The town dump

 

We were told to go to the town dump ( in my favorite little town of Cave Creek Az.) I was a little skeptical to say the least...but we went anyway, as you can see it not full of trash.

I want that angel girl in the worst of ways!!

great selection of crosses...I see a new collection in my future.

some really great ironwork...unfortunately my suitcase is way too small!

We went to beautiful Sedona yesterday....it was an awwww kind of day!

Sunshine and Relaxation

Home again, home again....we just returned from a very relaxing trip to Orlando Florida. Yes, relaxing even in Orlando. My hubby travels a lot and when he goes somewhere good I try to join him. We spent two days at the parks....one day at Universal and the other at Animal Kingdom. My 'bad" leg does not let me do the running around I used to do, so 2 park days was just enough.... plus it was soooooo stinking hot. We had a great time and enjoyed the pool at the resort...me lathered up in my 50 SPF in the shade with a good book and something a little fruity, it was wonderful! 

 Since I forgot my camera I used my trusty well loved I-phone. Y'all know how much I love the Instagram photo app and used it on all of my pictures.

 

I just love this picture....even without seeing Nick's face I know there is a big smile! 

My boys!

The Tree of Life

Animal Kingdom

 what did you say? you want me to do something?

can't you see I am... 

ahhhhh....it was just what I needed. 

Show stock and packed bags

I have been working like a crazy fool trying to get as much done before I leave for a trip to Connecticut and Massachusetts for 10 days. I do not know what I was thinking when I extended my trip from 5 days to 10 days, especially at this time of year, since I am in show mode. I know when I see my sister at the airport all the anxiety about work will  leave, and knowing I will enjoy some yummy lobster while I am visiting helps too! My hubby will be joining me later in the week so we can attend the wedding of a good friend.

 me and my sister Susan

Here are a few things I have been working on.

 I love this great hand component from Micheal's. Paired with chunky Opalite, peace resin pendant, etched copper tag "Inspire" and sterling wire wrapped copper bead.

"Blessed"

When I look at this piece I think of all the blessings in my life and realize how blessed I am and how lucky I am to have the most fantabulous husband and son. To live my life freely and joyfully without restraints, something that is taken for granted by so many. I am truly blessed with family and friends, health and purring kitties and the ability to create what I want when I want. 

 I bet you can't guess what the platform for this pendant is? I repurposed something and it is vintage.

"Starling"

My attempt at something a bit "goth"..

Resin pendant created from vintage dictionary illustration, Czech glass beads and brass and black chain. 

 I hope you all have a blessed week!

Home Sweet Home

It feels so good to be home! Although I have been home for 4 days I am looking forward to Monday to get back into some sort of routine. We had a great trip in Connecticut visiting with family and friends and attending the wedding of our good friends son Matt.

~ Matt & Erin~

When you live away from all of you family it is always tricky trying to fit everyone in and to try to see all of your old friends as well. It was nice that the heat wave of New England mellowed a bit for our visit and gave us a respite from the heat of Tennessee as well.

 my brother Tim and my niece Lisa

During our visit I celebrated my birthday....the "BIG" one, if you know what I mean. I am not saying it so you are on your own for that. My girlfriend Eileen hosted a birthday celebration for me with some of our good friends. It was so great to see everyone, I realize how much I miss them all. I did some antiquing with the girls and had a full suitcase of treasures to bring home. There is nothing like old stuff from New England...I am in my glory in an old shop full of junk!

I also got to visit with my best friend Donna from high school. We had not seen each other for 8 years and it felt like I had just seen her yesterday. That is a true friendship.

We stayed with my sister Susan the last 3 days of our trip. We enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the beach and I finally got to have the lobster I was dying for....it was so good!

 Our boys...

My son Nick on the (L) and his cousins Nate and Chad

...and we can not forget her other "son" Wilson. It is like have another person with you.

Back to whatever normal is tomorrow...

thanks for stopping by.

Western Travels

Our visit out west was incredible, it was a really wonderful journey. We had never been to Nevada before and was awe struck by its beauty. I loved the western feel and the people of the area where so kind. Horse ranches were everywhere, after all Nevada is called the "Rodeo State". I hope you will enjoy the pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them.

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.
Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.
The winds will blow their own freshness into you...
while cares will drop off like autumn leaves."

-- John Muir (1838-1914) author and naturalist

Going over the pass to South Tahoe

...here I am trying not to get too close to the edge, it was just a little too scary!

All the snow was such a surprise!

"Nobody trips over mountains. It is the small pebble that causes you to stumble. Pass all the pebbles in your path and you will find you have crossed the mountain."
-- Author Unknown

Minden, Nevada

Horse and cattle ranches everywhere....

Nevada's oldest thirst parlor. This saloon was incredible, completely authentic and all original. Not a museum...a working bar. It was so cool to sit at the bar and enjoy a drink. Many movies have been filmed here.

Minden is at the base of the Sierra Nevada range and has an elevation of 4,700 feet above sea level. Life in Minden offers small town living with all the facilities of Lake Tahoe (20-25 minutes drive) or Reno (45 minutes). Population 3000+.

We left Minden and headed to the San Fransico area to visit with friends in Walnut Creek. I decided to wear shorts and flip flops as it was sunny and the morning was warming up. It was 67 degrees when we left and started our climb through the mountains. When we reached the following picture it was at 36 degrees. The highest elevation we reached that day was 9000 ft.

Stretching from the Sacramento Valley of California to the Carson Valley in Nevada, this 58-mile byway winds its way through the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, reaches the summit at Carson Pass, and ends up on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada.

One of the most visually dramatic of the trans-Sierra highways in California, you will witness views of ragged volcanic skylines, cool green meadows, mountain lakes framed by timber-covered slopes, adventure-filled rock valleys, and distant mountain peaks.

Mount Diablo is a mountain in Contra Costa County, California in the San Francisco Bay Area, located south of the town of Clayton and northeast of Danville. It is an isolated upthrust peak of 3,864 feet (1,178 m), visible from most of the San Francisco Bay Area and much of northern California.

View from Mt. Daiblo