Karma

Happy New Years Eve! In just about an hour we will be gathering with our funny family to laugh, play games and eat! I'm suppose to be making shrimp dip but as you can see....I decided to blog instead. The dip must wait. Peter and I had a great New Years dinner just the two of us....nothing too fancy. We had those handmade raviolis from the ravioli shop and bread with dipping oil. Yuuummmmyyyyy. I'm stuffed and we haven't gone anywhere yet.

Karma is my sisters crazy little dog pictured above with Peter. She has the loudest most ear piercing yip I've ever heard. My sister has a bark collar for her and once thats on...Karma barks once, gets a little shock and then is quiet the rest of the time. Karma isn't bright enough to realize that the collar is whats zapping her....so this routine of bark once and then get zapped is constant. She is so darn cute however.....I love her. Peter and I thought we'd really get the party started and bring one of our dogs to the gathering tonight. Our dogs are so hyper and so dominating that my sisters dogs get plastered against the wall when there around...afraid to move! No, we won't bring them.....but a fun thought anyways.

Well the hubby has given my fair warning to hurry and make that dip! So enjoy the night and see you in the new year.
Peace.

What do we learn from this?

Just a little something to share.....this is the last of my Tassel Pendants. I picked up my things from the Gallery exhibit at Okee's since she closes her shop until February. I'll be bringing NEW things to her once she re-opens. We are planning a trunk show in March (Springtime!!!) so please stay tuned for information.

Today was a sad day since I attended a funeral for a 23 year old. This young man had his life before him but was shot & killed defending a girl getting beat up. Someone today asked, "What do we learn from this" .....I replied that it should remind us all to be kind to everyone we know or meet, do our best not to be hateful, and to always help those in need......no matter what. Life is too short to be hateful, jealous and nasty. Its hard sometimes not to be overcome by these negative emotions but death certainly puts things back in perspective for us. Hug someone & tell them they are important......you just never know what will happen.

Needless to say, I didn't make any beads today. I'll be at the torch tomorrow bright and early! I will be posting new things either later today (pendants & rings) or tomorrow. The husband wants to watch the movie The Simpsons so I hope you will check in tomorrow.
Be Happy! :) Linda

A New Gallery

I've been busy at the torch and getting ready to take some pics. I'm just waiting for some sunshine! Natural light helps with taking a good image. I need all the help I can get since I don't spend anytime learning what to do with that darn camera. Things will be changing with that however....I'm sick of not knowing so I'm doing something about it!

Along with changing my hairstyle I've changed the look here on my blog. Love the banner.....thanks to good ole buddy MaryJo....she helps me out and trains me on web stuff. I'm learning so much from her! Well along with NEW things happening here I'm also going to be at a new gallery. Well the gallery isn't new...I'm new to IT. For the past two years now I've done a month long holiday gallery show at Okee's located in Honeyoe Falls. She has done very well selling my work so she has asked that I keep things with her year around. Nice. She is a wonderful woman and her gallery/shop is amazing. I always leave inspired by what I've seen there.

Oh, and another NEW thing.....in a few short days you will be able to visit my Etsy Shop!! Another way to get exposure and an opportunity to sell my things. This place could be addicting....lots of cool stuff for sale here. I'll keep you posted and provide you with a link as soon as I'm ready.

Time to clean myself up and head to the studio. I have things to put together and to make!

I was back at the torch yesterday and made a few things. I'll share them with you shortly, I'm working at getting a bunch done & photographed. I've given my muse a creative puzzle to work on.....what she will come up with, I don't know but she has something cooking.

My knitting craze continues. I think its the cold weather that does it to me. I love the colors and textures in the knit shop and I enjoy the challenge of something new. Now, knitting is my mistress (what do you call a male mistress?? A gigilo?).....not my true blue lover. I don't want to send the wrong message here. But, any creative soul knows that mixing it up a bit with a different endeavor stirs the muse. So, I'm stirring. I went to dinner with a friend last night and she asked what NEW bead stuff I'm working on......I said she would have to wait and see just like me! Things aren't always in a neat little package ready to spring out at me....sometimes the cooking process takes time. So, here is one of the few new books I'm combing thru for inspiration. Love the colors, pictures and the things to make. In actuallity, I'll probably only get to one of these projects but some of the ideas here will somehow trickel into my beadmaking I'm sure.

The kiln is warmed up. Mandrels are dipped and I'm ready to roll. I have orders to deal with but will definitly have time to play around with stuff.

What's up for New Year's? I think we will most likely be spending in at home making a great dinner, watching movies and drinking sparkling cider. Typically we go bowling with my sister and her family but I don't think plans have been made for that this year....who knows....things change daily around here.

