My Mommy Left This Earthly Prison

I have put this off long enough. It just seems I cannot give adequate commentary on something as devastating as losing my mother. The funeral was yesterday and now life must go on without her. My purpose for living must change and re-focus on my children and grandchildren. I MUST be the grandma now, the top remaining branch on my family tree. It is a scary proposition.

Mom passed on November 27th, the day after Thanksgiving. My daughter & her family came out December 20th. I broke into the senior 60's bracket with my birthday on the 21st of December. Then there was the first Christmas I was able to share with my grandchildren in 9 years. Alas that was followed by my 23rd year sober 12/26/86....and finally Mom's wake and funeral....such stress!

It is no wonder nearly every one of the family is now nursing some form of viral bug. My daughter's temperature is 104, I am hovering at 102 and my sweet, precious little granddaughter is 100 with an awful nighttime cough.

What a bittersweet reunion as well. To be grieving and rejoicing simultaneously is the ultimate stress! But even Mom's death was a quandry. She had suffered for soooo long with numerous handicaps. She had prayed for death to relieve her for so long. It was just the horror of a massive stroke and 8 days of slowly dying with no life support but her oxygen that was heartbreaking. But she is at peace now....

As I stood at her coffin at the wake I felt I must still be responsible for her care. I find myself still wanting to pick up all her favorite items at the grocery store. I guess it will just take time.

I love you MOMMY!

New Crazy Train Rider: GRAVEL ROAD JEWELRY

I am simply bowled over by all the TALENT we have on ARTFIRE and in particular in our group the CRAZY TRAIN!
http://gravelroadjewelry.artfire.comThe link is for the most spectacular wire wrapping I have ever witnessed!
I think the best example to start with is the above pendant!

But she is not just limited to pendants and necklaces, she also does RINGS, EARRINGS, BRACELETS....

I marvel at this ability to wrap wire because I have tried and tried to even just make a simple hook for my ornaments and cannot bend wire the right way to save my soul.

So I will list her studio again:http://GravelRoadJewelry.Artfire.com

Please do yourself a favor and visit to see the ultimate in Wire Productions!

HALLOWEEN TRICKSTERS ARE GONE SO NOW.....

Don't know how it was in your neighborhood, but here in the SW desert the temps were in the 60's and no breeze so the front door stayed open the whole evening! We probably had no more than 50 munchkins come in costumes of all types. The babies and new little toddlers are ALWAYS the sweetest. My favorite was a little guy dressed as a MONKEY with a sewn banana on his head...adorable..I shudda taken a photo...hindsight!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

So now onto tomorrow...BIG DAY ON ARTFIRE!! If you are a seller on there, be sure to join in....

^^^^^IT IS THE FIRST TRADE N STAY EVENT ON THE SITE^^^^^

The TRADING POST Guild is putting it on. It starts Nov First and lasts an ENTIRE WEEK!! I am soooo Jazzed about this. I have participated in the Etsy events so I know what a MANIC FUN FEST it can be!! I am so glad to see Artfire promoting this same type of event.

The announcement of the first 12 studios will be in the Chatterbox Forums under CONTESTS...be sure to check it out!!

HAPPY {SAMHAIN} HALLOWEEN!!

So the Great Day of Trick or Treating is FINALLY HERE! WHOA, for an old fuddy duddy like me, it seems like this year has just flown by...but my grandkids remind me how sloooooow the days go when you are a child.

HERE'S MY TREAT FOR YA'LL TODAY!!
Our Crazy Train Rider today just happens to be Char Myers from the Pacific Northwest and the link to her Artfire Shop is:

http://CharSpirit.artfire.com
This shop is special to me as I personally KNOW how great it is! I bought items from her already and look forward to the possibility of more items coming my way (maybe by trade....hope hope).

The first product, above is a notebook or catalog cover that she designed and it fits in perfect for Halloween..or my grandchildren's choice with pink ribboned skulls.

This second, is just an adorable hand puppet that "loves" his owner so sweetly...my grandkids would love this one too.

I got one of these as a "gift" with my purchase...and was that A TREAT!! It truly is sleep inducer...been nothing but GOOD SLEEP since I tucked it into my pillow.

by the way, I do not use sewing machines but my mother did and I know a good seamstress when I see her work. Char is just super!

I purchased one of these and got TWO different style felt magnets...again superbly made and just so "LOVE"ly to give as stocking stuffers!

