rhradcliffedesigns

Breast cancer awareness lampwork earrings

2011-08-04T19:27:00.000-05:00

Breast cancer is something that affects us all, we know someone or many someones who have, have had, and are in danger of having breast cancer. My mom had it at the beginning of her 70's. Luckily it was caught early. I have several friends who have battled it for years. These earrings (I have 5 in my shop) are found in earwingsandthings.etsy.com 20% of all sales will be donated to the Susan G Komen foundation. I have a pair that lets everyone who sees them know that breast cancer can be fought, and that we need to be vigilant in prevention that only we can do...regular breat checks.

Of Dandelions and heat in Texas

2011-07-16T19:50:00.000-05:00

Hot here. The dogs just hate it. luckily I have lots to do inside. I'm working on Christmas ornaments that I do hope I will get photographed and posted early fall. Last year I never got around to it.

As a military brat I love this photo of a dandelion, the military brats official flower. I found this one in Greece (which is amusing because I don't have any in my garden and I had to go all the way there to find one) I made our expedition leader laugh when I told him about the dandelion and how excited I was to find some, he said the last thing he did before the trip was mow all the dandelions in his mom's garden. I suppose if I had them everywhere I wouldn't find them so special.

Another month in Texas and yearning for Greece

2011-07-11T20:08:00.001-05:00

Walking through

Abstract in beige

White and cool blue


Windmills on Mikonos

Just a few photos from Greece. It's been so much fun editing all the photos I took. Everything about the trip was fantastic. My cameras couldn't ask for more. I wish I could remember where I took each of these photos, but their beauty seemed to roll into one large landscape of color.

Where did my time go?

2011-06-21T10:02:00.001-05:00

I've been editing my photos from Greece, but I've been down and out with bronchitis for the past 3 weeks, bed rest and antibiotics have helped so I'm in online fighting form. I'll add some more Greek photos when I'm done with more editing....did I say how much we enjoyed our trip...nice people, nice food, nice excursions to 9 wonderful islands. Whoo Hoo! What more could anyone want?

fleeting, Greece, Came, went, new friends, memories and thousands of photos

2011-05-22T19:42:00.001-05:00

Beautiful blues of the water around Omorgos, Greece


Sunset on the Aegean

The Panorama, our home at sea

Santorini, Greece

Our Greek adventure was really way too short. But it was wonderful. From huge Athens to the small islands in the Cyclades the trip unfolded and enveloped the mind and imagination..... and the past that permeates so much of Greece captured us as well. New friends, and the beautiful islands who shared their beauty with us could not have been more perfect. My camera was so busy and having so much fun that I forgot to buy souvenirs and treats for myself. I did not fall and break anything (although as anyone who knows me when I'm in photo mode would still be astounded) and then there were the wonderful people who knocked me out of the way as a car approached. I live a charmed life. As a 40th wedding anniversary trip, it couldn't have been more wonderful. As I edit photos from the trip, I think, I'm back in the moment. Yasoo!!!!!

TGIF

2011-04-29T19:48:00.000-05:00

Well, there are lots of TGIF's.....But this one is a little special because it is the last one before our trip to Greece. I'm getting a little nervous. I'm packed mentally, but my dear husband is driving me demented. I know before we head out on Tuesday he's going to want to clean the whole house, i mean really, who cares? Well, could it be like wearing clean underwear in case you're going to be in an accident? I kind of feel like we need a disclaimer.....downstairs, courtesy of Dave Radcliffe, upstairs his lovely wife ruth (of course there would be the need to elaborate on that to say, the mess upstairs, was made by lovely wife and there for her responsibility) Do you think I could get away with that? Better, because the last thing I want, need or care to do is clean......I'm fixing my cameras, gathering all the magical mystical electronic cords, and just plain trying to remember the few Greek phrases I learned 30 years ago. You can't go wrong with "hello, please, thank you and excuse me".

spring time with color and care

2011-04-21T11:30:00.000-05:00

Orchids have long been a favorite..in Kuala Lumpur we had so many varieties and oh so many pots, alas I never could get them to bloom again, or killed them outright. They were easily found to buy. My favorite place to go was the leper colony. While no longer a dreaded disease People were allowed to remain in their homes and many of them took to gardening and the selections were awesome. one day we bought a few to put on one of our balconies.....but we needed a trellis. Now that took some time to find, but we were successful, finally. The problem was how to get it halfway across town in a small toyota. Ok, we put it on the roof, there was no twine or rope to be had, so to make a very long story short, I had to hang out the window trying my best to hold on to it as it flapped in the breeze. I think I was lost all feeling in my arm.

Of course there were many instances where shopping and transport was difficult (and this is a digression from Orchids.) One day while browsing through central market in KL's Chinatown, we were admitted through a locked door (I guess to keep the riff raff out?) We found an antique table, chair and a few other items. What fun to carry them to the car, as we walked through a busy Chinatown in search of said car We had table over head, chair under arm and well every thing else just hanging around. The looks we got were fantastically funny, and eventually we got where we needed to go. This not a one off in the 3 years we lived there, a the joys of no parking lots near the bowels of Chinatown were always a challenge.

Getting back to orchids, I wonder how long I can keep this one alive. Any bets?

