How do you share your creativity? Are you closely guarding it? Or are you nurturing it and sharing with others?
Cheers,
LaLa
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Creativity...
I just had to share this picture of one of my precious nieces. She is a precocious 3 year old (she was actually younger when this happened) that loves to explore. In this picture, she was exploring her dad's desk and apparently wanted to share her findings in a creative way:-)
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Going Back in Time...
I traveled back in time the other day as I was looking at pieces of jewelry I made when I started out. I started practicing the basics of wirework at the beginning of 2005. Probably the place from which I learned the most was www.jatayu.com... the website of Connie Fox. She has basic tutorials on her site that I printed and practiced. I was inspired by her work; especially the bangles, the brangles, and the charm bracelets.
After a few months of practicing basic rosary link pieces, bangles and brangles (a brangle is part bracelet, part bangle) I gained more confidence and created jewelry that was a little more difficult to wear to the wedding of some friends of ours...a charm bracelet and some matching earrings. To this day, this set is still one of my favorites. I've even put the bracelet on a ribbon and worn it as a necklace! I love the colors and the wide variety of beads.
It's still an inspiration to me; I look at it and am transported back to a time when I just went for it even thought I wasn't really sure what I was doing. It's a reminder to continue to step out in faith...
Thanks for traveling back in time with me!
Cheers,
LaLa
After a few months of practicing basic rosary link pieces, bangles and brangles (a brangle is part bracelet, part bangle) I gained more confidence and created jewelry that was a little more difficult to wear to the wedding of some friends of ours...a charm bracelet and some matching earrings. To this day, this set is still one of my favorites. I've even put the bracelet on a ribbon and worn it as a necklace! I love the colors and the wide variety of beads.
It's still an inspiration to me; I look at it and am transported back to a time when I just went for it even thought I wasn't really sure what I was doing. It's a reminder to continue to step out in faith...
Thanks for traveling back in time with me!
Cheers,
LaLa
Monday, June 27, 2011
Family Fun Weekend...
Two years ago, my little sister decided that we needed to have a Family Fun Day...she planned it at a place called the Oil Ranch near Houston. Unfortunately, my husband wasn't able to go because he was on call, but everyone else was able to show up...Dad, Mom, my brother and his family, my sister and her husband, and, of course, LaLa:-)
Last year, she determined that Family Fun Day was not enough; we needed to have Family Fun Weekend. Therefore, we all went to a cabin owned by my sister-in-law's uncle. We had a wonderful time of eating, fishing, pedal boating, and general relaxing.
This year, she stepped it up a notch and decided we needed to be somewhere by the water. We rented a wonderful house in Ingleside by the Bay from the mom of a friend of mine. It was the perfect set-up for our family. We were close to Rockport and Port Aransas. We all had a wonderful time in Port Aransas at the beach. My Dad even got in the water! He had a blast playing with his grandkids during their first time at the beach. It was a wonderfully relaxing time with the family, and I can't wait to see what happens next year!
Does your immediate family have yearly get-togethers? I'd love to hear about them!
Cheers,
LaLa
Last year, she determined that Family Fun Day was not enough; we needed to have Family Fun Weekend. Therefore, we all went to a cabin owned by my sister-in-law's uncle. We had a wonderful time of eating, fishing, pedal boating, and general relaxing.
This year, she stepped it up a notch and decided we needed to be somewhere by the water. We rented a wonderful house in Ingleside by the Bay from the mom of a friend of mine. It was the perfect set-up for our family. We were close to Rockport and Port Aransas. We all had a wonderful time in Port Aransas at the beach. My Dad even got in the water! He had a blast playing with his grandkids during their first time at the beach. It was a wonderfully relaxing time with the family, and I can't wait to see what happens next year!
Does your immediate family have yearly get-togethers? I'd love to hear about them!
Cheers,
LaLa
Friday, June 24, 2011
Blogs...
I'm wondering how many of you that read this have blogs...
If you do, please leave a comment informing me of the
address. I would love to read it!!
Cheers
LaLa
If you do, please leave a comment informing me of the
address. I would love to read it!!
Cheers
LaLa
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
After two years. . .
Two years ago, Scott and I went camping for a week near Rockport, Tx. We were both ready for the respite and excited to spend a week away from reality.
We booked the "perfect" site; one in which we had previously stayed. It was a wonderful site in a cove made of trees and shrubs--very private. We felt like we were alone in the park. When we last stayed there, it was terrific; we set up our canopy, set up the camp kitchen, and stayed for the week. Very few mosquitos bothered us as we sat outside and talked. We were overjoyed this time that this site was actually available and couldn't wait to set up. There was no reason to anticipate anything less for this trip.
