tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56412438111734936882024-03-05T22:32:21.674-07:00Terra BeadworksJewelry created by hand - One bead at a timeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052648468989130418noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641243811173493688.post-77412065149979150042014-01-09T07:26:00.000-07:002014-01-09T07:26:12.596-07:00Appreciation For My Blogging Friends<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">.This is a great time to express grattitude for all the friends I have met through blogging, buying beads and designing jewelry. What a great bunch of talented artisans in the bead world. Each and every one of you have touched me in some way or inspired me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I have let my blogging, blog challenges, Etsy and jewelry design go for the time being while my shoulder heals and my resolution for this year is NO GUILT. I will do what I can do and that's all there is to it. Sometimes life decides to send us in a different direction and that's okay. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I will keep up with blogs but may not leave comments (no guilt) so please know that I am still here. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">So thank you all dear people. You mean the world to me.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglljiCyXmxxNpW7NHAAjBDE58eSgsAanBuEgknzGHesqhFQkvpEeBkIui_xeAr6vioFNiY5yNkPprtVuMDPu3xnAzcASbTPCScxw8DeHjCe36qVKyKVWX30Ei6k73CU_zS5wQa5x6PJl6R/s1600/2013+May+22_1103_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglljiCyXmxxNpW7NHAAjBDE58eSgsAanBuEgknzGHesqhFQkvpEeBkIui_xeAr6vioFNiY5yNkPprtVuMDPu3xnAzcASbTPCScxw8DeHjCe36qVKyKVWX30Ei6k73CU_zS5wQa5x6PJl6R/s1600/2013+May+22_1103_edited-1.jpg" height="237" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A freeform bracelet I made quite a few months ago</span></td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052648468989130418noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641243811173493688.post-38701412112722515072013-11-23T17:28:00.000-07:002014-01-09T07:05:20.035-07:00Week 47 Focus on Life - Centerpiece<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">It has been hit and miss for the </span><a href="http://thestudiosublime.com/blog-2/"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Focus on Life</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> weekly series that has been going on for 46 weeks. I started late and had good intentions but this has been an unproductive year. I feel like my iPhone when I realize there is very little battery life left and then it goes dead. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">My rotator cuff has torn again so I am facing surgery next week for my right shoulder. I had surgery in 2006 for the same issue but here I go once again. Very frustrating not to be able to do the beadwork I have grown to love. It seems to be the one thing that centers me and brings calm and balance to my life. For me it is meditative and time passes before I can realize how long I spent in this state.</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052648468989130418noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641243811173493688.post-74420938136702026302013-09-29T14:36:00.000-06:002014-01-09T07:48:57.845-07:00Focus on Life 39 - Your Best Shot<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I am stuggling to keep up and so I have had to cut back on blogging, creating beautiful things and taking pictures like I used to. Found out a couple weeks ago that I have two torn tendons in my right shoulder plus inflammation of the Bursa and who knows what else. I am waiting to see a specialist and find out what the future holds. Meantime, I do what I can and being right handed keeps my shoulder in almost constant pain. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">On Friday, my son and grandson came for a visit and sleepover. Henry wanted me to go exploring in the trees and it was a good opportunity to take some pictures. I love the backlight from the bright sunshine. He loves Super Heroes so is constantly making gestures like they do.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SBMbZZ15JaxVDXgFW0UgewONU1uMc6OzsRTezL1kyagJqW_QzkJkvR0xfZ4ieGwCADI5rJoH9EP87Drd5YVC0rYSth-Gj_aYwAiP9HdYj1WsrU5p9BAYEUw1DCZdF8D1q_pFiglPIMOr/s1600/IMG_0268Henry1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SBMbZZ15JaxVDXgFW0UgewONU1uMc6OzsRTezL1kyagJqW_QzkJkvR0xfZ4ieGwCADI5rJoH9EP87Drd5YVC0rYSth-Gj_aYwAiP9HdYj1WsrU5p9BAYEUw1DCZdF8D1q_pFiglPIMOr/s1600/IMG_0268Henry1.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I think this is definitely my best shot for some time and it happened quite by accident. If you want to see more Focus on Life pictures, make sure to visit Sally over at <a href="http://thestudiosublime.com/focus-on-life/">The Studio Sublime</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Thanks for stopping by, it is great to see you again!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052648468989130418noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641243811173493688.post-2005045234625885992013-08-23T14:57:00.000-06:002013-08-23T21:43:45.013-06:00I am back for more Focus on Life <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">My goodness, it has been a while - almost two months I've missed joining you here each week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I have been away in BC on Vancouver Island where we have a second home. I went </span><span style="font-size: large;">alone</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">for two weeks, then my husband brought three of our grandkids. They stayed 26 more days and we just brought them back home to Alberta. Weather at the coast was gorgeous so we had a busy and enjoyable time. I decided to spend time with them and cut out computer and blogging time as I don't know how many more years they will join us. They are thirteen, almost twelve and eight and have spent time with us every summer since 2007. Time spent with grand kids is precious!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrIPyE0qWHaPyHcwqEO3k4OICtx6DnlcG__D9dDn0MCO0i8e8K6mauwoDpmI4V1vNwHmekXqnh-KH2rOGiXKrnPXNgxwW2qbSLlmpL1N5RiFC7s046tw2DRNo3vJc00ik9ftXMioW5g_VE/s1600/IMG_8781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrIPyE0qWHaPyHcwqEO3k4OICtx6DnlcG__D9dDn0MCO0i8e8K6mauwoDpmI4V1vNwHmekXqnh-KH2rOGiXKrnPXNgxwW2qbSLlmpL1N5RiFC7s046tw2DRNo3vJc00ik9ftXMioW5g_VE/s400/IMG_8781.JPG" width="303" /></a> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">This picture goes along with last week's prompt - <b>In Season</b>. When we got back, the garden was loaded with green and yellow beans, beets, carrots, potatoes and many green tomatoes that are ripening on the vine . We have been enjoying fresh vegies every night. So good! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Oh yes many dandelions and weeds are in season as well. I added the boost feature in Picasa.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbvB28WSTiz7IGVPIevkkow6Jtf4lhGb4baZg9cfjDGLZCRbbhxbt7pJeYtoglQcW5sL7iPSY3JiPG_0bqZjF6WIXzF1t0F8xfUBYvMi3HQsu_tA-xtSHfDrluxT6vPvx3gQFpdGBc5KQ/s1600/IMG_2027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbvB28WSTiz7IGVPIevkkow6Jtf4lhGb4baZg9cfjDGLZCRbbhxbt7pJeYtoglQcW5sL7iPSY3JiPG_0bqZjF6WIXzF1t0F8xfUBYvMi3HQsu_tA-xtSHfDrluxT6vPvx3gQFpdGBc5KQ/s400/IMG_2027.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Kids love water and this hot pool was enjoyed on our return trip. That is one beautiful view don't you think? I edited this in Picasa and added boost and lomo-ish. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Now head over to <a href="http://thestudiosublime.com/blog-2/">The Studio Sublime</a> to find more focus on life blogs. </span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052648468989130418noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641243811173493688.post-68899911236773912982013-06-29T08:56:00.000-06:002013-06-29T17:25:50.985-06:00Follow me on Bloglovin<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4067097/?claim=p8qgakasfzb">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a></span><br />
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Since Google Reader is going away I don't want to miss you or your visits. Please come with me over to Bloglovin. I appreciate each and every one of you. It wouldn't be the same without you......thank you!<br />
