And Then There Are Those Who Do Good.

This morning I was thinking about the busy week I was just about to complete, and everything that had happened in it. In my mind I was recapping the last post I wrote, about how brazen some people can be. And then I remembered Thursday.

Thursday when I got home from work, I made my way to the living room to find my boyfriend sitting on the couch with his boxed up Christmas present. (It's no surprise to him because he helped me pick it out, but I got him his own laptop so he'd quit snagging mine.)

I thought that it was strange to have UPS come after 5:30- because he typically comes around 2. This package needed to be signed for. Well, Mike proceeded to explain that the UPS man delivered the pricey package to the wrong address. A good hearted woman several blocks away signed for my package to ensure it's proper delivery. She stopped at the house while Mike was home to make sure it ended up in the right hands.

I am thankful to her, and will be delivering a note, along with a handmade silver something for her honesty.

Ultimately- we should be grateful for our family, friends and health. There are so many things that can make the holiday season stressful. But it warms me to know that during the whirlwind of December- someone was selfless, and took the time and opportunity to be kind to a stranger.

Thank you to the woman at the other 44. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season.

Some People Are Made Of Crud.

Today I went to check on my work at the gallery, and some lousy person stole my butterfly jasper ring. Well, there's nothing anyone can do about it, but it's very disappointing that there are dishonest people in this world. I just have to be thankful that the people I choose to surround myself with are good. Hopefully my honesty and theirs will rub off on those who's morals are lacking.

All chins up though, I've done pretty well so far at the gallery. Rings are rings, and people are people. All different. Nobody got mugged or roughed up in the event. And if I ever come across the scummy jerk that stole my ring I'll give them a shoe wedgie and a piece of my mind. The End.

One Day At A Time

Tomorrow marks two weeks before Christmas. I have to admit, I've been a stranger from the studio since I set up for my show a little over two weeks ago. I had to take some time to re-coupe. I did a little cleaning, some relaxing, watched the new Indiana Jones movie ( I don't get to sit down and watch movies all that often, and by the way, my Dad looks EXACTLY like Harrison Ford.)

I finished my Christmas shopping, and I placed my final order for jewelry supplies at the beginning of the week. I've got a few Christmas gifts to finish up, and two custom pieces to make with the deadline of December 24th. I'm ready to be done with these projects, and have really been thinking about what I can get into after the holidays.

If you can believe it- I've got a whole week off of work between Christmas and New Years. (That never happens.) I'm so excited to have that much time to do whatever my little heart desires. I have high hopes to do major organizing in the house and studio. Chances are, Mike will get me out fishing, and we'll lounge around like logs instead. I hope to be productive, but some lounging couldn't hurt either.

Anyway, I'm getting excited for the holidays, I'm looking forward to have my deadlines met, and can't wait to enjoy a peaceful after-season. And then back to rock the studio- with pictures to follow!

Bed Time Story

I'd like to start a new good habit. Now that I have high speed internet and a laptop, I'm constantly...almost obsessively looking for new metalsmiths, tips, treasures, tools- whatever. But for some reason, I forget about the ever growing metropolis called Youtube.

Last night I decided that I would watch a short how-to video before bed every night. I searched chasing and reppousse' and found a great video that got me thinking all day today. It's a way to take my current knowledge and skills and get motivated, inspired. It may also help reduce the intimidation that sometimes develops towards exploring unfamiliar territory. Maybe tonight I'll watch a video on reticulation, or granulation, or patina's, or fold forming...maybe enameling? The possibilities are endless- and I have a feeling, the search results will be too.

If you decide to watch a bed time story- and something worth blogging about pops up- let me know. I'm always looking to catch a bite of some good info.

Good Night! Don't let the bed bugs bite!