Rainy Day Sale

Rainy Day Sale!

I'm having a Rainy Day Sale at my Artfire Shop

Here are a couple of sneak peeks at just a few of the beautiful designs available today at reduced prices!

Holiday Fair --- in the rain

This is my helper, James. My usual helper had to take his SAT test so James pitched in to help. He was a good sport about the rain but I felt sorry for him with no jacket! I had on pantyhose and socks, jeans, a turtleneck, a sweatshirt and a coat and sneakers. I took my coat off for the picture.

I've typed out this little narrative three times now and each time I think I'm about finished with it, something happens and I lose all the words. SIGH

Anyway --

I knew the weather forecast called for rain all day, so I almost opted out of even doing the Holiday Fair. I didn't relish dealing with all the rain and hassle but I'm glad I did. I'm sure I'll be feeling the results tomorrow. As I sit typing this, warm and dry now, my body is already beginning to ache all over. Whew!

When we first got to the place - James arrived ahead of me - it wasn't raining very hard, just a light drizzle. About the time we got the tent pitched and all the items displayed, the rain began in earnest -- as did the parade. I felt sorry for everyone out there on their floats with no umbrellas.

People didn't seem to mind, though. It was very surprising just how many people came out to support the event, even in the rain. I felt sorry for those who had no sides on their booths. I know my tarps on the sides don't exactly look that great but I'll tell you what, it sure helps keep things snug when the rain comes down!

As the day continued, the damp ground beneath our feet became saturated and eventually we were standing in about two-three inches of water. I wish this picture could show you just how deep the puddle was!

Eventually the puddle became so deep that we decided it would be a good idea to move the tent. Otherwise, we'd eventually be in water over our shoes. Luckily, a guy I know from work came by about that time so he helped us move the tent and our tables. Unfortunately, we could no longer stand behind our check-out table because of the puddle. Putting our chairs up by the front of the tent meant there was no protection from the elements.

It wasn't long after this that I decided it was time to pack it in. The crowds had thinned considerably and James was beginning to shiver from the dampness. One of the officials came by when she saw us packing up and asked if we couldn't stay awhile longer. On the check-in sheet, it said everyone was required to stay until 4 p.m. I was in no mood for a quarrel so I just said that James wasn't feeling well and I had to get him home.

"Gee, that's too bad because once one vendor leaves, they all want to start to leave."

Well, sorry about that, my dear, but I can't have this young man getting sick, I thought.

When we were just about finished loading the car, she came back again and apologized for the way things had turned out.

"You can't control the weather," I said. "But I think we did pretty well, considering. I was surprised at how many people turned out."

All in all, it wasn't a total loss. I made double my booth rent, which is what they say constitutes a "successful" show. Maybe next year, the weather will cooperate!

I don't know why I can't get all the letters to either be black or purple. I'm too whupped to worry about it right now! LOL Click on Pix for closer view

Slideshow Here

The Great Camden County Chili Cook-Off

What a day!
It was raining when my cell phone alarm woke me up yesterday a.m.
Didn't want to schlep around in the rain so I got online to see what the weather reports had to say.
Looked as if it would end "mid-morning" (whatever that means!) so I called my helper and told him to go back to sleep for an hour and I'd let him know if/when I was leaving my house.
I did lie down on the couch for awhile but sleep eluded me - which was probably for the best.
Went ahead and fixed the crockpot of chili for D - thinking all the while that I'd probably be run out of the cook-off on a rail if they ever saw my dump method of making chili, i.e. a can of diced tomatoes, a can of chili beans, and one pound of browned ground turkey to which an envelope of chili spice has been added.
Anywho - I finally called the gal who was running the event and she said they were going for it.

Met Dakota at the Post Office and at my suggestion, he rode with me. Such a good kid. Just turned 18 but in some ways, very responsible. And best of all, dependable.
We made it to the location all right, driving through a spitting rain which became heavier at various points but never turned into anything that could be described as a downpour.
Unfortunately, instead of being held on a large parking lot, this event was being held in a field. Yes, a field. A field that had been rained on for several days and as a result, was muddy and dotted with puddles.
There was only one tent set up in the craft area but I was determined not to put mine beside it because that area of the field was a mess. The guy who was calling the shots finally relented and allowed us to erect our tent between two food stations.
Okay, so far so good.

