award

barbara lewis of jewelry of distinction and sandra of marbella designs added me to their list of people to share this award with... i thank you both... each incorporates into their blogs works they are creating and things that interest them... a perfect mix... each kind of post intrigues me as i always love to see what people are up to and how they are pushing their boundaries... i also love when nature shots are shared (it's like getting to see through someone else's eyes), or i get to see a different part of the world or country, or even learn about new music! the blogging community has helped me to expand my horizons - and i am really grateful for that...

so-

five things i love:

the first night of getting into newly laundered sheets
getting to read without having a set time limit
when things feel free and easy
overcoming a fear
the first time you notice the crisp air of autumn

for those who are interested in participating, i pass this along to these 10 people; it is also understood that this is a very busy time of year, so if you can't... :

rocki of rocki's rock'n blog
luthien of pimp & paint
mellisa of what's new at chinook jewelry
leann of summers studio
mary ann of linden avenue designs
cindy of cindy's art and soul
marie-andree of bleuverre
nicole of nvalentine studio
mak of makustudio
tzbrink of tams

rules:
refer back to blog that gave you award
share 5 things you love
extend the award to 10 others!

endless possibility

Listen to the MUSTN'TS, child,
Listen to the DON'TS
Listen to the SHOULDN'TS
The IMPOSSIBLES, the WON'TS
Listen to the NEVER HAVES
Then listen close to me -
Anything can happen, child,
ANYTHING can be.
-shel silverstein

for all of those people in the world who support, encourage & nurture... whether they be female or male... whether they have children of the human persuasion or care for the young of other species... in whatever capacity you have helped someone else to become more or pushed yourself to grow... however you have helped the earth to survive the onslaught it endures daily or the animals that share this planet to live another day...
you are appreciated and necessary... you make a difference... and we are better off because of you...

thank you for believing that 'anything can be'!

gratitude

'at times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.'
- albert schweitzer

no doubt, the appropriate way to begin this blog is to say 'thank you' - to family and friends who love and encourage and to the amazing artists i have met through etsy who have helped me to grow and create in ways that i didn't know i could...

since joining etsy and discovering the artists that dwell there, i have been more inspired than ever and pushed myself harder... and i am so happy for that... maybe it's because i feel like i know the people behind the art, so i feel more responsible to do their work justice with my work... there is a connection that exists when you purchase directly - even though your new friends are in other parts of the country or even canada... they have all been patient and kind when i shoot out my ideas and ask for custom orders - i thank you all for that...

i would like to mention in particular (but in no particular order!)

mak at MAKUstudio for her beautiful raku beads
beth at hintjewelry for her inspiring and eloquently created charms
cathy at cathydailey for her unique sterling components created in the art of lost wax casting
nicole at NValentineStudio for her incredible glass work - especially the goddesses!
rocki at RockisSupplies for her metal work providing ear wires and clasps that i choose not to work without
donna at purplepozies for her beautiful glass beads that i count on
maryann at LindenAvenueDesigns for glass offerings that support my eclectic nature
marie at BleuVerre for inspiration and unique glass beads that i count on for my funky days

so thank you one and all for helping me to do what i love ~ creating with pieces i love to touch and work with, pieces i can feel the hands and imagination of the artist in... i have a connection to the final designs when they are done for when i look at them, i think of each of you and how you helped to make it happen...