Overflowing: Life is Good!

I really hate jumbled posts, but I have so much I've been intending to share; just accumulating in a massive heap in my mind and I'm afraid of what will happen if I don't release it soon.  This is just SOME of it! :O

Justin                                                                                           

First off, my son is moving out west.  I've been helping him with moving preparations.  I'm so excited for him! It's so nice to see him filled with so much enthusiasm.  He's looking forward to the journey just as much as the destination.  I remember that adventurous feeling from when I was younger, but obligations make it less possible to act upon as we grow older.  I love the area he's chosen (lived there as a child), so I'm excited about visiting him once he's had a chance to settle in. He celebrates his 20th birthday March 16th :D.  Still trying to figure out what to get him; besides a map - LOL.  He's getting his cast off the 20th and hopefully it stays off this time, since he's on his 3rd one now.  I took pix of all of them, but the camouflage one didn't show up - just kidding - LOL.

Enchanting Sun Catcher

Secondly, I'd like to introduce you to a beautiful line of handmade sun catchers that are crafted by an online friend of mine, Heather Robertson (we happen to share the same first and last names), and her mom.  Their Etsy shop is called HB Seagems and they carry the most enchanting little sun catchers that are made using found sea glass from the beaches of Cape Cod.  Aren't they absolutely gorgeous?!  I had a tough time deciding, but I finally chose the one pictured above.

Mosquito Lagoon

Next in the heap... my hubby and I were going to spend some time with my in-laws this past weekend.  They go back home the 1st of April, so we're trying to spend as much time with them as possible.  My mother-in-law wasn't feeling well, so we decided to let her rest, while we did something in the area.  

Beach Glass

We ended up going to a beach we don't normally visit.  It's in a nature preserve; and we got to hike the boardwalk up to the top of Turtle Mound. We walked the beach and to my surprise, we found some beach glass.  I think I'll send it to the other Heather to use in a special edition Cape Canaveral sun catcher :D.

The Respected Flame

Kiln Full of Barb's and My Handiwork

My Beads

My Pendants

When my niece, Barb asked me if I wanted to join her for a bead class at Galleria di Vetro, while she was vacationing here in Florida (she and her hubby come every year to visit my in-laws), I had no idea what was in store for me.  Turned out to be a flameworking class. Yes, someone was crazy enough to grant permission for me to work by an open flame!!! :O  We spent four hours learning how to use the tools of the trade and make beads and pendants.  There's so much more left to learn, but I can't express how much fun it was to be completely out of my element and trying something new for a change.  I have always stood in fascination as the flameworkers created artwork behind those glass walls, but never dreamt of trying it myself. 

Holly Wearing Gift from Barb

Barb loves creating jewelry for herself, friends and family and when she got back home from her trip she mailed me a beautiful charm to hang from my rearview mirror.  Holly (my pooch) insisted on modeling it for us.  Thanks Barb! :D  

Watercolor Artist at "Flagler Avenue Art Walk"

There happened to be an art show down Flagler Avenue, "Flagler Ave. Art Walk", the day after our class, so we got to stroll through the artist's tents in addition to picking up our beads and pendants.  I've been to 3 art shows in the past month.  My timing is usually off and I end up missing most of them, but not this year.

"Legendary Silver Kings"

We picked up this fantastic piece from Florida artist,  Mike Williams at one of those art shows.  He has an amazing ability to capture the Florida lifestyle with his ink and pastel work.  To see the full picture and more of his work visit his site.

Loving life,