Blog Anyone?

I like to blog every day....but life gets in the way...Sometimes I actually do a few blogs and date them for the days ahead....But alas I have fallen behind....so this will be short....

Just to let you know that I am busy blog hopping for Lorilee's Bead Soup Blog Party of which I became a participant for the first time this year.....I really enjoyed being creative and hope to participate in her next one...

If you havent seen my entry yet, just click here and check it out.....please leave a comment of your thoughts......it is a long blog but worth checking out.

We also have to hop to each other's blogs and there are 210 blogs.....so each night I sit down at my laptop (did I tell you my desktop is not feeling well?  It seems the monitor doesnt want to go on) but I am managing and have finally completed

a quarter of the blogs....that about 50 -----  I love hopping but I do love to leave comments....so if I dont get to blog much it is just because I am busy hopping around....you are welcome to join me....and I will try to keep blogging everyday.....and if you are on Networked Blogs....please follow.....


Until then,  I am 

BEAD SOUP PARTY REVEAL - Here I am!

I am so sorry this is late, but better late than never....This is my first try at this and I thank Lori for giving me the opportunity to join.......These are the beads that my partner, Cathryn, sent me.....and......

here is the reveal..........

Since I like to toss necklaces over my head - at my age the clasps are hard for my hands......I decided to add a lovely chain.....and a few of my own beads.....

But I could not pass up the opportunity to include the lovely clasp that was sent to me.....so I added it this way.....

I hope I stepped up to the plate........thank you again, Lori....




1.  Lori Anderson, Pretty Things (your hostess)
2. Kitty Durmaj, Perles and Life
3.  Michelle Heim, Life In the Bead Lane
4.  Lisa Petrillo, Lucid Moon Studio
5.  Anitra Gordy, Leelu Creations
6.  Paige Maxim, Paige Maxim Designs
7.  Marianna Boylan, Pretty Shiny Things
8.  Cheryl Roe, BeadRoe
9.  Heidi Post, Ex Post Facto
10.  Cindy Wimmer, Sweet Bead Studio




11.  Terri Gauthier, Blooming Ideas
12.  Rachel Walsh, Balanced Crafts
13.  Marian Hertzog, M's Place
14.  Mary McGraw, MK's Musings
15.  Sarabeth Burke, Chronicles of Sarita
16.  Deci Worland, Gem Trails
17.  Erin Prais-Hintz, Treasures Found
18.  Laura Zeiner, Stick Lizard Designs
19.  Kristin Latimer, MJM Jewelry Designs
20.  Cathryn Brooks-Williams, Chile Cats




21.  Holly Westfall, Silver Rose Designs
22.  Janna Harttgen, Palima-Lim
23.  Libby Leuchtman, Libby Leu
24.  Rebecca Anderson, Songbeads
25.  Deb Hunter, Living On Air
26.  Diana Ptaszynski, Suburban Girl Studio
27.  Jennifer VanBenschoten, VanBeads
28.  Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter
29.  Cyndi Lavin, Beading Arts
30.  Courtney Breul, Beads by Breul




31.  Stefanie Teufel, Stefanie's Sammelsurium
32.  Patricia Gasparino, My Life Under the Bus
33.  Tari Khars, Pearl and Pebble
34.  Kristi Bowman-Gruel, Kristi Bowman Design
35.  Jayne Capps, Mama's Got to Doodle
36.  Becky Fairclough, Chameleons Designs
37.  Evie and Beth McCord, EB Bead & Metal Works
38. Lynne Bowland, Islandgirl's Insights
39.  Barbara Lewis, Painting With Fire
40.  Lorelei Eurto, Inside the Studio




41.  Stacy Hartis, Sissy & Jack's
42.  Jennifer Cameron, Glass Addictions
43.  Marcie Abney, La Bella Joya
44.  Johanna Rhodes, Fire Phoenix Creations
45.  Nan Emmett, Spirit Rattles
46.  Melissa Mesara, One Eared Pig 
47.  Amanda Davie, Articulations
48.  Cherin Poovey, Lanyard Lady
49.  Virginia Joste, ViviBijoux




