A father's day - without

Today was a difficult day for me. My first father's day since he died. It also marks a year since the last time we had a conversation. I can't help but think of that last chat and the odd question he asked me. He asked at the end of it if I had anything else I wanted to talk about. I know that doesn't sound like much but it was very much out of character. Almost like he knew he'd soon be gone. Weird.

a fantastic event

the southern california flame surfers sponsored their 1st Beads of Courage event yesterday. Beads of Courage is an arts-in-medicine program for children with serious illnesses. what a privilege it was to take part in this special event.  if you'd like more information please go to www.beadsofcourage.org

busy, busy

I have been on the torch melting glass like crazy.  When I'm in torching mode (as opposed to silver creating and jewelry designing.  or, to be honest, just screwing around) I am in the zone.  I find it totally meditative and relaxing.  It cleans out my brain in a way nothing else does.  And the colors.  It's like opening a brand new box of crayons everyday.  Can you smell them?  And then LAYERING colors.  That changes everything.  I think I'll allow myself a few more days with glass, then I better move on to the next thing!

Sylvie!!!

Exciting news! the incredibly talented Sylvie Lansdowne is coming to Southern California to teach at The Mandrel!  Sylvie "The Queen of Whimsy" makes the most fantastic beads and she will be sharing some of her tips and tricks.....
call Donna at The Mandrel for info 310 413 9789

here is a peek at the magic that is Sylvie!!!

Beads of Courage

just a quick announcement....if you are in the orange county area of california you should check this out!

  April 16th 10am - 4pm / A Bead Challenge 

all proceeds and beads made will benefit children in the Beads of Courage Program ar Children's Hospital of Orange County, City of Hope National Medical Center and Rady Children's Hospital.
make a beaded bracelet ($10)
sponsor a bead for a child in treatment ($5)
win prizes in the bead challenge raffle ($2/ticket)
purchase unique items at the gift shop
watch artists melt colorful glass into beads

hosted by: CBS (coatings by sandberg)
628 N. Eckhoff, Orange

sponsored by: southern california flame surfers

Bob, I've missed you so.....

ok, here comes another tale from childhood.  but I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it ( I'm about to lose control and I think I like it....no!  pointer sisters be gone!) I met my friend Jill down in Orange today.  I hardly ever go there but we wanted to see a movie and Orange is kind of the half way point between our houses.  I was a little afraid of this particular movie theatre because last time I was there (ok, a lot afraid) was 1998 and I met Jill there to see Titanic.  this turned out to be one of the worst days of my life (no fault of Jill's....I love you Jilly) but that's a story for another time.  so I returned to the scene of the "crime" to see The Lincoln Lawyer.  with terror in my heart (ok, my just a little hesitation) I pulled into the lot which has been completely re-done since 1998.  and there before my eyes he stood.  tall and proud as he alway has with his platter of hamburger and fries.  like a desert mirage.  bob.  as in bob's big boy.  I have lusted for a visit with bob since I was in my early 20's when he rudely disappeared from orange county, and my life.  oh, the stories I have shared with the kids of bob adventures in my childhood.  bob's for breakfast.  bob's for pie or hot fudge cake.  bob's for spaghetti with chili on top.  and of course, the bob combo.  hamburger, fries and a side salad all squeezed onto one plate.  today, bob re-entered my life and I will visit him soon.  oh yes, I will have me some bob.

adventures with the Mahoney girls

if you know me at all you probably know Joni is one of my bestest friends.  we have been through a lot together.  good and bad.  she was totally there for me when my dad died.  I was with her as much as possible when her health took a very serious turn.  we have had great, fantastic laugh fests and many meals together.  Her daughter Hannah grew up with my son David from 3rd grade on.  She is 20 and attends college in Oregon.  I love this kid!  she is so wise, mature, funny and beautiful.  so Hannah is here for spring break and unfortunately we could only squeeze in one visit this time.  of course we chose to go to CPK (california pizza kitchen for those of you that live elsewhere).  what a fun afternoon!  Joni has done such a wonderful job raising Hannah and they always make me feel like family.  and I just wanted to thank them.  love you both!

adventures at.....

