i have been busy busy. how about you?

It's been an exciting week with the mailman bringing me packages.  I got another one the other day from Artbeads.com and also Fire Mountain Gems.  Got some really scrumptious things in it.  What's that?  Oh, you'd like to see?  Ok, sure! ;) 

First, I got the beads for one of my students for my little bracelet making class coming up in a HOLY COW a week.  lol  Just looked at the calendar.  I better not forget.  That would be bad.  Anyways, I think these beads are just gorgemous together. 

Click on the pic for a larger view.  The druks have a real pretty topaz kind of color sheen to them.  Very interesting beads.  I love them.  And the delicas have a nice two tone look to them as well.  Neat!

Next, these don't come out in the photo too well because they are so pale, but here goes.  Blue is a big color this week.  I had to try on a few different shades in a few different sizes and types to find the ones I like the best for one of my projects.  None of the beads in this pic are going to be used immediately, but they are very pretty and will definitely get used one day.  The middle one almost looks white, but it is a very light blue.  uh, very light.  :)

Next up are some of the beads that will be used in one of my projects for the book.  Some of them made the cut and some of them didn't.  And that's all I'm going to say about that.

And finally, one more pic of some beads I chose based on a runway dress that I saw.  (Wait, something else first.)  Did you know that's a good way to find interesting palettes that can take you outside your little box?  Do a Google search for something like "fashion trends runway" or look at "art paintings".  Take your color cues from a photograph that catches your eye.  Here are some photos that I thought were interesting and I was attracted to the colors.

Choose your beads based on the colors in the photos you choose and in the ratios in the photo.  For example, the next pic is beads based on the dress in the bottom left hand corner.  I chose beads in those colors, and in the project the green and pink will be almost equal with a lesser amount of orange.  Also on the collage here are the Pantone Fashion Colors for Fall 2012 if you care to enlarge and see them closer.  That's the swatches on the bottom right.

Ok, so here's the pic of the beads I got based on that dress...

Oh, now that I look at the pic closer...that orange with the pink undertones is one that I bought, but it's not the final orange I decided on.  The beads look great together in piles next to each other, but beaded on a string next to each other they were very similar in tone and I felt there wasn't enough distinction between the two for photos in a book.  So I went to my local stomping ground and made a couple quick seed bead purchases and chose an orange that is a bit brighter.  I got the beading part done on the bracelet (still have to do the clasp and the matching necklace), and my kids would walk by and ooooh and aaaaah.  The colors are bright, festive and happy together.

Again, I can't show you my bead work I've been doing because that would ruin the surprise of the book unveiling, wouldn't it?  I was told I may get "a few" copies of the book when it's done.  If I get more than two don't you think my blog should be screaming for a giveaway?  I think so!  That's a long ways off yet, but still fun for me to think about.

Ok, kids.  Have fun playing this weekend.  What's on your bead table???

Mailman brought something besides bills!

I love it when the mailman brings me something that starts with a "B" that's not "Bills".  I got beady goodies today!  Two packages!!!  Last week I was so lucky to win a giveaway by Spyder Jewels.  She got a screamin' deal at a going out of business :( sale and decided to share the love with two lucky blog readers.  I am new to her blog, and I'm glad Mandy over at Beads for Brains: 365 posted about the giveaway because I have really been enjoying Spyder Jewels blog.  (And speaking of Beads for Brains, you should go check out the stunningly gorgeous beaded bead that Mandy made today!)  I'm going to show you pics of everything I got from Miss Spyder Jewels...

Look at that pile of beady goodness!  Let's take a closer look...

All the blacks...bugles (they have a very satiny/silky look to them), magatamas, delicas and cubes.

Some crystals...6mm cubes in garnet and 4mm faceted rounds in green.  Also, I have never had Tilas before...wasn't quite sure what to do with them.  Now I get to try them out!  Lucky me!

Some more delicas and tear drop looking crystally ones.

Some purple 15/0's.  I love purple!

Look at all these yummy delicious colors!

And finally, some more of my favorite things...metallics! galvanized silver, nickel plated, copper and a raspberry metallic hex.  Very cool!  Did I make out like a bandit or what???!!!  Please go over and visit Spyder Jewels.

