tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71569096133844588182024-03-12T21:30:12.809-04:00The Babbling Beadercoolmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581326618275214554noreply@blogger.comBlogger858125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7156909613384458818.post-79855347342613816832017-06-22T07:39:00.001-04:002017-06-22T07:39:21.004-04:00THE ENDOnce upon a time there was a little bead shop owned by a passionate seed bead artist.<br />There was time to bead, teach, blog, and play. <br />
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And all was right with the world.<br /><br />Then the world started changing, the store didn't make it, the teaching opportunities became fewer,<br />but the artist kept beading, finding options for sharing her passion with the world in the form of art fairs and art galleries.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Shiawassee Art Center, Owosso, MI</span></div>
<br />The opportunities were few but mighty to start. She won contests, and ribbons, and accolades, oh my.<br />
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<br />Still the world kept changing, and suddenly there were even fewer opportunities. She stayed true to her passion and she held on. <br /><br />While all of this was happening, she started noticing that the blog-o-sphere was changing. There were video tutorials, pattern giveaways in the form of PDF, information sharing, and stories to be told on a regular if not daily basis. Bloggers needed content, and a way to steer people to them.<br /><br />She realized that she'd missed that boat, and didn't know how to get on it.<br /><br />So using the limited social media skills she has, she's relying on her Facebook pages - both personal and business - to keep in touch with those that are still in her bead filled world.<br /><br />And with that dear followers, she bids this blog adieu. If you are interested in keeping up with beady comings and goings - this passionate artist is still participating in local (Mid-Michigan) art fairs, galleries, and occasional online contests. So be sure to follow the Facebook pages to get all the news - here are the links to BOTH:<br /><br />https://www.facebook.com/sheryl.mayesstephens<br />
https://www.facebook.com/Cool-Moon-Creations-Beads-119070891456596/<br />
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Peaceful beading,<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">THE END</span></b><br />
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<br />coolmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581326618275214554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7156909613384458818.post-75600146401681847352016-12-22T15:55:00.000-05:002016-12-22T15:55:54.061-05:00A Happy Holiday Test<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, Happy Festivus, or whatever it is you are celebrating this time of year!<br /><br />It's been awhile again since I last blogged - someone mentioned that Blogger had made some changes, so I thought I better hop over and make sure I still CAN. PLUS - I'm still not sure that blogging without purpose (no tutorials, recipes, patterns, etc. to offer) is the IN thing to do these days, so it's kinda taken a back seat to one of my new passions - crocheting. Mostly infinity scarves, and cowls - for myself and for friends. Just warm fuzzy hands busy fun while watching my new guilty Netflix pleasure (for the 4th time beginning to end) Gilmore Girls! <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>My favorite - and most challenging success - my lacy purple infinity scarf. Had to tear that puppy out twice before I finally got it. And I love it. </i></span></div>
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But don't get me wrong - BEADING is still "A" NUMBER ONE. In fact, I may blog again regularly just to be able to have an alternative way to offer my newest creations - COOL CLOTHES.<br />
I'm hitting the resale shops, the garage sales, and asking my friends for their gently used denim jackets, vests and lightweight women's wear. I am going to be giving them new life and "enlightening" them with beaded embellishments. I'm hoping by finding low cost clothing, that I can then pass that on in the form of a lowish price when I present them during show season this year. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">This was the first one, the experimental one, that I am quite pleased with. There will be a variety of sizes and styles - I sure hope my customers find them unique enough.... most of them won't fit me!</span></i><br />
<br />I feel I've come full circle with the bead adventure, too. When I first began doing beadwork, it was mainly on a loom, with a Native American edge to it. I ALSO, along with those loomed pieces, embellished clothing - t-shirts, jackets, hats, etc - with beads and sparkle paint. Just a LITTLE BIT (read this with a very sarcastic edge) cruder and no where near as professional as those being done today. But that was almost 25 years ago! I've come a LONG WAY, baby!<br />
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So I hope to see you over here on the blog a bit more in the new year. 2017. Numerologically - it breaks down to a 1 - NEW BEGINNINGS. And personally, I also have a few favorable astrological aspects hitting right now and into the new year too - so I am very hopeful that this year of new beginnings will bring me just that - some positive, prosperous NEW prospects and beginnings.<br /><br />Peaceful beading,<br />TTFN<br /><br />coolmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581326618275214554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7156909613384458818.post-62883810481657483102016-10-11T15:13:00.001-04:002016-10-11T15:13:22.668-04:00Happy OCTOBER!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: start;">HELLO! It's been months and months since I've been here. A quick recap, and then I'll post my events through the end of the year - </span></div>
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Well. If you hadn't noticed - it's been raining. </div>
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For almost all the shows. The July one that had beautiful weather predicted? Rain moved in the night before, we were soaked to the skin, and of course, because of the downpour, attendance was way down.<br />There were just 2 others with no rain, one was wonderful and well attended, the other - beautiful day and event that no one came to. The rest were either completely cancelled due to rain, or low attended wash outs.<br />So not much to crow about I'm afraid. I'm hoping that these next few weeks of INDOOR shows will make up for the dismal summer of 2016. Here's the schedule as it stands right now -<br /><br /><b>THIS SATURDAY - OCTOBER 15</b> - the 24th Annual <b>HOLIDAYS IN HASLETT</b> craft show, Haslett High School 9am to 4pm.<br /><br /><b>Saturday, Nov. 12</b> - <b>DeWitt Holiday Craft Show</b> - DeWitt JUNIOR High School. <br />
<br /><b>Friday and Saturday, November 18 and 19</b> - I will be an artist in one of the<b> Dimondale Holiday Home Craft Show</b> homes. Look for maps in the Lansing, Holt and Dimondale area very soon. Not sure what the home number is yet - will update soon.<br /><b><br />November 13-December 31: Shiawassee Art Center Holiday Market</b>. You'll find several extra Cool Moon designs throughout the center, along with my usual Gift Gallery display. If you haven't checked out this beautiful facility, especially during the holidays -- make this the YEAR! GO!<br />
ENJOY! It's an awesome place.... here's the <a href="http://shiawasseearts.org/">link</a> for all the details.<br />
<br /><b>Saturday, December 3 - St. Davids Episcopal Church Annual Holiday Bazaar.</b> Elmwood Rd. in Lansing, North of the Lansing Mall....<br /><br />There may also be a City Market event on Saturday, December 10th. Details to follow when I have them.<br /><br />I hope to begin using this blog again on a regular basis once show season is done. I'll post new pieces, older pieces that I want to clearance, and maybe a fun giveaway or contest too.<br /><br />Here's a peak at a few things I've done in the last few months:<br />
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<br /><br />If you see anything you're interested in, please email me at coolmoon@tds.net or message me through Facebook. ALL of the above pieces are currently available, either through the Shiawassee Art Center, or in my current inventory.<br /><br />Hope to see you all again VERY SOON....<br />Peaceful beading,<br />TaTaForNow....<br />
<br /><br /><br />coolmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581326618275214554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7156909613384458818.post-90766613519088646492016-07-27T09:51:00.001-04:002016-07-27T09:51:26.800-04:00HiatusAs you may have already guessed from the date of my last post - there hasn't been much to blog about in Cool Moon land. No-show shows, rained out shows, a bit of brain freeze in the idea department.<br /><br />So no news is no news for the blog. Gonna give it a rest for a bit. Hope I can come back after what I HOPE will be a good rest of the show season (Saturday in Williamston looks to be perfect - low 80's sun, and low humidity), maybe with another new look, and a lot more to say.<br /><br />I DO have a fun up north trip planned with a friend (hubby couldn't get time off - and that's not gonna stop me!) so maybe I'll throw in a fun follow up to that.<br /><br />I'll understand if you give up on me. I'll be grateful if you stop back once in awhile to see if I'm still here. I DO link my postings to Facebook, so if you're a friend, it'll give you the heads up.<br /><br />Now off to finish pricing those garage sale items! PRAY FOR NO RAIN.<br /><br />Peaceful beading,<br />TTFN but not forever....coolmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581326618275214554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7156909613384458818.post-57188193360069294502016-06-08T10:52:00.003-04:002016-06-08T10:52:51.957-04:00A new seasonAnd so it begins. SATURDAY is the kick off of what I hope will be a kick ASS season of shows.<br /><br />Because it's the last gasp. It's do or die. I MUST SURVIVE. <br /><br />I have some fun opportunities on the horizon (a night time market with prizes for unique lighting and display, etc), and out of town ones too - so I'm stepping up my ego, putting the question out there for HELP. Which is hard for me. But without my own transportation and helper (hubby not available for night time or out of town experiences) I am going to be left in the dust.<br /><br /><br />I HOPE I can find a fun, upbeat, HAPPY person with a creative mind to join me. <br /><br />Wish me luck.<br />
