Pleasant Thanksgiving mornings...and new jewelry

We're staying put in Florida this holiday, and having dinner with another couple who decided to do the same this year. Last year I travelled up north at the last minute to visit my Uncle Mike, who sadly lost a battle with Pancreatic cancer this year. Last thanksgiving he had just been diagnosed, and we all know how quickly that disease can take a loved one away- so I didn't want to risk it. I'm glad I went, as that was the last time I saw him. So today I have some sobering thoughts. I thank God for Uncles and Grandfathers- they are two "classes" of men in young ladies lives who want nothing from you- not your success, not to be pleased by you- they only want what makes you happy. There isn't the same expectation as a father has for you- so I have been particularly devastated by the loss of two uncles to the same cancer, and my Papa 11 years ago now. I miss them all acutely, and I am thankful for the family and friends that are left.

My newest jewelry item- handmade wings joined by a "Halo" in the center, dripping with crystals and pearls, is dedicated to them.

I'm making my special cran-apple sauce to share, and a pitcher of Pusser's Painkillers. Google that- it's an awesome tropical rum drink, with nutmeg- that makes it nice on a day like today. Football and barbeque'd pork, here I come. (as you can see, here in FL we eat what we like on Thanksgiving!)

Yippi! I sold a bead.

Sometimes you have to celebrate the little things.

I just love it when one of my birdies flies home!

I went to Barnes & Noble today to gawk at Enchanted Adornments, Cynthia Thornton's new book. It's so pretty and has very nice ideas for mixed media jewelry. Plus, it's fully illustrated and includes a little short story. What a nice difference from traditional books- I mean, how many books include "basic" directions for polymer clay at this point? This one skips most of that and goes straight to the point- the fun things you can use different clays for, and how to mix it all up with gems, resins and such. I expect Ilysa and I will discuss this book soon on Polymer Clay Podcast.

As the Crow Flies...

I love that statement. It sounds so funny to me. And why a crow? Why not the pigeon or hawk? I mean, didn't they use pigeons for that, to fly directly to a spot? Anyway....

We live by the ocean, and the only way to get out of here is to get off of A1A and onto a local road. We have to cross the Intracoastal waterway, and go inland. Thankfully, there is a lot of shopping locally. Almost everything we "need" is within a little L shaped route. The furthest part of the route is the Mall. One evening while sitting on the balcony, I noticed that there is a building that looks quite close, with "look at me" lighting- it's lit up blue on the top with columns of white light on the front. That building is the nearest hospital. It looks so close, and as the crow flies, it is. But it takes quite a drive to get there! If only I could fly...

More about me...that wouldn't fit on my profile!

I am an animal lover, and surround myself with 3 furry friends in the shape of cats. I have also called myself friend to an Akita, beloved Kasha, who now waits at the Bridge.  


I share my life with my partner and husband of 12 years, who has joined me on my many moves and adventures.  


My landscape is painted pink and orange over blue ocean waters every morning...and purple and fuschia over intracoastal waters every evening. During the rainy season, there is a rainbow almost every night. I have many photos of these gifts and sometimes post them for everyone to see.  


I have the urge to create with my heart and hands, almost constantly. It's a gift and a curse. Combined with my Gemini spirit, I almost always have a new idea, and almost never have time (or tenacity) to complete all of them. I feel disturbed if I am just sitting still, like there are so many things to be done. Down time? What's that? So, I often exhaust myself. Or get down on myself for relaxing when I should be doing...feels too much like laziness. I'm trying everyday to find the balance.