WHEW! I finally have time to update this thing!!

I've been MEGA busy. By far the busiest I have been in about 6 months. It's been mostly good busy. Here is one thing that made the craziness worth it:

Miss Pinks had her first dance recital!!! Doesn't she look beautiful? They had the moms hopping at dress rehearsal and the night of, but it was worth it. I was SO nervous before she went on for her first dance. I knew she knew the dance, it was just mom jitters. Her and her class did super well and they all got ribbons with medals on them at the end of the show! My mom gave her roses and then we all went out to eat. We almost took up a whole row at the show! Lots of love for the princess.

Friday, I got older and celebrated my 32nd birthday! It was so scheduled with work, school obligations, rehearsals, etc. that I didn't get to do as much as I would have liked. My dear friend took me out to eat and gave me presents! Very cool. My fam had a small party for me crammed in between everyone getting here and the dance recital. I did take pamper me day on Wednesday, so that was good. Hubs bought me a portable fan, let's face it, I'm hot all the time now, and a book I've been wanting for a year, but wouldn't buy for myself!

Tomorrow is the day we get the ultrasound!!! So you know that I'll be posting at least one more day this month. I'm getting REALLY big and am ready to know exactly what has been kung fu fighting in my tummy. VERY ACTIVE BABY. Plus, we find out if there are 2. Exciting, huh?

Alright, that's it, I've got paperwork to do, clothes to fold, me to bathe and go to work. Doesn't that wear you out just thinking about all that? It does me!! Have a good one!

Hugs-N-Luv
~Pinky

It's Friday!

Etsy finally got their servers calmed down, so I've been able to add to my shop all week. I've only been adding one thing a day, so I don't have much in there, yet! I have a few more sewn pieces that I would like to get done, but you never know. I tried to get a shot of my now pooching out belly! I'm starting to show a lot. I am over 4 months, so I guess it's time. My dad picked up the crib for me and is bringing it over this weekend so that I can start putting the baby's room together.

We moved Miss Pinky into the guest bedroom, which is MUCH larger, so now she can have all kinds of space to grow, have slumber parties, things like that. She gave up her room so she could sleep in the giant cannon ball bed. I don't blame her! OH! Proud Mommy moment!!! Miss Pinky won the reading challenge in her class! She read 1,673 pages!! Can you believe that?!? She got a new book, a new bookmark, a coupon to the movies, a certificate AND a little plaque that says "Outstanding Reader Award"! There was a LOT of screaming and jumping around in our house! The same day, I got a letter from the school saying that she passed two or more of the requirements to be considered for advanced education! WOOO! She's already reading on nearly a 3rd grade level and is doing fractions like it's nothing! I asked her if she wanted to be tested to go into the advance placement program and she was all about it! I'm SOOSOOSOSOSOSSSOOOO proud of her!!! I bet you never guessed that!

Work has been going well, but I've been working too much. Last night was rough! My dad, my husband, my friends have all fussed at me for doing so much, but if I don't get these new employees trained right, then I'm going to have to work hard to fix the mistakes. I don't need that stress in my life. They are both doing well, but it's a lot to learn, so it can be overwhelming. I think that they will do great once they really get the hang of it. They both seem to enjoy it, so that's good.

This is the crib set I found yesterday! At K-Mart!! I'd been looking for something neutral, in case we decide we don't want to know what the baby is. The colors are a little richer than they are in this photo. Lots of aqua blues and cool greens. Plus, the ark is made from soft, fine wale corduroy, the animals are made from plushy fabric! Lots of different feels for the baby. And, let's face it, it has monkey's on it. How could I resist the monkey's?? Oh, and the 4 piece set was only 50 bucks! WOW!

Well, I guess that's about it. I'm going to try to get in some house work before I scoot off to work. I have to do payroll today, so I better not be late! The staff gets a little grumpy if I'm late with the checks. Wonder why? HA! I hope you all have a fantastic day and if I don't get on here again before the weekend is done, have a good one there, too.

Hugs-N-Luv
~Pinky

New Work!