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Peaceful beading,<br />TTFNcoolmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581326618275214554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7156909613384458818.post-73600653305315437492016-06-02T09:40:00.000-04:002016-06-02T09:40:27.529-04:00The TEST of contestsI'm not really sure why or even when I decided to start entering the beading contests. I think I was prompted by a friend - and then somehow, miraculously, happily - I WON as a finalist my very first try. "Mariposa" - over on the right hand side of the page - is still one of my crowning achievements.<br />
<br />As a rule, though, I am not normally a competitive person. Never a sports player - always picked LAST in school for gym teams, etc. My only successful 'sport' is music trivia! <br /><br />And honestly - I don't take rejection well. I think that joining, entering, taking part has been a challenge to MYSELF to try NOT to be so sensitive about LOSING. BECAUSE: <br /><br />
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If I've got one ounce of confidence about anything - it's that I </div>
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KNOW </div>
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that my beadwork kicks major butt. I am in the 'advanced' category that some beaders only dream about. My love, my passion, my </div>
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NEED </div>
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for doing bead embroidery is a part of my soul. </div>
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I MUST BEAD. </div>
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The detailed, intricate work I do is a cathartic, meditative thing. </div>
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Unfortunately, it's also what makes it an expensive, ART related thing that most people unfamiliar with art and beading, are unwilling to PAY good money for. </div>
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I can't just slap a garage sale or flea market price on what I do. In my area, however - that's pretty much what people are looking for. </div>
<br />So in order to feed my need - I continue to create the big elaborate pieces for contests. And then afterward, I usually show them off during show season, maybe take a piece or two to the gallery - where they ARE appreciated and sometimes purchased - and then they go on display here in my home - and sometimes on my body. <br /><br />THIS particular piece was just rejected by this year's Fire Mountain's Seed Bead contest jury.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Color Me Happy"</span></div>
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It's the second year in a row I've been rejected - even though I KNOW the piece I'm submitting goes beyond what I've seen others do that win. It's a head scratcher, for sure. <br />
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I have also decided to sit this year's Battle of the Beadsmith out, because that one? I am coming to realize I think there are some politics involved. THIS piece - still beloved, still worn, still AWESOME - was my 2015 entry - made it 2 rounds:<br />
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<br />I know that there are other contests out there that I can enter. I haven't decided yet whether to try any more next year. This year's show circuit - which officially starts in just 8 DAYS - will be a big part of my decision about my beads period. <br />I will probably always have that 'need to bead' - but whether I continue to do it on a large, get out there in front of the people scale - or do it<br /><br />JUST FOR ME</div>
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<br />remains to be seen.</div>
<br />Peaceful beading,<br /><br />TTFNcoolmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581326618275214554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7156909613384458818.post-6847184617625474302016-05-09T11:42:00.001-04:002016-05-09T17:36:34.919-04:00Monday Musings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: start;">First - a little note about the last blog and the tree thing - they did a better job than I expected them to do, and even had someone come along and clean up the cut wood. So it's a thinner but still beautiful stand of trees. Yay for Mother Nature....</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">NOW - This part of the blog I probably shouldn't be blogging. Or at least posting. I should probably get a journal to write in, to vent in, to rant in, to be upset with everyone around me in. But here goes:</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">I think the year 2014 spoiled me. It was a magical year. From start to finish (I keep track) it was custom creation requests, individual sales, practically every piece posted on FB was sold to a friend, I was winning contests, my art fair opportunities and sales were awesome - and I WAS ON FIRE. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">For one stinking lousy year.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">And then it was gone. Last year was a lousy horrible make me want to give up everything year.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;">In fact, I almost did. No custom order requests, few sales all year - whether it be friends, shows, fairs, wherever - I was left in the dust. No winning. No nothing. A DUD. And I lost one of my fur children on top of it all, leaving a huge hole in my already shaky heart. NOW add to that some so called friends that had the nerve to tell me (at an already particularly bad part of the year and life) that no one wanted my jewelry anymore, and I needed to find 'something new to do'. That statement - that PERSONAL attack (at least that's how it felt) about threw me for a loop, and yes - threw me into a depression to go along with drab, dreary winter months. Thank goodness for TRUE friends - the few that have been there at shows, offered me solace, ears, and occasional girls days out - LIFE SAVERS for sure. AND I discovered coloring books, and love to work crossword puzzles - they were my sanity, along with that tiny little inkling in the back of my brain that still leaks beads - the one that said "SCREW YOU!" I'm beading anyway, and spent the entire winter, on and off - creating THIS - for ME - just because I wanted to:</span><br />
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I had hoped that 2016 would bring fresh promise. I don't have quite as many opportunities lined up, but I'm not giving up on the art fair gig just yet. I kept beading like mad, and have some very unique pieces to show for it, too. I tried to start out the year in the same fashion as those previous - with my home open house - a two day event this time -to cover those Sunday working or Saturday plan bases of all my friends and family. Facebook invites. Postcard invites. In person invites. <br />
I didn't keep it quiet.<br />
ALAS - it's the last home open house I'll have. FEW friends (again, those that are true blue - and I CHERISH YOU) and ONE family member. On ONE day. The second day was a total bust.<br />
I tried to keep my chin up. I still had another spring event in the wings at a place that has been near and dear to my heart for so many reasons: Coyote Wisdom.<br />
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Unfortunately for me - I believe that <i>dearness</i>, that thought that I had people there to support, that loved me, loved my work, always say they WANT my work - only exists in my brain.<br />
ONE CAME. Again that one true blue friend I can always count on for support. And the afternoon store clerk did make a purchase. THAT'S ALL.<br />
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I wonder if anyone knows (or cares) what kind of work goes into a show like this. Having all this (there were 3 more tables) lugged up the stairs, and unpacked, designed, laid out perfectly. </div>
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To be admired by NO ONE. </div>
It is heartbreaking to realize that no one cares.<br />
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It makes me wonder if they would care more if I put $5.00 on everything. Never mind getting what I'm worth, what my other art friends are worth, just sold it all cheap as if it meant nothing.<br />
If that would make customers happy.<br />
I know it would again break my heart to know that no one respected ME, respected MY work, (and trust me - although it's a passion - it is hours and hours and hours of WORK) or even respected the art world.<br />
But maybe that's why they don't show up.<br />
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The 2016 outdoor art fair season officially starts on June 11. I am crossing every finger, every toe, every strand of beads that it only goes UP from here. I think I have decent prices based on what others around me are charging. I KNOW I have a unique product that no one else around me is selling. I am ALWAYS friendly, and love talking to happy customers.<br />
Now I just need to get them to stop and look. AND BUY. <br />
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My friends and I have pondered what that secret formula is for getting people<br />
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to buy at art fairs. We were in a group for awhile that spoke much about some customers seeming to think we are like carnival workers, like a caravan, carousing and being rude during the off time, trying to cheat people with our wares during the day. Customers that are rude and disrespectful, while we have to put on those happy faces and thank them for stopping by.</div>