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KatherineAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052648468989130418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641243811173493688.post-55216841532597212942013-06-28T21:02:00.000-06:002013-06-28T21:02:11.816-06:00Week 26 Focus on Life...?<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>This week we had no prompt and were given free reign to address anything we wanted to. I had an idea of taking pictures of some recent bead weaving but today my mind was changed.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>I took three grand kids out for lunch and gave them a bit of spending money as reward for doing well in school this past year. Twenty bucks doesn't go far these days.... have you noticed? It was fun taking them from store to store as they wondered if they would find a coveted item. However, they kept wondering if the next store would be even better so hung on to their money until they couldn't stand it anymore. My eight year old grand son Kyan spent some but had a few dollars left in his pocket which surprised me. He doesn't tend to save anything.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> My thirteen year old grand daughter Jamisyn bought two items on sale...clothes of course and used it all. She is a very focused shopper and doesn't mind looking on the sales rack. Good for her! </b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Jenica my grand daughter has a giving heart</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Jenica is 11-3/4 and she is an artist like me. She is creative and loves anything shiny and glittery. She is at the age where clothes don't fit - she wants to wear teen clothes but still has a child's body so gets discouraged easily. In the crafts department we found a mood lamp that would be marvelous for her room. It is like a lava lamp but has colored balls in the bottom that change and glow as the light shines up through them. She had about seven dollars left.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>You may think this story is ho-hum and yes, it probably is but it's not finished - yet.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>My last stop was an art store to get yet more micron pens and fine line markers for my doodling and zentangle obsession. Who doesn't need more pens? Jenica (my little artist) went with me and as I was self absorbed in the pen aisle I looked over to where she was. She was dropping something inside a big glass jar. I saw that it said: <span style="background-color: #a2c4c9;"> Donation fund for flood victims. </span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Jenica reluctantly told me she had put all her remaining money in the jar. I told her I was so proud of what she was doing. In the true spirit of giving, she did not want anyone to notice. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>As we left the store she said to me, "That isn't going to go very far is it?" I told her that every little donation helps the Red Cross do the important work they do. </b></span><br />
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<b> This is my focus on life - thanks for stopping by and leaving positive comments. I appreciate it.</b><br />
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<b>Now head over to <a href="http://thestudiosublime.com/2013/06/28/week-26/">The Studio Sublime</a> to see what others focused on this week.</b><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052648468989130418noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641243811173493688.post-59446924492359309902013-06-22T09:01:00.000-06:002013-06-22T09:18:35.736-06:00Focus on Life Week 25 - You are....<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.1875px;"><b>This week our prompt was: 'You Are...' fill in the blank with 'the positive reinforcement YOU deserve'. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #222222; line-height: 18.1875px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #222222; line-height: 18.1875px;">I am a very giving person in fact I will do for others long after I should stop and look after myself. I am married to a wonderful man and we celebrated our 38th anniversary last December.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #222222; line-height: 18.1875px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #222222; line-height: 18.1875px;">I am creative and for me it fulfills me. I have to do something creative every day or I feel incomplete. </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #222222; line-height: 18.1875px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #222222; line-height: 18.1875px;">I am a grandmother to five. Three boys and two girls. They are the love and joy of my life.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #222222; line-height: 18.1875px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #222222; line-height: 18.1875px;">I am a mother to a son and daughter. They make me so proud not just because of what they do but who they have become as a person. </span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.1875px;"><b>I have a wonderful daughter-in-law Kathy so we are both Kathy Gales.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>I am capable and determined - I feel like I can do anything I set my mind to. One of my big accomplishments was getting my pilot's license just before I turned 50! I am more proud of that than anything else.</b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>The proud day I became a pilot June 20, 2002</b></span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Right now we are experiencing floods and devastation in the southern part of Alberta - the beautiful province where I live. My heart and prayers go out to all the people who have lost their homes and are displaced. I am fine where I live but so much has been destroyed by this natural disaster. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Thank you for stopping by once again and please take a look at what others have done at <a href="http://thestudiosublime.com/2013/06/21/week25/">The Studio Sublime</a></span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052648468989130418noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641243811173493688.post-71120515696586535322013-06-15T09:54:00.000-06:002013-06-15T10:37:34.007-06:00Week 24 Focus on Life - Green<b>How can it be that we are at week 24 already? I missed the last three weeks in spite of every good intention. I gather all my tension in my neck and since I had been on a bead work spree, it really is a hard position to maintain for hours like I seem to do. As a consequence for getting my muse back, I am suffering from shoulder pain. I guess I need to take regular breaks and stretch.</b><br />
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<b>In addition, I went to see a hand specialist and he did minor surgery on my thumb tendon/joint. Was expecting a consult and a booking for surgery but no, he said he could do it then and there. I had been waiting 17 mos. to see him so I wasn't about to leave. My thumb was frozen and he proceeded with a fifteen minute procedure. It has not bothered much at all and is healing nicely. </b><br />
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<b>So most mornings I sit on my deck....when the sun shines that is...and have my coffee and just contemplate the greenery around me. It certainly does evoke a feeling of calm and balance.</b><br />
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<b>The grandkids enjoy using this hammock and I admit to having tried it a few times.</b><b>Great way to get a different perspective. My husband was late getting his garden in so not much is growing yet. </b><br />
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<b>Thanks for stopping by again. If you want to see all things Green - head on over to <a href="http://thestudiosublime.com/2013/06/14/week-24-green/">Sally Russick's</a> blog.</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052648468989130418noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641243811173493688.post-16030005389511183472013-05-18T08:57:00.000-06:002013-05-19T17:27:46.793-06:00Week 20 Focus on Life - Looking Up<b>The prompt given to us this week, was Looking Up. Where I am presently everything in the city is built on hills or cliffs so there are many opportunities to look up or down depending where you are. My husband told me about a</b><b> trail beside a lake where we could walk the dogs.</b><b> He said it was a lovely spot and he was right!</b><br />
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<b>We climbed down these stairs to start our walk so I turned around and looked up. </b></div>
<b> Great perspective. What is it with me and stairs?</b><br />
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<b> Fancy homes built on Long Lake. How much closer can you get? </b><br />
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<b>So many trees formed canopies over the trail. </b><br />
<b> I like this one of my husband and Rosie on the trail.</b><br />
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<b> There are some old growth trees at least 300 ft. high. I wonder how long they have been there? The eagles are soaring above right now and they are nesting in the tallest trees. </b><b> I would like to get their picture but I don't have my telephoto lens with me.</b><br />
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<b> I couldn't help myself - I spent a lot of time looking up to the top of the trees. Such beauty.</b><br />
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<b>If you would like to see what everyone else looked up at this week - head over to <a href="http://thestudiosublime.com/2013/05/17/week-20-looking-up/">The Studio Sublime</a></b><br />
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<b>Thanks for stopping by.</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052648468989130418noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641243811173493688.post-25516862620951326272013-05-15T06:00:00.000-06:002013-05-15T07:36:23.893-06:00A Time to Stitch 3 Blog Hop Reveal<b>It's been a long time coming but today is the reveal for A Time to Stitch 3, hosted by two wonderful ladies <a href="http://theresestreasures59.blogspot.ca/">Therese</a> and <a href="http://onekisscreations.blogspot.ca/">Christine</a>. I wouldn't miss this blog hop for anything. I always have fun and learn something new while sharing with some truly awesome and inspiring bead weavers. In fact, I feel humbled to be in this group but I love being here.. It's like being in Kindergarten and having your big sister in college come to visit your blog. These ladies are truly awesome in their creative abilities so make sure you go visit each and every one. </b><br />
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<b>I have been in a bead weaving and jewelry making funk for a while - just can't seem to get my act together in that creative department. So when you can't do something - you need to just DO IT! I jumped on board and then procrastinated for several weeks because I knew I had to learn some new stitches. This is what Therese and Christine asked of us:</b><br />
