A Simple Guide

It's Late

...and I'm tired, but a commitment is a commitment. One post, every day, for the entire month of November (yes, that would also include Veteran's Day and Thanksgiving) that's what I agreed to. It wouldn't be good to drop the ball only eight days into the month.

I don't have much left other than a random assortment of images I've gleaned from my travels around the internet.

Lately, I've been in a rainbow kind of mood... they're sure to grab my attention!

This is Prince Charles, and Camilla.  They're in Tanzania as part of a Royal Tour.  They stopped into a charity workshop that employs disabled men and women, and learned how to do beading.  Camilla made a necklace, Prince Charles made earrings.  His reaction?  "This is where I need my glasses." Noticing her 62-year-old husband was in difficulty, Camilla, 64, offered him her glasses three times. "Do you want my specs?" she asked. The Prince laughed: "I'm not designed for this."

Judging by the swelling in his hands, and what appears to be a limited range of motion in his fingers, I'd say he might just be right.  At least he gave it a whirl.

I collect quotes and graphics.  I liked this one and thought I'd share.

So... are you going to comment?  It's OK, I promise, I don't bite.

A Slideshow of Customer Creations

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

Thoughts on a Sunday Afternoon

One of my favorite things to do, other than play with beads, is writing. My head can be a busy place. Writing helps me get my thoughts out, and into some semblance of order.

Writing here has been challenging for me lately. There's a part of me which thinks I should be all business, and stay on topic. *yawn* When I get into that mindset, I find it difficult to let go, and well, write.

The flip side is 'hey, this is my blog, I can write whatever comes to mind.' I start writing, and the next thing I know I'm thinking no one will be interested. My life is pretty tame. An adventure is a trip to the grocery store. A thrill is shopping for new shoes. See? Tame.

Today, I've decided to blither.

If you've been in lately, you may have noticed (at least I hope you did) that you're seeing less of me. Thanks to Claire mentioning it, I started The 17 Day Diet on June 13th, and have been enjoying great results! I'm eight pounds away from my goal after dropping an amazing 16 pounds in 27 days! Opening my closet is no longer a nightmare. I'm wearing clothes I haven't fit into for several years. I feel great.

My sweetie decided to join me on the plan. You know guys, they're gung-ho for a couple of days, then they start slipping. Consequently, he's been hit and miss, while I've been Miss Dedicated... and because he's a guy, he's lost as much weight as I have. How unfair is that?

I don't know about you, but when I change my eating habits, I turn into a foodie. I become fascinated with finding ways to stay within the plan, but make something really yummy.

Thanks to this diet, I am now searching for a twelve step group. I'm thoroughly addicted to Fage 2% Greek Yogurt mixed with fresh, organic fruit. It's heavenly! I also learned of a great way to enjoy tacos... iceberg lettuce leaves instead of taco shells... out of this world. Oh, and stir fry is absolutely wonderful served over finely sliced, cold Romaine lettuce.

I think the best part of this way of eating for me is how fast I become full. Perhaps it's because I'm filling up on the right stuff.

Next topic.

A couple of weeks ago I joined a retailer's group on Facebook. We're all bead store owners, with a few yarn shops tossed in for fun. What an amazing group! The depth of knowledge, and experience is fantastic. The members are enthusiastic and open. They've shared some great ideas.

I'm telling you all of this because I don't want you to be too surprised when I start putting some of them into place at Dancing Beads. Most of them have to do with ways we can have fun while saving money, and pursuing our shared love of beads.

Hmmm, Facebook has made me think about comments.*

Let's talk about commenting. OK, I'll talk about it. Comments are those nice little notes you write when you enjoy something someone has shared. I know I haven't been here much lately, but I do know there are a few of you who check in regularly... just in case. I would likely write more if I had some feedback.

I love it when someone calls *ahem, not mentioning any names here Mom* to tell me how much s/he enjoyed something I posted, like oh, say a video of my cat, and honey singing a duet. Please don't get me wrong, the call is great, and so are the comments when you're in the shop. Writing a little note here... well, that would mean a great deal to me.

I was just about to mention I have taken the whole day off, then realized, um no, I haven't. There was paperwork squawking at me this morning, so I paid all the bills, and filed things in their proper places. Tomorrow... oh, never mind, I'm working on web stuff. I'll get myself to stop sooner or later.

Speaking of later. Claire and I have signed up for two classes with Marcia Decoster in San Mateo next month! We'll be on our beady road trip from August 12th-14th. I've been practicing right angle weave like a crazed woman. The description of the class said 'must be proficient.' Right now, I'm at 'sufficient,' but I'm getting there. Claire on the other hand can do the stitch with her eyes closed as evidenced by the picture to the right. It's one of Claire's clever creations.

I think we're going to have oodles of fun! Road Trip... and four whole days away from work. It will be the longest I've been away from the shop since opening. I'll probably be like a new mother leaving her baby for the first time. It will be good practice for next February (and that's all I'm going to say about it right now).

I have lots of great customer pictures to upload to Flickr. I love taking pictures of the pieces you all bring in to show me. I've been known to demand immediate removal from time-to-time. Anyway, before a grundle becomes too many, I'm going to post them here as a slide show. You'll agree... we're a very creative, and talented group!

Guess that's enough chitty chat for now. Don't forget about those comments.

*nothing like a few well placed links for Facebook, is there?

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!

Some of My Creations

Tuesday I had the good fortune of being able to share pictures of some of the amazing beadwork I've had the opportunity to see, touch, and photograph! The work I see inspires me to take time to be creative, too.

For years I never thought about taking pictures of any of my finished pieces. In retrospect *sigh*... I think I'll just continue looking forward instead of back. There are many projects and pieces in my future.

With the exception of the colorful copper bracelet, all of the pieces in this set were made since Dancing Beads re-opened. The only reason I mentioned it is that if you like one of the items and want to fashion something similar, the beads are likely still available.

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

Dancing Beads' Has Incredibly Talented Customers

One of the perks of my business is getting to see the amazingly beautiful things created by my customers! They inspire and surprise me often, and generously allow me to photograph their creations.

I thought it would be fun to share some of the pictures I've taken with everyone. If you're one of the talented beaders featured in this slideshow, please feel free to visit the set on Flickr, find your pictures, and save a copy of the image(s).

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

I'd like to thank the following bead artists for allowing me to share their work::

• Candy Miller
• Dory Marquess
• Jessica Prince
• Theresa Gann
• Kori Walker
• Claire Kimble