And the circus came to town

2011-04-17T19:33:00.000-05:00

Spring brings so many things to life...and one of the funnest and most vibrant is the traveling amusement parks that set up shop all around Houston when the weather turns nice. The colors just invite you in and warm you all over. They scream in oh so many ways, but my favorite is the for photographs waiting to be taken. I usually think that when ever I come across one but then life gets in the way and as soon as I turn around its gone, and I'm always feeling blue, or red, or orange. But this year, a beautiful sunny cool Sunday found me walking around a color wonderland.....just me, not a soul about. Seemed a little weird, but, the sound of laughter, and screams of delight also seemed to have settled over and through the jumping, rounded, rolling coaster of the landscape. Next time we'll have to visit at night and oh what an adventure that will be.

St Patricks day

2011-03-17T10:31:00.000-05:00


It's St. Patricks day and I'm full of green. These wonderful earrings are made with tree jasper and really look super on an ear (unless you'd like to put them elsewhere). A new addition to earwingsandthings on ETSY.

crossed

2011-03-14T04:25:00.000-05:00

Just views of a recent necklace that was added to earwingsandthings.etsy.com I just love both the colors and the feel of the beads

In hopes of summer sun

2011-03-03T10:59:00.000-06:00

I love this time of year. Things have begun to stand still in hopes of the sun of summer. Not deep hot knee walking humidity. But just with the hints of yellow and green, flowers budding, flowing into that wonderful cacophany of color. Just mellowing out and flowing with the yellow

where has time gone?

2011-03-01T14:39:00.000-06:00

Wow, I can't believe that I haven't been here since January. I know most of Feb. was spent down with bronchitis.....no fun there. Here's a photo that I fell in love with while living in Malaysia... This year I have a goal of adding posts of challenges I give myself. I'm still getting my head around this idea so hopefully it will come to fruition by the end of the year. There has been so many things going on that I really need a focus. Stop in sometime and see if I've made progress.

cycling into the new year

2011-01-02T13:21:00.000-06:00

The new year is here. Oh so fast it seems. 2010 was truly busy with many connections with old friends, learning new tools of the trade and just being. I don't think I would have it any other way. Good health has been blessed on my family and good times were had by all. I don't believe in resolutions, and have oh so many projects left over from last year, who needs any more. My wishes for you all.....peace, health, creative living and prosperity in any form that enriches your life.

Christmas

2010-12-19T11:52:00.000-06:00

Thinking about Christmas, and all it means and all the wonderful sharing that goes along with it. I wish that spirit would be an "all the time" blessing. In that spirit, I wish all the points of my life touches at least one person and will travel as far and bright as Christmas lights.

A long time coming and a heart of a project

2010-12-12T11:11:00.000-06:00

This semester I've been taking a class in art metals. It's been a blast, in so many ways. These photos are my final class project: a box ring. It was complicated and I must confess I was pretty clueless as the construction evolved.....however the end result was so much fun.....I will hate to have the class end and am hoping the next semester will have enough students to make.

ETC spotlight treasury #10

2010-09-27T08:29:00.000-05:00

ETC spotlight treasury #7

2010-09-04T15:18:00.000-05:00

Each week we feature a group of Etsy Texas Crafters (in alphabetical order, so the poor "z's" have awhile to wait since we've almost finished the "b's" Our group is large and talented. Go Texas!!!!!

Etsy Texas swap

2010-08-26T12:37:00.000-05:00

several times a year team etsy texas (teametsytx) has a swap among it's members. My swap partner this time was Tana from www.grannysgift@etsy.com Her gift was a gorgeous felted purse. Felting is something I love very much and can't wait to use. Admire her unique handywork

Where have I been?

2010-08-05T19:48:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure, but definitely not here. This summer has been so busy....I traveled to Colorado in June for a college reunion and again in July for a youth leadership conference where I was the conference photographer......a wonderful experience as always but totally exhausting. I'm just getting my sea legs back . Extrovert mode always demands introvert mode. With batteries recharged I'm back in the saddle so to speak and ready to catch up on etsy and 1000 markets. I have so many new things to list and sort out.

some new treasuries

2010-06-12T11:08:00.000-05:00

bowling for Perrier

2010-06-12T11:05:00.000-05:00

"bowling for perrier" is a fun and new listing in my etsy shop www.Rhradcliffedesigns.etsy.com

just there

2010-06-02T19:49:00.000-05:00

While traveling in Wales a while back I came across this young man just standing there, and I wondered just what he was looking at. He was so casual and cool that he seemed to fit like a statue in the gardens of Port Merion.

Earwingsandthings new earring listing

2010-05-24T10:03:00.000-05:00

Coral in the middle, dangly earrings in red and blue

Description

This pair of earrings is centered around a piece of coral surrounded by turquoise rondelles. Sterling silver findings round out the set. Nice and casual, stunning when paired with Turquoise necklaces.

Added on May 24, 2010

Big sky country

2010-05-06T13:30:00.001-05:00

Living in West Texas felt like the earth was flat and you could see forever. I loved that sky and miss it in the bright light of Houston landscape. I miss the feeling of being one small part of a glorious whole. My time there was an appreciation of scale, nature and color. At night the sky would slowly creep upwards with ever deepening blues, they were always there, cerulean, french ultramarine, thalo blue seeping into indigo and blue black. And then the stars would come out showering down their own special magical light show.

spring in color

2010-04-28T14:09:00.000-05:00

How I love spring, my garden sings, art soars and colors abound. Now if I can only keep things alive.

green things, in honor of earth day

2010-04-19T15:25:00.001-05:00

In honor of earth day, a treasury from designstyleguide on Etsy

S and O Productions: Treasury Tuesday The Elite Eight

2010-04-13T12:23:00.000-05:00

elephantdreams.etsy.com

junk mail

2010-04-11T16:30:00.000-05:00

Seems that my mailbox gets the same type of junk mail......a literal meaning for all that garbage I end up with..........