I'll be back tomorrow!

Merry Christmas! I love the holiday season. Family gatherings, friends, good food and gift giving and getting! Christmas Eve we host at our home and we had plenty of good food and good times. My two nieces and nephew are just too much fun.....we continued the game we were playing at Thanksgiving....well, its not really a game, its a conversation starter type thing. Well, the kids LOVE it! The "game" is called Table Topics and it really gets everyone involved.....even teens and quiet husbands! You really find out lots about one another.

Christmas Eve however did not start out with food preparation or house cleaning as you might expect.....no, I was at the knit shop finsihing up my sisters gift. I figured that I had NO time for mistakes so I chose to sit at the shop and knit my guts out. Plus, lovely Pam took pitty on me and helped me out a lot! The clogs were finished and felted by the time everyone arrived. They were still damp however when I gave them to my sister on Christmas morning. She loved them. I'm making a pair for myself just so I can keep familiar with new knitting techniques that I learned on this project from hell.

Today, the day after Christmas, we have already been out and about. We started with getting our passports.....yes, travel is in my future! Got that taken care of then we headed out to Ulta where I had to get mascara and a cool hair thingie.....you attach it so that it looks like a streak.... bad explaination but I'll show you when I have it in. Now I'm getting ready to go to the hair dresser. I'm getting my hair highlighted and low lighted. A new year and a new do! I sure hope it comes out okay. Tomorrow, I go for my massage and yoga!

Are you wondering about beads at all? I'm a beadmaker and jewelry designer right?! Yes, I'll be back on task tomorrow. I have to take advantage of free time when I get it!

T'was the last day of school......

The energy level has been at record highs this week at school....everyone is awaiting Santa's arrival (or time off from school!). The children can't concentrate on much else....and rightly so. This time of year really is to delight them isn't it? I love seeing their excitement and listening to them anticipate what Santa will bring.

Over the last few art classes I've had second graders rehearse the poem, Twas the Night Before Christmas and illustrate their parts. They will present this poem to the pre-kindergartners, kindergartners and first graders...and at the end of the day at our Holiday Sing a long I'll display a slide presentation of their art work. I selected this image to show you just as an example of their great work.....these kids just amaze me at what they CAN do. Can you believe that this is by a 7 year old? On Christmas Eve I hope to put up the slideshow here for you to look at...maybe include their voices too.

On the bead front: I'll be at the torch for a brief time this weekend filling last minute orders and making some beads to put up for sale. As I've mentioned, I have knitting to finish before Christmas so I need to work at that too. Tonight is dedicated to finishing up shopping!

Enjoy the day! I hope you'll check in tomorrow :)

Have you ever checked the messages inside a Dove chocolate wrapper? These holiday messages are ones that make you think....and do!

I've been going nuts making these fingerless mitts for those on my "nice" list. Remember a few posts back? Buy handmade....or make something? Well, I can only give people just so many jewelry items before they roll there eyes, so this year its knitted items! I've actually had a great time making these. My hands always have to be doing something...this makes for a great activity in front of the television...the re-runs are getting to me!

Tomorrow night is my Sister and I's traditional dinner and pedicure night. We meet at Dominics, have a great dinner and then head off for a pedicure and more girl talk. Yes, I'm bringing my NEW little camera.....an early Christmas present to myself. Can't wait for Friday however....last day for 2 whole weeks! Can you guess what I'll be doing lots of???

Socks and Gloves

I bought this book yesterday when we were out Christmas shopping. I just love it. Billy the dog looks just like our dogs....Winston & China. Over the holiday break I'm going to make a few of these...maybe soon!

Check the bead page later....I'll have a few small sets of beads for sale. And don't forget those buttons. I should have a bunch of earrings up later this week too.

I would love to hear from you.....let me know what you think of my NEW stuff or tell me how your Christmas shopping is going....You need to leave some comments people....please ;)

Some New Things

I've done a little bit of work over the last few days and had to quickly take pictures before delivering them to Spirit Works Knit Shop. One or two may need to have a picture re-do but I'm going to put them up anyways. These are my NEW Large Stacked buttons. These are a fairly good size suitable for sweaters or bags. I'm wild about them and have plans for a few of my own.
I actually forgot to put these up on my site! I'll do that later. These also are stacked buttons. They are a bit smaller in size and are paired with either hearts of flowers.....Lov'em. Its just been a button making bash out in my studio....lots of orders and shops to supply. Here is another of my latest designs....Poppies. All sorts of colors are available. The sculpural quality makes them so organic & flowing.....Beautiful. Well, I have more but you'll just have to look at my Bead & Button page and my Earring page....I'm in process of getting the old stuff off and moving on with the new stuff. About time Huh?! If I had more hours in the day and just one job to focus on then maybe I'd be better....then again, maybe not....I spend a heck of a lot more time at the torch!!

