This is going to be a quick post, just to let everyone know that I'm not going to fall back into old habits. I will not let my blog die!
I am committed to harnessing my own energy and making it work for me, setting a goal and achieving it. But, for this year's resolutions, there are no "I will lose 10 pounds" or 20 or 30. There will be no, "I will join a networking group to further market myself and my business".
No, sirree Bob! This year I resolve to:
...Follow my own creative instinct and not be influenced by what the market is craving
...Enjoy my children while they are still interested in being enjoyed. Time races by and, cliche or not, they will be grown and gone in the blink of an eye. I do not want my most important life's work to fall behind and never be accomplished. I will be a good parent
...Make a budget and stick to it. Life is too short to worry about finances every second of every day
...Live a dream. Take something off my list and just do it, no matter how far-fetched it seems
...Finish editing my book and submit it. Four years is long enough for revisions. It's time
...Lose 5 pounds
O.K., old habits die hard. At least I'm more realistic this year.
So, all of that being said, I have worked my ass off this week, even though I have been practically bedridden with bronchitis and I will be posting a load of pictures tommorrow. Before I leave for the beach to watch fireworks, loaded down with a bottle of wine, a blanket, a picnic basket and my wonderful family, I will fulfill my professional obligations.
Promise, even though it's New Year's Eve.
See you in the a.m.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
Merry Christmas
My dad has cancer.
He's had cancer for a long time now. Almost as long as my little boy has been alive. I remember when we first found out. It was just a couple of days before my home was struck by a devastating C3 hurricane. I remember looking out into the night, the winds still howling, seeing through the dark at the destruction of my home, my property, my neighborhood. I remember just standing and crying and saying, "It's too much. It's just too much." For one of the very few times in my adult life, I cried and I couldn't stop.
So now, we wait for his latest scan, to see if he's clear for a while. We hope so. Last year at Christmas, he was in the hospital, an infection in his arm threatening his health, his life even. Now is better. He's feeling good. Things are stable. It's his birthday today and he's made a milestone. He's Stage 4 but he's hanging in, fighting it with that grim, Midwestern determination.
Since my dad was diagnosed, I've lost two friends to cancer. Carol, who was 40, passed away from ovarian cancer, leaving behind her wonderful daughter Meagan who just turned 18.
Beth, who was also 40, couldn't fight off the breast cancer that had robbed her of her own mother at the same age. She left behind 3 beautiful little boys and a husband we should all be so lucky to have.
I know now what I didn't know four years ago. You fight with your heart and with your spirit. It's not just in your body but in all of you. It's sadly ironic that Beth and Carol, both young and vibrant, are gone, leaving behind more than half their lives, their children and families who love and miss them still. My dad, who has lived his life, seen his family grown and gone, fights on.
Merry Christmas, Beth. Your boys will never forget you and I know you watch over them always.
Merry Christmas, Carol. Your daughter is a beautiful, amazing girl and you could only ever be proud of her.
I miss you both.
He's had cancer for a long time now. Almost as long as my little boy has been alive. I remember when we first found out. It was just a couple of days before my home was struck by a devastating C3 hurricane. I remember looking out into the night, the winds still howling, seeing through the dark at the destruction of my home, my property, my neighborhood. I remember just standing and crying and saying, "It's too much. It's just too much." For one of the very few times in my adult life, I cried and I couldn't stop.
So now, we wait for his latest scan, to see if he's clear for a while. We hope so. Last year at Christmas, he was in the hospital, an infection in his arm threatening his health, his life even. Now is better. He's feeling good. Things are stable. It's his birthday today and he's made a milestone. He's Stage 4 but he's hanging in, fighting it with that grim, Midwestern determination.
Since my dad was diagnosed, I've lost two friends to cancer. Carol, who was 40, passed away from ovarian cancer, leaving behind her wonderful daughter Meagan who just turned 18.
Beth, who was also 40, couldn't fight off the breast cancer that had robbed her of her own mother at the same age. She left behind 3 beautiful little boys and a husband we should all be so lucky to have.
I know now what I didn't know four years ago. You fight with your heart and with your spirit. It's not just in your body but in all of you. It's sadly ironic that Beth and Carol, both young and vibrant, are gone, leaving behind more than half their lives, their children and families who love and miss them still. My dad, who has lived his life, seen his family grown and gone, fights on.
Merry Christmas, Beth. Your boys will never forget you and I know you watch over them always.
Merry Christmas, Carol. Your daughter is a beautiful, amazing girl and you could only ever be proud of her.
I miss you both.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Well, s@*#!
I have discovered that my adorable and brilliant son is also a germ carrier extrordinaire. He had the sniffles a few days ago and suddenly I have contracted Typhoid Fever. .... Or a really bad cold.
I have an achey nose, fever, runny head....wait, I think I've got that all messed up. Whatever. I feel like shite.
I love that word, shite. It's so totally foreign and yet so completely familiar. Brilliant! See, there's another foreign yet familiar word. Not that Great Britain is completely foreign. Execpt for some of their food. I mean... Oxtail Soup? Kidney Pie? Blood Pudding? Holy Shite!
All right, let's get off the profanities and move on.
Um, I guess that's all I've got for now.
Oh yeah, more. I'm done Christmas shopping! I even got my kid's picture done. Wanna see? I'll be the first to admit that this is a spectacularly cheesey pose and Connor looks vaugely like a game show host, but still. Cute?
I have an achey nose, fever, runny head....wait, I think I've got that all messed up. Whatever. I feel like shite.
