Twenty Six Years Ago ...

On this day twenty six years ago; I gave birth to my oldest son, Michael. I named him with a long distinguished moniker, Michael Ernest James Venarchick Morello and after a difficult few weeks of worry; took my sweet baby home. I am to this day amazed that I could be entrusted with a new human life and not need a license or any specialized training or education. Michael has been a wonderful boy and now a man. He kept me company, made me laugh, worry, cry, rejoice and delight in life and him. Even now that he lives so very far away; I miss him terribly and yet, he still makes me feel all warm, cozy and motherly inside. He is and always will be a joy in my life. My now grown up treasure!

I am adding this photo of Seattle's famous Space Needle for Michael. When he gets home one of these days we are going to head to the top! Happy Birthday Michael!! Love, Mom

Pretty Trees in Portland

I am feeling pretty tired as it is getting late and world weary tonight so I am just going to post these pictures of the lovely, blooming fruit trees at the Portland Convention Center. Aren't they beautiful? I have always had a love affair with flowering trees! It is so spring! Sweet dreams - Lois

BeAd ExPo in PoRtLaNd

Oh, but it is good to be here! I love my bed, my dog, my welcoming home and studio! I really appreciate everything after I have been away and everything feels new and refreshed!

I have for you here a photo from the opening of Bead Expo in Portland, Oregon. It's the sign at the gateway to all the marvelous beads and treasures contained within the show. Not to mention all the friends that I only get to see on the road. Friendships that you build between customers and set up or breakdown.

I have always been a person who says to people seeking answers to " ask the universe " and wait for an answer. The trick lies in listening and then hearing the answer. Sometimes I am asking a question without even being aware, consciously, that I have asked a question and then, POW!, an answer appears and you can say I WAS asking. That's the case with this sticker that appeared on the Do Not Enter sign on the walk from my hotel to the convention center. Now IS all you have. A reminder from the guiding universe to not worry about the small things ( Will I make money at this show? Can I cover my expenses? ) and to remember now is the moment and now is what I have. MmmmHmmm, Lois

In Portland

Here I am in the Rose city; a city that inspires me with all its' green philosophy. Mass transit, ( free downtown ), low flush toilets, recycle bins everywhere and it just feels good and right and well, inspiring. The Bead Expo show has been fun and with the threat and actual snow everywhere in the area; I am pleased that customers are still finding us.

We are all feeling a tad homesick. Not for each other for as Phil reminds us, we are all here as a family but for our actual home, all its' comforts, the dog, the cats and my studio. It is wonderful to be around all these bead classes and jewelry that everyone wears and tragic that I can not get to my studio! On the road knitting and my sketchbooks are as arty and crafty as I can get! Speaking of getting, I better get back to work! Now! Watch for pictures & more! xxooo, Lois ( p.s. It is snowing in PT right now! )

Ready, Set, Go!

After hours of packing, sorting and choosing inventory and trying NOT to create more work for myself; I think I am ready to go to Portland. I just have to pack my clothes which I truly hate, hate doing! One of these days I am going to buy a whole wardrobe and just leave it packed between shows in my suitcase so I can grab it and go! Now there is a career for someone who is looking for something unusual to do! Be a packer for others, get them ready to go on a trip.

Phil has taken my camera and said, " you do want to take this? " and off he and the camera went to be packed. So I am forced, absolutely forced to share these really cute pictures of Jacob with you. He was just a little guy in his Bob the Builder clothes and his favorite fleece cloud hat. You can tell these are old pictures, my kitchen is a boring white! Way before I got hold of color cards and a tile catalog! How did I ever live with so much white in my house?

I my write again tonight but you may also not hear from me until I return. Marty will be here watching over my Regina and enjoying the solitude of our home. Have a fun week! I can hardly wait to shop Powell's bookstore ( it covers one whole city block ) in Portland AND it is NOT a chain store but a real honest to goodness, independant book seller! Love, Lois

Happy Easter!

It is Easter afternoon on a cold, windy, rainy northwest kind of spring! Perfect day to be inside and make things or in my case; pack for a show. My mind races as I get ready to choose which of my inventory to take with me to a show. I pack this and then think, " oh, I better take this, too and maybe this and maybe that.... " and before you know it there is no organization and I have a bunch of " stuff ". I just always want everything with me and then usually my first few customers ask me for what I did not bring! AAARGH! But... you know I love this crazy bead life!

These are some photos of Jacob with his Easter basket and Regina. Jacob best liked the tins of mints he received in his basket. I am going to keep these forever he says! My sweet little boy, my last child, is growing up so quickly! He didn't even remind me to dye eggs or ask for a basket! I miss that boy who loved hunting eggs in the soggy garden on Easter morning!

Phil is off buying special treats for dinner and I can hardly wait. For what is an Easter dinner without ham, potato salad, applesauce and sweet gherkin pickles! Yum! Happy Easter! Make some bunny happy today! xxoo, Lois

First Day of Spring

Here it is already the first day of spring and the days will be getting longer now. I love spring and all the possibilities of birth and renewal that fill the air and my soul. I have to admit though that I really lust for winter. The cold gray days make me feel productive and nestled in my interior life. Spring and I have to expand my horizons and leave my comfort zones and get out. Outdoors, out everywhere, out here, out there, never sitting still until winter comes again. I do want to get some tomatoes planted so I guess now I am waiting for spring to become summer. Hope takes the form here in the pacific northwest of those who annually plant tomatoes knowing there is never enough sun to ripen them! Laughing at the absurdities, Lois