writing directions

I've been consumed with writing up directions for my "Better with Crystals Bracelet". I must admit I am a procrastinator to the fullest extent but since I'm teaching the class in a few weeks, I can't put it off any longer! I never really have trouble writing directions or sketching the figures out. HOWEVER... I'm learning to "draw" the figures out using Microsoft Word and it has proved to be quite a learning curve. I guess I'm just 'old school' but I much prefer sketching my illustrations with pencils and markers. I feel the need to be high tech and keep up with the times but I would truly rather be beading.

Homegrown Music

Below: Jimmy Reed, Pee Wee Crayton & Muddy Waters.




Left: Lloyd Tolbert playing a mean harp with Peter Giri on guitar.
I feel so lucky to have had three (tonight will be the fourth) amazing nights of live music. Eugene is home to some of the most talented musicians I've ever come across and Florence is lucky enough to have them come to us. This first weekend of the year has found many of us locals at Traveler's Cove enjoying the music of my good friend Peter Giri and his friends. Peter, who is one of my most favorite gee-tar players EVER has dubbed this weekend "Quatro Noches de Pedro". Si.
Every night has been a different combo of musicians playing with Peter. Last night was my favorite because the boys played a lot of blues- my favorite. Byron Case played guitar the first set and he seems to channel all of my guitar heroes when he plays. He's like a combo of Muddy Waters, Pee Wee Crayton and Jimmy Reed rolled into one. It doesn't get much better than that, folks.
Hmmm... I think I just may hear my guitar calling me...

My New Year's resolution is to not be so woefully neglectful of this blog! I thought I'd start the New Year off by posting some pictures of the wonderful treasures that Barry gave me for Christmas. Above is a picture of the fabulous Bob Burket beads that I found in my stocking. The center pendant is a dragonfly enlayed with turquoise and like a lot of Bob's creatures, he's got articulated wings. The bead to the left is a shibuichi goldfish "ball" which was the prototype for the mold. To the right is another first edition bead. I'm so lucky!
Next, is a crazy eyeball monster bead by Ralph McCaskey. (www.nightsidestudios.com) I think I'll name him Bob because I imagine when he moves his head the eyeballs bob all over the place.
In honor of my almost stepping on a rattlesnake in Tucson this year, Barry found this great little turquoise and sterling silver pendant.
The last picture is of some beautiful glass beads made by my friend and neighbor, the talented Denise Saunders. I had lunch with her the other day and she brought along the work she's been busily creating for the big trip to Tuscon. I was lucky enough to get a preview and I couldn't resist. Merry Xmas to me!

Bead Fest

I had a blast last weekend at Bead Fest in Portland. I helped out at the Hanson-Stone/ Just Let Me Bead booth. It was so nice to get to spend some time with my friends Marcie Stone and Greg Hanson. Marcie sells fabulous vintage glass beads, buttons and goodies. Greg is an amazing glass artist and had quite an assortment of cabs and buttons. I wanted to buy each and every single one. Of course, Laura McCabe's kits were fantastic as always and it was fun to see people get so excited about seeing her work in person. (Even though most had a visibly "let down" look on their faces after talking to me and finding out I wasn't Laura! Geez, what am I chopped liver?!)
It's always so nice to see friendly, enthusiastic faces, excited about beads. I was lucky enough see old friends and make new friends. I particularly enjoyed meeting some of the Portland Bead Society members, as I am a member but the meetings are just a bit too far for me to attend.
I am looking forward to the Portland Bead Society Bazaar on Nov. 7 & 8th. It's at Montgomery Park in NW Portland. Please stop by and say "hi" if you make it to the show.

southwest adventures

We made it back safely from out southwest road trip. I just love being in the desert and basking in the sun. I think I must have been a lizard in a past life.
Speaking of reptiles... I almost stepped on a rattlesnake while in Tucson. We stayed at a fantastic house made of bottles. Yes, you read that right, bottles. Our gracious host, Dolores had just finished telling us to always carry a flashlight at night because that's when the rattlesnakes hunt. Apparently they don't rattle their rattles while they are hunting. I decided to walk across the driveway to get something from the car. Barry asked me if I wanted his flashlight, to which I replied, "no, it's okay. I'm not going very far. I think I can see alright." As I proceeded onto the driveway, I saw something move not more than two feet away from me. Then, I heard a rattle. I jumped to the side and exclaimed something like, "Holly s..t! there's a rattler right there!" They thought I was joking. Here's a picture of the little guy.

The wildlife was abundant amongst our bottle house digs. We also saw a tarantula, copious amounts of Colorado toads, which just so happen to contain psychedelic toxins (no I did not test this theory out but reminds me of the fantastic book by Tom Robbins: Half Asleep in Frog Pajamas), javalinas ran through the courtyard at night, and coyotes sang us to sleep. Let's not forget the bottle house guard dogs, Sweetie Pie (appropriately named) and her daughter, Sadiquie.

First Post.

I signed up for this blog quite some time ago and have been procrastinating with my first post. I really wanted my first post to be something special, moving, profound. But I've decided that if I continue to wait for that moment to arrive, I may never post a darn thing! So, here I am to ramble.

Several weeks ago my Dad and my two brothers Louis and Kevin came up to visit me. They helped me move and clean an antique typeset case that I purchased to put my beads in. The case was super dusty and the inside of the drawers were caked in old ink. I'm extremely appreciative of all their help. I have successfully transported my beads and filled half of the drawers. Like many of my beader friends, I love to organize and fondle my beads. I lost all track of time while I was arranging my little beauties.

While the family was here visiting, we went on a hike up to Sweet Creek Falls. It was a gorgeous, unusually warm day. Barry, my partner, took some fantastic photos which I shall post as soon as I can figure out how! Wish me luck...