I think I've got the background and lighting that I want to make me okay with my pictures. I did these this morning. I've been scoping out how the sun comes in and seeing what seems to be the best time of day. I like to use natural light if possible. Up first, a silly painting I did called "Mad Fran". I don't know what she's so mad about, but I wouldn't ask her! I may end up doing more in this series. Cheap paintings done with acrylic, but lots of fun!

I have this crocheted cuff that I did. It's in a lovely plum colored chenille. VERY soft. I couldn't figure out what to do for a button and then I remembered I had this great snowflake. I made it so that the cuff gets smaller as it goes around, so that it ends in a point. I'm liking asymmetrical lately.

Next up is a funky pair of earrings that I did a while back, I just had to decide if I like them or not. I do. Black disks balanced on burgundy wire with an few cool dangles at the top. They hang about one and a half inches. (they are a little dusty in the picture. sorry about that!)

I had purchased beads to be in a winter beading challenge, but after I found out about the Pod, then got so sick with the Pod, I didn't get to finish the challenge. So, I dismantled the piece I was working on and made this really pretty memory wire bracelet. Full of Czech beads, frosted beads, pressed flowers and faceted glass. I think this one turned out quite beautiful.

Last, but not least, my absolute favorite. I may create one for me. This is a red leather cuff that has been machine stitched down one side and clasps in front with an awesome hook and eye closure. I sewed the hook on by hand, not easy in leather! Very modern style, but oh so silky on. Look!!

On my fuzzy arm!

So, that's what's the newest! I really luuuuuuuv that last cuff. LOVE! I've got some other crochet pieces in the works, but it's going to be 70 degrees here today, it's hard to get motivated on some of those. And, since my machine sewed so easily through that leather, I have a pieced together cuff that I want to do. Well, I've got to get up to the office and do some paperwork. I hope you all have enjoyed the new product preview!! Have a Happy Hump Day!!

I'll bet you guys are wondering...

how it is that I'm posting so much lately? Well, the answer to that is easy. I had a few problems and I'm being forced to chill out. Keep in mind what a difficult thing this is for me to do. But, I do want this little Pod, so I don't really have a choice. What's nice is that I'm going to be able to create more jewelry, get into sewing like I want to and I have already made 2 blankies for my daughter's stuffed animal, Bunny. You can see Bunny in this shot:

I know you can see the bears, the white bunny and the big dog. Look closely to the one she's clutching onto in slumber, that would be Bunny. He's already had one leg replacement surgery and we've tried to clean him, but his fur is matted with love. I had one or two favorites like that and I'm glad she has one, too.

This Saturday (or was is Sunday?) we turned a plain old box into a two story townhouse for Bunny. Complete with construction paper ceiling fans, tables, toothbrush and toothpaste and a wide screen television. Oh, yeah. Bunny had a party later with all his friends and they stayed up and watched football. You just can't beat that.

Circa, 1993

I don't remember the end, and I really don't remember the beginning, other than it was a birthday party and I felt really special because Jen Matthews asked me to go, and she was one of the popular girls. I guess this is something from the middle, somewhere between the times when everything was earmarked by surgery dates, physical therapy and me downing pain pills to make it through the day.

It's one distinct memory, the kind that we have maybe only one of. The kind that sticks, turns into a movie moment for us, that, if we could, all the people we have ever loved would get to be there. This is one of those kinds of memories. It's nothing fancy, but it's mine and it's priceless to me.

I guess it was around five in the morning. Before most kids ever want to get up, I was already out of the house and all the way across Birmingham to a slightly run down, ice skating rink. There was only one person there, Ding, because he ran the place and knew I was coming. I wouldn't see him, he gave this time to me which is why after the pneumonia, I can't remember a guy I dated for over a year, but I can remember the name of the guy who owned a rink and had tattoos of naked women on his arms. He marked something special, something that could never be put in a box, but would mean more to me than just about everything.