50.  Andrew Thornton, The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
51.  Lori Dorrington, Lori's Glassworks
52.  Melanie Brooks, Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
53.  Kate Gardenghi, Tropical Blonde
54.  Serena Trent, PinkIce Jewel's Blog
55. Malin de Koning, Beading by Malin de Koning
56.  Shai Williams, Shaiha's Ramblings
57.  Francy Inman, 8 Second Studio
58.  Amy Freeland, Copper Diem
59.  Lisa Liddy, Joolz By Lisa




60.  Sandi Lee James,  Do Be Do Bead Do
61.  Mary Harding, Mary Harding Bead Blog
62.  Stacey Curry, Star Hitched Wagon
63.  Leslie Gidden, Mad Maggie Designs
64.  Elisabeth Auld, Beads For Busy Gals
65.  Niky Sayers, Silver Nik Nats
66.  Linda Djokic, Lutka and Co.
67.  Tracy Bell, Copper, Glass, and Recycled Trash
68.  Laurel Steven, Rue's Daftique
69.  Ingrid McCue, Wrapped In Silver






70.  Birgitta Lejonklou, Create With Spirit
71.  Diana Hawkey, Diana Hawkey
72.  Norma Turvey, Moonlit Fantaseas
73.  Jeanette Ryan, Jeanette Blix
74.  Jackie Ryan, Silver Lodge Gems
75.  Jean Yates, Snap Out of it Jean, There's Beading to Be Done!
76.  Debbie Goering, Prairie Emporium
77.  Valerie Norton, Hot Art
78.  Jana Trupovniece, Stories of the Secret Garden
79.  Amy Severino, Amy Beads




80.  Emma Thomas, Fred Beans Nook
81.  Karen Zanco, Everyday Gypsy
82.  Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Beadphoria
83.  Janet McDonald, Singing Woods
84.  Dana James, Dana's Jewelry Designs
85.  Kristina Johansson, Wild Roses and Blackberries
86.  CJ Bauschka, CJ Bauschka
87.  Angela Barribea, Re: Angela Rae
88. Marcy Lamberson, Studio Marcy
89.  Tanya Floyd, Glass Migrations




90.  Lisa Kavanaugh, Beading Bliss
91.  Sue Hodgkinson, Hello Gorgeous
92.  Jenni Connolly, Jenni's Bead
93.  Nally Parfyonova, Nally's Creations
94.  Karyn White, Releases By Rufydoof  
95. Emanda Johnson, Artemisia Studio
96.  Sandy Richardson, Sandy's Coloring Box
97.  Cindy Dolezal,  Cindy Dolezal Designs
98.  Stacie Stamper, Park Avenue
99. Mallory Hoffman, For the Love of Beads




100.  Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog and Meanderings
101.  Nicole Valentine-Rimmer, N. Valentine Studio
102.  Jacinta Meyers, Jamberrysong's Creations
103.  Charlene Gary, Gray Girl Studios
104.  Rubiee Hayes, Glitter and Keys Galore
105.  Marge Beebe, Rock Creek Creations
106.  Elizabeth Freeman, Turquoise Sky
107.  Shelby Foxwell, Sundown Bead Designs Rhetoric
108.  Lynda Moseley, Diva Designs
109.  Grace Danel,  Grace Beading
110.  Lois Moon, Que Onda Quitman




111.  Agnes Shapiro, Beader Bubbe  YOU ARE HERE
112.  Terry Carter, Tapping Flamingo
113.  Judy Glende, Judith B. Designs
114.  Mary Ellen Parker, Bee Tree By Me
115. Barbara Bechtel, Second Surf
116.  Charlene Sevier, The Bead Dreamer
117. Alice Craddick, Alice's Beads and Baubles
118.  Cory Celaya, Art With Moxie
119.  Ronda Adams, The Ravished Heart 
120.  Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe Designs




