It's a cat's life

Taking my jewelry in a new direction

2012-02-03T13:27:00.000-08:00

I do what??? Trichinopoly,

I admit it sounds like a board game or a disease, but it’s not. The ancient art of weaving a single thread or wire in to a rounded chain on a dowel. This is what Viking knit is. Doing some research, since I wanted to know just how old this technique is, I came across a wonderful article that explained exactly that. Thousands of years ago, this pattern has been found using textiles in ancient Egyptian tombs and no doubt goes back to the start of textile weaving. Different from a ring in chain method used to create chain, such as for a Pandora bracelet where rings are squished to create the end result.

Trichinopoly is the actual weaving on a dowel. That’s exactly what I do, single or double weave it creates a beautiful piece of jewelry when done with find gauge wire.

Chain maille, I love it, so many patterns, such awesome results. Done for practical uses such as armor, now for jewelry creates lovely pieces for everyday wear. Renaissance fair wear, bold jewelry, intricate patterns I just love. I often coil and cut my own rings.

Egyptian coil or swirls , this pattern was found in the tomb of an ancient Egyptian princess, done in gold. I think I may have been a temple cat in one of my lives. Cats were highly revered in Egypt, (smart people).

Wire wrapping and weaving, so much to learn, and so accommodating to just about any design I would love to create. In the past year I’ve been able to concentrate on these techniques and am loving it.

I love to use colored wire, Parawire is my favorite, silver plated for extra shimmer and tarnish resistant, affordable and just as lovely as Sterling or fine silver. I've made many pieces this last year, many are listed, many are not yet listed so be sure and check back.

If you would like to see some of my work, stop by one of my shops, Etsy , Artfire or my newest shop on Handmade Artists shop

Custom orders welcome.

It's been one of my rougher weeks, some bruises heal quicker than others

2011-05-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

So you’ve had a rough week? Me too. Bruised pride, ribs, hand, knees, foot and toes.

Not one of my best weeks, I’m not really a complainer, just observation. First, I am my own worst enemy, no doubt about it and I have to slow down. Sunday was Mother’s day, one I will remember for years. A wonderful lunch with my children, and passed by an old friend’s home on the way out of town. Well, of course, beautiful day, on my way. I was happy to see she was outside painting her porch. I ran to greet her, so excited that she was finally home after stopping a few other times, it had been 10 years since I had seen her.

As I’m running from my car to greet her, so excited, I did IT! Pretty much ran right into the sidewalk, my left foot hit the foot tall curb and down I toppled over, as I fell on my left side with my hand and arm under my body, the air rush out of my lower lungs. Ouch, that hurt! I got up pretty quick, one of those embarassing falls, my hands started shaking, I hugged her, just call me Grace, better sit down a bit, (my pride was really hurting).

My left foot got the most road rash, knees, ribs. Left arm and hand the worst of it, I’m not a little thing and the hand didn’t stand a chance. I had lost feeling in my two small fingers. I drove home 40 minutes away, feeling pretty beat up, within an a few hours the pain level was about 8 to 9 on a scale of 1 to 10, the feeling had come back to my fingers, but there was nothing out of place, I was tolerating the pain as long as I was still. Oh yes, it’s broke, I told myself. I’ve done it before and knew no matter what, this is going to hurt, at the very least there are small fractures, I’m still having lots of self conversations about this, and what to do, I decided if the pain level went above ten, I’ll can go to the doctor in about 12 hours if more to the ER.

I made a splint, Red Green would be proud, two rulers with duct tape and made a sling with a scarf, wrapped my hand and wrist with an ace bandage. I have Tylenol. Monday morning 2AM, I’m up, I debated about calling my doctor, more self talk………took a muscle relaxer and tried to wait, slept for a few hours and woke up with less pain, so decided to wait again, I will see my doctor for an appointment in a week, anyway, the pain level is down to 8. I did pass out later that morning, I think it was a combination of the relaxer I had taken and Tylenol and a bit of chocolate and the pain level shooting up when I changed the wrapping. I am so, my own worst enemy.

It’s been a rough week, I’m thankful that the pain level steadily decreased with the help of Tylenol to a 6 now and my ribs are good enough that it only hurts to sneeze and lay down, so great progress. I did get a hand brace and can type, and if I move slow, which I don’t have much choice hurts too much, I can do a lot, it will just take a bit longer. I’m making the best of it and enjoying not having to cook. 6 days from injury and I know it will get better. I tried jewelry yesterday, a lot of pain for hours after, that will have to wait, as well. I’ve been working on a new studio downstairs and reorganizing my supplies for the last month, that will have to be put on hold.

I do hope your week was better than mine. Though not my worst week, as a jewelry maker, I'm not happy. I’m thankful the injuries were not life threatening and the damage to my hand and wrist will heal, my ego will remained bruised, I’m blaming it on my bifocals, didn’t look a foot high to me, or might have been the two cups of coffee at lunch that day, but I will slow down.

Jewelry Making perils

2011-01-07T09:04:00.000-08:00

When I embarked on my jewelry making endeavors, I never thought it would be dangerous in anyway. I was unpleasantly surprised, I was cutting 16g wire for rings a few months ago and my flush CHP cutters seemed to be having a hard time, now they are rated for this gauge of wire, so I didn't think anything of it, just keep on cutting away when..........ting......oooops.

This happened, I am still looking for the tip, I imagine it is embedded somewhere in my ceiling. Thank goodness I wear glasses, could have been a lot worse.

So please when using cutters of any kind or tools, be sure and have the proper safety equipment and be sure and wear those safety glasses.

New cutters, new year, new pieces. Hope you like them.

Come visit my shop on Artfire, I've listed lots of new pretties.

www.catinalife.Artfire.com

Back from the retreat, home sweet home.

2010-11-02T13:23:00.000-07:00

It was an awesome time. The weather was great, the food was awesome, the company could not be beat. I have to say, this weekend was one of the best times I have had, EVER. I finally have pictures up on Facebook. Take a peek, it was some beautiful country.

Alisun picked me up late Wednesday afternoon, we were off. We had to make a quick side trip to Illinois and then we were on our way to Pennsylvania.
I grew up northeast of Chicago, so I am familiar with the area, I so miss Lake Michigan and some of the great food you get there, Chicago style hotdogs, polish sausages, Italian beef, pizza that is hard to beat. We stopped at Luke's and had Italian beef on our way to Indiana. It has been well over 15 years since I've had a REAL Chicago Italian beef, wet of course, ***burp***, it was delicious.

At the height of rush hour we hit the interstate and south we went to Indiana, passing O'Hare Airport, I caught sight of a few planes. Passing all the familiar signs I had not seen for a number of years. I left Illinois in 1994 and have only been back once for a weekend visit to my home town area. I do get very homesick, but no time for that, a beading retreat is on the horizon and I can't wait.

We put the pedal to the metal and after bumper to bumper in Chi for about 1-1/2 hours we finally escaped. Made it all the way to South Bend, IN before we had to stop. We're just not that young anymore. A good nights rest and we can do this. Up early, MapQuest has been checked, we have an Atlas map in the car, we were off again, Indiana went quickly, stopping for gas and coffee, grabbing our toll ticket and we're off again.

We buzz through Ohio, tolls, tolls, tolls, I-80 is a straight shot pretty much, lots of farm land, barns, cows, a beautiful fall day. Panera Bread for lunch, yummmmm!!!! I purchased some extra bagels and cream cheese for the trip, we will only be having 4 meals there. I have to start hoarding a few goodies, just in case. We expect to get to Pennsylvania by evening.

