International Gem & Jewelry Show, Inc.

On Friday, May 6th my friend dragged me – kicking and screaming to a bead show.  It was the International Gem & Jewelry Show in Marlborough, MA at the Royal Plaza Trade Center.  Actually, I couldn’t wait to go, but I wanted to keep my spending low. Something that isn’t easy with all the beautiful temptations at these shows.  This was the second show of this type that I’ve attended. Such sparkle! You almost needed sunglasses to walk through the place.

Even though there was a tremendous amount of inventory being hawked at the show, the dealers weren’t selling the type of unusual hand crafted beads I use for my eclectic jewelry. Still, it is amazing to see so many glistening beads in one place.

I really behaved myself.  Mostly, I purchased beads I would usually use in my jewelry. The only different purchase I made was a pair of silver hoop earrings for myself.  It seems counter projective to purchase earrings made by someone else when I make earrings – however, these are the type of hoops that click closed in the back, and I can’t make that type. They are sort of “work horse” earrings.  


What a beautiful day.  Not only did I have fun, but the weather was mild and sunny  While I waited for my friend to arrive I snapped a few spring pictures. 

All in all – an inspiring day.

Visitor

This afternoon I looked out in my back yard and discovered a cute visitor. This bunny looks well fed...

                                       Decided to leave...

Rattlesnake Gutter

My Dad's apartment is empty now. All done - I handed in the keys. It wasn't as traumatic for me as I had expected. Just a lot of work. Sad though, that we won't be spending time with him there any more.

My friend decided I should get away and go for a ride. Good idea. Helped me not think too deeply that day...

So on Friday...we went to Franklyn County, Ma. We found a place of serenity to walk. I loved the sound of the brook flowing through.

It’s called Rattlesnake Gutter!!!! It seemed more like a gorge to me. Deep stone walls on one side with large rocks that had fallen down eons ago. My photos don't show the height of the rock walls. It would be a treacherous walk in the winter if it were icy because you could slide off the side of the road into the ravine or “Gutter!”  Moss covered trees and rocks and brown leaves gave the place a peaceful feeling.

Here's a look  -

 

Lots of creature condos in this area!

It's in the mail.....!!!!!!!!!!!

I did it!  I'm proud of myself.  I finished my book for The Fiction Project, and I sent it back in the mail yesterday. 

This may not seem like an accomplishment but for me it was huge.  Not only did I write a fiction story which was something out of my comfort zone, but I completed the book while under huge duress. (I must admit creating the book was a wonderful diversion from my worries about my Dad.)  And, I got it done on time. That only happened because I decided it was more important to get the book done than to have it perfect.  (It worked.)

Next, letting it go...That was a little tough. I wanted to keep it so I could show all my friends. The copies I made are pretty good.  However, they don't have the same tactile feel of the book.  You can't touch the handmade paper, or feel the fabric collage, or open the interactive page.  It's just different. 

Below is a picture of the inside of the Brooklyn Art Library that I took off the internet. I wish the library was here in Boston.

Any one up for doing the Sketch Book Project of 2012? 
Here is a link to The Art House Co-op


The Brooklyn Art Library

New Beginnings

I suppose I've had a re-awakening of sorts.
Perhaps, that's what a death of a loved one will do to you.


I read a great quote that has stuck with me:
"Death is the celebration that teaches us how to live"
Not sure who wrote it, but for me it's true in that I'm making some changes in my life.


1)  I've decided to eat healthier - within reason.


2)  I'm going to sketch every morning while I sip my (decaf)coffee.


3)  OK...I'm getting back to walking.  No excuses, I now have time for myself.

4)  I've begun a "one line" night time journal


This morning I tried a new recipe.
Not sure if I did it right - it took me way longer to cook the Quinoa than the recipe called for.

I added dried cranberries, walnuts and a few cut up plums.
I used the coconut milk to cook it instead of water, and I liked that.


Hot Quinoa Breakfast Cereal


Ingredients:
1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
coconut milk
Stevia or honey


Directions:
Soak the quinoa in cold water for 5 minutes
Drain and rinse - (I couldn't drain it because the grain was too small) I simply added coconut milk to the water
to cook it.  Also, It needed more liquid as it cooked.