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Is it really all worth it? <br />
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2016 will tell me that.<br />
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And I hope I have many loyal, happy, wonderful customers that will tell me YES. IT. IS.<br />
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Until next time,<br />
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Peaceful beading,<br />
TTFN<br />
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<br />coolmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581326618275214554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7156909613384458818.post-27540627812803449272016-04-07T10:24:00.000-04:002016-04-07T10:24:44.296-04:00Tree Hugger<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Or maybe the title should be 'An Ode to a Tree'. Many odes, words, and stories have been written about the tree.<br />The majesty of Mother Nature.<br />All year round.</div>
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So that's why hubby and I are weeping a bit today for the township maintained stand across the road.<br />Off with their heads, arms, and basically anything that comes anywhere near the power lines.<br />Those trees have been there way longer than the power lines. That particular stand of trees has NEVER been the cause of any outages in the area, but ok- I GET that there needs to be maintenance, to keep the power on.<br />But do they have to be so destructive? <br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyiqoA4q173HMbvBhjQ-UyY_I8qiw-nWmGd6bt6SvB2k77G4m2W8-Ke7VgbEKZOZExu-VhQf14mI86TmSAk62769I3C1X1IybkOr_Vq6qmaj_MlRCQ4JPgw1z4DqClbDb4_b63fUlZTo/s1600/tree+hugger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyiqoA4q173HMbvBhjQ-UyY_I8qiw-nWmGd6bt6SvB2k77G4m2W8-Ke7VgbEKZOZExu-VhQf14mI86TmSAk62769I3C1X1IybkOr_Vq6qmaj_MlRCQ4JPgw1z4DqClbDb4_b63fUlZTo/s1600/tree+hugger.jpg" /></a></div>
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They don't just chop them down, which would be much kinder.<br />They strip, hack, twist and mangle so that only a deformed stump will be left over.</div>
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It will make us want to cry even more...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjID-enYBIgSIrclqe-hfmJXTd1RPZIuRVQMw_WOkuizEehp4lo_Lij4oZiLFJLcbFwCqti5BX6V41MGob5Su0WuVPA7sYwlpALRXG0xqITUZJDj4oe_pzIqlH6MlS6FggAxU0oX3dwjgQ/s1600/Michigan+photo+for+BLOG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjID-enYBIgSIrclqe-hfmJXTd1RPZIuRVQMw_WOkuizEehp4lo_Lij4oZiLFJLcbFwCqti5BX6V41MGob5Su0WuVPA7sYwlpALRXG0xqITUZJDj4oe_pzIqlH6MlS6FggAxU0oX3dwjgQ/s320/Michigan+photo+for+BLOG.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />Michigan has such beautiful tree seasons - it just hurts our hearts (not to mention our eyes)<br />to see these so called PROFESSIONAL tree services do such a bad job.<br /><br />SAVE THE TREES!!!!<br /><br /></div>
So because I'm trying NOT to look out the window at the devastation before us, I'll be doing a lot of beading today..... which at least be somewhat peaceful - if it weren't for the noise.....<br /><br />Peaceful Beading.<br /><br />TTFN<br /><br />coolmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581326618275214554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7156909613384458818.post-49162576547108174682016-04-02T11:33:00.002-04:002016-04-02T11:33:50.406-04:00Group Hugs..... and shrugs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm not sure what the mentality is when it comes to WOMEN needing other women around them. I don't think it's just because we need to talk about personal female things that men don't want to hear about - I think it's much, much more. <br /><br />And there can be such a love/hate relationship among the women in those groups.<br /><br />Can you say DRAMA QUEENS? Most groups have at least one. Many groups have more than one, which often ADDS to the drama.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJX9LwPlHPjaOBkIRyTMF5oqW-Sff4f5guhFc9H5rvABaziuJl9yWJRTI34hxN8IK9-WAho1rwjTj-XdtlGj4P6pxEFB8eX7A-qBIAaQ9vghZR4QWm9M_4OkgkM0ba8cJZl6D29ya8f-c/s1600/drama+queen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJX9LwPlHPjaOBkIRyTMF5oqW-Sff4f5guhFc9H5rvABaziuJl9yWJRTI34hxN8IK9-WAho1rwjTj-XdtlGj4P6pxEFB8eX7A-qBIAaQ9vghZR4QWm9M_4OkgkM0ba8cJZl6D29ya8f-c/s1600/drama+queen.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />I have enjoyed the groups of women that I've had in my life for many different reasons. Some of those women are still in my life - and a few of them have gone on as a group without me - or just gone on and found new groups. We have each other for a reason, sometimes for season - and sometimes for a lifetime. <br /><br />I am still in search of the perfect group of women to bead with. Although - I have to say - I do my best work when I'm alone with my thoughts. But once in awhile - it's nice to meet and greet. The area group meets a few times a month - but after trying for a year or three - just didn't seem to be right for me. I speak to a few now and then. I'm sure they're beading on just fine without me....<br />
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And I know I've spoken of my Thursday group in the past. We're a group of women (and there used to be a guy too) from the metaphysical bookstore that get together weekly for the MAIN purpose of talk about positive affirmation, meditation, and prosperity. I've been a part of the group on and off for over 5 years. I've been a part of the metaphysical world for much, much longer than that. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQOV0grz0sIgF0mae_u9cyYUU_pmgC9G2geo4QDg-0yR5cIcfJ6PdrHBD4rRFdWtFKUJmwtS2gRqDSrCftuiNj9WflpTmCP_kk8ksq_7jkJeIsO_FhYlHOFY7qWWaoYh-UWLhIof0q6I/s1600/gemstone+pile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQOV0grz0sIgF0mae_u9cyYUU_pmgC9G2geo4QDg-0yR5cIcfJ6PdrHBD4rRFdWtFKUJmwtS2gRqDSrCftuiNj9WflpTmCP_kk8ksq_7jkJeIsO_FhYlHOFY7qWWaoYh-UWLhIof0q6I/s1600/gemstone+pile.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><br />But even with a group of loving, caring, positive thinking women - we can have drama. And some of that drama affected me personally last year. Enough to make me walk away. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOCcaCy38lhPTGcVfSaNrd-rxNBXPpZNtB1Q08EEzyPsun5XvfGbmmT4lIpeOgTeyZO0gDinEjop18jd_eDOo86NN_jIZdanEdfhoFen5v7mWg0V21FZqnTLPoWuOH8f4L-c8ZnnbNhE/s1600/tear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOCcaCy38lhPTGcVfSaNrd-rxNBXPpZNtB1Q08EEzyPsun5XvfGbmmT4lIpeOgTeyZO0gDinEjop18jd_eDOo86NN_jIZdanEdfhoFen5v7mWg0V21FZqnTLPoWuOH8f4L-c8ZnnbNhE/s1600/tear.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><br />I felt the loss. I mourned the loss. I MISSED that group, and the love, support and laughter (and sometimes even the talks about politics) that many of them brought me every week.<br /><br />So in my effort - my RESOLVE - for the new year to BE ME - despite what others say, think or DO to try to change it - I went back. It's been a smaller group, but in just a few short weeks it's brought me the sense of comfort, calm and fresh thought that I so desperately needed. <br /><br />The other groups I am involved with are FACEBOOK related - and the reason I came up with this (now lengthy and babbley) blog post. I belong to THREE bead related groups on Facebook. I joined each, again, for the companionship, the talk, the PHOTOS and the POSITIVE kudos about beading. A couple of them have taken a turn for the negative of late. One is simply too filled with people that don't seem to want to be creative - but COPY others creativity instead.<br />So as of today - I say buh-bye to each of them. I have my personal FB peeps, who ALWAYS love and support, and my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Cool-Moon-Creations-Beads-119070891456596/">Cool Moon Creations & Beads</a> page where I can post my newest designs, dilemmas and disasters. Along with the Thursday Girls, and my cherished personal friends, it's going to have to be enough for me.<br /><br />Besides. With show season just around the corner, I need less maintenance and more LOVE. :D And hopefully more blogging - and MORE SALES! I still haven't re-started a page of pieces available here, simply because when I do shows - EVERYTHING goes with me. And because I'm so OOAK (one of a kind for those that don't speak bead-ese) I don't want to run the risk of selling something online that I sell at a show. That would be bad. For all of us.<br /><br />Do you have a group you enjoy doing things with? Comment and tell me about it. I would love to hear from you.<br /><br />Enjoy the coming spring.... and everything it brings!<br /><br />Peaceful beading,<br />TTFN<br /><br />And P.S. Let me know what you think of the fresh new Babbling Beader Blog look!<br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">All images courtesy of Google</span><br /><br /><br />
<br />coolmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581326618275214554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7156909613384458818.post-59489646648280529802016-03-24T18:39:00.002-04:002016-03-24T18:39:45.525-04:00Breathing new life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZS2zmAgjCx85RXmdewpP4P5o2hXKzhGSs7M7Nu-3M9l_SHgDTMb9k2bGRenRdXJ5HnvnjbPTd4zA-sMaUtrvkZjMrkvXuNz_OvY_TsVQvG6fGv5Anr_hhNOy6stbVL93SztW-YorKJs/s1600/breathe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZS2zmAgjCx85RXmdewpP4P5o2hXKzhGSs7M7Nu-3M9l_SHgDTMb9k2bGRenRdXJ5HnvnjbPTd4zA-sMaUtrvkZjMrkvXuNz_OvY_TsVQvG6fGv5Anr_hhNOy6stbVL93SztW-YorKJs/s1600/breathe.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">With the new life of spring comes some thoughts of </span></div>
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Need to give it a fresh look, and some fresh content.<br />
<br />Need to be ready to commit to actually BLOGGING. And trying to decide if it should be ONLY about beads, or if I should continue to babble on about life. Period. The dog. The days. The garden. The frustrations involved with life.<br /><br />
