Things are moving right along this summer. I am enjoying all my customers, both the regulars and the visitors. It feels like I have a large group of interesting friends and at the end of each day, I feel satisfied with my work and content in my day's activities. The world is at my door and I am loving it. This coming week should see me spend a day making jewelry and the rest of the time in the shop meeting and greeting, hanging out being totally bead synced. So this Sunday evening as I am getting kind of goofy and a bit rambling here; I have two things to pass along:

1. In light of the horrible tragedy in Aurora, Colorado - bring your loved ones into your arms and hold them just a little tighter. Be happy they are with you. Be reminded how short and sweet life is and how we need to love and take care of each other. All the time.

2. Be grateful. Practice gratitude and pass along all the love and friendship and kindness you can.

The rainbow tonight seen as a bandaid for the world.

I absolutely hate having my picture taken. I can not fake being young or thin, tall or beautiful in the camera's eye. When the future rolls around, I can picture my kids and grandchildren saying, " why are there no pictures of mom "? Unless they read my journals, they will not know that the pictures are missing because I can not hide the real me from a camera. Sometimes, I think, well of course, you are not who you were back then in your youth. You are NOT a youth. I like my wisdom, I like my age, I like the experiences I've had. I just wish it all came with a little less tummy and a lot less chin. Sigh... On that note, here are a few pictures from this past weekend's bead show in Tacoma.

Time in a Bead

finished work 

more finished work

Now that summer is officially here, anytime I have off or out of the shop, I spend it in my studio making jewelry for the shop. I don't keep up with any housework or other chores. I'm lucky to shower daily and water a plant outside or two. I am but a ship passing in the night with my family. A quick nod good morning, a stolen kiss at bedtime and flash, the day is passed. I love being busy. I love selling jewelry to customers who return to my shop every year to purchase new pieces. The hustle and bustle makes me feel amazing! I am so blessed to still be doing what I love, surrounded by beautiful things, that I could go on and on here, making you want to say, " enough "!

Beautiful day in PT today. The temperature was just right, although I do like it a bit cooler but the sun was out and people were truly grooving on the weather! Sunshine puts everyone in a happy place! Now the heat is going to be coming on and I do not like that but I will dig out a pair of shorts and make the best of my legs ( sigh ) and a hot time in the shop.

Here are some steampunk earrings I made today from things in the shop. I like them quite a bit and initially I thought I would rivet everything together but then changed my mind so that anyone could make these earrings without fancy tools. I kept thinking, if I were in my studio, how much further I could go with these designs! Next time.

I am experimenting with this blog. Please stand by.......

The light was perfect today.

Cleaned and ready to begin new work.

My day lilly garden is in bloom.

This sweet gift of a tiny radish from a friend, Ginny, made my day! 

This evening's moon rose as a deep rusty red color and slowly lifted into the night sky as it turned coral, then peach and ended as a glowing white orb against a firework lit sky. I had an unexpected day off from the shop so I spent it in the studio making jewelry. In between I managed to be outdoors, pulling a few weeds and turning my face to the sun kissed sky and enjoying the large fluffy clouds displayed there. It was even especially nice to have the whole place to myself today and move to my own timetable.

A Creative Day

New Painting and this was my first time to paint on mat
board. The colors, pencils and acrylic really stand out.

A closeup of the leaves.

Booth banner, side one in wool felt.

Side two. See my favorite mark? A spiral of course.

All done on a busy Saturday afternoon by me - Lois.