Thoughts From Unexpected Places

I came across a quote from Steve Jobs today. Steve Jobs, I would have never guessed. Don't know why...guess I just never looked in that direction. I do believe that we "find" things when the time is right. Without getting too deep -- like most people in the universe, I have been trying to figure out some things of late. So, that being said, I just wanted to share the quote with all of you.

Life is Good

They say if you see it, it will come! Guess what -- it's here -- the blue sky and sunshine. Needless to say, Bea's a pretty happy camper on her big comfy pillow here in the studio, as am I. There is something to be said about the sun and how it effects energy, at least for me.

Unexpected Gifts

I'm sitting here in the studio mesmerized by the snowflakes swirling just outside the window. Seems to be some kind of wind tunnel thing out there -- there are actually little tornadoes of the tiniest snowflakes dancing around. I was working on some new pink designs to add to the site; but for some reason I keep catching myself staring into the abyss of the snow.

Fickle Weather

So, why am I feeling like the local weatherperson of late? I just took a gander at the last few site entries...and I am obsessed by the weather. While there are some signs of spring around, today it's icy and they say snow is on the way. I know, I know. What a baby...I can hear all of my friends who live on the other coast calling me names and pointing fingers. Yes, I ran with a mature crowd while living there -- but, heck, we had fun!

Dragonflies, Blue Skies and Springtime

It's the perfect day for this vintage-inspired dragonfly lovely. I am so longing for spring, blue skies that stay and all that the season brings, I thought this new piece from the Tanya Lochridge Jewelry Vintage Collection was just the thing to make me smile.

The Sun Will Come Out...Tomorrow

"Bet your bottom dollar that the sun..." Well, you know the rest. And, we are so waiting for it. Here in the Pacific Northwest, spring is slow in coming. Today, snow in the forecast, cold winds and gray skies. Even Bea looks depressed. What's a dog to do when it's raining and cold out. Come on...there are birds to chase and skunks to hunt -- but sissy that she is, she doesn't like the rain. Can you believe I raised a sissy Cairn?

St. Valentine and Memorable Gifts

The perfect choice for today. You know me, one is never enough. So today, in honor of St. Valentine, I chose this bunch from my collection. The red and black lampwork bead bracelets of my own design (check out the site for others) look nifty worn with a black enamel and crystal bangle from Joan Boyce. Oh how I love the sound it all makes. Did I just say "nifty?" I sure enough did. Weird how words just pop into my mind at times. I sound a bit like Opie Taylor...and now I am dating myself, too.

I just read a bit about the history of Valentine's Day -- I'll spare you the details and just say it has been celebrated for a very, very, very long time. I remember as a kid in elementary school, we would decorate paper bags and hang them on the back of our chairs. Then on Valentine's Day each kid would deliver their Valentine cards into bags of all the kids. Even though every kid in the class brought a card for everyone else in the class, I guess it was always a worry that I would not get anything in my "mail bag!" Do you think that fear carries over to today? Not sure, but I do know that this is a day that puts fear into the eyes of most men. Flowers, candy, jewelry, a blender -- what is the right gift that gives the right message? Sorry, I have no clue on this one -- although I always think that jewelry is a wonderful gift and leaves a lasting impression. I remember the giver of each piece of jewelry in my collection even over all the years. One of my favorite pieces to this day, is a big simulated alexandrite set in sterling silver that my first "real" love brought back for me from a surfing trip in Mexico. Sadly, he is no longer with us, but his memory is alive and well -- that,my friends, is the power of jewelry. So men...maybe you want to give the woman in your life a gift of jewelry...along with the blender she has been drooling over for years...you're sure to be remembered for one or the other. On second thought, maybe...skip the blender and go with the jewelry. The blender can be a surprise for another day -- just an any day gift. Yeah, I think that's the best idea. Be prepared, if you just buy the blender, you may be hunting for a piece of jewelry as a "I'm such an idiot" make-up gift. So save the grief and settle on jewelry from the start. You can never go wrong with that. Right ladies?

Japonica and Sunshine

What more could a person want. Sunshine for a few days now -- I'm thinking two and it seems that the sun will stay for yet another day! The bigger surprise was that the huge Japonica outside one of my window is actually in bloom! Not just buds -- but blooming with glorious scent and all! Oh happy day. While it is always the first to bloom, it seems really early this year. Maybe it's further proof that spring will be early this year. What did that fuzzy groundhog tell us? Keeping my fingers crossed. I'm celebrating the season with a trip to the dentist. I know, I know -- it sounds weird; but I am a bit obsessive about my teeth and unfortunately I have yet to find a dentist here that makes me happy. So, off to a new one that a friend recommended a few towns over. I so loved my dentist in NYC -- in fact, I think it is safe to say, I had a little crush on him but he was always asking about a very cute female friend of mine. So clearly, he had no interest in me...other than my teeth! Always the bridesmaid I suppose.

Speaking of bridesmaids, I just finished up my article on bridal jewelry for the wedding issue of Gladys Magazine. It was a fun write -- made me look back in time -- and remember the trials and tribulations of planning my wedding. That issue of Gladys will be on newsstands April 10th -- but meanwhile, if you scurry you might be able to catch their travel issue which has the most amazing photos of Greece. Simply beautiful -- sunshine and water -- how can you go wrong? So run and get it now.

Happy New Year!

Yes, before the night is over, I am jumping in to wish you all a very Happy New Year. As we move into the Year of the Rabbit -- we look forward to all things good, prosperous and peaceful. Of course, when the Chinese New Year comes around, I am reminded of the fun I had standing on my terrace in NYC watching the celebration in the street below. While I lived on the Upper East side of the city, I was lucky to have a large Chinese restaurant attached to my condo building. And every year, which is the custom, they would have drums, firecrackers and the red dragon dance on the sidewalk in front of the building. What fun -- and all I had to do was step out my door! I love the multicultural energy in New York -- it was an honor to be included in a wide variety of festivities -- and Chinese New Year falls into that joy.

While the bracelet shown here is made of Kazuri beads, it is red. In Asian culture red is a powerful color -- strong and bringing good fortune to those who wear it. So, I thought it was a fitting design for the day. It's interesting, I am wearing a bracelet that incorporates beads made by the women of Kenya while celebrating the coming of the Year of the Rabbit while sitting here in the Pacific Northwest. To top it all off, I am posting an entry on my blog that is read by followers around the globe. Wow -- when I think of all the technology we have at our fingertips today, I often wonder what my grandmother would have thought of it all. Makes me smile -- because somehow I think she would have been amazed -- just as I am every day of the year. So, on that note -- Happy New Year to you all. Make it a great one.