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<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You choose One (or more) of the following Flat Stitches ~ Brick, Ladder, or Square</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> AND</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">One (or more) of the following Spiral Stitches ~ Russian Spiral, Cellini Spiral, or African Helix. </span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">
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<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So you will choose at least One Flat and One Spiral for the Hop.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Ok then....where do I start? I watched several tutorials that Christine posted and decided to try a spiral because those were making me panic. I tried African Helix and it didn't go well. Fail! Ok let's go on to flat stitches...so took a look at those. I started experimentng with a brick stitch tutorial and it went very well. Here is the finished bracelet I made:</b></span></div>
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<b> I used 7/0 red opaque three cut picasso czech beads that I have been holding for a while. The sections were made using brick stitch as I was trying to figure the stitch out. I liked it so much I then had to figure out how to make it into a finished bracelet. I did not take a picture of the two outside sections. </b><br />
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<b>I had some 2/0 three cut opaque red and yellow picasso czech beads which are stunning. I love three cut beads! So I just started stitching the pieces together with more red three cut beads until it was joined into one piece.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57SZQcdLzTaqqc6HCra4ZarKfXlrWUzMwUbgCakiACeYCFBwXPHGeCbsXg-q0WN1vfgaw65slX0YPkPDSGbK-eWYP0s83pool0nALPgN8pMnS8FhWHSykQu6jgeK_aF_agcsgoBcuEvle/s1600/2013+May+14_0873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57SZQcdLzTaqqc6HCra4ZarKfXlrWUzMwUbgCakiACeYCFBwXPHGeCbsXg-q0WN1vfgaw65slX0YPkPDSGbK-eWYP0s83pool0nALPgN8pMnS8FhWHSykQu6jgeK_aF_agcsgoBcuEvle/s400/2013+May+14_0873.JPG" width="400" /></b></a></div>
<b>I strung on a Saki Bronze clasp that I have been hoarding. I think it adds texture and aged bronze is the perfect metal compliment. It was not complete until I added a picot edging to give it a bit more width and fullness. I am pretty happy with this.</b><br />
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<b>Then to figure out the spiral .....in desperation I tried Russian spiral from a tutorial and it worked perfectly the first time. I was shocked and amazed. </b><br />
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<b>I strung the spiral segment onto beading wire, added black pearls and accent 32/0 three cut czech picasso beads to complete the main neck piece. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pSnxi_JgPgPzDDClII4h1cKH6ihxNQpvsbCkM1WkHZ1VrkSZeqt3dhxhV_xOOm7-IzjrT1L7aw7hdpFP7_W7GOVwKKNS6wJ15bIPkswS0KkBrCpcTR7ggU4QAgy50KPn9MAQoOI277iw/s1600/2013+May+14_0871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pSnxi_JgPgPzDDClII4h1cKH6ihxNQpvsbCkM1WkHZ1VrkSZeqt3dhxhV_xOOm7-IzjrT1L7aw7hdpFP7_W7GOVwKKNS6wJ15bIPkswS0KkBrCpcTR7ggU4QAgy50KPn9MAQoOI277iw/s400/2013+May+14_0871.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b>I had this little turquoise pony bead with coral inlay (from Treehouse Studios) and it was my inspiration for adding the beadwork and fringe in colors to match. The finished necklace ended up better than I could have imagined...!</b></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b>This week I ordered a tutorial from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/sagescupboard">Mortira</a> and got playing around with it and made these cute little star fish using brick stitch. </b></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b>They were such fun to make - I couldn't stop! I am going to make more to put on my grand daughters sandals. I think they will love that cool addition don't you?</b><br />
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<b>Did I have fun getting back into bead weaving? You bet I did! I can't wait to do more. Thanks Christine and Therese for hosting this again. You make it fun and push us to get out of our comfort zone. Can't wait to see what everyone made. Here is the list so go see what they made. </b></div>
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<b>Thanks for stopping by. </b></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<a href="http://www.theresestreasures59.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Therese Frank</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<a href="http://onekisscreations.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Christine Altmiller</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<a href="http://zingalasworkshop.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Maryanne Gross</a><br />
<a href="http://www.antiquitytravelers.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Cynthia Machata</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<a href="http://beadsong.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Bobbie Rafferty</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<a href="http://terrabeadworks.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Katherine Gale</a> - you are here!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<a href="http://thestudiosublime.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Sally Russick</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<a href="http://silverniknats.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Niky</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<a href="http://pepita-handmade.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Alenka</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<a href="http://www.kimmykats.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Kim Hora</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<a href="http://backstorybeads.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Karin Slaton</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<a href="http://beadsandbread.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Shirley Moore</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<a href="http://www.beadsinspireme.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Tami Norris</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<a href="http://amybeads.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Amy Severino</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<a href="http://www.allprettythings.ca/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Alicia Marinache</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.beadlolabead.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Lola Surwillo</a></div>
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<a href="http://beadsforbrains.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Mandy Duffy</a></div>
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<a href="http://kristen-beadjourney.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Kristen Stevens</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052648468989130418noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641243811173493688.post-15890677983604416742013-05-10T16:01:00.002-06:002013-05-10T16:06:19.652-06:00Week 19 Focus on Life - Hope<b>This week Sally at The Studio Sublime gave us the prompt Hope. What perfect timing for me. It has been a long winter and I have been feeling somewhat down in the dumps. Really needed a change of scenery so I could recharge my creative spirit. </b><br />
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<b>A week ago we made the 1000 km trip to Vancouver Island on the west coast of British Columbia where we are fortunate to have a second home. </b><br />
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<b>When we left Alberta there was still snow on the ground but I had hope that we would find warmer weather and spring blossoms. A little glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel called Hope can get us through a difficult time. </b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiZwhr89VsxY6PSMww8ZQIQhiZlZ8pSKjtqTXML_u0CzoLN34wTlfkBzpsSty-HCjgp9do7m6O6Z4HBLpIHoZU4xDItkIEI3DcE4ThZ9xi0i31sAFUlMGrZ0a0CKeO575gyB9Q6-1sFWH/s1600/IMG_8330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiZwhr89VsxY6PSMww8ZQIQhiZlZ8pSKjtqTXML_u0CzoLN34wTlfkBzpsSty-HCjgp9do7m6O6Z4HBLpIHoZU4xDItkIEI3DcE4ThZ9xi0i31sAFUlMGrZ0a0CKeO575gyB9Q6-1sFWH/s400/IMG_8330.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Still snow on the side of the road where these Mountain sheep were foraging </b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: start;">The mountains are gorgeous and I take dozens of pictures but will only post one. No matter how many times I make this trip I never tire of this beauty. </b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTyu7zgFodEU7BPN3miPNebQvZmdlxQdcTeagDspJTFb7ya1nAcMuqIfYV4YpeiDOHB5d0mZqNnco_NZWgnesLfoqZcgBUMWnrpog8G6UeteTPB8Y8vwXCtxkVq_G47J4jD6JgCH2h97Du/s1600/IMG_8460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTyu7zgFodEU7BPN3miPNebQvZmdlxQdcTeagDspJTFb7ya1nAcMuqIfYV4YpeiDOHB5d0mZqNnco_NZWgnesLfoqZcgBUMWnrpog8G6UeteTPB8Y8vwXCtxkVq_G47J4jD6JgCH2h97Du/s400/IMG_8460.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">View from our deck. We watch ferries come and go from this bay. <br />What a lot of sail boats! There is smoke from forest fires so my pictures are kind of hazy. </span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Lithodora blooming at the front of my home with a peek of ocean behind. <br />I love this deep blue color. </b></span>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: bold;">Lots of time on my deck reading books and doing zentangle. I also have been bead weaving for a challenge on May 15th. Yes, a change of scenery with warmth and color is what I needed and this reminder to never lose hope.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>To see what others have pictured as Hope, go to <a href="http://thestudiosublime.com/2013/05/10/week-19-hope/">The Studio Sublime</a></b></span><br />
