A pendant for the angels...

Every once in awhile, I will get a custom request.  I wish I would get them more - but somehow the ones I DO get seem to be quite special - for a wedding, or something specific.  This one is no exception.  This one came about with the request for an amulet type necklace that could be worn during ceremonies and rituals by one of the wonderful ladies of Coyote Wisdom.  She works with angel energy, so wanted to be able to bring that to her ceremony work.  She requested blue lace agate, selenite (which cannot be found in bead form), and clear quartz.  Because I was unable to find the selenite, I substituted with moonstone, which gives the piece the same energy and affect.  The above photo is the pendant portion, before it was completed with a simple strand of blue lace, quartz and more moonstone along each side.  The clasp ended up being a simple lobster, because she was afraid of losing it - but the lobster is "held" by two beautiful angels to compliment those in the necklace.  It has named itself  "Angels on High".   

Truly magical. 
Peaceful beading,
TTFN

The hassles of growing older

Or at least one of them - renewing my drivers license.  I've been able to do so by mail for the last 3 or so years, and THAT is a convenience that I enjoy.  But I've got to do it in person this time - need a new photo and to update the vision portion of the license.  AKA I've gotten lots older and blinder since my last license!  I'm hoping that by going to the branch in Mason, a much smaller town, in the middle of the afternoon, I can get in, get it over with, and get out FAST. 
So as you may have guessed, that also means my birthday is approaching.  In about two weeks.  I used to enjoy having birthdays - fall is my favorite time of year, and the color is always peaking and making the day beautiful.  BUT - now that I'm PAST the 5-0 point, well - they just seem to come and go.  Hubby doesn't make a big deal (he probably wouldn't even if I wanted him to), and my mom's in Florida, so really, no cause for celebration.  This year though - I think we're going to take a color tour.  I was told that I would make some new contacts and find some new possibilities for my business by going on a trip by one of the newer psychics at the bookstore a few weeks ago, and she seems to be pretty spot on accurate much of the time.  I also want to check out a bead store I heard about in Gaylord - which is a few hours north - the perfect place for leaf peeping.  There's also a nice sporting goods store on the way (something for the hubby to do), and a Michigan micro-brewery restaurant that is quite popular.  I think it's going to be a fun trip - as long as the weather cooperates.

Back on the bead and jewelry topic:  I totally re-did my booth at The Grand-dale Shoppe yesterday.  I added a new link photo on the right, but here's another one - should have used flash, but we did realize yesterday that even though the purple is perfect for me, it is a bit dark.  So here's hoping sales are good enough to move to a larger, whiter booth in the future!

Peaceful beading everyone,
TTFN
 

Bead Table Wednesday

Here are the photos I posted for the Flickr group "Bead Table Wednesday".  If you haven't checked it out - it's just a fun way for beaders to see what other beaders are up to at the same point in time each week.  Some post completed pieces, some post (and I think this was the original premise) exactly what their bead table looks like on that Wednesday.  Here's mine:

'Alaskan Moonlight' is making progress.  Still got a ways to go....

This is just a portion of the stash from Bead Haven last week.  I was on a blue and green kick (peacocks, anyone?)

Who knows what will be on my table next week.  I'll have a bit more free time after the once again harried weekend, because Mom and Dad leave on Saturday to return to their sunny Florida home.  Don't want them to go, but go they must.  Wednesdays have not only been Bead Table Wednesdays for me, but also Mom Wednesdays - we would almost always go to lunch and then either shop or run errands together, just spending mother/daughter time.  Not sure she'll have the time today, with packing and prepping their Michigan home for the winter.  So I just may have to wait until JUNE! 
If you're still lucky enough to still have a Mom, give her some appreciation today - in person or by email or phone!
Peaceful beading,
TTFN