Next, I ordered some things from Believe Jewelry Supply on Etsy.  I chose two really gorgeous cabs.  I made a mistake, though.  I fell in love with the photos, checked the sizes and went ahead and ordered.  Then I went back and read the description.  You shouldn't do that.  It said that the photo of the Picasso Jasper was much brighter in the photo than it was in real life.  Oh no!  That's what I loved was the vibrancy and the lines and gradients.  So I was very worried that I wouldn't like it when I got it.  When I nervously opened the package and unwrapped the pretty pink tissue paper, it literally took my breath away.  It. Is. Simply. Fantabulous!  It's true, it's not quite as reddish as the photo, but I am so in love with this stone.  I am so happy I clicked that "add to cart" button!  Take a look at the front and back of this 30mm cab...

You know what it reminds me of?  The name of the place escapes me, but it's down in South America in the deserts where there are mysterious lines and gigantic drawings made with rocks that you can only see from a plane...do you know what I'm talking about?  This stone immediately reminded me of the desert sands, dunes and mysterious alien runway lines.  Now, if that isn't some inspiration to make something cool, I don't know what is!

The 2nd cab I chose was a purple Crazy Lace Agate.  I loved how the colors blended from pink to purple and even some coral in dramatic waving lines.  And when I opened it up I was not disappointed at all.  It is really beautiful.  It is also 30mm high and I think 20mm wide.  Check this one out!

Was the mailman nice to me today???!!!  Thank you so much from Spyder Jewels and Believe Jewelry Supply.  Oh, I forgot!  The prices at Believe Jewelry Supply are really super reasonable and there's LOTS to choose from, so go check the shop out.  The seller was also quick to put the cabs in the mail; the service was very good.

I got an email that one of my orders from Artbeads.com shipped today.  For some reason it seems to take a really long time to get things from them once they have shipped.  I mean, Spyder Jewels mailed my package on Friday and I got it today, Monday.  But Artbeads usually takes about 4 days.  I mean, it's not like it's an eternity or anything, but when you want something now, you just want it now.  Right?  When that comes I'll have more goodies to show you.  Then after that I have another Artbeads order and one more from Fire Mountain Gems.  I was such a bonehead!  I spent soooo long calculating how many beads I would need of a certain kind for one of my book projects.  I needed I think 6 strands.  Dummy me only clicked in 1!  I had to put in another order and pay the $7.65 shipping all over again!!!!!  GRRRRRR!!!  I guess that's a lesson to double and triple check your calculations with your order to make sure you got enough.

Ok kids.  That's all I got for today.  I hope you enjoyed seeing all my fun stuff!  Have a very happy week!

Vintage Inspired

In addition to my clay hoard I just got, I am also working on my May Bead Journal Project piece.  I've got quite a ways to go on it yet, but I've been switching gears between 3 different things so it's getting worked on a little at a time.

The third project I have been working on is a themed piece.  Artbeads.com gave the assignment, and let me tell you...it was a challenge!!!  The theme is "What's Old is New Again."  In other words, take something vintage (or vintage inspired) and recreate it into a new, modern piece.  Have you ever seen me work in vintage, steampunk or anything like that?  No.  Why?  It's not my thing and I haven't a clue how to go about it.  Now I had to do something I just wasn't comfortable with.  Talk about stretching the creative muscles!  I think I have a sprain.

Let me start by showing you the things I got.  I started with 6 different antique brass chains in 1 foot pieces.

I had the idea of taking a bunch of old chains and reconstructing them into one new piece.  I really like the look of the antique brass.  It has a very nice finish, and all the chains are a very high quality.  They will not easily break or come apart!

I got two filigree links, also in antique brass.  They are so pretty!  I also got antique brass jump rings, and I had no idea they were such a thick gauge and so strong.  I was a little panicked at first because my idea was to put crystals on the jump rings and attach them to the chains.  But these jump rings were so thick there was no way on God's green earth that those crystals would fit on that wire.  I ordered 2mm Swarovski crystals in Dark Indigo.  Holy crow are they TINY!!!  I also got 5mm bicones in Mocca and 5mm round Swarovski pearls in Night Blue.  (Soooo pretty!!!  I couldn't capture the colors very well in the photos.  Sorry.)

But none of them would fit on those jump rings!  Uh oh!  What to do now???!!!  I had to make an emergency purchase at one of my local bead stores and pick up some alternate supplies.  I took the beads with me and I had to try the wires to see what gauge would fit through the beads.  For the 2mm, I had to go with a 24 gauge...not very sturdy. :(  For the other beads I could get by with a 20 gauge, which wasn't bad.  I then invested in a set of simple jump ring makers.