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Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate the comments.</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052648468989130418noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641243811173493688.post-87375404775137518582013-05-04T08:44:00.000-06:002013-05-04T16:04:54.109-06:00Week 18 Focus on Life - Abstract<b>I'm not sure my pictures look abstract this week. I traveled to British Columbia and finally found spring and blossoms and warmth. What a different world out here. So you will be seeing pictures from the Canadian West Coast for a few weeks. Yay!</b><br />
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<b> Abstract-</b> <b>New Port Mann Bridge near Vancouver, BC. </b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLffikVdA8lJKRAWxNvMu74LX8rtq72neXkZEpPhFa1kR_RtBrsCiIz43FRUP4t8CDmNV43-LNnGdpAvBdxeqVzEABsS_Xbr2qreJsuTdLiKp7LaB3dfElz03u6lnrMDOvGMvGVXAmyaU/s1600/IMG_8433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLffikVdA8lJKRAWxNvMu74LX8rtq72neXkZEpPhFa1kR_RtBrsCiIz43FRUP4t8CDmNV43-LNnGdpAvBdxeqVzEABsS_Xbr2qreJsuTdLiKp7LaB3dfElz03u6lnrMDOvGMvGVXAmyaU/s400/IMG_8433.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>This new cable-stayed bridge is 10 lanes wide and 2 km long. You can see the old arch bridge just to the right.....</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Abstract- Trees along the Shuswap Lake in British Columbia</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSFoO0W7UQXANwszJTS_rrPbGK7awd9gi_pL7Kd2yRN3mwhybBJHCeLVSAkqmo8g4cPZZl4oSmWUfAbMYc7m2XCLDF5Xq__91v8ORlPO_5z0EoHvU8yBUJHLXhmb8sIbJEGZ9OMjjzh2J/s1600/IMG_8418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSFoO0W7UQXANwszJTS_rrPbGK7awd9gi_pL7Kd2yRN3mwhybBJHCeLVSAkqmo8g4cPZZl4oSmWUfAbMYc7m2XCLDF5Xq__91v8ORlPO_5z0EoHvU8yBUJHLXhmb8sIbJEGZ9OMjjzh2J/s400/IMG_8418.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>these trees made a great silhouette against the sky</b></span></td></tr>
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Thanks for stopping by for a visit. I very much enjoy all your comments each week. Now head over to <a href="http://thestudiosublime.com/2013/05/03/week-18-abstract/">The Studio Sublime</a> for more Abstract pictures. Enjoy your weekend!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052648468989130418noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641243811173493688.post-33377424161420163642013-04-26T14:23:00.000-06:002013-04-26T14:23:32.235-06:00Focus on Life Week 17 - Color<b>Three of my grandkids had this week off from school so we decided to take them to West Edmonton Mall in Edmonton, Alberta for two nights. This is the largest shopping mall in North America and has many unique amenities including a huge waterpark, ice rink, amusement park and marine life. We stayed at the Fantasyland Hotel which is attached to the mall. Believe me there is enough to do there for a full week but my feet were so tired after two days that I was ready to leave. It is virtually like a small city contained under one roof with hundreds of places to eat. With spring arriving, color was abundant - in fashion stores, shoes, home decor and everywhere we turned there was an explosion of color. </b><br />
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<b>I talked my grand daughter into walking to the far side to visit a fine art store. I always need more art supplies....right? We walked in and saw this right before our eyes. I knew it was the photo I wanted for this week. </b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Have you ever seen rainbow stairs?</b></td></tr>
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<b>If you want to see more color, be sure to visit all the other participants over at <a href="http://thestudiosublime.com/">The Studio Sublime</a></b></div>
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<b>Thanks for stopping by and leaving such welcome and encouraging comments.</b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052648468989130418noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641243811173493688.post-3598564754258769922013-04-19T19:12:00.000-06:002013-04-26T14:24:16.844-06:00Focus on Life Week 16<b>The prompt this week was - Go For a Walk. Spring is trying it's best to appear in these parts but there is more mud than anything else. I know that because my dog's feet need to be washed after each walk. It is wonderful to hear the happy sounds of nature when I am out and about. This sighting made me stop and enjoy!</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Snow melts</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Ducks gather</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>They don't seem to want a visitor today</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>They're gone - but they will be back</b></span></td></tr>
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<b>If you want to find out more about Focusing on Life - 52 Photos go to <a href="http://thestudiosublime.com/2013/04/19/focus-on-life-week-16/">The Studio Sublime</a> to see what others have focused on this week. Thank you for stopping by for a visit. Just so you all know, my Boxer Rosie is doing very well after her surgery. Thank you for all your kind comments and concern. </b><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052648468989130418noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641243811173493688.post-58886426469236584152013-04-05T22:38:00.000-06:002013-04-06T11:04:18.268-06:00Focus on Life - Up Close<b>This is week fourteen for the Focus on Life series of photo prompts. I missed last week and I haven't left comments for everyone participating so I plan to get back at it again. This week I did NOT take an amazing macro shot. This is an analogy of my life up close......</b><br />
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<b>I am feeling like the little stream I happened to drive by yesterday. I stopped for a few minutes to gaze at it and take pictures and noticed it was almost overflowing it's banks. Only a week or two ago, there was hardly any water in the bed and it was frozen and still. Now it has melted and is flowing fast with dark murky water. </b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Run off causes streams to swell and flow quickly</b></td></tr>
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<b>Such is life it seems. Sometimes we have little happening and can slow down and enjoy our days. At other times, the water rises and events make the waters dark and it is difficult to see our way. I noticed that there was a big boulder in the middle of the stream and it caused the water to change course and come to a near stop before it rushed past on it's way. Like that boulder, we need reminders to slow us down and enjoy what we have. </b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oX9XQDmynhJk0ef9atNgZbEic6a6TkugsSupLRjF5edvSNiaJ-mJYButiQDy1ZAijqZ-g0pR1VfzgRH8vqSgrqq-g6zutGwAC3vSClIK2Aa703yt3bE20Mj00EHxpgiqmgV3Vw7qPQMc/s1600/DSC_0148+(1024x598)+(800x467)+(800x467).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oX9XQDmynhJk0ef9atNgZbEic6a6TkugsSupLRjF5edvSNiaJ-mJYButiQDy1ZAijqZ-g0pR1VfzgRH8vqSgrqq-g6zutGwAC3vSClIK2Aa703yt3bE20Mj00EHxpgiqmgV3Vw7qPQMc/s400/DSC_0148+(1024x598)+(800x467)+(800x467).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Water is murky and dark</b></td></tr>
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<b>I nearly lost my new Boxer dog Rosie on Thursday. I took her in to be spayed and because she has an irregular heart beat, surgery is considered to be quite dangerous especially when waking up. They assured me there would be special monitoring during and after surgery so I felt at ease leaving her. When I picked her up late in the afternoon, the vet told me that her heart problem would likely get worse because the heart enlarges and is harder to pump blood. He said that typically they live to be 6-8 years. She is now four. </b><br />
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<b>Another problem during surgery was that she did not stop bleeding so they had to take extra measures to stop it. They applied a pressure bandage and held it in place with what looks like a diaper. Not a simple spay procedure by any means. </b><br />
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<b>She seemed fine when I left the Vet Clinic, but as soon as she got in my vehicle, she started whimpering and whining and thrashing about which lasted the full half hour drive home. I was a wreck by the time I got home. Later, she would panic and jump off the couch (where we made a nice soft bed) and frantically pace around the house before nearly falling flat on the floor. Her eyes were full of pain and she had a look of fright. I wasn't sure she was going to make it through the night.</b><br />
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<b>I made a special bed for her in the living room and slept with her all night and she finally settled down. Today (Friday) she seems so much better and her pain is tolerable. She does a lot of sleeping but at least she is alive! I am so thankful.</b><br />