I love that word, shite. It's so totally foreign and yet so completely familiar. Brilliant! See, there's another foreign yet familiar word. Not that Great Britain is completely foreign. Execpt for some of their food. I mean... Oxtail Soup? Kidney Pie? Blood Pudding? Holy Shite!
All right, let's get off the profanities and move on.
Um, I guess that's all I've got for now.
Oh yeah, more. I'm done Christmas shopping! I even got my kid's picture done. Wanna see? I'll be the first to admit that this is a spectacularly cheesey pose and Connor looks vaugely like a game show host, but still. Cute?
OK, now I'm done. Happy trails.
1 comments.
Posted by Rebecca:
Hi Laurie! Thought I'd have a peek at your blog! "Journey's End" is fab and am really pleased to have won New Caledonia. UK food! Yep, all those and more - how about Spotted Dick, Toad In the Hole, Bubble and Squeak, Stargazy Pie, Queen of Puddings? We have so many weird ones! Have to say that Black Pudding (or Blood Pudding) is not my cup of tea, as we say here! Steak & Kidney Pudding though (has to be done with suet and made into a pudding rather than a pie to make it authentic) is FABULOUS! And Bacon Suet Roly Poly - am getting hungry just thinking about it! One slice and you're having to undo the zip on your jeans but ..... ! Anyway, your kids look gorgeous. Am totally in agreement with your take on child rearing, Hollywood and other stuff. I keep a diary but haven't got round to doing an online blog yet - or my book! Have the title and the notes ... must get on with it! Sorry about your father. Mine died two years of early onset Alzheimers and my mother has lost the plot entirely and is on the verge of being committed. Doesn't make life any less stressy - but, hey, it's all a learning experience and a blessing.Have fun.Rebecca
January 20, 2008 @ 9:36 AM
Posted by Rebecca:
Hi Laurie! Thought I'd have a peek at your blog! "Journey's End" is fab and am really pleased to have won New Caledonia. UK food! Yep, all those and more - how about Spotted Dick, Toad In the Hole, Bubble and Squeak, Stargazy Pie, Queen of Puddings? We have so many weird ones! Have to say that Black Pudding (or Blood Pudding) is not my cup of tea, as we say here! Steak & Kidney Pudding though (has to be done with suet and made into a pudding rather than a pie to make it authentic) is FABULOUS! And Bacon Suet Roly Poly - am getting hungry just thinking about it! One slice and you're having to undo the zip on your jeans but ..... ! Anyway, your kids look gorgeous. Am totally in agreement with your take on child rearing, Hollywood and other stuff. I keep a diary but haven't got round to doing an online blog yet - or my book! Have the title and the notes ... must get on with it! Sorry about your father. Mine died two years of early onset Alzheimers and my mother has lost the plot entirely and is on the verge of being committed. Doesn't make life any less stressy - but, hey, it's all a learning experience and a blessing.Have fun.Rebecca
January 20, 2008 @ 9:36 AM
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Where am I?
Have you ever had a moment, not exactly an epiphany but kind of like an awakening? Maybe where you're in your life, doing your ordinary everyday stuff and all of the sudden you're like "Where am I? Who am I and why am I wearing these shoes?"
I, of course, am not meaning in a literal sense but in a soul-deep and much more profound way.
This happened to me last week. I just sort of woke up and was a little bit suprised by the shoes I was wearing and the places I was going and the things that were coming out of my own mouth. How did I get here and is this where I really want to be? What happened to the person I used to be. I was an individualist, a little bit reckless and a lot bit impulsive. I was never a follower, always a trend-setter. I was not Miss Popularity, but I chose specifically the friends I wanted and made them my own. I was a doer, not a planner.
Now I am a planner and a doer. An organizer. I am safe and somewhat reliable, predictable in many ways. I am flip-flops and trips to the mall. I am no longer combat boots and spur of the moment roadtrips.
Of course, some things have to change when you have kids and I recognize that. But my core self? Did that need to change?
And what caused this change? Was it the influence of others, which I have long resisted, lulling me into suburban complacency? Was it the natural desire of the aging to be part of a pack, for the purpose of safety? Was it a desire for conformity for the sake of my children?
I don't know, but I am wondering.
I, of course, am not meaning in a literal sense but in a soul-deep and much more profound way.
This happened to me last week. I just sort of woke up and was a little bit suprised by the shoes I was wearing and the places I was going and the things that were coming out of my own mouth. How did I get here and is this where I really want to be? What happened to the person I used to be. I was an individualist, a little bit reckless and a lot bit impulsive. I was never a follower, always a trend-setter. I was not Miss Popularity, but I chose specifically the friends I wanted and made them my own. I was a doer, not a planner.
Now I am a planner and a doer. An organizer. I am safe and somewhat reliable, predictable in many ways. I am flip-flops and trips to the mall. I am no longer combat boots and spur of the moment roadtrips.
Of course, some things have to change when you have kids and I recognize that. But my core self? Did that need to change?
And what caused this change? Was it the influence of others, which I have long resisted, lulling me into suburban complacency? Was it the natural desire of the aging to be part of a pack, for the purpose of safety? Was it a desire for conformity for the sake of my children?
I don't know, but I am wondering.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Right, Left, Right
Hi!
Well, I did finish up with my classes, but I didn't get two A's. I got a B in one class. I just couldn't do it. I had time to do the final assignment, but it felt like I hadn't seen the kids in days and nothing was getting done around the house. I had a bunch of bead designs running around in my head and I didn't have time to get to them.
So, I did something I never do. I blew off the last paper. Even as an adult, it's so ingrained into my Midwestern brain to work hard, do my best and finish what I start that I could barely make myself not do it. But I did. I feel so free!
