He Is Risen ~ Allelujah!

O God, 

We saw the bread crumbs, emptied vessels, damp towels  Scattered over the shaking floor of our faith.

Justice was swept under the rug of violence  And redemption hung in the balance of a cross. 

Just when all seemed lost and death began to dance The long night came to an end.

               We proclaim your Death, O Lord!.

At dawn, on the first day of the week

We pulled ourselves away from tear-stained pillows And walked in tired mourning to the place 

Where unguarded, the stone, was rolled away, Revealing an empty tomb 

Full of life and possibility! The earth shook with the news, "He is not here!"

               And we profess your Resurrection!

Light shines and lilies bloom. 

You are with us again in this upper room.  We sigh and laugh at stories of darkness past.

At your table we eat and sing Alleluia! Alleluia! Bells of blessing ring!

We dare to touch each other's hands and side. Peace is your gift, Love is our guide. 

              Until you come again!

- David L. Coppola

Joyous Easter, one and all!

Baby Boys and Big Boys

We are so lucky to be surrounded with a new baby boy, a soon-to-be baby boy, and six year old twin boys who light up our life!

My week ended with a fabulous baby shower, honoring our sweet friend, Kelly Tesi.  Hosted by her cousin, Jen Crawford, we sailed the high seas with the theme ~ "Ahoy, It's A Boy."  A lovely turnout of well-wishers, friends and family, a delightful spread of light Springtime delectables, and perfect Arizona weather.  Here's a collage of the event, with Kelly and the adorable big sis-to-be, Gianna, at the center of it all the fun.  Not a detail was missed!

Following the baby shower, we headed home to welcome our "Phoenix Family."  The twins are now 6+ and we thought a dinner at Pinnacle Peak in Old Trail Dust Town was just what these little wranglers would enjoy.

They were all decked out, including ties....Neckties are important when you dine at Pinnacle Peak because they are OUTLAWED!!  Which means that they're cut off upon arrival!!

Those kiddos are such good sports! (Note:  ties stapled to the wall in background)

And now the twins have left their mark on Tucson and are a part of Pinnacle Peak history!

They are both looking forward to a return visit when they can bring their unsuspecting Dad, Uncle, and Grandpa!

A visit to Old Trail Dust Town wouldn't be complete without a ride on the ponies, so after dinner we headed over to the corral for just that...

Today we caught up with Chiara, Chris, and baby Hutson who just celebrated his 1 month birthday.  We had lunch and a fabulous visit, before our sweet company headed back north.

So, this will probably explain the delay with my Monday blog post, but I wanted to share all this fun with you....

This is an important week for me and I pray that you will enjoy all the blessings of your holiday, be it Easter or Passover.  Thank you so much for sharing your precious time with me!

Just Breathe......Ahhhhh......

I keep reminding myself to "just breathe"......

So much has happened in the past week and more still to come this week.  Let's start with the "fun" stuff!

I'm over-the-moon-excited to announce that my jewelry has been consigned by

Chris is an amazing ceramic artist and you can read all about her here.  I'm so honored to be "seen" with her beautiful art.  Come for a visit ~ La Plaza Shops ~ 6530 E. Tanque Verde Road ~ Tucson, AZ

Kiki and I had a delightful time setting up "shop" on Friday.  I'm so pleased with the way everything came together ~ what do you think?

Thank you, Chris, for this amazing opportunity!!

I carved out a little time this past week to work on some new pieces.  They feature focals from the wonderful Tucson artist, Patricia Healey.  I love her copper work!

A couple of Nunn Design pendant necklaces, featuring Swarovski rhinestone chain, bird images, and ICE resin....

And a pair of enamel bead earrings, which were born in the enameling class I took in February...

I also managed to squeeze in a mini-trip to "Gather, A Vintage Market."  You can read all about this amazing place here...

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While my budget for March is pretty well spent, I did manage to find some lovelies, like this wonderful dried lavender (wish you could smell it!) ~ plenty to go around the house...