It was soon evident we were not in the midwest any longer, the hills became more frequent and started getting higher and higher, the roller coaster ride has begun. I soon noticed that we were even with the tree tops. Beautiful scenery and the mountains were not what I expected. Going through the mountain tunnels was fun, Blue Mountain and Alleghany mtn, were just two we passed under that I was able to catch a glimpse of their names. The hills keep coming and the road kept winding, soon we were in Carlisle, PA and near our destination for the night. Ali called Dawn and got directions, yep we were a bit lost. We were close though so we could do this! We rolled into Dawn's about 8PM, rest and relax, the fun begins in the morning.

Friday morning we were off again to the retreat. Was about an hours' drive, more winding roads and beautiful farms along the way. We were in Amish country. Lovely babbling brooks along the roadside, my ears kept popping as we drove up and down the mountains. We rolled into our little retreat, obeying the clearly posted 9.5MPH signs.

We spy the buildings, a large lower main building where we will be playing and taking classes and up above the cabins where we will sleep. We unload and set up, the fun begins. The rest of the weekend was full of laughter, beading, giveaways, great food, more beading, some bead shopping, more giveaways, more beading, and little sleep. I was so excited I won an Ott light, which was on my list for Christmas this year, I have to say I felt very lucky, I won many great gifts, a set 5 pcs set of Beadsmith tools, crystals, Czech glass, sparkly glass pendants. I traded for some awesome Hemimorphite stones. I was able to share with some great women on an entirely different level than I can with any others. It was learning, sharing, friendship and so much more.

Would I do it again? not even a question. I plan to be there again in May and have even more fun.

Good things, I am going on vacation and great things, its a BEAD retreat

2010-10-26T18:41:00.000-07:00

I'm going on a bead retreate. Dawn owner of Beadallaboutit on Artfire is a sponser for a weekend bead retreat, be sure and visit her shops for some quality stones and glass, I drool everytime I'm there. This Halloween weekend I will be hiding in the backwoods doing my favorite thing......not what your thinking now. Beads are packed, tools, wire, findings, several sets of fuzzy jammies, we're not going anywhere for the entire weekend. The weather is looking great for this time of year.

I will be going with another Artfire artisan Alisun, she and Dawn have both been friends of mine for a few years now and now will all get to meet in a little retreat in Pennsylvania for some quality beading. There will be other AF artisans there as well and the excitement here is toppling over. I can't wait to meet them all.

I've meet Ali before, I think we are long lost sisters. We are going to have a blast. I will be trying to post when I can, not sure how the connections are going to be and I will try and get some pictures, though I know many are going to try and hide behind the trees.

I will be back in my shop sometime next week and hopefully posting in a few days.

OH, Ho, Ho, Ho....Santa is coming soon. Take a peek at my facebook page and you will find this great contest, win $300 on Artfire, some awesome shops and wonderful artisans. Its going to be great fun, come and help find Santa.

This cats life is GOOD.

Early years

2010-10-23T16:00:00.000-07:00

A bit on crazy making They do it, sometimes its very subtle, sometimes out and out intimidation. A brutal act of violence and then days of apologies and always the attention. They know how to manipulate you, they know how to judge your actions and your moods, as well as you do their it’s a form of brain washing, mind control on a very vicious level.

I was always trying to figure out how, why this man could say he loved me and the children, yet do the things he did. Taking money that was needed for food and caring for the family and spending it on his needs for drugs and alcohol. Did I enable this behavior, yes, I felt I had to. If I did not, I would reap the abusive behaviors, my children, my home would be at risk, I always wanted it as calm in the home as possible for them, but I always minimized the affects so to ease the pain in my mind.

Why doesn’t she just leave. I did, more than once. On average a woman in an abusive relationship will leave several times before she finally gets away. The longest separation, during the last few years of marriage was 7 months. The first few times I left when we were first married, before children, I would call my mother, she would come and get me. On one occasion, my ex followed us and raced ahead of us, parking horizontally in the middle of the highway. My mother was terrified. I never called her again. After one particularly brutal attack, I think I was in shock for a few days, by then it had calmed down, I had forgotten the pain and he was being loving and nice. These are the times I am sure I have dreams of, often waking up wanting to fist the wall. During these times in the early years, I was so depressed and desperate to get away I tried suicide, I purchased a 100 tablet bottle of over the counter sleeping pills and a pop and went to the lake and took nearly all of them, big big mistake. I was able to drive home, my ex called my mother and then they called and ambulance, I was taken to the hospital. luckily they didn’t have to pump my stomach. My ex never ever asked me why, or talked about it again. Now, I was giving up hope of ever being free. A few months after that incident, my ex was in an accident, and the relationship changes again.

It was winter, cold and snowy, we always had older used cars, but my husband had always been able to keep them running and maintained. During our early years of marriage we had a different car every year or less. He was working on the old station wagon we had. We were at his best friend Willie Horn, they were drinking Boone’sfarm wine and beer, smoking and laughing, working on the car. My ex tells me to go ahead and lay down on the couch inside and we will be leaving soon. I was exhausted, it was 2AM, I just wanted to go home. I go inside and try to rest with my coat on.

6AM, Willie comes out of the kitchen; “Where’s Jimmy?” we race out to the garage. We go in through the side door, its choking us both, I run back in and call 911, Willie opens up the garage door, Jimmy is in the car, his head slumped back and snoring as loud as I had ever heard him before. We manage to pull him out and tried to wake him up. Water, slapping, yelling, nothing was getting any response. It seemed like an eternity, the ambulance came. They couldn’t wake him up either, we followed to the hospital.

There maybe some brain damage the doctors said, he was exposed for nearly 4 hours, carbon monoxide poisoning. We had now been married 4 years. I am hopeful this will get him to change his drinking and drug abuse, that I was blaming all the emotional and physical abuse on. That next year was the year of silence.

Taking my life back

2010-10-11T06:48:00.000-07:00

I've not forgotten about Crazy making, I'm still working on that post.

These words came to me in the early morning hours last week. I could see how in that crazy making, is still affecting me.

In the night.

You know all the sounds,

the car engine stops, the hesitation

the footsteps

the keys, the keys falling,

the stumbling in the door,

the keys and coins hit the kitchen table,

the footsteps

to the bathroom, the vomiting.

the smell hit’s the room first, you pray for a good night,

not wanting to be touched pretending to be asleep.

he collapses into bed, snoring.

relief, you cry and go back to sleep,

safe until morning.

the smell is too much, you go sleep on the couch and get up before him,

the morning routine begins again, more vomiting, then sleep, then back out to the bars and drinking again, the ride goes on and on.

you care for the children and try to keep it as calm as possible, making sure he eats, getting alcohol, cigarettes, money, always walking on egg shells, afraid there will be pain, afraid for your children, afraid for the future, scared, hurting, exhausted, overwhelmed, alone and in poverty,

is there an end, will there ever be an end, you pray, your prayers go unanswered.

God doesn’t make people do things, people do it all themselves.

God doesn’t stop the fists, the slaps, the shoves, the pain, it goes on and on.

It hurts, from day one it hurts.

God can’t stop the pain only I can. I have to find a way, a way out, a safe place. Will he follow, yes, will I really be free, can I ever hope for a life without the chaos.

I have to try, I have to get away, I have to be safe, I have to be free. Will I ever be safe, will I ever be free.

I took my life back, I am rebuilding a life, one day at a time. I am safe, but I am not yet free.

I will win this battle with him, he is DEAD, he can’t hurt me any longer, but the words, the deeds, the pain, they resurface, they are still there, will I ever be truly free just to be me.

I have to be free, I have to keep trying, I will not allow him to take anymore of this life.

The battle continues day to day.

Crazy Making

2010-10-06T03:57:00.000-07:00

Crazy making.

I don’t know what is wrong, I can't figure out what I can do, I can’t find help, I have no money, I feel threatened, I feel most of all like I’m going crazy or I feel nothing at all.