What a good buy!!!  I am now a pro at making jump rings, and I will never buy another jump ring ever.  Since the jump rings I got were too big for what I had originally intended, and I didn't want to not use them I decided to make a 7th chain from them.

For the pearls I made a simple head pin by making a bend in the bottom of the wire and pinching it completely up to make a little stop.  For the bicones I made a head pin with a spiral bottom and they both just had simple loops at the top.  For the tiny crystals I just made little jumprings and put them on.

I needed to also attach the chains together and to the filigrees, but I also had a problem with the jump ring sizes on those too because the holes were pretty small.  But I did manage.  Also, my snips are not a very good quality, so they didn't make nice, smooth cuts for the jump rings.  This made the edges where they close together not very tight.  To help prevent any from coming off, a lot of the time I doubled up the jump rings.  I figure one might come loose, but maybe not both.  In the end two of the chains did not make the cut.  I used 4 chains I ordered plus the one I made with the jump rings.  This is what I came up with.  I call it...

Links In Time

You can click for a larger view

With this project I have become a master jump ring maker, and I had more than my share of opening and closing the rings!  I've also become pretty proficient at simple loops and making those little spirals.   All in all, I'm pretty happy with what I came up with considering this is not my usual style.  The necklace is 17 3/4" and drops down from the top chain to the bottom the pearl dangles about 6".

Artbeads.com rocks.  I must have said it a gazillion times.  If you haven't yet visited them, you really need to because they have the supplies to make almost anything you want.

I hope everyone is having a nice Easter weekend!

FTC disclaimer:  Artbeads.com provided me with supplies at no charge.  I am not being compensated in any way for my true and honest opinions of their products.

Mother's Day Giveaway

Artbeads.com is having another giveaway.  This time the prize is a big $100 gift certificate!!!  All you have to do is select your favorite item from their Mother's Day selection of suggestions and leave a comment on their blog on what you would do with that item.  To see the rules and links just go HERE.  I really really really want to win, but if I can't I hope one of you do so I can live vicariously through your purchases and projects.  :)

These are just a couple of the many pages of items to choose from.  Good luck!

I Conquered Netting!!!

Yea for me!  I am a very stubborn person when I set my mind to it.  Thank you to all of you who responded so helpfully to my last post.  What I ended up doing was finding a very very basic netting pattern, and I studied the thread paths and how the rows went together.  From there I designed my own pattern.  Now I don't know if my pattern is "correct", if there is such a thing for "technically sound" netting, but it is what it is and I am over the moon for it.  This is going to be my April installment for my 2011 Bead Journal Project.  I am actually ahead of schedule a little bit.  Well, not really.  I still have the earrings and bracelet to make to go with it, but I ran out of seed beads and the store where I got them is fresh out (I took the last two tubes to finish my collar).  I put some more on order so I can finish up the bracelet and earrings. 

I bought these wonderful red daggers from Fusion Beads, and there weren't very many left.  I got most of what they had in at the time.  I do get lucky sometimes!  I bought the Swarovski Pearls in Bordeaux from Artbeads.  I had intended to use my reds and whites to make something for a Valentine's Day contest.  I have never entered a contest.  However, at the time my muse was on hiatus and I couldn't come up with a single thing.  Too bad I didn't come up with this collar at the time because I would have been proud to put it on display.

The collar is just about 22" long by 4 1/2" wide.  It is quite substantial and a little weighty.  That's good, though, because it doesn't slide around too much.  I used A TON of 11/0 seed beads, size 8/0 seed beads, bugle beads, 4mm cubes, 5mm Swarovski Pearls and the red daggers on the ends.  I couldn't believe how many seed beads this thing ate up!!!  I used about 3 tubes!

Ok, everyone.  Here it is!  I call it...

Wrapped in Red

What do you think?  Was I successful in defeating the netting stitch, or did I make technical errors?  I can't wait to do the bracelet to match.  As soon as the beads come in to my local stomping grounds and I pick them up I will get going on it.  Obviously a bracelet won't take nearly as many hours as I have invested into this collar, so I should hopefully have it up soon.  I also see so many possibilities with this stitch.  Color combinations, patterns, etc.  I think I will do more of this!

Happy St. Patrick's Day, everyone!  Don't have too much green beer! 

