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Monday, February 10, 2014

A Glorious Time!


Last week the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show began, 


and so did our arrival of guests....


While Rachelle and I visited the Show a number of times, 


we also found moments where we could do "non-show" activities.....
A visit to Shotzie for some makeup advice and new ideas
Western dining ~ a Tucson experience at Old Trail Dust Town....



A relaxing brunch at Prep & Pastry....

As one vacation came to a close.....

Another one was about to begin.  Carolyn and Gloria arrived from Birmingham, Alabama in time for Art Retreat in the Desert....

Gem Show shopping and jewelry classes were the fete du jour and did we have fun!!
Lori, Gloria, me, Kathy, Robin, and Carolyn



Our first class was Locket Love with instructor Riki Schumacher.


my Locket of Love sans necklace ~ Work in Progress
some of our class with Riki....she's 3rd from left

Next class was Ruffled Poppies with Diane Cook....



Here's my finished focal ~ a work in progress.  I will be designing a necklace for the focal.
This is my Ruffled Poppies
Our class photo with instructor, Diane, who's on my right...

The final class was Prairie Pearl Pea Pod with Deryn Mentock.  The necklace will be a surprise as it's very different from anything I've done in the past.  

I hope to be able to show you all these completed pieces next week.

The instructors were patient, caring, and oh so helpful.  This retreat is my absolute favorite and I look forward to attending each year.

But beyond the fabulous instruction and new techniques, the friendships formed were priceless.  









Farewell dinner with Robin, Lori, and Julie at Guadalajara Grill
Carolyn, Gloria, Yvonne, Lori, Robin,  Kathy, and Julie ~ my sweet, dear friends....Thank you for all the love!

A little tidbit for you....With the gift of Facebook, I've been corresponding with these women when we met via an online jewelry class last summer.  What a blessing to finally meet one another in person, and spend time doing what we love!

I'm sending a heart full of thanks to Barb, Erin, and Sarah Solem for making this such a memorable weekend.  You ladies are amazing and I'm so grateful!  Can't wait for next year!!


Have a beautiful week, dear friends.  If you're in Tucson, Rodeo is right around the corner and a time not to be missed!

As for me, I'll be catching up on some of the day to day stuff...

Thank you so much for stopping in for a visit!

4 comments:

Lucy Kalstrom said...

Great blog post Karen! Your time with Yvonne, Carolyn, Robyn, Julie, Lori etc looks to have been bliss! You have been busy being the hostess with the mostess as well! It will be nice for you to get back to life as usual, although you do seem to set a cracking pace :D Thanks for another joyful read <3 The rest of us were able to enjoy the trip vicariously thru you gals posting on Facebook and thank you so much for doing that.

Rachelle said...

Karen, you are the most gracious hostess. I cannot thank you enough. I loved our visit. Love to you, Ron and the girls.

Vivi Magoo said...

Thanks so much for sharing your memories of our art retreat, Karen! Your words and photos keep the memories alive! We are already beginning to work on the retreat for next year in Tucson! You can't keep good women down! http://www.artretreatinthedesert.com/?m=0

Fran. said...

Friendship is such an awesome gift that God gave us!! And especially with kindred spirits!! I believe it helps the World go around!! Great post thanks for sharing with us!! It sure looks like a lot of fun!! Looking forward to seeing your creations all done! I know they will be beautiful!!! XOXO Love Fran.