I probably should have learned how to do that years ago. Put the small things aside and focus on the big picture. I wish I had, about a lot of things. Maybe this was like a baby step on my way to bigger things.
No new beads, though. Maybe tomorrow.
1 comments.
Posted by Toni Drew:
Good for you a B is good shoot pat yourself on the back for that. ;)
December 12, 2007 @ 12:53 PM
Well, I did finish up with my classes, but I didn't get two A's. I got a B in one class. I just couldn't do it. I had time to do the final assignment, but it felt like I hadn't seen the kids in days and nothing was getting done around the house. I had a bunch of bead designs running around in my head and I didn't have time to get to them.
So, I did something I never do. I blew off the last paper. Even as an adult, it's so ingrained into my Midwestern brain to work hard, do my best and finish what I start that I could barely make myself not do it. But I did. I feel so free!
I probably should have learned how to do that years ago. Put the small things aside and focus on the big picture. I wish I had, about a lot of things. Maybe this was like a baby step on my way to bigger things.
No new beads, though. Maybe tomorrow.
1 comments.
Posted by Toni Drew:
Good for you a B is good shoot pat yourself on the back for that. ;)
December 12, 2007 @ 12:53 PM
Monday, December 10, 2007
New Leaf Turning
Well, this is me, turning over the proverbial new leaf. Is that a proverb? I doubt but I'm going to leave it in just the same.
Well, I take my last Final tonight and then I'm done with the semester. That's another thing I failed to mention as a potential reason for my 'bad blogging'. I've been in school full-time this last semester. Well, part-time and two-thirds. I have two courses but they both have labs so that equals almost a full course load. For somebody who hasn't been in college for eight years, it's plenty!
I got an A in one class and I'm headed for an A in the other. I got completely swamped and totally stressed out and my husband kept saying things like "Why do you care?" and "The grades don't matter, you're not doing it for a degree."
Is he crazy? Grades don't matter? Puh-lease. I am incapable of doing a half-a** job on anything. Or not intentionally, anyway. Except this blog.
I'm also writing a book. I have been working on it for about three years and I'm nearly done with the final edit. I am hoping to have it ready for submittal sometime in January. Wish me luck.
In my spare time I like to volunteer with turtle rescue, work with puppies and small children and...... wait a minute. What spare time?
However, I did make these beads this week. They will be on eBay tonight.
DUNE
Well, I take my last Final tonight and then I'm done with the semester. That's another thing I failed to mention as a potential reason for my 'bad blogging'. I've been in school full-time this last semester. Well, part-time and two-thirds. I have two courses but they both have labs so that equals almost a full course load. For somebody who hasn't been in college for eight years, it's plenty!
I got an A in one class and I'm headed for an A in the other. I got completely swamped and totally stressed out and my husband kept saying things like "Why do you care?" and "The grades don't matter, you're not doing it for a degree."
Is he crazy? Grades don't matter? Puh-lease. I am incapable of doing a half-a** job on anything. Or not intentionally, anyway. Except this blog.
I'm also writing a book. I have been working on it for about three years and I'm nearly done with the final edit. I am hoping to have it ready for submittal sometime in January. Wish me luck.
In my spare time I like to volunteer with turtle rescue, work with puppies and small children and...... wait a minute. What spare time?
However, I did make these beads this week. They will be on eBay tonight.
DUNE
Painted Ladies - RUMBA
Have a great day!
1 comments.
Posted by Kim:
Are the rumba beads from a Sarah Hornik class? They look like her inspiration. Pretty colors.
December 13, 2007 @ 2:43 PM
Saturday, December 8, 2007
I have fallen back onto the face of the earth!
O.K., news flash here, so get ready........ I am a horrible blogger.
Yes, I know it's hard to believe, but it seems to be true. Not only do I not update on a regular basis, but I also do not respond to people who leave me messages.
Let me 'splain.
First of all, I am inconsistent because I have an extrordinarily dull life. Busy, but dull. There's just not that much going on. I mean, if anyone really wants to hear about my son's kindergarten Halloween party or my daughter's softball hitting clinic, I will be happy to share, but I just don't see it.
Second of all, I have gotten some very nice messages from those of you who have been able to slog through the tedium of this page. I thank you. It makes me feel warm and squishy inside. I would very much like to respond individually, but don't know how. I am dumb. I apologize.
All that being said, Connor's party was a fabulous success and Anna is now the greatest softball player in Central Florida!!!!!!!
Seriously, though, here's some beads I been a 'makin. (pics removed)
Thanks for checking in and I promise to go climb a mountain or go cave diving or something so that I have some good stuff for in here.
Yes, I know it's hard to believe, but it seems to be true. Not only do I not update on a regular basis, but I also do not respond to people who leave me messages.
Let me 'splain.
First of all, I am inconsistent because I have an extrordinarily dull life. Busy, but dull. There's just not that much going on. I mean, if anyone really wants to hear about my son's kindergarten Halloween party or my daughter's softball hitting clinic, I will be happy to share, but I just don't see it.
Second of all, I have gotten some very nice messages from those of you who have been able to slog through the tedium of this page. I thank you. It makes me feel warm and squishy inside. I would very much like to respond individually, but don't know how. I am dumb. I apologize.
All that being said, Connor's party was a fabulous success and Anna is now the greatest softball player in Central Florida!!!!!!!
Seriously, though, here's some beads I been a 'makin. (pics removed)
Thanks for checking in and I promise to go climb a mountain or go cave diving or something so that I have some good stuff for in here.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
One Hit Wonders
It's been a long time since I rock and rolled....
If you could actually hear me singing that, it would seem much funnier.
