!
October 18, 2010 3:47 PM
Cloud Number Nine - Flynn said...
Romualdo!!!! :D
October 18, 2010 4:16 PM
etherealflowers said...
i won't vote for mine XD
i say UGO!
it makes me laugh almost as much as romualdo :D
October 19, 2010 2:46 AM
Mairi said...
Ozzy for president!!! :D
October 19, 2010 3:33 AM
Relydesign said...
Romualdo is my favorite ;D
October 19, 2010 3:38 AM
DreamsCorner said...
I vote for Ugo!!!
:DDDD
October 19, 2010 3:25 PM
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
VOTE FOR THE BAT NAME YOU LIKE!
OK, it is time to take a vote: I was very worried because our bat left for a day but he came back today. I think he will be happier if he has a name. So, leave a comment with your choice of bat name for our handsome guy. Below, I have listed the names again. the winner will win a $20 gift certificate for FusedNTwisted.etsy.com and if I get more than five votes, I will draw a $10 winner from the names of those who voted. All to be paid in gift certificates, of course. So, start voting, please!
BAT NAMES
I bijoux dello Sregatto has suggested: Jeeves
www.bijouxdellosregatto.etsy.com
Kosmika has suggested: Ugo
www.kosmika.etsy.com
Mairi suggested: Buffy
www.mairitales.etsy.com
etherealflower says:
i'm a sucker for old fashioned names
and when i looked at that lovely bat i thought: ROMUALDO!!
[listen to the pronunciation here http: //translate.google.com/#en|en|ROMOO- ULDO]
www.ethrealflower.etsy.com
Clouds80 says:
I thoght this name for your pet: Ozzy !
Barbara.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Clouds80
BAT NAMES
I bijoux dello Sregatto has suggested: Jeeves
www.bijouxdellosregatto.etsy.com
Kosmika has suggested: Ugo
www.kosmika.etsy.com
Mairi suggested: Buffy
www.mairitales.etsy.com
etherealflower says:
i'm a sucker for old fashioned names
and when i looked at that lovely bat i thought: ROMUALDO!!
[listen to the pronunciation here http: //translate.google.com/#en|en|ROMOO- ULDO]
www.ethrealflower.etsy.com
Clouds80 says:
I thoght this name for your pet: Ozzy !
Barbara.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Clouds80
Friday, October 8, 2010
Contest Entry Deadline Extended to October 11th
OK, all of you readers who said you would enter a name for our bat. . . . . I have extended the deadline through Monday, October 11 in hopes of getting some more readers/followers/entries. Monday is final; my very last final deadline date! Ha! So, read these last three posts and add your name to the comment section in any of them. Why, you can post your entry right here at the bottom of this one. I'll put them altogether in one post on Tuesday and the voting can begin. Come on now, our bat needs a name. And it could be worth $20.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
FIVE BAT NAMES ARE POSTED!
OK, now we are getting things done! My readers in Italy are participating and I have the following names suggested.
I bijoux dello Sregatto has suggested: Jeeves
www.bijouxdellosregatto.etsy.com
Kosmika has suggested: Ugo
www.kosmika.etsy.com
Mairi suggested: Buffy
www.mairitales.etsy.com
etherealflower says:
i'm a sucker for old fashioned names and when i looked at that lovely bat i thought: ROMUALDO!! [listen to the pronunciation here http://translate.google.com/#en|en|ROMOO-ULDO]
www.ethrealflower.etsy.com
Clouds80 says:
I thoght this name for your pet: Ozzy ! :-)
Barbara.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Clouds80
Go to the comments in the post about the bat to see their own words (and spelling of their names). Thanks, now someone is sure to win that $20 gift certificate. I wish I knew how to get the comments to show up on my blog page so maybe someone will tell me how. Sorry I am such a newbie at this blogging thing. Come on, help me out here!
I bijoux dello Sregatto has suggested: Jeeves
www.bijouxdellosregatto.etsy.com
Kosmika has suggested: Ugo
www.kosmika.etsy.com
Mairi suggested: Buffy
www.mairitales.etsy.com
etherealflower says:
i'm a sucker for old fashioned names and when i looked at that lovely bat i thought: ROMUALDO!! [listen to the pronunciation here http://translate.google.com/#en|en|ROMOO-ULDO]
www.ethrealflower.etsy.com
Clouds80 says:
I thoght this name for your pet: Ozzy ! :-)
Barbara.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Clouds80
Go to the comments in the post about the bat to see their own words (and spelling of their names). Thanks, now someone is sure to win that $20 gift certificate. I wish I knew how to get the comments to show up on my blog page so maybe someone will tell me how. Sorry I am such a newbie at this blogging thing. Come on, help me out here!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Name This Bat and Win Big!
