Celebrating our Independence

This post is two fold, one to celebrate our country's independence I created a mixpod of some of my favorite songs and two to celebrate my last day of work, so in essence my independence. I know I'm getting a little ahead of myself this week, but take time to listen to your favorite tune this week and let's celebrate together.

In the USA, Independence Day is on the 4th of July, yes there was a movie with this same title and no I am not going to post that movie here even though I did like it. That is the day we commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence. We typically have great celebrations all across America in the form of BBQ's, Family Picnics, Parades, Concerts and of course Fireworks.

For those needing a history lesson, this is from Wikipedia:

During the American Revolution, the legal separation of the American colonies from Great Britain occurred on July 2, 1776, when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence that had been proposed in June by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia. After voting for independence, Congress turned its attention to the Declaration of Independence, a statement explaining this decision, which had been prepared by a Committee of Five, with Thomas Jefferson as its principal author. Congress debated and revised the Declaration, finally approving it on July 4.

This is a time when we as Americans should all be thankful and celebrate the independence that we do have in our country. Be safe this week in all your travels and celebrations.

Make a Hemp Knotted Necklace

I haven't tried to do macrame in such a long time. I remember when my mother used to make the hanging planter holders and all that was popular in the 70's. This style of choker or bracelet has been popular again for quite awhile again with the younger generation, yes, teens, twenty something, so I thought I would post this link here for all to enjoy and remember the old days..ha. and maybe make one for their grand-daughter, daughter or even themself.

Here is the link to Azerael's Squidoo Lens. http://www.squidoo.com/Hemp-Choker

If you make one of these, send me a picture and I'll post it for all to enjoy. I may have to go on the lookout for a simple tutorial design that can be made for men/boys.

Look for new songs tomorrow on my post (yes, I have watched Sleepless in Seattle again) and an update on Wednesday with a new recipe and status on how the diet is going. I did make a few new jewelry items this past week and weekend, but unfortunately was busy Saturday and Sunday and didn't get anything posted, so don't be surprised if you find an extra post here and there this week so I can get it all out of my system.

If you really like how to's, be sure to check out my crafty news blog where I feature lots of tutorials on everything from paper crafts to crochet. http://crafthowtos.blogspot.com.

Until then, have a great Monday!

The Countdown Begins - Part 2

In my previous post I provided a little background on my pending job status. Find that post here if you would like to read what is leading up to this post.

What will I do next is the question? I will be watching my nephew for 3 weeks in July as well as keep up with my numerous blogs, I have three web sites that I sell my jewelry and gem trees on and one web site that is a gallery of my work that really needs to be updated. You can find those links on the left side of the screen. My Gem Tree Sculptures book is soon to be printed, the proof has been received and approved, so I will have all that marketing to do. I have upcoming gem and mineral shows this Summer and Fall that I will be demonstrating and selling at as well as teaching gem tree design. All in all, I will be very busy with getting ready for the shows, designing new jewelry and gem trees and marketing my book that I’m not sure how I would have fit a full time job in there.

I have no clue about marketing, but am trying to learn fast and reading a lot of good blogs on marketing yourself and book. I’ve gotten a quote for postcards and business cards that have the image of the book on one side and places to purchase on the other as well as my contact info. I’ve identified bead and rock shops in the area that might be willing to take the book on consignment. One of those bead shops I’m hoping will consider hosting a few of my classes. I have my list of gem and mineral clubs in the Northwest that I will be sending a postcard to as well as posting it on their newsletter. I’m attending a National show in Montana at the end of July where I hope I will have copies of my book available for sale and can host a book signing. I’ve already gotten approval of the show chairman to teach a couple of classes there. I have my short list of lapidary vendors that are willing to take the book on consignment and sell at the shows they attend and obviously if I am there, I will autograph a few.