121. Anna Lear, The Laughing Raven
122. Susie Hibdon, Vintagesusie & Wings 
123.  Amanda Austin, Sea Shore Glass
124.  Jennifer Velasquez, Jen Judd Rocks
125.  Hazel Ward, All Those Things
126.  Brenda Salzano, Salzanos
127.  Dee Gordon, Runako Designs by Dee
128.  Anna Denisova, Anita-M
129.  Margaret Saari, Mags-Jewelry




130.  Genea Crivello-Knable, Genea Beads
131.  Penny Neville, Copper Penny
132.  Angela Blasingame, Hopemore
133. Helena Fritz, Beadwork by H's Blog
134. Stephanie LaRose, Confessions of a Bead Hoarder
135. Stephanie Haussler, PixyBug Designs
136. Diane Cook, Rosa & Josies 
137.  Maryse Thillens, Glass Bead Art
138.  Jennifer Pride, Jewelry by J.P.
139.  Shannon Chomanczuk, For My Sweet Daughter




140.  Lisa Godfrey, Bead Happy
141.  Heather Pyle, Welcome to My  Muse
142.  Regina Santerre, Regina's Writings
143.  Liz DeLuca, Creative Arty Facts
144.  Sig Wynne-Evans, Beaded Bear's Nonsense
145.  Loretta Carstensen, Loretta's Boutique
146.  Raida Disbrow, Havana Beads
147.  Amber Dawn, Inventive Soul
148.  Shelly Graves, Stars Dance With Me
149.  Jess Italia Lincoln, Vintaj Blog




150. JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions
151.  Carrie Tahquechi, Carrie T
152.  Staci Smith, Staci Louise Originals
153.  Katarzyna Kwiatkowska, Quiet Area
154.  Ema Kilroy, Ema K Designs
155. Magdalena Sikora, Poranna Gazeta
156.  Nicole Keller, Nicki's Reef
157.  Ann Rishell, My Critical Eye
158.  Noemi Baena, Fire, Metal, and Color
159. Christa Murphy, Adventures of One Beady Woman




160.  Barbara Blaszczyk, Labotorium Flory
161.  Collette Collins, Firefly Myst
162.  Carola Greiser, Polymer Clay Shed
163.  Joanna Kopijczuk, Bizuteria z Filcu
164. LeAnn Weih, Summers Studio
165.  Cassandra Watsham, Design by Cassandra
166. Anna Motz, Stunning
167.  Shea Zukowski, Gr8findings
168.  Susan Kennedy, Sue Beads
169.  Lisa Boucher, Lisa's Clay Happenings




170.  Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope
171.  Alison Crenshaw, Beads by Earth Tones
172.  Dorcas Midkiff, Wondrous Strange Designs
173.  Melissa Rediger, Sea of Glass
174.  Marina Dobrynina, Savon Feutre
175.  Julie Nordine, Julie Nordine | Credit River Art Glass
176.  Menka Gupta, Menka's Blog
177. Patsy Evins, Patsy Evins Studio
178.  Cherrie Fick, En La Lumie're
179.  Suzette Bentley, Ellie's Bijoux




180.  Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me
181.  Lyn Foley, Lyn Foley Wearable Art
182. Tara Plote, The Newbie Beader's Blog
183. Natalie Schuetz, Natalie S Perlen
184. Kim Hutchinson, Running on Ink
185. Haley Frank, Wide Eyed Smilin
186. Grace Caputo, Suddenly Last Summer
187. Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp, Skye Jewels
188. Erin Siegel, Erin Siegel Jewelry
189.  Janea McDonald, Organized Chaos




190.  Kristi Evenson, Colie Bug & Co.
191.  Linda Inhelder, Must Haves Jewelry
192.  Hilary Frye, FryeStyle
193. Whitney Lassini, Whitney Lassini
194. Nancy Schindler, The Rabbit Muse
195. Pam Brisse, The Blue Between
196. Beth Bricker, Vintage Sweets
197.  Ruthie Stickney, Rose Works Jewelry and Gifts
198.  Rose Noble, Lady Noble Designs
199. Karen Williams, Baublicious




