Quote of the day

Jewelry Affaire

Memory Markers are in a magazine! My friend Angela Cartwright asked me to encase her artwork in my jewelry. I made pendants and earrings for her. She wore them to Stampington Publications and they wanted to put them in their magazine. We collaborated on the article and along with photos of the jewelry and it was published.

Frustrated

I have never liked politics. I have always been too busy raising my family, getting home from work, making dinner, getting my kids ready for bed and by that time, I had to go to bed...or do ironing. I never thought much about what the politicians did for me or didn't do for me.

Now that I am retired, I have time to read the local paper. I have time to watch CNN and Fox news and boy are they different. Fox news is reporting all day long, as is CNN. The difference I see between the two is that I see things on Fox news that I don't see on CNN.

For instance I read in the Oregon paper that Hilary Clinton was in Pakistan warning them to act against militants. She had meetings with President Hamid Karzai and sounded quite firm in her statements in the paper. Fox news showed a tape of her sitting down with the same President Karzai and his aides and she was dissing Herman Cain, a Republican candidate running for President of the United States to President Karzai. She used a very demeaning tone when speaking about Herman Cain...."he's the pizza man running for president" and President Karzai gave a nervous laugh. She didn't say that he once worked for the Federal Reserve or how he had made a success of Godfather Pizza. Hilary sits there with a Pakistani president laughing about Herman Cain when Karzi was the one who okayed Osama bin Laden to live within their borders. It's all crazy to me. Herman Cain was a front runner for the Republicans and it's very suspicious to me that now he is being slandered. What difference does it make if he is accused of "sexual harassment"? Bill Clinton had an affair with Jennifer Flasomething, disgraced the oval office with his affair with Monica, which he lied about in front of the public, exposed himself to that other woman....so why does everyone look over that and he is still adored by movie stars, TV and politicians? Double standard? The Clintons get away with anything?

I suppose Hilary feels better about President Obama who used our money to make a bet on Solyndra, without researching the solvency of the company, that was facing bankruptcy when he decided to give them 0ver $5 million dollars. Now they can't account for it and it's GONE. All our hard earned money, down the green tubes...and Mr. Obama called it a "bad bet". Gambling with our money. President Obama and his cabinet know nothing when it comes to making business decisions. What about his shovel ready jobs when he first took money from us to get the stimulus bill going? How many jobs were made and where is that money and now he has a new job bill that is going to take another trillion dollars of our money, which Washington doesn't have (but can print if he needs it I guess). Our country is going down the tubes. The Democrats need to raise taxes so they can keep spending. It's like they have hit a bottomless well that keeps pouring out the money. We can't make it fast enough for the government to spend it! Thanks President Obama for the terrible changes to have made in this country and taken away any hope we had for the future. Aren't there any other Democrats who can run?

Keeping Busy

I haven't been on here in awhile. Yard work came late this year because of our traveling and so we have found ourselves out there every chance we get. We are still waiting for the wild flowers to come to full bloom. We did get a small cluster of tiny, hard, green grapes on the grape vine. I hope summer continues until at least October first!

Things have been really great here. The weather has been gorgeous, being outside spectacular, getting together with people we care about, caring for each other and our four furry girls, times of laughter, creating in the yard and on our new deck. Sedona is talking now in full sentences and she is 25 months old. Nothing is better than viewing the videos of her that mommy and Papi keep updated on their site and of course Skyping.

The Quail have been busy making baby Quail and we had a total of 34 babies between three pairs of parents. I have no idea where they go when they get big. I wonder if they have some type of GPS system that helps them find new territory. Hopefully they all weren't carried off by some hawk or eagle. Can't think of that.

Thought for the week (or month or whenever I get back here).

This world is one big mystery. It hides behind the fabric of our poor, browbeat days, shining brightly and we don't even know it. We are given life and everyday, no matter how small, we need to find something beautiful within our life. So, let's celebrate the uniqueness of ourselves and keep our attitude positive as best we can and each day will be a great one.

GETTING READY FOR SUMMER

That's right, getting ready. I was down in San Diego, California for two and a half weeks and it was lovely there. Everything was in bloom. Sedona wore her sunglasses every time we went out for a walk (which was every day). I got over my spring blahs quickly that I seem to get every year in Bend. That is because there is NO SPRING here. We are still waiting and it's June 6th! So I guess it does no good to complain, but just enjoy whatever the day brings. One gets so excited if blue skies show up in the morning, you almost want to put on your bathing suit! Well, maybe not go quite THAT far, but shorts for sure. We have had a little sun over the weekend and I was outside redoing my flower beds, getting them ready to harbor some color. It will be more of the same today. I think we are ready to downsize. Where to move next, that is the question.