We managed to get things set up and the rain finally dissipated but it was certainly chilly! I kept asking Dakota if he didn't want to wear the extra sweatshirt I'd brought (he only had on a tee shirt and a hoodie) but he declined. Before he started eating the chili, I know he was cold. I had on a turtleneck, another pullover and my coat and I was still chilly. After awhile, I put a sweatshirt on under the coat and was finally snug. (click on pix for closer view)
A guy came around to put hay down on the ground inside the booth so all day long, I kept thinking I was in a barn. LOL
It was $5 to taste all the chili you wanted. There were supposed to be 25 chili teams and 15 crafters. I don't think there were quite that many. Dakota counted only 8 crafters, many of whom didn't have sides on their tent.
We'd put our sides on, such as they were, but all day long, the clips kept coming undone and the tarps would start sliding down.
I sold one pair of earrings, a necklace set and then another pair of earrings - just like the ones for the giveaway.
There were a number of browsers and the kids gravitated toward the candy canes, naturally.
Dakota enjoyed the chili a great deal. Every time I turned around, he was coming back with another sample. I'm glad he at least warmed up and got fed because even though the day eventually did turn sunny, the weather became increasingly destructive.
The wind picked up to the point that my displays kept falling over. Things would fall down and get lost in the hay. After awhile, I put all the stand-up displays back in the car and just left the jewelry in the gift boxes. I hate doing that because they don't look as good that way but I got tired of picking them up every time the wind blew them over.
Finally, it just go to be too much -- after one especially strong gust knocked over just about every display and threatened to uproot the tent, I said, "That's it. I've had enough. Let's pack it up and get out of here."

A little boy from the food tent next to us came over and helped us pick stuff out of the hay and off the ground outside the tent. Then he and his dad held onto two of the tent poles while Dakota and I packed it up.
I'd had everything carefully portioned out into three tubs - one for each table - but at this point, we were just grabbing and tossing so now everything's all mixed up.
But I thought it was very kind of those folks to pitch in and help us like that.
I did manage to make my booth rent but after paying my fine, very helpful helper, I ended up making about ten bucks - which went for gas.
Why do I continue to do this?
I dunno. I guess it's an addiction I cannot seem to give up.
I enjoy it such a great deal and despite everything that happened, I enjoyed this one, too. Just wish I could've sold more. SIGH.
Perhaps this was another case of wrong venue, eh?
But I did pass along a LOT of biz cards and told folks I was offering free shipping till Christmas so who knows? Maybe I'll get some online sales out of it. One can only hope.

Of course, I was worn out when I got home. I got a shower, threw on some pjs, fed the cats and fixed myself a bowl of my soul-healing lentil soup, and climbed into my recliner to watch the SEC Championship game. Felt so sorry for Tim Tebow, bless his heart. It wasn't his day and when he was on the sidelines in tears afterward, it really tore me up.
With all three cats in my lap, I dozed a bit and was glad, after all, to be home, safe and sound.
Oh, and if you're wondering why the beach towel at the top of my chair, it's because the cats like to lie there and their fur gets all over my brown chair!

Preparing for Holiday Fairs

Next weekend is the first of two art + craft fairs so I've been doing mock-up displays to try and see just how I'll lay things out.
click on pix for closeup view
This is my purse charm and pocket watch tree. All the pink ribbon item sales result in a donation to the Susan Komen Breast Cancer Fund.

THen I have a large sleigh filled with Artist Gift Packs - these have small samples and biz cards from crafters all over the US.

There's also a small sleigh that has keychains and small patriotic bookmarks with yellow ribbon charms.

There will be plenty of low-priced items for those without deep pockets. My Peace choker necklaces are only $3. And yes, I did make these -- with components from three different vendors.

I also have really cheap stretchy bracelets for the kids - $1 and $2 -- you can't beat that!

I haven't really made up my mind what I'll put on the "high end" table yet -- aside from two or three Swarovski items. I'll try to remember to show you what makes the cut...but I may be so busy that I forget!

