Thanks Giving

"I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder." ~G K Chesterton

I had the good fortune of participating in the Thanksgiving Earring exchange hosted by the lovely Leslie at Bei Mondi. And as luck would have it, Leslie had my name for the exchange. What a very lucky girl I am, too! So...thank you Miss Leslie, you are my happiness doubled by wonder!

The sweet bee earrings that she created for me are so very....me. The textured copper, the silver coils, the purple pearls and those exquisite little bee charms are all so very perfect! They make the sweetest little jingle as I move. She even added some wonderful goodies for me with a bee theme, of course...beeswax soap and beehive notecards {I feel a bee-themed powder room coming on in my new home...that soap will be the perfect inspiration}. I was so thrilled to participate in this fun exchange but even more so when I saw the return address on my package! Go now and read her wonderful blog. She is great.

Leslie says that she will be holding a similar bracelet exchange in February {can't wait!}. I would encourage those of you who have been watching all of these round robins, exchanges and swaps to jump right in. I know there are people out there, sitting on the sidelines thinking that they could never be good enough or talented enough or inspired enough....enough with all of that negative thinking! I encourage you to jump right in. You will make some great new friends and get beautiful wearable art for yourself. It stretches you creatively and opens many doors of inspiration.

Did you happen to read my 30 Words yesterday? A little bit of mystery.....If you like participating in challenges {with the added bonus of prizes} then stay tuned....I will reveal the three week challenge on November 30th and hope to have lots of participants, sharing loads of creative energy and inspiring each other to Get Excited and Make Things!

If you could participate in a round robin, exchange or swap, what would you like the theme to be? Would it be creating with jewelry or paint or metal or mixed media? Do tell!

Check It Out::Silver Parrot

Enjoy the day!

30 Words::Get Excited and Make Things

{Image Credit: moleitau}

Big surprises brewing…
New doors of opportunity opening…
Do you seek inspiration?
Special challenge and contest

to get excited and make things

Stay tuned for the big reveal
November 30th…

Enjoy the day!

The Simple Things In Life

"Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler."
~Albert Einstein

I came across a blog post by Sherry at Everyday Possibilities {don’t you just love the name of that blog? Truthfully, I sometimes pick blogs to follow because of the name…}
She is part of a blogging ring that is writing today about the simple things in life that give them pleasure, and to give thanks for those simple things by writing a list. The host of this challenge is Christina at Soul Aperture {another great blog name}.

I thought that it was such a great idea, I wanted to play along as well.

It's the simple things in life that makes my soul sing...

the changing seasons of the crabapple tree outside my office building {actual picture}
watching clouds drift by
sunsets over water
traveling to a new place
going to my favorite coffee shop ~ Emy Js ~ each morning for my
“liquid courage to face the day”
the mug my daughter made for my morning coffee
laughing great big belly laughs with my Mastermind group
exploring different artistic mediums
singing the litany of saints at church when I am the cantor
answering the door at Halloween and seeing all the kids in costumes {even the older ones who don’t really have a costume but do have a pillow case and roller blades to get the most candy before the end of the night}
singing “Varsity” at a Badger Football Game with my arms connected to other Badgers
playing “Where’s Bucky?” in a stadium filled with red and white
the "5th Quarter"
triangles
the first snow fall
a crackling fire
watching my daughter dance
seeing my son play baseball
kissing my husband goodnight ~ good morning ~ hello ~ goodbye….
a spa pedicure at the Wellness Spa