Well, I've been absent and blessedly silent for a while. Things have been hectic. I've had a lot of school work to do, the kids have been busy, I've been planning my annual Veteren's Day party, and volunteering quite a bit. It gets to be too much sometimes and I have to take a hiatus.
I think my brain sort of shuts down it's creative side during that time and I'm unable to focus when I get to the torch. The will is there and the desire is there, but the well is empty of inspiration. I'm hoping that next week I'll be fully refreshed and ready to put out some ideas.
I have to admit that I've been a little frustrated lately, too. I see certain beadmakers who are riding a wave a success that is based so much on formulaic creation that it saddens me. What I mean is, they sort of don't really know much technique but they stumble across an idea that people take to and then they just keep making the same bead or beads over and over again. Different colors and different glass, but just the same rehashed idea. To some people, this is a 'signature' but I think of signature more as a style, not a specific bead.
They make these Stepford Beads continually, market themselves, and the next thing you know, they are a sensation. Everyone is blowing up about how innovative and talented they are but, in reality, if you asked them to make another kind of bead, they probably couldn't do it. They don't know the basics. I guess it's all in the marketing. They are like a certain extremely famous glass blower who doesn't actually blow glass who shall remain nameless.
I guess it's just me. Jealousy? You betcha. I work hard, try new things continuously, and work very hard on perfecting technique. That's important to me.
All right, already. I'll go whine elsewhere and try to figure out a signature piece that will set the lampworking community on fire.
Hee hee. Get it? Lampworking...fire?
1 comments.
Posted by Rebecca:
Hi Laurie. Should have commented on this one earlier - got way too carried away with the Toad in the Hole stuff etc. Recognised instantly your comments about beadmakers jumping on one set design and simply churning out endless "varieties" of the same thing. What I find mind boggling is the amount of money people seem prepared to fork out for the same thing over and over. Presumably they make the same fairly formulaic stuff from them which sells and that's part of the reason but the AMOUNT they seem prepared to pay is just staggering. What I absolutely love about your beads is their uniqueness which is why none of yours are going anywhere else. And they really grow on you. The more I look the more I see. "Journeys End" is a fantastic example of that and has become a constant companion. I just like to look at it and hold it. Very mesmerising. I would put in a "please don't do anything formulaic" plea except that I sense that's the last thing you really intend to do! Hooray! Enjoy your weekend.
February 1, 2008 @ 1:03 PM
If you could actually hear me singing that, it would seem much funnier.
Well, I've been absent and blessedly silent for a while. Things have been hectic. I've had a lot of school work to do, the kids have been busy, I've been planning my annual Veteren's Day party, and volunteering quite a bit. It gets to be too much sometimes and I have to take a hiatus.
I think my brain sort of shuts down it's creative side during that time and I'm unable to focus when I get to the torch. The will is there and the desire is there, but the well is empty of inspiration. I'm hoping that next week I'll be fully refreshed and ready to put out some ideas.
I have to admit that I've been a little frustrated lately, too. I see certain beadmakers who are riding a wave a success that is based so much on formulaic creation that it saddens me. What I mean is, they sort of don't really know much technique but they stumble across an idea that people take to and then they just keep making the same bead or beads over and over again. Different colors and different glass, but just the same rehashed idea. To some people, this is a 'signature' but I think of signature more as a style, not a specific bead.
They make these Stepford Beads continually, market themselves, and the next thing you know, they are a sensation. Everyone is blowing up about how innovative and talented they are but, in reality, if you asked them to make another kind of bead, they probably couldn't do it. They don't know the basics. I guess it's all in the marketing. They are like a certain extremely famous glass blower who doesn't actually blow glass who shall remain nameless.
I guess it's just me. Jealousy? You betcha. I work hard, try new things continuously, and work very hard on perfecting technique. That's important to me.
All right, already. I'll go whine elsewhere and try to figure out a signature piece that will set the lampworking community on fire.
Hee hee. Get it? Lampworking...fire?
1 comments.
Posted by Rebecca:
Hi Laurie. Should have commented on this one earlier - got way too carried away with the Toad in the Hole stuff etc. Recognised instantly your comments about beadmakers jumping on one set design and simply churning out endless "varieties" of the same thing. What I find mind boggling is the amount of money people seem prepared to fork out for the same thing over and over. Presumably they make the same fairly formulaic stuff from them which sells and that's part of the reason but the AMOUNT they seem prepared to pay is just staggering. What I absolutely love about your beads is their uniqueness which is why none of yours are going anywhere else. And they really grow on you. The more I look the more I see. "Journeys End" is a fantastic example of that and has become a constant companion. I just like to look at it and hold it. Very mesmerising. I would put in a "please don't do anything formulaic" plea except that I sense that's the last thing you really intend to do! Hooray! Enjoy your weekend.
February 1, 2008 @ 1:03 PM
Monday, October 22, 2007
Coming around and going around
Wow, I thought I'd try something different this week and list a set of beads that I totally loved. They were the most gorgeous complex dots in these delicious autumn colors. I thought they'd go like wildfire.
Guess what....nada bidda. No interest. So sad. I just love them and think they are some of the prettiest beads I've done in a long while. Oh well, live and learn.
If anybody's out there, I'd love to hear some feedback. What's wrong with those beads?
Speaking of something different...I reached out to this guy I used to know in HS today. We were just friends but, after viewing some pics from my HS reunion, I thought, what the 'H', I'll see what he's up to. I haven't talked to him in like, 10 years. It should be fun. I'll keep you updated on what happens. It'll be like a tela novela!
Or not.