So often I felt this way, I was able to realize how my abuser had done this, crazy making is a definite tactic of emotionally abusive partners.

I still have a hard time putting my finger on certain event triggers, it seemed sometimes there were none, it was unprovoked, unexpected and unwarranted. I was being punished for something, being a bad wife, a bad mother, less than a good person, not being smart enough, not working hard enough, you name it, I was it. You hear these things enough and you begin to believe them.

It was after he had spent my inheritance on drugs and alcohol, after he hocked every item of any value in our home, after he had hit me and threatened me with a gun laying on the table, after evictions, losing a $100,000 house, choked me, stalked me, to name a few things that I finally gave up, managed to get away to a shelter again, get my tax refund and my last check from my job, buy a $600 car and leave, get as far away as possible. I grabbed my children, yes he did threaten me with charging me with kidnapping, I told him to try it, no court would give him custody, he was never capable of caring for our children. he was an alcoholic, drug user, who fantasized about being rich some how, whatever it might take, he turned to religion for awhile when we were separated before the divorce, even had his pastor write me a letter. I was livid. He was truly obsessed.

He canvassed the entire mid-western states looking for me. He had my social and had an agency checking, my new license number got a hit. I had to renewed my driver’s license two years after I had left, two weeks later we received the first letter. He found me again, I was thrown right back into that world of pain and horror, I so wanted to run again, hide, leave, die. The nightmare wasn’t over yet.

Well at least now that he has found me, I can have him served with divorce papers. I called the police the next day and inquired about getting an out of state Order of Protection issued, I had to do something.

October is Breast cancer and Domestic Violence month, please take a peek at the Artfire AJDJSS guild blog, of which I am a proud member is having an on going promotion for these great causes. Come help us support and fight against these horrible problems that afflict women and men alike. You are not alone, others do care, show you care, come support us with this great promotion. You could get some great sparklies too.

More to come, Crazy making tactics, its a long list so please check back, I'll be posting again soon.

A Night in a previous life

2010-08-29T04:38:00.000-07:00

A night in a previous life, the Machete Incident

I have been writing about some of my experiences when I was younger. Married at 18 years of age, I was young and naïve, in love and soon trying to raise three children and cope with a text book abusive man.

Surviving and being married for nearly 20 years to a sociopath and manic depressive, physically and emotionally abusive partner took some education and skill to survive, this is just one of many nights that I learned some lessons for survival.

Learning the Ropes, a key to surviving an alcoholic, abusive relationship.

It’s the 80’s, the visions of the incident are sharp, I had been married for over 10 years by this time and was still hopeful for a resolve to the problems of alcohol, abuse and providing a happy home for my three children. There were still many more years of lessons to come.

Its 10:00 on a Thursday night, very warm out, I am still in my work dress, payday tomorrow, and just enough gas to make it to work, dishes need to be washed and children put to bed. My children are young 9, 7, and 5 years old.

No money until tomorrow, none for the bar, my husband Jimmy, tells me he needs to go right now to talk to Jerry Moon, his drinking, druggie buddy, who is a pretty good shade tree mechanic. I don’t want to leave the children and voice my concern, I have things to do to get ready for work at 6AM. That will not stop him if he wants to go. We average a new car every few years, usually totaled. Always financially struggling, I have to work and use this car, I need to drive, if I don‘t work we don‘t eat. I have to take him.

Children are quickly told to go to bed and we will be right back, he yells at them to get to bed, they know he will punish them if they don’t. Moon’s garage is only 6 blocks away, I know they won’t go to sleep until we get back and hope it’s a very short stay.

We enter and Moon is in the garage, there is a large Rebel flag on the east wall, Sweet Home Alabama is cranked up on the radio, Jerry Moon is a redneck, beer drinkin, smokin, hillbilly from Alabama, who will try any drug or method to get high, he will tell you so. He is sitting in his lawn chair next to the refrigerator, work cap on, long red hair and nicotine stained beard flowing. beer in one hand and non-filter Camel cigarette in the other, he is half way through his 3rd case of Miller for the day at this time of night. Moon offers us a beer, Jimmy and Moon begin talking about cars, bars, drinking beer, getting high. I am quiet as usual, hoping I wouldn’t get yelled at for not being social enough, not drinking, I just want to go as soon as possible, knowing what I need to get done at home before bed and work in the morning.

Praying and hoping this visit is just about the car and we take the ride home after a few beers. I am quiet, I’m very tired and want to go, I let my mind wander from their conversation. Looking at the beer that is left, between the two of them, we will be here at least an hour or more. It is going to be a long night.

Moon will get defensive when he gets down to his last few beers. Its quickly midnight, the tone changes between them quickly, Jerry is drunk, my ex has had quite a few beers by now, Jerry is getting concerned about how little beer is left, he wants Jimmy to go to Al’s and get another case. My ex is telling him we have to get going.

Moon, rarely has cash and will work for beer, Jimmy is trying not to argue, he is laughing, Moon is getting more agitated, Moon is a small man, alcoholic and three pack a day smoker for his 30 some odd years, and not a physical threat, especially drunk to anyone.

The conversation is getting hotter, Moon is weaving a bit, my ex has helped him finish the case, he wants us to go to Al‘s bar and get a six pack before they close, again, we have no money payday is tomorrow.

“Go get in the car” , Jimmy tells me sharply, I get up and get in the driver’s side of the car.

They are starting to argue louder, I’m in the car, in first gear, foot holding the clutch waiting for Jimmy to get in the car, at last going home.

Jerry gets up and starts walking around the garage becoming more and more animated, the heated conversation continues, Jimmy is getting closer to the garage door.

I am viewing this looking in the rear view mirror, Jerry reaches up towards the ceiling and pulls down a large Machete blade, several feet long, Jimmy motions forward for me to go, go, go, I panic, I start going forward, Jimmy is hobbling after me, limping, from a knee injury from a blackout car accident,.

I jam on the brakes, he jumps in, yelling begins, with a loud pinging bang, Moon hit’s the trunk of car with the enormous blade, more yelling at me, drive, drive, drive, then more yelling, all the way home,

I was glad it was only a few blocks to drive, walking into the house, looking behind our shoulders for Moon to pop up with the blade. More yelling, “what is wrong with you“, “you would let him cut me“. I know the children hear and won’t come out of their rooms.

Suddenly, I feel the sting across the side of my face, it was open handed at least, I could not say a word, I knew better, I knew to just let the rant blow over, he was drunk and the adrenaline was flowing, he had not eaten, always a bad combination.

I offered to make him something to eat, at least he might fall asleep. More yelling and then laughing, he thought it was very funny how Jerry acted. I gave him his sandwich with a smile, I go into the bathroom to survey the damage, swollen a bit, but doesn’t show. Whew!

I'm exhaused, tomorrow is payday, he will be gone to the bar tomorrow night. I gotta show my girlfriend at work the 4” slice in my trunk, she won’t believe me. Dishes will wait.

Its been a long hot summer

2010-08-20T12:07:00.000-07:00

On the bright side, only a few weeks possible for this weather. Iowa is hot, steamy, rainy, heat indexes in the triple digits. Iowa is the air you wear. I hibernate most of the time.

Kids are going back to school and its time to start thinking of Halloween and Thanksgiving, and rut row!!!! Christmas Holidays.

One way to beat the heat is to do some early holiday gift shopping. Looking for Halloween costumes, the perfect gift for him, the perfect gift for her, you really need only shop till your drop. Uniquely, talented artisans of every kind and medium. I am always just blown away with the talent I am finding.

I never think anyone wants to know what I have to say, well by chance I have a few friends now on-line over the past few years and I think they peek once in awhile.

