What do you think - 3D?

The big movie makers may not be calling to learn my technique but it is a fun way to store and display my favorite embellishments.

No Intervention Needed!

Okay, so what do you do when you've had a rough week - rearrange furniture right?  Of course!!  My studio was set up absolutely perfect - I didn't have to move more than 45 degrees in any direction to reach anything I needed.  Perfect right?  Well, certain parts of my body were spreading and other parts were going to sleep so I knew a change was in order.  Now I have several work stations which forces me to get out of my comfortable chair and go to the other side of the room.  This is not exactly aerobic activity but it does keep those "parts" from going to sleep!
I do love to change things up a bit now and then.  My family thinks it's a sickness and have threatened intervention but I need a little change every few months to keep things flowing. 
The cute little lamp on my desk was blue last week.  My little Jessica and I gave it a new look with a fresh coat of paint, a little lace, some black velvet ric-rac and sparkly pink beads.  Us girly-girls are lovin' it!

Saying It Out Loud

Today is my birthday and it has been a lovely day.  I got a clean bill of health from my doctor, my babies and grandbabies called to wish me a happy birthday, my husband is taking me out to dinner - the day just couldn't be any nicer - but my heart is heavy today and has been on this day every year for the past 23 years.  You see, I lost my son Jason 23 years ago in a tragic car accident and today is the anniversary of the last day I talked to him.  I had to go to work the next day and I stopped at his bedroom door as I was leaving and just looked at him.  I had an overwhelming urge to give him a big hug but didn't do it because I didn't want to wake him.  He went to stay with his dad later that day and I didn't see him again.  Two days later he was gone.  Every day, but especially on this day, I wish I had that hug.  I have never told this to anyone or had the ability to say it out loud and as hard as it is right now, it feels right. 
I am extremely blessed to have two wonderful daughters, the world's greatest son-in-law, five grandchildren, a husband who is always there for me and seems to sense when something is too painful even after all these years, and my ex-husband, Jason's dad, who shares the pain of losing him and the joy of having had him in our lives for 15 years (we're fairly functional for a dysfunctional family) and a lot of family and friends I love dearly.   My philosophy has always been that it's not what life hands you that counts - it's how you handle it that makes the difference.  So please forgive me for giving myself a little pity party today.  Saying it out loud feels good.

We shopped til we - filled the car. . .

Hello again!  No - I didn't give up.  I'm still here busier than ever with a little bit of work and a lot of play this summer.

My second annual visit to Sisters, OR was way too much fun!  For those of you who are not familiar with Sisters, it is the place to be in July for quilters.  They host the largest outdoor quilt show in the U.S.  We were able to take in a lecture by Alex Anderson on color choices.  It was very interesting and she is an excellent speaker.

We did "a little" shopping in Sisters and nearby towns and came home with a car full of treasures.  Our favorite place coincidentally is called Cottage Treasures and I brought home a new (old) desk and table along with lots of little bobbles to decorate my studio.