NOW we come to my passionate recommendation that everyone get these neck cozies! They are worn around the neck after soaking in water to keep us COOL in the summer! They work FABULOUSLY well here in the HOT HOT Southwestern DESERT!

I purchased FOUR of these and want more to give as gifts!! They are so perfectly made and the fabric designs are so unique.

I give CharSpirit my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION so please check her out.

AMAZING Handmade Artisan Cards on ARTFIRE

The ARTFIRE Crazy Train had another SUPER RIDER on October 26-27
AS USUAL..I missed the dates due to extenuating circumstances in my own messed up life, but I bet she can used some publicity TODAY....Her studio is:

http://Butterfly-Crafts.Artfire.com

The first thing that attracted me to her work was her cards created with CROSS STITCH handwork in them For years, right before I got into beadwork, I was an avid cross-stitcher. I KNOW the intensity of the work involved in creating these masterpieces in stitchery. I think her work in that regard is superb!
Then I observed her creativity in other aspects of her card making. Her three dimensional use of paper-craft and the uniqueness of designs are truly "note" worthy....

Just look at the different use of paper "fanning" in the above example of work. For a wonderful ORIGINAL piece of "art" to send for any occasion, you should go to this studio and see ALL her offerings!!

A LITTLE BIT OF PRETTY...GIVEAWAY

One of my fellow Travellers on Handmade Highway is having a GIVEAWAY and it is Fabulous!!

Look at some of the wonderful items you COULD win...(above)

Her name is Kim and she lives in Saskatoon SK, Canada.Here is where you go to enter this contest:

http://littlebitofpretty.blogspot.com

Her jewelry is simply gorgeous and she is very generous with her choice of giveaway items so be sure to visit her blog ASAP..

THE CONTEST ENDS NOV 1ST

Phoenix Rising Glass Art put me in her BLOG

Jann Alexander-McCullough wrote about me and my artistic endeavors in her blog on October 19, 2009. How very sweet of her as she only knows me from my Artfire Studio and us both being members of Indie Public. Her blogspot is here:

http://jannadusblog.blogspot.com/

Please check it out...she has some neat info on there about alot of artisans.

What you see pictured here are some of her many eclectic talents.




These can be seen at her Artfire Studio:

http://jannadu.artfire.com







She does so many more artistic venues than I do. She wire-wraps, felts angora sweaters that are upcycled, creates enameled pendants and MOST especially...she does pencil drawings like the puppy below...she is AMAZING!

I highly suggest you visit her studio at Artfire and do some serious shopping from this talented lady.

She lives in Glendale, Arizona
so we share the Arizona Artisan
connection as well.

Her Boston Terrier is truly and amazing work of art!

Artfire Crazy Train Rider for Oct 6 - 7, 2009

Today I am spotlighting one of my favorite sellers on ARTFIRE

CAT IN A LIFE
catinalife.artfire.com

Her work is eclectic and stunning.

The first piece is a copper wire wrapped necklace with brilliant faceted glass beads worked in such an original design on the pendant. I know I MUST have her pendants soon as I can just visualize them blending perfectly with my seed beads on a rope chain suspending them.

This next piece is done in intricate chain, wire and Czech glass beads in the most splendid color green.

It is a bracelet with lots of life and sparkle!


I chose another copper wire wrapped pendant this time using faceted cat's eye fiber optic beads. The combination of turquoise and copper is always so elegant, but especially in this particular piece.



You must check out her studio. Her prices are amazingly affordable for the quality and breathtaking beauty of her designs.




I am finishing with this egyptian collar all of coiled wire in an exquisite color combination once again.

This lady is truly an ARTIST

http://catinalife.artfire.com

DEATH OF A DINOSAUR

I have been away from here for way too long but there's been a death in the family...when one owns a car for over 30 years a certain amount of mourning and mayhem ensues...thus the case with the 1979 LINCOLN
My Dad purchased this car in 1979 and it was his "BABY" that he treated like solid gold..he paid $5000 for it back then, and that was GOLD IN THEM THAR DAZE.
My poor father passed on in November 1988 only getting to enjoy his luxury vehicle for nine short years....then Mom inherited it.

