P.S. I Love you

I cried, I laughed, I cried, I laughed, I cried, I laughed.......................................

If you haven't seen this one. You just absolutely have tooo!!!

Now I need to own the DVD..............LOL

Hugs

Friday's thought.................

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life.
Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking.
Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice.
And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.
They somehow already know what you truly want to become.
Everything else is secondary."


- Steve Jobs, CEO Apple Computer

I think we've found it...................

I think tonight was our Eureka night!!!

We went and had a look at the most amazing, stunning, beautiful home.

It has everything - a beautiful space for my studio. A stunning pool, it is huge!!! A garden that is huge. Space, space, space.....and more space, oh and more space. A lot of the work was done by a Swedish gentleman who by the sounds of it was a carpenter. There is a lot of stunning woodwork. The doors are solid - and the garage doors where I'm going to setup my studio. OMG, they are gorgeous. I cannot wait to take pics.

It is all agreed upon in principal and nothing I would say is 100% until the dotted line is signed and our deposit paid over etc. etc.

There is even the makings of a vegetable and herb garden. Some fruit trees that need a bit of TLC and oh, the potential.

The kitchen has the most amazing breakfast nook. We'll have a dining room. And the main room is huge too.

Can you tell I'm excited!!!!

Now I seriousley have to get this butt into full working gear!! But this horrid flu/bug or whatever it is, is back in full force. My chest hurts from all the coughing and spluttering!!! Just hoping I can get a good nights sleep.

I can have a rose garden. Small thing in the big scheme of things. But the roses you see most frequently posted here in my blog is a bush I have nutured from a baby and now that we are leaving it is really come to it's fullest potential. I wish I could take it with me, I can see some snippings and hormone growth stuff coming in handy.

The property is just over 3000sqm. It is going to be so amazing!!!

So cross fingers for us that all goes well and that this will be our new home for a bit.

Chat soon.

Today's thought..........

Uncertainty and Mystery

"Uncertainty and mystery are energies of life. Don't let them scare you unduly, for they keep boredom at bay and spark creativity."

- R. I. Fitzhenry -

Thursday and potential interest rate hike.....

Good morning!!

And the news for the day.

http://www.fin24.com/articles/default/display_article.aspx?ArticleId=1518-25_2330909

Well the next monetary policy meeting is the 12th June. Hence my editing of my ramble this morning. It is always best to wake up properly, investigate and then ramble. LOL

So instead of a 50 basis point hike, there are hints at a 200 basis point hike. Take interest rates to 17%. This spells bad news for the average man on the street who is already struggling. Just how much pain, suffering and how much are we expected to lose before it gets better.

Once again I am struggling with the Home Education route. We currently spend over R4000.00 for our boys to attend school and nursery school. But they are both happy and with all the changes going on - this would really upset their lives. I just can't do it.

Money is tight everywhere. I can only push forward somehow and diversify. Ideas, ideas, ideas????? How to be an entrepeneur when the economy is failing you??

Inflation is sky rocketing, well yeah, when your basics like bread is costing a fortune everyday. It's no wonder!! Petrol is constantly going up and it feels like there is no end.

There are no more notches on this belt to tighten!!! I don't know where to from here. Everytime it feels like we just might be able to squeeze everything in, it goes up in flames. Guaranteed we will have to relook at the budget at the end of the day.

I will constantly seek the light at the end of the tunnel. There is no alternative.

Sorry for my bright start to the day.............but it's reality.

Chat soon....

Rain drops

Today's weird weather report...

for Kyalami, Midrand, Gauteng, South Africa

It started off warm and sunny. Hey, I was down to 1 layer of clothing. This was a good sign. It is now just before 6pm. A little thunderstorm and 'gulp' more rain. And we're back to cold and wearing more layers. Flu's, colds.......................bring it on!!!! I've got CalCVita. I'm still going to get sick again right....I'm just fooling myself. LOL

Today I found copper mesh. Being searching for it high and low. Just kidding!! Google is a wonder. One of the first search results and 'Voila'. Now to play!! With what, glass naturally.

Then, oh then.................