Every year I show this video of Fay's 12 Days of Christmas. The kids love it and I love listening to them try and figure out how & why the dogs have human hands. The conversations they have are priceless! Yesterday, a group was discussing Ruldophs nose and why it wasn't shining when they apparently saw him at the Mall. The explaination I liked best was, "I think Santa puts a clowns nose on Ruldoph thats why its so big" Another said, "Santa is magic and makes Ruldophs nose shine" You just never know what they will come up with next!

This weekend I'm shopping for a gift for myself....I need a little camera to have on myself at all times. We have a small camera now but the husband likes to use it for work. My big, good camera is just to bulky to lug around all the time. I'm really working at taking more pictures so I can show you little tid bits of my life from time to time.

Tonight the plan is to frost cookies and make beads! I get up so darn early that I'm only good for a few tasks at night. Oh, but I will be posting beads in the very near future!

Handmade Continued.......

I'm always making something or else I'm looking for something to make! I have a few knitting projects in the works....gift items so I can't say what exactly these items are since those who are recieving them may be reading. The gifts are coming along fine however I do have one item that is a little challenging...just a little...so I haven't finished this yet and there are just so many days left before Christmas. My dogs are getting gifts too. You know about the sweaters already but I really need to get a move on with finishing these.

I have 2 weeks off for the holidays! I have so many things I want to accomplish that I think a list is in order. Lists work great for me. I like crossing off completed tasks....I feel good about my use of time then. One thing I want to do is make one of these Bears pictured above. There is just something about stuffed animals that I adore. I have a few other projects that I'll attempt at starting. I'm hoping my sister will come to a class with me....its fun working with someone.
I love bags....I hope to start this over the break....I don't expect to finish this- looks complicated- but I'm going to give it a good start.

Buy Handmade

The Grinch is my all time favorite holiday story to watch. It doesn't matter if its the original or the new version with Jim Carey....I just love the Grinch.




Check out this website....www.buyhandmade.org Of course, I like this message!
A handmade gift is so much more meaningful. I like gifts of all sorts but buying or making something handmade is just EXTRA special. The gifts that my husband, father, aunt, or uncle have made me are things that I treasure. So, Buy Handmade people.....or Make something! Nothing says love more than hand crafted goodies.

I'm about to download some NEW items. I had these little lovelies at the Holiday Bazaar and they sold out on the first night! You want to know what they are???.............sorry, you have to check back and find out for yourself.

Good Memories of Horsing Around

On Sunday Peter and I went to watch our neice, Summer, at her horseback riding lesson. It brought back so many wonderful memories for me....I just wanted to get on a horse and go! To me, there is nothing like riding. My dream has always been to own at least one horse...........I just have to keep dreaming.

I made some things on Sunday too. Actually, I plan to take some pictures of them once I get home. Something new and fabulous.

This Sunday I will be at Spirit Works Knit Shop. I'm doing a make and take.....hope you will stop in. I'll be there from noon until 2:00. Short and sweet so don't miss out!

Gotta run....want to get home and bake my mitten cookies!

Oh, What Fun We Had!

Last night was my Tacky Gift Exchange & Cookie Swap. It's always a gamble as to how a holiday party might go. Either many people attend and its great or family commitments and illness keep guests from coming. The crowd last night was perfect. Just the right size actually. I had a few people call at the last minute with issues that kept them away....they were missed but we partied on.

Two great friends surprised me and showed up! Donna and Lisa are dear sweet friends that I just don't see enough of. I hadn't heard if they were going to be able to make it so I was delighted to see them at my door. We have so much "history" together that getting back into each others lives takes mere seconds. Oh, and my sister brought one of her "ole" girlfriends....Danielle....and she was just a riot with her "old stories" I've known Danielle for years too. I was friends with her brothers. She always fills me in with good gossip about my old boyfriend...Howard...but last night I gave her a good scoop to report back to her brothers on. Its great being with good friends....but then the stories of past naughty behavior comes up....that always tarnishes my "snow white" image. She shared a story twice last night which I will not share here but the last time she told it I was laughing so hard that I was actually crying! Oh, my.....youth is such a folly.

