plugged in!

It's nice to be back and "plugged in" again. I did not have internet access at my MIL's home in Myrtle Beach as I thought I would. I ran clean out of time the day I left and was not able to list those 2 rings or say a proper "see ya". The drive down and back was safe and speedy. I spent a couple of days swimming in the ocean and we went to church on Sunday then packed and Will and I (Will ended up deciding to accompany his ole Ma) returned home yesterday morning. I was not able to sleep during the return trip, so I went to bed as soon as I got home and woke up around 2:30pm. We unpacked the van, cleaned the house, and showered. I managed to list those 2 rings on Etsy along with 2 new pairs of studs as well. Chris came home from work *I missed him terribly as I always do when we are away from each other, you were right Jaime, my little trip was EXACTLY what we needed!* He made burgers (a Boca Burger for me) and asparagus. We watched a raunchy movie (Step Brothers) and went to bed. I am feeling rested this morning. I need to go to the gym and then I will get to work in the studio.


After dinner, back from the beach




My Boys




LuLu & Granny Cricket

Will

Playing mini golf (Danny, Gram, and Will)

Will modeling my top (Danny helping hold is Golden Delicious in place)

It's a loooooong trip

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27144768

SOLD

Mai's custom Phrenite ring (bad pic, you cannot see the lemon yellow color very well)

Last Minute Vacation!

Danny is going to Myrtle Beach SC for about 1 month this summer to his grandmother/grandfathers house. Chris was originally going to drive Danny down , but since I won't really be missing work and it makes more sense money wise, I am going to drive him on Wednesday (yes, tomorrow) evening. I prefer to drive all night rather than during the day. The trip is about 17 hours. I usually just stop for about an hour or so to catch a cat nap and that's about it. We should arrive in Myrtle Beach around 10am Thursday morning. I am not sure exactly how long I am going to stay. I am thinking until Monday. I have all of my orders in the tumbler and will ship tomorrow morning. I will keep the shop open (as usual) and note in the banner/shop announcement about being away for a few days. I will have my lap top with me. So, YEAH unexpected vacation!!

I am not sure if William is going with us, I think he will stay here with Chris. I told him it was his decision.

I will have 2 new rings to list in the shop tomorrow and will be able to ship all "ready to ship" items until 4pm tomorrow. I am not sure if I will be blogging while I am away, we'll see (probably yes......) I need to get to the library tomorrow to check out a good book on CD for the ride. We always have a good long book read to us on long car trips, it is good company while riding down 95 at 3am when it's just you and the truckers on the road.

I'll do a quick post after I set the stones in the new rings tomorrow.

xoxo

I really love my Dad

We went to a cookout yesterday at my parents house. The occasion (as if we need one) was my youngest brother Craig's birthday and Fathers Day (a day early). My father and I have developed a strong silent bond over the past couple of years. I never really had a "relationship" with my father growing up or in my 20's because I was an absolute island of myself. I LOVE growing up!!! Maturity is not to be balked!! Okay, some are granted this maturity at about 18 years old, I acquired it at about 33.......... so what. I gave my dad his birthday card and gift, he loved them both, gave me a huge hug and said, "Lis, you are such a good girl". I don't care how old you are, that feels fantastic!


The family had a great time. The food was fabulous and the company, even better. All of the kids went to the lake (walking distance from my parents home) and went swimming after supper. I stayed back and talked to my grandma.


Today Danny and Will are going to church with Chris in honor of Father's Day. Chris and I are in "friend mode" so I will probably be going to Trinity. If you are wondering what "friend mode" is, that is when my husband and I make polite conversation when necessary and do not sleep in the same bed.


In other news, I made sauce using some nice fresh herbs from my garden. It was outstanding!

The veggies are growing steadily, although I seem to have a slug/insect problem. The leaves on most of my plants look like Swiss cheese. I may have to take an ivory soap/water solution and spray everything. Stupid bugs....... Nothing is worse than the Tomato Horn Worms. I had them a few years ago and they are the most hideous, disgusting, yuckyuckyuckyuck siver shiver ewwww bug I have EVER laid my eyes on!

Dang that's gross

shop update....... finally

The rain finally let up about an hour and a half ago. I was able to take pictures and get the new rings posted in my shop.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26713041

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26711546

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26713419

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26712628

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26710640

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26710174

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26712120

Hopefully these will stir up a bit of activity in my shop!

what a bummer.....

It is raining and gloomy outside and I would love nothing better than to take pictures of these and get them listed in the shop today.....



There are some really outstanding stones here. That huge Lapis Lazuli ring is pure rich blue with starry flecks of golden pyrite and a super high dome. The ring on my pinkie is gem silica from Arizona. A very groovy mix of swirling bright blues, greens, and whites. A bubbling piece of green amber *Green Amber is a completely natural variation of Baltic Amber. Like all amber, it is created from fossil resin produced by pine trees since the beginning of time. The green color is a result of plant interaction with the resin. A very high dome vibrant green and blue chrysocolla is perched on my middle finger under a silky dessert color and pricey piece of Imperial Jasper set horizontally (my favorite setting these days), a tall peak of valuable rich phrenite and an incredibly pale green dry creek turquoise are on my pointer finger. I am very satisfied and proud of this little brude.

