Crazy Times... Sad Events

Man, the last few weeks have been hellacious! Seriously! I had the opportunity to attend a local art retreat (Paper Cowgirl) for a day at the end of June, and really enjoyed the classes I took. I participated in a few swaps, and brought home some incredible treasures.  Maybe it's karma getting me back for taking some time away for myself, but since then... it has been chaos around here. And, oftentimes wondering what's going to happen next. The Sunday after PC, Steve was oh so sick. Two days later, I was too. I stayed home from work (so not like me) and 3 hours into the day, Fred was sick too. Talk about misery. It took us the rest of the week to get over it. Later that week... the hard drive in my mac died. Totally, unrepairable, dead. All of the documents, photos, videos, etc that were on that drive are gone. Yes, I had a backup, but... it was erased due to other technical issues. The drive is actually going to go visit a drive doctor, but i'm not putting my hopes up that they'll be able to find or save anything. So, the good part of the story is that instead of replacing my computer, I put in a new kickin' hard drive and doubled my RAM. Wooo hooo - love the guys at Frye's Electronics in Irving. Saved me some serious dinero. Then the dishwasher died. Steve saved it. YAY! The next sad, and heartbreaking thing to happen is likely the worst of all. Steve's grandfather, Fredric Dempsey (who is also Baby Fred's namesake) passed away after a long fight with cancer. It's been hard on Steve, as he greatly looked up to and admired his grandfather. It wasn't until I read Grandpa's obituary that I realized how very much alike they are. Our hearts are hurting, (Steve's more than anyone's) but we know he's in a better place now. As if the above wasn't enough, the next issue we got to deal with was me. Somehow I managed to get a series of bites by what a local nurse thinks is a spider (but it could have been some kind of bug) that got my leg to swell up and get all ugly looking. The swelling is down, and the bites are looking SO much better (ironically they look like scrapes, but I don't know where it would have happened).  I'm likely going to have marks on my legs for a while, but i'll get over it. All of this fun fun stuff gets coupled with my new job stresses. I was given a promotion to work (which took me to a salaried instead of hourly pay), and our new team went live. So, as with any job there is an element of stress to overcome.  It's been a long couple of weeks! But, on the plus side, I got the sweetest gift in the mail from a  Bella. It came at a perfect time, when I was completely beat down by all of the events. (Please excuse the lack of editing... i haven't had a chance to install photoshop yet). Sweet, sweet Christina from Sweat Pea Ink sent me a Bella Kindness package. Inside were some wonderful treats and items that I'll be using soon in various art projects.  It was packaged So adorably, and I'm having a hard time finding a replacement for the box - as it is so perfect I want to pass it onto another Bella in return.  Christina, your package brought a huge smile to my face and warmed my heart when I truly needed it. Thank you so much for your kindness! Bella's be on the lookout - and be sure your address is in the address book! You never know when some kindness may be coming your way!

Time... finding it, losing it, wasting it...

My goodness, how time has flown by. Seriously. GoodNESS! Time is so hard for me to come by these days! I've struggled with finding time before, and have managed, but it seems that this time it is by far more difficult.  I have managed to find time to create. Little snippets here and there mind you. I've been busy creating my contributions for swaps at this (I'll share photos soon!), and working on deadlines with friends for this and this. It's been a difficult challenge balancing everything out, and I must admit that I've not found a pleasant balance.  I've not had time to clean out and organize my studio. In fact, I'm seriously considering hiring someone to do it for me.  I want to create and enjoy my creative space, but unless the above is done, I spend more time looking for what I have rather than creating. Anyone in the area have any referrals? :) There are so many things I ought to be doing rather than creating. Often times I when I do manage to find time, I use it for things other than creating. Creating, however, is what makes me happy. Yes, the two men in my life make me incredibly happy too (over the moon happy to be more clear) and so I do not create when they are available for me to be happy with. Generally, one is in bed - the little. The other is off at work - the big. This is in no way to lead anyone to believe that I do not find cleaning my house to make me happy. I do not enjoy cleaning. However, I do enjoy having a clean home. Finding time to clean (or do laundry, etc) is not something I tend to aspire to find... it's something I simply must do (when I do clean that is). Having a clean or tidy home is incredibly important to feeling able to create.  Anywho... I have had a delightful time, when I have managed to find time to create and play in my studio. Recently for fun, I've been working on my contributions for swaps which has been such fun. Also, for work (or for my "fun" work), I've been creating for two projects that I was invited to participate in. How I've enjoyed working with some of my crafting industry friends again. They've inspired me in ways I didn't anticipate or imagine. I cannot wait to see the fruits of our labors.

Quick Catchup Update...

First, a huge heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been praying for my brother-in-law, Shaun. He is home from the hospital, and is healing.  Now I haven't actually asked Shaun what went on, but here's what I understand happened.... Shaun pulling a huge fence closed (think of the kind of fence that you often see at secured storage unit facilities.... you know... the kind you type in a code and the fence automatically opens); there were not any pins at the end of the track to stop the fence, and it continued. As Shaun turned to walk away (as anyone would do after pulling a fence closed) the fence fell off of the track and onto Shaun's back. After he finally got to the hospital, and after extensive tests, etc... it was determined that there were some breaks and fractures in his back. Also, he had a few bulging discs. But, after lots of consultations and multiple opinions, surgery is not necessary. The breaks and fractures will heal naturally (as long as he takes it easy) and the bulging discs will return to their positions once the swelling goes down. He's in a lot of pain, but when I talked to him last he was handling it quite well. Delightfully drugged, but handling things as well as can be expected. I know I, and my family, greatly appreciate your prayers! Thank you so much! I have a LOOOONG post written to share with you. I'm off to try and get it posted now...