The South African tradition of grocery shopping. I just avoided the weekend mayhem!!! One piled trolley and R2400.00 later. Which reminds me. I remember when my mom and dad did their shopping and two trolley's were like R800.00 and they almost had a cash register roll of everything bought. These days 1 trolley costs you an arm and a leg and your till slip is nothing to boast about. Uggggghhhh!!!! I made a valient effort to keep it under R2000.00 but I got alot of meat, fish, chicken and that which should see us through the month so hopefully daily/weekly we only need bread, milk, fruit and veg.

Note to the bank manager - I DID NOT SHOP AT WOOLWORTHS!!!

I have also resorted to buying the No Name Brand at the P & P, as long as it is cheaper than the branded item. Now this is hard for me and why you may ask. Well I'm a brand person. I'm a marketers dream!! I buy into the brand - but right now cost and survival are far more important.

It is so cool having a Pick n' Pay Hyper down the road. Makes life so much easier!!

I checked out an amazing house yesterday. We still need to think about it. Why??? It might just be out of our reach. But the size and the studio potential are 100% there and the kitchen is TDF!!! It's hubby's dream kitchen. Still waiting to have a look at the other one available down the road. The estate agent is just having some issues with the current tenant then hopefully we can go and have a look. Much, much smaller - in a complex - but way much cheaper.

Well it's dark and chilly and hoping hubby gets home soon.

chat soon..............................

It's wet and it's cold................

Okay, where is all this rain coming from??? It's cold again!!!! My feet need nice new fluffy wuffy slippers (hubby this is a hint). They're fre-fre-fre-eeeeeee-zing!!!

The dogs are all snuggled in front of the fireplace mostly. The spaniel is right up near it - I worry about those floppy ears.

Do not ask about house hunting. I've lost all heart!!! My heart is lost to a home we could probably never have. Ugghhhh!! But for one brief moment there was hope and excitement and a dream.

Going to warm up the studio again. Take 110......I'll melt glass eventually. I'm just discouraged right now. Let's hope today is the day.

Chat soon...........

Today's thought.........

Life

"We are not human beings on a spiritual journey. We are spiritual beings on a human journey."

~ Stephen Covey

Well...

I have a clean studio if that helps. I've got both my working tables almost organised and the torches clamped to the tables. It feels good. Good and clean and fresh. Let the ideas and inspiration flow!!!!

I've managed to keep the lounge and studio warm which is always good on a fre-fre-fre-eeeee-zing day!! LOL

I've manged to not get in a panic about where we are going to live. There is only so much I can do.

and I've discovered my favourite glass cutting scissors are AWOL. But I'm sure I'll find them. I've just reorganised way too well.

Have a super evening. I intend to stay warm and snuggle - YES, with my snuggly warm burnt orange blankie. LOL

Chat soon.............................

Not my best but I LOVE it!!!

I just couldn't resist

Just had to share some cuteness......

It's FRE-FRE-FRE-EEEEE-ZING!!!!!

Yep, it's freezing!!!

I don't do well with cold in winter, not at all. I hate wearing tons of layers of clothes to stay warm. So now I have the fire in the fireplace going and the heater in the studio. I need to work and I'm not going to be able to if I'm fre-fre-fre-eeeeee-zing!!! LOL

Josh this morning had shorts and a t-shirt on. Well I wasn't having that. Then I had to listen to his explanation of how the sun was shining. But Angel, it's the winter sun, he's not as hot as the summer sun. According to Josh who is 3, the sun was out and that is all that mattered. But, it's okay as I won the battle and he was taken to school all snug and warm.

At least Bradley had more sense than his brother and had dressed warmly. Shooo!!!

It's now raining outside. The weather man claims this is normal. Uhmmmm yeah right. We have always had winter rain. I don't think so!! But I guess if he says so that makes it all right.

We're still house hunting. There is one great potential but will have to see how it pans out. The yard is magnificent and it's got this huge patio running alongside the front of the house overlooking the garden. Ooh, ooh and there is a pomegranate tree. Deb, are you reading my mind there......................as my sister Mez says "Pomegranate Margatinis" They somehow got renamed. LOL

I will do my best to drag myself from underneath my snuggle orange blankie. It's so warm!!!!! I will brave the studio somehow.

Where ever you are, I pray that you are warm, happy and smiling.........................

Hugs

Saturday ramblings.....