Fire and Sparkle - part three

As promised, here's the third installment of my designs using the beautiful Crystallized Swarovski elements from Artbeads.
This time I used jet bicones and black diamond bicones as well as an interesting jet aquiline pendant and finished the design off with a lovely silver-plated graduated drop..
Notice the two little black diamond bicones near the pendant and where the delicate silver plated curb chain joins the bicones.
I have really enjoyed working with these beautiful Swarovski components from Artbeads. I think you should go check them out!

click on picture for closeup

FTC compliance disclosure, notice of material connections: the item in the previous post from Artbeads was provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blog Partner Program for review or design purposes

Fire and Sparkle - part two

Still having a great time working with the beautiful crystallized Swarovski elements from Artbeads.

This time, it's the incredibly lovely and wildly versatile cuplink chain.

Since I only ordered one foot of this sparkly chain in each color, I decided to go with bracelets. I made two: one in black and one in crystal.

I added a few Swarovski jet bicone dangles, just for fun.

click on pix for closer view

For the crystal one, I pretty much just folded the chain in half and added a few fancy jumprings and a toggle. Voila! A bracelet.

The design possibilities with this cuplink chain are endless. Get some and try it out yourself.

You really should check out all the beautiful Swarovski elements....and everything else...at Artbeads. They offer free shipping and no minimum order!

Stay tuned - because I have one more piece to add to this Swarovski ensemble.

FTC compliance disclosure, notice of material connections: the item in the previous post from Artbeads was provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blog Partner Program for review or design purposes

Fire and Sparkle

I'm all a-sparkle to day, creating beautiful jewelry using crystallized Swarovski elements from Artbeads.

The lovely and talented Lori Groenier shipped me a selection of these exquisite beauties and asked that I blog what I designed using them.

First of all, thank you SO MUCH, Lori, for your incredible generosity!

So far, I've completed one piece. Capturing the dazzle and brilliance of these Swarovski beads with a digital camera is much more difficult than using them in a design! I tried several different backgrounds and ended up using this lovely bit of lavender fabric. I hope it shows off the rainbows of color created by these fabulous Swarovski crystal beads with their aurora borealis finish. Aren't they something?!

Click on photos for closer view

I'm working on more pieces and will definitely share them with you as soon as they're completed!

Be sure to visit Artbeads and check out their amazing selection of beautiful beads, findings and supplies.

FTC compliance disclosure, notice of material connections: the item in the previous post from Artbeads was provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blog Partner Program for review or design purposes

Just thought I'd share....

If you look quickly at 0:47, you'll see yours truly in my locker booth at the First Annual Open Market.

Then watch and see what everyone else's lockers looked like and you'll see why I was definitely out of my element here.
Wrong venue. Totally.

another disappointment---and a quandry

Yours truly at my first-ever Locker Sale

Over 30 families participated in the First Annual Open Market.

Across from me was a very nice couple with three lockers full of various and sundry good quality household goods. They did a land office business all day long. Most likely because of their insanely low prices -- a high-end two-seater stroller in very good condition was sold for $10. Many other fabulous bargains followed suit.

I, however, did not do as well. I sold a grand total of $8 worth of product all day. A $5 pair of earrings and two bibliobeads. Pathetic. Discouraging. Exceedingly frustrating.

In retrospect, this was not the venue for me. True, I was the only person in the building selling handcrafted jewelry but my exclusivity did me little good.

People were looking for bargains --garage sale-type bargains --and aside from quite a few pairs of earrings which I marked down to rock bottom prices, I had none to offer.

It's an incredible amount of work to do any type of sale - but especially one like this where tables and tubs of goods must be trucked upon a dolly down several long hallways. I had absolutely no help and since I'd barely recovered from all the hauling and schlepping of Rock Shrimp, this event was most definitely a struggle.

It's Sunday evening now and I have yet to unload my car!

All last night as I tossed and turned and searched for elusive sleep, I listened to the nagging yada yada in my head telling me I should have taken a cue from that woman next to me at Rock Shrimp and marked everything down to half price. I just hate doing that, though. I feel as if it devalues my work. But I can't help thinking that if I'd done that, I'd have made some sales. I probably would have even made my booth rent and then some.

I hate the clarity of hindsight! I will not sell at this venue again.