For now though - BEADS. Here are a few things I've completed over the course of the winter.... some are for sale, some are going to the gallery, and some are just plain MINE. Enjoy the eye candy along with your peeps and jelly beans.... and I hope you're glad I'm back... at least I'm trying to be....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgW9z7CpIaFjNg5Xb6NAYKYoeVauoJRz7uiPdquvux0RjeQ1HySlzaPU3gn1Yxfeqt1x2uFNwpytO359Aj0TanlixqfhY-Vu5G9Cx3uz3FLOI1AXE4D1L4ltdStgR-kErKSCTJzgbXO4/s1600/Purple+Mountains+Majesty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgW9z7CpIaFjNg5Xb6NAYKYoeVauoJRz7uiPdquvux0RjeQ1HySlzaPU3gn1Yxfeqt1x2uFNwpytO359Aj0TanlixqfhY-Vu5G9Cx3uz3FLOI1AXE4D1L4ltdStgR-kErKSCTJzgbXO4/s320/Purple+Mountains+Majesty.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQhLrI1wlqMFufbUGVw8wk0nhmmXaI-VUs64ucalZezI88IOIU8GLSu5gpm1lKuUwQkOMnls7zIfY8jZ-zHwLaGIVF96tus2gAMFrREkOmSLliQe6Ayc6-bKt1uD5zA0u_ESpBWO_cfM/s1600/Stardust.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQhLrI1wlqMFufbUGVw8wk0nhmmXaI-VUs64ucalZezI88IOIU8GLSu5gpm1lKuUwQkOMnls7zIfY8jZ-zHwLaGIVF96tus2gAMFrREkOmSLliQe6Ayc6-bKt1uD5zA0u_ESpBWO_cfM/s320/Stardust.jpg" width="152" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLw-VcDIULeJ8ELViB0AGjygaG6rOKvpH3121CR__9WLHEq0po_NkEmJ-BuiqZz4qgVldeA1kuqal23Z-2vGbW3mpd9Y4vCRpP5gYiHUAKzUwi8Yvj4WBMDnEQ24qgsO8Tiyu-QZxTHtw/s1600/20160321_121835_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLw-VcDIULeJ8ELViB0AGjygaG6rOKvpH3121CR__9WLHEq0po_NkEmJ-BuiqZz4qgVldeA1kuqal23Z-2vGbW3mpd9Y4vCRpP5gYiHUAKzUwi8Yvj4WBMDnEQ24qgsO8Tiyu-QZxTHtw/s320/20160321_121835_resized.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztQsm4rn_ka7E4a9NRwrB_7CPE1O1kkZF9zVs5aYyRADWYIANcjDTIEEIpXWgc39rwu9Vxd3BeMH_AXd8J4xxrhKUllkUQqE0sHcFwOiJhaoXT-ezz2RIXgaVqLnfESjUE7Gr2zD7QMo/s1600/Bracelet+Tray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztQsm4rn_ka7E4a9NRwrB_7CPE1O1kkZF9zVs5aYyRADWYIANcjDTIEEIpXWgc39rwu9Vxd3BeMH_AXd8J4xxrhKUllkUQqE0sHcFwOiJhaoXT-ezz2RIXgaVqLnfESjUE7Gr2zD7QMo/s320/Bracelet+Tray.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />A tray FULL of brand new hot off the bead table denim designs.</div>
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And here's an exciting thing: picked up a copy of the magazine "Real Simple" today. <br />DENIM and chambray are going to be HOT trends this year! I am hoping this is a GOOD thing for me!<br /><br /><br />So happy that it's finally sprung.... it's in the air.... it's bringing us those flowers....<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji5vPoKvi6pX2yKc0Pq7-XrL5E2EWWRIb1gOsXuPXsVSvUJKfaapYqpGQHaXJLwMspdu5ZkZf7w_Ue8fU78Cnk6VZj71wnrKcC8p3tOvTTn03FUoFCPDGLmIUbzNU87M5YGSqXDQGguA8/s1600/Spring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji5vPoKvi6pX2yKc0Pq7-XrL5E2EWWRIb1gOsXuPXsVSvUJKfaapYqpGQHaXJLwMspdu5ZkZf7w_Ue8fU78Cnk6VZj71wnrKcC8p3tOvTTn03FUoFCPDGLmIUbzNU87M5YGSqXDQGguA8/s1600/Spring.jpg" /></a></div>
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Until next time - which I hope won't be far away...<br />Peaceful beading,<br />TTFN<br /><br /><br /><br />coolmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581326618275214554noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7156909613384458818.post-80122379490745129942016-01-11T09:49:00.002-05:002016-01-11T09:50:58.271-05:00Something had to give....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqFkontegEsNerNOC1MNwNAvVM8cgoJEjcOdyGwbtihaLW1Y68Lv7YPXn_jQx8hvnB_exZp13GsU8E9jwD365gFrMOGdBFygCj9198b79lOMTFqFTxlxb7wz15pbgCIiqWFxXasNROjg/s1600/cons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqFkontegEsNerNOC1MNwNAvVM8cgoJEjcOdyGwbtihaLW1Y68Lv7YPXn_jQx8hvnB_exZp13GsU8E9jwD365gFrMOGdBFygCj9198b79lOMTFqFTxlxb7wz15pbgCIiqWFxXasNROjg/s1600/cons.jpg" /></a></div>
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My jewelry sales on line have never been quite what I wanted them to be - and are low priority compared to the mountain of growing projects, proposals, and organization that I have in front of me at the moment.<br />
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I'll understand if you stop coming back...<br />
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It may be awhile.<br />
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Apologies to those that enjoy my babble.... I may be back. SOMEDAY.<br />
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Peaceful beading, stay warm. Cozy. Happy.<br />
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TTFN but not forever.... If you REALLY want to know what's up with me - go to the Cool Moon Facebook page link on the top right in the sidebar. coolmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581326618275214554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7156909613384458818.post-51875916537038875402016-01-04T12:33:00.002-05:002016-01-04T12:33:59.365-05:00Happy 16!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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From Cool Moon Creations!<br /><br />I have a feeling of fresh new energy, and am already coming up with fresh new plans and ideas - I hope some of them at least, will appeal and excite you! Among a few of the plans - another venture into Bead Soup! And hopefully, nervously, into a few more contests too.<br /><br />I've already removed the Jewelry and Event pages from the blog. Since my events are largely local, there is little need of them on the blog - my local peeps can get all that from Facebook. There is a link to Facebook on the sidebar, just in case you'd like to know, too.<br />As far as the jewelry - you'll start seeing a featured piece or two a week - always with the link to Facebook - where there will be even more. Watch for it in coming days - still need to get some things photographed and ready. Besides - Mercury goes retrograde TOMORROW.... anything could happen. <br /><br />Not sure what the best solution is for online sales - so still dabbling - and babbling - for now.<br /><br />I hope you are having a wonderful, beadiful new year already, and will help me in spreading nothing but love and good cheer throughout the new year....<br />
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As always,<br />
Peaceful beading,<br />TTFNcoolmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581326618275214554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7156909613384458818.post-81250338244981491262015-12-21T21:33:00.001-05:002015-12-21T21:33:52.094-05:00A COOLER 2016It's almost over.... and a fresh new year is almost HERE! I for one --- CAN. NOT. WAIT. With the exception of all the election crap that will be bombarding me - I am looking forward to a happier, lighter, funnier 2016! <br /><br />And with that - changes to this blog. Everyone is always asking me if I have an 'online site'. Like a website. Or goddess forbid - ETSY. UGH. (3 times and out on that disaster....) But then I realized I DO. I have this blog. And I have a PayPal account. And a Square credit card reader that allows me to hand enter info. SO....<div>
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Instead of BORING all of you with my babbling on and on.... I'm planning to use this blog mainly for JEWELRY POSTING. With links to options for using PayPal or emailing me info. May not be as easy as 1-2-3 - but it's a start. <br /></div>
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So I'll be getting rid of the separate page for jewelry sales - and just putting some of best and brightest right HERE. At least until show season. Which may start in April. Or not until the end of June. I have 3 or 4 months to decide....</div>
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I'm also putting together an email list for notifying my readers/fans of upcoming SALES (of both bead and jewelry), CLASSES/WORKSHOPS (both here and elsewhere), and also my event listings - where all my art fairs and festivals will be this year. If you'd like to be included, send me a message.</div>
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<a href="mailto:coolmoon@tds.net">coolmoon@tds.net</a>. </div>
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Until next year..... peaceful beading, and love to you all,</div>
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TTFN</div>
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coolmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581326618275214554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7156909613384458818.post-73256014701071751112015-12-14T18:49:00.002-05:002015-12-14T18:49:56.175-05:00GIVING is livingI found my holiday HAPPY!<br />
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As you may recall, my last post was sorta semi gloomy - I was feeling all grinchy green<br />
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You'll be glad to know that it seems to have finally appeared!<br />
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And it appeared in the form of GIVING. <br />
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As in being someone's Secret Santa (for about a minute. Guess I'm just too describable!).<br />
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As in giving necklaces to ALL the girls at the party on Saturday.<br />
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As in putting up and decorating my mother in law's Christmas tree while she was out of town for a day.<br />
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Now THAT'S Christmas.<br /><br />So for those of you that may be reading this that seem to think it's 'all about me' (although as I currently live and breathe, it sorta IS) - I CAN be a giving person. I CAN think and do for others.<br /><br />
BUT that's NOT why I did it. <br />
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I didn't do it to make a point - but because it made ME feel good - which again - </div>
