October Surprise

This morning was probably the coolest morning we have had, but I had the most wonderful surprise. This iris is called City Lights and although I knew it was a re-bloomer, I had no idea it would bloom again this late in the year. After the busy couple of weeks I have had, this was just kind of a little gift for me when I walked out today. What's blooming in your garden?

I'm Your Fan Friday

One of the things I have really enjoyed since I have started making jewelry and Blogging, is that I see what other designers and bloggers are doing as well. I love commenting when I can and getting comments, and so often I see so many things that I really, really like, but for some reason I can't share them at the time. I'm your fan Friday came out of that need to share pretty things and great ideas. On Friday's I am planning to gather some links to things that I have really enjoyed during the week and feature them here. This friday I am your Fan:

Bits n Beads by Gilliauna

I love a lot of her work but I think the knotted pearl and Jade necklace has to be one of my favorites. The funny part is, I don't usually like necklaces. I love this one though. Check out her blog at and her website.


I am also a big fan of Dana over at  Dana's jewelry designs. I love tutorials of any kind and Dana posted one this past week that made swirls and curls look easy, ( I am still having a hard time keeping them even.) Dana also makes awesome jewelry pouches and Gem Trees. You can find her work at Artfire. Take a minute to check out their shops. I think you will be certain to find something you like.

Take a minute to check out their shops. I think you will be certain to find something you like.

Thursdays Thoughts

Fable of the porcupine:

 

It was the coldest winter ever. Many animals died because of 
the cold. The porcupines, realizing the situation, decided to group together. 
This way they covered and protected themselves; but the quills of each one 
wounded their closest companions even though they gave off heat to each 
other.

 

After awhile, they decided to distance themselves one from the 
other and they began to die, alone and frozen.

 

So they had to make a choice: either accept the quills of 
their companions or disappear from the Earth.

 

Wisely, they decided to go back to being together. This way 
they learned to live with the little wounds that were caused by the close 
relationship with their companions, but the most important part of it was the 
heat that came from the others.  This way they were able to 
survive.

 

Moral of the story:

 

The best relationship is not the one that brings together 
perfect  people, but the best is when each individual learns to live with 
the imperfections of another and can admire the other person's good 
qualities.

Wednesday's Word

God has promised forgiveness to your repentance, but He has not promised tomorrow to your procrastination.

Augustine
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Tuesday's Tip

Unlike most other tips I have posted on Tuesdays, this one isn't really about saving money. Well, maybe it is depending on how you look at it. I recently took a trip to Gatlinburg, Tn to meet some family and I had a great time while I was there. Everything was decorated for the fall season and as I was shopping in the "Village" for some cinnamon bread from the Donut Friar, I couldn't help thinking how creative some people are. I know that decorators are paid to design displays and it is a year round job, but I never would have thought to make scare crows like these...

I guess the tip I had in mind is to look around and see what can be used in place of something else ( in this case silly "store bought" scare crows.)

 This is definitely a tip I need to practice. 

I can't decide which scare crow I like best. Can you?

Monday's Motivation

OK, it is Monday, I have taken off almost 2 full weeks, having a blast, going on road trips, meeting family etc, but now, it is time to get some new projects going. The weather has turned cooler and there is nothing in the world like October at the beach, ( unless maybe it is April at the beach). I have been picking up shells,

rescuing star fish,

watching pelicans and sandpipers dive and play.

I have even used my entire memory card to make a video of the beach for my sister only to discover that I have no clue how to compress a file, and the video was too large to send via email and or you tube!

I am trying to get started making a few things for the  Christmas Season, and I need to get much busier. Hopefully the rest of this week it will rain and I can get creative.