My favorite part of creating jewelry is setting the stones. That is the moment of truth when the whole thing comes together. There is NOTHING I would rather do. You must understand my excitement this morning when I woke up to this on my bench.......

Everything went smoothly except Mai's custom ring. The bezel walls really need to be a bit taller for her stone (the yellow phrenite on the left). You may be wondering if I have anymore 3/16" bezel? Nope. I must order it this afternoon.

?

necessary quiet.....

It has been a very quiet day. It is as if the universe knew I needed that today. The boys have been quiet, Chris came home from work and was quiet, even the dogs have been quiet (unless someone walks by the house). I feel renewed and ready to get on with it. I am grateful for today. I ended the day yesterday smartly as well with a long hot bath, even hotter herbal tea, and an early bedtime snuggled in my favorite down puff.

It's been a bad day......

I won't go into too much detail, but it has been a horrible day. I woke up at 6am. Chris and Danny woke me up with their screaming and banging. Another swell father and son brawl. I fell back asleep and *purposely* slept a bit too late (8:30am) I woke up feeling ill so I stayed in the living room in my Pj's until about 12:30pm. I began feeling a bit better and dressed, cleaned up, and went into the studio. I printed out half of my shipping labels then PayPal or my printer started acting up (not sure which one) so in absolute frustration I hand addressed the remaining packages. At 4:30pm Chris got home and I asked him about the morning problems between him and Danny and he explained what happened. I then confronted him with something else (too private for even MY blog) and things were admitted and now I am just numb. Danny who was meant to come home right after school came home when he pleased and has been arguing about being grounded for the next 2 weeks while making as much noise in his bedroom as possible. I am thankful Will is at baseball practice. This home is not a happy one at the moment. I won't be attending my church group this evening. Chris has a Leadership team meeting at his church tonight and things are too unsettled here for me to leave the boys alone for 3 hours.

On a happier and yummier note, this is for supper .......

I hope your day was better.

Is this what we have been reduced to?

Scene:
10:00PM the NY Yankees require yet another pitching change so the Red Sox games goes to commercial.


Chris gets up from the couch and goes into the bathroom (off the kitchen). I go to the kitchen to put more hot water in my tea cup.




Chris *yelling from inside the bathroom*

"Hey Baby"





Lisa

"yeah?"





Chris

"Any chance of me gettin' lucky tonight?"





Lisa

"No chance"





Chris

"Okay, I'm not taking a shower then"





Lisa

"Okay hun"





How does your man know when it's time to take a shower?

The girls are barking at the "ant dude"

The poor ant-pest-sprayer-guy is here going along the perimeter of the house and the dogs are going hog wild. Taz and LuLu bark at EVERYONE who walks by the house.

*talking to the ant dude*

15 minutes later.....

Okay, all set now.

I am now waiting patiently for the mail lady. She should be delivering my silver order that contains my bead caps for the remaining sale orders I need to finish up. I will be hopefully creating new pieces starting tomorrow.

The new class I am attending at Church on Monday nights is terrific so far. There are about 18 of us. What wonderful discussion and insight. So much passion in these folks. God is so obviously present in this place. He shines through the people like no place I have seen in my limited experience (extremely limited, I never saw the inside of a church until i was married). I am grateful.

In other news, hold on to your seats.......

I have switched from my trusty slow cooked rolled oats for breakfast to Kashi cold cereal. This is big my friends! This cereal has more fiber than oatmeal, believe it or not. I just needed a change for a bit. That's about as exciting as it gets around here this week...... yup, ant dude and a new breakfast food! Can ya stand it?!?!?!

Yup, another sale!!

EVERYTHING UNDER $25 is $10 here

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5249266

*I will send you a revised invoice

ALSO, PLEASE BROWSE THROUGH THE SHOP FOR MANY ITEMS NOW 25 - 30% off!!!

So.... What's Up?

It is just about 2pm and I still have my gym clothes on. I wanted to get all of my stones set and ship custom orders as well as post a couple of new pairs of earrings in my shop, so I will shower and change later. I am also making some pot luck(y) sort of meatball concoction in the crock pot for Church group this evening. I made this once and forgot how to make it this time. For what it's worth, it smells FABULOUS! Mini meatballs are the most fattening thing. I did manage to punish one of my turquoise stones deservedly. It did not want to sit nice in it's little home like it's twin sister, so I got a lil rough with her and now she's broken........

That'll teach her.

So, I had 1 less pair of earrings to list. I do have the little handmade tops to them (they are the "ear bob" style). I will just select another pair of less naughty stones and try again.

Custom "off Etsy" order. The oxidized rolo chain is almost finished

These custom earrings will be worn by a Botanist bride in her garden wedding this month.

These are scrumptious. My kinda earrings.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26172146

"THE" T-shirt/blue jean Earrings

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26171050

This oblong shape is so flattering on ladies with pretty round faces!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26172917

Waiting for Chris....

