Fearless

I just got back from visiting my family in Illinois. The last day of my visit we all went to the Coles County Fair. My little niece Bailey (7) really wanted to climb a rock wall, clearly made for adults. My brother at first told her no but on the way back we passed it again and he agreed to let her do it. She was really too small only weighing in at 45 pounds but the guy felt sorry for her and let her do it anyway. She made it all the way to the top of the wall within minutes. All of us including myself didn't think she would be able to do it but as she got about halfway up we were all cheering her on. I couldn't believe it when she reached the top. Her arms were shaking at one point when she couldn't reach the foot holds. This single event of the trip brought so many life lessons to mind. The fact that she wasn't afraid at all, that she didn't take no for an answer and that it didn't matter if any of us believed in her at all because she knew she could do it! My wish for her is that she never loses the incredible spirit that she has and that she enjoys her medal for reaching the top =)

Incomplete

This is for all of us who miss out on the rapture of being incomplete. Love this song and album by Alanis Morissette.

Hearts for Betty

If someone reads this before our dinner tonight don't let the cat out of the bag but I made these earrings and bracelet for Betty's birthday. I found these heart glass beads at the Whole Bead Shop booth that was at the bead show at the Alexis Park Hotel a few months ago. I found a lot of very fun beads there. Everything is sterling silver and the red heart beads are glass with a few black seed beads. Her favorite color is red so I'm sure she will love them!

Embossing

I tried embossing by myself for the first time last night while making a birthday card for my glass making friend Betty. It turned out alright but I forgot to shake off the excess embossing powder before turning on the heat gun. I have a very shiny kitchen as a result and a shiny outfit.

Gym Class Heroes

People who know me well know that I am a closet hip hop fan. I love it. I had the pleasure of going to see the Gym Class Heroes Friday night at the Joint inside the Hard Rock. They were awesome. My friend Katharine and I were shaking our thing and pumping our fists through every song. If you haven't heard of them you should check them out.

Ring of Fire

I was inspired to create this piece by the Johnny Cash song Ring of Fire. The basic foundation for this piece was created by putting paper on the canvas with gesso to create texture. Then I used acrylics in red, blue and yellow mixed with gel medium in a semi gloss to give it a little bit of shine. This additive does not change the color of the acrylics.

So here's to everyone who is currently in the ring of fire and to those who have gotten burnt beyond recognition by the fire and finally for those of us who are hoping we can carefully jump back in one day with a new love.

Live

I sent this bracelet with my friend Keri as she starts a new adventure with her move to LA. I thought it was very important that she lives life to the fullest. Just live, girl!