Bead Hoarders Blog Hop

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Welcome to the 2nd Annual Bead Hoarders Blog Hop hosted by the always gracious and wonderfully talented Lori Anderson of Pretty Things.  I did not participate in this last year (and almost didn't make it this year, lol), but am very happy to be a part of it today :) .  The premise of this hop is to gather those beads that you've been holding on to for a while - in some cases, years - and finally create something with them.  In other words, it's a swift kick in the butt the inspiration to design something using materials that you have on hand (and have had sitting around for a long time...).  After we share our creations today, we commence "hopping" and hope that you will join us (the list of participants is posted on Lori's blog (link above and below).  You will find some beautiful "pretties" and maybe some new favorite artisans as well!

First, the photo above shows my selected hoard of beads.  The green and white artisan lampwork beads I'm fairly certain are from Lori Robbins which means I've had them since 2007 (eek...).  I purchased the sparkly deep green artisan lampwork ones from DerondaDesigns not quite so long ago... 2008 (I know...).

Here is the bracelet I finally designed with these stunning lampwork beauties, combined with green aventurine, Swarovski pearls and crystals, and sterling silver rounds, findings, and clasp.

I know I'll be enjoying this special bracelet throughout the holidays this season and am so glad I finally got this kick inspiration to use these gorgeous beads!

Please join me in hopping through Lori's blog to see her incredible pretties and on to the other talented artisans in the list posted there - grab a cup of joe, cocoa, or if it's a little later and you're feeling so inclined.... - and settle in to see some beautiful jewelry and post some comments :)  Thanks for stopping by!

Peace,

Letting Go

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Monday, indeed. I was pretty sure where I was going to be heading with my post this morning, and then I woke up to high wind warnings and news. Big news. I mean big news perspectively, I suppose.  First, the Pope is resigning.  Now for many, that may not seem like big news, but consider this - this will be the first time a pope has resigned in more than 600 years.  Yeah, six HUNDRED years.  The last pope to resign was Pope Gregory XII in 1415.  That's pretty big.  Popes don't resign.  They die.  They hold on fast and do not let go no matter what until that final breath. 

So, then I reconsidered a bit what I planned on writing about - this week will start the season of Lent in the Christian church (in one of my former lives my career followed the church calendar religiously - yes, I know I just typed that).  Across the world, Ash Wednesday will draw penitent worshipers, remembering anew our mortality, sinfulness, and grace in the risen Christ.  Mardi Gras celebrations will precede this, one last hoo-rah before the quiet season of reflection - or perhaps a Shrove Tuesday as in our home, meaning hubby's incredible pancakes for supper.  The pre-Easter season for many may mean a time traditionally for "giving up" or sacrificing (or in more recent times, for adding a spiritual practice).

As I said, in "another life," my career was tied to the church, but now I find myself, though faith-centered, not church-oriented, not unlike many in our society today.  Yet, this season still calls to me, much like Advent, to prepare myself, to look inward, to search, to "give up."  Last night, a Facebook friend shared this article which is what I planned to share today - "15 Things You Should Give Up to Be Happy."  Nothing like a good checklist to get through life.

Reading through the list, I realize the common thread weaving through all fifteen "to-do's" is the "simple to say, harder to-do" letting go.  That giving up, resigning - not out of quitting - but out of peaceful rest and acceptance.  And so, perhaps, what I planned to share today and the news that greeted me are not that far apart.  I believe that this season ahead is calling me to let go - not to quit, but to let go of many things I hold too tightly, to give peaceful release and open myself to what acceptance might bring.

What about you? 

Being the Water

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It has been a month ~ a year ~ of incredible changes...deep life changes for me and those that I love.  I have been so very blessed to discover my life and love partner and celebrate our new journey with our family around in us in the most intimate, "made for us" wedding.  My youngest daughter, so gifted and talented in many areas, has now graduated from high school and is excitedly preparing for her new journey ~ college ~ where a new world awaits to help her discover and develop those gifts and talents even more.  I was able to embrace my son after two years away in Africa, home to celebrate all these milestone events with us and share with us the wonder, joy, and challenges of his work with the Peace Corps ~ and understood more fully in my heart that his true home, at least for now, is, indeed, across the ocean, in a village who loves and needs him, in a country he has come to love as well.  I am amazed at the miracle of my granddaughter who just, it seems, a twinkling ago, was a babe in arms, and now toddles around, babbling, signing words, and of course, speaking the word that will always melt my heart, "Mimi." :)

I have watched my mother grow stronger each day, rediscovering herself, step-by-step, as she walks now alone after the death of my father ~ such a challenging walk, but such strength she has shown and what new roads may lay ahead?