Parties....and posts

Or should I say posts and parties, since my first babble begins with - why in the world all of a sudden it's become difficult, if not darn near impossible to post comments on Blogger and Wordpress blogs lately.  I mean, part of the fun of blogging is getting feedback and comments from followers and readers and browsers of the web.  I just tried to comment on MY OWN BLOG and had to try it three times!  Come on, geeks - figure it out!
Ok.  That being ranted - on with the parties!  Thank you to Lorelei Eurto for helping me make the decision about having another open house for my jewelry this year.  I'd been considering it now that I no longer have my shop, but after reading her blog today I think I'm gonna do it.  The biggest chore - getting my house in OPEN HOUSE order.  It's a little (ok, a lot) cluttered at the moment, and has way too much furniture in the room that I would want to use for the bulk of the display.  The unique thing about my open house is that I will also include the rest of the left over BEADS from the shop that I haven't sold yet, besides, of course, my jewelry.  Haven't run it past the hubby yet - I may wait a few weeks yet.  I'm looking at the weekend before the firearm deer season opener in November, so a lot of the ladies will have some free time on their hands!  I'm sure I'll be doing a lot of updates and venting in the next few weeks about this new adventure - so stop back soon!  And check back tomorrow too - for my Bead Table Wednesday post.  I've made some headway on the 'Alaskan Moonlight' cuff, but still have more to go.  Hopeful that it, too, will be a Lansing Art Gallery Holiday Art Market offering....
Peaceful beading,
TTFN

Now what?

The last of the shows I had scheduled for this year are done.  It was another so-so show, at that.  So really, I'm not sure that doing shows is worth the hassle for me.  Loading a vehicle, driving usually about 20 minutes one way to the show site, unloading and set up just about wear me out.  Then comes the fun of reeling in the customers, and I'll tell ya - I am NOT the kind of person that can sell ice to an eskimo.  I am a soft sell person - I greet, I tell them to feel free to browse, try on, and show them where the mirror is.  Usually telling them just that much sends them running for cover.  How do I get them to stay at the table?  I refuse to hover - don't like it when people do it to me.  I try to keep the table bright (sunny yellow table covers are about as bright as it gets), with flowers on the table, and a seasonal theme.  And it's not like I haven't done this before.  I KNOW how to design and layout a sales table.  Apparently what I don't know how to do is SELL what's ON the table.  I get compliments like "pretty things"  "gorgeous work", etc, and I thank each and every one - but, and I know I sound like a broken record on this subject - compliments don't pay the bills!
I need to find another avenue, venue, WAY to sell my work and be acknowledged and compensated for it.  I was given the idea of submitting a portfolio and formal letter to museum gift shops NATIONALLY, and I wil probably give it a shot, but from what I understand, many of them are going to want to buy wholesale.  And really, I can't make a profit that way either.  I've got to be able to sell what I know is GOOD, quality, detailed work somewhere, somehow, someway.  Tried Etsy.  Tried shows.  Have things on consignment in THREE area shops (which sell sporadically), and at some point, I WILL have them for sale on my website.  Guess it's a good thing that I myself like most of the items that I've made - because when worse comes to worse - I could be stuck WEARIN' em all!  
Wish I knew the answer - but until then I'll just have to keep tryin' and BEADIN'.  Not sure I'd know what to do with myself if I couldn't do that.  I like to read books, and I still do go through about a book a week, and I love to do crossword puzzles, about a book of them a month, but nothing gives me same satisfaction, the same calmness, the same oneness with spirit that beading does.  And so it goes....
Peaceful beading, everyone,
TTFN

And one to go....

Today's Meridian Towship Heritage Festival show was, well, let's just say it was not a bust, but it wasn't really profitable either.  I would have liked to have done better, but it was an absolutely gorgeous day, and sharing the booth space with two other crafty friends was really fun.  Here's a peek at my side of the booth - the entire album of photos from the festival is posted on Facebook:

The set up was just a bit different for me - I did it so they could walk down either side of the table;  I kinda liked it.  Tomorrow it's back to the big, bulky picnic table set up again.  Not as pretty, but I'll have way more space.

And now an update for you "Bella watchers":  we finally had her spayed last week.  All went well, she's doing fine - in fact, the nurses at the clinic loved her so much, they let her be office dog for a day! (Instead of caging her to monitor her, they let her have the run of the place).   She's so spoiled.   She's not at all happy about the accessory situation, however - the first night she cried, and cried and cried.  Maybe if I add some sparklies and beads to it - then she'll want to show it off!