The Glass Studio!  Saturday was the Southern California Flame Surfers meeting.  this was the first meeting held at Cathi Milligan's new studio.  Cathi demo'd vitrograph ( kind of like glass twisties coming out of the ceiling) which was really, really cool.  the meeting had a fantastic turn out and I think everyone enjoyed it.  of course, being in Cathi's company is always a joy.  I had the pleasure of meeting some new people.  Karen Fox was there and we FINALLY met.  I think I found myself a new buddy!  If you're into glass you should really check out Cathi's place.  phone # 323 257 0764.  it's in the Los Angeles area.

who me?

ok....if you haven't already checked it out what are you waiting for?  the amazingly talented Nicole Valentine Rimmer interviews ME on her blog.  thank you Nicole, it was a pleasure!
Nicole's blog: http://nvalentine.blogspot.com/

time change? nah!

I would like to blame my laziness and lethargy on the time change but I know that would be B.S.  I have no schedule for sleeping.  aside from getting hannah to and from school I am free as a bird.  I can work as late, as much, as little as I want.  so losing an hour sleep means nothing to me because chances are i'll take a 2 hour nap to make up for it!  I wish I had an answer as to why I have slept the last 2 days away.  but I don't.  so with little movement brings little adventure and thus...I have nothing to blog about.  maybe tomorrow something interesting will happen.  let's hope.  I'm boring myself at this point!

sad day

today is indeed a horrible day as Japan wakes up to survey the damage of an 8.9 earthquake and subsequent tsunami.  I cannot image the fear they must be feeling as they take stock of what is no more.  the tv footage was terrifying to watch, living it is unimaginable.  I'm having a hard time doing much today beside thinking of all the people in the world that are suffering everyday.  there is just too much suffering.

the winner...

Alan Campbell you are the winner!  send me your address and I'll get them right out to you!  you can send it to: lowtideandlemonpie@me.com or send it private on face book.  congratulations!

ick

I feel yucky today.  I've had a stomach ache for a couple of days but now my head hurts too.  I wandered around the house aimlessly for most of the day so I have nothing fun to talk about.  maybe tomorrow will be a bloggy day.  sorry.

new work

a quick peek at what I've been doing....

breakfast tea

all though I got a lot done over the weekend I had high hopes for today too.  a bunch of things have been circulating my feeble brain and yelling to be created.  I started out with good intentions, even got up early and showered BEFORE taking Hannah to school so I'd be ready to spend the day in the studio.  I dropped her off and realized I wanted a  cup of tea...down fall alert!!!  I can't go home because we are out of tea and starbucks would just be silly.  So I drive to Bed Bath and way Beyond because they have tea for my Kuerig machine.  only they're out.  so I drive to Kohls because oddly enough they carry it.  success!  they have my tea.  they are also having a good sale (ya know, like every day) so I poke around.  A sweater, blouse, t-shirt, jeans, bra AND tea and I'm out the door.  shit!  we need some groceries.  since I have already blown the morning I decide to take care of that too.  after putting away all of the above I start noticing a smell in the house which is very distinct....dis stinked!  of course now I've gotta clean fetus' cage.  and start laundry.  at this point i have worn myself out and decide a quick nap is the only solution.  I wake up just in time to pick up Hannah from cheer and have a snack with her.  It's 4:44 pm.  I think I may have shot this day to smithereens.  oh well, there's always tomorrow!  by the way, I never did have that cup of tea.

new work

I am so excited about the necklace I'm working on today.  I love it.  I have a new set of ergonomic tools coming so I can work without my hands hurting.  I'm still using tools my dad gave me when I was little and he worked at Builders Emporium (olden days Home Depot).  The rubber handles have cracked and some don't function at all anymore.  I guess hardware store pliers etc. weren't made for 30+ years of hard labor.  I'll keep them though.  They hold a lot of memories.

ta da!

you found my blog!  now sign in as a follower and leave a comment including your name and a way for me to hunt you down (phone, e-mail etc.) your name will be entered for the March 10th drawing. I know, cheap trick but if it gets you guys here then it worked!  I promise the gift will be cool.