In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa, the cranberries, walnuts and plums with the water (and coconut milk if you choose

Simmer until the water is absorbed.  It took my quinoa 15 min, but the recipe called for 5 minutes.


Serve with milk and sweeten with Stevia or honey or sugar


Note:
I cooked mine in the coconut milk, but I think this adds too many calories.  Next time I'll cook it in water, and add the coconut milk when I eat it.  You could use soy milk or milk instead.


I know this is a healthy breakfast, but I wasn't crazy about it.
Maybe, I'll get used to it?


Let me know if you try it or have a better recipe for quinoa
Thanks

A few pages from my Fiction Project book

This page is interactive. 

I'm a little afraid the stick will get lost.

Below is the cover I chose.  The shells tie into the story.  The cover is from one of my watercolors.  I had to cut it down to make the cover so I scanned the painting, printed it out on photo paper in matte.  Then, I cut it to fit. Only after I glued it on the book did I realize the ink isn't permanent. 

The cover looks a bit worn and I like that effect.  I sprayed it with fixitive, and I'm hoping it will stand up to handling.

Throughout the book the mischievous muse shows up.  These pictures are really me in differnt outfits. 

Only my family, friends and blog readers will know who the muse really is.  Actually, she is named after my Mom who was a wonderful muse though she didn't know it.

a changed world

It's a different world now for me. 
I'm not sure it has all hit home yet. 

 

I don't want to keep talking about my saddness on my blog. At the same time, I don't want anyone to ever think I'm being disrespectful to my Father as I go back to my usual posts.

Two weeks ago today my life changed forever when my Dad passed from this earth. I think I made my Dad proud by dealing with everything involved with his passing. It's amazing how many details needed to be handled - and right away! My family has been extremely supportive, too. Perhaps, being so busy helps you get by...but it's at night when it all hits you.

It's difficult to move on....but I think this is a healthy step.
One of the things I need to do for myself is send in my Fiction Project book before the deadline. My Dad knew about the book and kept asking me how it was coming along. Unfortunately, he never saw the finished book. I think he would like it.

Anyway, tomorrow the book goes in the mail. A creation I don't really want to part with! I wonder if my fellow Fiction Project creators feel the same way. I want to share my book, but it's my baby, and it's hard to let it go.  

Some photos of flowers sent in honor of my Dad...

Thoughts about my Dad...

Here is the saying I picked for my Dad's prayer cards for people to take with them from the funeral home. It seemed like something he would want us to know.  It's also, the message I would want my loved ones and friends to hold in their hearts when I pass:

I'd like the memory of me
to be a happy one,
I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles
when life is done.

I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,
of happy times and laughing times
and bright and sunny days.

I'd like the tears, of those who grieve,
to dry before the sun of happy memories
that I leave when life is done.
***

Friends of my Father have told me that even though they really miss him they find themselves smiling when they remember the times with my Dad.  To me, that is a most wonderful legacy to leave behind. - My Dad touched other peoples lives in a true and positive way.

my heart is broken...

 
My Father went in the hospital in January and since then he was in and out of the hospital four times.  He also, spent two weeks in a rehab facility where he was doing great until he got hit with the Flu.

In between hospital stays I was taking care of him.  He put up an amazing battle to get better, but on Thursday, April 14, 2011 he slipped from this world while I had left the hospital to go home for dinner.

I was stunned because the Doctor told me my Dad had improved so much he would be moved to a regular room the next day.  I never expected the phone call saying he had taken a turn for the worse!  By the time I rushed back to the hospital he was gone.

Now, I'm playing games in my head.  -  Perhaps, I should have taken him to the Dr. sooner.  I should have asked this question or that question...I shouldn't have left the hospital to go home when I did.  I know I need to give it rest, but I just wanted him to get better so badly. 

 Leo was a World War II Veteran, and a kind, sweet person.  He never complained about anything ever.  He was mentally with it, too; and he loved baseball.

The funeral is the end of this week. 

The funeral is this Friday, Good Friday.

My Dad was well loved and will be truly missed.