Finally Feeling Better

I caught the bug that has been going around and it kicked my butt for the past 2 weeks.  I have spent more time in bed sleeping or watching movies than I care to say.  Unusual for me was the fact that I did not feel like creating.  I just had no energy.  I finally grabbed some yarn and knitting needles and gave kitting another try.  I did a little bit here and a little bit there.  Felt better.  Made some knitted flowers, some stitch samples and tossed several "failures".  Then, I worked on my Facebook page, making it my "artist" page.  Then I added banners to my Etsy shop, my YouTube page and my Flickr page.  Ah, good to be back.

neverKnead

As many of you know, several years ago I lost my left wrist bones to a rare disease called Kienbock's.   My surgeon moved 3 upper bones down to become my new wrist.   Conditioning polymer was good therapy to strengthen my hand after the surgeries.  But, there are still times when I need to wear a brace or just rest my hand.  When I saw this kneading machine invented by a polymer clay artist, I thought it was worth a try for me.  I ordered it, used it and love it.  It has been worth every penny for me.  I don't get anything for endorsing it, I just thought I would pass it along.  It is basically a press that gives a ton of pressure; extremely well made.  You can learn more about it on their website:  neverKnead.com. 

5 Years of Blogging

Hard to believe it has been 5 years to the day since I started this blog.  I spent some time reflecting on each year.  It sure has been fun; I hope to continue.  Thank you readers for stopping by, thank you for comments and encouragement, thank you for being there.

Simply put:  Thank You

Inspirational Sculptures

 Love these stone owls.  They were for sale at the Phoenix Desert Botanical Gardens shop.

The patina on this sculpture was jaw-dropping.  There was so much to be inspired by.

Carpet of Yellow

Desert Botanical Gardens, Phoenix, Arizona.  A glorious burst of yellow with a carpet of yellow beneath.  Beautiful.

Chihuly Glass Reeds

 Desert Botanical Gardens, Phoenix Arizona.  Chihuly Exhibit, "Glass Reeds"

And Now…Live At The

 Desert Botanical Gardens, Phoenix, Arizona.  The sun setting on the aloe vera flowers was breath taking.  I mean, it was stunning.

 Lavender, gorgeous lavender.

The lights come on at dusk as the sun finishes its light show.

Chihuly Glass Sculptures

 Desert Botanical Gardens, Phoenix, Arizona.  Chihuly Exhibit.

Light Show at Desert Botanical Gardens

I went with some friends to the Desert Botanical Gardens at sunset to see the stunning light show.  I was so excited to get some good photos.

The Chihuly Exhibit was spectacular as the sun set behind the glass sculptures.  When the sun was completely down and the flood lights came on……WOW.

I mean wow.  The Chihuly Garden and Glass is located in Seattle Washington on 305 Harrison Street.  I went to my first Chihuly Exhibit many years ago in Chicago and now have been fortunate enough to see two (over a few years) at the Phoenix Desert Botanical Gardens.  This was my first night viewing and by far my favorite.  The drama of the sun setting and the flood lights was just beyond words.

A Bead Outing

A little bead crochet on the go.  A lovely trip to Bead World in Phoenix, Arizona where the owner, Lezli Goodwin was warm and welcoming.  I follow her blog "Beading the "Bead World" Way" where she generously shares many "how to's" for jewelry making.

 Several members of our local bead club car pooled to Bead World where we shopped for things we couldn't do without.  I needed some end caps to finish several of my bead crochet ropes and dutch spiral pieces.

When we were done shopping, we walked over to Lucy's Gluten Free Restaurant and on the way, we spotted this sign.  It was really a fun day.

Spinning Yarns

 Some of the talented ladies who belong to the Weavers Club here in Sun City West, Arizona were enjoying the beautiful weather and camaraderie while spinning yarn together.

Colorful socks and a red spinning wheel speak to this artist's personality.

"Hey Scooter"

So I get the foot frozen and the 4 pins out today. Yay.  Haven't been doing too much.  Thank goodness for the scooter.  It sure helps getting around and is perfect for keeping it elevated.  I've been on the computer drafting beading projects so I will be either ordering the beads soon or picking them up at the Tucson Bead Show in February.  I'm thinking I will be out of the boot by then and walking a ridiculous distance among thousands of shoppers is such a good idea.

Another Few Days...

Recuperating……can't wait to get back to creating and blogging.  Miss it terribly.

Away For A Tiny Bit

Ugh!  I will be off for a little bit recuperating from foot/ankle surgery.  I thought I would be so efficient and do lots of pre-posts, but with the holidays fast approaching, I didn't get anything done.  I will be back in a few.

Sewing Stoppage

 I officially have every tabletop  covered with some project.  That's when I'm happiest.  However, in the middle of my tablecloth project, my sewing machine decided to break down.  So, the tablecloth has been put aside for now and the sewing machine put away.  I'm aggravated.  I will see about an estimate after the holidays.  On to the next table of projects.

Dollar for Dollar

Cabela's sporting goods is matching each dollar donated to the disaster relief fund to aid the Yarnell families and communities devastated by the Yarnell wildfire.  Volunteers were outside in Arizona's 108 degree heat all weekend grilling up plenty of food for their benefit barbecue and also handing out water.   Thank you Cabela's!!

  Also, thank you to The Arizona Community Foundation, in partnership with its affiliated Yavapai County Community Foundation, who is matching gifts to its Disaster Relief Fund, dollar for dollar, up to $125,000 to address needs resulting from the wildfire currently burning in Yarnell, Arizona.  Click www.azfoundation.org/yarnellfire for more information. 

Now You See Me, Now You Don't

I had a fun day shopping at the sporting goods store.  I skipped the camo suit, but bought some plastic containers for my ever accumulating bead stash.  I'll be posting some finished pieces while I spend some time cleaning my creative space.

Mirror, Mirror

What a treat it was to see this mirror in person! Wow!  All Swarovski crystals in many different sizes.  It hangs in Cathy Breyne's shop, Unique Vintage Chic, 6166 E. Scottsdale Road, #201 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

I photographed it last year when it was selling for $8,000 in Cathy's shop.  The original owner of the mirror paid over 3 times that.  The mirror recently sold to a woman who purchased the mirror along with two crystals chandeliers.  If you click on the photos, you will get a better view of the crystals.  Just amazing.

Holiday Lights Necklace

One of my favorite holiday necklaces.  I wore it to a holiday party that was phenomenal.   It was so well organized from the seating to the entertainment.  A few well spoken words about speaking the truth, lightening your heart and standing in grace; being able to look at yourself in the mirror at the end of the day--that it all starts there with the gift of self respect.  Brought tears to my eyes. Thank goodness the hilarious entertainment followed.  It was really memorable.  I came home inspired and started sculpting.  Hopefully I'll get it posted soon.

Dear Santa

 My pasta machine motor is on its last legs, so I'm back to using the crank.  Whew, working up a sweat!  Who needs a pasta machine motor?  I do.  Dear Santa.........