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makes it ABOUT ME.<br /><br />So I've decided that in 2016, I will make no more apologies for being ME, being excited about what I DO, and creating things that make ME happy - whether they be for ME - or for others.<br /><br />Read with me. Or read not.<br />Bead with me. Or bead not.<br />But what ever you do....<br /><br />Do it peacefully.</div>
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<br /><br />TTFN</div>
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<br />coolmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581326618275214554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7156909613384458818.post-12633364623349112042015-12-05T21:54:00.000-05:002015-12-05T21:54:13.479-05:00Just ready for the RIGHT yearSOOO ready for 2015 to go bye bye. Lots of loss, disappointment, let down and general sadness. So much so that it sort of sapped my holiday spirit. Here we are 20 DAYS before the 'big day', and I have not got one gift wrapped - and only an inkling of what needs to be purchased and for who. The Grinch has been in the house, and he brought his fellow friend the gremlin. <div>
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I suppose it can only go RIGHT from here....<br /><br />Not sure what to expect from 2016 - other than election CRAP and a year that leaps. I already know I won't be showing/selling as much artwork, but hoping to sell just enough in just the RIGHT places, meet just the RIGHT people, with just the RIGHT offers of opportunities that will help me follow my dreams....<br /><br />As I just posted on Facebook - here's what I'm considering my New Year's "Resolution":<br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Hoping to start 2016 FRESH.... ideas, knowledge, friendships and dreams.... cheers!<br /><br />I need the hope of all of them if I'm going to get through even the first month of 2016 RIGHT.</span></span><div>
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<span style="color: #141823;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">What are your hopes for the new year?<br /><br /><br />Peaceful beading,<br />TTFN</span></span><div>
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coolmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581326618275214554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7156909613384458818.post-31418203803324047982015-11-29T11:13:00.003-05:002015-11-29T11:13:57.427-05:00Contemplating life after beadsFor those of you that follow, read, and comment, you KNOW that beads have been my life, and my passion, and sometimes my only saving grace on a dreary day.<br />
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So it may surprise some of you that I'm considering life without them.<br />
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With just one more show left to do this year, and what a dismal sales year it has been - I'm considering taking a year, or more - away from the bead.<br />
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Not sure I can do it. <br />
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It's been such a part of me. <br /><br />What would take their place? For awhile - organizing, purging, putting my house and life back into some sort of order. So many things have gotten away from me, gotten cluttered, that I wonder if taking the time to clean - to refresh - might put new perspective on where to go from here - </div>
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whether it includes the bead </div>
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OR NOT.<br /><br />I still have a book in my head that I should start putting down on paper. </div>
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<img alt="Image result for book" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image courtesy of Google</span><br />I have SOOOO many things in this house - in my life - that need to be spiffed up, polished and made shiny again.<br /></div>
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My brain is feeling rather cluttered too - muddled and overflowing with thoughts lately - </div>
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/>On one hand - I think I could use a break. On the other hand - I know I'd be fine for awhile, but I'm afraid once my friends, my fellow artists, my PEEPS start the show season come summer - that I am going to feel miserably left. OUT.<br /><br />Will I be throwing my hands up in despair? Crying Uncle? Waving the white flag?<br /><br />Or just keep on keeping on </div>
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<br />doing what I love, and saving my sanity?</div>
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So much to think about over the course of the long, cold winter.<br />To bead, or not to bead. <br />To create, or not create.<br /><br /><br />For now, STILL, as if my life depends on it,<br /><br />Peaceful beading,<br />TTFN</div>
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coolmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581326618275214554noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7156909613384458818.post-8410126006851571352015-11-17T14:27:00.002-05:002015-11-17T14:27:09.828-05:00Quick and dirtyA quick blog today -<br />
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because my house is still DIRTY - and I'm not ready! LOL. <br /><br />Happening THIS WEEK! EEEEEK!!!! The 33rd Annual Holt Holiday Craft Show. Still lots to do, and spaces to prepare. I've got most of the table displays out, and posed- but as it ALWAYS happens with set up - there WILL be changes and moving things around. Tomorrow morning is when all that will happen, followed by more sprucing and goosing of floors, corners and walls....<br /><br />And not only am I sprucing up the house - I'm off to spruce up my 'do too! It should - if my stylist is her usual magic making self - look JUST LIKE THIS when she's done with me - minus the cute little nose and young face.<br /><br />I had hoped to have time to COLOR too - but for now - a new do will have to do!<br />
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<img alt="Inverted Cool Short Layered Bob Hairstyle: " height="320" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/68/fd/e8/68fde816f43389d89313232a60635d5a.jpg" width="240" /><br />
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Will try to post a few photos of the place - and MAYBE ME - all ready for the show - IF I have time and remember (the brain is getting old, along with my knees and my eyesight) to do so.<br /><br />Just wanted to blog - so you won't forget about me. :) And if you DO happen to miss me - there're always my Facebook pages - either my own personal page - Sheryl Mayes Stephens in Holt, Michigan - or my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Cool-Moon-Creations-Beads-119070891456596/?ref=bookmarks">Cool Moon Creations and Beads</a> page. Those are posted on much more regularly than the blog....<br />
<br /><br />There probably won't be much time for beading for ME - well, maybe a little...<br /><br />Peaceful beading,<br />TTFNcoolmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581326618275214554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7156909613384458818.post-33354854545147557502015-11-08T08:05:00.001-05:002015-11-08T08:05:48.265-05:00The road MOST traveled<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When you live in Michigan, or probably any state where the seasons change - a fall color tour - or leaf peeping tour as we like to call it - is a must. We weren't sure there would be an opportunity this year, with icky weekend weather, my busy show schedule - and of course, archery deer season all happening at once.<br />
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<img height="400" src="https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/11220897_10153656408949280_5231772278521465358_n.jpg?oh=ac67d270f288fbe90c559e6b8b98afcd&oe=56B781F0" width="220" /> <img height="400" src="https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/11037769_10153656408984280_1373552877187700850_n.jpg?oh=48446c3cfb4035b55d0e3c587c8d0956&oe=56BEEAAD" width="220" /><br />
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;">Fallasburg Covered Bridge, Lowell, Michigan - YES, it is still a working bridge, on a well traveled road - 5 mph over the bridge. Reminds us of the movies Funny Farm and Beetlejuice every time we pass through....</span></i></div>
We managed to find a pretty and unseasonably warm Sunday for a drive, which took us to our favorite spots for fall color. We always say we'll take a new way - but end up in our favorites every time. And Mother Nature never disappoints us with lovely color. <br />
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THIS is our absolute favorite fall color stop - Lyons Dam in Lyons, Michigan - just outside of Portland.<br />
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2015 - not quite as vibrant as 2014.<br />
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Once I get these fall colors in my system though, they seem to come pouring out of me in my beadwork as well - this year was no exception:<br />
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I think a tribute to our changing seasons may be where my brain is taking me for my next big foray into winter competition pieces. There's a spark of it up there. And 3 opportunities - at least - for it to come to fruition:<br /><br />Battle of the Beadsmith (I know, I know. So sue me.)<br />Fire Mountain Gems<br /> and BEAD DREAMS</div>
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Peaceful beading,<br />TTFN</div>
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<br />coolmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581326618275214554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7156909613384458818.post-90730318534427315132015-10-29T11:43:00.000-04:002015-10-29T11:43:32.563-04:00Burning the midnight brainI have vowed not to give you any more blah downer blog posts - so they may be few and far between.<br />
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But in the mean time - just so you know - my brain is churning - and burning, thinking about upcoming shows, and then the downtime that is Mid-December to Mid-June here in what is already chilly, rainy, wet, snowy, blowy COLD Michigan. <br /><br />