Dandelion entry

2010-03-29T19:43:00.000-05:00

Approx 3.5 in diameter this wreath is wire wrapped with silver, copper and brass wires. On this frame are glass beads, pearls, seed beads and waxed linen. This wreath can be hung on a nail or on an ornament stand. This particular wreath is part of a Military Brat team challenge.

seeing trees

2010-03-24T00:01:00.000-05:00

That time of year seems to come when the sky is sunny, the grass warm and breezy clouds over head. I love nothing better than to just lie on the grass and look up. These Aspen are trees from my childhood and I will always hear their swish in the wind. I will always watch when the leaves change into yellow glistening tingling as the first cool days of fall begin to slide into winter. In spring with new leaves, their green dances about. And to think they just seemed like simple trees.

A new lease on spring

2010-03-20T04:13:00.000-05:00

Just a new addition to the wire wrapped heart collection. This one featuring a spring feel with a enameled hummingbird, pearls, seed beads and shells. It was fun to do and makes me smile and thing of my mother whenever I see it, She's incredibly keen on her hummers.

yellow greens Military brat treasury

2010-03-20T04:07:00.000-05:00

fire ice

2010-02-25T05:30:00.001-06:00

a new treasury from POE team (photographers of Etsy) his is a new treasury featuring some gorgeous photography from some talented POE artists. Found in main treasury.

orange you glad? Etsy Texas February swaps

2010-02-23T11:27:00.000-06:00

This was my February swap for gabrielle. The theme was orange, and I've got to say it was not easy coming up with an idea that seemed to fit her profile. I just hope she enjoys it. The heart itself can be hung on a hanger or on a nail for the wall. I had fun doing it, but hands were pretty sore by the time I had it finished. visit earwingsandthings.etsy.com for addition hearts.

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T12:58:00.000-06:00

Chaos in the studio

2010-02-02T19:33:00.000-06:00

Musical hearts, one of my new wired wrapped hearts found in earwingsandthings.etsy.com I've been having fun with beads and charms, not to mention wrapping wires around round things like dowels and knitting needles. Takes time, and doesn't do much for my carpal tunnel, but its a fun way to watch no mind tv shows.

2010-01-29T12:03:00.000-06:00

A newly made treasury made to celebrate the Military Brat team on Etsy

Etsy Texas Crafters December- January design challenge

2010-01-25T10:06:00.000-06:00

My entry in the ETC winter wonderland challenge. There are some absolutely gorgeous and diverse entries to stop on by to vote.

http://etsytx.ning.com/page/december-january-design

EtsyTexasCrafters Winter wonderland challenge

2010-01-25T10:00:00.000-06:00

Check out Teametsytx for their December-January challenge. You'll find some absolutely positively wonderful entries so pop on by and vote.

http://etsytx.ning.com/page/december-january-design

new TW treasury "Red Heats"

2010-01-22T10:37:00.002-06:00

just love red hot selections.

a new POE treasury---arounds

2010-01-20T19:25:00.002-06:00

sailing

2010-01-19T10:15:00.003-06:00

At the moment I'm drifting in the wind. Seems like I'm just not in the mood to do anything. I feel like a tall ship with my sails unfurled and waiting to set sail, yet the time is not right and I have nowhere to go. My life gets like this at times and I'm not sure what to do....embrace it or fight against it. Neither options seem quite right. Guess I'm not in the mood to do either..back to that mood thing. Come on crystal ball, give me a hint. a little on, please. Ok acceptance at the moment. drifting, drifting, drifting.

hots

2010-01-14T22:17:00.003-06:00

snagged a TW this evening and celebrated an ode to the chili.....found some fine and spicy pieces

doggie tales

2010-01-13T11:34:00.002-06:00

Gotta love the babies!!!!!

well I did make something

2010-01-10T19:23:00.003-06:00

I did make this jewelry set.....a yin yang necklace, bracelet and earrings. I don't normally make bracelets so it was a little difficult trying to size it. A nice lady is interested in it so I spent an extra amount of time getting it just perfect. Chinese blue and white porcelain, sterling beads and lapis make up each piece. They look nice if I don't mind saying so. Maybe I'll find my head soon, although now another part of my studio is surrounded by things...that can be a very dirty word.

on losing one's way

2010-01-10T19:06:00.003-06:00

Once again time has passed by so quickly that I wonder where my head has wandered. I took a week off around New Years so haven't been very productive. My creativity seems to be on vacation as well. This artist's block is truly frustrating. Maybe it's the clutter which is rumbling around in my head as well as all around me. Too much stuff, just too much and no space to just focus on. I can't find things I've put away, I can't find things that I haven't put away. I just can't find things. Were it only that simple, to find things and get going. Things, things, things. Maybe things is the problem.

da blues....Etc treasury

2009-12-31T19:00:00.001-06:00

Happy New Years

2009-12-31T13:11:00.002-06:00

In with the new, out with the old.....a mixed bag that......some really wonderful things happened in 2009 and I have no doubt many wonderful things will come in 2010. I hate the rehashes the end of the year always brings, so I'll just say that blessings comes in the forms of family, friends and good health. This I wish to you as a blue moon rises, ushering in a new decade. Just loving family, a family of friends and precious good health.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Whites treasury

2009-12-29T09:02:00.002-06:00

Treasuries are fun, this one featured POE (photographers of etsy).