Exciting things are happening. My oldest is due really any day, for sure, baby Gianna, newest granddaughter will be here by the 10th of September, that makes an even dozen. Boy, do I feel old. It can be overwhelming, I am an only child, I always said I was not prepared for having three children myself, but they did survive it.

more later, this old cat is learning.

being a computertard

2010-02-23T13:05:00.000-08:00

Well not totally, but pretty close. I have said it before, just show me where to click. So don't expect a fancy blog with all the bells and whistles just yet.

I'm still learning the on-line business game, found some very promising venues. Bonanzle and Zibbet are two now shops I am going to be opening in the next few months. Bonanzle, does have some listings up now. "catinalife" of course.

I am still very much active in my shops on Artfire, I have opened a destash store for my extra rocks and glass, (www.deStashNotTrash.Artfire.com) I am now doing so much more with wire, I really just do not need them, so if I can help another starving jewelry artist get the supplies they need, that is wonderful. PIF I always say, and boy do I have the rocks!

I have mastered the technique of Viking knit weaving with wire and adapted it to my own designs, as well as Egyptian coil swirl links, using lots of beautiful silver coated colored wire, they are turning out fantastic, you may see a few on the shopping cart below. Loving these ancient techniques, they do make some beautiful jewelry.

Its becoming a long winter and I cannot wait for spring, but the doves are cooing in the morning and no more below zero temperatures predicted so here's hoping.

If you are looking for a great Mother's Day present, and I do ship to England also, take a look, you might find some of mom's favorite colors.

Taking my life back

2009-10-05T18:48:00.000-07:00

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month as well as Breast Cancer Awareness, My jewelry guild is graciously donating to the shelter that helped me when I first came to Iowa 16 years ago, DVIP, you can visit their site to find out about this great organization.

http://www.dvipiowa.org

I did take my life back, I will share a bit, I was married for 19 years to a text book physical and verbal abuser, in therapy I was told he was a sociopath, he was also a functioning alcoholic and drug user. I pretty much grabbed my kids and got as far away as I could on what money and transportation I had, wasn't far but far enough and yes, I had tried to leave many many times before. A lot happened over 19 years, enough to fill a book, I'm working on one at times and jewelry is my other therapy.

Domestic Violence is not an easy subject for anyone to talk about, it tends to be swept under the rug and brushed aside, ignored and hoped it will go away. It won't. If your in a relationship and are being abused it will escalate, if you have children, it will carry on, your daughters will continue in their relationships to be abused, your sons will become abusers, it is a vicious cycle that needs to be stopped and it can one home at a time. For information on what you can do to help or if you need help please seek help and get out, you can take your life back, you can be free, you are not crazy and he can kill you. There are many sites with tons of information. One of the best is www.domesticviolence.org

Please visit our Artfire Jewelry Designers/Supply Shops guild blog site and go shopping. AJDJSS. thanks for visiting.

http://www.ajdjssguildevents.blogspot.com/

Come check out the wonderful shops and items participating in this event, awesome jewelry artists and suppliers can be found. Thanks to all the shops that are participating in this event, it really warms my heart that we can do this, you have no idea, I feel I can give back all the help I was given. Thank you all.

Help us help.

My window to the world

2009-09-17T17:03:00.000-07:00

I live in a very very tiny farm town in Iowa, when it is nice I am able to sit in my porch and no one sees me behind the screen. I watch the scenes in my little town unfold, sometimes everyday events, sometimes dramatic. My little brick house is set just a bit back from the road next to a church parking lot. This unfolded not to long ago.

Sitting on my porch

A car pulls up, parks in the church lot, which is not 50 feet from my view, a couple is inside.
I can’t really see inside, I hear voices. A loud discussion starts after a bit so I note the license plate, etc., I still cannot see them, a man and a woman from the voices. It gets quiet, it take a good ½ an hour before the officer arrives, the couple get out to speak to him, I see they are older in their 50-60’s. I can only ease drop on a bit of the conversation, but I gathered their daughter was there somewhere and they wanted to either get her or check on her, the officer agreed to do a “welfare visit”. I was imagining all kinds of things, really can get out of hand if I am not careful. Where was the girl, how old was she, was she in danger, did she run away, so many questions.

Believe me I did not move from the porch. Now I was being nosey, I wanted to see what happened. Another patrol car pulls up, both officers walk around the front of the church and disappear. The couple go back to their car and wait. In 20 minutes the officer comes back with a young teenage girl, maybe 18, but she was going home!!! I felt so good about that, the parents hugged her and no one was angry, the couple left with their precious child with them, I felt what a happy ending, she went home, and how terrible of a person that was that must have been harboring her.

A few days later I was doing working my other job, not my favorite one, (medical transcription). I did a dictation on a gentleman 72 years-old who was ill with diabetes, hypertension, depression. He was having a hard time with his 18 year-old grandson that lived with him and was so very distraught. Seems the grandson was in jail for being involved with a young girl!!!!! They were going to live together and the girl had been staying at their home.

Ok, now I admit, this was really strange, but it really made me think.

There are two sides to every story, if you stop to think about what is happening with a one sided view you may never know the truth of the situation. I finished my work and thought long and hard about these two stories and how my feelings were changed.

Smile for the day: Smiles are free

Three lawyers and three engineers are traveling by train to a conference. At the station, each of the three lawyers buys a ticket while the three engineers buy only one ticket.

"How can the three of you travel on one ticket?" asks a lawyer.
"Watch and you'll see," answers an engineer.

Aboard the train the lawyers take their respective seats while all three engineers cram into the restroom and squeeze the door closed behind them.

When the conductor comes around collecting tickets, he knocks on the restroom door and says, "Ticket, please." The door opens a crack and a single arm emerges with a ticket in hand. The conductor takes it and moves on.

The lawyers are impressed with this clever idea. One the way home from the conference, they decide to copy the engineers' technique. At the station, they buy a single ticket for their return trip. To their astonishment, the engineers don't buy a ticket at all!

"How in the hell are you going to pull this off?" asks a lawyer.
"Watch and you'll see," answers an engineer.

They board the train. The three lawyers cram into one restroom and the three engineers cram into the other restroom.

Shortly after the train departs, one of the engineers leaves his restroom and knocks on the other restroom door. "Ticket, please

This is my life

2009-07-15T13:04:00.000-07:00

Well a small portion anyway. I go by catinalife for a few reasons. I love kitties, always have, I love Egyptian art and history, I may have been pharaoh’s pet at some point. I will never know until this one life has passed. In this current life, I have lived several lives over this 50+ years, luckily I have survived each and gone on to continue to grow and still have a few out of the 9 left.

Now in this current life I am striving to be the best jewelry maker, designer, artist, I can possibly be within my humble talents. I feel I am not as good as some, but better than others and I will find my niche. I am determined and going to make this a full-time occupation, I don’t want to be rich but I do want to do this and nothing else.

Wish me luck and come by my shop and check out some of the awesome gemstone and glass jewelry I have created. www.catinalife.artfire.com

Thanks for reading my blog, and as always, here’s a smile for the day.
Remember smiles are free…………

Two cannibals, a father and son, were elected by the tribe to go out and get something to eat. They walked deep into the jungle and waited by a path.

Before long, along came this little old man. The son said, "Ooh dad, there's one." "No," said the father. "There's not enough meat on that one to even feed the dogs. We'll just wait."

Well, a little while later, along came this really fat man. The son said, "Hey dad, he's plenty big enough." "No," the father said. "We'd all die of a heart attack from the fat in that one. We'll just wait."

About an hour later, here comes this absolutely gorgeous woman.

The son said, "Now there's nothing wrong with that one dad. Let's eat her."

"No," said the father. "We'll not eat her either."

"Why not?" asked the son.

"Because, we're going to take her back alive and eat your mother."

