Inside Out

This vase of flowers from my husband started my Thanksgiving, which was also my birthday (falls on this day every 7 years). The lilies are big and fat and the roses pink & fragrant. He brought these to me with a sweet card and a fresh pot of coffee...ahhhhh. Then we drove up to Napa where my sister was hosting Thanksgiving. The drive is only a little over an hour so that is a treat in itself.

We actually ended up with the grouping of family we expected at Christmas, but Thanksgiving turned itself inside out this year.


Originally, we were due to visit my in-laws for several days but the entire household became ill and we didn't get a phone call until Tuesday. I thought, wow, so maybe we'll just stay home but we aren't prepared to cook a turkey dinner, and I sure didn't want to spend my birthday doing THAT! So I called Sis and she was SO happy since her regular group of people weren't coming and she was down to her family of 3 plus her father-in-law.

As it turns out, my dad & stepmom had to cancel their southern California plans as well, so they were looking for an invite somewhere. We ended up with 9 munchers and Sis was so happy to insert her table's extension to accommodate us all. She and her dad-in-law fixed all the food while her husband smoked a turkey and baked pies.

The side dishes were pretty awesome and it was tough to pick a favorite. When I was young, I would demand one entire turkey drumstick which is pretty crazy since we were a family of nine who always had one other family of 6 at the table. But I got it a couple of times.

Well, bro-in-law offered the drumstick to me so I happily took it...heehee.

It will be interesting to see what happens at Christmas! Did any of you have a quick flip flop of plans for turkey day? I'm wondering if this occurred for a lot of people this year.

Rare Cupcake Delivery

Rare Rosebud Cupcakes

The last time I was able to score some of these wonderful Rosebud Cupcake beads was nearly
a year ago and I just got another small handful.
They are the same style as the grand prize pendant in my
first cupcake giveaway.

Out of 7, I only have 4 left so you've got to move quickly on these.
I have the tangerine color listed HERE and the other 2 you see above will be posted tomorrow.

If you want one reserved, do it fast and I'll hold onto it for you.
Just EMAIL me. They are on an 20 inch sterling chain for only $25.

The artist has not taken custom orders for months, so I was so lucky one day to just
happen upon them right after they were posted, whew!

I love them, they are so simple but so pretty.

They're almost here

I feel like one of Santa's elves, working in my studio to pump out some beauties for holiday shopping. I should have pretties to show you in the next couple of days so be sure to check back.

My 21 year old son got a job he wanted so that he could save up and then afford to move out and live with a couple of his good buddies. It's wonderful and long awaited by him and yes, I'm happy my husband and I will then start what will be our future retirement set up with just the two of us. Of course, if our son has to do what WE both did at one point, move back home to stash some cash, we will welcome him gladly for a temporary stay.

But man, these feelings I have about not being needed as a mom....which have been brewing for the past few years, are starting to come close to the surface and I'm thinking, wow, what do I do now? I know, start a fresh journey for me and my husband. For years, I've grasped those wonderful moments of knowing son will be home for dinner that night so it makes cooking it more special. Just him needing me for that one thing gives a boost to my day.

So, without that, hmmmm it's going to be very interesting finding how I boost my SELF during the day. Maybe I'll volunteer at the kindergarten classes up the street to get that sweet, unconditional love children have oozing from their pores. I DO know that I'm going to enjoy jewelry design more. I'm one of those artists who need as much peace as possible to work...which isn't very realistic in our noisy world. Just knowing someone can walk in the door at any moment can often keep me from even starting a project. Silly I know, but true nonetheless and I KNOW I'm not alone in that.

So that portion of my future I look forward to...long hours of free alone time to let my creative side of the brain blossom. That ought to boost my day!

Roses aren't always Red, and I am Blue

Hi Everyone, sorry about the long space between posts. I'm having a very "blue" week and trying my best to rise up out of it but it's a fight. I know I'll be fine soon, just gotta get over feeling some feelings...grrrrrr. Thanks to the Silver Parrot for your previous acknowledgement.

On the flip side, one of my favorite cupcakes is available again....the ones with roses on top! The artist is working less than usual and not taking custom requests, so this is a major score since it's been last year since I had any in this style.

I have one client who is choosing one or two of these and has first call, and I only have these seven cupcakes. Let me know if you want one in a pendant or necklace on an 18 inch sterling silver chain and I'll put you in line for what your heart desires!

These are not yet listed anywhere but here, so grab them quickly.