This morning I picked up my friend Jean at 7:00 and dragged her to the public market. I should have brought my camera.....the vendors set up in the darkness of early morning was beautiful. Why can't I ever remember that darn camera??? Now, before I picked up Jean I had to take a shot of Pepto since my stomach was a bit upset from last nights indulgences. But....that did not stop my from having a Veggie Emponada with hot sauce at the Empanada Stop at the Public Market.....a favorite little place of mine. Once I got home however I had to take more Pepto and lay down....I hope this isn't really something other than bad food indulgence!

Beads to make later today....I've a bunch of Christmas gift orders to complete. I have studio cleaning to do too. Maybe I'll get my act together and get a picture or two to show you tomorrow.
Happy Saturday......:) Linda

Shame on Me!

Yes, its been awhile since I've posted here. The holiday season makes time just fly by. I've been setting up my display at a gallery in Honeyoe Falls, preparing for a "Santa's Helpers" event at Spirit Works and doing all the other work & family stuff. I'm waiting to exhale after the holidays!

Hmmmm, what to chat about??? Well, we had our holiday book club meeting last night a Phillips European...a delightful resturant with the most fabulous desserts. The book we discussed, The Remainder, was given a thumbs down by most all of us. Sue, is our perpetual Silver Lining girl....she finds the best in everything. She was the only one who claimed to LOVE the book. My secret goal is to find a book she HATES just as passionately as she likes things :) Not really, but you do begin to wonder what would make her not like something.

At our holiday book club we swap gifts. Its always fun to see what we all get. You see you just buy a gift and we draw numbers. The person who is number 1 gets to chose first....the next person can take the gift that number one opened or take an unwrapped one....and so on. Its great fun. Everyone is "nice" generally....but every once and a while someone with take a gift. I like when that happens....gets the blood pressure and nerves going. I ended up with a package of Burts Bee's lip glosses, a Vera Bradley make up bag, blueberry jam and a mitten cookie cutter. I love them all!

Next Friday night is my Tacky Gift and Cookie Exchange. Its s fun girls night out. Of course I've sent out invites but haven't heard back as to who is coming. I know my book worm buddies will be here but, who knows, that might be it!! I'm sure others will come but I always worry like that. With a gathering happening here, you know I'll have to transform into June Cleaver and start cleaning this weekend.....I hate that!

I continue to plug away at creating things but I will admit, I've slowed down a bit. We are approaching the years end and thats generally the time when I can take a short but needed break from the break neck pace. I have a number of things brewing for mid Winter so don't you think for one minute that I'm resting on my laurels! Just a sweet bit of down time to re-energize.

Ahhhhhhhhh........

Well the Holiday Bazaar is done. Its such a wonderful feeling to have that release...show is over, the packing, the displaying and the take down is completed. I feel so relaxed after a show. I can't relax too long however. I have a gallery exhibit for the month of December in Honeoye. I'll be posting directions and more info later.

Shows are so hard or impossible to predict. Nothing is in stone and you certainly can't rely on good crowds or good sales. A friend and neighbor at the show....a glassblower named Alex, was down in the dumps about the show....his sales weren't up to par so he said. My sales were down slightly but I definitly can't complain one bit. He actually asked if he could work for me....jokingly of course. Friday night was extremely busy for me but Saturday was rather slow...and Sunday was fairly busy. Its just not like art festivals of the summer months. I had to keep reminding Alex of that before he through himself off the belcony.

One of the most exciting things this weekend was the wonderful response to my new necklace design. I introduced this necklace at Clothesline (they sold out) and made a few more for the Bazaar.....they sold out Friday night...therefore I don't have any images!!!!! Dont' worry, I'm working on more and will show them off on my site soon. I actually had a customer come back on Sunday to tell me how many compliments she has recieved wearing it. She also mentioned she wore it to a knitting group meeting and as she put it, "everyone was examining it to see how it was done" Great. My design will be knocked off before I can get an image up here!!! I hope not. But, some people just don't get it....they don't see how inappropriate it is to copy a design with little to no variation. Happily, I don't focus to much on this little issue. But I did get a laugh when my husband pointed out that this place was advertising a copy right and legal rights course.

Well, I'm heading to the couch to do nothing but watch t.v. I deserve a break....right??? Oh, check in on Friday. I will have a holiday give away....see what I've unearthed in my studio.

A Welcomed Long Weekend

We have a long weekend and boy was I looking forward to it. Yes, relaxing just a bit but what I really wanted was some extended time at the torch. Next weekend is the Holiday Bazaar and I am in desparate need of stuff....all my stuff is either sold or at the Gallery. So, a Busy Bee am I.

Althought I have been working away it just seems like I still have little to show for it all. I seem to always feel like this prior to a show.....I guess I like the stress and worry of it all. How wierd. I do have things and some NEW items too. I just get panicy.