Twas the night before Christmas

2009-12-24T20:04:00.001-06:00

Wishing everyone a very merry Christmas......with good health, peace and love.

christmas trees and other celebrations

2009-12-22T08:05:00.005-06:00

The Christmas spirit is all around, welcome to our house

Where did November go?

2009-12-13T21:43:00.002-06:00

It started and now its way more than gone. I know I was in Milwaukee for 10 days, but that doesn't cover the other 20. Poor blog, languishing in neglect. And December is almost half gone. I'm not sure where my time goes. It's not like I don't do anything, but it seems to flutter away totally unnoticed. Someone once told me that the older we get the faster times flies I'm beginning to be a believer. With the holiday season in full throttle I'm lagging behind the seasonal rush and just flitting around. Hmmmm flitting, guess that's where time goes when it wants to disappear. Maybe I really should try flitting more, flitting even more means nothing to lose there. I like the sound of the word===flitting=== a bit lyrical and a vague bit energetic. I don't think I've found the answer to where did November go?

ETSYTEXASCRAFTERS 1st Monday Sale

2009-11-01T21:45:00.003-06:00

99 Shops are participating in this months sale. All sorts of bargains are available just in time to start your Christmas shopping. Check out the forum to see the sales of all these wonderful ETC shops.

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6335114

Go Texas!

Christmas cards

2009-10-26T23:41:00.003-05:00

Block printing, painting and glitter---getting ready for the holiday season. It always comes so quickly and I'm hardly ever truly ready. These are a few of the cards I just finished.

trick or treat

2009-10-13T08:16:00.003-05:00

one of my favorite Halloween shots. And I carved them all. My first date with my husband was on Halloween. He wasn't sure he was getting a trick or a treat. I think he is still wondering about that.

holes?

2009-10-07T19:37:00.001-05:00

a fun treasury I made at 3AM Tuesday morning. Maybe I should make more at that hour. I really love the colors and all the fabulous artists.

EtsyTexasCrafters 1st Monday Sale

2009-10-04T20:33:00.002-05:00

1st Monday rolls around again. With over 90 members participating there are bargains galore. It's a fun time and place to pop in and visit and see what wonderful work our group has. My sale in earwingsandthings is offering 20% off. I have lots of fun jewelry and wire hearts to enjoy.

1000Markets Promotion

2009-10-01T11:00:00.008-05:00

I'm really excited about 1000 Markets. The site is beautiful. A team I'm on is called Asia Inspirations. The work of the artists there is incredible.This week they are featuring Diane Ferguson, Manny beads and emerlye Arts. Some of their art works are featured above. Manny's jewelry celebrates the feeling of Asia as does the beautiful and colorful work by Diane ferguson. Her Mandelas sing.

link: http://www.1000markets.com/groups/asianinspirations/

Imagine

2009-09-22T12:01:00.003-05:00

In Central Park NYC there is a memorial to John Lennon, "imagine", a mosaic in stone.
That word is fantastic. Imagine. Just to think that if you can imagine, you can do anything. The mind is a curious thing it hides ideas and dreams in little corners, waiting for action, or non action as it were. It doesn't forget, not in the way we forget. It lies in wait, wanting wings to be spread and a soaring of spirit and imagination. Yes just "imagine". John Lennon left a spirit and footprint for us to ponder and follow. It is a unique tribute and monument to someone who embodied the idea that to dare to imagine is to take winding roads to dreams. I wonder, I wish to imagine, I dare myself to be open to the width and breadth of the universe. Thank you John (and Oko who was the force behind this tribute)

phone home

2009-09-14T08:34:00.003-05:00

well its been awhile since I've made a post. Just a little tired. we had a terrific time in Boston and NYC. And that trip went really fast. I fell in love with this telephone in Boston. I drive my husband nuts when I keep stopping and taking photos of things. But what could be more exciting than things, especially yellow telephone things. Across the street from Boston Commons. I'm getting pretty good at navigating the trains of Boston. (and unlike Charlie on that old MTA, I did return). It was weird be away from my shops for 10 days and even weirder to have them empty. I'm not sure I like that away system.

Pushing into holiday mode here. Seems so far away but I think that it's just around the corner, artistically. My plans are to make some lino cut holiday cards, part printed and part painted by hand. I love doing those, although they really take a long time to do. I have 3 different blocks so probably will get started this week. I also have some ornaments I'm working on. So despite the heat there's snow inside my studio. Luckily for my studio the invisible time.

EtsyTexasCrafters--$5 5th Monday sale

2009-08-30T21:20:00.002-05:00

August 31....the 5th Monday and as always the EtsyTexasCrafters are having their special 5th Monday sales of $5 items. This month we have 61 members participating and just imagining all those wonderful $5 signs is mind boggling. Lots of yummy items so check them out. Look up tags teametsytx and ETC5 to find sales, everythings turning up 5s.

hot

2009-08-13T09:28:00.003-05:00

Boy has it been hot, the kind of hot that just saps the energy right out of you....makes me feel like I need a freezing swimming pool to lolly gag around in. The poor air conditioners work like mad but still can't catch up to cooling down that relentless heat. Of course, it doesn't help that I spent 10 days in Colorado last month where the heat was reasonable and some days it was down right chilly.

