4/30 Update

My trip to Michigan was absolutely wonderful. The Great Lakes Beadworkers Guild has extremely high caliber beaders who treated me like a queen. It was almost like a (shhh!) vacation--I even took a jacuzzi in my room!

I taught 4 classes: Pacifica, Peyote Buttons, Le Cirque, and Star of India. The quality and creativity that the students brought to class was amazing. We ended up having quite a bit of fun, too. There's nothing like a day of beading to bring out the best in everyone.

When I go teach someplace I certainly don't expect presents, but I got presents! I can't deny it--I love presents... The fabulous Kate Dunn gave me this set of beautiful lampworked beads called "Cloke" from M. Verde (sorry, can't find the link). Aren't they beautiful?

Joanne Goldberg and I hit Michael's and she bought this handy little vacuuming tool for picking up bead spills. She loves hers, so wanted me to have one, too. Joanne is such a gem. Emma's been having fun spilling things and picking them up...

I had dinner with ceramicist Melanie Brooks of Earthenwood Studio one night when I was in town. It was so great to meet her in person after working with her only via email and on the phone for Steampunk Style Jewelry. She's as nice, smart, and creative as I thought she'd be. Look at all her cool new pieces! One piece isn't pictured. It's a keyhole pendant that is perfect for a new steel wire necklace design I've been working on. I'll post a photo when I'm finished with it.

In my off hours last week I came up with a new design, Madras. I'm pretty excited about this one. The center triangular fancy stone is from Beyond Beadery (thank you, Betcey!). It'll be a fun class project to do--works up fairly quickly but has enough of a brain game to keep things interesting.

Hey--I also just found out about a new Beading Contest from Soft Flex. Grand prize is $500, which is quite a bit of scratch in my book. Check it out!

So that's the report from here. Feeling pretty dang lucky that I have such a great job and am surrounded by so many amazing people...

Michigan

It's been a whirlwind week, kitting for Michigan, proofing Rachel Nelson-Smith's book (which, oh...my...gosh...is absolutely wonderful), and trying to keep the house afloat. There are so many things I didn't get done before my trip tomorrow! Oh, well. It'll all be waiting for me when I return and it was worth putting everything on hold to celebrate Emma's 11th birthday tonight. Is she really 11? I can't believe it. She is such a joy. And to think I was worried about having a girl...

Susan Boyle

I'd call myself a pretty even-keel person...maybe to extreme...maybe kind of Vulcan? It has its benefits and drawbacks. One good thing is that there isn't a lot of drama at our house. No fighting or yelling. A downside is that I have a hard time mustering a tear for things like chick flicks and Hallmark commercials.

My sister just sent me this YouTube link, though, and I've turned into an absolute puddle. It's really powerful. I love how Susan Boyle is confident in the face of the lions. I love that she doesn't fit in, but doesn't care. Or even better--is slightly oblivious. Her simple, sweet way just mows over all that television bull, you know? I'm going to take her example and wear it like a shield this month. I'm going to remember that there's true power in simplicity and beauty.

Heels

Emma and I were antsy on Sunday so we headed to the Gem & Lapidary Wholesalers show at the Ramada in Bloomington. We had just about arrived when I realized I'd left my resale certificate at home; we were too far away to turn around. We went in anyway to see if we could sneak in, but no doing. It was strange; I was amazed at the crazy feeling I had inside. Like a shaking, nervous, bead lust junkie. I mean, I really don't need any more beads, right? And chances are I wouldn't have bought much. But I had this overwhelming feeling to see them, you know? Touch them. Check prices and colors and styles, and possibly run into a friend or two along the way. I scared myself a little bit just then. Talk about an addiction.

It was good I had Emma along. She looked at me and said, "Well, Mom, that was a bust, but I can see the Mall of America from here and my allowance is burning a hole in my pocket." This is why I have kids--they help pull me from the clouds and remember to live here...now. The ultimate resilience. And Emma is a particular master at resilience.


So we headed over to the MOA and did one of our favorite things--play dress up. At H&M we tried on all kinds of crazy outfits and Emma ended up buying herself a pair of black and white plaid pants. I found a flaired black skirt (with peekaboo taffeta!) that I plan on wearing to my niece's wedding. Then it was off to DSW--my nirvana. Emma tried on every pair of hootchie mama shoes she could find, then settled on a pair of really cute Converse she wants wrapped up for her birthday in a couple weeks.


I haven't worn heels for years. The Double Bunionectomy of 1983 put a stop to that. But I found some in the store's clearance room that actually feel good! They'll look great with my new skirt and that day they were perfect retail therapy for my bead show DTs.