It's Raining in Texas

We don't watch much sports on TV at our house and never have; however, with the Tigers playing in the last series, trying to win five out of seven games, the remote gets stuck on the baseball game. It's Sunday evening and the Tigers are playing against Texas--not in our favor, last time I checked.

How is it that there are so many "fair-weather fans"? I have to admit: I'm one of them. In spite of the fact that my husband actually works at Joe Louis Arena, and enjoyed being on the high school varsity football team, we still don't watch much sports, as I said--fair-weather fans!

Time lapse: The Tigers are still playing but it has started to rain and the field has been covered. I'll bet lots of fans are disappointed right now. It puts a real damper on things! The stands are half full of die-hard fans wearing rain ponchos, sitting under umbrellas, holding up banners, etc.

With the score now at 3 - 2, Texas leading, we're still hoping that soon the Tigers will be vying for the pennant.We have much hope!

Back to the game. Oops, still nothing. You'll just have to turn on your own telly later to find out the rest of the story...

Pleasant dreams of going out to the ballgame, hot dogs, beer, pop, cheers, pompoms, big "D's" on peoples shirts...

Good night my fair weather friends.

Kandeeland's Blog

Oh, my gosh! I found this blog in the middle of the night when I was sick and couldn't stop coughing, so I went in the other room and got on the computer to keep my husband from waking up (whew!)

Kandee Johnson is a character. I found her while I was looking up Cinderella's necklace so that I could make one for my little granddaughter for her Halloween costume. Somehow, on one of the sites, I found a video from Kandee on how to apply Cinderella make-up. She seemed a little strange at first, but, then, I got sucked in. She's so much fun that she really makes me laugh!

Here is a link to one of her blogs: kandeeland

Have fun if you decide to go there, and check out her other blogs while you're there. It's so funny that, even though I'm old enough to be her mother or grandmother (?), her blog just cracks me up. She reminds me of my niece. My daughter and my niece are the same age. They're so much fun!

Have a restful sleep, even though I'm not--taking Robitussin with codeine to stop the cough and to cough up at the same time, which doesn't make a whole lot of sense, but you eventually stop coughing and quiet down, so I guess it works!

Pleasant dreams of candy, cupcakes, travel, looking pretty, pink layer cake, and, oh, that's another blog post--the cupcake charms I've found on Etsy. Good night and good morning...

New Kandee Fan

Halloween is approaching, but not too soon, I hope!

Hi to all! I've been really busy making little creations for my two shops: My Dream Garden (for women, and, some for girls, too) and Three Tiny Tucks (for little girls to teens)--both on Etsy. In each photo you'll see a link to the correct shop. So much fun! 

I have also placed headbands in elevate Salon and Spa in Trenton, MI. Something is a much bigger hit when people can actually, physically, see and touch it. I'm sure all of my fellow Etsy artists can relate to that!

Have a great week! Pleasant dreams of crisp air coming--apples, cider, donuts, Halloween, football games, homecoming...but not too soon, please! I'm still enjoying butterflies, hummingbird moths, hummingbirds, flowers, green grass...

http://www.threetinytucks.etsy.com

http://www.threetinytucks.etsy.com

http://www.mydreamgarden.etsy.com

http://www.threetinytucks.etsy.com

http://www.mydreamgarden.etsy.com (Man in the Moon raku pendant at http://www.etsy.com/shop/wondrousstrange)

 

http://www.mydreamgarden.etsy.com

http://www.mydreamgarden.etsy.com

http://www.mydreamgarden.etsy.com

Living in the present while still looking forward to the future...only the near future!

Therese

Summer's Photos

Two of my beach babies in Frankfort, MI

Bonfire on Lake Michigan, Frankfort, MI

A gorgeous sky over the Frankfort, MI, lighthouse

Beauty comes in many forms and sunsets are one of the best, along with ladybugs in a child's hands! These are some of our vacation photos. I hope they bring to mind some good memories of summer for each of you!