Pura Vida
Guess what....nada bidda. No interest. So sad. I just love them and think they are some of the prettiest beads I've done in a long while. Oh well, live and learn.
If anybody's out there, I'd love to hear some feedback. What's wrong with those beads?
Speaking of something different...I reached out to this guy I used to know in HS today. We were just friends but, after viewing some pics from my HS reunion, I thought, what the 'H', I'll see what he's up to. I haven't talked to him in like, 10 years. It should be fun. I'll keep you updated on what happens. It'll be like a tela novela!
Or not.
Pura Vida
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Back on Track
I'm back on the horse again, as it were. No more glum posts. The rainy weather is over and the October breezes have moved in. Perfect weather for opening up the studio and really getting my flame on. I've been working on focals lately and some dot beads. I like dots because they force you to really concentrate on the technical aspects of beadmaking; color reaction, size control, accuracy. If, as a bead lover, you think dot beads are simplistic, think again. They are one of the hardest kinds of bead to make, I can assure you.
Here's what I have listed on eBay this week:
Here's what I have listed on eBay this week:
My parents are here for the winter. Yay!
My daughter got moved out of her classroom at school and into a new class. The teacher/student ratio was over the legal limit, so they had to form a new class. Very hard on a nine year old to have to get booted out and start over from scratch after two months making friends and getting to know her new teacher. Booooo!
My daughter got moved out of her classroom at school and into a new class. The teacher/student ratio was over the legal limit, so they had to form a new class. Very hard on a nine year old to have to get booted out and start over from scratch after two months making friends and getting to know her new teacher. Booooo!
Well, speaking of Boo, I'll be working very hard and decorating my yard for the big Spooktacular that is my Halloween celebration. Can't wait. So fun!
Have a great day. (or week)
Laurie
Have a great day. (or week)
Laurie
Friday, October 5, 2007
Sweet October
It's raining today, hence my presence here. Don't get me wrong, I love rainy weather. Love it, Love it, Love it.
Let me 'splain. I am a random free-thinker who doesn't particularly enjoy the company of other people. I sometimes don't even enjoy my own company. Rainy days provide me with the perfect excuse. Actually, they make it so I don't need an excuse at all. An excuse to stay inside, watching Lord of the Rings and 90's slacker movies and eating my kids prepackaged lunch box snack cakes. I don't have to feel guilty for missing out on 'Lunch with Girlfriends' or skipping that 4,000th trip to the park. It's perfectly acceptable to stay inside while pot roast bubbles in the crockpot and weeds visibly sprout taller in the flower beads.
I love rainy weather!
I did, however, in a burst of non-slackerism, clean off my work bench this week and make a couple of sets of beads and some new focals. Nice, stormy day activities.
Here's wishing you some lovely, soothing rain.
Let me 'splain. I am a random free-thinker who doesn't particularly enjoy the company of other people. I sometimes don't even enjoy my own company. Rainy days provide me with the perfect excuse. Actually, they make it so I don't need an excuse at all. An excuse to stay inside, watching Lord of the Rings and 90's slacker movies and eating my kids prepackaged lunch box snack cakes. I don't have to feel guilty for missing out on 'Lunch with Girlfriends' or skipping that 4,000th trip to the park. It's perfectly acceptable to stay inside while pot roast bubbles in the crockpot and weeds visibly sprout taller in the flower beads.
I love rainy weather!
I did, however, in a burst of non-slackerism, clean off my work bench this week and make a couple of sets of beads and some new focals. Nice, stormy day activities.
Here's wishing you some lovely, soothing rain.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
The Wheel
So, I'm doing pretty well in school. Yeah, those are words I never expected to hear myself saying at my age. (Am also not telling you all my age!)
It's been a frustrating week. First and most horribly, Connor broke his arm on the playground at school. It was awful, getting that call, racing down to the school to pick him up. I get so queasy in any sort of 'grossly swollen' or 'horribly twisted' or 'pointed the wrong direction' sort of medical situation that I almost passed out on the floor of the school clinic. I know that I was almost passing out because I have done it before, in a similar situation. I ended up breaking my own nose, that time. Fortunately I managed to restrain myself and, instead, ran to the bathroom and threw up.
His teacher asks me, "He jumped off the monkey bars. He must have landed wrong. Are you upset with me?"
In theory, no I am not upset with her. It was not her fault. She has 18 other children to watch and cannot follow behind him, arms upstretched to catch him when he falls (jumps). Besides, that child is not referred to as Monkey Boy for nothing.
However..... I want to yell at her, "I managed to keep him safe, happy and whole for 5 1/2 years. You have him for 3 weeks...3 WEEKS...and he's broken. What the h#** is going on?" Somehow I managed to restrain myself, smile politely and say.."Well, he's a very active little boy."
Good for me. I am patting myself on the back as I type this. ( and that ain't easy, let me tell ya!)
Oh, and another really sucky part is now my husband is stuck coaching a T-ball team that his own son can't even play on. Ironic.
It's been a frustrating week. First and most horribly, Connor broke his arm on the playground at school. It was awful, getting that call, racing down to the school to pick him up. I get so queasy in any sort of 'grossly swollen' or 'horribly twisted' or 'pointed the wrong direction' sort of medical situation that I almost passed out on the floor of the school clinic. I know that I was almost passing out because I have done it before, in a similar situation. I ended up breaking my own nose, that time. Fortunately I managed to restrain myself and, instead, ran to the bathroom and threw up.
His teacher asks me, "He jumped off the monkey bars. He must have landed wrong. Are you upset with me?"