A Thanks and a Reminder

Wow!  I sure did get a lot of support in my frustration over netting!  You ladies really rallied around for me.  I appreciate it so much!  I have managed to figure out the basics of netting!  woohoo for me!!!  It's not such a monster once you get the hang of it.  In my quest for instructions I have seen netting worked two different ways...I have seen it done horizontally, and I don't like that way at all.  I much prefer to work vertically.  It is much easier for me to grasp for some reason.  I drew up my own pattern :0) and I was able to make it a little fancier than just a basic netting stitch.  I had no idea that it would take up so many seed beads!!!  I had 3/4 of a tube left from a long time ago, and that got sucked up so fast!  I am going to the bead store today to buy more so I can finish this project, and I estimate that I will need at least 3 more tubes!!!  holy cow!!!  I hope you will all stay tuned to see what I accomplish with my netting and my pattern.

Click here to enter!

Now, on to WINNING!  You don't even have to be Charlie Sheen to be a winner.  bwahahaha!  Nope!  All you need to do is go to where?  Artbeads.com of course!!!  Your time is running out to enter the sweeptstakes for a trip for two to next year's bead and gem show in sunny Tucson, Arizona.  You know why I should win?  Because I am right here in Phoenix and they wouldn't even have to buy me a plane ticket!  Not only do you get airfare, but you get accommodations and classes, too.  What would be more fun than to spend a few days around new and exciting beady things with your best bead buddy?  Just click here to get to the right spot to enter your name.  And tell your friends too, because if one of them wins, you might be the person they take with them!  Good luck!!!!

Until next time, my friends!  Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

Exclusive

The bead gods must not have been smiling on me today.  I thought they were.  Actually, my day in bead terms went really well.  My DH let me spend a little bit of money today on beads, which is totally awesome of him considering he's been unemployed for so long and money is tight.  My disability income just pays the rent and his unemployment each week basically covers food and gas.  Other than that we're eating up our little savings.  So to get a few dollars to shop with was a happy, fun thing.

I went to my favorite little bead shop near me, and I was soooooooo disappointed.  I usually go there when I'm looking for seed beads.  They've got a really good little seed bead collection, so i can usually find what I'm looking for at a pretty good price.  But today was not for seed beads.  The store was soooo hot, and I don't know about you, but I can't shop when I'm hot.  I get super cranky.  I did find a few things though.  I treated myself to two actual bead mats.  I've never had those before!  I've always used a cloth placemat or a twin sheet folded and folded to about placemat size.  Actually, that works out really well.  It's thick so it's a nice little cushion for my arms on the edge of the table.  Anyways, I got two of those, which I thought was pretty cool.  I found a set of bead caps in the size I needed, which I was having a hard time finding.  The selection wasn't very good, and they were scattered about.  I looked high and low and didn't give up easily.  Paid off for me because I did find them.  Then I got two sets of sterling silver ear wires.  I'm not really a fan of lampwork beads, but I found the perfect ones to finish off the project I'm working on.  Until I realized they were $1.62 EACH!!!  I don't know, but for me that is quite expensive when you're looking at needing about 30 beads.  So I left there and I spent a whopping $6.92!  lol  I was pretty disappointed in my non-haul so what did I do?

I went home and started shopping on my favorite internet bead store...artbeads.com!  I got a nice little buzz looking through all the pages, putting in search words to see what I could find in "14mm blue" and other things.  I was shopping away and looked at the clock...OOPS!!!  I almost forgot to pick up my daughter from school.  Yikes!!!  The hazards of shopping and getting lost in beads!  I did get there in time, so all was well.  Came home and finished my shopping and spent all the money DH gave me, and I was more than pleased.  Now the hard part...waiting for the mailman to deliver my goodies!

So it was a good day, right?  Yes, it was, until I came home tonight to an email from Artbeads for an exclusive discount for me and my blog readers.  I already placed my order today, so now I can't take advantage of it since I'm sure I won't get any more money before the end of the month.  Sad, isn't it?  For me, yes it is.  But for you....YOU still get to get in on the action!!!!  Lucky dogs.  From now until the end of the month, copy the code ZZ-DESIGNER-0211 and put it in the coupon box when you check out.  It's good for 15% off your entire order!!!!

I'm about tapped out for the night and need to head off to beddy-bye.  I hope you all take advantage of the coupon and get lots of wonderful, luscious, delicious things to make more beauties with!