That's two disappointing sales in quick succession. It's tough to take.

I don't want to start second guessing myself. I know my work is good - people compliment me on how beautiful my pieces are whenever I do a show. If I got a dollar for every compliment, I'd have come home a happy camper.

But compliments - while lovely to receive - cannot take the place of cold, hard cash.

*SIGH*

While there, I was approached by a man who's opening a similar type sale venue in Jacksonville. He asked if I'd every consider going to Jax for a sale. I hesitated and said, "Depends on what the booth rent is."

I told him how much I'd paid to rent the locker for the day and he offered to cut that in half - and said I'd be the only beader at his event as well. Hmmm. I'll have to think long and hard about this one.

Even though he claims to have had over 1,200 people at their initial sale, I still have to wonder how many of them would be willing to pay the prices I have on my pieces in that type of venue. It's a risky situation.

Anyone have any suggestions?

See pix HERE

I Ain't Down Yet!

There's a song in the Movie "The Unsinkable Molly Brown that says,

"I Ain't Down Yet!"

That's me!

"You've got to follow your passion. You've got to figure out what it is you love--who you really are. And have the courage to do that. I believe that the only courage anybody ever needs is the courage to follow your own dream."

Oprah

Okay, so things didn't exactly turn out like I wanted them to at Rock Shrimp. That's okay. No experience is ever wasted.

Life is about getting back up and fighting another round.

So that's what I'm going to do.

I made a split-second decision today to go ahead and do another show - the day after tomorrow.

Call me crazy, but I believe it's the right thing to do.

Even though I won't have a helper, that's okay.

Know why?

Because it's indoors, it's air conditioned, and I'll be the ONLY jewelry person there! mwah-ha-ha!

Here's the blurb for the event:

Come find your treasure at the First Annual Open Market at Amelia Self Storage in Fernandina Beach. Located on Bailey Road on Amelia Island, this market will be held on October 10 from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. There will be something for everyone with a moonwalk, face painting, fire trucks, and fingerprinting for the kids.

Adults can enjoy finding treasure at a variety of sales booths and great BBQ, hot dogs, popcorn a bake sale and other refreshments will be available while you browse. The will be door prizes every hour and a Pirate will be sharing his loot, too!

See my Mail Chimp e-mail HERE

I got the Rock Shrimp Blues

Yours truly with my good helper, D

It was HOT HOT HOT in St. Mary's GA.
As we were setting up in the morning the no-see-ums were about to eat us up.
My beading buddy Keli (who lives out West now) reminded me to bring bug spray and that's the one thing I forgot!"

Thankfully, Keli's Mama, *D*, went up with us in her car and she dashed off to Wal-Mart to get us some bug spray. Phew! She also picked up a plug strip for me because I never could find mine. She only stayed a few hours but then had to leave because it was just too hot! I was so thankful for have her there because she's a lot of fun and her moral support was priceless.

I had set up a donation box to try and raise some money for an infant and a little boy who have major medical issues going on. Not one person gave one penny to those kids. I even saw one man whispering to his wife and pointing at my donation box. Then she frowned and glared at me as if I'd done something wrong. In retrospect, I think people had the wrong idea - that I was claiming these were my children and asking for money. They may not be mine, but they're someone's and their families could use some help. People are so bizarre sometimes! Who knows what they're thinking?! It only takes the slightest thing to put people off.

The day had some interesting moments, like when I sold the koi necklace. I had it out there for $28 -with earrings- which was an amazing bargain to begin with --and the lady wanted me to lower the price because there was only one earring. We found the other earring and she still wanted me to lower it because she thought the price was too high. She kept asking if I'd take $20. I stood my ground at $25 and she bought it. She really got a deal on that!

The lady in the booth next to mine was about to drive me up the wall. She had jewelry, too, and all day long she kept calling out, "Everything's half price! Everything's half price!"
She was selling gemstone bracelets for $9!! I mean, how do you compete with that? You can't!

There were far too many jewelry people at this event and for them to place two of us side by side was extremely poor planning and very unfair, I thought.