In theory, no I am not upset with her. It was not her fault. She has 18 other children to watch and cannot follow behind him, arms upstretched to catch him when he falls (jumps). Besides, that child is not referred to as Monkey Boy for nothing.
However..... I want to yell at her, "I managed to keep him safe, happy and whole for 5 1/2 years. You have him for 3 weeks...3 WEEKS...and he's broken. What the h#** is going on?" Somehow I managed to restrain myself, smile politely and say.."Well, he's a very active little boy."
Good for me. I am patting myself on the back as I type this. ( and that ain't easy, let me tell ya!)
Oh, and another really sucky part is now my husband is stuck coaching a T-ball team that his own son can't even play on. Ironic.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
So now what....?
Yeah, so the kids are in school. My son started Kindergarten. I'm here. At home. Alone. You probably think that's a good thing, right. Well, maybe so and maybe no.
It's just quiet and a little lonely. I haven't had this much time to myself in ten years.
Upside - I can get my nails done whenever I want. Downside - I never want to get my nails done.
So, there's beads out there to be made, a swimming pool to clean, laundry to refuse to fold, pets to stare at, dinner to dread cooking...You see where I'm headed with this, don't you?
I did register for a couple of classes at the local college, just in case I want to go back to work. I want to go back to work.
More later.
Laurie
1 comments.
Posted by Sue:
Hi LaurieSaw your post in the LE gallery and thought I'd pop over to your website! Nice beads, Loved your gallery post!Read through your blog a bit and totally agree with wondering where others find the time for all the networking/site building and all that stuff! LOL I Was wondering where in florida you are too? I'm in Lake Wales. Maybe sometime we'll meet!Take care!Sue
August 31, 2007 @ 9:21 PM
It's just quiet and a little lonely. I haven't had this much time to myself in ten years.
Upside - I can get my nails done whenever I want. Downside - I never want to get my nails done.
So, there's beads out there to be made, a swimming pool to clean, laundry to refuse to fold, pets to stare at, dinner to dread cooking...You see where I'm headed with this, don't you?
I did register for a couple of classes at the local college, just in case I want to go back to work. I want to go back to work.
More later.
Laurie
1 comments.
Posted by Sue:
Hi LaurieSaw your post in the LE gallery and thought I'd pop over to your website! Nice beads, Loved your gallery post!Read through your blog a bit and totally agree with wondering where others find the time for all the networking/site building and all that stuff! LOL I Was wondering where in florida you are too? I'm in Lake Wales. Maybe sometime we'll meet!Take care!Sue
August 31, 2007 @ 9:21 PM
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Here I am again.....
That should be my personal tag line, "So, here I am....finally"
Seriously, I try to make it here, I do. It's just, I'm really, really busy. But I have been working. I've been listing on a regular basis and I've been filling custom orders like crazy. I'm actually a little behind, because I'm trying to get the kids organized for school. I'm also trying to spend some extra time with my little guy, getting him prepared for a full day away from me. Or vice versa.
Since really buckling down and focusing on my glass business for the past few weeks, I am finding out one thing.... I don't have the time to properly market it. I mean, I see so many artists out there that are totally flinging stuff up on every lampworking sight, networking like crazy, posting pictures all over creation, signing up to be featured artist in publications, etc.... And it's working for them, they're really getting it out there. I, unfortunately, don't seem to be able to do that. Internet marketing just takes up a really lot of time.
I mean, I have two little kids, pets, a house, a husband, a job. How are these other people doing it? I must learn their secrets! (Insert slightly evil sounding laugh here and picture me wringing my hands.)
I am liking Etsy though. I like the way I can put things in my little shop and not worry about them again. I don't have to constantly monitor them. Of course, I'm sure I should be doing more marketing over there, too.
Click here to visit my shop.
I did want to post a preview picture of the beads I'm listing on eBay tonight. It's impossible to see in this photo, but these beads are gorgeous. Very deep, lots of layers, and shimmery with reduced silver. They remind me a little of the waters off the coast of my favorite beach.
Seriously, I try to make it here, I do. It's just, I'm really, really busy. But I have been working. I've been listing on a regular basis and I've been filling custom orders like crazy. I'm actually a little behind, because I'm trying to get the kids organized for school. I'm also trying to spend some extra time with my little guy, getting him prepared for a full day away from me. Or vice versa.
Since really buckling down and focusing on my glass business for the past few weeks, I am finding out one thing.... I don't have the time to properly market it. I mean, I see so many artists out there that are totally flinging stuff up on every lampworking sight, networking like crazy, posting pictures all over creation, signing up to be featured artist in publications, etc.... And it's working for them, they're really getting it out there. I, unfortunately, don't seem to be able to do that. Internet marketing just takes up a really lot of time.
I mean, I have two little kids, pets, a house, a husband, a job. How are these other people doing it? I must learn their secrets! (Insert slightly evil sounding laugh here and picture me wringing my hands.)
I am liking Etsy though. I like the way I can put things in my little shop and not worry about them again. I don't have to constantly monitor them. Of course, I'm sure I should be doing more marketing over there, too.
Click here to visit my shop.
I did want to post a preview picture of the beads I'm listing on eBay tonight. It's impossible to see in this photo, but these beads are gorgeous. Very deep, lots of layers, and shimmery with reduced silver. They remind me a little of the waters off the coast of my favorite beach.
Monday, July 23, 2007
So, the good news is.....
I'm actually still alive. Summer is such a tough time, with both kids home. Little Angels (she says with a grimace thinly disguised as a smile). And it's an extra long summer this year, almost 3 full months. 3 FULL MONTHS!!!!!!!