Next week I'm bound for Boston and New York. I'd like to think it will be cooler there, but I think they call their weather "the dog days of summer" Don't like the sound of that. But nevertheless I am look forward to the trip. I'm ready to travel again and hope that both cities have wonderful photo ops.

So here you have it, I'm living in a minor hell. The devil is probably laughing at the moment. The Angels grimacing, and well, me----I'm doing the "cooler day dance". So far I don't have the steps down pat.

Liz Edgar tagged me with this little meme

2009-08-07T19:45:00.002-05:00

Here are the rules:
1) collect the book you most handy
2) turn to page 161
3) find the 5th complete sentence
4) Cite the sentence on your blog
5) pass it on to other blog friends

here's Liz's: "A lavender haze was setting over the hillside, and the air seemed unusually sharp, causing Alex to shiver in her wool suit, sheer stockings, and low heeled shoes" (Manhunt by Janet Evanovich)

here's mine:"The SQ is responsible for all parts of the province not under the jurisdiction of municipal forces, of which there are many in the Montreal suburbs" (Grave secrets by Kathy Reichs) Sorry mine isn't very exciting.

I have chosen:
Liz: LavenderLizard.blogspot.com
LindaGJ: LindaGJones.blogspot.com
Jackie: Jacqueline'scraftycreations.blogspot.com

Its EtsyTexasCrafters 1st Monday again.

2009-08-02T20:53:00.002-05:00

Time for our 1st Monday sale....August 3....lots of great sales and great shops participating. Check out our forum thread on Etsy tomorrow to see what's going on. Don't have the link yet. But go to the forums and look in promotions to find the thread EtsyTexasCrafters 1st Monday sales We've had over 92 shops participating. So there's something for everyone. Come on August sales. My sale is free shipping so check out my shops.

Home

2009-08-01T11:10:00.002-05:00

I had a wonderful time in Colorado, both visiting my family and working with the youth leadership conference. As always the kids were super, excited and multi talented....It was also fun to take photos....not the official ones, just the candids which suits me just fine.

We celebrated my mom's birthday while I was home. Her garden was spectacular and the roses were especially gorgeous. This is just one of them.

A trip is always a blessing, especially when I visit family. but, as they say, there is no place like home. David and the dogs were happy (thank goodness) to see me. I'll stay put for awhile but there is a trip to Boston and New York coming up in a few weeks. We'll visit my son and do some playing. Camera is ready.

I'm leaving on a jet plane

2009-07-07T11:01:00.002-05:00

But I know I'll be back again. Have to put everything on Vacation mode. its really nice looking forward to getting out of town. I'm heading to Colorado to visit my parents and take part in the Rocky Mountain Youth Leadership conference as an adult advisor and photographer. It is so inspiring spending a week with 108 high school students and watching their growth not only in leadership skills but people skills and bonding with other participants and adult leaders and presenters. This will be my 3rd conference and I'm really looking forward to it. My dad is the driving force behind it, and it is the love of his life (after my mom). He spends 11 months a year getting ready for the conference from fundcraising to recruiting participants to leading the conference. At 85 he's going strong and all the young people just love him....mainly because he's so interesting and communicative as well as truly caring about everything involving the students. I admire his commitment to the conference and can't imagine him doing anything else. My mom also participates and is so gracious and warm that if there is a problem the students seek her out. And all in all I'm a fly on the wall and I wouldn't trade that spot for all the money in the world. Its also my mom's birthday, her 81st. I feel so lucky that both my parents are well and active, they are my inspiration.

so leaving on a jet plane........

The 4th of July

2009-07-04T11:14:00.002-05:00

Today's the 4th of July, a good day for reflection. And giving thanks to decades of Americans who contributed to the country we have today. Without those sacrifices it is unfathomable to guess where our country would be, how large, how free. Its time to think and say thank you, to reflect on the day as we celebrate with barbecues, family, fireworks, military ceremonies, and countless other traditions. The flags are flying, red,white and blue as an obvious choice of tradition and declaration that we are Americans. And we are free to declare what we feel and what we want for our nation. The fourth of July....hopefully the true meaning will not be lost in the fun stuff like a holiday from work with all the trimmings. God Bless our country, God bless America and God bless our future. And God bless us so that we can carry our banner of what it means to be an American.

Etsy Texas Craftrs (teametsytx)

2009-06-28T13:58:00.004-05:00

Monday June 29 is the first 5th Monday sale held by the etsytexasCrafters. There are 50 shops taking part with items $5 available. My shop earwingsandthings.etsy.com has about 14 items for sale at $5. If you're into earrings please check out my shop. Sale begins at midnight 29 June EST and lasts for the next 24 hours. HAVE FUN!!!!!! In search look for teametsytx etc5. Go Texas

fly by

2009-06-20T21:00:00.004-05:00

Time seems to just zip. One minute I'm here and the next somewhere else, and it seems like it happens all at once. Etsy has been busy, 1000Markets as well. Plans for the summer are being made and I'm afraid it will be over before I know it. Nothing really profound to say, guess I'm filling space I've seemed to left empty for awhile.