You would think that a huge arena would be creepy with no one in it. No usual sound of Guns-N-Roses blasting out of the sound system. No smell of gooey, nacho cheese and hot chocolate. No arcade blasts, that I think they got rid of and my brother quit coming, or rather quit being forced to come, to the rink while I practiced. There used to be a jukebox that you could play songs on the big system with, for only a quarter. You would think without all the usual sounds, it would be odd, but it never was for me. The quiet that settled over the place was like a silk scarf being tossed in the air, and floating to rest, soundlessly on the ground.

The sound of laces being snatched through my skates, the hiss of the strings wearing permanent calluses on my fingers, the re-balancing I always had to do when I stood up on my skates, all these nuances were for me only. The soft thump of the double doors shutting marked when I got to see her, my rink, my ice, my space, my greatest love affair with something I could never keep. Thick layers of fog rested over the ice so that it looked like something out of a fairy tale, soft and a little spooky.

The first step was tentative, breath puffing out in baby clouds being sucked up by the fog. Then, I pushed out onto the frozen mass. I heard my skates dig, and slice, pick and damage. I went from being cold, to sweating, to knowing that no matter what happened, I was okay. The ice made it alright. The silence that hung heavy during the flight of a jump, and, oh dear God, how I could jump. I worked to make the silence drag out longer just so that when I heard the crunching hiss of my skates when I landed, it would be that much sweeter. Oh, it was sweet. It was freedom. It was pure, unadulterated joy, ecstasy and high I never achieved with drugs, and I tried. I'm so sorry, but I did try really hard to get that high again and failed in so many ways. So many...

Fast forward to this past weekend, when I was in Jackson. The rink that I built so many memories on is gone. I think it's some kind of indoor volleyball practice place, but I don't really know because I can't drive by there anymore. When they gutted it, my brother was going to get me a piece of the floor, or maybe the sign, but he didn't and it's the only time I ever felt let down by him. That's harsh, I know, but I couldn't do it for me, but in a way, I guess what he did was better for my psyche, better for me getting over, getting past. Or maybe he just couldn't do it either. I look up at my husband and say, "We're gonna be in Jackson, ya know. Do you think I should bring my skates? I mean, I know we'll have time, but, I dunno, what do you think?"

I know he hears the desperation, the longing, but most of all, I know he hears the fear. The fear of being hurt again. No, I'm not talking about falling and screwing up my knees, no, not that hurt. The pain, the absolute and consuming anguish that will come when I know that when I get off the ice, I won't be able to go back anytime soon. I won't have my mornings of solitude, where I can recapture my affair with the ice, where I will have to walk away and break my heart all over again. Do you remember the first time you really had your heart broken? I mean really had your heart ripped out, crying so hard you couldn't breathe, wanting to puke because it hurt so deep in the pit of your stomach? That's what it feels like to me to leave the rink, the ice, the smells, the sounds, the beauty and the joy. The memory of something so powerful that I was truly free there. It was my peace, my center, my punishment, my push, my success, my failure, my pain, my wonder, my something special.

I didn't take my skates. I'll have to live with the feelings of that for a while, both the sensible and the sad. Then again, I've been doing that for years now, so I guess I'm pretty practiced.

Halloween Cuteness!

WOOO HOOO!!

I finally got my camera dock!! I uploaded 212 pictures tonight! I"M SO HAPPY!! Here are just a few highlights:

My hubby is so cute. I cut myself out of that picture. OMG! I'm so happy!! I'll post more later. HOORAYYYYYY!

Paying It Forward.

Just in case you don't know what paying it forward is, it's where someone does something nice/helpful/cool/generous for you asking nothing in return but for you to do the same for someone else. Well, I have been given that opportunity! Christine at the wonderful Paper and Cloth posted a PIF on her blog and I was the lucky recipient. Here are the rules nabbed from her blog:

The 'pay it forward' rules are:
1) anyone with a blog can join;
2) the first three people to leave a comment on this post will receive a handmade goody from me and I have 365 days in which to send it to you;
3) in return, you have to pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.

I know that not everyone makes handmade goodies, so please pay it forward in whatever form of kindness that you can. I'm proud to be a part of something that has the potential to spread joy all over the world. Join in with me and lets spread the love!