a massage with Allen at Inner Element
buying a new pair of shoes, and getting an insane deal on them
Japanese Cherry Blossom scent from Bath & Body Works
lying on the couch with my daughter with my head upside down pretending I am walking on the ceiling (remember doing that as a kid? Or it is just me?)
light and shadows as they shift across the floor throughout the day
writing a poem
pine trees in a forest covered with a blanket of snow
getting lost in a good book
date night on the couch
painting a wall
getting into the zone when I am creating something, anything
being inspired by other artists
creating a piece of jewelry and having the recipient tell me that it is better than they expected
decorating the Christmas tree with ornaments from the past
mint
carving pumpkins with the DiSalvo’s {images from 2010 Pumpkin Extravaganza}
stirring my ice cream until it is a creamy consistency
lots of sprinkles
chocolate cupcakes
oranges
Sara Bareilles and Micheal Buble and Rascal Flatts and Mozart
baby toes
bouquet of assorted fresh picked flowers
a hot cup of tea
turkey at Thanksgiving with my mother’s stuffing (haven’t had this in years)
Project Runway
Jeff Dunham and Peanut
fresh sheets
sleeping in late (and not waking up until I want to)
hot bubble baths, uninterrupted
a day without telemarketing phone calls

caller ID
the thrill of finding something unexpected and special in the clearance aisle
receiving a hand written note in the mail
wrapping packages with pretty paper and REAL ribbon {always}
new notebooks, fresh pencils, packs of looseleaf and other new school supplies
a brand new box of Crayons
Moonstruck truffles, especially the sea salt chocolate caramel
finding that perfect greeting card

all my friends made in the blogdom over the last year, you are the best!
supporting local
opening my farm fresh eggs from Raikowski farms to find all the fun colors the chickens lay {my kids like the green eggs!}
fall leaves

rain on the roof

inspirational quotes
pressed pansies
taking a wheel pottery class with my son
taking a drawing class with my daughter
skeleton keys
pearls
jars of old buttons

seeing the possibilities in everything

working on projects with my kids {like the Native American diorama above}
making a list of tasks and crossing them off one by one
clean hair
the smell of my kids after a shower
the rare chance to really hug my son
my fake exasperation when my daughter asks me to scratch her back
giggles
exhaling “I love you” to my husband just as I fall asleep

This is just what I came up with in a short 10 minutes {okay...so I'm a fast typist!}.

What are you most thankful for?

What are the simple things that give your heart joy?
Do tell! And I encourage you to make your own Simple Things list on your blog!

Check It Out:: Everyday Possibilities

Enjoy the day!

30 Words::The Mailman Loves Etsy

A towering stack of bubble mailers.
Lampwork...

Picasso-finish…

silver acorn...

raku button…

ceramic words & leaves…

All reminding me that

the best things in life

come in the

smallest

packages.

Enjoy the day!

Something Good In Every Day - Year in Review

"Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day." ~ Anonymous

I knew it was coming, but I really didn't believe it until I saw that one year ago today, I wrote my very first blog post. I re-read it and decided that since none of you probably ever read it {I was the only one}, and no one ever commented on it {that was before I even knew there was such a thing as comments, nor how good it would feel to know that someone was touched by what I had to say}, that I would re-run that one again today. It is a renewal of sorts. A way to say that I do believe I did set out to do what I promised I would in this post, and to reaffirm that I am still on the same path.

Stay tuned...as I plan to do some giveaways to honor this milestone. You have all become very important to me and I treasure the conversations we've had, the sharing we have done, the community that we are building. As soon as I can think up something fabulous {and get my "refreshed" computer back} I will jump right in to show my gratitude.

_______________________________

Aside from being my favorite author, Ann Nonymous is a woman of sage advice(!). This quote is at the finale of every email message that I send and so I felt that it was a fitting place to start my first post.

So...what is good about today?

Today, I recognize my own need for connectedness, not only to foster my own path of creativity and inspiration, but to inspire the same in others.

But how to begin?

I have thought long and hard about jumping in to this medium, this blogging. So, true to form, I have done a ton of research. I set out on a quest...for one inspirational blog or website each day from which to glean ideas related to voice, topic, structure, purpose, and even how imaginative the headers and titles can be {I still do this!}. I have tagged a lot of them and posted on many others just to get a sense of the sort of community that already exists. I have ignored those that seem to be all about the minutia of a singular person's life in favor of those that sought community and inspiration. I read articles and consulted oracles...from the wisdom of those in the web industry to friends old and new who are regular or even reluctant readers of blogs of all sorts. I have seen all manner of posts...from the short and sweet to the ridiculously rambling, from the sublimely beautiful to the infuriatingly inane.