All of this change, even the most positive and wondrous events, can be head-spinning and heart-stirring.  When my son was home, he posted a quote from a Greek philosopher on his Facebook wall ~ "You can never step in the same river twice."  Change, good - bad - just change, is inevitable.  Nothing remains the same.  When I start to feel overwhelmed by the change around me (and yes, even all the good change can become overwhelming....along with graduations and college and weddings and happy sons in Africa and daughters and granddaughters and mothers come planning and more planning and did I say planning and moving and maybe moving and commuting and calendars and vacations and financial planning and....and....so yes, you get the point), I hold on to the phrase "be the water."  Just go with the flow - let go - don't try to plant your feet in the sand and stand still against the waves.  Just be the water and flow with it.

I think tomorrow afternoon's weather looks good for heading out to the farm to do some floating on the pond.

FRIDAY FAVORITES

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I wandered onto one of my favorite sites the other night and found some most wonderful Valentines! Anthropologie has unique gifts for every special loved one on your list, including yourself, of course :)

~ Upsy Daisy Mug   This is perfect for sharing cups of tea, cocoa, coffee with that special someone - be sure to order a pair!

~ Vintage Valentines

These will take you back to a simpler time and are perfect for sharing your love with all the special ones in your life!

 

~ Love: Quotes & Passages from the Heart 

Find yourself tongue-tied or at a loss for words when it comes to matters of the heart?  Then this is the book for you!  Try sharing a bit on one of the following see what happens! :)

~ Valentine in a Bottle      The perfect way to leave just a "little note" for that special someone that will tug at heartstrings in such a big way!

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It's time! The stunning OCEAN THEME bracelet, "Sea of Hope," will be auctioned off beginning MONDAY, October 5th! Bids can be placed - frequently! - in the comments section of the Artisan Beaders blog.

Bidding will continue for two weeks through Friday, October 16th so be sure to check often (and bid again!). This beautiful sterling silver (and more!) creation has been handcrafted by the members of the Artisan Beaders team. All monies raised through this auction are being donated to RAINN. Details of the bidding process are posted at the ABSTEAM blog.

RAINN's Mission Statement: "The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network is the nation's largest anti-sexual assault organization. RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE and the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline at rainn.org, and publicizes the hotline's free, confidential services; educates the public about sexual assault; and leads national efforts to prevent sexual assault, improve services to victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice."

MONDAY REFLECTIONS

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FOR TODAY, July 13, 2009

Outside my window...there is a beautiful morning sun already climbing high, a sign that I enjoyed a late morning sleep ;-)

I am thinking...of what a long day yesterday was ~ quite the trek ~ but so much fun watching Hannah "do her stuff" all day and "wow" the coaches :-)...definitely worth the trip!

From the learning room...would love to find time this week to continue working with wire and want to check out the other bead shops I've heard about as well.

From the kitchen...had such fun cooking a great dinner Saturday night after the show.

I am wearing...my pj's and summer robe.

I am creating...with the turquoise necklace and earrings complete, it's time for the bracelet now!

I am going...to make another "soccer Mom" road trip this weekend :-)

I am reading...Conversations with God (II), John Adams, A Year in The World...and lots of magazines :-)

I am hoping...that Sarah is feeling better soon.

I am hearing...MSNBC as I try to catch up a bit since I was on the road the last 24 hours.

Around the house...time to tackle the bedrooms for a bit of midsummer's streamcleaning, I think.

One of my favorite things...was finally reconnecting with Andrew by phone and seeing Mamma Mia on Saturday with Kevin ~ so much fun!

A few plans for the rest of the week:

shop photos, FB shop page (still not done!!), "Miriam" work for Hannah (it is nonstop right now!) :-)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

MONDAY REFLECTIONS

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FOR TODAY, June 29, 2009

Outside my window...a cooler summer evening is rolling in, a welcome break from the heat we've been having.

I am thinking...of Hannah down at her goalie camp and hoping she is having great fun.

From the learning room...more fun to come with the altered pendants and alcohol inks and time to "play" with the turquoise this week.

From the kitchen...it will be a few weeks of learning to cook for one ~ should be interesting!

I am wearing...denim capris and a blue & white striped tee, comfy after my car ride home today.

I am creating...plans to finally get busy with the turquoise creation that's been busy in my head since the beads "found" me in Toronto.

I am going...to relax tomorrow after the go, go, going of the weekend and "road-tripping."

I am reading...(finishing) Conversations with God (1) and looking forward to beginning Book 2 - still finding time for John and Abigail :-) and escaping through A Year in This World ~ also have the last Twilight book waiting for me :-).

I am hoping...that Hannah has an incredible few days at camp and a great trip back to Ohio; that we have a wonderful 4th of July celebration at Mom's.

I am hearing...the wind rustle the blinds at the windows ~ so nice to have them open and feel/smell the fresh air!

Around the house...oh, it does feel good to be home!

One of my favorite things...will be sharing Saturday with someone very close to my heart.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

looking ahead and making plans, continuing to work on the shop photos, new listings.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...