THE POWER OF CONSCIOUSNESS

NOTE FROM THE UNIVERSE

There is always something to be happy about. Truly happy.

And if you have the audacity to find it and the courage to
make it your focus, in spite of the countless temptations
to do otherwise, you will have learned well, your life will
be transformed, and all things will be added unto you.

"End" game,
The Universe

Now, do you feel better?

Welcome to my world.

What a day! Actually what a two weeks it has been! I got home from Hawaii and kept on relaxing for three more days and then had to get myself out of the vacation mode because I had to make some jewelry and get my house back in order. My desk is happy because it's been busy....my mind is a mess because the desk is happy.

I have not had time to call anyone, so my friendships may be in jeopardy. I'm not feeling too good about that. I don't know where the day goes, and I know that sounds like a trite saying, but it is so true for me, especially today.

I got up to my phone going off and laid there for awhile thinking it was the clock radio, when I realized I don't have a clock radio. Jumped out of bed to talk to Tiffany for about 15 minutes. Went back into the bedroom and Jim had gotten up, so I climbed back in, thinking I would maybe get a couple of more winks. Guilt came and tapped me on the shoulder, so I threw off the covers, after all, it was 8:10. I made the bed, cleaned out the cats eyes, gave them medicine, cleaned the cat box, took my pills, put lotion on my face to get rid of the pillow marks (yeah, like that is going to work), fed the cats, got dressed, came downstairs. Took a breath, since I didn't do my yoga. Packed up the cookies I made for mom that needed to get shipped today along with a jewelry order, which took me awhile since I kept misplacing the packaging tape and my glasses. While retrieving a tin can for the cookies in my closet, a basket fell off the shelf and now I will have that to clean up. Chair pads decided to join in the fun and tumbled down on top of the flipped over basket. Cat's came to investigate. Had a small breakfast while I petted Sadie, our needy cat. Fed the birds and filled the bird baths with water. Folded a load of laundry. Checked my email and checked out jewelry supplies that I need to order. Made a sample charm for an order I have. Concerned that I don't have enough PMC for the order. Stressed about that for five minutes. Cleaned out the downstairs cat box. Talked to my step son for 20 minutes about his children. Thought about going outside on the upper deck for some fresh air, but changed my mind. Reorganized my metal stamps. Called my Aunt Marie who is 91 to catch up. Feeling bad about not calling my friends. Wondering what I will wear out to brunch if we go on Easter. Are jeans acceptable? Got back on line to see a lesson on stamping. Forgot to eat lunch so reheated leftovers in the microwave and walked out to Jim who is rototilling the wild flower bed to see if he wanted any...it's now 3:00. Jim is taking the cookies to Fed Ex for me and I need to get back to work now.

This has been a typical day for me lately. Now, don't you feel better about your day? Glad to oblige.

Remember Maddie James

Please visit this website to read about my daughter's friend who has said goodbye to her 5 year old Maddie. It is so sad to have to say goodbye to your child. Her mother, Kajsa and her father have created a foundation to donate on behalf of Maddie to the Ocean Institute in Dana Point for the new Seaside Learning Center. This was a favorite place of Maddie's. What a precious child, a life taken to early, but memories left that will last a lifetime.

http://maddiejamesfoundation.org/her-story/ 

You just have to Live

One of my favorite scenes from the movie, Tuck Everlasting, is when Tuck visits Winnie the summer she turned fifteen. He said to her, "Do not fear death, but rather the unlived life. You don't have to live forever....you just have to live." And she did.

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

If speaking to a spiritual novice during the darker days of human evolution, one might explain God, metaphorically, as if "He" were angry, testing, and judgmental.

To someone a bit more savvy, during easier times, one might explain God, metaphorically, as if "She" were always loving, nurturing, and forever conspiring on our behalf.

And to someone on the verge of a total breakthrough, during the latter days of human evolution, one might explain God by asking them to turn up the music, take off their shoes, walk in the grass, unleash the dogs, free the canary, catch a breeze, ride a wave, dance every day, get up early, take a nap, stay out late, eat chocolate, feel the love, give stuff away, earn it back, give some more, and laugh.... Really.

Really, really.