Ultimately, I determined that I wanted to start this journal as a means of self-expression, a way to capture my creative process and a tool for connecting me with other like-minded individuals.

I hope you will join me.

I do not intend for this blog to be about
...what I had for lunch, or
...100 things you didn't know about me, or

...sharing every proud moment I have had as a parent {there have been many}
...nor do I intend for this to be solely about my jewelry {although that will certainly be a side-bar, since that is how my creativity is manifested.}

This is what I believe this online journal should be about...
...I believe wholeheartedly that anytime we can create community in the "global village" and maintain a connectedness through personal meaning that we are fostering growth and good in the world.
...I firmly intend to challenge myself to see everyday things from a different perspective and attempt to be more creative in the process.
...I have only just begun this online journal in order to provide a creative outlet for myself with a potential by-product of inspiring creativity in others.

It may not resonate with all readers, but I do believe that there is a community waiting to be discovered and I invite you to stay awhile if you, too, are of the same mind.

Send me a shout-out.

Post a comment.

Challenge yourself to tap into a creative community, no matter where that takes you.
And as with most things, I am hopeful.

The Autumn 2008 issue of Artful Blogging http://www.stampington.com/html/artful_blogging.html was a fine resource to consult. I learned that as good a place to start as any is the name. After all, this is how people will connect with me and share in the journey. This was actually quite easy for me. My company name is Tesori Trovati which is Italian for treasures found. So Treasures Found it is. My sub-title Inspiration is Everywhere defines what this place is about.

Whether your calling is...cooking, singing, dancing, or designing...or maybe your profession...installing duct work, crunching numbers, landscaping or selling chocolates...we are each artists in whatever we choose to put our soul into, whatever makes our heart sing. My wish is to tell the story of those inspirations and perhaps hear a bit of what inspires you.

I will try to end each post with my Check It Out for the day...one blog/journal/website that I found inspirational. I will not tell you much about why I found inspiration there...you have to you discover for yourself.

If you do check it out, let me (and the author of said blog) know what you think!

Check It Out:: A Fanciful Twist
Enjoy the day!

Fun With Focals

"Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun's rays do not burn until brought to a focus." ~ Alexander Graham Bell

I had no idea that I would hit such a NERVE with my last post about the dentist {pun intended...teehee!}.

It seems that I am not alone in my dislike of the dental profession {nothing against dentists and hygienists, mind you...but it seems that there was a lot of general scarring of psyches going on in our collective past}.

My computer is still not back. {:-(} Looks like it may need to have its memory erased and a fresh blank slate to start from. {I am still hoping that the laptop fairy will grant me a visit and swoop in with one of those new Dell's with the fancy outside candy shells. Yay.......right.}

But I didn't want you to think that just because I was keyboardless that I was any less inspired to create.

A few weeks ago, my dear friend {and most awesome bead artist} Heather Powers issued a challenge inspired by the Fun With Focals section in the Best of Stringing issue that just came out. {Give me a challenge and I am rigth there with you...if not I am floundering in a pit of despair with no way out.} That issue is near and dear to my heart with two of my pieces included, but this is a challenge that is the proverbial kick in the pants for me. The idea was to make one piece of jewelry each day based on her chosen focal. I did, in fact, participate in the week that she issued the challenge, but with my computer out of commission, I was not able to show off.... Until now...

And since you all seem a bit traumatized by reliving my recent dental escapades... I figured the least I could do is tempt you back to your happy place with a bit of handmade eye candy...

Here are my submissions....