Peaceful beading,
TTFN

New stash!

That's just a teaser - cuz I don't have time to photograph all the newbies right now!  But - I was a blue and green kick, which will ultimately make wonderful peacock jewels!  Didn't have that in mind when I was running my fingers through the wonderful rainbows of beads while choosing them, but my mind was spinning this morning!  If you EVER have the opportunity to visit Bead Haven, AND the surrounding town of Frankenmuth (home of Bronner's - world's largest Christmas store) - you are in for a treat.  And SOO many new little shops in the River Place section!  It took us ALL afternoon to visit them all.  So, sorry, Gretchen - Purple Sage will have to wait until another time!    We had a wonderful afternoon, the moms love spending time together, topped it off with yummy purchases from the fudge shoppe, and very little traffic issues for a change.   Even the brief but crazy thundershower that trapped us in the pet accessories store didn't spoil our day.  It came. It went.  We had a great time!
Off to The Grand-dale Shoppe this morning.  Dawn invited me to bring a project to work on between customers (sometimes the weekday morning shifts are a bit slow), so it should at least be productive!
Busy weekend coming up - TWO shows - Saturday and Sunday - both in the same park, but Saturday I am in an outdoor booth - so let's pray there's no rain, and the Meridian Township police officers have better things to do than ticket people for parking an inch or two in the wrong direction!  Don't get me started -
Peaceful beading, enjoy the day,
TTFN

Bead Table Busy Wednesday

I realized when I woke up this morning, that if I didn't do "Bead Table Wednesday" at the crack of dawn, I would miss it again. So photos done, Flickr photo posted, here is this weeks Bead Table Wednesday entry:

Won't get much more done on it today, though, because as it turns out - both Moms (mom and mother in law) are free and we're ROAD TRIPPIN'!  Birch Run (outlet mall), lunch, and then Frankenmuth for a visit to the best bead store anywhere - Bead Haven (aka Bead HEAVEN).  I am looking for something specific that they are liable to have, so it's not a just cuz trip.  That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!  We're getting a later start than usual, and won't even get there until early afternoon (we usually start shopping before 11), and I'm sure lunch will be the first thing on the agenda.  THEN, if there's time - it's on to Purple Sage bead store in Saginaw, which I just realized today is only about 20 minutes farther north and west.  Not sure if we'll make it there- but I'm armed with maps, and my debit card. 
Peaceful beading everyone,

TTFN

All done hoppin'!

Finally made it through the rest of the blog hop entries this morning - and although I will give it two thumbs up - I think I'm only awarding three and a half stars.  SOOOOO many participants that simply flaked out.  Do they not have a calendar?  The only ones that I felt had a good reason for not participating were the pair that had the shipping issues between Canada and Africa.  If you can't get the post office to deliver the beads, then that's a legitimate excuse.  But those of you that actually posted your excitement about receiving your beads, posted PHOTOS of the beads you received, and then, when Sept. 17th arrived, September 18th, and then the 19th, and STILL no photos of your finished work?  Twenty lashes with a beaded noodle.  My favorite excuse - my dog ate my beadwork.
I'm still stickin' with my favorite as Eva Sherman, but there were several others that were worthy as well.  And of course, anything with seed beads will draw me to it in a red hot minute. 
All in all - I think everyone provided a vast difference in creative pieces.  From SOUP - to nuts. 
Looking forward to giving it a whirl myself come February.
Hoping to be at the bead table most of today.  Errands first (after I get dressed-I love PJ blogging!), including mailing that stupid, idiotic parking ticket from the market on Saturday.  Apparently the township, after the entire summer has gone by, decided that several of us were parking illegally - on a Saturday.  When their offices aren't even open.  We're sure it's all about the politics, and the anti-market movement by the big box grocers, and believe me - they heard about it.  It will be interesting to see what happens THIS coming Saturday - when the parking will be threefold it's normal crazy - not only will it be Farmer's Market, but Art Market and Heritage Festival as well - I'll be participating, and I'll be sure to let anyone coming by my booth where NOT to park - and hope they can move fast enough to avoid the hassle. 
Bah.  What a way to start a rainy Monday.
Peaceful beading, everyone...
TTFN