HUGS and LOVE,
Pinky

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Happy Birthday to AMBER!
Look at her! Isn't she just GORGEOUS?!?
I cannot express to all of you in the internet world what a joy and honor it is for me to know her. She is beautiful on the inside with a HUGE heart, a caring soul and she's just a magnificent friend. My only regret is that we don't live closer to each other! HA!

My dearest friend, I wish you happiness beyond your dreams. I wish you joy that fills your heart to overflowing. I wish you true friends and love in your life, always.
May the sun shine upon you today in celebration of that day you came into the world.
HUGS and TONS of love to you on this very special day!!

My love to you,
Pinky

I want to post a picture

But sometimes, I don't remember what all I have posted. That and some of my pictures are lame to me. Anyhoo, here is one that I don't think I have shared, mainly because it isn't mine!

This is "Miranda the Tempest" by John William Waterhouse and is by far and away my most favorite of his works. When I first started working at Neblett's, I framed this picture. It had the white all around it with the words on the bottom and I literally just stuck it in a frame. It was the very first picture I ever framed all by myself. I carried it everywhere with me, to each place I lived because it just held something special for me. When I left the store 5 years ago, I bought a really fancy custom frame, texturized to painting to look like an oil and framed it one last time.

It was the first picture I ever did and the last one I did when I left. She gives me closure on that time and joy for still being with me when I start all over again.

This is the first picture I framed when I got back:

Thanks, Jared, for being the start of new memories. :)

Hugs and much love, Pinky!

OH! To be so honored

Mrs. Kwitty bestowed a high honor on me and I wanted to share. It left me blushing with her kindness. I will compile my list soon, don't you worry!

See? Isn't she fabulous?? It made me feel like a queen today. Thank you so very much. HUGS to you Mrs. Kwitty!!

(p.s. I bought my book cover to work today so I could read on my lunch break! heeheehee! )

SCHOOL!!

Today is the first day of 1st grade for Miss Pinky! She is super excited and happily went to school. She found out there are a few of the kids from her class last year, so she will already have some friends and that's cool. She wore a pretty little dress and we did what we could with her slightly unruly hair. She didn't mind. She has a new backpack, new lunch box and the smell of new crayons is in the air. What's not to be excited about?

Even though she is sooooo happy, I feel a little sad. No, not because she went back to school. I know she enjoys it and I know she likes learning new things. That's not it. I don't even remember the last month and that is what's bothering me. I love being my own boss, but I miss her so much sometimes. Even though she spends most days at work with me, I don't get to play with her like I want to. When she was staying at my dad's while we did renovations, I called her every night to say, "good night" and talk with her for a moment. And every night I sobbed the minute I hung up the phone. I missed her so much it was a physical pain. And now, she's in school again and I'm worried about what I might miss now.

I do know that I miss making jewelry. I miss it all the freaking time. I miss having that escape, that drowning creativity that was only mine. I love picture framing, but I miss creating art. I keep telling myself that things will slow down and I will be able to make stuff again soon, but sometimes I feel like that's just a mantra I keep repeating to keep myself going. Did you know that I have beads that I bought in JUNE that I haven't put up. They're still in the bag I bought them in. How sad is that.

I don't mean to be so morose, I'm just a little blah. I feel as if life is running past me and I'm not even noticing because I have my head bent over a mat cutter. Yeah, that was a little dramatic, but you see what I mean. Ah, I must go, I have to get ready to go to work. Thanks for listening.

Hugs-N-Luv ~Pinky

HUGE NEWS!!!

So huge, that more than10 times yesterday, I wanted to puke from nerves or excitement or both. As most of you know, I used to work in a picture framing shop. I think I put it in a MeMe once, but I don't remember. Anyhoo, I worked there for 6 years and ended up managing the store. I left there to take a job at an attorney's office in the hopes that I could further myself financially for Miss Pinky and I. Leaving was a huge mistake and cost me personally in the process.

