In the state Capital

Erkki and I came to visit FSU on this thanksgiving break. I am surprized at the different landscape. Tallahassee has lots of Hills, and lots of trees. I see why they call it the Other Florida.

Shocked

I am really shocked that it has been so long since I last wrote.. Somehow I feel like I write much more than I actually do... Guess it is just done in my mind.
Last time was after Bead and Button Show.. Just found out that we (Liisa and I ) have been choosen to teach 5 classes there for 2010. Pretty cool... Liisa and Jaani just got back from their vacation to Finland.. Happy to have them back. Linkin has been up to his usual tricks..trouble.. and I hear him running outside now.. Sounds like a herd of horses.. Erkki has been intent on fine tuning his acting, singing, and dancing. Taking lessons at the Craig Wich Studio in Jupiter. Working with a college coach and sunday will start a SAT coach. Plus he puts in 10 hours a week work.. I just saw that Tony Robbins is going to be in Chicago.. OH... my two favortie things outside of beading.. I would love to go.. but then I'd have to do a fire walk and I am afraid.. eating fire and breaking boards is enough for me. But I would really love to go there. I joined the Palm Beach Gardens Kiwanis Club. Very happy. It is a great group and there have been lots of opportunitys for community service. So stop in and see some of the new designs that Liisa and I have created.
Around the block, made of swarovski crystallized elements, and Caught in the net.
I made some really authenic looking christmas tree earrings... I always loved minatures. I am working now on another new design. Liisa's necklace was in the current Bead Style so check that out, and be on the look out for BEAD STAR Magazine.
On a sad note.. Sue will be going back up North so nex Wed the 21 during open bead daynight... from 2-8:00 feel free to stop in to say good bye. We will miss her.

Shannon Hill

I found out today that Shannon passed away on June 21, 2009. I saw this on his web site.

October 29, 1968-June 21, 2009

Shannon's great talent will live on in his beautiful glass work; his love of glass will live on in his students; his heart and soul will live on in his children, family, and friends. We are better for having had him in our lives. Until next time, Obiwan.

The Shannon Hill Project will be unveiled at the International Society of Glass Beadmakers (ISGB) annual Gathering July 20-26, 2009, in Miami , Florida. The Project is a tribute, and a way for his friends and fellow glass artists to show their appreciation. The Project is a collaborative effort that combines Shannon ’s passion for glass with his love of the sea in the form of an aquarium filled with glass sculptures depicting various ocean creatures and sea life. Many glass artists have graciously agreed to participate in the Project.
go to www.needabead.com for more information.

I am very sad to hear of his passing. I will miss him.

Hello

Well reading some bits of news on the internet... trying to find out if things are getting better or worse.. Reports in both directions.. So I am going to say they are getting better.. Stock market had best three months since 2007. Well that's a good thing right?
Did you know that you can click on the title link to comment on any blogs? I'd like to hear from you, and to know if anyone is out there.. Hello...anyone there?

Spinach smoothies

I was surfing the net the other night and came across a raw food site. They showed a green drink smoothie. We tried it and it was very good, I changed it a bit, here is the recipe. 2 ripe bananas, 1 bag of spinach, a touch of agave nectar, ice and some udo's oil. It is very energizing and took away my coffee desire. A couple of years ago... I don't think I could have downed a green drink, but since we have been drinking our wheat grass 2x's a day.. it is growing on me. Oh I didn't tell you about the wheat grass. Well one of the tapes I was listening to said we really need to get more alkaline in our bodies and one of the best ways is green drinks. Wheat grass is pretty strong.. and usually done best when fresh. A little shot.. however the guy at whole foods told if you can't get it fresh then frozen is 2nd best, and freeze dried from wheat grass juice is 3rd best..
On the beading front.. today I mixed 12 hanks of 6/0 and 7/0 into a tub and then packed them in tubes.. only to later realize that I mixed the two sizes.. Urghh......Well the good news is I remembered that I had a pearl sorting cup that I bought in the beginning of my jewelry making career... And I found it right in the drawer in my bench where I had put it.. and it is working perfectly to help me sort the 2 sizes..!!! I love it when I can use something I have been saving for all these years.. The beads are fantastic... we got in 5/0, 6/0, 7/0, 2/0, fire polished picasso 3 cut seed beads.. Jaani will get them up on the web site soon.. they really are fun! Have a great weekend

Summer Beading Class Special

Well I am sure many of you have gotten the email that we started our summer class special early. Book and pay for two classes and then 2nd is 1/2 price. There are some restrictions, like it doesn't apply to guest teacher classes, but it is such a great offer to all the folks who are here in florida for the summer!
Went last night to Erkki's thespian awards banquet. He won an award "Best thespian" along with 13 or so others from the Dryfoos school. I was sad saying good bye to all the seniors. I have seen them performing for so many years now.
So last time I was telling you about AGAVE nectar. Today I read on MSNBC that it is about 50% fructose. Well they did say that since it is sweeter, you need less so in that hand it might be better. Supposed to have a low glycemic index. But now I am not sure..Urrghhhhhh.....
We were mentioned in Beading Daily today under Editor's Blog as a good source for the Swarovski Crystallized Elements. Crystal Sequins...That was cool..
Liisa, and I sent several items into the Bead Star Competition.. and We also sent in one of Sue's pieces she made from our Silver Icicles Class.. The funny thing is now Liisa's metal piece and Sue's metal piece are up against each other,, I have my pair or earring in the under 25. Go to www.beadstar.com and vote...

I am an action person!

Can't believe I actually got in with one try this time.. I have been having a real mess trying to remember sign in names, user names, passwords... and so on and so forth. I tried to have some system but then someone is always saying I need to up date and change it.. or I lock myself out and have to change..

Anyways are you proud of me for attempting to keep up with this..
Good news last weekend I cleaned the garage. which wasn't as bad as I thought.. and I also fixed the garage door.. (that's why I had to clean it first so the guy could come and fix it). and I also fixed the fence. I am an action person for 2009..

Got to watch Tony Robbins this Am on Good Morning America. It was fun. Boy he can speak for even 4 minutes and I hear something worth holding on to. Today I heard.. Events can't determine how you feel... Ok

So at the shop.. We are working on several value classes for the summer..so make sure to be on the look out for that. Also just got in some really neat natural pendants, and beads from the Philippines, some fabulous new seed beads..bigger than normal.. up to size 2 with great new color accents, and some are even like mega charlottes. Those of you who have been waiting for 15/O silver charlottes can rest easy now.. they are in.
Remember there are just a few days left to save $15.00 on Joan Babcock class. We are super lucky to have her come and teach her famous amulet purse with micro macrame accent. It's never been taught before..
Make it a great day!