Tomorrow is Easter

2009-04-11T05:01:00.000-07:00

Hope the bunny stops and leaves you plenty.

Easter Egg hunt is still going on.......you have until April 21st to submit your answers, please check out this link to get your entry form and start hunting.

http://easter-eggs-artfire.blogspot.com/

Also this weekend is Crazy Train Featured Artfire Artisian **** Alisuns **** She has two shops on Artfire and makes some simply scruptious jewelry, you won't be disappointed if you visit her shops and take a peek, browse around, Mother's Day is coming. She has some wonderful birthstone Swarovski Crystal jewelry as well as other glass and gemstones. It is worth the look-see. www.Alisuns.artfire.com

Smile for today, you know smiles are free, I promised two -

Is Windows a Virus

No, Windows is not a virus. Here's what viruses do:
1.They replicate quickly - okay, Windows does that.
2.Viruses use up valuable system resources, slowing down the system as they do so - okay, Windows does that.
3.Viruses will, from time to time, trash your hard disk - okay, Windows does that too.
4.Viruses are usually carried, unknown to the user, along with valuable programs and systems. - Sigh.. Windows does that, too.
5.Viruses will occasionally make the user suspect their system is too slow (see 2) and the user will buy new hardware. - Yup, Windows does that, too.Until now it seems Windows is a virus but there are fundamental differences: Viruses are well supported by their authors, are running on most systems, their program code is fast, compact and efficient and they tend to become more sophisticated as they mature.
So Windows is not a virus.It's a bug.

***Top ten tips to know if you have PMS***
10. Everyone around you has an attitude problem.
9. You're adding chocolate chips to your cheese omelet
8. The dryer has shrunk every last pair of your jeans.
7. Your husband is suddenly agreeing to everything you say.
6. You're using your cell phone to dial up bumper stickers that says,
"How's my driving? Call 1-800-EAT-SHIT."
5. Everyone's head looks like an invitation to batting practice.
4. You're convinced there's a God and he's male.
3. You're counting down the days until menopause.
2. You're sure that everyone is scheming to drive you crazy.
1. The ibuprofen bottle is empty and you bought it yesterday.

Have a great holiday and ***ITS SPRING** Enjoy it.......

Spring, Easter, Death and Taxes

2009-04-06T13:21:00.000-07:00

This has good and bad things in it, just like life.

well I already posted the Easter Egg hunt, still going on don't miss out, fun, prizes, SHOPPING!!!
http://easter-eggs-artfire.blogspot.com/

Artfire Jewelry Design and Jewelry Supply Shops Guild is getting ready for a spring fling, spring cleaning contest........more fun, prizes and SHOPPING!!!! I will be posting the information real soon so check back, sale will start April 17th.

Now Death, not a happy subject but an inevibility we will all come to realize. My 35 year old daughter in law passed away this weekend, in her sleep, with no warning, with no illness, not a drug user, nothing, but one thing, she was taking Leptopril.....an all natural diet stimulant for weight loss.........PLEASE tell your friends, family, co-workers any one you can about this danger...because it is advertised as all natural people think it is safe it is available over the counter so any one and everyone who wants to lose weight can and probably will try at least some type of chemical help at some point, I know I did.......please stay away from these horrible things....lifestype modification is your best bet..LEPTOPRIL AND LEPTOPRIN ARE KILLERS.
Now back to doing my taxes......count down is on.

No smile for this post...I am just so tired and exhausted, this is going to be a rough week.
Everyone thanks for reading and come back soon, promise I'll have some jokes, two to make up for this..............Joy aka catinalife

April Easter Egg Hunt on Artfire

2009-04-01T13:20:00.000-07:00

I hope every one takes a peek and tries to win this...free to enter....here's the link, now find those eggs. you have 3 weeks.

http://easter-eggs-artfire.blogspot.com/

Spring ahead

2009-03-06T05:21:00.000-08:00

Don't forget to change your clocks this weekend. OMG these changes are always hard for a week on my body clock, at least there is more sunshine. It has been a rough week again. My PTSD is still going strong. I have been very busy with day job, made a few new pieces and will be working on listings this weekend. I am always so glad it is Friday.
Spring always brings renewal and I can't wait to sit out on the porch and bead.

Join me on plurk or twitter. look for catinalife of course. I like plurk the best so I'm there more. think I can be bilingual plitter or twurker.....went bead shopping yesterday so I want to make something RIGHT NOW!!

Smile for today:

Questions that have Confused humankind!!

a.. Who was the first person to look at a cow and say, "I think I'll
squeeze these dangly things here, and drink whatever comes out?"
a.. Who was the first person to say "See that chicken there....I'm gonna eat the next thing that comes outta it's butt."
a.. Why do toasters always have a setting that burns the toast to a
horrible crisp, which no decent human being would eat?
a.. Why is there a light in the fridge and not in the freezer?
a.. If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there a song about him?
a.. Can a hearse carrying a corpse drive in the carpool lane?
a.. If the professor on Gilligan's Island can make a radio out of coconut, why can't he fix a hole in a boat?
a.. Why do people point to their wrist when asking for the time, but don't point to their crotch when they ask where the bathroom is?
a.. Why does your OB-GYN leave the room when you get undressed if they are going to look up there anyway?
a.. Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours? They\'re both dogs!
a.. What do you call male ballerinas?
a.. Can blind people see their dreams? Do they dream??
a.. If Wile E. Coyote had enough money to buy all that Acme crap,why
didn't he just buy dinner?
a.. If quizzes are quizzical, what are tests?
a.. If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from
vegetables, then what is baby oil made from?
a.. If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?
a.. Isn't Disney World just a people trap operated by a mouse?
a.. Why do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the
same tune?
a.. Do illiterate people get the full effect of Alphabet Soup?
a.. Why do they call it an asteroid when it's outside the hemisphere, but call it a hemorrhoid when it's in your ass?
a.. Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him on a car ride, he can't wait to stick his head out the window into the wind?
a.. Does pushing the elevator button more than once make it arrive faster?

There's a few good ones for thought!

Wednesday week countdown

2009-02-25T04:06:00.000-08:00

I am always glad for Wednesday. Friday is in sight and I relish my weekends. I hope your week is going well. Hope your life is too. This will be short and sweet, my life is boring. I miss my kids and wish for warmer days to come soon. I have listed over 100 items now in my store so I have been busy www.catinalife.artfire.com lots of great eye candy.

Thanks to www.jewelrybydesiree.artfire.com she purchased my little cube bracelet with her winnings on the treasure hunt recently on Artfire; thanks Moonstone for all your hard work with that. You can find her great shop at www.moonstone.artfire.com
I love this piece of Desiree's, purple is this seasons color...be sure and visit both their shops.

http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/3641_product_1715450688_thumb_large.jpg

Smile for today! Stop wrinkles smile more. My favorite proverb: I would rather be thought a fool than open my mouth and be proved one.

Can't find any really good jokes they were all too adult that I was finding, but there is some great ones at the bottom of each older post, if you have a good one to share please let me know, I always need a smile, especially now. I really love a few new blogs that my fellow artist on Artfire.com are doing, great reading, love you all. I am following them all so just take a peek, click on their avi.

Rantings and ravings of a Crafter

2009-02-12T22:53:00.001-08:00

Are you a crafter...

This blog is for all the significant others that have to put up with the rantings and ravings of their crafter spouse. all the scents, the yarn, the packaging, the beads, the supplies, the mail orders, the mail pick up............really this is to my guy, my Valentine......they call him "Fuz"...he is a sweet sweet biker (Harley of course) we have been together since we met. He accepts me as I am and me him, we don't try to change each other.
Poor guy has to put up with so much. My rantings and ravings about costs, sales, my computer talk (doesn't use one), always listens and encourages, tries to cheer me up and take me bead shopping when I am down...what a guy!!!! When I show him a new piece of jewelry he always says "WOW, that's beautiful"..........first he is a man, so I know better, 2nd he is a biker, so I really know better.
So for all those partners out there, thank you so much for being so supportive and putting up with us. My passion for the gemstone jewelry has become a way of life for me know and I intend to make it a full time business. You are happiest in life when you love doing what you do.