200.  Claire Maunsell, The Next Bend
201.  Christine Damm, Stories They Tell
202.  Kerry Bogert, Kab's Creative Concepts
203.  Wendy Blum, Sand & Sea Designs
204.  Juli Cannon, Julsbeads
205.  Jenny Robledo, La Dona Boutique
206.  Krista French, French Elegant Jewelry
207.  Pam Krinski, Ewa Beads
208.  Melissa Meman, Melissa Meman, Art, Life, Love
209.  Dana Jones, Dana's Jewelry
210.  Shirley Moore, Homeschooling Life

BEAD SOUP PARTY REVEAL coming soon....

Please forgive me for being late, but life got in the way.....My soup is done, its simmering......pictures will be up and running some time today...please check back later............thank you for your patience.

 

Tried a Short Story......Great

His First Kill: A Short Story by John Brinling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just finished this short story and was blown away with the surprise ending. Enough said. Quick read and delightful Another great story by John Brinling.

View all my reviews

CHARGE!!!!

I got a little ambitious yesterday and decided to clean out closets....I have a china cabinet with three drawers and 3 doors where I stuff stuff.....all kinds of stuff....getting company, stuff goes into the cabinet.  I really dont know what stuff I have....well, not gong to bore you with the loads of stuff I have...some I threw out (dont tell hubby, who saves everything) some I rerouted to their rightful place....and then I organized the rest so that when you are looking for something, it is in the right place. Neat, organized - small things in a box.....looks good.

My question - what do I do with all these????

They are chargers...what do they charge?  I havent got the slightest idea....phones? DSI's? gameboy? I dont know, but if I throw them out, will we be looking for them?  I dont know....


So they are now in a baggie.....sitting in a closet....waiting for a home.  Now here is an idea! Why dont electronic companies put on the chargers the name of the gadget they are for....I know where my Kindle charger is all the time - it actually says "Amazon"  on the charger....and my Kindle comes from Amazon.....What do you do with your chargers?

Cruise Time

Well, we did it.  My greatest desire has been to go on a cruise.  Never heard a bad thing about it, my kids go on them often, my friends go on them often....hubby said when I retire, we will go on one.  But you know, Man makes plans; and G-d laughs".....and with all the friends that have been passing away lately (one only 3 years after her retirement) I decided to book the cruise and the heck with it.

So, told hubby he is going on a cruise for his birthday......took him to the travel agent.....and we are booked....it was that easy....thanks to agent Katia who was so helpful...

Five months from now there will be pictures of our cruise to Bermuda.......am so excited I dont know where to start....have loads of questions and plan to get a book and start writing...listing all the things I need to bring....maybe I will do some internet surfing to find out what to bring...that's a start.....I am so excited......nothing but water, ships, beach, sun, sand....relaxing............
de-stressing.....ahh, I can feel it already.....no snow, no cold.....to be continued....

BESTeams Feature - Fluttering Flowers

"One summer when I was quite young my grandmother visited and took me to a craft store. While there she purchased these small squares of extremely hard clay called FIMO. Then we went home and she taught me how to make a basic candycane. Wow! Magic!

From that time on the clays got better, softer, (it no longer takes and hour to condition clay, ha ha).

Life got busy and I stopped playing with clay. Well a few years into marriage and my husband surprised me with all kinds of clay, tools, cutters, molds, glitter, etc. I was thrilled. Only to realize that it had been so long that I had a hard time making things like I used to. So now, here I am, playing again. Hoping to share with you and enjoy your talents as well."

  
The words above are from the Etsy Store of Fluttering Flowers.....  

She describes her store as whimsical, fantasy, fun and silly......wouldnt you like to feel that way.  Well checking out her store makes you feel that way.....and a little bit of fantasy should be in all of us.....There are purple mushrooms and ladybugs, green snails and black spiders.....