Picture framing is one of the only jobs that I have ever truly missed. I mean all of it. The day to day trudge, the paperwork, the taxes, payroll, ordering, organizing, marketing, the mats, the process, the pictures! Oh! the things that I have framed and seen. I have held history in my hands on so many occasions that I feel blessed. Purple Hearts from WWII, drawings from the 19th century, and once, an original Ansel Adams. My creative brain thrived there and I adopted the motto that, "We can frame anything." And you better believe I did. I never turned away a project that seemed too hard or when others said it was impossible to frame. BAH! Impossible, schmimpossible.

On July 5th, I will close as the new owner of Neblett's Frame Outlet. It's mine, all mine. I'm going to strip it down and turn it into one bitchin' gallery. Custom frames, shadowboxes, desk frames, portrait frames, prints, photography and Pinky Jewelry all under one roof. Oh yeah, I've already picked out my display for my jewelry. I'm going to get to do all the things with this business that I wanted to do 5 years ago, but didn't have a way. All my visions on how the store could be improved can now start to become a reality... and it's going to be wonderful.

That's what I've been up to. How 'bout everyone else? :)

~Pinky!

Photos!

Instead of doing a big write up about all the crap we've done in the house, I'm just uploading pictures. Some of them are blurry because I never get to be behind the lens anymore. Here I am goofing off in the bathroom that we are still working on because we are tired of painting and don't want to lay in the floor to finish painting the cabinet:

The picture is super dark because there is no light in there. Another reason why that bathroom is bottom of the list. Next up, the kitchen! Here is the new back splash, part of the counter top and the oven in the floor:

The foyer:


I **love** the rug in here.

My photo wall in my studio! This is the one room that I haven't shown anyone yet, but it's getting there, it's getting just perfect:





The small desk is going to be my computer table and under the photo wall ( which I am NOT done with and that I adore more every day) will be my work table. That's where I'm going to put my beads, paints, etc. The last shot is of my fan just because I think it's the prettiest fan in the house.

Alright, I've got to get moving on this day before it starts moving on me. Hope all is well and I will post more pictures soon. Up next, Miss Pinky's room! It's too cute!!! HUGS!!
~Pinky!

Newest Member of the family

There was this cat that started showing up at our house. Super friendly, really sweet and so thin you could feel every rib in her little body. My husband broke his rule and brought her food. Food turned to water, then he left his work shirt outside so she could sleep on it. He started coming in from work and looking for her the second he got home. Then, he made her a little house in the garage because it was going to be raining and cold. You see the process here.

Today, we took her to the vet, got her all checked out and officially adopted the pretty little stray. Please welcome, Princess Shadow!!

Sleeping in the garage!


Looking pretty in my chair!


Pretty eyes! Sweet face.


She has HUGE kitty feet! HUGE!!!

There you have it! Princess Shadow has now become a member of the Pinky Family! Roswell, however, is not to keen on having a new sister. We're working on that. heh.

Diddy, don't look!

I told my dad that I wouldn't post new pictures because he had to come over to see the house. BUT, I wanted to show you guys, so maybe he won't look. I doubt it, but maybe. We've got 2 new rugs, one for the living room one for the dining room, a new sectional sofa, the blinds are up (they're bamboo, too) and I got a cool new privacy screen and lamp. So here are the pictures to show you. Oh, yeah, I still have to make the draperies, so there will be something there soon. Also, I have boo-coodles of art that is going in there. This is just the nice bones of the it all. Ignore my hubby, he wouldn't move for the shots.

New Sectional!!
I'm going to recover the throw pillows, they are a little light colored for the room. They need a little more punch to them, I just haven't found the right fabric.



Rug in the living room part. It's snuggly!!!



Detail of the privacy screen. We had planned on using this as it is intended, but when we hauled it out of the box at 56kgs, we decided to put it behind the sofa. It's really, really pretty and filled that blank space nicely. (and I don't have to try to move it ever again)



Dining room rug. We are getting the dining room set from Grandma C that passed away not too long ago. It's oak with very intricate carvings in it. I'll post pictures of that once I clean it and we get it settled.

