The Hectic Life

Life has been hectic and now it is Christmas!  If you wonder why I have been absent so long, well it wasn't intentional.  My daughter got married in August and though I knew I would be busy and not write as much, I didn't realize this blog would be silent for 3 or 4 months.  I have missed you!

I did promise some wedding pictures.  I have to say that it was a beautiful wedding, though I can't take a lot of credit for that.  My daughter did most of the planning.  Here is the happy couple!

And the bride with her bridesmaids decked out in purple and green ...

On an interesting note, we were lucky with the timing of this wedding because exactly one week later Hurricane Irene arrived in this very spot in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina.  Oh yes!  The wedding tree behind the girls was knocked down in the storm.  The hotel where most of us stayed had so much damage that it had to be closed for a year for repairs.  It was the same hotel used for the broadcast leading up to the hurricane.  The pier in front of the hotel lost the last few sections in the strong wind and waves.  This storm claimed at least nine lives as it worked it's way up the Atlantic coast.

The Atlantic Beach pier (picture from Jonathan Serrie, reporter):

Then the bride and groom were to leave from DC for their honeymoon on the hurricane weekend, flying to Mexico.  I wasn't concerned because Mexico was not in the path of the storm, forgetting they had to first get out of DC.  They managed to fly out the morning of the day the hurricane arrived to close the airports.  I think they must have a lucky angel looking out for them. 

So besides the wedding, which I thought would be my major or only distraction to writing this blog, life kept happening.  What's up with that?  My part-time job decided they needed more of my time and beyond that I don't really remember.  It is so easy to let life happen to you and let some things slide.  At my age, I should know that you can lose yourself if you are not careful.

My creative time has really suffered so I think I see a New Year's resolution coming.  I have a jewelry show this week and I will have to get busy.  It is a casual affair at an office in their break room.  But as we know if done well that might lead to who knows what.  Never overlook an opportunity.  So back to work and I will talk with you soon. 

Keep creating,
Carol

I 'Heart" Macro Sunday

This little guy jumped across my path as I hurried out to my car one morning.  He was just so darn cute I had to grab the camera and take his picture.  I was sure he would disappear back in to the hole before I could focus but I guess he likes the limelight. 

You may not be able to tell how little this guy is but he can't be more than an inch or two tall.  (Are frogs tall or long?)  And of course, I was practically standing on my head to get the shot.  It is a wonder that I got him in focus. 

I mentioned that my daughter is getting married later in August and some of you asked for a picture.  Well, this is not the wedding but this is the engagement picture that was in the paper.

We are in the countdown now for the wedding.  I am not going to think about losing a daughter.  I prefer to think I am gaining a son. 

Be creative and take some pictures,
Carol

Bead Table Wednesday

Here is what is coming off my bead table and into the shop.  Warm amber, root beer brown, black and white combine to make this yummy look.  This bead color combination is my husband's current favorite. 

This bracelet looks great with a summer white dress and just as good with that little black dress.  It will transition from summer to fall with outfits in brown, tan or khaki.  Check it out in my Etsy shop. 

Sorry this is posting on Thursday but had a little trouble with tech issues yesterday.

Be creative and be happy,
Carol

I 'Heart" Macro Sunday

This picture was taken when my daughter first started planning her wedding.  Her colors are purple and lime green and she wants the bridesmaids to carry green bouquets with their dark purple dresses to add a bright touch.  I took this picture of the green mums in some flowers I bought that also had the purple in the background. 

Yes, there are green flowers - think Bells of Ireland and these mums.  It turns out there are several different options, of course not all are inexpensive (think wedding on a budget).  Interestingly, it is the dark purple that may be harder to come by in August.  And she wants purple in her bouquet.  Still working on that.

Till next time,
Carol

Book Giveaway!

The lovely and generous Lori Anderson reviewed "Hot Connections Jewelry -- The Complete Sourcebook of Soldering Techniques" by Jennifer Chin and published by Potter Craft.  And guess what!  She is giving it away.

Want a chance to win it?  Well just hop on over to Lori's blog, Pretty Things, and check out the details.

Good luck and be creative,

Carol