It's true I am officially addicted to Flickr; absolutely 100% in love with the abundance of beauty shared by others with the world. The generosity of one to share a photo simply leaves me in awe as I believe in every photo there is a piece of us. Whether we are behind the camera or in front of it a wee bit of our heart and soul is forever captured with the click of the camera, as truly the photographs we take and those taken of us are glimpses of our lives, experiences and memories. To learn more about each photo and artist click on the title. Enjoy!!!

 1. forest of tree ornaments, 2. pink cashmere vintage wreath, 3. Jen's snowman for project, 4. Cherub ornament, 5. Circus Tent {closer}, 6. My new fabric tags!, 7. Christmas at Hogwarts, 8. i have always imagined that paradise will be a kind of library, 9. Antique Books, 10. Vintage Blessed Mother Statues, 11. Shelves Full of Things, 12. Close Up of Crown From Kelly B, 13. i consume words, 14. grow, 15. that mother of mine, 16. project rain, 17. Antique Flatware, 18. Shelves Full of Things

"Always remember the true spirit of Christmas lies in your HEART!" 

    Chris Van Allsburg - The Polar Express    

I have always adored Christmas and all things holiday. The hymns that we sing on Sunday mornings during this time of year send chills through me; and the wonderful belief  of Santa Claus that the little man holds in his heart absolutely thrills me. As with past years we take this time to honor the spirit of Christmas and mankind. We hold our hands out to help those in need and we remain ever thankful for the bounty of blessings we have as a family.  I wish all of you a Happy Holiday season may you and those you love be blessed.

There are days when the smallest pebble feels like the biggest boulder

There are days when I ponder quite a lot

There are days when my heart is so full I fear it will burst

There are days I wish for 15 more hours in the day

There are days when making espresso takes me more than an hour

There are days I find myself absorbed in the comfort of the binding nature of family and friends

There are days in which I wish to not leave my house

There are days when I play with my little guy from the break of dawn until the sun meets it slumber 

I am blessed in all my days

Photos from the "Story of Home" seen in Somerset Home as well as an upcoming class at Zinnia's December 4th.

While we all travel the path of life together, at times I am in awe by the mere fact that all lives are so very different in their fabric and make up. Each moment, each experience comes differently to all of us. 

This morning as I read the post of a dear friend I was reminded of the harsh reality of mankind as well as the amazing triumphs a positive soul makes when challenged to go beyond a harsh experience. When one's spirit is hurt deeply it can stir a wealth of doubt setting up road blocks in one's life. This post is a wonderful example of the heart and soul opening up and choosing to fly rather than concede; moving ahead rather than being stopped cold.  Focusing on the positive and wanting to change the negative is a goal we should all wish to attain.

Often from the outside looking in the paths of others may seem to be smooth, we may not or never know the challenges that paved the way to what we see before us. For just today I ask you to take a moment and think about walking in another's shoes, remove any pre-conceived notions you might have and open your heart to the beauty of mankind.  

 

Quietly she enters the room and takes her place at the pianoforte. Those in her presence know the exquisite nature of her voice for when her words take flight all in her presence become mesmerized by the beauty and luster of the world around them. 

 
As her voice dances with the notes flowing from the instrument the hopes and wishes of all those taking in the beauty of the moment mingle. Dancing to the sky, intertwining with one another the moment is unlike any other. Like a pearl unique to itself her talent, her voice her beauty is unsurpassed. She Sings.

 Faith has to do with things that are not seen, and hope with things that are not in hand. Saint Thomas Acquinas. 
I find myself pondering a lot these days. My morning writing is evolving and my words reflect my hopes and wishes for our Little Man as well as the future as a whole. During my scribing I found myself thinking about the topic of faith and the fact that it often represents something entirely different to each of us. For some it is a religious centered belief and for others it might be a spiritual connection tied to the earth. In both instances I believe faith holds the hands of both hope and belief for it is when we carry all three that we succeed in passing on gifts to those in our lives and often times those we have never met. It is faith that guides me and a hope to do good for others that molds my thinking and actions.

 
With faith there comes a belief in something greater than what is happening in the moment we are living; a hope that others will journey with us, working with one another with the goal of greater tomorrows. The links of the future are built from the faith we carry in ourselves and in one another.

 
When we carry faith in our hearts for ourselves and others we can climb the highest mountains, face the most difficult challenges, cross the roughest terrain and guide our goals home. Out of these thoughts "Faith" was born a piece not tied to one stream of thinking but rather a symbol of what guides our hearts whatever our beliefs might be. As I await the rise of the sun I go forward with faith in my heart, hope in my soul and a belief that all things are possible when we work together for the greater good.

There are things in life that remain a mystery no matter how much research I do. After hours of compiling information, addresses and tips, I feel as though I am still on the doorstep of licensing knocking loudly with no answer.

The how is the hard of it, and honestly I know I am not the only artist asking these questions. While there is a great amount of commentary out in the world stating licensing seems to happen at a time when one is not seeking it, I find it incomprehensible to sit back and wait - or maybe this is impatience either way it comes with a huge dose of determination.

So off I go back onto the information highway via carriage of hopes knowing I will eventually  find that one tip or answer that will allow me to take my jewelry onto the next step. Licensing gurus of the world here I come!

 
Saturday my darling Mom surprised me with a lovely tea party made up of my closet friends and local family. The day was amazing and meant so much to me words can hardly explain the depth of emotion I feel when reflecting. The tea was held at the historical Walker House located in San Dimas. The home which was built as a hotel in the 1800's recently received a multi-million dollar renovation. 

 
The staff and Chef of Saffron, the restaurant which is housed within the home went above and beyond the call of duty for us. As we dined on delicacy such as scones, clotted cream, canales, tea sandwiches, cakes and purses and bowls of amazing fruit.

 
During the party I wore a darling party hat my sister sweetly bestowed on me as well as a delicate crown Kelly B gifted me with. What fun it was to interchange the two throughout the day.

 
After dining on all of the amazing treats a lovely parcel which contained an artistic creation was placed within my hands. 

For now I give you only a snippet however very soon there will be a new post in which you will see each artistic detail. Needless to say my eyes welled with tears and my heart was full of emotion and gratitude. 

Ruth and Kim surprised me with the arrival of Holly who taught us all how to create a darling Regency necklace which I adore. 

Jenny  and I are modeling are new creations. Holly supplied us with the best beads and baubles not to mention lace and trim that was lovely.

As the day drew to a close I was overwhelmed by the love and inspiration each of these amazing women gift me with each and every day. I feel like the luckiest person in the world. 

First Row (from right to left) 

My Mom, Me, My Grandmother, Jenny

Second Row (from right to left) 

Pilar, Heather (my little sister), Kristi

Third Row

Joy, Kim, Kelly, Ruth , Holly

Not Shown Miss Kelly B as she adjourned a wee bit early.

To all of you THANK YOU! To my darling Mom and Sweet Dad thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for everything!!!

PS More photos can be found here in my Flickr Account.

It is official I am in the process of creating one last batch of spooky Halloween treats. I have to admit I am going to miss the wee witches and batty bats. The season always goes so quickly. I always enter it with the highest hopes of watching Sleepy Hollow repeatedly and brewing batches of mulled cider. Perhaps this weekend a bit of holiday cheer will run amuck. 

Bats and baubles are dancing about the studio as I type awaiting my return. Time to get back to work as I can hear the witch beckoning me to add a wee bit of bling to her. Off to my cauldron I must go for my new pieces must be completed tonight.