I'm dying to take a class in art metals at the local JC, but am worried that because I'll miss the first 2 classes it may be a non starter. It just sounded like something else I'd like to learn. Mix it up with paint and beads. But then I turn around and think maybe I should just concentrate on this old computer that continues to challenge and confuse me. So many things, so little time.

But this is just a fly by, so will stop to roost longer soon.

Military ball

2009-06-04T12:52:00.003-05:00

On Armed forces day my husband and I attended a ball (oh so posh isn't it?) in honor of all members of the armed forces in our country...men and women who had served, are serving and those that came before. The program was moving reminding us of so much we have to be thankful for. I am both an Air Force Brat (hence the wonderful military brat street team on Etsy) and the wife of a former Air Force pilot. So much of my life has been intertwined with the historical events which called on all the services for duty. It was good to be reminded about the debt we owe to so many.

I didn't know anyone at the ball, but didn't feel out of place. I still don't know anyone, but enjoyed sharing with table mates. It was fun to get dressed up and to stay at the hotel overnight. Like a mini-honeymoon. My next adventure might be learning to ballroom dance (never dancing with the stars though). It was so much fun watching couples just glide around (or jitterbug) the dance floor.

a bit of color

2009-05-26T20:19:00.003-05:00

I've been having fun with photoshop, a statement that might surprise some since I've been so frustrated using it. ( and cursing it) But somehow this past week, an "ah'ha" moment occurred and I figured out how to color just a part of a photo..... Yeay me. this can be translated to real life since "ah-ha" moments pop up all the time. You just have to be aware in order to notice. I have a lot of such moments in my life, some are fantastic and others, well they just leave me wondering where I've been all my life.

Today I checked out a new site called Sawadee.com ( in Thai Sawadee means hello, goodbye and everything in between). A chance meeting with a stranger gave me that site name and I had a blast (yes I still use "blast") working out a mythical itinerary to Asia. It was so much fun because I know where I want to go and basically where I want to stay so it was just a matter of going from A to B. well, in real life its a bit more than that, since this trip is 2 years in the future, but wow, did it ever bring back terrific memories. So I look forward to sitting at my computer and planning the real trip. Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket, Bangkok and back to Singapore before that long flight home. Oh it sounds just so wonderful....I wish I was there now. These places were my home for several years, and I do miss them so.

In the meantime there is a bit of color popping in, in those black and white moments when it all seems so gray. yep, that's just a bit of color to brighten a gray day. Love it, don't you?

openings

2009-05-20T12:20:00.003-05:00

its a good day for openings, going in and out. The weather is beautiful, coolish and definitely better than the 90 degree weather we've had for the past couple of weeks. I'm still feeling mellow, nice that. And I'm in the process of booking a couple of trips out of town. In July I'm going to Colorado to visit my parents and take part in a youth Leadership Conference. I always feel renewed after spending a week with the wonderful and talented students who attend. Future leaders....Yeah.

and then in August we're planning a trip to Boston (to see our son) and NY. I've never been to NY and look forward to seeing it and experiencing it and photographing it. New openings there. Can hardly wait.

mellow yellow

2009-05-18T09:45:00.003-05:00

I'm feeling mellow and like the oldie but goodie..."I'm feeling mellow yellow." This weekend was really nice, David and I went to a military ball (yep we did) celebrating Armed Forces day. They had a nice dinner, a nice program celebrating the different branches of the services. All in all it was inspiring. And then dancing, not my kind of dancing, more the ballroom type, but it was fun watching some of the "oldies but goodies" cutting the rug so to speak. We stayed at the hotel and there was no pressure to get home for the dogs since they were visiting Wagin Tails for the evening. And while I experienced a bit of anxiety going to a ball, and especially a ball not knowing a single soul, it turned out to be a nice experience. I still don't know a single soul....but that's ok. I wish some "mellow yellow" on everyone.

diary project 2010

2009-05-13T01:39:00.006-05:00

m
once again it is the time for the diary project 2010. I had the privilege of making a page last year. The resulting diary was a work of art, an art gliding through the year 1009 producing a calendar as diverse as it was unique. This year has a different challenge in that each page is written in English, French and Spanish. These new guidelines add a new complexity to the composition's design. Seeing the finished project in diary form is definitely a thrill, one which makes it a joy to move from day to day, and month to month.

Ruth fp 5.3.09

2009-05-04T13:02:00.001-05:00

Ruth fp 5.3.09
Originally uploaded by LizEdgar

Yippee made the Front page. I always miss them, but Liz is my good fairy and captures them for me.

TeametsyTx 1st Monday sale for May

2009-05-03T21:07:00.003-05:00

Once again its etsyTexasCrafters 1st Monday sale. This month there are more than 92 shops participating with sales of all sorts. % off, Bogos, free shipping, etc. Come visit, enjoy some chat and friendly sharing. Sale goes from Midnight tonight through Midnight tomorrow. Hope you can join us.

ETC April challenge

2009-04-27T13:53:00.002-05:00

http://etsytx.ning.com/page/april-design-challenge-poll

Come vote for your favorite entry. There are some really gorgeous entries. Mine is "No Fool like an old fool" Already pictured on this page. Texas rocks....help it rock more...VOTE, open to anyone.