Hannah's pics

I had big plans for today.  I even had a list with times mapped out and everything!  so of course NONE of those things got done.  I did post one new thing on etsy.  so....for entertainment (cuz I got nuthin") I'm posting some beautiful pictures that my daughter took today. they were all shot in our backyard and yes, the nose/eye is our dog, maddie.  enjoy!

thanks Hannah!

web site, web site

as you can tell from today's title I spent the majority of my studio time working on the web site today.  if you haven't been yet, please check it out and post comments!  I wanna hear the good and the bad (but more good than bad-jk) http://lowtideandlemonpie.com/
 I did escape for awhile to have dinner with my friend and fellow lunatic, Joni.  Always fun.  even when we are unhappy about something we can't help but end up laughing.  I did get a little playtime today taking some pictures of jewelry and organizing my seed beads.  yes, seed bead organization IS fun!

new stuff!

thanks Denise

well leave it to my spunky friend Denise to get me off my ass.  finally.  we walked 3 miles today and ya know what?  It felt great!

Yum

Met Joni Aka Julie McCoy at Mimi's for breakfast this morning. I had a buy one get one free coupon which just makes the whole experience that much more lovely. I feel kinda spoiled tho. Two play dates in two days. And tomorrow I'm walking with Denise so I'll be 3 for 3. Shouldn't I be working or something? Oh well, friends make everything better. Except when they make it worse. But that's more high school. We're too old for that!

oh the fun!

today was an extra special day because I got to hang out at The Glass Studio with my friend (and the owner of said establishment) Cathi Milligan.  we had an awesome time poking around her store/studio.  We made some silver charms and toggles, we made crazy twisted glass stringer and we made plans to teach a class together soon.  I cannot wait to go back and you shouldn't wait to go either.  5052 York Blvd. Highland Park, California or call 323 257 0764    thanks Cathi!

                                                        

valentine's day

I got to spend the day today with my friend Jill.  We did the girl thing by going to the mall and wandering around.  She took me to lunch at cheesecake factory (tho we refrained from the obvious ), and of course, we bought shoes at Nordstrom.  what would a girl's day out be with shoes from Nordie's?  I always look forward to time spent with Jill, and today was wonderful, as usual.  thanks Jill!

too much to do

I have orders sitting on my desk, stuff to do for mom, a web site (big excitement) to finish, beads to clean.....but finally I have the burning desire to make stuff.  I want to play with silver and roll around in gemstones and make glass with a big flame!  Damn all the other "to do" crap.  If I throw myself on the floor kicking and screaming will I give in to my own hissy fit?  I'll get back to you on that.

distractions? who me?

so ok, I didn't make jewelry again today.  I took the car to Costco to have the flat fixed.  I poked around the house.  Then I got it in my head that I needed, had to have, right now....a website.  I have been enjoying my no website status.  I mean, blog, facebook and etsy?  Isn't that enough.  but I've been thinking about it and I think the website is a necessary evil.  of course if I don't get my ass in gear and make some things to sell I won't need a website.

another day. 0 enameling

to be honest, I only tried once on a ratty scrap of copper.  but still.  no go.  I HATE not being able to succeed.  not that anyone enjoys failure.  wait.  do they?  well, anyway, I also hate the dust mask because it rubs the bridge of my nose and it hurts.  so don't yell at me but I put it all away.  I feel like I need to make something that actually IS something.

Baby it's windy outside

The newscasters are saying we need to prepare for a huge wind storm today. Of course today is the day I decided to bring my car in for service. They tell me the wait is about 2 hours and think, ok I can take a walk and get a bagel. Coffee. Read and hang out. Guess what? It's friggin' WINDY outside. Now I'm snug as a bug in Panera and Honda calls to say it'll be ANOTHER 1 1/2 hours! The car needs brakes too. Meanwhile the wind is blowing harder by the minute. No choice but to suck it up. 300+ sunny days a year and I decide to do this today. Typical me.