The lady on the other side of me had sunglasses and some kind of dry mixes for drinks and dips. Every single person who walked past her booth all day long, "How're y'all doin'?" I mean, I'm all for being nice but ... I dunno ... it got on my nerves after awhile. She had her teenage son with her and the whole time we were setting up he just talked and talked until we were about to go bonkers. Once the booth was set up and people were browsing, he kept asking everyone who came in if they wanted to see a card trick. ???

At day's end I heard her on her cell phone saying she'd sold $500 and booked two home parties (for the mixes, I guess). SIGH

I didn't even come close to matching last year's $200 in sales. I made my booth rent and about $15 but once you figure in paying my helper, what I spent on beads for new designs, gas, printing, etc....I actually came out in the negative. BIG SIGH So very disappointing!

Anyway - My 17-year old helper, D, was an enormous help. He's an exceptionally nice young man, (and one who enjoys peace and quiet! ) LOL

When I met his Mama afterward and I told her she should be very proud of him.

So - that was Rock Shrimp 09. Do I sound bitter? Well, maybe I am a little.

I mean, I adore doing shows -- even with all the hauling and planning and lifting and setting up and breaking down--I love it. But I'd have loved this one a little better if there'd been more buying and less whispering and strange looks from my browsers.

Just before it was time to break it down, a girl came around with flyers about the next big event up there. A chili cookoff December 5. Booths are only $30 or something so I might go for it. We'll see.

More Pix HERE

Stepping out on my own....

Last year, my beading buddy Keli and I did the Rock Shrimp Festival in St. Marys, Ga.

I did great: sold over $200 worth of my handcrafted jewelry.
Keli and I shared a booth and had a great time.

Well, Keli did have one lady who bought a bunch of stuff and turned out to have a bogus credit card so that part wasn't so fun but....we worked together setting up the tent and our tables, etc and it turned out great.

This year, my beading buddy Keli is living in another state. WAH!
Without her to help, I didn't think I'd be able to do Rock Shrimp. I was bummed.
Given how much I love doing festivals and craft fairs, this was really bringing me down.

So I've decided to step out in faith and turn in my application. I mailed it off this afternoon.

*GULP!*

Now all I have to do is find a strong, reliable, honest helper!

WISH ME LUCK!!

Has it been that long??!!

My, how time flies when you're having a good time!

Seems as if it's been forever since I last posted here. Sorry about that, folks!

Since my last post I've gone full-time on my day job and celebrated my tenth anniversary. My husband and I were married September 3, 1999 in a courthouse in Carrollton, Georgia. Our daughters and son-in-law were our witnesses. I made all our silk floral headpieces and bouquets and the girls' gowns were thrift-store finds.

Going full-time at work has really cut into my beading time. I adore my job and wouldn't change a thing, but I must admit I have definitely missed my time at the bead board. So this weekend, I was determined to make time to bead and here are the results:

First, we have a necklace and bracelet set comprised of 17mm Czech glass swirl beads, Czech glass faceted, fire polished beads, bali style silver plated beadcaps and silver plated bicones.

Next is a five-strand necklace made of freshwater pearls, mother of pearl, glass seed beads and glass bugle beads.

I love multi-strand necklaces but they sure take a long time to make!!

I have added new items to my Artfire Shop. Go check it out!

Woo Hoo! I'm the featured shop!

So my best beading buddy, Keli, has set up this awesome online mall and I'm the featured artist!

You really should go Check it Out.

Tile Ad Size: 125x125 Pixels

The Fall Mall will be open and ad space will be available until November 1st.

Ad Rates for Tiles: (Payments accepted through PayPal)
1 Week - $7
2 Weeks - $13
3 Weeks - $19
4 Weeks - Only $25

Want to Feature a Product at the Top of the Page? Featured Item includes a large picture of the item and a small write up with a link to your shop. Must be running a tile ad at the same time to participate. Get noticed! Only $2 a day!
You choose how long and when it runs.
First come first serve basis, so get your reservation in now!

Contact Keli at GlitzyGallery.com.

She's an exceptionally talented young lady and you will receive the ultimate in service, I assure you!

Yikes! There's a face on my pancake!

I always make my spouse pancakes on Sunday mornings.

Imagine my shock when I looked down in the frying pan to see this bearded guy staring back at me.

Or have I finally lost all my marbles?

Can you see him? Can you? Please say yes!