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<b>In spite of having so many things I need to do - I spent most of the day sitting on the couch and snuggling with her. We have only had her for 50 days but she has us totally smitten. I can honestly say that I have never seen a more loving and friendly, good natured dog. She has such a beautiful spirit and she has given us so much more than we could have ever imagined.</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0yolukwRa1_D3xzrsLVIjI8g_qIPelmFDKRrO-7wSNcV4uRzL9OlCdkPeNMRMlhEjqSm4KYwgP-PV4AGBSptez1HuI10AqmjtM2E4p8xYDZxB9NvY_5bLt9CX9mWEXgGsD9dSo3jLK0k/s1600/DSC_0198+(800x420).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0yolukwRa1_D3xzrsLVIjI8g_qIPelmFDKRrO-7wSNcV4uRzL9OlCdkPeNMRMlhEjqSm4KYwgP-PV4AGBSptez1HuI10AqmjtM2E4p8xYDZxB9NvY_5bLt9CX9mWEXgGsD9dSo3jLK0k/s640/DSC_0198+(800x420).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Not a macro shot but this is Rosie - Up Close </span></b></td></tr>
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<b>This was a typical week of so many things happening but in the middle of it a boulder was placed. It forced me to change course and stop for a moment and realize what is important. </b><br />
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<b>If you want to see what everyone else saw up close this week - go visit<a href="http://thestudiosublime.com/2013/04/06/focus-on-life-week-14/">Sally's Blog</a></b><br />
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<b>As always, thank you so much for stopping and leaving your wonderful comments.</b><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052648468989130418noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641243811173493688.post-40364462970049309662013-03-22T19:43:00.000-06:002013-03-25T21:22:38.589-06:00Focus on Life Week 12 - Observe the Curves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>For this week's Focus on Life prompt, 'Observe the curves' we are reminded <span style="background-color: #eff0ee; line-height: 22.75px;"> - B</span><span style="background-color: #eff0ee; line-height: 22.75px;">ranches of trees curve to embrace the breeze. Letters curve and form words. Curves can keep things apart, hold things together or create a path. This was another example of wanting to find something different to photograph but ending up with the most obvious choice of all. </span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYawV1YHGRw3JgjXDkZSn-2EMDF5m3ehBZesaKpZuje5H4PZxB4BNq3W1OODK8aflU0KcjXnHrRXrCj78sGPdrXs4UyaDg7ZiD_nxQZLXKyHwxiyTYxMn6NV82t8HkLVhWChSndPayIqt/s1600/DSC_0011+(1024x744).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYawV1YHGRw3JgjXDkZSn-2EMDF5m3ehBZesaKpZuje5H4PZxB4BNq3W1OODK8aflU0KcjXnHrRXrCj78sGPdrXs4UyaDg7ZiD_nxQZLXKyHwxiyTYxMn6NV82t8HkLVhWChSndPayIqt/s400/DSC_0011+(1024x744).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The curve in the road - where does this path lead? </b></span></td></tr>
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<b>To warmth and welcome, comfort and shelter, grandkids, food, family and friends, love and laughter, hugs and kisses. The curve in this road leads HOME. The place where I am inspired to make art and bead work. I couldn't think of a better curve to photograph!</b><br />
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<b>More random Curves found on my daily walks - trees lining my driveway</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsjbLy2goaFeegqwPQA8oX0wSNp_nLMmj2TtxABuWqwqYoLLNroq787r9TEhBivZnzY_t7P2yT6D94VHU1_VpaQNmpXFTAYSP-pbIpma2xdpS2ntra8kOJwRdZfp01zLQvVTx32m3MRJm/s1600/DSC_0030+(1024x687)+(800x537).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsjbLy2goaFeegqwPQA8oX0wSNp_nLMmj2TtxABuWqwqYoLLNroq787r9TEhBivZnzY_t7P2yT6D94VHU1_VpaQNmpXFTAYSP-pbIpma2xdpS2ntra8kOJwRdZfp01zLQvVTx32m3MRJm/s400/DSC_0030+(1024x687)+(800x537).jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Dried Grasses - a reminder of what was or what will be?</span></b><br />
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<b style="font-size: 13.333333969116211px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thanks for stopping by - it is always a pleasure to receive your lovely comments. To see who is participating this week, visit <a href="http://thestudiosublime.com/2013/03/22/focus-on-life-week-12/">The Studio Sublime</a></span></b></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052648468989130418noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641243811173493688.post-37956819547820775032013-03-15T21:06:00.000-06:002013-03-15T21:06:09.303-06:00Focus on Life - The Possibilities are Endless<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>I am so ready for spring but sadly there is still six inches of snow on the ground. Color is very much missing and I am wanting to get out in my yard and start planting. When I saw racks of seeds in the store this week, I grabbed up a few. My husband loves to garden as in vegetables and after he plants enough for a small village, ends up giving away many bags of produce. I think he loves to do it just so he can give to others. </b></div>
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<b>I am dreaming of the possibilities of transforming my yard into something beautiful......</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxa_fKLuys6LQJmQcLbYQkycY10WUI6q-UXOUtmLlSvIjCxejVo9yUOMPQM6gXL0QV03PE19hJ184WBCcjsVDiCV2KHS5TdqWnUf86kIYlvFt1XjT2UGnfnFyTQ8gq35GsgxYYitJyBrkg/s1600/020+(800x442).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxa_fKLuys6LQJmQcLbYQkycY10WUI6q-UXOUtmLlSvIjCxejVo9yUOMPQM6gXL0QV03PE19hJ184WBCcjsVDiCV2KHS5TdqWnUf86kIYlvFt1XjT2UGnfnFyTQ8gq35GsgxYYitJyBrkg/s400/020+(800x442).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>This is what I picked out....I love color so flowers are my specialty. I will have to pick up many more bedding plants as well. </b></span></td></tr>
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<b>This is a start and gives me hope that the place we moved into in late October might be very inviting this year. That is if we ever get spring! </b><br />
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<b>Thanks for stopping by - now head over to see what everyone else focused on this week - at <a href="http://thestudiosublime.com/2013/03/15/focus-on-life-week-11/">The Studio Sublime</a></b><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052648468989130418noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641243811173493688.post-10721037328520364452013-03-09T07:51:00.001-07:002013-03-09T08:25:41.782-07:00Focus on Life - All Wrapped Up<b>I have been so wrapped up with the online courses I'm taking that I wasn't going to participate this week. Then I remembered that excuses are one of my big pet peeves. To put it more simply - I didn't know what to take a picture of. Then I remembered something I received back in late December and keep on my desk for inspiration. To me, it represents beauty in the details. When we are in business, our packaging is so important and it tells a story about who we are. This is a perfect example. <a href="http://treasures-found.blogspot.ca/">Erin</a>'s blog is called "Treasures Found - Inspiration is everywhere". How true Miss Erin!</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4h7qDIWsnNPxUlRTmuicRM8yLM8chJvXRNscbmLhzYAs1dwyoDHSaixDws59uiEVtBRlNLqXCw00EO0CcXJzwjAcAq0sIulg5e_C_d098Oz5p9wTttTavikeNDA5grz5qusLNec65q1ii/s1600/IMG_8270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4h7qDIWsnNPxUlRTmuicRM8yLM8chJvXRNscbmLhzYAs1dwyoDHSaixDws59uiEVtBRlNLqXCw00EO0CcXJzwjAcAq0sIulg5e_C_d098Oz5p9wTttTavikeNDA5grz5qusLNec65q1ii/s400/IMG_8270.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beautiful, Simplicity, Detail - notice the tiny key on the right </span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M3BCOh2Kj58/UTtI_mPBg-I/AAAAAAAABkM/yqe5CnYkqKQ/s1600/IMG_8261+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M3BCOh2Kj58/UTtI_mPBg-I/AAAAAAAABkM/yqe5CnYkqKQ/s400/IMG_8261+(640x480).jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>I received these beautiful goodies in the mail this past week from <a href="http://dreamsomedesigns.blogspot.ca/">Kristi Bowman</a> Some beautiful handmade elements for my jewelry. I won the package of beads shown from Kristi on her blog and they are quite beautiful! I have never won anything before so lucky me! I wanted to include this on my blog today. Thank you so very much Kristi! Your work is amazing!</b><br />
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<b>I hope it is okay to brag about someone else's work and not always our own. Kristi and Erin are beautiful designers and wonderful people as well. </b><br />