Actully, we're having fun. It's Connor's last summer before Kindergarten, so I'm trying to soak up the last weeks of his 'babyness' before I send him out into the word where he will discover that I am not all-seeing and all-knowing. I think I'm prepared for the first time he is writing a note and asks how to spell "love" and then, instead of giving it to me, he puts it in his backpack for Miss So-and-So, his teacher. Aaaaaaa!
Oh well, such is life. Anyway, I have new beads on eBay!
Thanks for checking in and have a great day
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
No, I have not tripped and fallen off the face of the earth!
Wow, it's been a really long time. I can't believe how busy I've been. I just got back from a four day stint in S.Florida. Before that I was sort of hanging out with my parents before they head back north for the summer. Spending time with my kids, as this is my son's last few months before he starts Kindergarten. It's sort of a golden time with him right now, because - as all of us Mommies know- once they start school, they don't really belong to us the way they once did. I learned the hard way with my daughter and I really want to take advantage of this time with my son.
Anyway, I haven't been doing much bead work, though I have had some eBay listings. I've been trying to stay on top of things, mailing out little reminders to check my auctions. I have a plan to re-setup my web store this week. I've let it go for too long, I know, but I haven't had anything to put in it anyway
Well, I'm going to run now and try to get some of these things started. You all have a great day and I promise I'll get things rolling again.
Laurie
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Hi ho, Hi ho
Hey Everybody,
So, I've been working really hard, I'm pleased to say. I've been concentrating on getting some things listed, filling orders, shipping out stuff and, in my free time, experimenting with some new techniques and glass colors. Check out some of the new beads at the website, eBay, or on BeadArtists.org and let me know what you think. I'll be posting some new pics tonight.
Oh yeah, did I mention that my kids are home on Spring Break this week? No? Well, they are. So the amount of work I'm doing directly relates to how well they play together without squabbling. We're going to the zoo today and the beach on Thursday. A little reward for being so good the last few days.
So, don't forget to have a great day, be nice to somebody for no obvious reason.
Laurie
So, I've been working really hard, I'm pleased to say. I've been concentrating on getting some things listed, filling orders, shipping out stuff and, in my free time, experimenting with some new techniques and glass colors. Check out some of the new beads at the website, eBay, or on BeadArtists.org and let me know what you think. I'll be posting some new pics tonight.
Oh yeah, did I mention that my kids are home on Spring Break this week? No? Well, they are. So the amount of work I'm doing directly relates to how well they play together without squabbling. We're going to the zoo today and the beach on Thursday. A little reward for being so good the last few days.
So, don't forget to have a great day, be nice to somebody for no obvious reason.
Laurie
Monday, March 5, 2007
Opening Day
Hey All,
Well, Softball and Baseball Opening Day was this past Saturday and we all had a great time. My daughters team did outstanding in the skills competitions, winning silver and gold medals in all of the different competitions. Anna actually won the team hitting and the individual hitting competitions for the 8U Division. Little Connor's T-Ball team also did great, winning gold and silver medals in all divisions. His skills group won the throwing competition and he couldn't have been more proud to show off his gold medal to anyone who would listen to his story. What a lot of fun but what a full day! Games actually start on Tuesday. Play Ball!!!!!
I'm going to be temporarily discontinuing the free beads contest. I'm just too busy with orders right now. I can't even seem to get anything listed at auction, I'm selling stuff so quickly. This is a temporary halt, so check back at the website for updates. As soon as I get caught up, I will be restarting the contest. Thanks to all of you who have voted consistently. Your support means the world.
Well, that's it for now. Have a great day!
Laurie
Well, Softball and Baseball Opening Day was this past Saturday and we all had a great time. My daughters team did outstanding in the skills competitions, winning silver and gold medals in all of the different competitions. Anna actually won the team hitting and the individual hitting competitions for the 8U Division. Little Connor's T-Ball team also did great, winning gold and silver medals in all divisions. His skills group won the throwing competition and he couldn't have been more proud to show off his gold medal to anyone who would listen to his story. What a lot of fun but what a full day! Games actually start on Tuesday. Play Ball!!!!!
I'm going to be temporarily discontinuing the free beads contest. I'm just too busy with orders right now. I can't even seem to get anything listed at auction, I'm selling stuff so quickly. This is a temporary halt, so check back at the website for updates. As soon as I get caught up, I will be restarting the contest. Thanks to all of you who have voted consistently. Your support means the world.
Well, that's it for now. Have a great day!
Laurie
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
I've got the fever
Hey All,
Well, I'm back in business. Just sold a lot of about 100 beads to a local shop and I managed to get the Free Beads Monday back in gear. Yay! I'm feeling much more productive now.
I'm also getting ready to purchase an oxygen generator. It's a major purchase but it will pay for itself in just a few months and I will avoid the hassle of dealing with a welding supply company, although my guy is awesome about quick delivery!
I've got a touch of the Spring Fever, I must say, so don't be surprised if every bead I list looks summery and light for a while. My ski trip, followed by weather at home in the 70's and low 80's has just put me in the 'Mood'. I am such a total beach girl, even after all these years. I can hardly wait to hit the sand!
Well, have a good one everybody!
Well, I'm back in business. Just sold a lot of about 100 beads to a local shop and I managed to get the Free Beads Monday back in gear. Yay! I'm feeling much more productive now.
I'm also getting ready to purchase an oxygen generator. It's a major purchase but it will pay for itself in just a few months and I will avoid the hassle of dealing with a welding supply company, although my guy is awesome about quick delivery!
I've got a touch of the Spring Fever, I must say, so don't be surprised if every bead I list looks summery and light for a while. My ski trip, followed by weather at home in the 70's and low 80's has just put me in the 'Mood'. I am such a total beach girl, even after all these years. I can hardly wait to hit the sand!