Last year when The Bat appeared we called anyone who might be able to tell us about the new addition "hanging out"--so to speak--by the front door. This research uncovered the fact that he was not "scarey" or "icky", but in reality he was a helpful member of the eco system and we should leave him alone. Our fears were unfounded, so we decided to let him stay. He didn't require much attention--no trips to the Vet, no special food, no allergy injections, and no daily walks. I have to say tho', he wasn't much of a cuddler. Then, just as we had become accustomed to him decorating the entry, he left. He left quietly, probably in the middle of the night. We were a little surprised and a little sad. (I lied about that last part.)
Why am I telling you this now? Well, he's BAAAACK! That's right. It's almost Halloween and the bat has returned to hang around our front door. "So what?" you ask and rightfully so. I think he needs a name if he's going to hang out by our door. Here's where I need your help. Send me your suggestions in a comment and I will have readers vote on the best one. I'll give a $20 gift certificate for FUSEDNTWISTED.etsy.com to the one that gets the most votes. What do you think? Of course, I'll need some readers in order to make this work, and a deadline for name entries. The deadline for submitting bat names will be October 9, 2010. Voting can begin as soon as a name is listed and you can vote on the one you like the best. Voting will continue through October 31. Come on and Name That Bat!
Why am I telling you this now? Well, he's BAAAACK! That's right. It's almost Halloween and the bat has returned to hang around our front door. "So what?" you ask and rightfully so. I think he needs a name if he's going to hang out by our door. Here's where I need your help. Send me your suggestions in a comment and I will have readers vote on the best one. I'll give a $20 gift certificate for FUSEDNTWISTED.etsy.com to the one that gets the most votes. What do you think? Of course, I'll need some readers in order to make this work, and a deadline for name entries. The deadline for submitting bat names will be October 9, 2010. Voting can begin as soon as a name is listed and you can vote on the one you like the best. Voting will continue through October 31. Come on and Name That Bat!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
One More Saturday
It has been another beautiful day in California--several days really. We've had ducks in the pool, deer in the yard, blue jays in the garage, and all's right with our little part of the world. I would like to have spent more time at my workbench--maybe next week. Today we bought beautiful, sweet sweet strawberries at the Farmer's Market. I managed to attend a computer class this week and I was able to get a space on Etsy's Main Showcase yesterday. That always brings new people to my Etsy site and that's a plus. Most of my sales this week have been returning customers or customers new to Etsy. These are good signs, I think. The picture in the side bar shows my Tri-Metal Wisdom cuff and then there is a picture of my new turquoise stack ring. I am working on some new designs and will share pictures as soon as the pieces are ready for "not quite" prime time. Someday, I will surprise you and get my etsy site, facebook and blog all tied together.
But for now. . . . Good night!
M
But for now. . . . Good night!
M
Sunday, May 2, 2010
A Quiet Day
It has been another beautiful day, even tho' I was inside all afternoon at work--not doing my metalsmith thing but working retail. During this time, I interacted with some nice people and some not so nice. I saw friends who made me smile and I heard things that made me sad and empathic for others. All in all, it was a good day and tomorrow I should be able to play at my workbench. Yeah! I have included a picture of the front end of my dog since mostly you have seen the back end! We've had to cut back on the fitness walks for now since I think we overdid it with him during the last two weeks. He was showing "weekend warrior" signs of stressed joints and muscles but is better tonight. Enjoy the pictures. The recliner is becoming his favorite place to sleep as long as someone is sitting with him!
Good night, sleep tight . . . . .and you know the rest!
M--
Good night, sleep tight . . . . .and you know the rest!
M--
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Happy Cows, Dogs and Me
Today was a gorgeous spring day and it was appreciated by all. The short walk to the gate of Mt. Diablo State Park has become easier for Diego, my pug, and me--both of us easing back into walking. His legs are so short that he has to run when I walk and he is not used to it--loving it, but not used to it. The cows were down by the road today and they were mildly curious about us--and the dogs. The "Cow Whisperer" was a little off his game and didn't seem too interested in whispering and only mildly interested in cows. The picture shows what a beautiful day it was and you get a view of Diego's backside again--but ya gotta love that curly tail!