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<b>Thank you for stopping and leaving such beautiful kind words each week. I so appreciate it. Now go see what the others have wrapped up over on <a href="http://thestudiosublime.com/2013/03/08/week-10-all-wrapped-up/">Sally's Blog</a></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052648468989130418noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641243811173493688.post-17685493839202396392013-03-01T21:01:00.000-07:002013-03-01T21:01:17.901-07:00Focus on Life - Week 9 - Knock, Knock<b><span style="background-color: #e2d8ca; color: #72635a; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 12.222222328186035px; text-align: center;">Knock, Knock.... </span><span style="color: #72635a; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #e2d8ca;">Let's open some doors to see what awaits us on the other side. </span></span></span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #72635a; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>This was Sally's prompt as she guides us through 52 weeks of "Focus on Life". I am so impressed each week with the photos everyone is capturing and the stories behind them. Such a diverse group in terms of who we are, where we live and what we focus on in our lives. I feel like I am getting to know everyone and am so appreciative of all the wonderful comments.</b></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTzFbAbLdEOj-xXGN6yw5FT7pEvboSTZlfcvs8gMTGOobyDg564DG2IO6ekHKxKFDX99Zn9wMExZulYjwN9QMdltSL4rWwa9gJRDBgDuzoVCdaDX8bGNVHUcEpRpBWUDUy1QvHcxxx0dX/s1600/DSC_0350+(681x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTzFbAbLdEOj-xXGN6yw5FT7pEvboSTZlfcvs8gMTGOobyDg564DG2IO6ekHKxKFDX99Zn9wMExZulYjwN9QMdltSL4rWwa9gJRDBgDuzoVCdaDX8bGNVHUcEpRpBWUDUy1QvHcxxx0dX/s640/DSC_0350+(681x1024).jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This looks like it could have been a door...?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #72635a; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>I absolutely love old buildings and am intrigued by the layers of weathered paint, crooked boards, cracks, rusty nails and am full of wonder as to what happened there throughout the years. I would love to know the stories. This little shack sits on the property adjacent to ours and it drew me in today as I went in search of pictures. I couldn't access it so I'm not sure what it's purpose was - probably a workshop. I am in love with the turquoise painted on the bottom half.</b></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPinJM-13u_FVxja6UH7l9CyMnteIyqCtbE57nyN5AKHI3Wncbatv5_o4yc6AlXZUXQJAI8jW2wMRNnsMn1QJ_oNFjcJlXxVr_VS-Lf6Z2L018IEwfX_DN15uEuxCfnwY2480qsk-Nr2Ue/s1600/DSC_0351+(687x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPinJM-13u_FVxja6UH7l9CyMnteIyqCtbE57nyN5AKHI3Wncbatv5_o4yc6AlXZUXQJAI8jW2wMRNnsMn1QJ_oNFjcJlXxVr_VS-Lf6Z2L018IEwfX_DN15uEuxCfnwY2480qsk-Nr2Ue/s640/DSC_0351+(687x1024).jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then I found another door on the other side.</span></td></tr>
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<b>Some may see ugliness in this but I love the aged, cracked paint hanging in shreds showing layers right down to the weathered and bare boards. I have to say that this old building was a stark reminder to me of the many layers of experience and life lessons that we go through. I am not what I used to be in so many ways (thank goodness) and what I am trying to become is like this bare wood.....showing my true self. The essence of who I am like this building that has stood strong for many years through many storms. When I look at elderly folks I see beauty because of the strength of character and determination they have gained from hardships and physical labor they may have endured. </b><br />
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<b>This was my take on this week's prompt.</b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #72635a; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">The house we moved into last fall was built in 1937 so all the doors are dark wood with glass door knobs. So very pretty! Where does this door lead? To my delightful bright studio where I spend most of my days. If you want to see pictures of that studio see my post <a href="http://www.terrabeadworks.blogspot.ca/2012/12/my-new-working-studioyay.html">Here</a> </span></span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #72635a; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Thanks for stopping by for a visit - now go see what others have been knocking on by visiting <a href="http://thestudiosublime.com/">Sally's blog</a></span></span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #72635a; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052648468989130418noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641243811173493688.post-21623477115782413132013-02-23T00:17:00.000-07:002013-02-23T08:10:02.440-07:00Freeform Peyote Challenge Bloghop <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pAPOP08quKk/USgE-05cWzI/AAAAAAAABfU/CGopnnLvnMI/s1600/Freeform_peyote_cyoa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pAPOP08quKk/USgE-05cWzI/AAAAAAAABfU/CGopnnLvnMI/s200/Freeform_peyote_cyoa.jpg" width="160" /></a> </div>
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<b>Two wonderful ladies who certainly know a lot about beads and beautiful beadwork set up a challenge for Freeform Peyote - Choose Your Own Adventure. <a href="http://beadcircle.com/">Mandi Ainsworth</a> and <a href="http://baublicious.blogspot.ca/">Karen Williams</a> are dedicated to sharing knowledge and helping Beadweavers learn and grow. Check out their blogs/websites for lots of helpful information on this fascinating and beautiful craft.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUg2Ql3vfrof4srxqG2n5hAGQg33IkgLbE9TI14T_auCl5jHLABKwGzC-0fX2JHZ0gAzqbprVz6XuGnT2xRbKe04VoE55nQnfHbkjcFbH8fsYYYlEZPCrvMsC1YUzNrt8hEcydXqHlMJdH/s1600/1-DSC_0294+%2528800x540%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUg2Ql3vfrof4srxqG2n5hAGQg33IkgLbE9TI14T_auCl5jHLABKwGzC-0fX2JHZ0gAzqbprVz6XuGnT2xRbKe04VoE55nQnfHbkjcFbH8fsYYYlEZPCrvMsC1YUzNrt8hEcydXqHlMJdH/s640/1-DSC_0294+%2528800x540%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b>This is my freeform peyote bracelet that took many many hours and many seed and complimentary beads. The focal lampwork bead is made by a Vancouver Island glass artist, Jane Perela. I have bought many of her beautiful beads. The colors of this one are my favorite in aqua, teals and greens.</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pYUda-5qYJg/USgXDHnm2xI/AAAAAAAABgc/PWm6s_aS8YQ/s1600/bracelet+(1024x690).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pYUda-5qYJg/USgXDHnm2xI/AAAAAAAABgc/PWm6s_aS8YQ/s400/bracelet+(1024x690).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>I caged the lampwork bead on the back side with "vines" of peyote so it wouldn't twirl .</b></span></span></td></tr>
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<b>When I heard about this challenge - I knew I had to join. Freeform peyote happens to be the first type of beadwork I ever created and for me it is meditative and very rewarding. I started making freeform bracelets about 4 years ago and it appeals to my non-conforming personality. I admit....I don't like following directions or rules and freeform is the perfect way for me to bead weave. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0nilZ3L_RvZe3kz3Euzvmp6a347hua9CdPebrHIhg4gveP3xW4rtN32_hPOsXtPPgyizO6rqR9keANIt2THLQM1jUodRxb-wWWlCtxX-Xid4tjuDnuxJVGSWfFY05GDWnd7TMvxV1Kw4/s1600/DSC_0298+(1024x687).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0nilZ3L_RvZe3kz3Euzvmp6a347hua9CdPebrHIhg4gveP3xW4rtN32_hPOsXtPPgyizO6rqR9keANIt2THLQM1jUodRxb-wWWlCtxX-Xid4tjuDnuxJVGSWfFY05GDWnd7TMvxV1Kw4/s400/DSC_0298+(1024x687).jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Sometimes I work the rows horizontally and sometimes vertically depending on the focal bead.</b><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ENWXP9zG-mE/USgXG2vapPI/AAAAAAAABgs/zuaSKioDzuM/s1600/DSC_0305+(1024x704).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ENWXP9zG-mE/USgXG2vapPI/AAAAAAAABgs/zuaSKioDzuM/s400/DSC_0305+(1024x704).jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
<b>For this particular one, I started by partially bezeling the lampwork bead and then worked outward. I never pre-plan my designs I just figure out what colors I want to use based on the focal bead. I normally have way too many beads laid out on my table but that adds to the mystery.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFMVPl2CDsTj9uUgrCwtSl2oshjole2n9UkvvTRozVi2Lpp_CxlNyji2ls6RAHlF0hrh0i4TXrpKNPdAaiuaH2XwI2PUiNy-_RfessDQarx7RhSsvTg7lKf2Qk7Jd8f-IhxJWpw7M84vT/s1600/DSC_0311+(1024x687).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFMVPl2CDsTj9uUgrCwtSl2oshjole2n9UkvvTRozVi2Lpp_CxlNyji2ls6RAHlF0hrh0i4TXrpKNPdAaiuaH2XwI2PUiNy-_RfessDQarx7RhSsvTg7lKf2Qk7Jd8f-IhxJWpw7M84vT/s400/DSC_0311+(1024x687).jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>I used a black wooden clasp with inlaid silver decoration and I like the pop of black that it adds.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaG2HrH-QdAB86NHi47wL3E0YkQlYA0KD7am4P6bPMKk5qIJhlmICfBYBzIaj-kEmmZwlMwT1P3c4feuG6zIR1_lJA-9Orsi5dWqt6h793-Fe-l26m97mC2gRPiVurOmIB8ztbrwrrrJzI/s1600/DSC_0317+(1024x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaG2HrH-QdAB86NHi47wL3E0YkQlYA0KD7am4P6bPMKk5qIJhlmICfBYBzIaj-kEmmZwlMwT1P3c4feuG6zIR1_lJA-9Orsi5dWqt6h793-Fe-l26m97mC2gRPiVurOmIB8ztbrwrrrJzI/s400/DSC_0317+(1024x640).jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>I use Czech glass, pearls, gemstones and any other coordinating colored beads to add texture and interest. I tend to get carried away with the number of color variations I use, but that is just how my mind likes to work. </b><br />
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<b>Thanks for stopping by - I have really enjoyed getting back into my beads again. Here is the list of other participants. Please stop by their blogs and see the wonder of bead work. Enjoy the hop!</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="line-height: 20.98958396911621px;"><b>Many thanks to Mandi and Karen for all your hard work and encouragement. You rock!</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="background-color: #f4f4f4; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://skunkhillstudio.us6.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=d42c22b47fab31c871e54a4a9&id=98f327936d&e=34167e3276" style="word-wrap: break-word !important;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">Alisa Lehman</span></a></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://skunkhillstudio.us6.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=d42c22b47fab31c871e54a4a9&id=b8b25fd5be&e=34167e3276" style="background-color: #f4f4f4; color: #eb4102; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; word-wrap: break-word !important;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">Lori Callahan</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></span><br />