Bead Soup is truly revealing

and not in a good way in many cases.  I just posted this comment on Facebook, and I'll repeat it here - and yes, a few people will probably be angry with me.  Deal.   If you KNOW you are too busy with school (you and/or your kids), work, sporting events, and other daily life dramas - don't sign up for a project with a deadline that you know damn well you won't meet.  It's rude and it's unfair to the other participants.  If you can't take it seriously, make it a priority to meet the deadline, and have something truly creative to show for it - SIT THIS ONE OUT!  I'm only on Bead Soup pair number 95, and I've already come across about TEN participants that either just plain didn't post, or made lots and lots of excuses with reasons that they should have known would keep them from the task.  Next time, either know you have the time - or let someone else play.
Just sayin'.
And now for the other side of that coin - my favorite so far.....Eva Sherman.  THE most original use of both focal AND clasp that I have ever seen.  Done professionally.  Photographed professionally.  Go to Eva Sherman to see what I mean.  NOW THAT is GOURMET soup!
Ok. On with my day.  Let's try this Feng Shui class thing one more time.  And of course - another gorgeous day outside.  Bah.
Happy peaceful beading,
TTFN

Bead Soup Reveal Day

Today is the day that I THOUGHT I'd be revealing something really cool and different - a piece of jewelry/art created with things sent to me by another bead artist - as part of a 'blog hop' swap.  Alas....things happened, and I was accidentally left out of the soup.  And now that I've started visiting all the blogs of people that participated - a whopping 362!- I think that they really could have used a little 'Sheryl spice'!  Seriously - I have decided that I am going to be somewhat of an unofficial critic, if you will, of the pieces being revealed this time around.  I'm only about 30 partners in so far - and nearly HALF of them have not even posted their pieces yet!  Now, granted, they may be in a different time zone, so I'm cuttin' 'em some slack at the present time.  I've even given my list of participants a color coded system of which ones I like (name shaded in hot pink), which ones I dislike (shaded in baby shit yellow) and which ones I think didn't even try to be creative (plain old dull boring grey).  I'm sorry - but plopping A bead on a head pin and putting it on a ball chain and adding a fancy clasp IS NOT CREATIVE.  It's a cop out.  Especially for something like a blog hop.  Something that YOU signed up for.  Something you claimed you were willing to do.  I've been on a couple of the blogs already where people are making excuses for not having their piece done yet.  Wha. Wha.  Cry me a river.  You signed up and your responsibility is to complete it.  I also noticed that there was a participant that got to choose TWO swappers - so, why, then, wasn't I given the option of being given one of those people when they discovered I was left out?
On the other hand - I have already coded THREE blog participants in that bright hot pink because THEY have got what it takes!  They put thought into their beautiful work, had a nice post to go along with it, and a beautiful piece of jewelry to cherish for a long time to come.  I have only just begun to visit the blogs - but am thinking I may 'award' the winner of my own little critics party with a special blog link here when I'm all done. 
I realize that if anyone in the hop is actually even reading this blog that they'll probably be upset with me, and I guess - oh, well.  I hope when I go back to some of those blogs that have so far been non-participants, that they will truly have something creative and beautiful to reveal.  I myself am still hoping to get in on this bead soup blog party the next time around - so I should probably be keeping my mouth shut.  OH WELL!  Not something I do easily these days.  It was all I could do not to approach the driver of the blue Cadillac that cut me off yesterday (it coincentally went the same place I went) and ask them what made them so superior.  I'm just in that kind of mood this week.  Could have had something to do with the full moon phase we're coming out of!
So back to soup, girls.  It's an interesting mix of creativity - that's my critique of what I've seen so far....one thumb up, and the other is twitchin' to join it!  Don't let it down!
TTFN