Speaking of that National show in Montana, I will also be competing for my "Masters" designation in Gem Tree design and I still have two trees to make for that competition as well as getting my case ready. My trees last year were noted as being "Master" quality, but my showmanship (case and labeling) was not up to "Master" level. I did obtain the "Advanced" status that I was competing for. This year I have to do well in the case structure and labeling. The judging is very picky about these things and I usually put more emphasis on the trees themselves so I have to switch my efforts and get it right this time.

Now aren’t you glad you asked the question?

The Countdown Begins - Part 1

Okay, the countdown began on April 15th but now with only 3 days to go it’s down to hours. A little background for those of you new reading this, I was part of a massive layoff at my work in April. I was one of the unlucky ones asked to stay until June 30th. Only those that have been in this situation would understand that statement. To watch as your friends and work associates leave and know that you should be with them is a traumatic experience in and of itself, but to have to stay to help clean up and reorganize is just cruel. Not sure why I was asked to stay as within two weeks I had transitioned all my work to other associates and still had two more months left. I couldn’t just leave unless I took them to court as I would have lost my severance, so my husband and I made the decision that I would stay. They could pay me to blog and tweet. Numerous times I talked to my boss to ask for work or help with other projects and nothing was forthcoming, so I didn’t feel bad cruising the internet all day.

My desk is packed and I’ve been taking a few things home each night. Of course I have no place for all this stuff at home, but feel I need to keep it. Included is books I’ll probably never read again, work momentos, work awards, files of old performance reviews and just other stuff I was not ready to get rid off. It’s an unusual feeling to not have work yet be at work and know that you have a ton of things to do at home.

I’m still a little pissed and angry, but come July 1st the new door will open, I’ll be able to breath and move forward mentally and let the past drop away. I will miss my friends that are left that I see daily, but we have already made plans for lunches throughout the Summer. I know where to find them and will be staying in touch. So, yes I’m sad to be leaving a job of 12 ½ years and excited to start a new chapter in my life. It is time and I am ready.

What will I do next you ask? Come back later and I’ll continue the story.

Featured Artist - Emily Balivet

I have a great appreciation for artists and the medium they work in, but to have such imagination and creativity is sometimes beyond my grasp. This work by Emily Balivet of Mythological Goddess Art is amazing. The colors just come out and grab you as well as the subject matter. It takes you back in time and makes you wonder just what it was like. Emily's shop can be found on 1000 Markets HERE. She offers ACEO's (2.5" x 3.5" prints), 8 x 10 prints and original artwork, so you can find something in your price range.

Emily states: Mainly, I just allow art to happen, as it has a life of it's own. My creations are directed by my muse and often reflect the divine balance of the light and darker aspects of my emotional being. In that way, art has been the ultimate window into my own subconscious. I have been designing and selling my work worldwide for over 15 years. Raised in Alaska, I was born and presently reside in Vermont where my primary artistic focus is on my fantastical and mythological paintings.. Now a mother of two young daughters, I occasionally shift my artistic talents to create clothing, natural wooden toys, and nearly anything possible to make by hand!

Here are a few samples of Emily's work. Please visit her shop and browse her mythothological art.

Wickedly Healthy - Strawberry Banana Smoothie

Since my husband and I are eating healthier, I really can't be posting chocolate cookies or cakes, but I can post smoothies and other yummy recipes that we are trying out that tempt our sweet tooth. We have been making a lot of smoothies and one of our favorites is strawberry. We buy the frozen whole strawberries or mix berries sometimes and use those instead of ice cubes. I also add in a little protein powder for an added bonus especially if this is a meal replacement like breakfast or we don't want to cook for dinner. Here is a recipe I found on Allrecipes.com.

INGREDIENTS
1 cup milk
1 banana
3 large strawberries
1 tablespoon vanilla yogurt
1 teaspoon honey

DIRECTIONS
In a blender, combine milk, banana, strawberries, yogurt and honey. Blend until smooth. Pour into glass and serve.

I would use frozen strawberries and only half of a banana and nix the honey. If it needed added sweetness use a sugar substitute like Equal or Splenda.

Do you have a favorite smoothie recipe?