I had some fabrication time at my workbench today--mostly little rings and big hoop earrings. While this activity is repetitious, it gives me creative mental time at the bench. Ideas often come when I am just repeating a process. The stones and metals seem to mix visually allowing me to see patterns and colors. I can forget the world at that moment and just be completely absorbed. And the time flies by.
Buenas noches,
M----
I had some fabrication time at my workbench today--mostly little rings and big hoop earrings. While this activity is repetitious, it gives me creative mental time at the bench. Ideas often come when I am just repeating a process. The stones and metals seem to mix visually allowing me to see patterns and colors. I can forget the world at that moment and just be completely absorbed. And the time flies by.
Buenas noches,
M----
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Country Pug
My pug, Diego, is making many new friends in this more rural area. Well, not really rural but it seems like we're more in the country with lots of animals around. A short walk takes us to the gate of a state park and allows us to visit with cows, horses, goats and many bikers. Yesterday, I didn't go and I missed several "kodak" moments as Diego made friends with a herd of cows that were grazing on the mountain. Being a good pug, he is very trusting and inquisitive when he sees another animal his tail wags constantly and his "sniffer" goes into overdrive. The cows loved him and one risked the barbed wire to put her face right on his back. Diego has no enemies except an occasional misplaced garbage can. The cows followed him when he moved and several cars stopped to see. We have now named him "The Cow Whisperer". Today, I took my camera and of course, the cows were up on the hill--so no luck. Attached is a picture of Diego immediately following a horse kiss! In other words, the horse moved! We are enjoying that country road.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Using What You Have
Tonight marks the second time I have finished a post, moved a finger the wrong way on my new MacPro laptop and lost the post. Grrrrrrrrrr! OK, I'm over it but this post will be short. Creatively speaking, it has been a good week. I designed two new pair of earrings using my stash of vintage brass survey tags and texture, more like distressed, copper. I patinated the copper with flame and olive oil (not together, please) producing a milk chocolate color on the copper discs. After hammering the brass discs and soaking them in magic liquid, they were varied colors of copper and brass, with a slightly rough finish. They look like they have been buried for hundreds of years. I then cut some tiny discs from the 3/4" discs, leaving a terrific large shape which I used with the copper discs and the tiny discs which I attached to the distressed copper rectangles. I had riveted brass discs to the rectangles with silver tubing. These are very unique.
At one time, in California, Registered Civil Engineers marked their survey points with brass discs that were stamped with their RCE license number on them. Sometime (I need to do some research) in the 80's or 90's these were replaced with plastic. On revisiting these tags after a number of years, I began visualizing jewelry. Enjoy the pictures--if I can get them up.
Good thoughts,
M--
At one time, in California, Registered Civil Engineers marked their survey points with brass discs that were stamped with their RCE license number on them. Sometime (I need to do some research) in the 80's or 90's these were replaced with plastic. On revisiting these tags after a number of years, I began visualizing jewelry. Enjoy the pictures--if I can get them up.
Good thoughts,
M--
Friday, April 16, 2010
Little Steps
I just lost the paragraph that I had written so I don't know where it went to. I had just commented on how productive I was yesterday, finally. I really need time to be creative in order to relieve stress and enjoy the present. I just posted a picture of some handforged swirl earrings that were made in fine silver and accented by 24K gold which was applied with a brush and then torch fired to turn the "paint" into something like a glaze. After the gold is melted into glaze, I let it cool and then burnish the area where the gold was applied. This makes it shine and stick to the silver. This is one of several pair of earrings I am working on. I'm adding a picture of Moose, the golden retriever, as he sleeps belly-up on the couch. He's a sweet dog but a bit eccentric. That may not be the right word. Hmmmmmmm.
There's more to do tomorrow!
M . . . . . . .
There's more to do tomorrow!
M . . . . . . .
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Starting to Produce
I have been living in my new space for six weeks and am getting comfortable with:
* wearing the clothing I can locate
* using the shampoo that I can find until it is all used up
* finding my favorite coffee cup
* letting my dog take the flying leap from my bed to the floor every morning (it's a very high bed)
I wrote on my Etsy shop introduction that i expected to be back to full production in three days! I have been able to fill orders but have not "worked" the shop at all. It always takes longer than we expect but I was really optimistic about turning it around. Well, six weeks later, I feel like I am almost back to normal and maybe a little better. I was even able to find enough financial information to fill out my tax forms and file them in time. I thought I was going to need to file an extension because so much of my information was unavailable but I was able to retrieve enough to reconstruct the files I needed. Whew!