Fellow camper fishing on Bass Lake, MI, at sunset

Couldn't get enough of the sunset on Bass Lake

Here's the sun winding down after a day of pure shine

Campground at water's edge on Bass Lake

Campground bonfire on Bass Lake in Elk Rapids

 

Streets of Elk Rapids, MI, looking at Lake Michigan

As always, a breathtaking sunset over East Bay near Traverse City, MI

Late sunset photo of Elk Rapids Marina, Elk Rapids, MI

 

 

 

The Smell of Summer

Summer's scents are wafting in the air from beaches full of sea fragments, ocean breezes, picnic delights, decks and docks holding heat from the sun, suntan lotion...

Another of my items has been included in a lovely treasury called Time Caught the Ocean. I love the things that remind me of a day on the beach. On Lake Erie there are so many zebra mussel shells--six inches deep on some beaches. However, if you're a kayaker, you can find beach glass on your adventures.

Summer has a scent of its own that permeates your mind with visions. It's funny how the senses all work together to form impressions on our minds. How delightful!

Pleasant dreams of gentle waves, beach jetsam, snails making trails in the sand, curtains blowing softly...

The Magic of Summertime (Slows Me Down)

Oh, how wonderful: Summer is here! And with it comes a slowing down in creativity. Who wants to be indoors when the warmth of the sun feels so good--as much as I love designing and making things.

Working steadily through the Spring, I still have many ideas swirling in my head, but I can't seem to get the show on the road. A disciplined artist schedules a time for productivity to breathe life into whatever designs formulate in the brain at around ten at night and continuing on into all hours of the night. Daytime must be set for things such as correspondence, packaging, mailing, etc.

Now my life, in the summertime, well, let's say it's another story. I try to be productive with my art; inspiration is always there, but my mind wanders to other outdoor fun, and I'm interrupted.

When summertime is here I want to watch thunderstorms; sit in my yard and take in the wildlife or have a tall, cool drink on the deck; go for a bike ride; work in the garden; go to outdoor concerts and on and on. Outdoor activities take up a lot of time but are welcome when you have only three months of warm weather, as we have in Michigan. This is the time of year that finds it difficult to keep any discipline.

Well, I'm sure you can relate to all this. Working on the computer is less appealing during the summer months. Business slows down. Productivity slows down. Everything seems to stand still.

I'm going to indulge myself; stop worrying about everything and enjoy the two months and a week of remaining summer. If I allow myself a little brain vacation, to have a little fun and leisure time, I'm sure my creative side will take over soon enough.

Pleasant dreams of fireflies, fireworks, cookouts, Margueritas, summer storms, swimming, gardening, just sitting and taking it all in...

Summertime Fun Time Girl

A Pleasant Surprise from Three Tiny Tucks

My new shop, Three Tiny Tucks, found one of its headbands listed in a treasury called "Buzz Buzz". Click on the treasury name.

I'm happy!

Good-bye Elsie

Well, it's time to say good-bye to one of my favorite bloggers, Elsie. Sometimes I feel like the writers of the blogs I read are truly my friends. And, sometimes they are. With this in mind I tell you that, when a friend stops blogging, it's as though a nearby friend has moved away. The only difference is that you might not be able to reach them and might not ever see them or hear from them again.

It's a sad, sad evening for me,

knowing that Namaste will no longer be.

Pleasant dreams, E...

Therese

ANNOUNCEMENT--My New Shop on Etsy

Hello, everyone! I'm announcing the GRAND OPENING of my new Etsy shop: THREE TINY TUCKS. Actually the grand opening was June 1st. I'm so excited and wish I had more time to list the those things that are ready to be listed. Soon....... 

Wish me luck and thanks for stopping by!

You're all terrific!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Therese

New Treasuries - Wonderful Artists!

A couple of new treasuries I've been chosen to be in:

Olives in the Vinyard

and

How does your garden grow?

Click and you'll be able to see all the lovely treasures.

Mothers Day Moments

Thirteen adults and three little ones gathered at our house for a Mothers Day cookout. It was uneventful until our five-year-old grandson had a little mishap. Our little cutie ran out of the family room, full-force, right into a screen door, pushing it off its track and into the air and causing it to topple over him. It was so hard not to laugh out loud, but we couldn't contain the laughter once we saw that he was OK. It was hilarious watching as the door jumped over him like they were playing leap frog. It took me back to the scene in the Wizard of Oz when the door on the tornado shelter flew off its hinges and up into the spinning wind.