Catch a breeze,
The Universe

Red WIne, Dark Chocolate and Sadie cat

Nothing brings the peaceful state of BEING like a glass of red wine, dark chocolate and sitting on the couch petting a needy cat. That is where I found myself tonight. No phone calls, no working on projects. Just feeling the peace that petting a cat who is in need of purring. What satisfaction there is in that for me. I rescued three of my cats from a breeder who was not high quality. I feel my cats are lucky animals. I have a friend who has rescued Golden Retrievers and I see in her house the same love I have for my animals. How lucky these unsuspecting animals are to have been welcomed into a loving home. How my heart aches for animals who are less fortunate. Why are some animals chosen by people only to be chained up to protect their residence and spend a lifetime of being chained up, never knowing they are really loved. Do they even miss it?

Sadie, our “middle child” is the most timid and I had the realization today that maybe in some way, she senses that she doesn't get as much time as the others. We have Portia, who is 16 years old and sleeps most of the day. We have Lexi who is five and is like the alpha cat and who is very bonded with me. She sleeps up by my head every night. Sadie is four and is the loner. She meow's the loudest when she wants our attention. And her voice sounds so forlorn. Mini is the also four, but came to us at the same time as Sadie, rather under nourished and in need. We didn’t think she was going to make it, but now she is so attached to Papa (Jim) and loves to be groomed by him several times a day. Anyway, tonight I became aware that Sadie has her own special needs and when she is so vocal in the morning and is waiting for me to come into my studio to pet her on the couch, that she is in NEED. She loved all the attention she got tonight and I found it a blessing for me as well. Petting a cat makes you sit still for awhile after a busy day and reflect on how wonderful life is. Thank you Sadie for bringing me peace.

Thought for the week

Low days exist to remind you that you still have choices. High days, exist to remind you of how fast you rebound ... among other things. Boing, The Universe

The Universe Speaks

I belong to this site that delivers a message from the Universe everyday. I am amazed that some of the ones I receive, hit me exactly where I am at that moment. Here is one I will share:

Just curious, Cassandra, but when was the last time you relied upon me?You know, consciously realized you weren't alone as you went about your daily affairs, choosing a path, finding a parking space, or a new friend, or a great idea... and expected, at least, a little something? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm... Well, let's just say we do it more often. K? The Universe

Jackie Saburido

I just read about this girls story and it really touched me. We all take so much for granted, but our lives can be changed in an instant. I get concerned for my grandchildren, all my grandchildren, that they will be a victim of a drunk driver. I guess any of us can fall victims to that horrific experience. I think it would be incomprehensible to have a loved one's life be taken by the irresponsibility of someone who gets in their car drunk and also it would be just as devastating, to have a loved one be responsible for taking a life when intoxicated.

This is a sad story of a young woman whose life changed in an instant and also the young man who was full of promise, whose poor choice changed his life forever as well. A difficult lesson for one and a perseverance to keep going in life when she didn't think she could.

Jackie is an amazing young woman, who in spite of the hardships and pain, has remained a beautiful soul with strength and courage. Her story is one that will make you think about what really matters and will have you asking yourself many questions.

http://www.helpjacqui.com/home.htm

PLEASE DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE.

Hide and Seek

My little Sedona

Here is a little update on Sedona Marie Bode. She is starting to say more words and loves Elmo. She is so much fun and I adore her. Her favorite food is pasta. Can you tell? Lars just covers his eyes...it's too much mess. BUT mommy cleans her up and then Papi takes her and makes her laugh. They are a good team in raising Sedona. Sedona can say, "Bless you" if you sneeze and one has to be careful what you say around her, as she will most likely repeat it. She loves to dance and play. She is such a delight and a blessing to all of us.

Thought for the day

When you understand why something hurts, it stops hurting. When you understand you have options, you take action. And when you understand you have wings, you can soar again. Capisce? The Universe

MEMORYMARKERS

Winter has certainly arrived and keeping us all dressed up in white. It has been so cold this week our lawn has changed it's normal winter green to white frosting with patches of deer prints decorating it and it has stayed that way because of the 6 degree temperature. I am cozied up in my home with my four cats and husband. I knew that I would be spending a lot of time in my studio this winter. So, I have made the best of it and created MEMORYMARKERS. They are so much fun to make and I use a torch and solder to create them. I form the bezels myself and have come up with these very cool pendants that I have given as gifts over the holidays and have decided to feature them on my Etsy site. If you need a special gift for someone, please take a look on my Etsy site. Wishing you all a very Happy New Year in health, spending time with people who you love and who love you, enjoying nature and what each season brings, peace and time for yourself.