Through all of this confusion, you--dear readers and customers--have kept me motivated and involved in my work. Thank you!
I should have pictures soon so you can have something to look at rather than just reading my ramblings.
Happy Thursday, the end of 2009 Tax Season. Whoo Hoooo!
M
* wearing the clothing I can locate
* using the shampoo that I can find until it is all used up
* finding my favorite coffee cup
* letting my dog take the flying leap from my bed to the floor every morning (it's a very high bed)
I wrote on my Etsy shop introduction that i expected to be back to full production in three days! I have been able to fill orders but have not "worked" the shop at all. It always takes longer than we expect but I was really optimistic about turning it around. Well, six weeks later, I feel like I am almost back to normal and maybe a little better. I was even able to find enough financial information to fill out my tax forms and file them in time. I thought I was going to need to file an extension because so much of my information was unavailable but I was able to retrieve enough to reconstruct the files I needed. Whew!
Through all of this confusion, you--dear readers and customers--have kept me motivated and involved in my work. Thank you!
I should have pictures soon so you can have something to look at rather than just reading my ramblings.
Happy Thursday, the end of 2009 Tax Season. Whoo Hoooo!
M
Monday, April 5, 2010
Monday, Monday
Sounds like a song, don't you think? Well, it was just Monday. I played around with a design a customer asked for this morning. Design work, or playing as I like to call it, takes a lot of time. Once a piece is designed and I have fabricated it successfully, production goes pretty fast--except when it doesn't. I Have some ideas for new bracelets so I'm anxious to get to my workbench tomorrow. This afternoon I spent at my part time, part time job so no metal work there. I do hope I have some new pieces to show you soon.
Maybe tomorrow!
M___
Maybe tomorrow!
M___
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Pressure to Create
A new jewelry fabrication session started last night at Civic Arts Education. We are so fortunate to have a great program with outstanding artist/instructors right here in our city. I look forward to each session, seeing the returning student/artists and artist/instructor. We learn a lot from each other. Last night I learned that I should stay home when I am recovering from a major allergy attack. I have no voice and coughing in a small space is not cool.
Today's gift was a package of beach glass from my son in Southern California. As you can see in the picture, there are many treasures here and I can't wait to play. I'm going to add metal and move the pieces around until I get some great combinations, then assemble some one-of-a-kind pieces from these treasures. I'll let you know when have created the first one!
Until later--
M
Today's gift was a package of beach glass from my son in Southern California. As you can see in the picture, there are many treasures here and I can't wait to play. I'm going to add metal and move the pieces around until I get some great combinations, then assemble some one-of-a-kind pieces from these treasures. I'll let you know when have created the first one!
Until later--
M
Friday, March 26, 2010
Jeweled Bounty
Yesterday the postman brought a box with 32 individually wrapped gemstones in it so opening each one was very much like a day of gifts, perhaps even Christmas! If any of you see the attached pictured and have an idea for something you would like --just fantasizing, of course--add a comment to this blog. I would love to have your input! My granddaughter came home from school just as the package arrived and the two of us dug into the contents, oohing and ahhhing all the way! Let's see, there is: Dalmation stone, amethyst, chrysoprase, rutilated quartz, apaptite, ammonite, turquoise, and malachite, among others.
What do you see?
M--
What do you see?
M--
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Like a Deer
I actually got back to soldering and hammering today, thanks to the stool I bought at the consignment shop yesterday. It's an Asian style with a broad seat (no comments please) which is fairly comfortable, at least for the first hour or two. I think I need to make a pad for it but it is a good height, it is sturdy and I did buy it used. I have taken over the work bench in the garage and am quite happy with how accessible my tools are. There is, however, always the elusive item that was used so often I just assumed I would have it handy when I moved. I'm sure that where I packed it made sense at the time.
I worked several hours finishing a gold filled necklace with organic links and then I packaged it and went out for delivery. As I walked out the front door, four adult deer turned to stare at me. I hesitated, not wanting to scare them into the street as there is traffic a block from here. The four stayed together as they bounded to the back of the yard where there is an opening in the fence. This is all new to me. Critters in the front yard and tonight Moose, the golden retriever brought a four legged snack back to his kennel in the family room.
