I am working on creating an Etsy site so that I can post pictures and maybe sell, my one of a kind jewelry pieces. I worked so hard that it made me feel a bit depressed that I could not get it right all at once. I had to break down and call Andrea. Where would I be without her help on my poor, wretched computer skills? Anyhow, she designed this banner for my etsy site from one of my drawings. I think it is a good way to begin. I like feeling like I am basking in the sun's glow and since the sun is promiently featured here; I am thinking this is good!

A very pretty and warm day here so we went to the beach for a quick eat our sandwiches there- break. Very nice if a bit breezy.

The universe is busy testing my people/employee skills in my shops. I have one employee out for a long while with unexpected surgery, another on a long vacation, one thinking of leaving, one with an injury and one that had a " health episode " for lack of a better word.Thank goodness Cathy P could fill in so competently! Sheesh!!! It is a challenge!

I am going to blank out in front of the TV after I make some more earrings tonight!!! NOW!!!! xxoo, Lois

( That which doesn't kill or maim us; makes us stronger! )

Happy father's Day to my husband, Phil and my sweet friend Howard ( Justin ). I also have sent a happy Father's day greeting skyward to my father, my beloved grandfather and my old friend, Bud. I miss you all and I am loving the ones I am with. Lois

Sadness

How prophetic! I did not know that when I printed that little poem a day or so ago, how soon it would become true. My sister's partner of 15 years, a man I did not really know except by his deeds heard about through other family members, died suddenly yesterday while at work. Between customers he had a massive heart attack and passed away behind the counter of his tile store. He was all alone, except for his God, and that makes me very sad. A customer finally came in to find him and called 911. Too late. He was gone. Now I am truly sad. Sad for my sister, who will surely miss the man she loved ( I can not imagine how empty his side of the bed must feel or how quiet the house must be ); sad for my mother who truly enjoyed this man and the loss she will feel because " he did everything for me " and sad for Andy's mother who should not have had to outlive her son. Sad for my sister's children who will surely miss his guidance and sad because if I were in any one of their places, I would not know how to move on.

Hug and kiss the ones you love today for we do not ever know what the next five minutes will hold let alone the rest of our days with your loves. Lois

A Little Poem I Found and Enjoyed

Little things would irk me, and I grow

Impatient with my dear ones, make me know

How in a moment joy can take its flight

And happiness be quenched in endless night.

Keep this thought with me all the livelong day

That I may guard the harsh words I might say

When I would fret and grumble, fiery hot,

At trifles that tomorrow are forgot

Let me remember, Lord, how it would be

If these, my loved ones, were not here with me.

Browsing through the internet I came across this little poem and I liked its' sentiment and the quaint " old fashion-ness " of its' wording. I also would not like to be without my loved ones and today as I sat on the deck steps with Phil while Jacob rode around on his motorbike sounding bicycle; the sun was out and it was a perfect temperature; I thought how lucky and blessed I am! Thank you! Thank you! Lois

A bBit of Sun!

It is late afternoon here in the Pacific Northwest and finally ( ! ) there is some sun out! We have had rain or gray skies since I can remember but now .... SUN! I love the rain and gray. Indeed, I find it very inspiring but I do need to see some sun once in awhile, a little illumination in the sky and soul! Jacob is running around, Jessie is stretched out in the sun on the warm wood deck and I am going to make a tea and join her there! Mmmmm ... sun! Off to enjoy it! Lois

Just Had to smile

Jacob came dashing into the studio this afternoon after spending some time at his friend Steven's house with their great invention. They put a gator aid bottle on their bikes between the wheel and the fender and as Jake said, " it sounds like a motorbike! " I just had to smile and remember my own childhood as he rode around on my Dr. Suess sidewalk making his motorbike noises. I then told him how we used to use a football card and a clothespin to make our bikes sound motorized. I think that surprised him. And surprised him even more when it worked. My funny, sweet boy whose hands and feet are bigger than mine! I'm glad we had a break in the rain so they could bike around the neighborhood. Ah... sweet summers of youth! xxoo, Lois

Just Had to smile