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So here's what's churning and burning up there....<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Courtesy of Google Images)</span></div>
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The three remaining shows I have to do between now and the first week of December. At both of the shows that I'm doing in other venues (one of the venues is here in my home) - I chose to take it easy on myself, pay the extra $$ for them to furnish me with a table. Less to haul. Less to carry. Less to deal with. I may start doing that when it's offered every time. Just easier.<br />I think I'm ready for the one coming up on the 13&14. In fact, I loaded the earring racks, looked through the inventory - and pretty much packed it all up and got it ready. <br />Because as soon as that show's over, I have to set the house up for the show HERE the following week....</div>
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why do I do this to myself? EEK. </div>
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That show, I've decided, is going to consist largely of older pieces that I need to move.<br />Clearance. Reprice. Buy one, get one. What ever I can to free some of the pieces that have been around forever. They want homes and someone to love and wear them. <br />I'm also creating some crocheted items to sell too. It's not all about the beads this year!<br /><br />PLUS - </div>
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I have had this idea for a BOOK for awhile - but it needs to be actually PUBLISHED. And published by a bead and craft related publisher. Still. I have pieces and parts and info scattered up there among the beads. It's a book about organizing, participating in, and attending art fairs and shows from every perspective - organizer, participant AND attendee. I think there's a need for the info I've got crammed in my brain. So I should probably start getting it all down on paper - or in a word doc. Somewhere that it doesn't get lost. <br />And if that weren't enough....<br /><br />I am also toying with the wacky idea of entering Battle of the Beadsmith again. I know. I know. Shoot me now. I swore I wouldn't. Ever again. The competition IS super fierce, but this contest gave me one of the best statement pieces I have ever created - and I long to try and stretch my brain some more (which could make the book stuff fall out....) PLUS - my beautiful photographer friend Jaime has agreed to be the photo genius from the start this time - so a professional photographer is already in the bead bag!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9uDP0Mrs-WO_DzHU6r41fiTrhexd0DKcvJw6L9d9Z6_PfwJxCzF8fAHESUm8v9icQ6xUTM8RtwtElqK8mEzPWTDj7STl_HGxu9Pc8gllNuUqkyC8HcJwWFsmLTCLA0upQWhV-b7055lE/s1600/Bubble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9uDP0Mrs-WO_DzHU6r41fiTrhexd0DKcvJw6L9d9Z6_PfwJxCzF8fAHESUm8v9icQ6xUTM8RtwtElqK8mEzPWTDj7STl_HGxu9Pc8gllNuUqkyC8HcJwWFsmLTCLA0upQWhV-b7055lE/s1600/Bubble.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br /><br />Another winter idea churning -<br /> Bead Dreams. Do I have it in me to create not one - but TWO - big statement pieces this winter? I really don't think I'll need to up my inventory of pieces for sale (but wouldn't that be nice?) - so I'm gonna need to bead. <br /><br />I've been spending quite a bit of time on Pinterest. Looking for that perfect photo. Color. Scene. That perfect THING for</div>
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All in all - instead of sitting around thinking of what could have been, should have been, what was, and what has happened - I'm starting to think about</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="color: magenta;">WHAT COULD BE.</span></b></span>It's the much prettier side of the brain. And mostly happier one too.<br /><br /> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4k_8bmRGz7MpV9XrW_AKo2kS8PzJqNL6EwHYwOlg0mKJqwRcvXjkaM_PRUuxItf8u9EGSX4MV44aRhrKa-sfypUEWZ5DSqSmfmcryxJCaMDxI0mbpMI4_WqfH4cv2F0RbK556lG3J5g/s1600/brain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4k_8bmRGz7MpV9XrW_AKo2kS8PzJqNL6EwHYwOlg0mKJqwRcvXjkaM_PRUuxItf8u9EGSX4MV44aRhrKa-sfypUEWZ5DSqSmfmcryxJCaMDxI0mbpMI4_WqfH4cv2F0RbK556lG3J5g/s1600/brain.jpg" /></a></div>
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So whatever my brain decides to do to keep me busy over the winter months,<br />it will most certainly be<br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: large;">Peaceful beading.</span></i><br /><br />TTFN.</div>
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coolmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581326618275214554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7156909613384458818.post-76579134119817843562015-10-13T16:39:00.002-04:002015-10-13T16:39:57.287-04:00Burning and turning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you're here for a bubbly, babbley post - STOP READING NOW. Not sure how long it will be before the babbley bubbly me is back - life just isn't being very kind. I fear that this blog has turned into more of a journal - one that I probably shouldn't publish for you all to see - but I guess I'm hoping maybe, just maybe someone will have a comment and words that will somehow help me cope. I've lost a lot this year - income, opportunities, ZEUS, and even more than that - I've lost a major source of support that I ALWAYS, ALWAYS thought would be there for me. And it hurts to know it's gone.<br /><br />So if you want to commiserate with me - read on. I promise there's a bright spot at the end....</div>
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At the end of my (our) rope, and <b>burn</b>ing the candle at both ends.<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fZHWa1Bh2NrC0_TG3tGBzkhvXzrB5ZVVU982Ti-GjENBBH7yAuso1SZq44Y8rdrzZbf2q-9OhAwS4mT2AV9xwGUOUc0buJdA3HGfyt2lDXOLOcv3RuFYmiQJOsgB-JQbE-uKemhR9R4/s1600/scream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fZHWa1Bh2NrC0_TG3tGBzkhvXzrB5ZVVU982Ti-GjENBBH7yAuso1SZq44Y8rdrzZbf2q-9OhAwS4mT2AV9xwGUOUc0buJdA3HGfyt2lDXOLOcv3RuFYmiQJOsgB-JQbE-uKemhR9R4/s1600/scream.jpg" /></a></div>
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Makes me want to, well...... AAAAAHHHHHHH!</div>
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The rope that is life is fraying, and just about to break. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiX0rjRZSXuEkWfyesaztR4Mru0-QpRCy0PrzhxdVrolqrlsyhpiT0WBzcves4ouLmYCwLADESPdHoFPKWV9gc95Rsr3DqZGc_GwsjZzH96Dj2tLbOEAwstbNcXi-v2YEFWED4OKNnU6w/s1600/Rope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiX0rjRZSXuEkWfyesaztR4Mru0-QpRCy0PrzhxdVrolqrlsyhpiT0WBzcves4ouLmYCwLADESPdHoFPKWV9gc95Rsr3DqZGc_GwsjZzH96Dj2tLbOEAwstbNcXi-v2YEFWED4OKNnU6w/s1600/Rope.jpg" /></a></div>
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Set back after set back, unexpected circumstance after circumstance - both my husband and I</div>
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are feeling the stress, the strain, THE REALITY of working hard and getting nowhere.<br /><br />And we don't even have children. I can't imagine how we'd be managing to cope if we had children to feed as well as ourselves. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSrIwHcE-iNDvnHlz9zLrYbUuLJlxcijouCez_waTvhnem7beO9zpNCaGVV59NVJS-HOk36QywiY6M6SnudYCKcyBdJ2Dd3ccRAy8WEwHBMda-lKKNr1xMdub8Tz8EZX1-DpQi6xaShro/s1600/Pie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSrIwHcE-iNDvnHlz9zLrYbUuLJlxcijouCez_waTvhnem7beO9zpNCaGVV59NVJS-HOk36QywiY6M6SnudYCKcyBdJ2Dd3ccRAy8WEwHBMda-lKKNr1xMdub8Tz8EZX1-DpQi6xaShro/s1600/Pie.jpg" /></a></div>
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Someone always wants another slice, a BIGGER slice of the meager pie we have.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9v5d1KF03QhZMAHn3zjywmzng018DMYtzIWV9JbNXJGwO4dSZaBMzp76rL76cWz3Hf4fHDLb_gWjlp3g873bi4llGEA54Vcy2hfsuZJW8ahlBTayByLVy0T1aOloiopC20UBop9DCA8/s1600/Pie+gone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9v5d1KF03QhZMAHn3zjywmzng018DMYtzIWV9JbNXJGwO4dSZaBMzp76rL76cWz3Hf4fHDLb_gWjlp3g873bi4llGEA54Vcy2hfsuZJW8ahlBTayByLVy0T1aOloiopC20UBop9DCA8/s1600/Pie+gone.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />And then somehow - the pie is gone. And you have to rely on the NEST EGG pie you put away for your future. THAT's the REALLY BIG PIE. </div>
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It too - now has a slice or two missing. <br />BUT -</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">We managed to come to an agreement on how to get through this particular setback, as well as plan for future </span>unexpected circumstances. <br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now about that bright spot. </span></div>
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I still have 4 more art fairs to do before the end of the year. BIG ones. AND - I got another art gallery check today. <br /><br /><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSKxz-VJMoaFheo8zeyCqByh7R8tOu2Y6JCoHLIWwfqd-9n8tRAQpZEItHHThr06ATvjgLMHoJb9qTFc-A8yAspDz-BohehE121BNbtO5dAks2RMeoDQfiOrmDz-FfSGO6nUGmlqxtDA/s1600/Bright+spot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSKxz-VJMoaFheo8zeyCqByh7R8tOu2Y6JCoHLIWwfqd-9n8tRAQpZEItHHThr06ATvjgLMHoJb9qTFc-A8yAspDz-BohehE121BNbtO5dAks2RMeoDQfiOrmDz-FfSGO6nUGmlqxtDA/s1600/Bright+spot.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(All images courtesy of Google Images)</span></div>
<br /> I'm still hopeful - MORE than hopeful - that these beads are going to pay off. BIG TIME.<br /><br />They are going to help <b>turn</b> the tide and get us through to a new year. A new slate. A new attempt at making dreams come true..... because you know what?<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I've heard they do. </b></span><br /><br />Peaceful beading,<br />TTFN<br />