One never knows what tomorrow will bring! Goodnight for now.
M
I worked several hours finishing a gold filled necklace with organic links and then I packaged it and went out for delivery. As I walked out the front door, four adult deer turned to stare at me. I hesitated, not wanting to scare them into the street as there is traffic a block from here. The four stayed together as they bounded to the back of the yard where there is an opening in the fence. This is all new to me. Critters in the front yard and tonight Moose, the golden retriever brought a four legged snack back to his kennel in the family room.
One never knows what tomorrow will bring! Goodnight for now.
M
Monday, March 22, 2010
Good Things
Today I received my first delivery of materials to my new home and it felt good, like it was meant to be! I opened the new packages of little stones that I use in stacking rings and organized them in clear plastic stacking containers. That way I always know what I have and what I need to order--hopefully. I had ordered several specific cuts of silver for bracelets and rings, and some heavy fine silver wire for toggles. I want to have some silver cuffs ready for bracelets that will use the stones being sent from New Mexico. Additionally, I included sawblades and a tool or two in the order. It is always so exciting to open a package from one of my suppliers; the box is so full of possibilities.
I look forward to tomorrow and actually getting to use a hammer and a torch.
Good thoughts, M
I look forward to tomorrow and actually getting to use a hammer and a torch.
Good thoughts, M
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Mergers
It's late, so maybe this counts as tomorrow's post--maybe not. I have been very busy for the last four weeks as I changed my living arrangements and it has been exhausting. I have collaborated with my daughter's family to create a living space in their home for myself and my Pug, Diego. (Yes, he was named after the great Diego Rivera and there is some resemblance!) My townhouse went on the market this weekend and we got it ready in record time. The goal is to sell my place and build a small house on the property here to include living quarters and a studio for my metalwork addiction. It is all very exciting, very exhausting. Downsizing is the smart way to go right now and I have always loved this property with its many trees, a creek in the back and lots of room for sniffing and barking--for Diego, not me.
We are all adjusting to the new living arrangements. I am trying to add value to the household and Diego has stepped up his guard dog activities. The picture shows Diego and Moose, the house Golden Retriever who is worth a blog post just about him. The two dogs have never been this close nor this friendly but in the last week they have provided company for each other and entertainment for all of us. You can see how traumatized Diego is by the whole situation! The woman in the picture is my oldest granddaughter, a student at UCLA.
I am very fortunate to have this wonderful family and you will hear more about them as we become better acquainted. For now, good night!
We are all adjusting to the new living arrangements. I am trying to add value to the household and Diego has stepped up his guard dog activities. The picture shows Diego and Moose, the house Golden Retriever who is worth a blog post just about him. The two dogs have never been this close nor this friendly but in the last week they have provided company for each other and entertainment for all of us. You can see how traumatized Diego is by the whole situation! The woman in the picture is my oldest granddaughter, a student at UCLA.
I am very fortunate to have this wonderful family and you will hear more about them as we become better acquainted. For now, good night!
Just Do It!
I have procrastinated long enough and have decided that lack of knowledge, or skill, is not a good reason to avoid starting a blog. Of course, I have much to say and this is a perfect place to say it because you, dear reader, neither have to read nor listen to my ramblings! Sigh.h.h.h.h.h.
It has been a beautiful day in Northern California and our family took a rare drive up Mt. Diablo's hairpin curves to enjoy the second broadest view of the horizon in the world. Second only to that seen from the Himalayas, or so they say. It makes me think about all the things we put off until another day, all the things we could do right here at home, all the things we procrastinate about.
So, we come full circle, back to this blog. I'm not sure what I will say to you in the days to come and I don't know what you want to know, if anything. But, we will begin at the beginning and that appears to be here. Be well and happy for another day, my friends!
It has been a beautiful day in Northern California and our family took a rare drive up Mt. Diablo's hairpin curves to enjoy the second broadest view of the horizon in the world. Second only to that seen from the Himalayas, or so they say. It makes me think about all the things we put off until another day, all the things we could do right here at home, all the things we procrastinate about.
So, we come full circle, back to this blog. I'm not sure what I will say to you in the days to come and I don't know what you want to know, if anything. But, we will begin at the beginning and that appears to be here. Be well and happy for another day, my friends!
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