In between beading I had some fun too. Last night Sue and I went to Tasteology, a new resturant that another friends brother-in-law opened recently. I liked what I got...a tempe dish with hot peppers, curry and other stuff. Sue didn't particulary care for her soup however. She didn't get any of the califlower or broccoli that was suppose to be in there. But, she did like her Indian or was it Thai Beer. After dinner we headed over to Barnes and Noble to listen to a lecture by Denis Defibaugh. He's a photography professor at RIT and just released a photo-documentary on Days of the Dead. The images are magnificent. Thanks to Marcia.....she sent me the info on this!

On Thursday night I'm taking a class with Organic Jane on aromatherephy. We will be mixing our own blends that are suppose to help your immune system. My sister is coming with me.....I'm sure we will have a great time. I hope to bring my camera...I've got a new phone that takes pics but I don't know how to send the images to my e-mail address.....

Well, enough blabbing....I have to make beads. :)

Marla's Caught My Eye!

I just came back from the Little Theater.....Sue and I went to see My Kid Can Paint....a documentary on child artist Marla Olmstead. I loved little Marla and her work. I feel very fortunate to work with children and to witness the worderful work they all create. Please visit Marla's website at www.marlaolmstead.com

60 minutes did a documentary on Marla's art work and her family in 2004. It caused quite a controversy on her work & its creation. No matter what you believe, her work is fantastic. To me, there is nothing better than childrens art work. Its free, spontaneous and so imaginative. It makes me wish I was a child again.

I created some fun buttons today. I can't wait to take them out of the kiln in the morning. Tomorrow will be another day of beadmaking. I have to get cracking if I'm going to have enough work for my December gallery show & tne Holiday Bazaar in November! Yikes!!!

Rise & Shine!

Good Morning early risers! I've been up for a few hours now cleaning, treadmilling, knitting and having coffee. I love getting up early....but only after a great night sleep! We have a sleep number bed and its awesome...sleeping on a cloud :)

Last night I placed a large order for glass. I've been pushing myself to use colors that I don't normally gravitate towards...at least in glass. You see some glass colors just don't play well together. I've also been using up glass colors that I've liked but have drifted away from. Sometimes I have maybe 4 rods left of a color & I just let it hang around taking up space. But keeping with my "Over the summer clean out" I have really tried to use up what I have & not order glass until I absolutely need it. That little creative "push" helped me make some wonderful things but the time has come when more glass is needed!

I have a busy month ahead but then again what month isn't busy!? Along with Holiday events, I'm also planning a holiday "girls" party. I use to do this often but I just haven't done so in a number of years. So, I've purchased invitations and I'm writing them up...Linda's Tacky Gift Exchange will happen this year! Its a gift exchange & a cookie exchange....I never make christmas cookies...there isn't anyone to eat all of them...but I do like to have a nice plate of cookies for Christmas eve. Can't wait to get the party planning under way!

This morning I'm meeting my friend Lisa for coffee. Yes, I know, more coffee...but the coffee I made this morning was ruined. Never make Pumpkin Spice coffee and add Blueberry cobbler creamer....Not good. So, I look forward to Starbucks! Lisa and I have done good keeping in touch with each other.

Later today will be filled with bead making. I really haven't done lots as of late. My muse wants to do other things, so I have let her. I know that when I force things I usually feel Oh,hum about what I've produced. So I've been knitting! My cute dog sweater is coming along and I'm finishing a pair of felted clogs. They will be a gift so I need to keep at them to make sure I get them finished!

Let me know what YOUR working on...I love to hear from you :)Linda

Muse At Play

I adore my two dogs....even when they drive me crazy with their naughty shinanigans. I've been knitting China, pictured here, a winter sweater. It's silly, I know. Winston will get a sweater too but I haven't decided on a style for him. Maybe a turtleneck. Believe me, I'm not over the top on dressing up the dogs...my motive for knitting sweaters for them is to build up to the challenge of knitting a sweater for myself or Peter. However, I did get Halloween costumes for the two dogs....Winston is Frankenstein and China is a purple Bat.....I'll be taking a picture of them dresses up in just a few days!

My muse is resting....like every creative spirit, I need down time to re-juice my muse. I like to do "other" creative things such as painting, knitting, playing in the toy section at Archimage or Parkleigh or going to museums. Yoga, working out, cooking...all these activities get my mind "playing" and then my muse is happy....she begins to dream, invent & see things in new ways. Once she is fed a good dose of Play, my muse delights me with a gush of ideas. I've learned to wait. Not to push. I hope you will visit and see how my ideas are perculating! I've got things cooking!

