Christmas Cheer?

Well, if you can't ruin their holiday cheer then join them, and so I have. There are so many things that I dislike about this holiday. The whole month is a constant grating on my nerves, but, as I said, I have not ruined anyone's cheer yet so this is not a post about how much I dislike the holiday. There are a few shining things about the holiday that I enjoy and so, as the Grinch's heart grows, so I am trying to use those shining pieces to grow my affection for Christmas. I sit here going so far as to type out the word Christmas instead of insisting on calling it x-mas, I have not said foul things about the Christmas decorations at work (only the music because, come on, clearly some of these songs were not intended to be listened to more than one time each year), and this year I have made a Christmas Ornament to list in my shop.

Now I have made ornaments before for friends and family but this is the first year I have added to the crazy Christmas hubbub on Etsy. I feel like part of a group and a bit dirty all at the same time. The beadwork did turn out nice though and I love these sparkling crystals and hang them from my ceiling year round to reflect light into rainbows all over my studio. I don't know if more will follow (one step at a time and all) but this is a start to my trying to enjoy the holiday more and bah humbug it less. That being said, red and green remains my least favorite color combination.

Along Merchant Row, shops outdid themselves (and the churches) in decor, with displays of fashionable clothes, and useless and expensive trinkets.
                                                      - Gregory Maguire from Wicked

It's Beggining to look a lot like...

Are you ready? ....Thanksgiving! 
Oh, I am so excited for a full day of laughter and family and a never ending, full, warm belly. This is the last year for the short lived but comforting tradition that the three of us have established in our brightly colored home here in Lexington before we move north and have to miss spending Thanksgiving with our extended family that first year. So one more time we will wake up early and, occasionally elbowing each other for extra space in our  small kitchen, cook side dishes in our pajamas with cartoons and the Macy's parade turned up on the television before coordinating showers and getting dressed in our cozy fall outfits. Then we will drive to my parents house in the next town over where my sisters and their families will also be gathering and spend the day sharing delicious food, bottles of wine, and each others company.

Now the important part - the food. We never know what all will be there until we are all there. The constants are the turkey and a very large number of meatless side dishes (one of my sisters is vegetarian). Since I am not as skilled in the cooking department as my Mother and sisters and partner, I cook the same dish every year. Partly because I have not messed it up yet and partly because it is delicious! This is the sweet potato dish recipe that I use and highly recommend to anyone who enjoys food. 

So, tell me, what is your favorite holiday dish or tradition or both?

Into The Woods

How's the weather?
Am I really talking about the weather? Yawn. Isn't that what people with nothing better to talk about do?  Perhaps if it has been as beautiful of a fall season in your area as it has been here in Kentucky then you too will find the weather conversation worthy. 

I suppose autumn really is always a lovely season. A fresh, cool sigh after a too hot summer. Trees may be shedding their foliage and looking a bit bare but they are doing it with grace and style, carpeting paths for inspiring walks through the woods.

So much in our creative world is inspired by the fiery and neutral colors that fall offers and since it is such a wonderful time to be outside then it is the perfect time to be seen in your favorite fall fashions and accessories. 'Tis the season for layers of color on top of skirts with fun matching tights that peek out above stylish boots. A scarf around your neck if it is cooler in your area and of course great jewelry to complete the look.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/81848592/red-green-and-brown-autumn-flowers

 
  







I am personally really excited about the stylish boots for the perfect outdoor weather. What is your favorite fall fashion?

  

When I am Alone

I sit at my desk. The music ended minutes ago but I continue in my bead world watching stitches build, completely oblivious to the  ba-dump ba-dump of the needle reminding me that it needs to be lifted from the record.

It is a stray thought into the 'real' world that alerts my ears to monotonous sound keeping rhythm with the silence. I hop up, quick stretch, flip the record, then back to my mesmerizing world where cold glass and warm threads come together to make sparkling, texture rich art that makes me smile and feeds my imagination.

I Am Back

So I became a bit overwhelmed a few months ago and dropped the blogging for a while but I have decided it is time to pick it back up. 

Life has been quite busy in that time. My daughter suddenly became obsessed with soccer and joined a team. She is quite good for a beginner but then again she is already athletic. I took over a different department at work which involves a lot more responsibility (and stress). And my partner and I have decided to move our small family to Minneapolis, MN next summer. We visited the city for the first time a couple weeks ago to check out the area and schools and we were not disappointed by our decision. Minneapolis is a beautiful city with a lot going on. I don't have a lot of pics to share from that trip as most of the pics we took were of real estate but I will share the most valuable tool we have ever purchased. GPS

I know I am really behind on this but I am glad we at least finally bought one for this trip. It saved us a lot of time and arguing. 


We are back, life has not stopped being incredibly busy but the waves are calming a bit as the soccer season comes to a close and I settle into my new job and our travels come to an end after this month. That means I have a little more time for weaving beads and my jess2bead shop. 

 

So new projects are beginning and my communication on line is becoming more consistent. I have even started trying to learn how to use the twitter account I opened and never used. I have  to say that I am definitely very confused by twitter so if anyone has any tips on that, feel free to share.

Thanks for reading and have a Happy Halloween!

 

 

Meet Jennifer Daniels

Let me introduce you to the lovely and talented Jennifer Daniels . My favorite current folk musician.There is not a song on her albums I have that I don't love and know all of the words to.

A couple weeks ago a local deli hosted her in a wonderful outdoor setting with great food and beer giving me my third opportunity to enjoy her music live since I first heard her in Chattanooga, TN many years ago where I became an immediate fan. (She's that good folks!)

Jennifer Daniels and Jeff Neal

If you have not been so lucky you should do yourself a favor and discover her fresh folk sound here . 

My beaded folk music tribute.

Since I am not much of a writer and am much better with visuals and imagery I have also created an Etsy treasury inspired by Jennifer Daniels and folk music.  

          Peace, Love, and Rock On!

What I did on my summer vacation Part1

Woo Hoo! I am back from soaring through the skies!! 

It was a crazy exciting week that my family and  I started out by being slung 125ft into the air.

Then shot 420ft straight up a track......

.....Just making it over the top to plunge straight back down toward the ground.

420ft is 10ft taller than the tallest building in the town I live in!

That still did not make being pulled 310ft into the air and released into a whirlwind of drops and twists and turns seem less crazy and awe-some

 


Over and over again for two days of reaching new heights and turning upside down while sitting, standing, feet dangling in the wind.

Being rattled into fear in a beautiful maze of lumber...




....and even enjoying a few peaceful and silly moments riding a few tame rides like the YELLOW SUBMARINE!

Yes, we did sing the song while riding. :)

This started out our fun week. I will continue with the rest another day soon. In the meantime you can check out the treasury I was featured in and the treasury I created on Etsy since I have been back home and have fun!