Bead Table Wednesday

Two projects on the table - one JUST started, without a plan or a name, and one with just the pieces and parts gathered-which will start as earrings, and may expand into more pieces from there, and if it turns out - will also be a class/kit thing.  Note that both include my absolute favorite Swarovski color - Crystal Golden Shadow, and Golden Rain seed beads.  I am addicted to those for some reason....
Gonna be a busy day.  Meeting with a custom order customer, and then getting ready to attend a country music concert WITH MY PARENTS tonight!  YEEEE-HA!
Peaceful beading,
TTFN

Getting what we're worth

I hate to sound like a broken record, because this subject has been broached by many people in the last few months, but since it just came up in conversation with a 'student' of beading, I thought it might be worth the blog bites again....
Be sure when you are pricing your jewelry, that you are including what you are worth (the time you put into it) into the price structure. 
I found it interesting that this particular student of beading, whom I've gotten to know over the past 14 months or so, has completely changed her tune in that regard.  Finally.  She was hell bent on selling her work at shows, any show, no matter what the cost.  She would sometimes sell a necklace with $20 worth of beads, and another $10 worth of work into it, for a mere $8 or $9.  She always felt it was better to sell than have it for the next show, or the one after that, or the one after that.  I think she's finally seen the error of her ways.  She has also, though, decided to give up on shows until she has 'mastered' the art of beading.  I don't know if that's necessary, I think she just needs to find the right market - but at least she's finally getting that this is a serious business, and that what we do, and the time we put into it, the gas we use to drive the car to the shows, and the set up, etc., is all WORTH something.  And if the work is good (hers is getting there) it should reflect that. 
Now, on the flip side of that - I've seen some very lousy work lately that had price tags on them that were way higher than I would spend on something so shoddy - but if they too are using that mentality, combined with paying retail for their beads, then the price may reflect that.  BUT - I think there needs to be a level of professionalism to the work too.  Etsy is a great example of some really crappy work with really hefty price tags, but I've seen it at some of the craft shows, too.
So tomorrow begins my venture as a regular tutor for Sally - probably every other week to start.  If she's gonna do it, and wants to be serious about doing it, then she wants to do it right.  We'll see how it goes....
And last but not least - here is "Crone's Garden".  Another of my fancy schmancy Face of the Goddess pieces that no one else seems to appreciate.  I love her - so she may be mine:

TATA!

Ups and downs

I thought this blog post would be angrier.  And I'm still a bit miffed, I guess you could say, but because I AT LEAST got a call back and an apology, it seems just a bit softened somehow....
My student for the 2 week intensive Feng Shui class that started today - WAS A NO SHOW!  Now, come on - you just signed up for it on Thursday.  The least you could do is get the date(s) right.  I was throroughly and completely PISSED at first, especially since I've been rushing for two days to complete it so that I could present it with the professional air in which I intended.  And then to have them just not show up.  Urgh.  So I called the number she left at the desk, and of course - her business number.   But after waiting another 15 minutes or so, she did call and apologize, and explained that she thought it started NEXT week.  So we'll be doing an even more intensive, longer session next Sunday, as doing it two weeks in a row now does not work with my schedule.  But ya know?  Come on.  It says on the bulletin board, on the dry erase board, on the website and in the scheduling book TWO WEEKS beginning September 11th.  That's TODAY, lady.  Still not happy that someone that turns out is a realtor cannot keep a simple two hour class schedule straight.  My gut tells me that she didn't forget - that she just decided it was too nice a day to spend indoors.  Which was why I scheduled it as a two hour TWO WEEK thing - so that we wouldn't have to waste an entire end of summer afternoon in a stuffy classroom.  My second gut feeling is that she does it to me again next week, or out and out cancels.  And since the owner of the store where I'm teaching the class doesn't like to ask for deposits, I'm out of luck.  Double urgh.  I WILL be calling this student with a reminder mid-week.  I, at least, am responsible for my actions....
So anyway, the UP side is that I have an entire sunny Sunday afternoon all to myself.  My husband figured since I was going to be gone most of the afternoon, that he'd go fishing.  So - BEAD TIME!
But first - peach pie with whipped topping and a big ole' glass of milk!
Peaceful beading everyone,
TTFN

Freebie and the bead!