My little 5foot 2inch mother propped up pillows so she could see over the steering wheel and plodded along on her vast travels to the corner grocery and back (racking up tremendous mileage of 140 miles a YEAR) until 2001 when the osteoporosis crippled her over so badly she could no longer SEE over the steering wheel with any amount of pillows so she put the "boat" in dry dock and it sat. I entered the scene July 1, 2002...

Mom signed the title over to me and the behemoth became mine while I have been here caring for Mom...the old boat took some mechanical work to bring out of dry dock (the garage) but it got driven far more than ever before. Why I bet I put a whole 140 miles a WEEK on her! And we even got her a personal mechanic who made house calls and repaired her right inside our own garage...and he visited very often the last couple years.

Then on Tuesday, September 14, 2009 when I backed her out to go get a prescription she started making this horrible noise...well, the rest is history...terminal condition in the differential and it would cost $$$$

sooooo...after thirty years of faithful service and not even 86,000 original miles, the old girl had to be put out to pasture and a newer, younger replacement found.

We will miss the Mark V Cartier Edition from Ford Motor Company but we sure won't miss the gasoline bills or the nasty stares from tree huggers whenever we drove by. <<>>

RIP

HARMON ART - Artfire Crazy Train Rider 9/26

The new BIG thing out here in Tucson is GOURD ART...this outstanding example of extremely GOURD-geous artwork is from Kentucky...

http://harmonart.artfire.com

This "kettle" gourd is 8 inches tall and 7 inches wide. Permanent inks were hand painted on it's surface then sealed. It sells for $18

With just 90 days until the BIG Christmas Celebration, I start to plan my gift giving.

This is an earthenware hand sculpted ceramic spoon rest using an actual black oak leaf from the artist's own backyard...Sure wish we had leaves like this in the southwest desert.

This sells for $22

Be sure to stop by and consider ALL the marvelous handmade items at this ARTFIRE studio for your gift giving this Holiday Season!!

Sweet Whimsy Rides The Crazy Train Today!

Sweet Whimsy is our Crazy Train Rider

for Today 9/24 - 9/25






sweetwhimsy.artfire.com



She makes these really beautiful pendants. This paisley one is from a scrabble tile wood and is only $8.50

This wire wrapped pendant is fascinating to me....
She describes the process and I still cannot believe it is not composed of metal. To see what it is made of go to:
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=375802

Aquariann on Artfire

This was our ARTFIRE Crazy Train Studio a couple days ago...
http://aquariann.artfire.com




I am a HUGE FAN of Faeries,Gnomes,Dragons and other Fantasy characters.
I just thought her artwork was really special and deserved notice on my BLOG!
The first is Halloween oriented...then Christmas cards and finally...



A Unicorn and fairy.

WHAT A WONDERFUL LITTLE SNAKE!!

AWHILE back, I was cruising the Etsy site just shopping for lampwork beads. I came across the superior Glass Artist and SRA Karen Klomparens! I think I also became one of her best customers...at least my purchases from her are greater than from anyone else...

This cute little green fella is one of my favorites! He was actually meant for braided hair or dreadlocks, but he just spoke to me and I knew he REALLY wanted to climb my bead crocheted ropes...so I got him and some of his friends too.

The problem with ALL of Karen's ART GLASS is I deem it just too beautiful for my unworthy bead crochet ropes, so it sits in anticipation of when I can create a worthy compliment to it. Well this little guy just BELONGED on my woodsy hand spun mix of brown beads.

Then I stumbled upon some kitten hook clasps and the piece was formed.

This is listed on my ETSY and ARTFIRE sites so far. The hits on it have been super...as for Karen, you can find her right here at:

http://fire-n-sand.blogspot.com or go to her Etsy shop:

http://giapet.etsy.com

I went there again when I finished this necklace to sent her a convo and ended up with 3 more of her treasures in my cart...so stay tuned, you will be seeing alot more of her ART showcased on my pieces!

SORRY IT HAS BEEN SO LONG......

I have been TRYING to GROW MY NETWORK and has it ever...but the greatest news was that my hard work on photographing my creations paid off and I was FINALLY accepted by the 1000 MARKETS site. My avatar is above. It is another shop that I plan to include my daughter's artistry in stringing beads on eventually...when she gets organized.. The new website address for this shop is: http://beadacious1221aces520.1000markets.com

I also finally completed one of my notable original designs that I have a difficult time generating for some unknown reason...this being my bead crochet bangle of Sleeping Beauty Turquoise A grade rounded chunks and firepolish crystals.
I will eventually have these listed on all of my retail sites and should they be the success I hope they will, I will offer them in choices of a variety of firepolish colors to accent the genuine turquoise.