This morning I headed out to the shops all on my own. It was fun!! I went to the new Fournos Bakery that has recenctly opened. Not a good idea when you have not had breakfast yet. The cakes, croissants, pies, petit fours, etc. Just looked so yummy, yummy, yummy!!! Okay, so I walked out with a couple of things but it was well worth it.

I then went over to my favourite, Woolies. Got some lunch for everyone for when they get home and some juice and fruit.

I'm now chilling at home. Browsing through the Saturday paper. The news is not great at the moment with all the Xenophobic attacks and I think I'm going to see what I can clear in my cupboard and the kiddies to see what we can donate. These people have been displaced from their homes, their shops destroyed and looted and are seeking shelter in tents in the cold. I'm certain we can find stuff to spare. I am amazed that the Soccer World Cup has not been handed over to another country yet. Call me crazy but people who can do this to another person are not deserving of such an event in this country.

Got to investigate packing as well. Will be back later.

Chat soon................

Live No Regrets.........

I have a t-shirt which amongst other things states, "Live no regrets".

This has been a very emotional week for me and it's hard to believe that a week ago I was in the throes of a workshop and having fun doing what I do.

And that is it, the realisation that what I enjoy doing is melting glass. It makes me happy, I love it and it fulfills me. Just as my family do. Yes, the road at the moment is filled with twists and turns and sometimes it's easier to turn around and head back but that means I would not be true to my beliefs and would be giving up on all the hard work it has taken to reach this point.

I will find avenues to sell my work, and I will work hard at it.......

Live no regrets!!!!!

Rose bud

Rose honey.............

Friday's Thought for the day...............

Mother Teresa's Thoughts on Life:

"Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is bliss, taste it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it."

~ Mother Teresa

Late afternoon rose.....................

Work in Progress....................

The blubbering blog................

Instead of 'ramblings' it might turn into the 'blubberings of a lunatic mom and lampworker'.

Yep, I've already had a good cry this morning!! For both good and bad. On the good side an amazing package arrived from a group of friends in the USA. Now I need to pick and choose and fill it up again. Ooh, the choices. Do you know I wouldn't swop any of these girls for anything in the world!!! I wish today that these girlfriends were closer so we could go to a coffee shop and a have a good heart to heart girl and support chat.

So my traffic musings : Well my poor head was everywhere..........................house hunting, no money, house hunting, what the hell do I do, house hunting, jewellery making/designing, no money, house hunting............................................................yep, it's a broken record. AND LET'S NOT FORGET THAT OIL PRICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's sitting at what, $135 a barrel. And South African's must get used to the fact, yes USED TO that by next month we will be paying more than R10.00 a litre and by the end of the year it's going to be much higher. That INTEREST RATES are going to go up and up and up and up!!!!!

Let's not forget XENOPHOBIA!!! WTH!!! Our tourism is suffering, I guess the Soccer World Cup could suffer too.

And now ESKOM - who might just have to start load shedding again BUT, AND HERE'S THE BIG BUT, have NO PROBLEM exporting our electricity to neighbouring countries!!!!!!

Back to the petrol - the moment it costs your 'average joe' and yes, I think I'm an'average joe' a couple of hundred more a month for petrol, it means spending less on yourself or spoiling yourself.

The alternatives, I keep walking around this mountain trying to find the best route up. If a scooter was safe in this country I'd do it in the blink of an eye but how do I get the children around.

Got any ideas, let me know..............

Chat soon........................

Do you ever get the 'homeless' feeling..............

And I thought the stress before show was bad, house hunting is proving to be worse. So my panic attacks are those of having no home to move into now that we have sold ours.

Not only that, I have the fallout from the show but no torch or oxygen. Now that is a problem, a problem that needs to be fixed pronto.

Back to house hunting. It's difficult trying to find something that will make everyone happy. Right size, right price and something big enough for the dogs.

We looked at one yesterday, just around the corner from my sisters - huge property, the kids loved it but oh that kitchen. Yuck!!!! Nevermind the price being asked for rental. This morning was back to square one and all I got was sorry we've let it, not available, not suitable.......etc. etc. etc. I'm not sure I can go through this everyday. Maybe I need to pick one day of the week that will be my 'looking for a new home day' so that I can go through the emotions once a week instead of 7 days a week.