Unfortunately, to quote Mr. Robert Burns, "The best laid schemes o' mice an' men / Gang aft agley" (oft go awry). And WOW did they. After backing the trailer into this utopia, we got out to set up. Immediately we were attacked by airborne, blood-sucking insects---yes, folks---mosquitos, those pesky flying vermin that send even the most courageous individual running for the house. It was simply AWFUL!! We were prisoners in our own abode...refugees from the great outdoors. This most anticipated, fabulous site had turned into a veritable Hadees...we were a smorgasbord for mosquitos---two humans and two canines in a little tent trailer in the middle of cloud of ravenous mosquitos. This fabulous vacation seemed to be anything but---the outlook seemed bleak.
After sleeping with one eye open all night so we could attack the wayward mosquitos that dared to enter our trailer, we awakened to discuss our options. We could leave, or we could see if there were sites open down by the water. The answer seems simple you say, and at first thought it may...however, have you even spent the night in a popup trailer down by the coast? If not, let me explain; it is a rather harrowing experience. The constant breeze continually rocks the top of the trailer and it seems to intensify at night which results in a less- than-restful night's sleep. In fact, I spend most of the night praying that we'll live through it---yes, I know, that's a little dramatic, but that's how I feel. Anyway, sleeping in the wind by the water seemed preferable to mosquito infestation or leaving, so that's what we did.
We set up the camp kitchen, table, and chairs in the covered picnic area which we encompassed with the dog pens so we wouldn't lose the dogs. We spent our days sitting in the chairs looking out at the water or reading. I also spent some time looking for shells that could be used in jewelry. Mind you, I had never made jewelry with any shell I had ever picked up before, but I was certain that one day I would:-) I didn't end up with piles of shells, but I did bring home a select few. Our vacation, with the exception of the winds that seemed to blow 100 mph at night, was redeemed by moving to the water, and we ended up having a grand time during our week at the coast; however, I have decided that any other time we go to the coast/beach, we will be staying in a house!
Now I know you're probably wondering where I'm going with this story, and here it is...
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We booked the "perfect" site; one in which we had previously stayed. It was a wonderful site in a cove made of trees and shrubs--very private. We felt like we were alone in the park. When we last stayed there, it was terrific; we set up our canopy, set up the camp kitchen, and stayed for the week. Very few mosquitos bothered us as we sat outside and talked. We were overjoyed this time that this site was actually available and couldn't wait to set up. There was no reason to anticipate anything less for this trip.
Unfortunately, to quote Mr. Robert Burns, "The best laid schemes o' mice an' men / Gang aft agley" (oft go awry). And WOW did they. After backing the trailer into this utopia, we got out to set up. Immediately we were attacked by airborne, blood-sucking insects---yes, folks---mosquitos, those pesky flying vermin that send even the most courageous individual running for the house. It was simply AWFUL!! We were prisoners in our own abode...refugees from the great outdoors. This most anticipated, fabulous site had turned into a veritable Hadees...we were a smorgasbord for mosquitos---two humans and two canines in a little tent trailer in the middle of cloud of ravenous mosquitos. This fabulous vacation seemed to be anything but---the outlook seemed bleak.
After sleeping with one eye open all night so we could attack the wayward mosquitos that dared to enter our trailer, we awakened to discuss our options. We could leave, or we could see if there were sites open down by the water. The answer seems simple you say, and at first thought it may...however, have you even spent the night in a popup trailer down by the coast? If not, let me explain; it is a rather harrowing experience. The constant breeze continually rocks the top of the trailer and it seems to intensify at night which results in a less- than-restful night's sleep. In fact, I spend most of the night praying that we'll live through it---yes, I know, that's a little dramatic, but that's how I feel. Anyway, sleeping in the wind by the water seemed preferable to mosquito infestation or leaving, so that's what we did.
We set up the camp kitchen, table, and chairs in the covered picnic area which we encompassed with the dog pens so we wouldn't lose the dogs. We spent our days sitting in the chairs looking out at the water or reading. I also spent some time looking for shells that could be used in jewelry. Mind you, I had never made jewelry with any shell I had ever picked up before, but I was certain that one day I would:-) I didn't end up with piles of shells, but I did bring home a select few. Our vacation, with the exception of the winds that seemed to blow 100 mph at night, was redeemed by moving to the water, and we ended up having a grand time during our week at the coast; however, I have decided that any other time we go to the coast/beach, we will be staying in a house!
Now I know you're probably wondering where I'm going with this story, and here it is...
...after two years, I finally did something with one of those shells. I set it in copper with dyed freshwater pearls as accents. This is my second experimentation with this type of setting, and I am thoroughly enjoying it. I am very pleased with the way this setting turned out, worlds better than the first try last week.
Thanks for reading. Til next time...
Cheers,
LaLa
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Let's Talk About Dreams...
...No, not the dreams you have about owning your own business, finishing college, or any other goals you may have. I mean actual dreams that you have when you manage to get a good night's sleep. Last night, I had a WONDERFUL night's sleep. Really not sure when I had one before that. Anyway, in the midst of the sleep, I had a dream that I joined the Navy. Yes, the Navy. Now for those of you that know me, you know that me joining the Navy is absolutely ludicrous for several reasons.