I didn't do anything do make it come out shaped like that, either.

Bizarre, huh?

I'm going back to the bead board to calm down. That'll relax me....she said, hopefully.

Ah, to be in England

Someday -

I'd love to see a little cottage like this in real life.

It's always been a dream of mine to go to England. Not just a whim or a fancy, mind you, but a deep-seated, heartfelt, earnest desire. I've always felt an intense kinship with all things British and/or Irish. I know, it's almost blasphemy to mention those two in the same sentence, isn't it? My Irish ancestors are probably rolling in their graves. Well, groaning, at least.

I'd love to see London, the Cotswolds, Yorkshire, the Isle of Wight, Dover.......need I go on?

This evening I watched Agatha Christie's "The Mirror Crack'd," a Miss Marple mystery and in the final scene, Miss Marple is presiding over tea in her wonderful English country garden. The camera pans back and behold! A perfectly splendid thatched cottage. *SIGH*

Oh, to be in England....someday, someday!

just this and that

Got home about 2:30 this afternoon. My cat Helen usually spends the day on the couch with my husband, but since he had to go to The Big City for a health appointment today, I guess she was lonesome. I looked around for her and found her sitting in the windowseat in my room with Savannah. Ebony, however, was nowhere to be seen. I finally found him under my recliner.

I toddled on out to the kitchen to make salmon patties for dinner. I learned by watching the Food Network that they won't fall apart when you cook them if you let them set up in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or so.

When I went back into my room, All three cats were posing prettily on the window seat so I captured them for posterity. I know I'm prejudiced, but aren't they just three of the most gorgeous felines you've ever seen?
My furbabies. Yeah, I love 'em. Lots.

Back in the Saddle Again

Went to work for a couple of hours yesterday, just so I could get a feel for how it will be when I return on Monday.

Felt good to be back and it was nice to know I'd been missed.

Now that I'm able to sit for longer periods, I've been updating my etsy shop with a few things, like this pretty pink cross necklace. I'm hoping to draw some traffic in by twittering my new items. It's amazing how quickly people go to the links! I can sit and refresh the page for a couple minutes and watch the numbers rise. Now if folks would BUY instead of just clicking!

The medical bill tally - so far - is $17,000 and counting. Phew! I'm going to have to sell LOTS of handcrafted jewelry to pay that off, huh? Good thing I still have a day job. LOL

How I spent my 4th of July

Last year's 4th of July was my very first Arts and Crafts Show. My beading buddy, Keli and I did the Stars and Stripes Festival in Fernandina Beach. I was so excited when I made my first sale!

This year, of course, I was unable to participate in the 4th of July festivities. I'd planned on going to the one in St. Marys, Ga. because it draws a bigger crowd. Maybe next year.

I'm having a PIF sale on patriotic items at my etsy store today. Already sold two things.

Meanwhile, I spent part of the day working on a bracelet, using the nice tray table Daniel bought me. He had to go to three different stores but finally found one at Target.

It's perfect!

I let Daniel have the couch for a few hours today while I watched stuff on the computer as I lay upon my futon. Caught up with the CSI NY episode where Lindsay and Danny's baby is born. Then I watched Red Shoe Diaries on Hulu. Oh, I sure do love that David Duchovny!

Okay - enough chair time for me...back to the couch!

sunday musings

Greetings from sunny Florida where yours truly is recuperating at home following surgery.

These days I spend most of my waking hours on the couch, either reading, sleeping or watching TV. The latter usually only at night.

Yesterday I had a visit from my beading buddy Keli who brought me the latest issue of Bead Style magazine.

She's moving away soon and I'm going to miss her like crazy. Keli's the one who helped me "get serious" about beading.

Speaking of which, I was able to do a bit of work on a rosary while I was in the hospital, but I haven't been able to do anything since I got home. I can't seem to sit for any length of time in any kind of regular chair because it hurts. Darn!

Tomorrow I'm going to dispatch the spouse to Wal-Mart in search of a TV tray with short feet or some kind of breakfast tray I can rest over my tummy. I gotta be able to bead over the next couple weeks or yours truly will go stark raving bonkers! Meanwhile, I've been drooling over all the projects in the Bead Style magazine and dreaming of all the projects I want to make once I get well.