Chat soon...........................

Treasures # 3

Tuesday's fun thought for the day............

Dr. Seuss Encouragement Poem:

"I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind.
Some come from ahead and some come from behind.
But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see.
Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!"

~ Dr. Seuss

Success shows its face in many ways.........

Wow, what a show. These must have been some of the most fun workshops I've had. The big class on Saturday went so well, better than I could have ever imagined. No assistant needed. LOL The visitors seemed to enjoy being able to watch the workshop and we were all so busy we hardly had time to notice that we were 'fishies in a bowl'. Even one exhibitor popped his head in the workshop because it sounded like we were having so much fun and yes, we were!!!

I was blessed to meet Tamara Honaman. What a beautiful and giving person. I hope she enjoys the rest of her stay here in SA.

Financially, the show did not go as planned, but success showed itself in different ways. I was able to laugh. Unexpected people helped and were saviors when desperately needed. Let's just say - some ladies in security have some coffee for a while. New friends were made. I sold all my Love Frogs - they found homes, it was a sad affair saying goodbye to the last one but I know he will be extremely happy in his new home. And many new opportunities are knocking at the door.

Naturally, today is the day that I'm pooped and drained. I tend to hide out on the bed and rest and reflect. But I'll recover and be rearing to go.

I also met Heather Laithwaite, also a beautiful and inspiring lady. I bought her latest book 'Dare to Bead and More'. Been browsing through it most of the day :))

All in all we had fun!! We met up with old friends and made some new ones!!

I've been inspired and I'm ready to melt glass and get creating.

Chat soon.......

Treasures #1

Monday's Thought for the day

Encouragement

"When things go wrong as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow,
Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit."

~ Unknown

Photo's from the show..............

Success - Todays Thought for the Day

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded. "

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Here we go.........................

Well today is the day!!! The workshops are full and Saturday is overbooked but we've made a plan.

Our stand is mostly sorted but we'll finish it this morning before the mad rush.

Have made good friends with the 'Big Chief' of security. A lot of bribery and corruption happening - just kidding!! But it might cost me a Latte to try and sneak in early. Don't worry, just kidding - and he might just get his Latte.

I did not live up to my reputation from last year. NO temper tantrums. LOL Those happy pills must be working. I told the organisers that I had most definitely behaved myself and the security guy chirped in with an 'allegedly' - uhhhmmm was that why he was guarding the Fire Safety guy - could be. LOL

We are crossing fingers for a good day all in all. And no matter what, just being able to display my work is success in itself.

Chat soon.............................and I'll give a report back tonight - ooh and I'll pack the camera too.

Thursday's thought for the day...................

Taking chances..................

"Never let the odds keep you from doing what you know in your heart you were meant to do."

~ H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

BeadEx is upon us..........

Well the good news is that the classes have been approved. Yippeee!! I was there this morning and checked out our teeny wee stand and the Glass Workshop right next to it. What is nice about it this year is that there is a viewing window. So people can oggle and stare. LOL

Hopefully, hubby purchased enough stainless steel rods for mandrels. Tonight will be cutting them into the right length and getting them ready to dip in bead release - so NO panicking on the morning of the workshop. Well, that is the plan anyway.

I have most of my work priced and coded and I am going to try and squeeze some time in this afternoon to do a couple more Love Frogs. Did I mention I still have to sew the table cloths and figure out a few other things. But I'm determined to be way more organised this year. Well, that is the plan anyway.

Tomorrow I am setting up our stand by my brave little self. It will be a challenge but a fun one.

Better get to work.

Chat soon..............................

Tuesday's traffic thoughts.............

Another day closer and yep I'm still positive even if a few obstacles have been plonked in my way.

Last night was a late night editing and making our own little movie. We managed to get a starfish and a heart down from 1 hours worth of taping into about 12 minutes or so. It was fun!!

On the keeping positive note I just love listening to Jacaranda. I'm guaranteed a good laugh and they say that laughing is good for the soul and I have to agree. They then played YMCA by The Village People - here was me boogying away!!

I've just found out that both workshops are full but we still do not have the go ahead from the council. Frustrating!!!

Back to work...................

Chat soon.

