A Prayer for my Friends

I've been missing you all while I've been so busy finishing school. Just a few more days and I'll be done! In the meantime, here is a prayer of thanks for you that suits my absence and confirms I'm still thinking of you.

First my car broke down, I was very late for work.
But I missed that aweful accident, was that your handiwork?

I found a house I loved but others got there first.
I was angry, then relieved, when I heard the pipes had burst.

Yesterday I found the perfect dress, but the color was too pale.
Today, I found the dress in red. Would you believe it was on sale?

I know you're watching over me and I'm feeling truly blessed.
For no matter what I pray for you always know what's best.

I have this circle of email friends, who mean the world to me.
Some days I "send" and "send"; other times I let them be.

When I see each name download, and view the message they've sent,
I know they've thought of me that day and "well wishes" were their intent.

I'm so blessed to have these friends, with whom I've grown so close.
So this little poem I dedicate to them, because to me they are the most.

God bless you all is my prayer today, because I'm honored to call you friend.
I pray the Lord will keep you safe until we write again.

In my Absence

I have a research paper that must be turned in by the last day of the month in order to complete my MA Education. But I've been saving lots of tid-bits to share with you. I won't comment on everything; I just wanted you to know I'm still here. I did get some new listings in my Etsy shop this week and even made a few new beads (no pics of the new beads this week, they were just to let off steam.)

I also created a few treasuries for Mother's Day(My Mother Loves Animals)  and I had a 50% off sale so I celebrated other Etsy sales (Mom Loves a Good Red Tag Sale) as well as people on Etsy who have helped me along the way (People Who Show Their Love). I've been waiting for winter to be over here, so I created a treasury about that too (Winter is not Over Until it Snows on the Blooming Dogwoods)And because we like pictures, here's some of my favorite Etsy items.

Mudgoddess

Tiquita16

Trout Cowboy by Nelles

The Trouble Tree came to me through Real Growth. It is a lovely video that reminds us of how troubles can magically disappear.

Loving Your Doubts.. was the subject of this White Hot Truth newsletter by Danielle LaPorte. We are reminded that we all have doubts; the news is that they are useful and do not make us bad or insecure. Danielle has recently found a collaborative partner in Marie Forleo for her Selling Your Soul "whatever". Marie has a partner, Laura, in her Rich, Hot, Happy B-School, a school that teaches women how to use the Internet to capitalize their business in a bigger, better way. Here's a link to a short video they sent me. "This one contains some juicy stories you don't wanna miss - like how a brick and mortar business owner turned a cash
drain into a PROFIT center for her business, using some basic
online marketing." They are an interesting duo that motivate me to want to learn more about how to market my business. Good stuff so far, but I'm too busy right now to be convinced. Busy is good; it creates the time I need to consider the things I need to consider instead of making impulsive decisions.


I have a love-hate relationship with color. Design Seeds helps me deal with it. I LOVE color but when I use it in my beads I get out of control, and in my eyes I end up with too much color...I have a hard time keeping it simple and in proportions that are pleasing. Design seeds sends me a letter every day, no words, just color schemes and beautiful pictures. It is giving me an understanding of proportions to use, and a library of color inspiration when I'm stuck creatively.


I really love and look forward to receiving blog entries from Lori Anderson Designs. Pretty Things is full of concise but personal accounts and experiences in Lori's world of jewelry making, book reviewing, and living with her family. She is the one who introduced me to many new lampwork artists and Design Seeds. Her blog is full of photos (how she always provides the exact perfect pic, I don't know!) and give aways and it's just, plain fun! Lori recently reviewed the book Color Harmony 2 and was inspired to create this necklace (LOVE it!)

Bon Voyage!

Busy Busy Busy

I've been teaching and finishing research. My sale went fairly well, and I really appreciate all my loyal fans! You've all been a big help and encouragement to me.

I just listed 3 new items in my shop so go check them out. And as always, if my subscribers make a purchase of $20 or more, please comment "blog15" to receive a 15% refund!

My research will be done by the end of the month and then I'll get back to making more beads. In the mean time, I have more inventory to list until I return to the flame!