Lastly I couldn't have done it without him. He supports me and keeps me creating. Doesn't complain about the 1000's of beads, rocks and supplies I have nor the time I have to spend on the computer to promote and sell my wares. I love him so much!!oxoxoxo

Joke for the day:

Girls night out.

Two women friends had gone out for a Girls Night Out, and had been decidedly over-enthusiastic on the cocktails. Incredibly drunk and walking home they suddenly realized they both needed to pee. They were very near a graveyard and one of them suggested they do their business behind a headstone or something.

The first woman had nothing to wipe with so she took off her panties, used them and threw them away. Her friend however was wearing an expensive underwear set and didn't want to ruin hers, but was lucky enough to salvage a large ribbon from a wreath that was on a grave and proceeded to wipe herself with it. After finishing, they made their way home.

The next day the first woman's husband phones the other husband and said, "These damn girls nights out have got to stop. My wife came home last night without her panties." "That's nothing," said the other. "Mine came back with a sympathy card stuck between the cheeks of her butt that said, 'From all of us at the Fire Station, Well never forget you!'

I loved this one......Have a great day....go make something.

TGIF....So glad for the weekend

2009-02-06T13:48:00.000-08:00

Well this cat has had a very busy week, lots of blah, blah, blah from the docs that really cuts into my just sittin around time......just not enough hours in the day. Here is part of my problem. I know I have slight, now slight ADD, OCD, ADHD....so I am always multi-tasking, losing track of what I was doing and arguing with myself and of course bead shopping.....prioritize. That is hard too. What is important to me is not necessarily important to my significant other. Like laundry......lol....not my top priority. I have enough clothes for several weeks...he doesn't.
I did get some things accomplished besides my regular 9 to 5, sold two more pieces on Artfire....WOOT!!!. Promoting is helping, closed my eBay store completely, not my account, I have some great feedback there. Established some conversation on AF for a "Sellers Code of Ethics" which I hope becomes a real juncture on Admins part too. Listing lots of eye candy.
Hope every one has a great weekend. It is actually warm here from -4 to 50+F in 3 days...Gotta love Iowa.

Smile for today: Did you think I would forget......

THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK Have you ever spoken and wished that you could Immediately take the words back... Or that you could crawl into a hole?

I walked into a hair salon with my husband and three kids in tow and asked loudly, 'How much do you charge for a shampoo and a blow job?' I turned around and walked back out and never went back My husband didn't say a word... He knew better.

I was at the golf store comparing different kinds of golf balls. I was unhappy with the women's type I had been using. After browsing for several minutes, I was approached by one of the good-looking gentlemen who works at the store. He asked if he could help me. Without thinking, I looked at him and said, 'I think I like playing with men's balls

My sister and I were at the mall and passed by a store that sold a variety of candy and nuts. As we were looking at the display case, the boy behind the counter asked if we needed any help. I replied, 'No, I'm just looking at your nuts.' My sister started to laugh hysterically. The boy grinned, and I turned beet-red and walked away. To this day, my sister has never let me forget.

Have you ever asked your child a question too many times? My three-year-old son had a lot of problems with potty training and I was on him constantly. One day we stopped at Taco Bell for a quick lunch, in between errands. It was very busy, with a full dining room. While enjoying my taco, I smelled something funny, so of course I checked my seven-month-old daughter, she was clean. Then I realized that Danny had not asked to go potty in a while. I asked him if he needed to go, and he said 'No.' I kept thinking, 'Oh Lord, that child has had an accident, and I don't have any clothes with me.' Then I said, 'Danny, are you SURE you didn't have an accident?' 'No,' he replied. I just KNEW that he must have had an accident, because the smell was getting worse. Soooooo, I asked one more time, 'Danny did you have an accident? This time he jumped up, yanked down his pants, bent over, spread his cheeks and yelled, 'SEE MOM, IT'S JUST FARTS!!' While 30 people nearly choked to death on their tacos laughing, he calmly pulled up his pants and sat down. An old couple made me feel better, thanking me for the best laugh they'd ever had!

This had most of the state of Michigan laughing for 2 days, and a very embarrassed female news anchor who will, in the future, likely think before she speaks. What happens when you predict snow but don't get any! We had a female news anchor that, the day after it was supposed to have snowed and didn't, turned to the weatherman and asked: 'So Bob, where's that 8 inches you promised me last night?' Not only did HE have to leave the set, but half the crew did too they were laughing so hard!

Not mine a friend sent me these.....:)

Its Super Bowl weekend

2009-01-30T11:02:00.000-08:00

I like football, I actually understand it now. Love those TIGHT ends......I am so happy it is Friday. It has been a chaotic week here. I haven't been able to make any jewelry and I am going through withdrawal big time.......

First I want to thank xoxoxo Patrice, The Soap Seduction, for featuring me on her blog this next week...it is in there now and she has a great site....great products, I have tried her sugar plum compact scent and it rocks...... so take a second.... www.thesoapseduction.blogspot.com

I would be really happy if you did too...

I am also so pumped up and motivated to sell, sell, sell....I sold my first piece on Artfire after a few months and a few weeks of promoting, chatting, networking, blogging, I am tired.

I have be careful or I will miss birthdays' this month...2 of mine and 4 grands and a few friends. I have a birthday or two a month with the 11 grands but forget the dates (boy do I feel old)

Also thanks to riskybeads for helping with an ad for her blog site.. I have had several views from there through GA (love it).

Our Jewelry Makers Jewelry supply guild through Artfire is having a special special Valentine's day sale promotion...look for their posts and be sure and spend lots of time looking at all the eye candy.

Well so much work, not enough energy, and not enough play...but this kitty may just have to have some catnip in between to keep motivated.
Spring is coming.........................

Smile for today: Smiles are free.....................

My husband's so macho, he has five guns, a helicopter, a motorcycle; he used to be on a SWAT team; and he works the cattle at his mom's farm. So, I thought, he's either really macho, or he's really gay and he's overcompensating. He likes to clean the house and vacuum, so I think he's really gay. But I'm just gonna enjoy him 'til he comes out of the closet.
Victoria Jackson...comedien.

humptidy hump day...

2009-01-21T11:54:00.000-08:00

Is it Friday Yet? ok now I'm blogging, plurking, listing, mycrafting, so much to learn....just show me where to CLICK......well it's how long till spring? 2 months.....hurry up. beautifully sunny here, the warmth comes in my windows and sparkles up all the stones and crystal in the room....I love working with the gemstones, they don't argue back, they look beautiful, they make some really nice jewlery. I do like my stones better than most people. Working on promo promo promo this week, no work for 3 days...they want me to survive on $75 a week? I may have to get a regular day job. Would hate that would severely cut down on my sittin around time. I promise to try and spruce up this site too soon. Still not sure how I got the link to my AF store in but next is slide show. I have so much eye candy.....So every one feel the renewal in the county in the seasons coming and in yourselves

Smile for today: this one is too cute...

Yesterday I had a flat tire on the interstate.
So I ease my car over to the shoulder of the road, carefully get out of the car and open the trunk. I took out 2 cardboard men, unfolded them and stood them at the rear of my car facing oncoming traffic.
They look so life like you wouldn't believe! They are in trench coats exposing their nude bodies and private parts to the approaching drivers.
But to my surprise, cars start slowing down looking at my lifelike men. And of course, traffic starts backing up.
Everybody is tooting their horns and waving like crazy. It wasn't long before a state trooper pulls up behind me.
He gets out of his car and starts walking towards me. I could tell he was not a happy camper! 'What's going on here?', he asked. 'My car has a flat tire', I said calmly. 'Well, what the hell are those obscene cardboard men doing here by the road?'