Same set, different pic

I really didn't mess up the bottom loop of my necklace.  I retook the photos and decided to post them so that everyone could see it is super pretty all the way around.  Thank you again to Artbeads.com for having such a great theme...Winter Enchantment.  To read full details and all the info on the products I used, please read the previous post.  Thank you!

I posted this to my Etsy site.  Keep your fingers crossed for me!

February BJP and Winter Enchantment Artbeads Project!

It's time!  I've been telling you that I've got some pretty things to show you.  I got them done today...both sets...and I can't wait for you to see what I've learned!  I've got two sets to show, one for the BJP for February, and one for my Artbeads.com Winter Enchantment themed project, so stay tuned in for all the pics.  Here we go!

First up, I'm going to tell you about my BJP project for February.  If you read my post on last month, you'll remember that my goal this year is to learn at least 1 new beadweaving stitch per month and make a jewelry set using that stitch.  Last month I learned wire crochet.  This month it is the flat spiral.  I just adore this stitch!  I can tell that it will be one that I use quite often in the future.  I watched a video many times to get the idea of what I was going to be doing.  The video suggested 6mm bicones for the center and 4mm bicones for the edges, along with 11/0 seed beads.  I found a mix of seed beads I like called "Witche's Brew".  It's pretty and not at all witchy.  The seed beads are considered 11's, but they are smaller than Tohos or Miyukis and they are not real regular.  That meant that I had to adjust the number of seed beads I used in my set as compared to what the video said to do.  Then, I didn't want to do just bicones.  I found at that same store by me some strands of what I think is Hematite.  The beads are 6-sided, so they have a very interesting cut to them.  Although they are 6mm, they are actually a tad bigger than bicones, so again I had to adjust.  But, no problem!  I just played for a little while until I got it right.

I actually had some problems with this when I first started.  Ok...a LOT of problems. lol.  The first two times I started the side loops weren't laying correctly.  It took the third try to get the hang of it.  The first bracelet I made was entirely too huge, so I took the completed bracelet apart and started over.  Then on the necklace when i was just knotting off the final end on one of the sides, the string got all wonky and the whole thing was ruined because I couldn't get out that half-hitch knot.  I had to take it all apart as well and start THAT one completely over.  As you can imagine, I gots TONS of practice with this stitch! :)

Sometime last summer I was at a store and found a dragonfly pendant that I really loved, but I had no idea what I was going to do with.  Isn't it amazing how the perfect thing just jumps out of your stash to complete a project?  I love dragonflies.  For some reason they cause me to stop and reflect when I see one buzzing around.  It's amazing to me that here in the desert where there's no water for miles I'll just suddenly see a dragonfly.  It's seems so special that this dragonfly showed up just for me to see its beauty that I just stop and admire it.  It's almost as if they try to whisper something to me with their wings fluttering in the air.

This set I call Dragonfly at Midnight.  Things have been a little dark these days for me...personal problems that I'm sure you would have no interest in.  But what this set says to me that even in the darkness their is a glimmer of beauty and magic.  Here are some pics of what I have created for the February BJP...

Dragonfly at Midnight

I was so very excited when I finished up this set!  I think it's probably my favorite things I've ever made.  They look so gorgeous on.  The Hematite is heavy, so it's got a great feel to it...slinky but not flimsy.  As soon as I finished this up and took a step back and looked at what I did, my mood lifted and really made my day.

***************************************************

On to round 2!!!  I was super excited today when I finished my Winter Enchantment project for Artbeads.com.  You all know how much I love Artbeads, so any time I get new orders from them is a good day for me.

I realize that much of the country is bound tight in the grasp of terrible storms, and most of you are probably sick of snow and ice.  But for me in the desert, thinking of a winter wonderland makes me happy.  When I got the email saying what the theme was, I knew exactly what I wanted to do.  I used the same flat spiral stitch, but I used my favorite seed beads...Tohos.  In this project I used 11/0 Silver-Lined Crystal, and boy do they sparkle!  To compliment the side loops I used Swarovski 4mm bicones.  I searched and searched until I found the perfect focal point...a Swarovski  30mm Cosmic Ring, also in crystal.  I have always wanted to use the cosmic rings, but didn't know what to do with them.  This was the perfect necklace!  And I tell you, I was certainly not disappointed when I opened it!  It's thick and weighty, just feels good.  And the glimmer of it is gorgeous!  I have to say, though, that I'm super afraid of dropping my necklace with my clumsy hands I have and cracking that thing right apart.  I don't know how easily they would break, but I definitely don't want to find out!!!