 Fluttering Flowers doesnt say where she is from......but she looks like she is going to many places......as she already had 437 sales.


 

Bead Soup Blog Party

Lori's Bead Soup Party is coming to town soon.....working on the lovely beads sent to me by my partner, Cathryn.......has pushed my creativeness....but you will have to wait until Saturday, February 26th to see the reveal.......so excited.....

I love my iPhone

Am sending this via my iPhone. Just testing if it works. Love my gadgets.

I have..........

Just Reduced in my Etsy Shop........This Victorian Initial Pendant........Any letter A to Z......

Head on over to Beader Bubbe's Shop and check it out.....

Tea Time

The kids and grandkids were over on Sunday......one of my gifts from my Scott and his wife, Dawn was Tea of the Month.....I am a big big tea drinker.  I love my coffee but too much of that doesnt agree with my tummy.  So while I can have one or two cups early in the day....I watch what I have at night.

So I have become a tea drinker....hot tea, cold tea, iced tea....well, today I received my first shipment of my 6 shipment tea.  It's loose tea - but thats ok, I would like to try that since I do have a tea strainer....now I get to use it.....but the surprise was I also received a cup to use for my tea....

thank you again, dear children.....

two containers of loose tea and a mug......the mug reads  "Sweet Dreams" "According to new research, drinking a cup or more of tea on a daily basis may make you 50 percent less likely to have nightmares than occasional or non-drinkers...."  Works for me.

Yesterday was my Birthday......

I am not going to tell you how old I am.....but I do have 5 grown children and 6 grandsons.....so you figure it out.  Besides I have been told it's only a number.....and since I am feeling good, well forget the number and say Happy Birthday.

I started my day by going to the nail salon......did a little shopping and then  going out to dinner....a nice relaxing day....at my age you cant have a lot of excitement .....

Before we left to go out for dinner, I took in the mail....I received birthday cards, text messages and facebook messages wishing me a Happy Birthday.....they all mean alot to me .... but here is a priceless wish that made me so happy.....well, take a look....btw - bubbie means grandma....

A special birthday card I will cherish always......it is the simple things in life that matter.

Then the doorbell rang before we went out for dinner....and a surprise gift from a co-worker was at my door...

Edible Arrangements....make fruit so delectable.......saving it for today........all in all it was a great birthday......thank you everyone


I also have a whole week off (working in a school pays off) - some doctor visits, some special times with hubby, some visiting to be done ....hopefully the weather will hold up......and will somehow do some housework (not much) and some jewelry making....have to get ready for the BEAD SOUP PARTY this coming weekend......have a great day!

Just Relisted.............

I just relisted this bracelet today.....this will be the last time I have this bracelet......check it out if you are interested in a different kind of bracelet.....one size fits all......

Are you ready for spring??

Time goes by......

How many things are in your house that bring back memories.  When I decorated my kitchen a few years ago, I found some plates that were made by my children when they were in Kindergarten.  I recently took a look at them again and since they are marked with the year......I just sat there staring at them....wondering where did the time go?

 YES, THAT'S  1988

 AND THAT'S 1986

AND THAT'S 1984














I have them hanging on a plate hanger....in the corner of my kitchen.....these were handmade by three of my children....the first two had the same kindergarten teacher but she did not do this project when they were with her.....

Do you have any of your children's projects? 

Today

I am two days closer to my birthday.....maybe that is why I havent posted in a day or two.  It's not the number (which I wont tell) well, maybe it is the number....or its the number of people around me that are no longer with me.....another friend just lost her mom.....I lady who was special.  You see I wasnt close to my mom and I marvel at some relationships people have with their mom. 

What the younger generation doesnt realize is that life is so short.....we should cherish those close to us....

OK, when I started this blog I promised myself I wouldnt get like this.  This is a happy blog and there will be no grumblings or negative feelings and certainly no dirty laundry......so on a happy note,  I won......a pair of earrings....