I couldn't believe that he didn't know. So I told him, 'Helloooooo, those are my emergency flashers!

Inauguration Day

2009-01-20T10:47:00.000-08:00

I really never thought I would live to see this day. One of the first times, I am proud to say I am an American. With hope and renewal this nation has a very bright future. I did watch the event and all the while had goose bumps from Aretha singing to the Benediction. Politically/religiously divided but as Americans we are united. I do now have hope for my children's and their children's future in this great land and I do say proudly "I am an American".

No smile for today other than: Our 44th president is in the White House.....(**big smile**)

Happy Monday and Happy MLK day

2009-01-19T09:16:00.000-08:00

I am not just happy that it is a holiday, not just for the day off but also the reason. Dr. King was such a great man, one among many. His beliefs and his contribution to our world is still felt today. Hoping our world can someday be without the bigotry and prejudices injustices we have today.
crafting today? some. Mostly organizing. My shop has a few new listings. I listed a bracelet made of hematite that says I LOVE U in morse code with little rounds and tubes....idea just sort of hit me when I was playing with them. cute and different anyway. that is me....LOL.....
I started mycraft.com, great networking site...I recommend it.
So the rest of this sunny day (cold but sunny) I am probably going to be on the computer way too much.

Smile for today:
A lawyer married a woman who had previously divorced ten husbands. On their wedding night, she told her new husband, "Please be gentle, I'm still a virgin." "What?" said the puzzled groom. "How can that be if you've been married ten times?"
"Well, Husband #1 was a sales representative: he kept telling me how great it was going to be.

Husband #2 was in software services: he was never really sure how it was supposed to function, but he said he'd look into it and get back to me.

Husband #3 was from field services: he said everything checked out diagnostically but he just couldn't get the system up.

Husband #4 was in telemarketing: even though he knew he had the order, he didn't know when he would be able to deliver.

Husband #5 was an engineer: he understood the basic process but wanted three years to research, implement, and design a new state-of-the-art method.

Husband #6 was from finance and administration: he thought he knew how, but he wasn't sure whether it was his job or not.

Husband #7 was in marketing: although he had a nice product, he was never sure how to position it.

Husband #8 was a psychologist: all he ever did was talk about it.

Husband #9 was a gynecologist: all he did was look at it.

Husband #10 was a stamp collector: all he ever did was... God! I miss him!

But now that I've married you, I'm really excited!" "Good," said the new husband, "but, why?" "You're a lawyer. This time I know I'm gonna get screwed!"

This one is for my children

2009-01-18T19:16:00.000-08:00

I was working and heard the song by Martina McBride, In my daughter's eyes. For some reason it really hit me........as did the tears.

In my daughter's eyes I am a hero
I am strong and wise and I know no fear
But the truth is plain to see
She was sent to rescue me
I see who I wanna be
In my daughter's eyes

They WERE sent to rescue me.
I thank them for that...they will never really know.
They went through so much, such a hard upbringing, but they really were my motivation to keep going and get free and have a life for them and me.
At the time all I could think about was how hard it was and having to content with their father and three volatile children...I almost gave up so often, especially before they came and I couldn't get away, I even tried once but then...I had Crystal...she was 5lb 1oz of crying little joy. Then Jimmy, my sweet son, so happy and laughing all the time, and Jeanine, just crying to get attention because she was so little and ignored. All grown now, beautiful as can be, I am so blessed. I love them so much, and am so blessed with a dozen grandchildren......I just can't believe it.

so this is dedicated to them, my saviors, we are strong together,....Crystal, James, Jeanine, my beautiful children.
I love you so much.

Weekend goes sooo fast

2009-01-18T09:34:00.000-08:00

I hate that, don't you. They always seem to fly buy. This weekend was not very productive for me Saturday back problems, Sat/Sun other problems. Oh! the joys of growing older. So I am not motivated to do much at all. My biggest excitement was 2 bracelet sales on EB (yuck) all my profit goes for fees there. I started moving inventory out last night and I guess they figured they better snatch it up before I pulled it. I left any thing that was still being watched. So on the brighter side, I had a little quick cash to do some buying on AF and loved it,
I also received a private e-mail and wonderful feedback from a buyer who is also a jewelry designer/maker. I was so pumped up. I thank her from the bottom of my heart. She doesn't know how much it means to me......I need all the confidence I can get now. Spring is coming, lets hope we don't get a repeat of last year with the flooding. I am between Cedar/Mississippi so when it floods we are down right stuck here. Wishes for a great day.

Smile for today:
Of all God's creatures there is only one that cannot be made the slave of the lash. That one is the cat. If man could be crossed with the cat it would improve man, but it would deteriorate the cat.- Notebook, 1894 Mark Twain

TGIF..

2009-01-16T10:24:00.001-08:00

that's all I can say

One thing....Fire Mountain Gems is having a promotion you can join a buying group. Very interesting. Can help if you are not a big buyer and get their biggest discount pricing. I may do it. Have a great weekend all......Please...hurry up spring.

This is Iowa

2009-01-15T11:17:00.000-08:00

ok woke up to below zero wind chill, -30.....only about 10 degrees today....but..but...upper 30's by next week. This is Iowa...the weather changes as fast here as it does by Lake Michigan. Though it is slightly warm at times but not much. I have seen it snow by the Lake in June and be 80 degrees in March....so I should be used to it.
I have been tagged though some of this is a little Greek to me. I'll post 7 things about my self but not sure if I can tag someone else..her goes.
1. I'm over 50 and love video games - I am the God of War....
2. I am a BA/RFH. Beadaholic, rock, fossil hound.
3. I was an only child but have 11 grands.....whew....(yes I had that talk with my 3)
4. I live with a very very sweet biker (Harley's of course)
5. I want to retire, my retirement year is 2021....OMG...
6. I don't feel my age mentally just physically.
7. I would love to do computer graphic art.

well boring as it may be. That is mostly me. Every one have a great day!

Smile for today: (my daughter sent me this)

Elderly woman goes to the bank to open an account with $168,000. Insisting to talk to the president of the bank, the shaken teller leads her to the office, there the president asks her, "how did you amass such a large amount of money, I'm just curious". "Well, making bets." she states. "Really", he replies. I will bet you $25,000 you have square testicles.
Rather surprised, he states "Are you serious? Ok, your on $25,000 that my testicles are square."
"Alright", the woman says, "I'll come back tomorrow at 10:00 am with my lawyer if that is alright so he can be a witness. "That sounds fine, that way it will be all up front, will see you tomorrow at 10."
The bank president goes home that evening and stands in front of the mirror, looking at himself at all angles just to be sure, he is very confident that he will win this bet. At 10:00 am the next morning the elderly woman returns with her lawyer.
"Do you mind if I check them myself" she says. "Well no of course not, seems like the only way to verify this bet", so he drops his pants.
The woman cups them ever so gently......her lawyer now is banging his head against the wall.
"What's wrong with him", the president asks....
The elderly woman replies,
"I bet him $125,000 yesterday that by noon today I would have the bank presidents balls in my hands."

hope you like that one, I did....have a rockin day.
Joy

2009-01-14T05:18:00.001-08:00

The midwest is in a deep freeze and blizzard warnings.....we had about 4 inches looks like out there, sparkly, beautiful but oooh so cold. I don't think I am going out today at all. I have about 2 hours before my work comes in on-line to spend some time reading and posting. Hurry up spring. I still have to figure out how to post pictures here and other bells and whistles to punch this up some. Pretty plain now I think. I'm an old dog and all these new tricks get me tired!