Freebies are always fun!  Head over to "Creative Chaos and enter her great giveaway.  And then, just for fun, scroll down to her THURSDAY post about her 'ghostly bead encounter'.  Spooky!
Not much time for beading today - between finishing prep for the Feng Shui class I didn't think was going to happen TOMORROW, and working all day at the bookstore today, I think the beads will have to wait until Monday.  I have this yen to start a new project and let the beads speak to me for awhile - another embroidery project that just flows and flows.  But with class prep X2, and other obligations, I may not be able to just 'go with the flow' as soon as I want. 
Enjoy your day - where ever you may be, and don't forget to head over to Skye's blog!
Peaceful beading,
TTFN

On my plate today.....

Pancakes, errands, and of course, beads.  I did manage to get all of the birthstone bracelets finished, and a sample 'family' bracelet (similar to a Mother's bracelet but also with parents' birthstones) for The Grand-dale Shoppe.  I just have to write up the blurb for custom ordering, as well as one for my in-person custom design party on December 3rd.  And as I was working on those, I decided why not give them the option of EARRINGS?  So those are on my agenda for today.  But first....
Pancakes.  And then.....errands.  Video store.  Library. Post Office.  All those little stops that have you getting in and out of the car for a minute, that can be kind of wearing after about 4 times.   Ugh.
And then for dessert - when all is said and done - my book club meeting.  And I THINK we are meeting at a restaurant for Sandy's birthday tonight.  Not sure where yet - probably should get busy messaging them to coordinate the time and place.
So what's on your plate for today?
Peaceful beading,
TTFN

Creative juices overflowing

Is there such a thing as being TOO creative?  I've got sooooooo many ideas for designs, and classes, and make and take projects in my head that some of them I fear will be lost in the shuffle.  I guess those of you that have 'picked a niche' and stuck with it probably have it much easier!  I've got 3 different shops where I sell my jewelry, as well beads at two of those-keeping it fresh and keeping track is a big chore.  Two of those will also be the sites of BIG classes in the next few months, neither of which I am ready for.  I have a tray FULL of beads and findings all matched and coordinated for projects that I've had in mind - some of them for months!  And NOW - after my shift at Grand-dale yesterday, I have an idea for a custom order/make it-take it sort of thing that I want to have IN the shoppe, along with the marketing blurb, by the end of the week. Dawn (the owner of the shoppe) also gave me a cute unique idea for something new and completely different, which will have me checking the craft stores for pricing and availability of all the items I need in the very near future.  Then I work at the new exhibit opening for the Lansing Art Gallery on Friday evening, and the book store ALL DAY Saturday.  So book club & store, Mom time, hubby time, gallery time, and then TWO more shows before the end of the month.  Do you see ME time OR BREATHE time anywhere in there?  Me neither.
On top of all that, we just returned from meeting and greeting our new financial adviser guy, and having to take the time to go over accounts and dollars and numbers, oh my.  Never fun - but usually necessary.   I am hoping to have the afternoon to work on the Grand-dale project, and finish a few repairs.  HOPING being the operative word.
Here's HOPING you all have peaceful beading,
TTFN

Countdown

No beads in the blog today, unless you count the lament that once my mom leaves - in less than a month - to return to her home in Florida, who is gonna purchase my jewelry on a regular enough basis to keep me in gas and Biggby lattes?   Sometimes she'll special order something that I'll mail down, and she'll send a check in return, but that's nothing compared to the frequent visits and seeing the items in person, that result in loving - and buying - the most recent thing I made!  I could starve!  I could - gulp, even worse - go Biggby-less!  I need to find a surrogate 'mom' for those 6 months that loves and buys my stuff as much as she does!
And - because they'll be leaving soon - my parents decided to treat my husband and I to a nice dinner out today - RED LOBSTER.  And even in a town several miles away, so that we'd have more time to chat in the car on the way there and back.  Not that my mom and I don't do that on a regular basis anyway, but I don't think either of them have seen Terry for more than an hour total all summer long.  They are always here when he's either working - or fishing. And as we were eating and enjoying each other's company, we decided that tomorrow we'll be getting together, too - just the 4 of us, for a little Labor Day picnic that will consist of helping them clean out their fridge.  So a sort of leftovers picnic.   I will, of course, take my requisite deviled eggs, and maybe something else as well.