I enter giveaways.....never win....take that back, I once won a book actually signed by the author.....but these are earrings....and since my shop has jewelry.....I got to pick out something that interest me.....

aren't these the best....I love silver and turquoise...and InnerEarthJewelry 

has some great items....Please check out her shop.......You wont find these in it but if you like them, she has the same ones in brass.......So I will be waiting patiently for the mail to arrive with my prize....I am so excited....my birthday and a prize all at the same time....

Have you been following me?

I want to thank all my GFC followers - wow over 200......now I need some Networked Blogs followers......when I reach 20 I can see where all my followers are from......have you followed today?

BESTeams Feature....Chasingthenuns

Chasing the nuns….

Sarah’s profile says:

“I hate hate hate writing about myself. It reminds me of the first day of class where the teacher went around the room and you had to introduce yourself. Or that "icebreaker" where you were supposed to take as much toilet paper as you would need on a week long camping trip. I would always take one square and when the group leader said you would need more than that I would say yes, but I've played this game before and that counts as the thing I want to share. I've become everything I never wanted to be, so basically I've become my mother. I've also been told I'm an old soul, that I'm crafty, and a feminist; and I'm sure that many things have been said behind my back that really shouldn't be written here.”

So now that she has overcome this hurdle, her shop shows a whole new side of her.

Her crocheting and sewing is amazing and unique…

Check out this hip bag which is a messenger/hip style bag in a vibrant green striped fabric

This crocheted hat is the cutest ever.  She says this crocheted bucket hat is made out of 100% cotton yarn for maximum coolness in the summer. Button on the front of the hat keeps the brim out of the wee one's face while the ties help it stay on the head.

And these items are so affordable…..She already has 41 users who have hearted her as a favorite (including me)   I might just go back to get that green striped tote bag….

And the most unique item in her shop is this beautiful crochet necklace…..I have never seen anything like this anywhere….so it you want something different…..

Head on over to www.chasingthenuns.etsy.com

She also has another shop run with her friend Charles….www.charlesandsarah.etsy.com

Where Charles does the silkscreen and Sarah does the sewing……but let's talk about that in another blog.....

Happy Valentines Day 2011

I asked my grandson if I could take a picture of him and his Valentine chocolate lollipop.....but apparently I wasnt fast enough ..........

Good Sunday

Get Social Sunday.......

Today is Get Social Sunday and I am linking up with the FAB 5......so head on over and link yourself up.....its a beautiful Sunday and you arent doing anything anyway......well, maybe a little something......

Green........

I know I am a little early but then again you cant start too early....I placed two green bracelets in my Etsy Shop........one of them has matching earrings......so if you wear green for St Patrick's Day....check out my store...no preview pictures here, you will have to take a walk over to my store.

Also, if you are into seed beads.....I have three packages of seed beads - each a different color and will be putting them up for sale this week in my "only five dollars" column - they were previously offered for $8.50 but have been reduced......there are 14 inch strands - 18 pieces all total.....if you like seed beads....keep an eye this week for their appearance.

I am also working on a black and white necklace with matching earrings......

So bookmark my store......and stay tuned for these exciting items coming up soon.

Weekend.......

Finally.......its been hectic all week, I dont even know where to begin....from Monday in court through Friday.....when my son had a car accident (he's fine) to a friend's mom passing away.....so today I just had to relax....and the best way was a pedicure and manicure...

.........ahh, so relaxing.....then a bit of shopping, and now to make dinner as the kids and grandkids are coming for a visit.....


But to look on the bright side, it wasnt a major accident and today the sun even came out (for a few minutes anyway)  So, bring on the spaghetti and meatballs...........

Iced cold Starbucks

Iced cold Starbucks,
originally uploaded by ★ Je•pH☺t ★™ Eanongayon.

I was recently downtown Brooklyn, waiting to go into court, and saw a ice cold cup of Starbucks.....I thought it was water....but then I found this picture on Flickr.......what is it?