After the party and everyone had gone home, I opened my Mother's Day cards and read them. If I wasn't so tired from two days of cleaning the house and yard and making strawberry shortcake, and everything else that goes along with hosting a cookout, I would have cried tears of joy while I was reading. My daughter told me to read the card after she left. I assumed it was full of emotion, so I agreed. And that it was. My son's card said so much about feelings.

You know: Some days you feel as though you must have done something wrong in bringing them up. But, then, you receive a thoughtfully written card and, somehow, everything you've felt before, falls into place. And now you understand.

I'll enjoy my rest tonight. Pleasant dreams of strawberry shortcake, hot dogs on the grill, cold iced tea and beer, good friends and family, fresh air, a crescent moon in a navy blue sky, good-bye hugs and kisses...

Nighty, night!

I'm Just Plain "Tuckered Out"

And that's not too funny since my last name is "Tucker". I feel so tired, but, mostly, I just don't feel motivated these days. While I realize Easter is upon us, I don't think it's sufficient excuse for spinning my wheels rather than finishing one simple project. After all, there are tons and tons of supplies on hand.

Here I am in the middle of completing two neck accent pieces and having several hair accessories to deliver to my niece's salon. I'm spinning my wheels, wondering if I'll feel any differently after Easter has passed. But I doubt it.

How is it for you? Do you sit down in the middle of a field of daisies and not pick one? Do you sift sand on a beach full of shells and not pick one up? Do you look through dozens of cookie recipes but never decide on which one to bake? Do you run past the string of stores and never stop because you can't decide where you'd like to shop? OH, get real!

I'm going to bed before I purchase another item on Etsy. I should be creating, not buying. I just purchased some supplies but can't seem to get into a project with the supplies I already have available. What's a person to do? What's that saying by Mary Englebreit..."SNAP OUT OF IT!"

Tuckered-out Therese

Finally...I get to sit down

Well, what do you know? I can finally sit now that tax time is nearing its end. As the world's ultimate procrastinator I just finished mine late last night. It was the first time I had entered my business and I felt it a little trying. Did you know that the deadline was extended to the 18th this year? Neither did I until I was surfing around and accidentally happened across it. That was when I decided I needed a little more time to rest before tackling those returns, again. Done!

Today is another day, but, unfortunately I'm so tired, I feel limp. Too many days of not enough sleep and stressing over those taxes. Many hours have been spent today photographing a headband that shows little appreciation for all the love I've poured into it. It has nothing to do but linger in a crowd of other colorful headbands. Life should be so easy for us humans.

My granddaughter hanging out with me is such a joy, but it is also "taxing" (can't get my mind off that word) on my nerves. I love her dearly; however, I have things to get done around here and still need to give her the attention she deserves.

Well, after all this and numerous other activities this past week, I'm finally going to sit down with my love, my husband, and simply watch TV. Veg out. Be a couch potato. As boring as it seems, that's all I require of anyone this evening...good ole' television with nothing else pressing me in.

Pleasant dreams of relaxation, lying flat out on the couch, doing nothing, feeling free, no worries...until tomorrow. Ugh! Nighty, night...

Sit Down Sally

Compelling Blogging Stories

We often get so busy we don't have time to read--or blog for that matter. I just joined a wonderful blog where a woman told a hair-raising about her 24-yr-old son. I don't need to grab a book. I was actually reading a story that, had it been much longer, would have left me emotionally drained. Maybe it's my mood today. Maybe I'm feeling more sensitive than usual. I don't think so. It's just that some people need to reach out and touch someone--as the saying goes--or just need to be heard. Suffice it to say, there are some very special people out there with some very real hurts--and that could easily be most of us. That blogger hasn't posted since December 2010, and I'm a little on edge, wondering what's happened since.

