GULP!!! Has it really been two weeks since I last posted? Wow! I didn't plan on it but I think I just took an unscheduled blog break. I just haven't been spending a lot of time on the computer at home. I have; however, tried to keep up with my peeps and bop around Blogland as much as possible! Another instance of just being happy to be the spectator. :-)
So my sweet blessed life is very full right now. LOTS of stuff going on. And, very thankfully, it's ALL good stuff! Work has been really busy which is always a good thing. I also joined a Toastmasters group at my work which I'm pretty jazzed about. Oh and on another work-related side note, I got something in the mail from my employer that if I take early retirement, I only have NINE more years of working. Nine!!!! That's one less than 10! I've already been with this employer for 14 years so I can easily see hanging around for another nine. This is pretty much the light at the end of the tunnel, folks. A very happy, retired tunnel. This news is SO uplifting to me!
Okay...so our weekends have been absolutely FULL lately! Last weekend we went to a baseball game Friday night, then I volunteered at Pets in the Pearl all day on Saturday, and then Sunday we went to see Ringo Starr at Edgefield. What a fantastic weekend!
This weekend is only partially full...last night Glen and I volunteered at the Washington County Fair in the Washco Dems booth, hanging out with some awesome local politicians. It was extra fun because Miranda and her friend, Josh, came out to hang with us for a bit. Care to see a cute picture of this little duo?
So nice to see her in a happy relationship.
Tonight we're going to see our friend, Carl Wolfson, at the Jester Comedy Club with Glen's brother and wife. And then I'm VERY happy to report that tomorrow we ain't got nuttin' on the agenda! Ya-hoo!!!!
So would it surprise you to know that in the middle of all this busyness, I've actually been able to squeeze in artsy crafty time? Hey, it's what renews and energizes me so regardless of how busy life is, I will always find time for art! Even if it means letting the dishes sit in the sink! Sorry, honey! :-)
I was VERY happy I got to participate in Amanda's, of HodgePodgebyAmanda fame, Diamonds and Pearls charm swap. I had JUST found this ridiculously beautiful pair of old looking earrings at Goodwill that were full of diamondy, pearly dangly things so they were perfect to dismantle and use for the charms. Here are the charms I made...
And the back...
Here are all the charms...
Miss Sweetness Herself, Amanda, even sent each participant a beautiful bracelet for our charms! How fabulous is that??? I haven't put my charms on the bracelet yet but Natalie did! Just gorgeous! Thank you so much Amanda for hostessing such a lovely party! :-)
I have much much more to show you, including the sweetest package of goodies I received from my new BEAUTIFUL friend, Sherri, but that deserves its own post! :-)
So for now, I'm off to enjoy a nice quiet Saturday afternoon and work on some fatbook pages for the post-ArtFest Fatbook that Kristie is hostessing. These babies are due in a few days...and they are still SUCH a work in progress...
Take care, lovely people!
Those charms are lovely! and yours is Fa-bu-lous!!! I love it. You soldering Queen!
So nice to see Miranda with her Cutie :)
Posted by: Lilli | July 26, 2008 at 12:53 PM
Sweet pic of Miranda & Josh!! They look very happy :). I love your charms---and those you received---each one a mini-treasure and with cute cards to boot! Cool textural fat book pages too---such a busy gal you are---keep at it!!
Posted by: Jana | July 26, 2008 at 03:41 PM
Your pages are coming along nicely and your charm is just beautiful!
Sandy XOX
Posted by: Sandy | July 26, 2008 at 07:55 PM
What a great swap; such beautiful charms, Michelle!
Posted by: Denise Mares | July 26, 2008 at 08:03 PM
I am thrilled to say I got one of your pendants from The Jewels of the Sea Swap. It is so pretty from both sides...I can't decide which side to wear first...no switch... no switch...what a delightful conundrum I'm in. Thank you *dear*! I loved your packaging too!
take care,
Rowan Willow
aka Tiffany
Posted by: Tiffany | July 27, 2008 at 01:51 AM
I am LOVING that charm you made, sweet!ness! Oh so very Marie, which is always a fav!
Posted by: Dede Warren | July 27, 2008 at 10:37 AM
I l.o.v.e those fatbook pages!! I wish that I had participated in that one...
I am thrilled with your news about early retirement, I hope there is a LATE retirement in the picture for me, I think that I will be working forever!
Posted by: Gwen Delmore | July 27, 2008 at 08:43 PM
9 years! You can do that. I got mine and I have 25 years until I can take early retirement.
I like your showing and telling of your charms. They are all lovely.
Posted by: Melissa Merrill | July 28, 2008 at 02:52 PM
Oh Michelle, I so loved the charm you made for Amanda's swap! I have your lovely charm hanging from a necklace; showcased between two of the other charms from the swap. I really loved the dangly bling hanging from the bottom of your charm! Thank you bunches!
Posted by: Julie G. Baxley | July 29, 2008 at 08:18 AM
I love my charm. Thank you so much! I wore my bracelet yesterday and got lots of lovely compliments on it.
Posted by: Valita | July 29, 2008 at 10:00 AM