Orthodontic Tune Up

I just returned from the orthodontist where I had my latest "tune up". Nothing to spectacular today just new, heavier wires and a broken bracket replaced.

About a month and a half ago I found what looked like a piece of glass in my mouth....I tried to figure how the heck a piece of glass got in my mouth but didn't have a clue. Two weeks after that one area of my elastic chain that was on my top front braces came loose so I went in for a fix. Before going in I told my husband that my theory about the suspected broken glass in my mouth was that it wasn't glass but part of my bracket....made sense to me. He thought I was nuts and said that I analyze things too much. Well, after that appointment I had to run home and tell Mr. Smartie Pants that I was right! My bracket had broke! Anyways.......I didn't have the bracket fixed at that time since she (my orthodontist) had other hair raising plans for my mouth but TODAY was my lucky day.....she replaced it and getting that bracket off wasn't a picnic. It kind of feels like they are twisting your tooth off. I told her that when all of these braces come off she best book me at the end of the day when the children have gone & I can swear if need be :)

I'm going to make a few beads tonight and then watch Dancing with the Stars. Who do you like? Who do you think might win?

Gallery Pages

I'm working on re-doing my Gallery page on my website. Its not bad now, but I want to have something a little different. I don't know about you, but I sure get tired of seeing "old" things....Okay, I know that I have a hard time keeping up with Updates but the really old stuff I mean. Let me know what you think of this slide show....I'm thinking of something along this idea.

I made some stuff this weekend but I really took advantage of the nice weather & did "other" things. I know, I was going to indulge in some Art Therapy but the sunshine got me!

Sugar skulls, birthdays & guests, Oh My!

Its been another busy week but I think things will be a bit calmer next week. I sure hope so anyways! Today will be my first day back making beads.....I'm looking forward to it.....a little art therapy does me good :)


one of my busy nights was in part taken up with mass sugar skull making. Yes, 125 sugar skulls is a large task for one busy person. The pay-off however was fantastic! The kids adore decorating them & learning how the children in Mexico can actually eat theirs! In the art room we decorate with glue, glitter, sequines...etc.. definitly not good stuff to eat. The art room is sooo quiet when everyone is concentrating on decorating their skulls. Nice.


Then on aonther evening, we took our neice, Shelby, out for her sweet 16th birthday. Not the best picture........this little camera doesn't work well in conditions that need light. She straightened her hair for a NEW look. Anything would look good on her but I like it best when her hair is la naturel....meaning wavy. We took her to Cheesecake Factory....everything was delicious of course.


We went out for dinner again the following night with Peters Mother & step Father. They live in Florida and were up for a visit. My camera card was full so I didn't bring it along that night. This time we ate across the street from Cheesecake Factory at another yummy resturant called Brio.

I won't bore you with the rest of the weeks "to do" activity list but you get the idea. I had every moment packed full of things I had to do at home or at work. So, I am REALLY looking forward to my bead making Saturday!

Adam is my yoga instructor....I will say, he is awesome. Nice, kind, sweet, cute.....and very bendy! He teaches yoga at Retreat House and Massage, www.retreathousemassage.com so if you are looking for a yoga studio and a terrific instructor....you have to see Adam. Hurry, once the words out...it will be difficult getting into one of HIS classes.

I don't have much bead news to report since I have been out galivanting the last few evenings. I should be back at the torch tomorrow evening....Friday night for sure. Check out my Halloween stuff either on my site or at Parkleigh...things are going like hot cakes!

Enjoy your evening. Ta, Ta for now.....XXOO Linda

And the winner is...............

And the winner is...........Marcia! My first "Little Treasure" give-away is off to a good home. Marcia, please e-mail me with your address so I can get that out to you. Look for another Little Treasure give-away at the end of the week.


These whimsically ugly faces are a hoot! I've been wearing them to school and the kids have called them Teakie Faces....cute. There is an artist out in California who makes faces similar to this....of course I asked how she would feel if I gave them a try too and she said....No problem. You can visit her site at www.aardvarkartglass.net I have one of her beads that I do treasure. My Picasso Face pendants will be at Parkleigh this week. I hope you will check them out.


This is one of my Halloween bracelets that I created this morning with the "left over" beads from yesterdays sale. A few of the beads glow in the dark. I would love to keep this one for myself but I know Parkleigh has been waiting for some of my Halloween things.....I have others too so get on your broom and head to Parkeigh! :)

Its chilly today so I plan on making soup for dinner....and apple crisp for dessert. The cool weather always puts me in the mood to cook. I hope you will enjoy your day today.....be happy, be nice!