My suggestion is that you choose a blog to follow and check in every once in awhile. Listen to someone else's story. You might feel a kinship with the writer as well as feel the need to start your own blog in order to relieve yourself of some of the stress in your own life. Please share it with someone.

Pleasant dreams of safe days and nights for our children, of finding online friends we can relate to, of today's trials bringing tomorrow's peace...

Happy that I'm a Blogger

A Wonderful Find and at 15%

Tangentine Handcrafted Jewellery is a lovely shop I just discovered on Etsy. She has wonderful jewelry (or jewellery, depending upon where you live) she handcrafts from various metals. I love unique pieces and would love to take up metal work, myself. Someday... along with all the other "I want to do's".

Tangentine is moving from one country to another, so it would be great to visit her shop now, or check with her to see when she will be settled and doing business again. Stop by and let her know how much you appreciate her lovely handwork.

By the way, you can get a 15% discount on her art right now. I'm sure you'll enjoy shopping!

Pleasant dreams of copper curls, fine silver squiggles, cut-outs, patinas, all things lovely...

Therese

Dear, Deer, My Dears

Last week, my husband glanced out back of our house to see seven deer standing there. By the time he found the camera, which I'm always using for my Etsy photos, only two deer were visible. The rest were grazing--if you can graze in the snow--just out of site of the camera. Here's what he captured on film... Forget it, I can't locate the photo!

Well, I came across this old photo of my two "dears" and me taken umpteen dozen years ago. I love this picture. They're so cute, my dear ones. They're all grown up now and their little ones look exactly the same.

Pleasant dreams of snow-grazing, Christmas dears, little ones, cuties...

Mama Dear

Embellished Neck Accents Worth the Time

My newest neck accent or collar has been a delight to create. I hope you feel like it's worth it as much as I do. It seems that if you're willing to take the time, more creative ideas will come to you. I'm wrapped up in these new pieces, for sure, and enjoying every minute.

Pleasant dreams of Spring coming, wonderful designs coming into being, longer days with which to enjoy, and all that's nice...

Just finished this one. Another will be posted in a day or two.I hope you like them.

Time to Move Forward with Unfinished Business

I'm sad to see it go, but happy someone will love wearing it; that is, my Complete the Circle Headband shown below has sold.

Time to get busy. I have two necklaces in the works and two collars or neck ornaments. I need to finish them and get them photographed. 

Seems like something is always getting in the way, doesn't it! I get a new idea and abandon a project, midstream, to indulge myself. Then, it's difficult to go back to the original project. I must have about ten unfinished pieces in my workshop. 

Do you find this happens to you? Am I normal, or do I need a drug for ADD?

Pleasant dreams of creative images so powerful you won't forget them when your current projects are completed. Dreams of a constant influx of great designs. Dreams of beautiful ideas that will wait patiently in the hollows of your mind. Dreams of project completion and an excellent feeling of satisfaction... Pleasant dreams of...

Lady with Unfinished Business of Her Mind

Something Different, Again!

I love to experiment and have tried a couple of new ideas, but I haven't photographed the one. I'd like to improve my patience level to the point where I can take my time and get more imaginative with my art, creating more "artsy" pieces as opposed to taking the easy way out. I'd like to step outside the box. Sometimes my focus gets lost along the way to completing an idea, AS IT JUST DID!

Check out this new creation:

Treasury of Beauty

How I love to look at a good treasury. I've been included in this particular one, but it's the shops featured there that have prompted me to write about it. Absolutely beautiful jewelry, etc! Check it out: CELEBRATION: I'm celebrating the awesome talent on Etsy.

And...visit the curator's shop: Trinity Designer Jewellery

Pleasant dreams of beautiful colors swirling in your head, like turquoise and all that resembles the sea; of beautiful beads drifting into wonderful designs; of artists at work...

Good-night to all
Therese

Thinning Winter Woods--Nothing Stays the Same Forever

Oh, how we wish things would change; then, oh, how we wish they would stay the same!

Behind my home is a lovely bit of woods--our main reason for purchasing this home. After many, many years of growth, ash bores hit the woods and took their toll. Poor, dead trees are still falling.

