New Drawing, New Sketchbook

Finally, the traffic circle construction is done on the highway into Port Townsend and it became easier, much easier to get to the art supply store. I bought a new sketchbook, a small 7 by 10 inch book to keep by my leather chair in the living room so that I could doodle, draw, dream and relax in the evenings. I sharpened all my pencils, pulled out the markers and began by just letting my mind wander and my drawing begin. This is what I ended up with. If only I were more interested in taking a better picture!

A Summer's Day

I tend to forget that this is the time of year when I just need to keep my head down and work, putting one foot in front of the other and getting through the summer in my shops. I love talking to customers, love what I do and still feel blessed to be able to make a living at what I love BUT it is summer and that brings special challenges. Challenges that include working long hours, having Jake home from school, passing Phil in the hallway and not having time to be together, taking turns working in the shop not to mention feeling like I can not get enough done. Not having enough time in the day to be everything to everyone and leaving me by the wayside. I am NOT complaining and I would not want to change a thing ( except for the economic downturn to end ) but I need a spa day, a pedicure; time to write in my journal, finish the painting on my easel and time to breathe.

I am a bit whiny tonight, perhaps a good night's sleep will cure me.



New beads for the shop in boro glass picked up from Robin at the Puget Sound Bead Festival in Tacoma last weekend.

Mark's Flowers

These are the flowers that my friend, Mark Cole grows outside his restaurant and nightclub in Port Townsend. I was surprised to see such a pretty collection of lustily blooming plants, flowers and grasses outside his place. It was not what I expected. He has a green thumb so somewhere in his days as he hurries from here to there, he stops and gives lovin' to his plants. People surprise me and of that, I am glad!

To Friends!

My friend Milinda has left and Lita has come to take her place in my home. The summer has been a whirlwind of activity with shows, friends visiting and of course, being in the shop. I remain being creative and making things for the shop but the exploration into silver and my painting and fiber work will need to wait until the beautiful days of fall. Jake will be in school, the demands of driving him here and there will be gone and my schedule will be more relaxed at the shop. I am planning on heading to Las Vegas for a week with girlfriends, seeing shows, concerts and laying by sunny pools. I think it may be a fabulous break from the routine and shhhh, might be the elusive vacation I have thought about for years!

My visit with Lita has been fun and we spent much of our time at the beach gathering rocks for her garden in eastern Washington ( I mean where else can you get the coolest rocks but North Beach in PT ? ) and laughing, working in the studio; me, making beach glass earrings and Lita playing with and compulsively sorting in all my buttons. I am once again feeling the blessings of abundance as I pull my circle of true friends closer and closer within my heart and life! xo, Lois

Milinda's Visit!

This is my wonderful friend Milinda now from Oklahoma. We have been friends for more than 30 years when we were both young military wives, having babies and being ombudsmen for the Navy. She calls me her hippie liberal friend and I call her my republican conservative friend. Still we are able to laugh and laugh as we tell stories, visit and make jewelry. We had a nice, relaxing visit. It is so amazing and such a blessing to me to have such long, loving friendships!

What Now?

I have been trying, really trying for about 30 minutes now to upload pictures to this blog but nothing is working! Argh!

in Tacoma

In Tacoma today it was hot. Very hot. Downright uncomfortable hot. We are all set up at the bead show and even Jake says the booth looks great. The show preview for class attendees was tonight for three hours and I sold out of all my new brittanium pieces! Yippee! It is so exciting and rewarding to have something new be received so well! I am feeling very encouraged and will continue to add to this line!

It has been fun to hang out with Jacob when he is not being a total teenager.He says some of the funniest things in total innocence.

I am very impressed with the collection of art and glass work this hotel displays everywhere as part of its' private collection. I plan on taking lots of pictures of it tomorrow in Tacoma. Watch for photos when I return.