Hearts

2009-04-23T09:26:00.006-05:00

just a few of the new additions to earwingsandthings. I finally got around to photographing a collection of 10 wire wrapped hearts. More to come

dandelion mosaic 2

2009-04-21T21:00:00.004-05:00

Newly listed mosaic in earwingsandthings.etsy.com This was another mosaic that I made with the Military brat team's April Challenge in mind. I didn't enter this one as I liked "Dandelion 1" the best. I really enjoyed doing a couple of mosaics again. Hope to do more soon. I owe my mom one so shall get busy on that one before I go visit in July. There are some fantastic mosaic artists on Etsy, its a joy to browse.

these shoes are meant for walking

2009-04-17T03:46:00.004-05:00

These shoes are meant to walk. They are part of my journey. I'm trying to figure out exactly where they are taking me. Yet know, no one can truly predict, what and where and how. So far the journey has taken me places I never dreamed of...some beautiful and wondrous, others more treacherous and unwelcome. Art is always my common bond....my shoes are lucky to have a talent which is both interior and exterior. Inside there is constant motion as the brain flits through ideas and feelings. Through the exterior I experience the world, and the people who inhabit it, those who make a difference in so many ways. I am grateful within my world.

hot stuffs

2009-04-16T10:13:00.003-05:00

feeling hot today!

Washington on the Brazos

2009-04-14T21:09:00.003-05:00

Wild flower season is always a wonderful excuse to get out of Houston with the dogs, a picnic lunch and a camera and a drive to the beautiful park, Washington on the Brazos in the thick of bluebonnets and other treasures. This year the day was glorious. The lunch fun and filling and the dogs were in heaven. Because we had such a dry spell, the flowers weren't as plentiful this year....but it was still beautiful. The whole park said "green, spring, enjoy" Aside from some ant bites while laying down and getting some photos the day was great. The drive through the countryside a treat after the city of Houston. I'm all ready to go again.

1st monday sales

2009-04-05T08:56:00.003-05:00

Its that time again, the 1st Monday of the month, when the teametsyTx has their 1st Monday sale. Sales run the gamut of %off, bogos, and free shipping with a few more special sales mixed in. Check out the forums when Sunday midnight rolls around. The sale goes from 12 AM Monday to 6 am Tuesday. Lots of good buys are to be had. ETC has some really talented artists involved.

Military brats April design challenge

2009-04-01T11:35:00.003-05:00

April is the month of the Military brat. Their flower is the dandelion, which represents so much of what a military brat is. The soft "clock" in the center when it blows in the wind represents the constant movement that many brats have in common. They blow in the wind, constantly moving.

In celebration of the month the brats have a design challenge where members can interpret their vision of the dandelion. The choices by each artist is personal and wonderful. Their creativity helps to convey their interpretation of what many people consider a weed. Long live the dandelion.

My choice this year was a mosaic. It was both fun and meaningful. I hope you enjoy it.

finding one's way

2009-03-22T10:42:00.002-05:00

At times things just seem too much....too much whirling around the mind, too many expectations, too much to do, too many people to take care of, too much period, and then I just shut down. Etsy is both my inspiration and the vortex which squeezes all my time. So sometimes I need to turn away, leave the computer behind for awhile and take stock. My art lays there beckoning me to pick up that brush, cut some more glass, weave some more fiber. I look at it longingly but the computer beckons as well, scan those photos, create them in I photo, export them and list them. The place where I started and hopefully will end, art, is silent. So I admit I am totally burnt out. I know this is a temporary state of being, but as the days pass I know its a place I don't need or want to be at the moment. The artist begs to be creating away from a keyboard.....so I'm fading away for awhile....and I may become invisible.

life and then not

2009-02-27T20:13:00.003-06:00

Today the Military Brat street team had some terrible news about one of our dearest members, Terryann. Her husband was on the Turkish air plane that crashed in Amsterdam. And in a cruel twist of fate he was one of the nine passengers who died. One minute all is right in the world, and the next, well, it's turned upside down and twisted in a way that makes no sense. Terryann is truly a loving and caring person. She was constantly doing for others in a selfless way. Her hand extended to all of us. Her presence an inspiration. I can only say thank you and hope that my life touches as many people as hers. I also hope her inspiration is a sign that life is now and one can only embrace it and the people we meet. After that there is only a silent prayer and a wish of reaching out and making a difference.

coming of spring

2009-02-18T09:06:00.003-06:00

when my cyclamen blooms I know spring is on its way. It's a great feeling, sort of like a caterpillar evolving into the beautiful butterfly. It's a time of renewal. Challenges look shinier, the days lengthen, and burdens seem lighter. I love spring and the flowers it brings. This year a list appears; art and life is developing and I am definitely ready to embrace it. Yep, blossoming into the challenges. Just that, turning toward the light and those challenges. I'm ready and so to, I hope, the weather.

clean sweep

2009-02-13T09:54:00.003-06:00

Don't you feel like grabbing a broom sometimes and just start sweeping everything in sight? A free for all mean clean....sweeping with Neil Diamond in the background wailing about Brother Love? The prospect sounds so enticing that maybe I'll grab that damn broom and clear out all those cobwebs and projects that will never get beyond sitting there waiting for a start. The junk, the dead geckos that have been sitting on a book shelf for months and months waiting for artistic inspiration. (luckily they're small.) But my hands are just twitching in anticipation. But right here and now I will confess that my hands are always twitching about something or other. Just a twitcher at heart. But this broom is magical and I know that when I finally do something with it the results will be awesome. This particular broom won't be my end all broom since it sits in Myanmar. And I suppose I need to wait for a cool broom to get my ass into gear, an artistic broom that dances around making the old new, the new old and the dusts of creation waiting to be swirled up and around....but it's finding the right broom that holds the key. Looking and twitching. Twitching and looking. Foot taping to the old gospel beat.

all "keyed" up...new POE treasury

2009-02-09T12:23:00.002-06:00

a treasury celebrating the Photographers of Etsy street team.