So the countdown has begun until the snowbirds fly away home.  I still haven't quite figured out how and IF I will make the journey down there this year.  I want to - the area where they live is quite nice, and as I've blogged before, have plenty of opportunities for me to sell my things, and maybe TEACH.  But I have to get there first.  Without flying.  Nose wiggling ala Bewitched?  That would be nice.....
And as far as no beads in the blog - I changed my mind.  I DO have a completed piece - and the next project piece - to show you:

This one is 'Trefoil'.  Much more simple and understated than I originally planned.  But I just liked how it looked at this stage, so I called it done. 



And this one is a ring - a work in progress that consists of a cool filigree cupped flower.  I'll be doing my usual fringey flowery stuff around the middle - photo when done!
TTFN




 

Left brained - or RIGHT brained?

I was given the inkling of an idea tonight, and one I would like some input on from any LEFT HANDED beaders out there reading:  I am considering putting together tips, tricks, projects and patterns in a beading book SPECIFICALLY for LEFT HANDED beaders.  I've discovered a few things that need to be done differently along my beading journey, some adjustments that needed to be made, some frustrations that I have yet to overcome - and a wonderful friend thought I might 'have something there'.  So any input from other lefties out there would be greatly appreciated - name credit will be given for tips and tricks!   Not sure how long it will take to put together, and then I need to go about finding an actual publisher.  My last two books were self published, which was fun, but not a viable option for a book that I want to have seen by the public, or to have show up in stores.  Don't have the first clue actually, so I'll be researching that option as well.  If you have an input on the publishing end, that part would be welcomed as well....
This is still in the thinkin' stage - left brained or right, only time will tell....
Peaceful beading, both lefties and righties...
TTFN

Next thing you know....snow

I can't believe it's September.  That's only WEEKS away from snow in this neck of the woods.  And I feel I've been cheated out of half the summer by the heat and onslaught of mosquitos that our ONE good weekend of rain brought.  We went practically the entire month of July with NO rain, and triple digits temps - which meant indoors and air conditioning.  Then the rain and the mosquitos came, and it's been more indoor activities still.  Thank goodness for the beads.  I've read a lot of books this summer, too.  Some ebooks, some actual real books.  But I've missed my usual daily deck visits - normally I can go sit with my fountain, and my flowers, and the hummingbird in the early morning, while the traffic out front is still at a minimum.  Unfortunately,  mosquitos have no sense of time, and are therefore invading my space 24/7.  We DID buy a propane repellant device, and it does work once it's warmed up, but only if you sit still within about 2 yards of the thing.  I can't wander the path.  I can't hug my walnut tree.  I want my summer back, dang it!
Another sad bit of news - I heard through a fellow Michigan Facebook friend of TWO more bead store closings - one an actual brick and mortar to the south of me a bit, and one an online venue.  It IS a demanding job, and I suppose only the strong (and the big box) will survive.  I have hopes of being a part of a shop again someday, but it is going to have to be truly unique, and probably with a partner that I trust implicitly - so that I don't have to be on site everyday.  Because you burn out.  No matter how much you love it.  Trust me.
Busy day today.  Mom and I are off to Coyote, and lunch, and then inevitably, unfortunately - Walmart.  Another big box I try to avoid - but admittedly DO find good deals at occassionally.  We're counting down the days now before she returns to Florida for the winter - she and my Dad leave on Oct. 1.  And since we'll be skipping our usual mother/daughter day next week due to my soon to be crazy schedule, we're going to have to start making it quality time. 
TTFN dear readers - I appreciate you all so much!  Give me a shout and tell me what you'd like to see more of in my blogs - beads, dogs, or just plain LIFE!