Not All Work!

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I'm often asked, "What do you do all day now that you're retired?"  My immediate response is to say, "Oh, I'm in my studio working on jewelry every day."  In my case, I really think this is a misnomer, as time spent with my jewelry creations is anything BUT work!

Many of you know that summer is "education time" for me ~ lots of classes, both online and in person.

For the past 2+ weeks, I've been busy with two very special classes through Artful Gathering 2014 ~
"Romancing the Past," with Debby Anderson and "Downton Heirloom Cuff," with Riki Schumacher.

Here's a peek at what I've finished, so far.....
Bezels and Beads from Debby's class ~

Front view

Back view

First completed necklace, using bezel and beads

necklace detail

Pendant detail

Finished Cuff bracelets from Riki's class, each starting with a vintage napkin ring....

Encrusted Cuff

"Paris" Cuff bracelet

Back view

Bracelet close-up

I've learned SO many new techniques which I'll be able to incorporate into my own designs.

I'm also beginning my 3rd class with Deryn Mentock ~ "Artisan's Daybook"

No pictures yet, as class began on Friday and there are 40 videos to watch!!  What's so exciting about this class is being able to get back to my altered paper art "roots."

I will be creating a fantastic journal to store ideas, designs, original artwork, and more for my jewelry.

In addition, I've been commissioned to create for two special friends.....
A bracelet for Nancy's sister....

Life of Christ Bracelet in sterling

And a necklace for Chrissy, using some of her treasures.....

I hope to share the finished necklace with you next Monday!

Tomorrow is my last metal clay class until the Fall session....man, it went by tooooo fast!
Next week I hope to share the last of my finished pieces with you.

Last Tuesday was Kathleen's turn to drive to class.  When I opened the door to get into the SUV, sitting on my seat was the most beautifully wrapped gift.  I asked, "Whose birthday is it?"

Kathleen replied, "It's for you....I'm just so glad you decided to take the class with me!"
I'm not a lucky girl ~ I'm just very, very blessed by my friends....

My week was complete this past weekend with fantastic entertainment ~ As a family, we saw the Broadway in Tucson production of "Jersey Boys."

On Saturday we saw the movie of the same.  The girls had given Ron the tickets for Father's Day.  Having seen the stage production of "Jersey Boys" in NYC, Las Vegas, and Tucson, I must say we equally enjoyed the movie.

I'm off to watch my videos for Deryn's class and then on to Chrissy's custom necklace.  Have a magnificent week, dear friends.  Safe travels for all you vacationers and don't forget your sunscreen!

See you next Monday!

Oh, My Man!

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To quote Fanny Brice, Oh, my man....I love him so!!

The past week has been all about the love of my life.  At the young age of 65, Ron swept his age/weight class in powerlifting and qualified for the Nationals in Las Vegas, this Fall.

Psyched and ready to roll!

With his long time trainer, Dan Egan

 Here we go!

 Then the dead lift.....the winning lift ~ 446 lbs.

My hero!

Medalists from Power Physique Gym

And the jewels!

We closed our week with Father's Day ~ joyous to celebrate and honor Ron ~ with a special  home cooked Italian dinner ~ surrounded by the women in his life who love him beyond words...

And remembering our dads, who are no longer of this earth but forever in our hearts....

Paul (Poppy) Hess

Ed (Grampa) Kolbell

Before I leave you this week, I want to share some of the newest creations to come out of the Hive...

These are from my Metal Clay class with Lyle Rayfield....they will be used for necklaces, bracelet, and earrings....

Two bezels awaiting necklaces from Romancing the Past, Artful Gathering 2014 online retreat....

Lastly, my first finished cuff from Heirloom Downton Cuff class, Artful Gathering 2014 online retreat....

Two Metal Clay classes left, more cuffs to make, necklaces to design, a special custom order for my friend Chrissy, and enough to keep me busy for awhile!

Have a blessed week, dear friends, and thank you so much for taking the time to stop by!

Spiritual Road Trip!

Destination: God's Will

I was blessed to spend this past weekend with the Vine of Grace Retreat, at my parish, STS. Peter and Paul.  

Adding to my blessings was being able to share those three days with my dear, sweet friend, Nancy, who traveled down from Phoenix to join me.

Bishop Kicanas opened the retreat on Friday night with a beautiful Mass....

getting ready ~ Deacon Rodney and Bishop Kicanas

Nancy, Bishop, and me

My Corpus Christi friends, Linda and Janet

Praise, worship and song filled the night!

Along with the nourishment our souls received, we were treated each day to the most scrumptious meals ~ breakfast, lunch, and Saturday night dinner....and a  time for special fellowship...

Our fantastic Vine of Grace Director, Erin, has everyone in stitches

my new friends, Rosie, Danette, and Cathy

Sisters, Cathy and Rosie

themed table decor

Sacred Scripture was everywhere....

There was entertainment, born of the Retreat theme....skits from the Team....

Angela's beautiful interpretive dance... 

Angela

Personal stories and testimony from the Team members.....

Nancy

Bobbi

Sharon

 Afternoon Inspiration from special guest, the amazing, entertaining, and inspiring JoAnn Contorno....

There were workshops, Mass each day, Adoration, singing, 

Praise and healing ~ the most wonderful spiritual sisterhood!

Music ministry was provided by many...Charles Lohr, Jacklyn Loret de Mola, and Janna Larson.

Charlie

Dinner on Saturday night was a special treat ~ no buffet line, the fabulous Team served us! 

There was music from "Slice of Cheese" with musician and Grammy nominee, Abe Marcor....

All too soon, Sunday afternoon came and with it the close of our incredible weekend retreat.  Thank you, Erin Blanchette and Vine of Grace Team!!

Exhausted, but so spiritually enriched, we found our way to our cars and began thinking of "next year!"

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths."  ~ Proverbs 3:5

Sending you blessings, from the bottom of my heart, for a beautiful week!