 Some fun vintage phonics family cards...I imagine these cut apart and put into tiny frames in a vignette...

A jar of fabulous vintage shaker tops....

These called out to me for my frozen charlotte dolls ~ I see necklaces in their future!

 So, here's what you need to know...

They are so helpful and personable ~ you'll have a great time exploring!!

Okay ~ so play time is over and what I've really been working on all week is THIS!!

TAXES!!

I'm pleased to tell you that the spread sheets are finished (thank goodness for my Numbers program!), receipts are in order, and I should be ready for my meeting with our CPA this Thursday.

Each year I learn more about how I should be organizing the record keeping.  I think I've finally got it down and next year should be a breeze.

My problem is this ~ I'm an artist, not a paper person, so I procrastinate recording the details.  Well, no more!!  Things, they are a-changing!

I hope your week has gotten off to a wonderful start and continues to roll along that way. Remember ~ Just breathe......Ahhhhh!
Love and blessings from my heart, to you!

If you love bling and sparkle, you've got to try this one!
DIY Sequin Pillow

I Got a Facelift ~ My Blog, That Is!!

Before anything else, I want to thank my sweet friend, Lorraine Emmanuel Crane, for her friendship, generosity and love....Lorraine is a very loyal follower of Karen's Monday Musings and an old friend from East Meadow High School.

Recently, Lorraine was cleaning out some of her mom's jewelry and sent me these lovelies and instructed me (and I quote)

 "When I saw your latest creation it looked like you used rhinestones. Again, I went through my Mom's old costume jewelry (we are really trying to get rid of "stuff"...lol) and she had a pair of rhinestone earrings and a bracelet, plus other jewelry. If you could use these things I would have no problem sending them to you..if not don't be afraid to say NO....my feelings would not be hurt at all. I would rather give them to someone who may be able to use them then to throw them out or donate them. Just let me know....."

Here are the treasures my sweet friend sent...

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Lorraine!

Did you notice anything different today?  Of course you did!  My blog had a facelift!!

A BIG "Thank You" goes out to Karen Valentine, Karen Valentine Design.  Not only does this lady have uber talent, but she's a wonderful communicator and really put the pin in what I was looking for in a blog change.  I'm delighted with my "new look," and I hope you enjoy it as well.

You will notice that there are buttons at the top of my page ~ they are interactive, so just "click" on any one and it will carry you to a new page.  Most exciting for me is the "Boutique."  Now you will be able to "shop" with me, via email.  Just let me know what interests you!

Check out the sidebar of the blog, too....lovely additions and changes!

Not to confuse you, but last Sunday was my Spring Trunk Show at Casa Hess, here in Tucson.  I know a couple of friends were unable to attend so please get in touch if you're interested in seeing anything.
I thought you might enjoy these pictures...

I've been very blessed with two amazing Shows back-to-back.  Not only that, but my "Likes" on Karen's Monday Musings Facebook page has really jumped.  

We are a very little "big city," here in Tucson so I'm grateful for all the love and support you provide 
for me.  

Have a bee-utiful week, dear friends, and know that you are in my heart!

A Road Trip ~ Too Good to be True!!

My Trunk Show took to the road, via N. Scottsdale, AZ, and it was amazing!

February 24th was a first for me as my dear friend, Nancy, hosted a Trunk Show in her beautiful home.

(sorry, Nance...this was a pix from our February visit!)

I should also point out that Nancy and daughters are the "Queens of Themes," and the Trunk Show was no exception.

The theme was English Tea ~ so, sit back and enjoy these scrumptious photos as no detail was overlooked!

Kiki behind the scenes

Lacey behind the scenes

Sweet Aunt Debbie, who never stopped fixing, filling, cleaning!! xoxo

Shotzie and Ashley behind the scenes

Samantha and Molly would not have missed this tea party!

And all the while I busied myself setting up the dining room for the invited guests ~ so many new friends were made that day!  More than 20 guests attended!

Doris and Dona

My heart is full of love and gratitude...Lillie and I thank you!