Monday's traffic musings.........................

On the way to taking Josh to nursery school I always have plenty of time to ponder. This mornings pondering was about being positive no matter what. Whatever the universe throws at me, be it good or bad will be handled with positiveness!!!

Thursday is build-up for the BeadEx show at the Sandton Convention centre. This will give me plenty of time to discover if my new shoes will handle the job and I'm positive they will. I will be positive that the resolution for the BeadEx workshops will turn out for the best. I am positive that we will do well!!

I just needed to add that I am blessed to be married to my best friend who sticks by me thick and thin. Who has done everything to make sure I have the best possible tools to make the most of the artform I enjoy.

After the show which I know will be a success, I'll be able to focus on other enjoyments as well. I want to focus more on photography. Learn as much as I can about my outdated Nikon (LOL) and see what I can come up with. With that comes taking better photo's of my work. Borosilicate glass is not the easiest to photograph. Yes, I am lusting after a different photography setup for my pendants but that will come in time.

So my wish for all of you is that you go into this week feeling and being positive!! That nothing will get you down. That we will face each problem with a smile and belief that no matter what - WE CAN DO IT!!!

Chat soon...........................

Monday's Thought for the day.....................

Dedication

"There is no chance, no destiny, no fate, that can hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul."

~ Ella Wheeler Wilcox

and I forgot to add.........

Maggie, I love you too.

Doing the countdown with you.

Miss you tons.

Mother's Day ramblings.............

It's been a very, very busy day and not really productive but I think some timeout was needed by all of us.

This morning I was treated to breakfast at the new Mugg & Bean down the road from us at our luscious new shopping centre. I had an amazing omlette and then shared a belgium waffle with hubby. Yummy!!!

We bumped into my sister who had Brad with her, as he spent the night with his cousins but was very good about phoning me this morning. Sweetie Pie!! While we were all catching up, I popped into a new Art Gallery which had these amazing photo's by a South African photographer. I was seriousley lusting after one. LOL

We did some window shopping and then my sister took the boys with her to meet up with my parents for a late lunch. I was still desperately shoe hunting. Yep, teaching and achy feet - don't go well together. Hubby and I ended up in an Outdoor type shop in a totally different shopping centre, where I was looking at shoes similar to Crocs. The sales guy was very helpful and when we explained why I was looking at them he suggested an alternative. The alternitive are divine. They are called Salomon Amphibian. Very airy and cushy but with loads more support. It was nice to have someone helpful and informative and not condescending. Ooh, and before I tried them on he whipped out this huge pocket knife and took off all the price tags. Hubby just knew that I would notice that and I'm getting him on the right track to carrying his own. LOL

We then came home and chilled. Eventually he braved the wendyhouse to get our display stuff out so that we're not hunting for it at the last minute.

Yep, 4 sleeps until setup, 5 sleeps until the show and workshop starts. The countdown has begun.

I have two complete new necklaces and a third one just needing its toggle clasp. I've got some bracelets and Ant has strung most of my pendants for me on the most amazing leather thongs that I managed to find. They are a beautiful chocolate brown. I'm wondering if I'll have time to squeeze in a Robin Atkins type bracelet but not sure if I'll have the time.

Tonight will be pricing and coding. Did I mention I've bought a pack of red bulls. It gives you wings, you know. LOL

Guess I've rambled on way too long.

Thank you for sharing in this journey with me. It's appreciated.

Back soon.

What I've been busy with.................

Thursday evening rant.........

If you see fireworks over the African continent towards the Southern end that might just be me. Why, oh why, can nothing ever go smoothley. I need an assistant, oh heck, I can't afford an assistant!!!

I am meant to be giving classes at next weekends exhibition and today was sort of the d-day for us regarding safety issues, yadda, yadda. In typical South African fashion we have been told that an answer to go ahead with the classes will now only be given on Tuesday - wondering if like today we will have to be the ones phoning and begging for answers. I'm tired and fed-up with this situation. I believe that it boils down to this - not many people know what actually making a bead entails in this country. You can draw them all the pictures you want, explain in detail what you will be doing and they still don't understand. Ever since I started glass bead making I have had to explain over and over again why I want what I want and why!!! I prefer to use propane - why - it's cleaner burning than LPG - what are you going to do with it - melt glass - blank stare - do you have stainless steel rods - why - to wrap the molten glass on it - why - to make a bead you idiot!!! I am still gobsmacked by the assumption that it will be a male melting glass instead of me a woman. Switching to LPG means this sucker has to buy 5, yes 5 more regulators. Has to pay a deposit on 5 LPG bottles and pay, pay, pay.................................... Oh, and this will be the best - why do you need a regulator!! I can just hear the question now.