Okay! There you are!! I finished wallpapering the kitchen, the new counter top in the bathroom went down, I organized Miss Pinky's room so that we just have to plop her bed in there when it's time and we're going to paint in my studio room today so that I can move into it soon, too. It's going well and going fast!! But for now, I've got to get Miss Pinky up for school and get ready myself. HUGS and tons of love!! ~Pinky!

I'm going to CANADA!!

Well, not today. Today I am going to Alabama. I don't know if any of you have been keeping up with Amber's blog(s) and her sister's struggles with Hyperemesis Gravidarum, a debilitating disease that affects women during pregnancy. I have links to the Her Foundation to the left where you can read more about it. Amber started another blog called Journey of Hope. It is dedicated to raising awareness about HG and trying to get doctors to take this more seriously.

In June, Amber's sister is going on a Journey of Hope by walking 120 miles from London, Ontario to Toronto. This walk is a symbol of the struggles these women go through and it will hopefully raise awareness. HG is terrible, just terrible and if you read Janis' story it will have you sobbing. These women are amazing. At the end of the 120 mile walk, there is a charity dinner and auction to raise funds for research, and hopefully a cure to HG. There are several artist that are donating work for the auction but I felt compelled to take it a step further.

I discussed all this with hubby and in June I will be flying to Toronto to be there for the end of the walk and the charity dinner. Amber has supported me through some VERY rough times in my life. She has listened to me rant, cry, be terrified and a multitude of other emotions. What she and her sister are doing is HUGE and there is no way that I wouldn't do everything I could to be there with them during this. Plus, I just want to see her. :)

I know that there are a lot of links but please take the time to look through some of them so that you can get an understanding of what life is like for these women. If you can donate time, money or art. You can always contact Amber via the Journey of Hope blog. HG is a disease, it is harmful and because two unbelievable sisters joined forces, maybe the world will start to help.

My love ~ Pinky!

OH! I feel like a lazy butt!

I do, I do. The pollen is high, my eyes are red and my hamstrings feel like someone went in there and shortened them. THEY HURT! But, I have lots of work to get done today!! I'm trying to make a decent dent in the painting in house #2 so that I can go visit with my parents a little during the last few days of Spring Break. I already told me dad that if we were getting the floors, I wouldn't be coming but I miss him so much! Miss Pinky is there now, playing to her hearts content. You know she's having a great week. :)

I made a wish list of beads last night that I want. Do you know what the total came to? Just shy of $200.00!! Oh, I could have added soooo many more. It's sad really. I have a lot of beads that I used in previous projects that I don't want to play with now. But it isn't in the budget for me to be getting a crap load of new beads, so I will be happy with the ones I have. Honestly, I have a lot I haven't used yet. It's just that these new ones are so shiny and happy!! (pouts, just a little)

Okay, I'll leave you with a picture and wishes that you have a happy day! I'm going to paint my little heart out so that we can get those new floors WOO! Hugs-N-Luv, Pinky!

It's Saturday!!

It's hot outside and what else is there to do besides enjoy the day?
Play dress up!!

A Request...

Yesterday, TamiD's husband lost his job, one that he's been at for over three years and is highly skilled at. Remember my beautiful kitchen cabinets? Yeah, her husband did that. Obviously, this came as a shock for them. They have a new home and a lovely seven year old daughter and losing his job could not have come at a worse time.

As some of you know, TamiD has an Etsy shop, too, and she sells prints from photographs that she has taken in our part of the state. She also has some gorgeous hand painted ceramics in her shop. The detail on them is amazing! I talked with her about doing something to help and she decided to run a special just for the people that read my blog. If you buy a print from her, put "Pinky's Blog" in the Note To Seller and you will receive 20% off your order.

Here is an example of how beautiful her work is:

(click the pics, you know how I am)

I own the Flaming Tulip and let me tell you, the color is even more vibrant in person! It's stunning! So please, take some time, go through her shop, buy something and help her and her family during this difficult time. Thank you!! Hugs, love and snuggles ~ Pinky!