Now, I thought about using Swarovski pearls, but I have to admit that I just couldn't afford them this go-around.  After searching for something else I came across Druk 6mm beads in Crystal Luster.  They really worked out well!  For the clasp I thought the logical thing to do would be to go with a silver one.  But something just kept nagging at me and told me to go with gold.  I just think it adds a little extra pop right there at the end.  Some people may differ with me, but I think the TierraCast Antique Gold Leaf Clasp set really did the trick.  I also used simple gold-filled ear wires for the earrings.

When Michelle put on the set I just grinned from ear to ear!  It looked so pretty on her.  I think this set is so versatile...with a little black dress for a night out on the town, dressing up a casual outfit for some real bling, and I think it would be beautiful as a wedding set.  Artbeads never lets me down.  Here are some pics for you to see.  I can't think of a name for it.  Was thinking of "Crystal Shimmer", but that sounds kind of boring.  Michelle and her sister Malissa thought the name should have something "sparkly" in it.  Do you have any ideas?

oh, bummer.  i just realized my bottom loop was pushed to the side.  guess i need to retake that shot!

Do you see how the sun just really gleams off the beads?  I love that!  I hope you all have liked what I had to show you today!  I am going to put these sets in my Etsy shop and see how that goes.  Hoping to fund some more beads.  :)

Do you like the jewelry sets I've been working on?  I hope it was worth the wait!

FTC Disclosure:  Artbeads.com has supplied me with the beads highlighted above.  No compensation has been made for my true and honest opinions of their products.

Tucson Gem and Jewelry Show...2012

Have you been reading about people who are lucky enough to go the Gem Show in Tucson this year?  I've been envious of all the things they will get to see and all the classes they will get to take.  But (heavy sigh) it hasn't been in my cards.  So I got very excited when I was told about a new sweepstakes being offered by Artbeads.com.  They are giving away a trip for two with 3 days accommodations and classes and good stuff for next year's show!  I entered right away.  That would be sooo much fun.  So, I am sharing the info and link with you so you can enter, too.  Good luck!!! 

Click here to enter.

Free Gift Cards!

Did you hear about what Artbeads.com is doing?  They are giving away 10,000...yes, I said 10,000 free $10 gift cards before Christmas!!!

All you have to do is send in the email address for 10 friends who you would like to have win one.  I know I'm going to enter in 10 friends to win.  So, make your list, check it twice and click here to send in their names.  Your lists must be in to them by December 22 so they can mail them out before Christmas.  Better get busy!!! 

What a Sweepstakes!!!

I just got an email from Artbeads.com.  They have just launched a holiday giveaway called Stocking Stuffer Sweepstakes!  What's up for grabs is a stocking full of beads and a $100 gift card!  woohoo!  Who wouldn't want that?  I have already entered, and of course I really really really want to win, but in case it's not me...I hope it's one of my readers.

Click here to enter the contest.  Good luck!!!

Here it is the day before Thanksgiving, and I am going through my head all the things I need to do to prepare for our outing to visit family.  Gotta go shopping tonight for some goodies, gotta make the green bead casserole (as I do every year, because mine's the best :)  gotta get Sara's hair all curled up and a bit of little girl makeup on, gotta get myself ready.  In the meantime today I've got to clean the kitchen and cook a pork roast.  Oh, and I forgot that I also have to repair a necklace.  So many things to do!  But, I am taking a moment to slow down and smell the roses.  What is this holiday about anyways?  Thankfulness.  Not the rush rush rush.

What I am thankful for most in the entire world is my family.  I have the best husband in the world, and all four of my children are gems in their own unique ways.  I would be a lost soul if not for them.  They are everything to me.  Especially more so now than ever before.  A couple years ago my husband and I separated, and I was very ill so he was better equipped to take care of the kids.  It was a very dark and dreary period in my life.  So I am eternally thankful for my second chance.  And it has been pure bliss.

I am also thankful for you...those of you who take the time to come visit my blog in my little corner of the world.  And thank you to those of you who take precious moments from your own time to leave me comments of encouragement, critique, and just fun things to read.  I appreciate all of you and am glad to have the pleasure of calling you my friends.

With that said, I hope all of you have a very happy and safe Thanksgiving weekend, full of love and laughter.