Life.....

.....Can be a bit of a bummer.

My dad died yesteraday. 

And while expected, it was unexpected. 

And though we were not close, there is still a hollow feeling in the middle of me.

I seem to ache everywhere.

I leave for Seattle on Sunday to help my sister with things.

But first we celebrate my son's 13th birthday - several days at that. 

I am still going to try to participate in Andrew's challenge and my beads have gone off already 

for the Bead Soup Blog Party (all the way to Poland!!!!)

Needless to say, my Muse has run screaming from the house! :)

I will be dark here for a bit.

Ready for this to all be over............

:)

Teaser!

Here is a quick teaser of what I sent off to Joanna Matuszczyk!  They have a looooong journey ahead of them. I hope she likes her ingredients.

Something new!

I decided to try a new wire wrapping technique. I once saw the most amazing necklace done using keishi pearls and wire wrapping.  It was a truly stunning piece.

Now, while mine is not exactly in that league, I have to say that I am rather pleased with the outcome.

So summery and fun!

 I have to laugh though. 

Once it started to work, I started to use sparkly beads!

I know, I know

It's August, I know that.

But, I made a wonderful pumpkin spice latte

from A Cozy Kitchen.

Great site, BTW. I doctored mine a bit, I did vanilla soy milk, fat free half and half and added some maple syrup. 

Next, the test.

Poured it into my coffee.

Now, if I were really good, 

I would have taken a picture for you BEFORE I even tried it,

or drank it ALL!

(photo courtesy of A Cozy Kitchen)

It was really good.

I am looking forward to fall, my absolute favorite season! Of them all!

Enjoy.

He cracked me up!

Our dog had to have surgery and has since been relegated to wear the

cone of shame.

You know the one, the satellite dish looking thing that stops them from

licking the surgical site.

Bromley hates that thing,

but he loves to lick.

So, my son gave him a friend.

He cracked me up! 

This is the stuffed animal that Bromley carries around.

Happy Saturday.

Soup is on!

Bead Soup, that is.

Lori Anderson spent many an hour putting this together and getting

everyone their "cooking" partners.

I am happily paired with 

Joanna Matuszczyk and her blog is

Bizuteria z filcu

She is in Poland! I am going to get Polish beads! 

Sooooo cool!

Her work is so fun! Great colors and I love her use of fiber. 

I have my package all prettied up and ready to send out. I am off to the post!

This is going to be so much fun!

Baby Christian needs our help!

My friend Juls of Julsbeads nephew was born early - very early, 4 months. Those last months are so very important for development for a baby.  As a mother, I can't even imagine what his mother, and father, are feeling, going through, and how they are coping.  My heart goes out to them. 

Juls has become a good beady friend and my heart goes out to her also. To help her brother and 

sister-in-law with expenses she is having a sale in her shop. Everything is 25% off.  

Her heart is so very big and generous.

I don't normally do things like this, but if you can, hop over and check out her shop.

Her beads are magically wonderful!

 I mean, everyone can always use some magic!

The coupon for the 25% off is Christian.

If you would like to donate directly through PayPal, you can by donating to

julicannon@hotmail.com

You can read her whole post here.

Thank you.

When all else fails

I retreat to the kitchen! There I can find some piece and quiet and create.

And my family is generally very happy with the outcome! :)

Chicken artichoke pasta

cubed chicken breast, sauteed with garlic

artichoke hearts

pesto

combo of spinach and regular noodles

all mixed together in the pot.

No picture of the finished product, I forgot and was hungry.

I am happy to send this recipe along if you are interested.

The All American Lunch

And the today, I made Whoopie Pies!

OMG! 

So easy.

Sooooo good!!!

As they are for dinner tonight, I split one with my son, you know, to make sure they

were ok! You know! :)

I did sit at the table yesterday, tried and tried and nothing came out.

Then I decided to try a wire wrapping technique to make a necklace,

lusciousness!

Will share that one soon! 

I am going to do this!

Andrew Thornton!

Go on over to his blog and see what the Reader's Challenge is all about..

Seriously, look at the beads and that wonderful color,

so lush and vibrant. What an opportunity to work with these.  I did see what folks created last

month and, wow, beautiful pieces!

Thank you Andrew, for the challenge.

 I can't wait to get my hands on the beads. I am hoping that between this and the

Bead Soup Blog Party

that I can kick start my creative muse.

(I know, I have given myself permission to have no creativity) but I do miss it. :)

Oh, and I do have some Julsbeads coming my way!! :)

If nothing else, they look so beautiful on my table and feel good in my hands.

Happy Wednesday!

It's Time! Have you signed up?????

Go now!

Go to Lori Anderson's blog and sign up!

I promise you will have a blast!