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<br />coolmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581326618275214554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7156909613384458818.post-287470942317259932015-10-08T16:13:00.000-04:002015-10-08T16:14:12.605-04:00Life and lemons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQIfR0TkYepwOWo3IlgKnnEs6rwRuAzT7MgayxBA3fJqlih181bA-xZR9U-QN-DTcbMmUNMBb0NnU9O1aGGVLqG8cxo2c9adlJ7J5Nw60hhef2fUvhIWFW5jgZQXfx9JwAtnuhzBxk-50/s1600/lemon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQIfR0TkYepwOWo3IlgKnnEs6rwRuAzT7MgayxBA3fJqlih181bA-xZR9U-QN-DTcbMmUNMBb0NnU9O1aGGVLqG8cxo2c9adlJ7J5Nw60hhef2fUvhIWFW5jgZQXfx9JwAtnuhzBxk-50/s1600/lemon.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Everyone has heard the adage. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">"When life hands you lemons, make lemonade!", </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">which tries to instill positive thoughts into our psyche.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYHEpcqMTb2MZdI9iVQV-O-cYqIcTR52zfa91HnZzEnubyiSokxPHZWyqmv_YOUw6W6HGISnpvxesRKLzdM-tZiL0UhdA_EmSXNU5grIvTxAcdgqYoqY-LN88bpb5VooGCAgwegjqmzc/s1600/lemonade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYHEpcqMTb2MZdI9iVQV-O-cYqIcTR52zfa91HnZzEnubyiSokxPHZWyqmv_YOUw6W6HGISnpvxesRKLzdM-tZiL0UhdA_EmSXNU5grIvTxAcdgqYoqY-LN88bpb5VooGCAgwegjqmzc/s320/lemonade.jpg" width="320" /></a>(<span style="font-size: xx-small;">lemon images courtesty of Google Images</span>)</div>
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Yep. I've heard it a 1,000 times. Or more....<br />
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But when life gives you so many lemons that you couldn't possibly drink all the lemonade, you start to look at things with a rather SOUR disposition.<br />
That's been my YEAR. It saddens me when I think back on all the LOSS. This disappointment. The setbacks.<br />
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The BULLYING.<br />
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Having to step away from situations and people that used to bring me joy - but now only bring me</div>
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the bitter reality that good things just don't last forever.<br />
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But I'm muddling through. I've got a few true friends I can still rely on, and most importantly,</div>
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I'VE GOT BEADS.<br />
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And this is what I do with them - even on my darkest days.....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcCItfYJEs-KxuyLJsUtw1AM7Wyxt-GjUE-YkbaliC0i9FRo0B3ONy3aPcStTGdozhSs6tsd2s81rSkPKpV73Gxiyu8eKGcnVKsEQKxvwT7TmQk2Fnh9pRX6hUO3O6u1AzuxM78fRYJw/s1600/Dont+Blink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcCItfYJEs-KxuyLJsUtw1AM7Wyxt-GjUE-YkbaliC0i9FRo0B3ONy3aPcStTGdozhSs6tsd2s81rSkPKpV73Gxiyu8eKGcnVKsEQKxvwT7TmQk2Fnh9pRX6hUO3O6u1AzuxM78fRYJw/s400/Dont+Blink.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Peaceful beading,<br />
TTFN<br />
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<br />coolmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581326618275214554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7156909613384458818.post-24598107340215139372015-10-04T15:36:00.001-04:002015-10-04T15:36:21.569-04:00Offended by offending the offended<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvIok3RLtDBFyX3-zL59I-2ETg8MUQQZ9BvBMc8JDM2O78OPBgJAtw7Qes7Mm-wLQtpVQpZkhm1uvwqqPWUTXMlM3EVFfTD3YuvLXjcumhkVncI_uhceO0Yqv_xZj6h-m2U_U2nHGBK0/s1600/12106958_10153217119763947_5093927576197747939_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvIok3RLtDBFyX3-zL59I-2ETg8MUQQZ9BvBMc8JDM2O78OPBgJAtw7Qes7Mm-wLQtpVQpZkhm1uvwqqPWUTXMlM3EVFfTD3YuvLXjcumhkVncI_uhceO0Yqv_xZj6h-m2U_U2nHGBK0/s400/12106958_10153217119763947_5093927576197747939_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Honestly.</div>
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Is it because social media has made so many uncaring and insensitive to peoples'</div>
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feelings?<br /><br />Is it because they aren't face to face with that person, so that they can't see the reaction,</div>
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the facial expression, </div>
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the frown, and in some cases</div>
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the TEARS?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuFMw2BX44vrxBb76wKQ4LKPfVokgXv4SBf3nUOU2grG10_-D4A50A0zcDCiCRsrAwvj40u5JObUrsqBpGJKwuSTN8NCs5O1a5UEBkzI8CxfL2fcLKfCgWHm3cKLosaSakwTo03zmm9wk/s1600/cry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuFMw2BX44vrxBb76wKQ4LKPfVokgXv4SBf3nUOU2grG10_-D4A50A0zcDCiCRsrAwvj40u5JObUrsqBpGJKwuSTN8NCs5O1a5UEBkzI8CxfL2fcLKfCgWHm3cKLosaSakwTo03zmm9wk/s1600/cry.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br /><br />Once again, a perfectly innocent WORD has offended someone. </div>
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And they have to be a <span style="font-size: x-large;">BULLY.</span></div>
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<br />Maybe it's one of my Libra birth sign tendencies. The NEED for balance, the need for peace. </div>
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But mostly - I just don't think ANYONE deserves to be verbally abused that way. <br /><br />So here's my Libra birthday wish (coming up in a couple weeks)<br /><br />EVERYONE JUST BE KIND. <br /><br />If you can't say/write/type KIND words -<br /><br />Don't say anything at all.<br /><br />JUST PLAY NICE. FOR ME?<br /><br />Peaceful beading,<br />TTFN</div>
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coolmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581326618275214554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7156909613384458818.post-32071909623116788342015-09-14T17:08:00.000-04:002015-09-14T17:08:48.832-04:00The fate of the festivalI fear for the fate of the art fair/festival in the state of Michigan.<br />
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Honestly, between the weather, the seriously unorganized organizers, who seem to have no clue what WE as vendors need and want, and the obviously lack of respect by festival goers, I'm not sure Michigan's art fair culture can survive.<br /><br />The money is being held tighter, but the mouths are becoming more brazen, more snarky and more rude at every show.<br /><br />The weather is impossible to predict in ANY state, I'm sure, but Michigan? We have almost Winter, Winter, still a little Winter, and practice for Winter with a side of orange barrels. And last weekend was no exception. SOOOO glad I thought to pack my Ugg sweater boots. It's the only thing that kept me from being a completely frozen vendor-cicle on Saturday. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi76BmZ2I3DWWQI7a4OygC13JmM9hBzqzAxGrZZhc7xlcIqDVbtJe1SYkgePCk0hq4ZXpIZU9WttBwtNt9kjgAHAzpEtYvqm9EPKIh8_Dt5bG5P3Mmw0I6IqwPGcC-RF1wD5PgHt5IKesQ/s1600/brr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi76BmZ2I3DWWQI7a4OygC13JmM9hBzqzAxGrZZhc7xlcIqDVbtJe1SYkgePCk0hq4ZXpIZU9WttBwtNt9kjgAHAzpEtYvqm9EPKIh8_Dt5bG5P3Mmw0I6IqwPGcC-RF1wD5PgHt5IKesQ/s1600/brr.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And it's supposedly STILL SUMMER. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0FxL-ywA_GqF4oTNWy9DEstd_oUtG_wok_uSuQrkqH7moZoJFybnmcdWu6RlrbPYFPmw4KpLuWjwWDpEV55HYNOFlQRlVS6TYfS4VUgBRcPofz_7y6HQtL6B6yBTFZJRbiUrIPt_xwdI/s1600/SUN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0FxL-ywA_GqF4oTNWy9DEstd_oUtG_wok_uSuQrkqH7moZoJFybnmcdWu6RlrbPYFPmw4KpLuWjwWDpEV55HYNOFlQRlVS6TYfS4VUgBRcPofz_7y6HQtL6B6yBTFZJRbiUrIPt_xwdI/s1600/SUN.jpg" /></a></div>
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So here's my space for Saturdays event - I was pretty pleased with how it turned out, and plan to use this layout again - IF I remember it next year. This was the LAST of my outdoor shows that will need a canopy. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZj4JW7RJgwv0_WXVE8K4A0DHjPAlsg4O9FybuoZ2vsUvnh2K5Wb4kwOdVdlel4E-PYqgj6n9ZARwyDmd2eJ88wbJqGUo2PkkVAsxOlh-2aNYIi9FbOTau6KGjHAmheVecLyRpk_hwxv0/s1600/Rockford2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZj4JW7RJgwv0_WXVE8K4A0DHjPAlsg4O9FybuoZ2vsUvnh2K5Wb4kwOdVdlel4E-PYqgj6n9ZARwyDmd2eJ88wbJqGUo2PkkVAsxOlh-2aNYIi9FbOTau6KGjHAmheVecLyRpk_hwxv0/s320/Rockford2.jpg" width="176" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7R-FotSePeIlTIbRDypYyVhGAlUqs2QSfhFbo6IZfeSZoBSA0rloQ_xI91EMn0zDFJ1o21aIYFmzBKxokC2vVclVRIX6_YwezHTWfaPUKHsdeFxSc_4CKTr4l5425LdIfmM0RIuaTJs/s1600/Rockford3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7R-FotSePeIlTIbRDypYyVhGAlUqs2QSfhFbo6IZfeSZoBSA0rloQ_xI91EMn0zDFJ1o21aIYFmzBKxokC2vVclVRIX6_YwezHTWfaPUKHsdeFxSc_4CKTr4l5425LdIfmM0RIuaTJs/s320/Rockford3.jpg" width="176" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzS0qMo8RCu4YayCDxx-SO0VyB5gtI3GuDCjsEx38Znk1QFOJ4x5Ag05O1TJdw9UJu28O42_dVhtEbGQ_fLulAZBckbPBhXPN1AM1oDDPqlJsp2fQ5pY0zU2YBQERUBBnn-lkzdfHIaUk/s1600/Rockford4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzS0qMo8RCu4YayCDxx-SO0VyB5gtI3GuDCjsEx38Znk1QFOJ4x5Ag05O1TJdw9UJu28O42_dVhtEbGQ_fLulAZBckbPBhXPN1AM1oDDPqlJsp2fQ5pY0zU2YBQERUBBnn-lkzdfHIaUk/s320/Rockford4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9iA3D9Q3YTdtlFrjTCvZF6GRBZs4Zz8LKDsCQiP0ABmkGDANor4anGUwcG6F0Kq3YOzaTM5r5NyszWYa5oOxv_VvtLpeiSjz729ZSZOS90TwEMJmeOQDfrjjoAIYBvjQy0WHH54ci3ag/s1600/Rockford.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9iA3D9Q3YTdtlFrjTCvZF6GRBZs4Zz8LKDsCQiP0ABmkGDANor4anGUwcG6F0Kq3YOzaTM5r5NyszWYa5oOxv_VvtLpeiSjz729ZSZOS90TwEMJmeOQDfrjjoAIYBvjQy0WHH54ci3ag/s320/Rockford.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Not too shabby, but still not enough to win the prize - which went to my friend and fellow fair vendor Jane. We say she sprinkles everything with fairy dust - because she sells her unique antique-y and stamped metal pendants and bracelets like gang busters, and now she's got the "Best Jewelry" prize to prove it. <br /><br />But back to the whole festival question - I wonder just how festivals in this small window of time between May and October even survive. Add the fact that more and more people seem to attend these events just to razz the vendors, be rude to the vendors, and bring absolutely no money to BUY from the vendors. Why bother? It's NOT just a SHOW. We didn't go through all the trouble of arriving at the butt crack of dawn and working in the cold, sometimes even the rain, just to SHOW you what we can do. And then have you question that we really did it ourselves. No. I just went to Wally World and bought it all. And jacked the prices up 3000 percent. <br />