Any DV survivors out there......I have found a great posting site, contact me, I don't want to post it here.

I am excited about my new e-stores and hopeful for a spring full of sales. I have met a great bunch of crafters lately and it amazes me how beautiful and talented every one is, as individual as we all are. Every one has something to contribute, share and I learn something from every one.

Smile for today:
Computers can never replace humans.
They may become capable of artificial intelligence, but they will never master real stupidity.

2009-01-13T14:30:00.000-08:00

Is it Friday Yet...OMG it is only Tuesday. Too cold to go out. I was right, all my work so far this week has been 75% sore throats and runny noses......season is not over yet.
I was shocked when I checked e-stores this afternoon someone on EB bought some beads so that is great. I will probably take a loss as I have been trying to sell the glass, but it is takingup room I don't have right now. I was down in our basement wondering and I am really thinking of making a studio down there, that way I could have a light box for pics and more room....now my office and shop is our 2nd bedroom. It is getting cramped with the new inventory I purchased, and I still bought a beautiful pendant on AF today Dichro glass beautiful, lots of blue, my favorite jewelry color already wire bailed, This may be my first ribbon piece. hope your day is going well and you are warm.......only funny dictation I had today was a physical....doc says, patient is obese white male.......typist put obese slight male....not listening there.....rough day at work. Took me 5 hours today, I need more time for the jewelry. I am off this computer and to the work table.....

Smile for today.
My favorite bumper sticker: "I miss my ex........next time I'll take better aim."

Guess what....Its snowing and snowing and snowing

2009-01-12T12:42:00.000-08:00

gotta love the midwest. It has been snowing all day. I had two orders this morning for findings, no jewelry, more of my older bead stock out the door....my throat tightens every time, I keep going back through the items I have listed on eBay (mostly my glass) and pulling more out, saying oh that would make a great bracelet, or that goes with something else Ihave....I have to let it go.....I am concentrating on the gemstones and crystals, which I love. I was in the post office for 10 minutes...both orders were overseas, car had 1/4" on it when I came out. I think I will just go back into hibernation until March some time. I started a new e-store, shophandmade, will be gemstone jewelry by joy. A little different site, you bid on ad space and can have free listing. small % paid on close but liveable. Will see what happens there now. I still have another 50 or so pieces to list somewhere. Meeting lots of new e-artists in all venues, lots to learn, if I can get this blogging thing, badges, whistles, and all the rest I am doing good today. I just got some beautiful beads and findings in the mail and I'm off to try and make something and forget about the snow.

This weekend went too fast

2009-01-11T16:11:00.001-08:00

My AF store is now stocked so I can take a break and go back to trying to get organized, I actually have been working on that for about two months, but the holidays got in the way, back to work.....There is still lots of flu and community pneumonia now so tomorrow will be a lot of runny noses, I can't wait. I think I am going to start posting some of the errors that I correct. My job is med transcript and it has been outsourced when it comes back some are just hallirious some are down right silly......one was
doc says.....patient has usual breakfast of Wheaties or oatmeal.
typist put....patient has usual breakfast of weeds or oatmeal. (new diet) there not familiar with some of our products I know or the poor patient named Patricia, doc says Pat comes in today, always comes back Pap.

Visit my store on Artfire, I would love a comment. Great handcrafted products on www.Artfire.com ...my new store included. www.catinalife.artfire.com

Its been snowing

2009-01-09T22:25:00.000-08:00

What else is new here....they are expecting 3 to 6 inches tonight and tomorrow. I am so ready for spring. The weekend is here and I am focusing my energy on the jewelry stores. I have lots of pics to take and lots of inventory to put up. I would say about 100 pieces, many from eBay that didn't sell.
Birthdays are coming up...Fuzzy is in about 2 weeks. I have to think of a good gift for him.
Otherwise....slow day....waiting for the deep freeze to hit next week. Back to hibernation.

Is it Friday yet

2009-01-08T11:23:00.000-08:00

Some weeks seem to just drag, this one has gone quite fast I must say. I am going to work on jewelry today...though I want to feed my need to bead shop....I want to concentrate on my shop at Artfire. Great bunch of sellers, great admin and starting to take off, I was glad I joined, I have a feeling as the advertising gets out there it will take off.....
I am thoroughly disgusted with ebay.....2 sales in January there but no profit, all gets eaten up in fees. Sold $25 worth of items and $60 in fees. That shop is too expensive to run. Especially when my items are only $6 to $30, I am not going to list there any longer, it will be either on Artfire or on my own site www.gemstone-jewelrybyjoy.com though that is not very productive either the prices are lower since it is me directly, advertising is a problem there. I am not so sure I want to continue my Etsy account either, I may just let them expire and go from there. Only one sale after 5 months there. I purchased a huge inventory of stones right before Christmas, (part of my Christmas present), my private investor is so nice to me. I am anxious to get working on some new designs. I have so many rocks to play with, fun but can be overwhelming to decide the best uses. I went to the library last week and checked out 15 books on jewelry making for some ideas, found a few cute ones for a basic idea and modified for my own. I want to make a line of stone earrings to list some time this month and I have a fantastic idea for a combination set that I am trying to develope, it would be a necklace and bracelet and anklet that could be combined for a long necklace or other combo. Well better get to takin pics.......
May today bring you much happiness. Life is short, don't sweat the little stuff. Have a rockin day.

Have a Rockin Day

2009-01-07T07:38:00.001-08:00

....first week of the year is very cold here, though that will change, hopes for spring and warmer weather and more sunshine. We are expecting snow today but light, there is still a lot of ice on the ground. it was close to this time of the month when I broke my leg in 4 places on a quarter size piece of ice. I never want to go through that again, now the pins and rods in there ache when it is cold. Everyone be careful out there. Wish I was in a warmer state. My goal today will be to finish some jewelry sets I am working on and get some things listed for sale. 3 sales so far this month, off to a roaring start...LOL....OMG tax time is coming. Remember only guaranteed things in life are change, death and taxes............Every one have a rockin day. Happy beading. Hurry up Spring

Happy New Year

2009-01-05T15:29:00.000-08:00

A new year....did you make any resolutions? I am starting this blog as a way to help promote my jewelry and e-stores as well as network and reach others with similar interests. Spending my days making jewelry and working on the computer this should be in the natural course. I was never much of a letter writer but a few minutes a day should be easy to keep up with. I will try.
To those who are interested, my family I miss you all very much. I have high hopes for a great new year and many more to come.
I did sell a bracelet today on ebay. This is the first of my stores. I started in June of 2008 and have made over 100 sales in jewelry and almost that amount in glass beads and findings. I have been selling my glass which has been pretty tramatic for me. I am a beadaholic my kids will tell you. They have seen my work room of organized chaos. So I am hoping my jewelry will start selling on the other sites. In desperation I have started my own web/e-store www.gemstone-jewelrybyjoy.com. I am hoping to sell through that exclusively but will always keep the stores. Newest is Artfire.com, my store is www.artfire.catinalife.com I am hoping it takes off also, the site is new and coming along nicely. My other store is on www.etsy.com - store is gemstonejewelrybyjoy. I have so many nice pieces. There is a lot of great competition out there but I have a lot of great stones to make into great pieces here so I am not ready just yet to throw in the towel and give it up. I don't think this is a fad I plan to make this my living until and after I retire, which is a long ways away. I would love any input regarding my stores. please remember I don't take critism very well.
Hoping it is just the economy that has everyone scared, though we went through similar in the 70's and 80's and lived to see 2000 so here's to better and warmer (please) days ahead. I am in Google, not just blogging, catinalife I come up...OMG am I a real person now....meaow.....Joyous