Sunday/Funday

What could be better? Take two beaders, add a lazy Sunday afternoon, a sunny work space, a shop full of beads, stir them all together with a big dollop of Mel Brooks quotes to make a great day!

Claire started out to make a ring, then her RAW square became too big. Instead of stopping, she kept adding beads...

...until she'd made this! Her too big square is on its way to becoming a pendant.

This is a first! I'd never made a beaded ring before. The faceted topaz centerpiece refused to be anything else, so I played along...

...even with a few false starts!*

After finishing the ring I made a lovely pendant to match.

Three and a half hours flew by quickly! I felt renewed, and inspired. It's wonderful to spend time with someone who speaks bead, has a wacky sense of humor, and is filled with ideas.

Thank you for Sunday, Claire... I really needed it! Let's do it again soon. Does this Sunday work for you?

*a bead fairy gasped when I started chopping.

Have You Met My Guy?

Meet the Bright Center of the Universe, otherwise known as my cat. We've been together ever since he chose me thirteen years ago. He is a constant source of amusement, comfort, and entertainment. With a huge personality, and an easy going disposition few people have been able to resist his charms. He's a handsome guy, sleek, and shiny, lean and lanky, he's always dressed in his tux and tails. Between his eyes are three little white hairs, exactly where a bhindi would reside, so that's what I call them...his bhindi. His eyebrows are black and when he closes his eyes, his face seems to disappear. Sprouting from his cheeks are the longest, wildest white whiskers I've ever seen on a cat. He has a huge voice and is extremely willing to verbalize his needs. He'll stand at the door and bellow..."Let MeOoouwt" at the top of his lungs. Five minutes later he's on the other side of the door shrieking..."Let Meyiiin." In addition to being his doorman, I'm his chef, his maid, and his massage therapist.

At night, when we go to bed, is the best time of all. I'll climb into bed, settle myself onto my left side and leave just enough room for Himself. It doesn't take him long to realize where I am. He'll jump up onto the bed and walk with purpose towards the headboard. When he is in front of me he stops and waits. I reach up, tugging him towards me and with feigned resignation he'll lay down and snuggle with me. If I roll over, he follows and we go through the process again. He sleeps with me until I doze off and then leaves to be certain the polar bears that gather in our yard every night don't make too much noise and wake me. He does a very good job. So far no polar bear has ever caused me to wake up while he's on duty. In the morning, he patrols the yard and chases them away.

When he comes back in all he ever wants is a good chin scratching. I'm always happy to oblige, after all he is The Bright Center of My Universe.

Dogwoods at Sunset

One of the great things about having my computer situated so I can see out the large picture window in my living room is witnessing the light changing in dramatic ways.

Earlier this week, after a day of rain, and sunshine, and clouds, the setting sun put on quite the display. The dogwood tree at the edge of my front deck was backlit with the most amazing golden light. Below are four of the 55 pictures I managed to take in the little window when it all came together so divinely.

Pink and orange... just puts a smile on my face!

It's Trunk Show Time

You'd think, after all the beads, and all the years I've been surrounded by them my enthusiasm for a bead shopping opportunity would be somewhat lukewarm. Nothing could be further from reality.

I love beads, and I get just as excited by them now as I did when I first started beading. Ask anyone who's experienced me hovering while they're sorting through the India Glass beads... you'd think I'd never seen a bead before from my reactions.

...and on Saturday, I get to oogle loads of new beads!

Bob, the owner of Nature's Crafts, is a very kind, and patient guy. He'll be here for our first trunk show of the year. He really enjoys talking with everyone, sharing his knowledge, and helping make good choices. He goes out of his way to bring the best selection from his warehouse!

For this show, he's bringing what I've dubbed "Bob's Bargain Box." It's full of strands priced at $2.00 each! He tells me there are some real deals to be found, and that was all I would let him tell me because I want to be surprised, too!

We'll be setting up tomorrow evening, and opening promptly at 11:00 on Saturday. Come early for the best selection!

See you Saturday... and I promise... I won't shop early!