Fun With Focals Day One - Horizontal

Ceramic beads: Jennifer Heynen, Jangles
Glass wafer bead: Kerry Bogert, KAB's Concepts
Felt ball: Hoi Lam
Glass disks & beads, matte silver chain: Michaels

This piece was created for the Fun With Focals Day 1 challenge to make a horizontal focus. I was also inspired to take my colors and patterns from the Art Bead Scene October challenge of the folk art Piano Playing Cow (but due to computer issues, I missed uploading to that month). {But I also need to prove it to the world that I did actually follow through on a challenge!}

Fun With Focals Day Two - Fiber

Ceramic escutcheon keyhole: Melanie Brooks, Earthenwood Studios
Vintage rollo chain
Leather
Skeleton key
Faceted garnet chunk: ArtGems
Copper twisted spacer: AD Adornments
Small garnet rough faceted nuggets: Rings & Things

This piece was created for the Fun With Focals Day 2 challenge to use fiber in the focal.
I used leather knotted around the key to tie it to the keyhole.
I was inspired by the idea of vampire lore with this key being the one to keep the beast at bay. The garnets symbolizing precious drops of the elixir of life.

Fun With Focals Day Three - Jump Rings

Leather, Copper wire & Colored aluminum jump rings: Michaels
Sterling Silver flower connector {I know not where...Fusion?}
Porcelain button: Joan Miller
Mixed Media pendant: Lynn Davis, ExpeditionD

This piece was created for the Fun With Focals Day 3 challenge to use jump rings in the focal.
I used these really colorful and lightweight aluminum jump rings in a modified flower chain maille pattern to add some color and visual weight to the piece. I bought the lovely porcelain button from Joan at the Bead & Button show {thanks Heather, for pointing out all the right stuff for me to blow my wad on!}, and that custom made mixed media focal is what I would wish I could make...but was a free gift with purchase from Lynn Davis. So cool!

Fun With Focals Day Four - Chain

Ceramic raku button: Lisa Peters
Faceted natural mother of pearl rounds, green rice pearls, bronze coin pearl: Rings & Things
Chain: Michaels

Created as a birthday present for my friend Dorie. To celebrate her Quiet Beauty. {Incidentally, she called me as I was writing this...she loves it! Especially that cool focal button...}
This was also created for the Fun With Focals Day 4 challenge using chain as the focal. The chain and pearl part is meant to be front and center. The raku button is off to the left side. The colors that Lisa Peters creates with defy explanation to me. They are so deep and mysterious and gorgeous. Go get yourself some!

Fun With Focals Day Five - Findings

Geode slice: Galena Beads
Swirl clasp and chain: Vintaj
Bronze arrow head charm: Yone Beads
Swarovski crystals: Jolee's Jewels
Leather & Pearls: Rings & Things

This was created for the Fun With Focals Day 5 challenge to use findings in your focal.
I love the Vintaj brass and those swirls show up in much more than just clasps for me!

Inadequate

"If suffering brought wisdom,
the dentist’s office would be full of luminous ideas."
~Mason Cooley

{Photo credit: "Say AHHH!" RedChelli76}

Why is it that when I go to the dentist I feel completely inadequate?

I mean...I brush and floss {okay, not as much as I should, but I do} and I use special toothpastes and rinses and vibrating brushes...but every single time I go to get my teeth cleaned I feel that I have the worst looking mouth on the planet. And just about every single time I go I have a new cavity.

Perhaps the enamel on my teeth is exceedingly thin.

Perhaps some over the counter medication I took made the surface of my teeth filled with microscopic holes in which all the bad things get in and can't get out.

Perhaps I overestimate my brushing, flossing and rinsing commitment {that may have some truth}.

Perhaps my teeth are exceedingly large and my jaw is exceedingly small {that definitely has truth since I had to have many teeth pulled just to make room for them to all play nice when I had my braces...and they still pushed back and aren't 100% straight much to the chagrin of my parents}.

I hate going to the dentist.

I hate the smell that greets me when I open the office door.
I hate the sounds of drills and suction tubes.
I hate trying to keep my dignity while drooling on myself while wearing a paper bib.
I hate it when they strike up a conversation with you that requires more than just a head nod when I have all sorts of appendages and tubes and hands stuck in my mouth.