This is my rant for the evening. I had really hoped to have it all sorted out by the weekend. To make sure I can order the glass, purchase mandrels and get the propane sorted out. To put notes together etc. Now I have to wait for Tuesday, did I tell you that I had assumed (the mother of all *&&^&-ups) that it had been sorted even before the classes had been advertised.

Tomorrow is a quick trip to a bead shop to finalise some items I need for finished pieces. Then back home to stare at my torch. I've been doing a lot of that lately. What Corina calls "TMIFMOG" syndrome = "Too many ideas for my own good" or "NIW" = "No ideas whatsoever". I think I'm afflicted with the second one.

Maybe making some finished pieces will be the charm.

chat soon...............

Thursday's traffic musings.........

Taking Josh to nursery school every morning get's my poor mind working overtime in the car.

This morning I did not succeed in avoiding the news. And there it was. This index going up, and food prices going up, and oil going up and interest rates - yep going up!!! Consumers must tighten their belts. Well, exactly how much do we need to tighten them. Mine is so tight I'm bursting at the seams.

Josh's favourite shoes are just a wee bit too small but they are the only shoes he will wear. The teacher had no problem hinting to me yesterday that they might just be a wee bit small. Yesterday afternoon resulted in a quick find of the same kind but larger size. Thank goodness only R40.00 and we needed to get a baby shower gift.

Another thought. Right now I'm besotted on making starfish. I just love making them and clearly I'm not getting bored with them but ask me to make anything else and I groan from within. Not even hearts or frogs are holding the same appeal. I could make a 100 starfish and be happy, whether I would sell a 100 starfish is another question. LOL

I'm almost certain that this beautiful sea creature has come in to my life to guide me and get me through these trying times.

With these past two shows literally crippling my business, I have to figure out how to come up with R4000.00 for next weeks exhibition/show. There is just no way I can see it happening, short of a miracle.

Off to pray for a miracle.

Chat soon........

Today's Eye Candy

Thought for the day - Thursday 8th May

Nothing is impossible

"Throw back the shoulders, let the heart sing, let the eyes flash, let the mind be lifted up, look upward and say to yourself... Nothing is impossible!"

~ Norman Vincent Peale

More that I found on Starfish.....

Starfish:

In Christian symbolism the Starfish represents the Virgin Mary (Stella Maris which means Star of the Sea) who lovingly creates safe travel over troubled waters and is also seen as an emblem of salvation during trying times. The star as well as the Starfish are seen as celestial symbols and as such, they represent infinite divine love. In addition to love, the Starfish also holds characteristics such as guidance, vigilance, inspiration, brilliance and intuition.

A Starfish Poem........

Star Fish Poem

As I walked along the seashore
This young boy greated me.
He was tossing stranded starfish
Back to the deep blue sea.
I said, "Tell me why you bother,
Why you waste your time this way.
There's a million stranded starfish
Does it matter, anyway?"

And he said, "It matters to this one.
It deserves a chance to grow.
It matters to this one.
I can't save them all I know.
But it matters to this one,
I'll return it to the sea.
It matters to this one,
And it matters to me."

-- Anonymous

Some eye candy for you...............

Thought for the day - Tuesday

Philosophy of Kindness

"This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness."

- HH the Dalai Lama -

Some pendants

Tuesday morning - should have!!!

Winter is making itself known here in sunny SA. The mornings can be rather chilly even if it warms up significantly during the day. This morning I made sure my boys were snug and warm before heading off to their relative schools. Beanie hats, gloves and shoes.

Today was back to school for private schools. I survived the holidays!! Question is can I survive the shows, but that is another story!