<a href="http://skunkhillstudio.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d42c22b47fab31c871e54a4a9&id=110d97f8ed&e=34167e3276" style="background-color: #f4f4f4; color: #eb4102; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; word-wrap: break-word !important;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">Tami Norris</span></a><br />
<a href="http://skunkhillstudio.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d42c22b47fab31c871e54a4a9&id=903bdaea3f&e=34167e3276" style="background-color: #f4f4f4; color: #eb4102; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; word-wrap: break-word !important;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">Jane Kettley</span></a><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://skunkhillstudio.us6.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=d42c22b47fab31c871e54a4a9&id=2743b2bf54&e=34167e3276" style="background-color: #f4f4f4; color: #eb4102; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; word-wrap: break-word !important;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">SaraBeth Cullinan</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></span><br />
<a href="http://skunkhillstudio.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d42c22b47fab31c871e54a4a9&id=cd330365b7&e=34167e3276" style="background-color: #f4f4f4; color: #eb4102; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; word-wrap: break-word !important;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">Tami Norris</span></a><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://skunkhillstudio.us6.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=d42c22b47fab31c871e54a4a9&id=7695bb361a&e=34167e3276" style="background-color: #f4f4f4; color: #eb4102; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; word-wrap: break-word !important;" target="_blank">Julie Schmidt Bowen</a></span><br />
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<li><b><span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="background-color: #f4f4f4; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://skunkhillstudio.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d42c22b47fab31c871e54a4a9&id=51e2078eb2&e=34167e3276" style="word-wrap: break-word !important;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">Tammi Clapper</span></a></span></b><br style="background-color: #f4f4f4; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 21px;" /><b><b><b><span style="background-color: #f4f4f4; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://skunkhillstudio.us6.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=d42c22b47fab31c871e54a4a9&id=5ff8d4e476&e=34167e3276" style="word-wrap: break-word !important;" target="_blank">Cynthia Machata</a> </span></span></b></b></b></span><br style="background-color: #f4f4f4; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 21px;" /><br style="background-color: #f4f4f4; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 21px;" /></b></li>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052648468989130418noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641243811173493688.post-6348622154563152452013-02-22T20:34:00.001-07:002013-02-24T09:43:09.067-07:00Week 8 - Focus on Life - Monochromatic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>I am double posting today so just scroll up to see my Freeform Peyote Challenge.</b></div>
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<b> This week we were to take pictures in monochromatic tones. I didn't go too wild with my pictures but did some editing in Picasa which I like and it's super duper easy to use too!</b></div>
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<b>We had several foggy days here this week so the trees were covered in hoar frost ... it was beautiful to look at. This is a picture of my driveway.</b><br />
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<b>I am so excited to say that I got a new Boxer dog last week. We named her Rosie and she is 3 yrs old - almost 4. We rescued her from a breeder that didn't want her anymore. She recently had 8 babies and 5 of them died so to a breeder that means she isn't useful anymore as she can't produce pups. We are happy to have her. She is a beautiful dog and so friendly and good natured. She has fit right in to our home and is such a sweetheart. We found out she has a heart problem as well so we are lavishing her with love and attention. </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJuridj54pbOaf7g2CDaXUEOVtEEOmJchEkBShN7JRq5zDmumBEV8KoU_ZurmBJbQn1EbWwG03qlsB7igeaAxV5sgjJyCqaP93zVS_SJ48hjjwqPNeqh9_2yudwARoDWjjBtSmp80Rgay/s1600/5-DSC_0204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJuridj54pbOaf7g2CDaXUEOVtEEOmJchEkBShN7JRq5zDmumBEV8KoU_ZurmBJbQn1EbWwG03qlsB7igeaAxV5sgjJyCqaP93zVS_SJ48hjjwqPNeqh9_2yudwARoDWjjBtSmp80Rgay/s400/5-DSC_0204.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Lucy, my American Eskimo dog in the snow - her favorite place. She loves her new sister too.</b><br />
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<b>Rosie on our walk just today. She loves to chase and play with Lucy and I'm glad they get along well. </b><b>She has so many exact traits that our previous Boxer (Cassius) had. I told my husband that if dogs reincarnate - then he has come back in her body. She looks identical to him and so many of her daily habits are the same. It is crazy!</b><br />
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<b>Rosie and Lucy looking at something that caught their attention. Nope wasn't a squirrel!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGWmzYA6dRoGkWmUVtKpJ9ccN1jg6LHekt6gu8Cb45YEVj-kChOh_nshmGANAaB57Xd7-jyY2QV-RqXkNyst7OHtRndmag5xBMF2Swyt_ZOJGSc3P5AQHRAnqbW3ItFcNw0BxsuV1kQ5t/s1600/4-DSC_0223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGWmzYA6dRoGkWmUVtKpJ9ccN1jg6LHekt6gu8Cb45YEVj-kChOh_nshmGANAaB57Xd7-jyY2QV-RqXkNyst7OHtRndmag5xBMF2Swyt_ZOJGSc3P5AQHRAnqbW3ItFcNw0BxsuV1kQ5t/s400/4-DSC_0223.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>I live in Oil country so had to take a picture of this pump jack located right beside our acreage. It is not pumping at the moment but this is a very common sight where we live. </b><br />
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<b>That's all from here so go on over and check out the other photos at <a href="http://thestudiosublime.com/">The Studio Sublime</a></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052648468989130418noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641243811173493688.post-37388257086199452982013-02-16T09:27:00.005-07:002013-02-16T09:27:59.579-07:00Focus on Life - Week 7 - Flowers<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Here in my world there is no evidence of anything blooming or coming to life. Snow everywhere....and I was stumped as to what I could take a picture of. I thought of going to the grocery store - but didn't. I wasn't going to post but suddenly this AM I thought of an Art Journal page I made a few days ago. Our assignment was to make flowers out of anything you have on hand so I gathered up tissue paper and began to form three different flowers. The dimension compared to the other three which are stenciled and painted give them realistic qualities which I like. This certainly brightened my surroundings since there are no real blooms outside.</b></div>
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<b> Here are my flowers for this week. I hope this qualifies</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7brdWI83nkAOrIh8usCO7Z2HRNNnydLRQTbBH5JsPNj1yk4lZryLcZbaqt3HAug4lIXE7WzbRZu0XRScTc46LPIi8HtjJGSNufEE5wbyB4acZH_J6HSK6PvpsoTjKXMTUnVL0GadPE7L3/s1600/IMG_1031+(600x800).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7brdWI83nkAOrIh8usCO7Z2HRNNnydLRQTbBH5JsPNj1yk4lZryLcZbaqt3HAug4lIXE7WzbRZu0XRScTc46LPIi8HtjJGSNufEE5wbyB4acZH_J6HSK6PvpsoTjKXMTUnVL0GadPE7L3/s400/IMG_1031+(600x800).jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">An Art Journal page I made with tissue flowers</span></td></tr>
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<b>Thanks for stopping by and leaving such nice comments every week. Now head over to see more at <a href="http://thestudiosublime.com/">Sally Russick's Blog</a></b></div>
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<b>Enjoy the weekend!</b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052648468989130418noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641243811173493688.post-21658792727593092192013-02-08T18:49:00.000-07:002013-02-08T18:50:14.739-07:00Focus on Life - Feel the LOVE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>This is week six and Sally gave us the prompt - "Feel the Love"</b></div>
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<b>There are two things in my life that I feel the love from and the first is my grandchildren. All five give me such joy and I love them more than anything. My grand daughter stayed with me a couple days ago and she said, "Grandma, I love staying here - it makes me feel good". So sweet!</b></div>
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<b>These are my daughter's three beautiful kids when they were smaller but it is a favorite picture of mine. This is a reminder that sometimes even kisses don't make it better! But if you look hard you can certainly feel the love.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghahdH8jMI-XhG6Vlxs3eehfS-0PE7YN0VKIexIkX7h2slXD5FtVx0ikk-RLOW1z7m90BR01DJW7C3d5kC-dD_65h_KLksq4FliBewzdF6dr7bjKjikFfQZDH5ha21MjuP0c8zyvh_E0kJ/s1600/Owen-HighRes+(1024x682).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghahdH8jMI-XhG6Vlxs3eehfS-0PE7YN0VKIexIkX7h2slXD5FtVx0ikk-RLOW1z7m90BR01DJW7C3d5kC-dD_65h_KLksq4FliBewzdF6dr7bjKjikFfQZDH5ha21MjuP0c8zyvh_E0kJ/s320/Owen-HighRes+(1024x682).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Here are my son's two precious little boys and they really do adore each other.</b><br />