My one vice is Massage. I get a massage once a month without fail....it just does my body good. I have my husband in that habit too. The great effects of massage last for a surprising long time after too. Gail is my friend and massage therapist. She has a fantastic place of business call Retreat House Massage here in Rochester. My mother was a massage therapist and Gail is second only to her with the right touch. I've been to many massage therapists and a good one is hard to come by. If you need to relax, de-stress or you just want to treat yourself nice....see Gail!

My Halloween open house was today. It is always hard having an open house in the fall. Those last nice days are hard to part with and many people like to work around the house preparing for the long winter ahead. So I didn't have a hugh crowd but it was great seeing those who could make it. Cider, candy and great beads! How can you beat that?! I'll have photos to put up tomorrow....I'm just to pooped to do it now.

My niece turns Sweet 16 later this week and Peter & I were just discussing when we would take her out for dinner. It is our tradition that we take just the "Birthday person" out on a special fun filled night.....we get to spoil them with attention. I'll be sure to bring the camera along.....my niece is a beautie but she has no clue as to how pretty she really is.

**Oh, I almost forgot. I'm pulling the Little Treasure winner in the morning. To pooped. Anyways, enjoy your crisp cool evening.

Little Treasure FREEBIE!

Sue and I have just way to much fun together. She is the friend that I can go hiking with, wake early to watch the sunrise with or go to lectures with. Sue is my girl buddha....I go to her with questions or issues I need answers too....Sue is just a great person and a true blue friend. Anyways, I took this on our 6:00a.m., watch the sunrise walk this past Sunday. The last time I took a picture of Sue on one of our walks we were both being silly posing under this plant that looked like a gigantic queen ann's lace plant...it was the size of an umbrella! The next year we discovered it was a highly poisones plant called Hogsweed!!

I want to thank Marcia for the great article she sent me on my absolutely most favorite holiday...Days of the Dead. A photography professor at RIT documented this holiday & the people of Oaxaca, Mexico in a book titled, The Day of the Dead/ Dia de los Muertos. He will be holding a lecture and book signing at George Eastman House at 6:00pm on Nov. 1st and another one at Barnes & Noble (Pittsford) at 7:00pm on Nov. 10th. Gotta call Sue....its another lecture we can go to!!

Who's coming to my Halloween bead open house on Saturday?? I hope YOU come! I will of course be spotlighting my Halloween stuff but will also have information of class offerings & giftie ideas for the Holidays.



I discovered this lonely little vessel in my studio and I thought I should pass this little treasure onto a loving home. Yes, its FREE! All you have to do is e-mail me. I will be taking all responses to this FREE offering and putting them into a jar. I pull the winner on Saturday! Hope you'll send me an e-mail with "little treasure" in the subject line!

Book Club Night

I'm a little late in posting but I ran into some camera issues. All better now thanks to the husband! Here is a picture of Jean....it was her turn to host book club. She's curled up on her new ultra suede loveseat....actually her whole living room had a makeover and Friday night was the big reveal! To us book worms at least.....it looked great!


Our book club has been going strong for nearly 12 years. At times we have been a large group of 8 but at the moment we are just the Fabulour Four! Here is Sue & Kathy enjoying coffee & cheesecake..........



I did get myself into a bit of trouble with the bookworms since I did not finish the book......actually I didn't get all that far into it at all. Page 76...thats all I read up to. I know that was pretty bad but there was just no time. Well I can redeem myself next time. Our next book is titled, Remainder, by Tom McCarthy. I should have no trouble finishing it. Our next meeting is Nov. 30th...our Holiday Gathering!!

Onto bead news.....I've been preparing for my Halloween bead open house this Saturday and I just dropped off a fairly large shipment to the Memorial Art Gallery. Its always busy around here.

Cha, Cha, Changes.......

I decided to change my journal page to my blogger page....I hope you like the new look. I have a few other changes going on too, so please stay posted. I started my blog page in May and just couldn't decide if it would be something that I would use or not. I didn't do much with it at first but once I sat down and took the time to play around with it I discovered that I liked it. Adding photos, slideshows, video is very easy....just what I need.

I can't believe we are already in the month of October! Time goes by so fast. I will be dropping off work to the Memorial ARt Gallery tomorrow...and I'm preparing for my Halloween Bead Open House on Saturday the 13th. I have a long weekend and I should have plenty of time to make beads.

Tonight is book club. We are all gathering at Jean's for dinner. I can't wait. The book we have been reading is titled The Secret History. I have to say, I'm not done with it but I think its good so far. It wasn't one that grabbed me right off so it was hard to dig into it. So, that being said, I just dragged my heels about reading. Oh, well....its not the first time I've done that. I just can't force myself to read. I had to do plenty of that in college!

