Not much else going on at all, except working to save all our plants during this Texas heat wave. We get up around 6:30 am and  work in the two gardens until around 9 am, watering and weeding. Our “old” house, the wonderful octagonal nest we built when we first moved off the boat is surprisingly still for sale, so we go next door to take care of the flowers there first.  I know the economy excuses and etc. etc, however, really we just can’t figure out why this sweet house has not sold. So, anyway, the plants at the “old” house are thriving in spite of the heat, and the new ones we’ve planted in our zeriscape garden at our new house are too, thanks to our early rising diligence. It’s been hovering in the day to close to or over 100 degrees for it must be weeks now!

We built our new place mostly to accomodate Jim’s need for extra wide doorways and hallways – and my need (?) for a new studio. And we thought the original house was too perfect to remodel. It’s octagonal shape allowed us to nestle it into a lovely stand of oak trees, and we didn’t have to remove any of them to place it perfectly. Want to move to beautiful Round Top?  It’s not always this hot, promise. Check out the lisiting:http://www.trrn.com/detail.asp?PropID=62035

Oh, and here’s the Midland Septemberfest Poster.

So, I am sorry I won’t be in Austin at the Bead Bazaar this weekend. I was looking forward to selling – and doing some shopping of my own. Alas, it’s not to be.

This post is about the extent of what I can handle on the computer for now. Later, I am thinking maybe I can put all those beads I had ready to go up on ebay or etsy. I’ll let you know.

I’ve had a fairly long break from shows, which means Jim and I have had time to make a LOT of new pieces. They aren’t all photographed yet. When they are, I’ll give you  a sneak peek of what we are taking to the show in New Mexico next week.

I so look forward to this particular show. The Chamber of Commerce sponsers it, and all the staff and volunteers are so nice – they really take care of the artists. The Convention Center is a terrific venue, and of course Ruidoso itself is a cool treat for us hot weather Texans. It is almost a mini-vacation for us. The show itself is packed with really excellent artists and their work, including us , of course. Meanwhile, I’m still making some more beads for an update on my Japanese Kimono Series. Back to the torch —–

We’ve recently returned from Dallas, and are now looking forwardto our next show, the Texas Arts and Crafts Fair in Kerrville. I took a much needed break yesterday, catching up on grocery shopping, house cleaning, reading, etc. And good grief, I needed it too, since as I walked back in the front door, my arms full of groceries, a scorpion struck! OWW, did that hurt. It stung me right on my ankle. I kicked off my sandals, killed the culprit, only to discover through out the rest of the afternoon, 7, yes SEVEN, more of the nasty creatures. They must have  a nest right by our front door, and they seem to be sneaking in through a little gap in the weather stripping. Got to fix that!

Well, life in Texas I suppose – yet we have never had this type of invsion before. I am cautiously checking everywhere I walk, especially since I pad around barefooted.

My sketchbook is overflowing with ideas. I’ll be back on the torch today – and if I can just get those scorpions out of my mind ……………….

Now we are gearing up for Dallas City Arts which is just around a tiny corner and starts this Friday. I am happily at my bead board today,  making even more new pieces. So those of you that didn’t get out in the SNOW the last time I was in Dallas, come on by and see us. We’ll be indoors at Fair Park, with lots of new goodies. 

So all I have time for is a copy of the City Arts e-mail reminder.  If you make it to any of my shows, please introduce yourself.

One days' Beads Fresh out of the Kiln

As soon as I heard the word, anticipation, for April’s Art Bead Scene blog, I thought of the song by Carly Simon. Listen to “Anticipation” here if you don’t remember it. Even though I can’t get the tune out of my head  the lyrics don’t all ring true for me. My take on anticipation revolves more around trust and excitement. Trust that what I believe to be true will produce a positive outcome – and excitement in looking forward to the realization I anticipate.

As a glass beadmaker, I am constantly anticipating. After all, I don’t  see the results of what I create today until the next morning. No matter what else is going on in my life, I  wake up excited when I know there are beads waiting to come out of the kiln. How great is that – like Christmas or a birthday every day!  

Flowers in the Arboretum Before the Snow

I also experience anticipation when scheduling shows in which to sell my creations. This past week the anticipation didn’t pan out as  imagined, since the weather in Dallas was wet, freezing, and it  snowed! The show was cancelled on Sunday, so all that anticipation and expectation of a really good first show of 2010 froze along with the snow flakes. In the case of Artscape, a line from Carly’s song did ring true “I’m no prophet, I don’t know natures way.”

The Arboretum and Tents In the Snow on Sunday

I’m blessed with a loyal following, and  customers tell me how how much they anticipate my being back in their town with all my goodies. Thanks to them, we did  fine in Dallas is spite of the weather, and I took some orders too. Another example of trust and anticipation. These fabulous customers (and you know who you are) -  trust me to make something they will love, and are willing to wait a week or two to receive their treasures. I love doing the orders. I anticipate making the beads,  and the jewelry especially for them. So here’s a little sneak preview of one of the orders I just finished.  This fun bracelet will go out to its owner on Monday. Thank you, and all the other customers who allow me to have the best job in the world!

A true circle of trust, anticipation, and love.

Special Order Bracelet for a Customer