Bali on my mind

2009-02-04T13:40:00.004-06:00

I finished this wall fiber mixed media piece several years ago. It was the first in a series of fiber works. I loved doing them even though each one took weeks to finish. I haven't listed any in my shops because, well, I'm just not ready to let them go. Like children, I think. I gave birth to them and helped them grow and soon it will be time to send them off into the world. At the moment I need to give birth to something else so I won't hold this art so close. Ideas are fermenting and several new mixed media pieces are in the process of reaching the end of the gestation period. I'm not sure I'm ready for that to happen. But I will keep you posted.

Green

2009-02-03T09:50:00.003-06:00

green is nice, it's cooling and tranquil...it's a sign that spring could be right around the corner. This recently scanned photo was taken in Tokyo a few years back its a strange looking fir tree. I had fun at the park where I found it.

EtsyTexasCrafters 1st Monday Sale

2009-02-02T10:02:00.002-06:00

Today once again celebrates 1st Monday with the ETC (teametsytx) sales. This month there are are approximately 72 shops taking part in this wonderful sale. there is something for everyone. Check out the team forum to see who's doing what for their sale, we have %off, bogos, free shipping and a variety of other sales. Check out the following link to see what's happening with one of Etsy's best street team

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6025307

Inside out

2009-01-30T10:03:00.005-06:00

just a photo I added to elephantdreams. I'm still having fun with my scanner and thousands of negatives. And I miss the places where I took them. am counting the days until I can go back to Asia. Wish it was sooner than later, and hopefully in 2010, but need to really work hard on the cash to make it so.

contemplation

2009-01-29T12:19:00.003-06:00

Thinking about things, contemplating what the new year means, artistically and personally. Being one with my space, two with others, and three spiritually. This woman was still, sitting, and I think listening. I think many of us wish to be in that place where we can not only listen but also accept those things which may guide us on our path. My path is changing, I feel it. I'm not sure where its going, and I'm not sure I'm ready. But I have learned enough to listen and let the words and images settle around me. And they are indeed settling.

cruising

2009-01-25T13:10:00.003-06:00

love the idea of cruising, as in down the highway or through different paths of life. Today I started listing items in a new shop on the internet site called Artfire. My shop there being Http://www.elephantdreams.artfire.com I'm not sure how this is going to go. I'm not sure I have the time to do this with 3 other shops on Etsy. But I thought I'd start slowly and see how it goes. JustsoTerry.blogspot.com in her latest post discusses many issues about this site, although I should say she asks some very good probing questions, and gets answers from people who actually have used the site for awhile. Right now I have some time, and yes I'm looking around at ways to jump up and down to say "hey, here I am" so here I am. Anyone out there reading this is more than welcome to post about artfire and their experiences. So I'm cruising around, and kind of loving it.

visiting and counting

2009-01-21T04:03:00.002-06:00

artisans of Houston

2009-01-10T15:14:00.004-06:00

Placing things in the right spot never seems to be organized like a well set table. Whenever I clean, organize or throw out I can never find anything. just an observation. Life at the moment is both quiet and busy depending on the mood of the day. At present I'm working on a mosaic for a Military Brat Team challenge, dandelions (which happen to be the military brat flower). Last year there were some beautiful entries. Mine was a print of some bluebonnets mixed with some dandelions. This year a mosaic intrigues me, and hopefully will inspire me to begin an exterior mosaic of two greyhounds, my Sammy and Zoey. Cutting the tiles take the most prep time and obviously the building of the mosaic consumes me once I start the actual working design. I've never done things simply, complexity seems to pop into my work, even when I say just a quickie and I'll be done. So quiet or busy, today was both.

where did December go?

2009-01-03T09:18:00.004-06:00

wow, I lost December. But belatedly I want to wish everyone happy holiday and that the spirit of the seasons remains with you throughout the year. Our Christmas was quiet and we enjoyed a wonderful Meal with dear friends and their children. An English meal was celebrated by all. The only real resolution I made was to give up junk food and keep up with my blog. Time is so fleeting, one day you're posting and the next its miraculously gone. So here's to simple New Year's resolutions. and more to come with 2009.

color on a rainy day

2008-11-11T20:59:00.003-06:00

color on a rainy day.....brightens up the soul....lightens the mood....makes you feel sunny inside. I'm smiling!

7 FACTS ABOUT MYSELF

2008-11-02T14:51:00.002-06:00

I was born in Arteasia, California which was once an orange grove and is now a parking lot.

I walked down the Streets of Laredo......6 different times and even once down the aisle.

When I was 6 I lived in Caracas, Venezuela through 3 revolutions and a spy for a bus driver.

I love to tell stories, sometimes they're true.

I was busted for the 1st time when I was in second grade. I had so much fun doing a collage that I wanted to make more. The materials I was taking home fell out of my coat. This statement may indicate I was busted a 2nd time, but I'm not telling.

In a previous life I was an elephant and a Thai, not especially at the same time.

My first date with my husband was mistaken identity and on Halloween. But our life together has been a treat.