Well, have a good one everybody!
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Down from the mountain
Hi All,
Well, I made it back from skiing. Despite some heavy snow and blinding wind, we had a great time. Both of the kids learned to ski and thought it was fantastic fun. They are ready to go back again right away. My son had never seen snow, and he was amazed by it. I couldn't hardly keep them inside, even in the worst conditions. They just wanted to sled and through snow around and make snow angels.
Today is Connor's birthday and tommorrow is Anna's. We'll celebrate over the weekend and then it's back to the grindstone. I can't wait.
Have a great day
Well, I made it back from skiing. Despite some heavy snow and blinding wind, we had a great time. Both of the kids learned to ski and thought it was fantastic fun. They are ready to go back again right away. My son had never seen snow, and he was amazed by it. I couldn't hardly keep them inside, even in the worst conditions. They just wanted to sled and through snow around and make snow angels.
Today is Connor's birthday and tommorrow is Anna's. We'll celebrate over the weekend and then it's back to the grindstone. I can't wait.
Have a great day
Monday, February 12, 2007
Up on the mountain
Hi All,
I know I said I'd have some listings this week, but I decided to hold off because we are going on a quick ski trip and I didn't want to be out of town when any auctions were running. I take my laptop, but I don't like to have to keep checking in on it.
This was a last minute trip for the combined birthdays of the kids and I. My birthday is the 17th, Connor's is the 22nd and Anna's is the 23rd. So we just sort of bunched them all together and decided to head for some snow. It's been a very difficult few months for the family, with my Dad's ongoing battle with cancer and the loss of my husband's grandmother at Christmas. And those were just the most dramatic. It seems like every week there is some new crisis. We finally gave up and planned a little trip.
I hope you are all doing well and enjoying whatever comes your way. I'll be in touch next week!
I know I said I'd have some listings this week, but I decided to hold off because we are going on a quick ski trip and I didn't want to be out of town when any auctions were running. I take my laptop, but I don't like to have to keep checking in on it.
This was a last minute trip for the combined birthdays of the kids and I. My birthday is the 17th, Connor's is the 22nd and Anna's is the 23rd. So we just sort of bunched them all together and decided to head for some snow. It's been a very difficult few months for the family, with my Dad's ongoing battle with cancer and the loss of my husband's grandmother at Christmas. And those were just the most dramatic. It seems like every week there is some new crisis. We finally gave up and planned a little trip.
I hope you are all doing well and enjoying whatever comes your way. I'll be in touch next week!
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
On the Blink
Hey All,
Finally, I'm back. My computer was on the blink and I haven't been able to do any work on the website or even update it. Usually I'm pretty good at fixing what ails it, but this time I was stumped. Anyway, got it back yesterday so I've been able to update at long last.
I also made a run up to our neighboring county to the north to donate some blankets and household goods to the tornado victims. The area hit was very working class, for the most part and a lot of those people have just what was in their homes. They don't want to or can't afford to just leave it. They have to stay and there are people camping in tents and in storage sheds right now. My husband and I still have our travel trailer that was wrecked in an accident several months ago. It's not good for travel anymore but it's still in perfect condition inside and everything works just fine. If someone could use it to stay in instead of outside in this cold, it would be good for that. I've been tossing the idea around of letting some family use it.
It's just been too cold to be out in the studio the past week or so. I had some beads ready to list and then ended up selling them locally. However, I do have a set and a couple of focals to list on Wednesday, as well as a relist. Everyone will get a newsletter update and hopefully it will work o.k.
Everything else is just the old same-same, as my son says!
Have a great week.
Finally, I'm back. My computer was on the blink and I haven't been able to do any work on the website or even update it. Usually I'm pretty good at fixing what ails it, but this time I was stumped. Anyway, got it back yesterday so I've been able to update at long last.
I also made a run up to our neighboring county to the north to donate some blankets and household goods to the tornado victims. The area hit was very working class, for the most part and a lot of those people have just what was in their homes. They don't want to or can't afford to just leave it. They have to stay and there are people camping in tents and in storage sheds right now. My husband and I still have our travel trailer that was wrecked in an accident several months ago. It's not good for travel anymore but it's still in perfect condition inside and everything works just fine. If someone could use it to stay in instead of outside in this cold, it would be good for that. I've been tossing the idea around of letting some family use it.
It's just been too cold to be out in the studio the past week or so. I had some beads ready to list and then ended up selling them locally. However, I do have a set and a couple of focals to list on Wednesday, as well as a relist. Everyone will get a newsletter update and hopefully it will work o.k.
Everything else is just the old same-same, as my son says!
Have a great week.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Brand new bag!!!
January
Hi Everybody!
Finally, I have the new site up and running. It's been a long road, with all the bumps you could possibly imagine, but it's almost finished. I don't have the Store running yet, but I will in the next couple of days. I also haven't worked out the bugs in the gallery yet. I can't get the code to work quite right and have images popping up everywhere. But I'll get it.
Anyway, hope you're all having a great weekend and please, if you have the time, take a sec and let me know what you think of the site.
Thanks all!
Hi Everybody!
Finally, I have the new site up and running. It's been a long road, with all the bumps you could possibly imagine, but it's almost finished. I don't have the Store running yet, but I will in the next couple of days. I also haven't worked out the bugs in the gallery yet. I can't get the code to work quite right and have images popping up everywhere. But I'll get it.
Anyway, hope you're all having a great weekend and please, if you have the time, take a sec and let me know what you think of the site.
Thanks all!
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