Don't get me wrong...I know that it is a necessary thing to being healthy {necessary evil, maybe}. My dentist is a very nice man and my hygienist is sweet. I hate the entire experience nonetheless. If they didn't keep hounding me every six months and call me every week to set up that appointment {that I am adept at dodging since I have caller ID}, and if they didn't just keep persisting by setting up the appointment for me and then sending a remider postcard and phone call, I know I wouldn't go. But I have to be a good role model for my children, right?

When I moved to the area I am now back when I was 9 I had been going to a dentist in another state that gave me laughing gas practically from the moment I walked in the door. My mother never questioned why I never seemed bothered by the visits as other kids undoubtedly were. I can recall the feeling of weightlessness and floating around the room. I actually liked it. {Perhaps they were giving me way more gas than was appropriate for one so young, or the gas is a different kind, because I have never felt that "high" since. Ah...the good old days.}

My uncle was a local dentist in our new town. He was someone I only saw once or twice a year at a family function and was married to my father's sister. So when we moved here, it was obvious that we would be going to him. On my first trip in it was apparent that I had cavities. Lots of them. What wasn't apparent to my mother was what all the screaming coming from the exam room was all about.

My uncle did not believe in laughing gas. In fact, I came to learn that he didn't believe in novocaine either {my mother continued to go see him and never had any anesthesia when she had procedures done, perhaps to make up for my transgressions}.

And here he was coming for my mouth with a drill in his hand.

After a few minutes of wrangling and swearing {under his breath} on his part and dodging and crying {quite boisterously I might add} on my part, he thrust me back out into the waiting room, shoved me toward my mother and loudly professed to all in that room that I was not welcome back there. Ever.

Not that I blame him. But I was not interested in coming back their either, whether they had the latest Highlights issue or not.

So we shopped for other dentists in town before we found my dentist {who incidentally did believe in laughing gas...and novocaine...and letting you listen to headphones with your favorite music turned up loud enough to drown out the sounds of the drill}. And I have been there ever since.

When it came time to choose a dentist for my own children we gave them the choice: go to Dad's dentist or Mom's dentist. Thankfully, they chose the former {because that meant that Dad had the duty to get them there and make the appointments since the relationship was established through him. Brilliant "unwritten" rule.}

And that also meant that I didn't have to be the brave little soldier with my own dental adventures. I just have to be the one to harp on brushing and {ahem} flossing practices.

So I have to go back to have a filling drilled under an existing filling {for the record, this has been happening to me in the last two years... loads of fun to have one old filling cleared out and more drilling and then restructured new filling}. I am sure that my dentist sees me as a renewable resource for him. Which is probably why they have become so efficient in being sure that I set up that next 6 month appointment.

Perhaps they will not be able to find me when I move across town to my new home soon. {Drats. I recall that I told them my new address.}

What areas of your life do you feel that constant nag of inadequacy?
How do you overcome or compensate for those feelings?
Are they real or imagined inadequacies?

Do tell!

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I have to apologize for the "radio silence" of late. Last Friday when the heavy winds made the power flicker, my computer chose that moment to fizzle out. Now I am faced with the "blue screen of death" that won't go away {my computer "guru" says that is not a good sign} and I am not sure when {or if} the machine will be repaired {perhaps there is a new laptop in my future after all}.

I never realized before how essential my computer is to my daily life. There is a big hole where it used to be {literally and figuratively} and I miss it. It also means that it might take me longer to respond to emails, post to my blog, upload photos of all the new jewelry design I have done {including, but not limited to, designs for publications I had hoped to be submitting, Heather Powers' awesome Fun With Focals challenge, Art Bead Scene for October and November and a project that shall remain shrouded in mystery until I can make a big reveal...}

So if you are trying to contact me...keep trying...I can check the email and blog here and there. And I hope to be back at it again soon!

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Check It Out::Serendipity Smiles
Because we can all use a little bit of that!

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Some tortures are physical
And some are mental,
But the one that is both
Is dental.
~Ogden Nash

Enjoy the day!