A hearty thank-you and shout out to all the great doctors, nurses and support staff at Baptist Hospital downtown, especially Shirley, Angela, Elaine, Elsa, Imelda, Kristin, Marisha, Marlene, Angel, Mary and, of course, Baby Jane. You all are the best nurses ever and I thank each and every one of your for the special brand of TLC you provided me.

thanks to *M* and *S* for helping me post this.

Fish in the Waiting Room

When we were walking through Baptist Hospital to the PACE Center get my pre-op stuff done this morning, we passed this fabulous aquarium full of the most beautiful fish. I couldn't resist taking some pix. The one little guy with the mouthful of teeth seemed as interested in us as we were in him! One of these days, I'd like to have an aquarium again. They're so relaxing to watch. These are salt water fish. Lots of work -- but they certainly are beautiful!

Everything went fine for the pre-op stuff. Chest x-ray and EKG. When the woman was taking my blood (three vials!) she asked me, "Are you all right?" "Oh, I'm just reciting a poem to myself," I said. "It's what I do to keep my mind off what you're doing."

Doc sez I'll be in the hospital anywhere from 3 to 5 days after, depending on what he finds once he gets in there. The more extensive the repair job, the longer it'll be before I can get home to Daniel and the kitties. But the good news is, he said I can go back to work as soon as I feel able...and he signs my medical release. YAY!!

I can wear makeup (oh, thank goodness for that!!) but no jewelry and no finger nail polish. And of course, I gotta remove ye olde choppers. I made the intake nurse write it in the chart -- please do not let my husband see me without my teeth! hahahahaha

Tomorrow afternoon, I have to go in search of a nightgown. Turns out I won't be able to wear the new pj's I bought because my tummy will be too tender. I gotta get some BIG granny panties, a robe and some slippers. Looks like a trip to Wally World is in order. I don't usually wear nightgowns because I don't like the way they get all bunched up when I thrash around in bed trying to sleep. So annoying!

I'm thinking about taking a couple beading projects to work on while I'm laid up at the hospital. Maybe I can interest some of the nurses in my work, huh? I may even make up a couple little keychains to bring with me just to give to the nurses who wait on me. Those women work long hours and deserve to be rewarded for their compassionate care.

Anywho - that's what's up in my corner of the world.

Thoughts for a Sunday morning

Just for the heck of it one day, I searched Twitter for Jane Fonda and was delighted to find her there. Not only is Jane a prolific Twitterer, she blogs profusely as well. She's been a hero of mine since way back when and I'm thoroughly enjoying perusing her writings on a daily basis. At 71, she's still kicking ass. Go ahead, girl! 

From her "Matters That Move Me" pages, I offer you this:  

If you read the front page story of the SF Chronicle, you would have read about a female humpback whale who had become entangled in a spider web of crab traps and lines. She was weighted down by hundreds of pounds of traps that caused her to struggle to stay afloat. She also had hundreds of yards of line rope wrapped around her body, her tail, her torso, a line tugging in her mouth. 

A fisherman spotted her just east of the Farralone Islands (outside the Golden Gate ) and radioed an environmental group for help. Within a few hours, the rescue team arrived and determined that she was so bad off, the only way to save her was to dive in and untangle her.  

A very dangerous proposition. One slap of the tail could kill a rescuer. They worked for hours with curved knives and eventually freed her. 

When she was free, the divers say she swam in what seemed like joyous circles. She then came back to each and every diver, one at a time, and nudged them, pushed gently around-she thanked them. Some said it was the most incredibly beautiful experience of their lives. The man who cut the rope out of her mouth says her eye was following him the whole time, and he will never be the same.  

May you, and all those you love, be so blessed and fortunate to be surrounded by people who will swim with you in the deep waters that may engulf you, and who will help you become untangled from the things that bind you. And, may you always know the joy of giving and receiving gratitude. 

thanks to Rick I and Craig Neal for passing this to me.  

Be sure to read the comments here. 

And read SF Bay Whale Watcher blog.  

We truly do need to realize, once and for all, that animals and birds are our brothers and sisters on this planet...and behave accordingly.  

Amen. End of sermon. ;)