Prayer Request....

I know I have some serious updating to do... and I'm really working on it... but in the meantime, I'd really appreciate it if you could kindly send up prayers and positive thoughts to my sister's husband, Shaun. I've just received word that he broke his back today. We don't think he'll be paralyzed, but he's experiencing some numbness. We'll know tomorrow if he needs to have surgery and have more information. All of this, just in time for us to fly down to visit and celebrate my niece's 8th birthday.  Ow... oh ow. Thank you for your prayers! ~heather

Another Soldering Workshop Added...

Due to popular request, I've added another "Soldering Workshop" date to my calendar! I'm going to host my next "Soldering Workshop" on Saturday, April 25th from 10am - 4pm. It is an "all in one" class - basically a combination of my basic introductory class and my advanced class. After some discussion with previous students, we realized that both classes can be completed within the same day. In the Workshop, we will still cover the same topics and skills that I currently cover in my basic class, but at a much faster pace. The Soldering Workshop will be held at my home from 10am - 4pm. My home is located in Roanoke, TX (close to both 114 and I35, and Texas Motor Speedway). We'll start out with the introductory soldering class where we will discuss soldering tools, supplies, and the basics of jewelry charm soldering. In this class you will create one (possibly two depending on time) 1.5" charm. All of the tools and supplies you will need are provided in this class. However, you are welcome to bring any custom art you would like to use, should you want to personalize your charms. If you bring art or photos, please make sure that they are laser printed on plain (not photo) paper. Photo paper (matte and glossy) has a plastic coating on it which will melt under the heat of a soldering iron. You will need two images, one for the front and one for the back of your charm.  We'll take a short break (where you're welcome to either eat a lunch/snack you've brought with you or run out and pick something up)  and then jump into discussing advanced techniques. In this segment, we'll discuss and I will demonstrate creating bubble charms, working with bevels, shadow box charms, soldering non-glass items, and decorative soldering. Then, we'll work together to create a variety of charms to add to your collection. If you choose to bring art for your charms, please make sure they are printed on laser paper, and are in the following sizes: one sized to 1", one sized to 3/4", one sized to 1-1/2". The supplies and tools are provided for this segment also. I try to keep the classes small with 6 or less students attending so that everyone is able to receive personal attention and assistance. If you are interested in attending this class, registering is easy! Simply respond to this message, give me your email address and I will send you a PayPal invoice. Payment is due prior to attending class. Seats are only reserved once payment is received. If you pass this message onto your friends, and they register to take the class with you, you will receive a $5 rebate off of  your class tuition!

Non-Consumerism: Days 6 - 14

Okay, I'll admit it... I haven't been as diligent at being a non-consumer, as I could have been over the last week or so. It's SO hard to do when traveling, especially when you see something you just don't have at home.  And then, of course... was Easter. There are entirely TOO many yummy tempting treats to purchase over holidays. I did well, but not as well as I could have done. I'm hopping back onto the Non-Consumer wagon. I know I can so do this. I know I can clear things out that we're not using and that we don't need. I know that there are others out there that may truly need the things we don't. I know I can handle cooking dinner, or tag teaming with Steve, instead of going out (haven't broken this goal yet). I know I can handle not going out to lunch (haven't broken that one either) and I also know I can handle not purchasing clothes, movies, craft supplies, or other physical items we don't need. I have more than I need, and more than I can possibly use.  Besides... maybe all this non-consumerism will help me be more creative, help me create more, and maybe even save a few bucks to cut loose and spend at Silver Bella!

It's Silver Bella Time!

That's right... it's one of the most wonderful times of the year.... registration time for Silver Bella 2009. For those of you who know me, this is my annual trip to Omaha, Nebraska to bask in the glory that is the creative flow of Silver Bella. I LOVE it! This will be my senior (fourth year) going - and I can't imagine not going. Silver Bella is a Paper Arts Retreat - NOT a scrapbooking thing (thankyouverymuch - not that there is ANYTHING wrong with scrapbooking, but Silver Bella is just not a scrapbooking thing).  Registration began last night over on the Paper Bella Studio website and all kinds of information has been posted on the Silver Bella blog. I was prepared to register promptly at 8pm with my cold drink on one side, and my darling baby hanging out on the other. I had a few technical difficulties, but got myself registered for a few incredibly awesome classes! Will I be seeing you this year?

Non-Consumerism: Days 2 - 5

Rightie-O... today is day 5.  I had no problems whatsoever with urges to be a consumer today. Granted it's Sunday, and I don't shop on Sundays unless there's an emergency, or a major need. But, still, no urge! YAY!! However, days 2 - 4... they were a bit harder. I haven't had any overwhelming urges to raid the vending machines at work. I haven't fallen off the wagon to buy lunch... or dinner. I've managed to actually cook dinner, have it ready after work, AND before Steve has to leave for work (he works nights).  I did do a bit of grocery shopping and I was a bit more thoughtful about things I needed versus things I wanted. I did pick up a few wants, but definitely not as much as I might have normally purchased.  All in all, I'm chalking this week up to a huge success. I even found some time to work in my studio creating, clearing a few things out and even organizing too. Yay me! If only I could dedicate a full day to clearing things out and organizing - that would be a HUGELY amazing feat! Of epic proportions even!!! The coming week will add a new challenge for me. It looks like I'll be traveling to Portland, Oregon with Fred, to visit with Sheri and her family. I know there will be things I'll want, and there will be things I "have" to have. I'm not going to tell myself "NO" but I will give the items I purchase a significant amount of thought. Wish me luck!