Back to why I should have!!! On my way back from dropping Josh off at his nursery school, I noticed quite a smart car pulled up to side of the road and two young school children were getting out, on a very busy main road intersection. As the traffic light was red, I had time to notice what was going on around me. These girls could not have been much older than my boys and they were being put out in the cold, on a busy intersection and the youngest had NO shoes on. None whatsoever. I should have figured out how to turn around collect those 2 girls and before dropping them off at their school found the youngest one some shoes. My heart is broken because I did not when I should have.

Everyday I am reminded how grateful I must be that my children have clothes and warm clothes, how we have a roof over our heads even if temporarily and we're able to put a decent plate of food on the table. That even though my car is old, guzzles petrol and could give in at anytime that I have transport to fetch and carry and do errands.

Times are getting tough here. I know we will get through it somehow. But my despondency grows with each passing day. Is my work that horrendous, is it crap, is it too expensive - what is the 'if' factor that could change it all. My etsy views are less and less and it's getting to the point of why even bother. The why bother is because maybe if you list something new each and every day that something might change, that someone will have faith in a payment system other than PayPal, that giving us artists here in SA a chance to prove ourselves and you won't be dissapointed.

Yep, getting those school shoes would have meant no spare cash at all but I know deep down I should have. That little girl's feet and face will be stuck in my mind because of what I didn't do and what I should have done. Because no matter how tough times are for me someone out there is suffering more.

My heart is aching...................................................

Wow, it's Monday..........

Oops my bad!!

Another show coming up and me running around like a headless chicken.

6 pendants in the kiln and I'm trying to figure out how I murder some colours. Eeek!! It can be frustrating.

Tomorrow will hopefully be a starfish and heart day. Need to make teenier ones.

Hope everyone is enjoying there Monday.

Hugs

Sunday and powerless

Nevermind the fact of no morning coffee. But hang on, I thought I bought us a gas cooker and a teeny camp one for inside just in case. Well we have a 'just in case' moment and it's been tucked away. Uggghhhhhhhhhhhh!!! Never to be found again.

I don't like Eskom very much this morning.

Chat soon................

Rainy Saturday afternoon...........

It's rainy, which means it is wet and it is cold.

I was going to melt glass but hubby downloaded the latest episodes of Lost. Guess that put an end to that idea for now. LOL I'm a Lost 'ho'. Cannot say no when it comes to watching Lost.

This morning was spent in my jammies till quite late and then we went to one of my bookclub friend's little ones first birthday. The bookclub girls ended up snuggled inside with a few bottles of wine. Never a dull moment and fun was definitely had but the boys were getting cold and hubby was looking bored so we headed home. Now I'm stuck inside with smelly wet dogs. Ughhhh!!!

I'm bubbling with ideas so as soon as Lost is finished, I'm gonna be melting.

What you doing with your weekend??

Chat soon..............

Scales are scary

Chilly Saturday Eye Candy

The sun is playing 'peek-a-boo'

It's going to tease me today. It's there then it's gone. Hiding behind those clouds playing peek-a-boo.


Guess I should go and play with glass - gee that makes it sound like a chore. But it's not. LOL

Brrrrrrrrr.............it's cold

What's with the weather. I'm almost certain we're meant to have dry winters and it's wet and cold and it's raining/drizzling.

I'm snuggled under a blankie staring at my laptop much to hubby's dismay. We have a show in a couple of weeks. I know inspiration will hit me at some stage, just when is the question.

Got to sort out a headache.

till later

Friday's Eye Candy : 2nd May 08

Need something fancy to stir your hot chocolate and fill it with love.

These are going to be transferred into rings by a silversmith friend of mine.

Rain on a Rose bud

Friday's Thought for the Day : 2nd May

"A diamond is merely a lump of coal that did well under pressure."

~ Unknown

Just for laughs......

Anthony (Dad) : I can't see squat
Joshua (3 yo son): I can see squat

Me.......................packs up laughing!!!!!

Squat = nothing

p.s. Ant is trying to fix the desktop in a very dark corner of the lounge

Thought of the Day - 1 May 2008

"Risk more than others think is safe. Care more than others think is wise. Dream more than others think is practical. Expect more than others think is possible. "

~ Cadet Maxim

Thursday's Eye Candy

I'm still experimenting with hearts and wings. LOL Not as easy as I thought.