Last night patiently waiting for Chris to finish his post-workout shower so we can watch "The Reader".The movie was excellent. Chris thought is was "pretty good, but slow".





Today was a gorgeous day! Blue sky and 77 degrees. After a lazy morning watching "Rob and Big" on MTV2 Chris and I went grocery/Walmart shopping. I need to finish a couple of custom orders (off Etsy), but I think I will do that tomorrow after church. I picked up some corn on the cob at the grocery store which is always a crap shoot this time of year and it was DELICIOUS! We had BBQ chicken, corn on the cob, and Cesar salad.





I am sitting here in my apron working the chicken out of my teeth sneaking a glance at the work on my bench, trying to push it from my mind for this evening.

Can you tell when I don't have any pictures for my blog posts? You all get the quick Web Cam pictures of me. I just can't bear to post without at least one picture. Will is in the background watching Sponge Bob on my studio couch eating Chips and salsa. How can he still be hungry???? I gave him a hair cut (trim) before supper, it looks very sweet. He is keeping his hair on the long side which I LOVE because it is curly. He looks like a little skater dude. (probably because he IS a little skater dude).

*Random.......

Any of you who take vitamins everyday.....

Do your arm pits ever smell like onions? Mine do. I don't take garlic pills. I think it must be the vitamins. I have been taking just about the same ones for years, but for the past year or so I have onion pits. Hmmmm, curious.......

Boston is still there!

I chaperoned a field trip to the Boston Museum of Science yesterday. A bus full of 12 year old angels. My group consisted of Will and his friend David. That's all (I think Ms. Rice thought that would be enough). We had a very lovely day. The dome ceiling Imax Theater presentation on the Amazon was incredible, but it made me a bit dizzy (motion sickness due to the closeness of the images swirling around the ceiling). I get motion sickness very easily.



*cute lil monkeys (bad pic taken with Blackberry)

*My lil monkey sunning himself waiting to get on the bus to return to NH

Today it is back to work! I have a couple of orders to make, an appointment at the high school for Danny, and bible study this evening. I have been attending a bible study for the past month and it has been really great so far. We meet two times a month. Trinity is also offering a continuation of the Alpha Course on Monday nights beginning this Monday. I signed on to attend. The Alpha course was so wonderful I did not want it to end, and it looks like it does not have to (not yet anyway)

I made myself a ring

The last time I was visiting with my stone guy, I saw a stone in the case and I was drawn to it because of its smooth, pure, and calming presence. I don't have "feelings" for all of my stones, this happens once in awhile. The funny thing is, I don't know what the stone is. I asked the stone guys helper to label a few stones I put to the side because i was not familiar with them. She mislabeled this stone and one other. I figured out what the other was, but not this one. i emailed my stone guy but have not heard back yet. I made this ring for me. The size of the stone is perfect and the thick cigar band is comfortable as a well fitting leather glove.
Can YOU identify this stone?

The garden is doing well. I did loose 2 cucumber plants that did not take to the garden and failed to grow roots. I need to run to the farm down the street and buy 2 transplants today. The pole bean seeds are pushing their way out of the soil. The lavender is looking strong, and the zucchini looks marvelous and full. The tomatoes are sporting new growth as well. My hardy garden made it through 2 frost advisories, thank goodness.

The girls also LOVE to garden with their mama....

Yesterday they were sun bathing on the deck right outside my studio door......

LuLu likes to lay sunny side up :)

I sent the last of May's custom orders yesterday and managed to snap a couple of pictures before they were shipped......

I slept late and am planning on taking most of the day off. I think I will work outside in the yard. With all of the rain and sun, the lawn is growing so fast! We don't have grass, really... we have a yard full of green growth that we cut evenly with the lawn mower so that it looks like grass. I am also hoping business will pick up as well. The shop has been painfully quiet for the past week and the mortgage is due!!! I am not overly worried, God always sees us through.

Are you "artsy fartsy"?

This morning I was thinking about "artsy fartsy" folk. I am not one of these, but it seems as though when I first meet someone and they learn what I do for a living, the assumption of me being "artsy fartsy" is understood. I am actually very "anti-artist" like. My general "speak" is not filled with flowy sentences loaded with imagery. I am not overly environmentally conscious. I could not possibly have extensive conversations about "my art", that actually sounds painful and borring. I have no urge to join the vast artist community in this area (Peterborough NH, a self proclaimed "artsy fartsy" town). I don't buy organic veggies and if my garden was in desperate trouble, I would contemplate Miracle Grow. I have no interest in painting, drawing, photography and do not have an ounce of talent in any of these areas. I would be bored to tears at any art exhibit or gallery. I don't enjoy independent movies (I do ADORE the theater and dance). My mind just does not think like an artist. I don't sketch my designs before fabricating them, I keep the pictures in my mind because the pencil and my hand just messes them all up. Oh, and lastly.... Chris and I make fun of Artsy Fartsy folk (don't take offense, my best friend when I lived in Charleston SC was the epitome of artsy fartsy and I have never cared more for another woman in my life *besides Ma)

Do you think I am odd?

All in all, it's just "too hip" for me.