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<b>The second thing that I love is my dogs and I have had a few over the years. Each one was special and at the moment we are looking to get another Boxer. I think Lucy wants a friend - we had a Boxer before and he was such a wonderful guy. I am a hopeless dog lover and my ultimate wish is to have a rescue or foster home for dogs that are facing euthanasia because of shelters that can't house them. This picture is a gentle reminder that dogs love us unconditionally. </b><br />
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<b>Thanks for stopping by for a visit and continue to feel the love by seeing the links over at <a href="http://thestudiosublime.com/">Sally's Blog</a></b><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052648468989130418noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641243811173493688.post-76035567632058958162013-02-01T21:34:00.000-07:002013-02-01T21:34:03.511-07:00Focus on Life 5 - Capture a Heart<b>This week Sally asked us to capture a heart and we were told to think outside the box. That made sense to me since I knew I could quickly go capture a beautiful heart shaped bead made by an artisan. I have a few on my beading table but no, that is too simple....I definitely wanted a challenge. I am always inspired by nature so I went for a walk, camera in hand. Since everything is covered in snow, I really wondered if I would find anything. Normally I probably wouldn't have seen any hearts because I wouldn't be looking for them. I believe that nature is the best teacher and this is what I learned today...</b><br />
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<b> I learned that fungus (or whatever it is) on a tree with a layer of snow makes a heart shape. At least that is what my imagination saw.</b><br />
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<b>When my driveway got cleared and the clumps melted a little and then it snowed over top, it creates heart shapes. I couldn't believe how many there were! Any other day, they wouldn't have appeared in my mind as hearts!</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_3oEIj2Pjk7x10I4pWdKXYC3Kmt3IQJc_JGztawHOPEVDsL3l3RXdGFDMQPRZcNLIGCed2trvpyhMLLnEPwhDzdXR7rIoSCyatlPQv1-zsfc39qEIymw2L1Gd09rcd8t6VH_ny0PQ-3S/s1600/11-DSC_0140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_3oEIj2Pjk7x10I4pWdKXYC3Kmt3IQJc_JGztawHOPEVDsL3l3RXdGFDMQPRZcNLIGCed2trvpyhMLLnEPwhDzdXR7rIoSCyatlPQv1-zsfc39qEIymw2L1Gd09rcd8t6VH_ny0PQ-3S/s400/11-DSC_0140.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<b>I looked out my window and saw this huge knot on the side of a tree. It is likely where a branch was cut off many years ago. I swear it resembles a heart...?</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV00YM15DdTv7bN-MZd71eG597-9a8bX8fal_w5bgy1lGzaTBTfyVG58SxvR0FNl7ctWY7hp649-ghfLagt0osBf5agP4SpmHXdPoZtwztCDq735az8KBOw7HfdiciQHTKdZn88DGpPkKp/s1600/10-DSC_0123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV00YM15DdTv7bN-MZd71eG597-9a8bX8fal_w5bgy1lGzaTBTfyVG58SxvR0FNl7ctWY7hp649-ghfLagt0osBf5agP4SpmHXdPoZtwztCDq735az8KBOw7HfdiciQHTKdZn88DGpPkKp/s400/10-DSC_0123.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>When I go for a walk, my little dog Lucy loves to dive into the snow and bury her head and then roll in the snow. She doesn't like to pose but I suppose you could say her head is shaped a bit like a heart. </b></div>
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I love this quote:<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;">“I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;">― </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9810.Albert_Einstein" style="background-color: white; color: #666600; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: initial;">Albert Einstein</a><br />
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If you want to see what everyone else's imagination saw - then head over to <a href="http://thestudiosublime.com/">Sally's</a> blog and take a look. Thanks for stopping by. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052648468989130418noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641243811173493688.post-9684598031077208842013-01-25T21:43:00.000-07:002013-01-25T22:22:21.896-07:00Focus on Life - Week 4<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Hello... I'm late getting to the party but after looking at many blogs and the wonderful heartwarming pictures and messages - I just had to get in on this event. What a wonderful idea and thanks to <a href="http://thestudiosublime.com/2012/12/29/focusing-on-life-one-photo-a-week/">Sally Russick</a> for encouraging us to stop and focus on life. Her prompt for this week was Create Art and I'm happy to say, that is right up my alley. </b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHkFglugbrlEYyA_ZTnDF7jXogh2bfK5xnjzhwXFCAg-HmiCpWIU-zsFQrgYtLhYyPzOWVXjwCgPKbgZDYr9_RXXOhkpAOdF2biR0ek2bB8KB6vW1VlSpbkRh90KTX02UY7IO6_vIJiTwG/s1600/IMG_8253_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHkFglugbrlEYyA_ZTnDF7jXogh2bfK5xnjzhwXFCAg-HmiCpWIU-zsFQrgYtLhYyPzOWVXjwCgPKbgZDYr9_RXXOhkpAOdF2biR0ek2bB8KB6vW1VlSpbkRh90KTX02UY7IO6_vIJiTwG/s400/IMG_8253_edited-1.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Blown glass fruit and star fish light catchers to inspire me in my studio each day </span></td></tr>
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<b>I am taking a little break from bead work and signed up for six online art journal classes which I am enjoying to the max. My reason for getting into art in the first place was a result of a tragic event in our family. Last summer my daughter's boyfriend was killed in a plane crash and the life was literally sucked out of her and us as her support system. We all went through the grief process with her but for me, my creative muse just up and left and I felt like I had nothing inside anymore when all my life I have been artistic and creative. I heard about the healing aspects of art journaling so thought I'd give it a try. WOW is all I can say! It has been a life saver and really..... I feel like I am overflowing with art and beauty again. One of my online instructors has a favorite saying - Beautimous which means beautiful and fabulous at the same time. That is how I feel about creating art - It is a beautimous thing!</b><br />
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<b>Part of the reason I am inspired these days is my new art studio. It is upstairs in a 74 year old house and the window faces south so it is full of natural light. This space makes me smile - a BIG smile every time I go up there. </b><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J7ElQ61M5C8/UQNTZm80IrI/AAAAAAAABXk/6qH8uG7Q_74/s1600/DSC_0079+(1024x687).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J7ElQ61M5C8/UQNTZm80IrI/AAAAAAAABXk/6qH8uG7Q_74/s640/DSC_0079+(1024x687).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b> Yesterday I started with these items: cotton canvas duck, gesso, water color paper, cord, sari silk, stencils and stamps and of course lots of paint - which I didn't photograph! </b><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kF6rEWtRTrc/UQNT95nSvtI/AAAAAAAABXs/CaT2haiyKnQ/s1600/DSC_0133+(1024x687).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kF6rEWtRTrc/UQNT95nSvtI/AAAAAAAABXs/CaT2haiyKnQ/s640/DSC_0133+(1024x687).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b>And today I ended up with this bound journal in which I hand stitched four signatures into a decorated canvas cover and tied with sari silk. Ta da!</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimcSNp7N0CafmyaCqtSuv0AHra-cJHIxeJ7QLFXZVGsA2fU0mMlxhj_gyWQDGOlOlUKLnEHedXObyyh4cz5GTwTKp8qJd4DVzbG0SOP_gf0pg724Mdk3efFUKPsjbpm_Wdx_JWSdnuPkvp/s1600/DSC_0135+(1024x790).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimcSNp7N0CafmyaCqtSuv0AHra-cJHIxeJ7QLFXZVGsA2fU0mMlxhj_gyWQDGOlOlUKLnEHedXObyyh4cz5GTwTKp8qJd4DVzbG0SOP_gf0pg724Mdk3efFUKPsjbpm_Wdx_JWSdnuPkvp/s640/DSC_0135+(1024x790).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b>It is hard to believe that the ugly patterned canvas when covered with gesso and many layers of paint can become a beautiful cover for your own hand bound journal. This is the second journal I have made and I absolutely love them!</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivAFhSeMAAXxhr9on3sPnhaoWIq4_ub8EEGwzhaDIKO50kKxpH_wkbHVVVJ2ChlPZGXJsZ2fFUxJODpOmHVZx0PnO7_p399Vt01EkKlb4jEJeVyjb4UNy5VQfw_-8PpqVZt94W1YqINpVl/s1600/029+(800x533).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivAFhSeMAAXxhr9on3sPnhaoWIq4_ub8EEGwzhaDIKO50kKxpH_wkbHVVVJ2ChlPZGXJsZ2fFUxJODpOmHVZx0PnO7_p399Vt01EkKlb4jEJeVyjb4UNy5VQfw_-8PpqVZt94W1YqINpVl/s640/029+(800x533).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b>This is an art journal page I made and yes, I did draw the girl. I am taking a Fabulous Faces course with <a href="http://www.willowing.ning.com/">Tammy Laporte</a> and she is absolutely the best! I have most of my art journal pages on my flickr page so check them out if you wish. The link is on the side of my blog. </b><br />
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<b>Thank you for stopping by. I love comments and do my best to answer each one. Now head over to <a href="http://thestudiosublime.com/">Sally's blog</a> to see who is participating.</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052648468989130418noreply@blogger.com32