I am ready to roll now on some innovative designs and creations for the upcoming Season of Cheer and Celebration!

Aquatic Leaf Lampwork Glass

http://derondadesigns.etsy.com
http://derondadesigns.artfire.com

http://derondadesigns.com

These are all the places to find stupendous lampwork beads like the ones in my latest necklace that will be posted to my etsy shop and our artfire studio within the next few days. Not only is her lampwork outstanding, it is affordable....two combinations I find irresistable!

This self-taught glass artist certainly deserves accolades for her artistic accomplishments as these photos surely prove.

Deronda O'Neill is one of My Favorite Glass Artists, she lives in beautiful North Dakota.

My Watch Cat

I wouldn't believe it if I hadn't experienced it for myself......it goes like this: We had rain yesterday and again last night. Well, that IS UNUSUAL, yes...BUT the real strange part happened real early this morning.......

My sweet little kitty, Squeakers, was really off on her rousting timing. She is never off on the time she has chosen to wake me, 3 am. I still am not 100% sure why that is the chosen time but it's like she has a built in alarm that sets her off and she starts to torture me.

This morning it wasn't even 1:30 am yet and there she was...meowing, scratching me through the sheet, biting me... so I did what I usually do when unnecessarily disturbed by the rambunctious night rambler. I groggily reached for the trusty spray bottle on my headboard and gave her a squirt while barking "NO". That is usually all it takes, one squirt and she relocates to the hallway and pouts herself back to slumber until 3 am (wake-up time).

Not this morning, oh no she just kept coming back and repeating the scene over and over and over. I finally decided after a good half an hour, by then I was awake enough to think, maybe I should just get up and walk around. I rose from the bed and watched her as she headed toward the door out of my room. She was acting really "spooked" peering out into the hallway. HMMMM? (I have always thought cats can see ghosts but I was really hopeful that's all that this might be)

I staggered half awake out into the hallway and now she has her hackles up outside my mother's bedroom doorway. Mom has an oxygenator pumping away in her room while she sleeps and the dog is out cold on the bed beside her as always. I poked my head in the room, nothing odd, though I did hear a slightly different sound emanating from somewhere. So I started the trek through the rest of the rooms to see if I could find the sound.

Nothing unusual, just a slight pitter- patter of raindrops on the flat roof as a gentle rain was falling. But Squeakers is not content that I am doing all this. She is still aggitated and meowing at me like I am some ignorant schmuck. She is back to standing in mother's doorway and looking spooky again. " Okay Okay I will go inside", I tell her as I tip toe into the room so as not to arouse any of the heavy sleepers. I get to the master bath area and I hear the sound again only louder now. I look up at the skylight directly overhead and lo and behold...droplets of water are drip drip dripping onto the sink countertop and the floor. AHA,

now I know what she was telling me..."a leak! we have a leak!!" she's been saying in her own purr-fect way. ( I swore she sneered at me when I made the discovery.)

I got an empty wastebasket and lined it with a plastic bag and then placed a towel over it to catch the water. Squeakers surveyed the operation with approval and she was content....and I was ......WIDE AWAKE!

Her adventure and duty was finished, she fell sound asleep.

I worked on stringing beads for a choker I promised a trader. Had a cup of hot cocoa. Then got on the computer and networked my head off until 7:30 am when I finally crashed and burned until 10 am when it was rise and shine because Mom was awake and I needed to start chores.

I thank GOD for my little Alarm Cat who is so conscious of what could be potentially hazardous to us mere humans. By the way, did I say that the DOG SLEPT SOUNDLY THROUGH THE WHOLE EVENT?

I am In an Etsy Treasury!!

This MUST be my LUCKY day...now I'm in a treasury with this piece
The Treasuries only last a couple days so you only have until Monday morning to view the whole thing at:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=77631

The super KEWL news about this is that Sarah is the gal right here in Tucson that I did the necklace "picture perfect" with her fine art photo pendant. Even more super is that this is the first treasury that she created herself!!! I am so totally honored to be in her very first endeavor! Thank you Sarah!! You can find her shop at:

http://www.sarahsetsy.etsy.com

Be sure to check her fantastic photography out!!