Enamel. Day 2

Complete failure. Not much else to say.

enameling. day one

As you can tell by the complete lack of photos here my first day of enameling was a bust. Maybe I should have tried to do more than just counter-enamel one dog tag? Hey! It was a shitty day! One try was all I had in me. Tomorrow I will hope for better results (and more patience). If I have any success you'll get pics. Don't hold your breath....haha

how did THIS happen?

sweet David, my 19 year old has played golf since he was 4. he has like 20 trophies in his room from various tournaments. He played Varsity in high school. In the past year he has decided to learn how to skate. he never owned a pair as a kid, never went to a roller rink or ice skating. a few months ago he dropped the bomb that he wanted to play hockey. I was hoping it was a phase, tho I should have known better. He is just like his dad with stuff like that. once they get interested it becomes an obsession. now he has joined a league and we went to watch them play tonight. what happened to my baby? he was out there holding his own with grown men. and those guys are really mean and aggressive. it was shocking. I liked golf better. I think I even like scuba diving better. hockey made my tummy hurt.

sleepy

I feel a nap is in order. Sooooooo, guess what? I'm going nappy-time!

regular/ sad day

I'm all booked for The Bead and Button Show in June. Which made me giddy for about 24 hours. Now the creepy sad feelings are returning. Actually, that may have been the longest stretch of happiness I have felt in a year. Suffering from depression is a horrible umbrella to live under. I also tend towards anxiety/panic although that seems pretty controlled by my meds. I felt for a long time that the depression was under control too. I would still get it, just maybe a few days a month. I realize the past year or so has been hell for me, so I'm adding situational depression on top of chemical but shit, why can't I shake it? I have gained about 10 pounds this year which isn't helping. I know people aren't always so upfront about this stuff but I have nothing to hide. It's part of who I am. And I was ok with that when it was a few days a month. I don't think I have made it through a day without crying in almost a year. I really want to be happy again. I do have moments of extreme happiness. The kids are always good at making me happy. But it never lasts. It seems lately that happiness disappears like a puff of smoke. So fleeting I can barely grasp it. Hardly enjoy it. Yesterday I made an effort to stay happy all day and it worked. I woke up today with the same goal but old hurts crashed in and pulled the happy away. How do you learn to "let things go"? How can I "forgive and forget" all the pain? There has to be a way to banish these feelings once and for all. At least for the past.

long weekend, in more ways than one

Instead of a nice, restful 3 day weekend I decided to cram in as much as possible. Saturday: moved stuff out of Hannah's room and began painting. It wasn't long before I snuck out and left the remaining 3 walls to Chris and Hannah to finish. tee hee. Next was assembling her new night stand. When I read "some assembly required" I don't think "this will come in a small box of pieces and you will, for all intents and purposes build this yourself". But that's what it was. 3 hours later we had a painted bedroom and a nightstand. Hannah and I felt pretty good about the nightstand, I must say. Sunday: Build the matching dresser and remove all old furniture from Hannah's room. Put on new bedding and finish the desk I started building last weekend. Monday: take Hannah shopping for a Winter Formal dress, shoes and jewelry. Stop at Target too. I am so tired I can't see straight. I'm gonna go to bed now, I'll try to post pictures tomorrow. If I get out of bed. Haha.

studio re-do

The studio has been taken apart, carpet pulled up, holes spackled and walls painted. I built a desk and shelving....well, put together from "easy to assemble" stuff. I have dragged everything back in, organized it and put it in it's new home. It looks so spacious and wonderful. Too bad I'm too tired to create anything now.

cleaning it all up

Christmas is packed and done. sort of. the boxes are still pilled high under my staircase but soon they will go up up up to the rafters in the sky. well, garage. The house, of course is still as mess. I have undertaken too many projects all at once and the house is suffering for it. David is trying to organize his room to incorporate all the things he took of my dad's. books, and pictures and knives and magazines. all piled up on the floor. so he is working on that. Hannah has decided her "baby furniture" has to go and wants her room completely re-done. all furniture replaced, new bedding, room painted. so there is that little mess. I have decided a lot of things in the house need to find new homes (trash). AND I have started a tiny little project of re-doing my office/studio AGAIN! It's just so cold and garage-y out here. I would like to get rid of all the art/craft stuff that doesn't pertain to jewelry and make it cozier in here. So that is how we are beginning the New Year at my house. Huge piles of junk and such all over the place. Fun fun.