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It seems to be what they think.</div>
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How do we better educate them without becoming rude, snarky and insensitive ourselves?<br />It's becoming harder and harder for me, I'll tell ya.<br /><br />I've actually cancelled my show for this coming weekend - again - seriously under organized organizers that may not even have the planned venue available on Saturday, since the township in which the festival is held decided parking lot paving -the parking lot that would need to be used by us, the festival goers, everyone - needed to be paved before festival season was over. </div>
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PAID festival season.</div>
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Idiots.<br />And since that snarkiness I mentioned is clearly coming out, I decided I better take a small break before the fall and holiday season of shows kicks in.<br />I hope those INDOOR, heated, ample parking events make up for the</div>
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CRAPPY SUMMER OF FESTIVALS that 2015 has brought me.<br /><br />And with that,<br />Peaceful beading,<br />TTFN</div>
<br /><br />coolmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581326618275214554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7156909613384458818.post-55699466702658688862015-09-10T11:33:00.001-04:002015-09-10T11:35:27.414-04:00BE BRAVEFor those of you artists that do art fairs and shows - how far are you willing to go to do them?<br />
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Do you travel? Do you go out of your local range? Does the cost of gas/food/lodging factor into your bottom line?<br />
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I have never gone out of my 'comfort zone' of about 30 minutes from home before. Especially for the outdoor fairs, that involve erecting the canopy, pounding stakes, hauling absolutely EVERYTHING to the site, and just general WORK. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VLgNmdEAUk3U17XefVLxrd_rUl-ffgR6Fk9iPGxDIE6FgFm32Od9D2PPd_4c4VWkBfvfiPwAq0x6S6lSwhAoT2_QGCoF2mee_iHj6hMMA6tAEJM3Q0_8SuzVKoNgs24R0ZDxptDL0xI/s1600/GLIslandArtFair2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VLgNmdEAUk3U17XefVLxrd_rUl-ffgR6Fk9iPGxDIE6FgFm32Od9D2PPd_4c4VWkBfvfiPwAq0x6S6lSwhAoT2_QGCoF2mee_iHj6hMMA6tAEJM3Q0_8SuzVKoNgs24R0ZDxptDL0xI/s400/GLIslandArtFair2.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7kO6kRGIfcUSe7WGKX5KSR_IYi4-sHxb0z0ZC8R9jGbaO5blCk_S_ielj4qATYjuAotbEbD6K5PUyI-As2UaiYDkKFLSp9wY9GhXCN6pzHwo45EpqXMkdgOIMqkg1mFbYhmzp6GjFNAc/s1600/10494637_10152547051889280_2169922888146970742_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7kO6kRGIfcUSe7WGKX5KSR_IYi4-sHxb0z0ZC8R9jGbaO5blCk_S_ielj4qATYjuAotbEbD6K5PUyI-As2UaiYDkKFLSp9wY9GhXCN6pzHwo45EpqXMkdgOIMqkg1mFbYhmzp6GjFNAc/s400/10494637_10152547051889280_2169922888146970742_n.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
I LOVE doing the the 'decorating part' - and in fact, probably go overboard when it comes to my displays, and the 'coordination' thereof. But it's all the OTHER STUFF - that I've always been grateful to have help with-NEEDED to have help with.<br />
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Until now.<br />
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Coming up this weekend - I'm branching out. On my own. The logistics of having hubby go and keep himself busy all day, and having a dog at home that can't be left over night, and many other factors - have me doing this one solo. <br />
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And I'm scared to death. <br />
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Most of you don't know that about me - I'm a big chicken. Always have been. It has always been hard for me to try new things, go places I've never been, assert myself. BY MYSELF. It just isn't 'me'.<br />
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So here goes. Another big step to check off my list. BRAVERY. And technically, I'm not really doing it alone - my two art fair besties - Jane and Claudia - have also been juried into this show, and are making the jaunt as well. Jane is a seasoned art fair traveler - she'll even go as far as New York STATE to do art fairs. But we all suffer from the same challenges when it comes to art fair set up. <br />
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So wish us luck. Rockford Art in Garden Park in Rockford, MI (a suburb of Grand Rapids), on Saturday, September 12. 9am (why do the big shows insist on starting so dang early?) to 5pm.<br />
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And do a little NO RAIN DANCE for us too, will ya?<br />
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Peaceful beading,<br />
TTFN<br />
<br />coolmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581326618275214554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7156909613384458818.post-48348904806478471772015-08-29T16:31:00.002-04:002015-08-29T16:31:52.912-04:00Rainy days and SaturdaysWell. I don't know whether to be happy - or sad. I think I'm sort of a little of both.<br />
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The Coyote Wisdom Fair THING - at least the arts and crafts vendors out on the lawn part - fizzled and drizzled and got rained out.<br />I had the option of selling a seriously reduced inventory INSIDE - up the tall narrow flight of steps, in a room filled with 3 other vendors. In past experience of TWICE tried during events - 1. People don't like those stairs (me included), and won't traverse them for anything short of an appointment with someone that rents the offices up there. 2. They look in the doorway to the classroom, huffing and puffing after the trip up the stairs - and decide it's not worth coming in. 3. Ask at the bottom of the stairs 'what's up there?' - and decide they've spent enough in the store. ~sigh~ <br /><br />So here sit. Wondering what the Universe has in mind. Those are my peeps after all. And I've been missing out on spending time with many of the them for one reason on another all summer long. If everything happens for a reason -<br />
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What's up with that?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLFgCgOJRQPpXS9U1F1WTOF58S3-9qzdr3jDXeJrsiVZaKUbDvR7zCkXDWOpWW5UztBSYpMJR6Wqd5I3Cl7xqZm1l1Hlvf91EZuuw4oX5IxBGuEn-_mM7BRMPSCDdfUdbpcsC4Ol0zdNA/s1600/vision+board.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLFgCgOJRQPpXS9U1F1WTOF58S3-9qzdr3jDXeJrsiVZaKUbDvR7zCkXDWOpWW5UztBSYpMJR6Wqd5I3Cl7xqZm1l1Hlvf91EZuuw4oX5IxBGuEn-_mM7BRMPSCDdfUdbpcsC4Ol0zdNA/s320/vision+board.png" width="307" /></a></div>
I suppose I should have kept this in mind when I made that decision this morning....<br />
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But no matter what - I don't think I'm ready to give up YET. So - just like the title of my last blog post - I'm carrying on - BECAUSE.....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkaWC1eBCFfrMbVjgFcyzKu9GDo0iXwxXJK3DiQIyArF5jX0dLqg17oe8gPmYtqEnBWNGS8H8DJy_uwMo8B5dQEo4MrDCUJPayG1Q1RMUEKvwPypt6wlRyYuqezX2_fcXRbxUI7Axe7RQ/s1600/untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkaWC1eBCFfrMbVjgFcyzKu9GDo0iXwxXJK3DiQIyArF5jX0dLqg17oe8gPmYtqEnBWNGS8H8DJy_uwMo8B5dQEo4MrDCUJPayG1Q1RMUEKvwPypt6wlRyYuqezX2_fcXRbxUI7Axe7RQ/s320/untitled.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Not participating today has given me time to contemplate just a bit on what's next (I DO have about 6 more events before the end of the year, so there is still lots of opportunity) - and have decided that I am ready to part with my THREE BIG contest statement pieces. So - </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvraGOKyG1lirHDx-hNDd1mG7ch4RooM0FA_u2yr2eSGh5f1Jm43C3TMy3EoLaPVqa3Gjhsp5bOJzLz6SFtwiZHSca29hXqyuc3a64M2TpWLql6NuPjbBUDf3CTGxjhebm5ihH92RHgk/s1600/Jaime+Photo+-+necklace+hanging1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvraGOKyG1lirHDx-hNDd1mG7ch4RooM0FA_u2yr2eSGh5f1Jm43C3TMy3EoLaPVqa3Gjhsp5bOJzLz6SFtwiZHSca29hXqyuc3a64M2TpWLql6NuPjbBUDf3CTGxjhebm5ihH92RHgk/s320/Jaime+Photo+-+necklace+hanging1.jpg" width="242" /></a><br />Petoskey Shores. $475</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlnHgN3meFl3JqtTDtS1bNkexDiksnv_ES1vgBal81GZw6SEiU-Qg60mabjIdUUyyZHZYzPEAfs6rkKQ2Yn0ghmLA8okHJvKiTxzLtmeZko8tAHqgOZivwx3Ia5E5rOduB7XGhM1usjI/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlnHgN3meFl3JqtTDtS1bNkexDiksnv_ES1vgBal81GZw6SEiU-Qg60mabjIdUUyyZHZYzPEAfs6rkKQ2Yn0ghmLA8okHJvKiTxzLtmeZko8tAHqgOZivwx3Ia5E5rOduB7XGhM1usjI/s320/033.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />Mariposa $500</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YhemcMSdjlS2YOWhMOmRUYPjN7CuYiI6X-w3s-i0_QqagcyEd55IuR9E0RD1jgiD-APG9e74lPo84sb1WWT94svosFWnf89Jl4j_teQvcHqaCEJ-nqZFyHzDJXoc1oGwt_RXpxgjhFE/s1600/Night+%2526+Day+Collar+Necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YhemcMSdjlS2YOWhMOmRUYPjN7CuYiI6X-w3s-i0_QqagcyEd55IuR9E0RD1jgiD-APG9e74lPo84sb1WWT94svosFWnf89Jl4j_teQvcHqaCEJ-nqZFyHzDJXoc1oGwt_RXpxgjhFE/s320/Night+%2526+Day+Collar+Necklace.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<br />Night & Day (Western Skies)<br />$300 with optional matching bracelet and earrings.</div>
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I am very proud of all three of them, and have worn each one on a RARE occasional basis. If they choose to find a new neck to adorn - I can only hope they love and wear them well.<br /><br />Peaceful beading,<br />TTFN<br /><br /></div>
<br />coolmoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581326618275214554noreply@blogger.com0