March Lion

With the arrival of show applications and other signs of spring, its time I do some studio clean up and bead making. I am not a slave to cleaning so I will keep my organizing to a minimum and really spend most of my time bead making. I typically gather some things to sell so be watching.....I generally sell my orphan beads, glass rods and other goodies at great prices!

Last week I was in NYC for an art educator conference and made a stop at MOMA. This image by Rousseau is one of my favorites........really I have lots of favorites :) It made me think of March as a Lion and I've been the sleeping Gypsie........I've got to wake up and get busy! I'm just starting to think of jewelry ideas and display ideas too for upcoming shows.  I'm also dreaming up my next Open Studio event........Gosh, I do have lots to do.

As many of you know, I'm an art educator by day in a local school district. I'm going into my 17th year and have seen many changes.......Districts across the country are under hard times and ours is no different. The school I work at will consolidate with another school making our building next year a k-5th grade. I say GREAT! I look forward to teaching the older students. However, this consolidation means jobs cut, teacher shifting and room changes........needless to say, this atmosphere brings out the worst in people.  Paranoia to the extreme.

To keep mindful of all the wonderful things in life and to keep everything in perspective I feel the need to focus on what I am grateful for. So for the next week, my posts will be on the beautiful things in my life.

Today's beautiful things:
:: Waking up and hearing the birds chirping. I love listening to the birds and know that spring will be here soon.
:: Our warm comfortable home. Time spent at home is so relaxing and restful to me....filled with art and art making materials, my home is where my heart is.
:: Two loving little dogs that no matter what, will always love us. Kisses in the morning, tail wags, and snuggling.
:: A great cup of coffee and watching the sun rise. No matter what happens, the sun will rise each day!

Beautiful Things Today

Oh, this is Melissa, our music teacher....she has the best expressions and this one was snapped during our ornament making this afternoon.

Typically, Three Beautiful Things is written on Fridays but I feel like doing it a little early this week. Here are my Three:

:: When co-workers come together for crafty fun. I had a number of teachers and staff come down for a quickie Ornament Painting class after school. A great ending to the day.

::  Wet kisses from my two dogs. They simply love unconditionally and are always happy to see me. I love them so.
:: A great slice of cheese pizza! Its simple but its amazing how different each pizza place can make cheese pizza taste. Cam's is one of my most favorites...never disappointed.
:: Relaxing on the couch under a snuggly blanket. I rarely just sit but tonight it feels wonderful. I am going to enjoy every minute of it.

3 Beautiful Things

1.  I'm an early bird. I love getting up early even when I don't have to. It feels like I'm getting extra time in.
This view seemed pretty to me at the early hour of 5:30 the other morning.

2.  Sometimes just simple words or phrases mean so much. Often the negetive statements really get your attention since they can be shocking or unexpected and often are plain melicious. But when you do get some kindness tossed your way, WOW......it is a moment to delight in. I have had numberous kind words said to me recently from both students and adults.......feels great. A beautiful thing.

3.  Walking. I love to walk. It is a great meditation. I take long walks as often as I can. In the warmer months...it is daily. In winter........frequently. Sometimes the wind and cold is too much for me. But, I've been walking a lot lately and yes, its a beautiful thing.