garden of hope...

 The tree of life stands in the garden of hope...

I am feeling just a bit melancholy as I pack my bags to head back to Connecticut. My dear mother in law will be starting radiation and chemo next week and I would like to be with her as she goes through this ordeal. The hope for the treatment is that it will slow the growth of  the cancer in her pancreas. Her pain has been intensifying and this is her only hope.


Ginger, my MIL had sent me a lovely card before I had surgery on my leg last month and the words of that card are with me all the time, "The tree of life stands in the garden of hope..." I will pack the card in my bag as a reminder of what we need at this time.


The above picture is a glimpse of a piece I made last night, a comfort I suppose and a distraction. I am not an overly religious person but find comfort in certain items.


Sometimes life just plain sucks, we never know what will be thrown at us, but it is how we deal with it that counts. Gratitude helps us deal with all those curb balls, I know it has helped me. So now this post has turned  sad, it was never my intention, I just never know what is going to come out when I start typing!

 Please share with me three things you are grateful for today, it may be hard or easy but they are there....tell me.

Winter Enchantment or Not!

 We had a beautiful snowfall last night with big puffy snowflakes. When we awoke this morning everything was coated....the branches and pines were heavy with snow and it sparkled  like a winter wonderland. Oh so pretty! But.....

in a few short days the snow will be gone (yay!!)...I like a little... not a lot. I have had my share of New England winters that last forever, I much prefer the Tennessee winters.

Speaking of winter...as part of Artbeads.com's blogging program we were asked to create a "Winter Enchantment" design that represents what you find beautiful or inspirational about the winter season. 

I find many winter days dark and over cast, but once a snow has fallen it is full of light and shine. I tried to portray that in this layered necklace I call "Winter Solstice" .

I chose Swarovski crystals and Czech glass to add the shine to this piece as well as some vintage rosary beads. Layers of gunmetal chain were added to reflect the dark skies. I love the combination of the two, each play off the other so nicely. 

Artbeads is also having a super giveaway a ‘Road to Tucson’ Sweepstakes! The grand prize is a trip for two to Tucson, Arizona to attend the 2012 Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase! This fantastic prize package includes round-trip airfare for two to Tucson, Arizona and 3 nights accommodation. The winner will also attend classes with well-known beading instructors and have access to the biggest shows. Spend 3 fun-filled days in Tucson surrounded by gems, minerals, fossils, beads and other bead lovers! What could be more fabulous!

I have received these beads free of charge from Artbeads.com in order to write a review and/or create a project free of charge for you. I have not been paid for my endorsement as it pertains to the products received.   

Simmering Soup

I am soooo excited about participating in the Bead Soup Party hosted by Lori Anderson of Pretty Things. Why am I so excited? I have been paired with the enthusiastic Jen Judd of Jen Judd Rocks. Although Jen and I have never met I can feel her bubbly personality, it is evident in her blog and the wonderful package she sent me. Check out all of the amazing goodies.

Amazing clay beads and I just love this copper leaf! 

 Gorgeous lampwork beads from Julianna Cannon, lapis (from her deployed hubby) some great ceramic pieces, an sterling agate clasp, a free form sterling piece, citrine chunk, shells,pearls,and some cool wood beads....and so much more! 

I most likely will make two pieces. So in the mean time my soup is simmering and I am playing with my new stash. Hope everyone is excited as I am!

Give More Than You Get

I love this saying...straight forward and true.

You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.

Kahlil Gibran

You can find this piece on my website .

Since purchasing some fabulous Labradorite last week I have been creating earrings using the stunning stones. I think they are the perfect everyday stone, lots of sparkle with that surprise hint of blue.

 

 Stormy Skies

Labradorite Dangles 

Winter Ice

And lastly.....Number 105

 

 Heading to the flea market to see if I can covet any treasures, then picking up our college boy for an early dinner. Hope everyone is doing well on this sunny Sunday.

Inspire

 

“I will write peace on your wings and you will fly all over the world” 

             If interested you can find this piece on Etsy. Hope everyone has a great weekend! Stay warm!

I am Impressed

Our lovely Bead Soup Party Hostess Miss Lori Anderson is having a great giveaway this week. She is offering this super set of Impress Art letter stamps from PJ Tool & Supply. So hop on over to her blog and check it out!

Talk Less Listen More

I just finished up two of these necklaces for a special order. Did you know there are websites just devoted to teach you how to talk less and listen more? I did not know until I googled (is that even a word?) it today. 

I think I need to be a better listener....and not run my mouth or jump into a conversation while someone else is talking. Listen more...and be more attentive to the other person. I will try to do better, pause more and give the other person more attention.

How about you are you a good listener? 

So for today, give it a try...Talk less, Listen more. 

I am rolling once again!

I finally feel as though I am back into the groove of life, I am back to driving ( 5+ long weeks since surgery) and I am especially liking that since I have a new ride. We found what we had been looking for and finally broke down and made the purchase last week. A very sweet Volvo XC90 in navy blue. 

So where did my new ride take me yesterday?...a bead show in Nashville. Here is my sweet little stash.

 Do you think I am stuck on one color? I just can't help myself, my hand goes to them like a magnet. The dealer at the show told me the tube shaped beads were some type of Opal but I think she is wrong, I am thinking Amazonite,what do you think? 

I go to this show especially for A.D adornments.I love stocking up on filigree and her chains ( all though a little pricey, but so gorgeous!)

 Stunning Labradorite and Chrysoprase

Flying Heart

 Lordy...my last jewelry posts have all been bracelets, I think I am in need of an intervention! 

Here is an etched cuff style bracelet that I thought would be perfect for this time of year. 

Flying Heart 

Miss Ficklemedia's russet patina gave depth to this brass focal. I gently buffed the heart to bring back the shine before applying the sealers. Red creek jasper and a handmade pottery bead adds more color and texture.

 Don't you just love that jasper??

You can find this piece is my Etsy shop. 

Follow Your Heart

Check out his wonderful heart treasury that Squibbles created on Etsy. "A sweet collection of Valentine Day gifts alternative to the classic red heart jewelry.". I feel honored to have my Hearts Afire  bracelet included. 

What do you make on a snowy day?

Perhaps you make a nice cup of hot chocolate or a cup of hot tea with lemon to go with that yummy German Chocolate cake your girlfriend brought over to you...( I have the BEST friends!), yes that is what you do indeed. 

With the gray skies and flakes of snow falling I also made this assemblage bracelet I am calling Rhinestone Ice, the name is fitting for a day like this.

Rhinestone Ice was created with a Victorian steel cut buckle and some filigree pieces that I applied some wonderful Indigo patina to. A vintage rhinestone brooch tops this assemblage. I was lucky to find some awesome vintage chain in a silver-tone that worked great in finishing this piece off.

If it is snowing where you are today, I hope you are all snuggled in doing what you love. There is something said about a snowfall, it can be so peaceful and beautiful.