I hope you will check back in with me tomorrow. I have a special announcement that some of you might like to take part in!

Big open mouths, little teeth and bulging wacky eyes!

Yesterday I was thinking about my week ahead, this week, and I was getting very anxious about all that I had to do. Just feeling over-booked. So, tonight being my Yoga night, I've decided not go. Not because I don't love it but because out of all the things I HAVE to do this week, this was the one thing that I DIDNT have to do but like to do.....another words, I could afford to miss this. I might just regret this tomorrow however.

Yesterday I was completely disappointed in my photos that my hubby took. I felt ugly. Old. Did I say ugly? Well, in this ugly mood, I made some beads that spoke volumes....they are face beads that seem to scream, "Don't bug me, What are you looking at, or Stay away" They are Picasso like in appearance with big open mouths, little teeth, and bulging wacky eyes. They were inspired in part by Aardvark Glass Beads...and by yesterdays horrible self image. I'll be taking a photo of them to show you before they head off to shops.

Do you ever feel ugly??

Say Cheese!

Yesturday I met with friends I hadn't seen in quite some time....we met up at the Cheesecake Factory! Wow. The Chocolate Tower dessert was giant....had to bring that home for the hubby.

Lisa and Amy are sisters, can't you tell??!, and they both are terrific friends. We were all very close about 10 years ago but then marrage, children and living in different counties made us loose touch. Same story for many people but friendship I've realized is much like a marriage....you have to keep at it otherwise it goes bad. We've promised not to loose touch again. I know I'm going to keep my end of the bargin....good friends are hard to come by.

On the bead front; I've been making things to take to the Memorial Art Gallery for a new exhibit they will have up shortly. I have a bunch of stuff to drop off to them but my time this week is practically none existant. I hate being booked with things to do each night.....makes me cranky! I need FREETIME to do as I please....I hate being committed all the time.

Okay now onto something a bit crazy...I know its crazy but I sure felt this way. Have you ever felt hideous...terrible ugly where you just can't stand the sight of yourself?? Well, I have and that feeling was today. I really do hate photos of myself but I realize that they are a necessity at times. I need one that is 1/2 way decent in my mind to post places like my website. Peter took some pictures of me yesterday and I uploaded them today...YUCK!!!!! I couldn't find one good thing about myself. Then to top it off....this darn braces make my mouth look like it belongs to a puppet!!! Not funny. Serious case of the uglies. Why do I or anyone get that way sometimes?? I didn't even like my husband looking at me during dinner. So there. Its out. I hate the way I look......at times......not all the time but definitly today!

Playing around

I'm trying to take a little time weekly to get familiar with this Blogger thing. I try to limit my computer time at one sitting since the hours just go by if you let them. Who has that kind of time on there hands?? Not me!

Just playing around with uploading...this image was taken a few years ago. I actually have images that need to get loaded onto my computer so I can share them. You know, I never remember or even think of taking pictures but today I brought my camera along to lunch with two friends. I'll try and share them tomorrow.

New Tricks!

I admit that I'm not the most computer with it person but I did manage to teach my self some new tricks! I've added a slide show!! Yes, my first one is short, only a few pics, but I like it. I've also started a Myspace....come see me at www.myspace.com/bellabeadjewelry. Its fun learning new things.

Check out my Slide Show!

Summer Vacation Begins Today!

Today is my first official day of Summer Vacation. School is out! Although I do enjoy teaching art, I look forward to the next several weeks of R&R. Its not totally devoted to rest & relaxation....I mean, I do have those shows, shops and web orders to keep up with! Its all about the beads right now.

As you can see by the date of my first posting, I tend to drift away from my computer responsibilities. I make great efforts to keep pace but then something pops up and captures my full attention....at school we call this ADD....attention deficit disorder......a long time problem of mine. Well, I am refocusing once again and aim to keep at this thing. I'm trying to see what I like better.....my simple Journal page on my website or this Blogger spot. Hmmmmmm.

Today is a flippin hot one! It will be in the 90's they say. On my 5:30am walk this morning it was already in the high 70's.............I plan to bead this morning maybe up until 2:00 and then go to my Dads for a swim. I like to stick around home with the dogs since I want to make sure they are alright. After a long swim, I'll come back and work on painting my directors chairs, put some jewelry pieces together and then chill and read our latest book club book- Memories of Running.

Well, where ever you are~ enjoy the day! I'll be back tomorrow....Yeap, I will!

My First Blog!

Okay~ I'm giving this blog thing a try. I've been using a simple journal approach but thought, whats up with this blogger idea? I've seen a few other jewelry artists use it....now, I'm on board with it!