First, I'm prone to be somewhat on the messy side---I would not bode well trying to keep my bunk nice and neat. I would constantly be doing push-ups, put on KP, or whatever it is they do to those who don't comply correctly.
Furthermore, I'm a bit of a free spirit---I don't necessarily like to be told what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. Extreme structure is not my friend. I like to have an inspiration, drop what I'm doing, and either sketch it or immediately create it.
Additionally, I've never been on an extended journey on a ship. The closest I got were two 3-4 hour ferry ride (a rather large ferry with restaurants and shops, I might add) from England to Ireland (the Republic, not Northern) and Ireland to Scotland. I took Dramamine before embarking upon the first journey and did not react well to it. I was out like a light before I could even get on the ferry! I was so sleepy I don't really remember much. The next journey I decided to forego the Dramamine...not really a better idea. Each time I tried to go inside the ferry, I experienced waves of nausea. I had to sit outside in the cold mist on a bench at the back of the ferry to keep the nausea at bay. As long as I could see the horizon, I was okay. Now, I know the Navy ships are much larger, and probably more smooth at sailing, but I really wouldn't want to take the chance.
Lastly, I'm a bit too old!!
Both my husband and my mom were there as I was enlisting...neither tried to stop me (hmmmm...I wonder THAT was about?:-). The reason I joined was because I thought we needed the money since I was no longer teaching. When I finally came to my senses, and decided I was not ready to join the Navy, I asked my mom whether or not I could get out of my contract and she said, "No." Talk about a kick in the stomach! I remember thinking, "What have I done!"
Then I awakened...
Needless to say, it was a weird dream; however, I believe there is a lesson to be learned from it. That lesson, and one I seem to be continually trying to learn, is to "Let go, and let God!" He should be the captain of my ship, not me. (I'll save the husband/mom not stopping me part to decipher another day!)
Now I want to hear about your weird dreams and any lessons you may have learned...remember, anyone can post on here. You do not have to be a follower; however, all comments are subject to moderation...
Sweet Dreams,
LaLa
http://www.jewelrybylala.com/
First, I'm prone to be somewhat on the messy side---I would not bode well trying to keep my bunk nice and neat. I would constantly be doing push-ups, put on KP, or whatever it is they do to those who don't comply correctly.
Furthermore, I'm a bit of a free spirit---I don't necessarily like to be told what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. Extreme structure is not my friend. I like to have an inspiration, drop what I'm doing, and either sketch it or immediately create it.
Additionally, I've never been on an extended journey on a ship. The closest I got were two 3-4 hour ferry ride (a rather large ferry with restaurants and shops, I might add) from England to Ireland (the Republic, not Northern) and Ireland to Scotland. I took Dramamine before embarking upon the first journey and did not react well to it. I was out like a light before I could even get on the ferry! I was so sleepy I don't really remember much. The next journey I decided to forego the Dramamine...not really a better idea. Each time I tried to go inside the ferry, I experienced waves of nausea. I had to sit outside in the cold mist on a bench at the back of the ferry to keep the nausea at bay. As long as I could see the horizon, I was okay. Now, I know the Navy ships are much larger, and probably more smooth at sailing, but I really wouldn't want to take the chance.
Lastly, I'm a bit too old!!
Both my husband and my mom were there as I was enlisting...neither tried to stop me (hmmmm...I wonder THAT was about?:-). The reason I joined was because I thought we needed the money since I was no longer teaching. When I finally came to my senses, and decided I was not ready to join the Navy, I asked my mom whether or not I could get out of my contract and she said, "No." Talk about a kick in the stomach! I remember thinking, "What have I done!"
Then I awakened...
Needless to say, it was a weird dream; however, I believe there is a lesson to be learned from it. That lesson, and one I seem to be continually trying to learn, is to "Let go, and let God!" He should be the captain of my ship, not me. (I'll save the husband/mom not stopping me part to decipher another day!)
Now I want to hear about your weird dreams and any lessons you may have learned...remember, anyone can post on here. You do not have to be a follower; however, all comments are subject to moderation...
Sweet Dreams,
LaLa
http://www.jewelrybylala.com/
Monday, June 20, 2011
Second Time Around...
Its been awhile since I've posted, but here I am! So...I've been transporting this plastic ice cream container full of lids around from classroom to classroom and office to office for at least 6 years. I used them when I taught First Grade as counters and various other things. A few times I almost talked myself into throwing them out, but never could go through with it. Now I am glad I didn't...I've had some epiphanies on how to use some of them to create pieces of jewelry and look forward to hours of experimenting. It's led me to see if I can design a line called "Second Time Around." The following is something I worked on last night using a lid from a milk jug.
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Stay tuned for more...
Cheers,
LaLa
http://www.jewelrybylala.com/
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Stay tuned for more...
Cheers,
LaLa
http://www.jewelrybylala.com/
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