A few days ago, when we had a pretty good wind, a couple of thin tree trunks fell onto the power lines and we had to notify DTE. Today a subcontractor for our energy company took them down, and my husband cut the wood and stacked it as well as he could.

This past year I have noticed quite a thinning going on in the woods. Mother Nature must be house cleaning. It hurts to see it. Never before could I have seen a squirrel, like I did today, running along the "creek" about 200 feet behind our property. Saw him right through the woods! Never before could I see homes across the creek and land beyond it. Usually, in the winter, we could see a porch light flicker. In the summer we could see nothing through the thicket.

We were just saying, yesterday morning, that there will be nothing left but cottonwood trees, and that's something I feel ungrateful about but can't help. Cottonwoods make a mess of everything, especially my garden in the spring and early summer. Looks like snow has fallen.

I so wish we could keep everything beyond our property line as it was yesterday, or, at least, as it stands today. But, sadly, or happily, time passes and nothing stays the same forever.

Pleasant dreams of forests, trees, critters, birds and no changes when we don't want them...

Dreamer

Something a Little Different for Me

Trying new things is a lot of fun. I haven't tried knitting any small scarves or neck ornaments until now. This is something new for me, but, from what I understand, highlighting the neck is a big trend right now. We'll have to see how it goes.

I haven't really copied anyone else's work, but I don't know how original I can be when these accent pieces are the trend right now. What's in style is in style, and that's that. You have to set your own trends and come up with fresh ideas. I'll be working on it.

Here is a photo of my very first neck accent piece, just listed on Etsy this evening. I loved making it!

 Pleasant dreams in...

My Dream Garden

New Treasury by Vintage Makeover

Guess what? My Blue Eyes Vintage Button Bracelet has been featured in a lovely treasury titled, "Elegance in Blue Glass, by "Vintage Makeover on Etsy. Check it out. There are some beautiful pieces in this treasury. put together by a shop named

Having just joined Etsy this year, Vintage Makeover could use your support. Their merchandise is pretty low right now, but there are some lovely pieces of jewelry if you'd care to take a peek.

NOTE: Please click on Elegance in Blue Glass, above, to view this treasury and on Vintage Makeover to see their shop.

There have been so many wonderful treasuries and I'm privileged to be a part of them. It's always wonderful to see other artists' work and to see the wonderful treasury themes.

Pleasant dreams of blue glass...

Lady in Blue

Earrings Galore!

I love earrings! I've been working on some simple earring styles and have posted a few for you to see. They're listed in My Dream Garden on Etsy.

My daughter-in-law is encouraging and has such great taste. She made some earrings for me for Christmas. I just love them and suggested she make some up to list in my shop. I'm not very confident that she will, but she'd do a great job! 

Speaking of my Christmas gift, why do people think I don't want anything homemade just because I make it, myself? I hear it all the time and feel "left out" because the rest of my family do get handcrafted gifts.


I took a stab at making some earrings from scratch: I took fine silver .999 wire and twisted and looped it into a curly triangle. The ear wires are also fine silver and hold an iridescent blackish-purple melon bead above the triangle. I'm pretty excited, but I'll have to perfect my techniques before making them for my shop. Anything new can be exciting! (By the way, I haven't photographed them yet.)

"Weather" or Not

Whether or not we want it, bad weather is moving in tomorrow and Wednesday--a foot of snow expected. I guess Michiganders have lived through this enjoyment only eight times since the early 1900's. Thank God for small favors; I don't have to go to work on Wednesday!

People in the UP (upper peninsula of Michigan) get this type of snowfall so much that it's "old hat". They climb up on their roof-tops and sweep off the snow. What wimps we are!

My dad passed away during the blizzard of '78. We could barely make it to the church across the street from the funeral home. We crept an inch at a time for about two miles, to my sister's house, and spent the night there just so we could visit with out-of-town relatives who were stuck here in Michigan. Lined up in a row, we all slept, wall to wall--overflowing from the guest room (big family!) I wouldn't have missed the experience for the world. How often to you get "snowed in" with people you rarely get to see?

In ninth grade we had a very heavy snowfall. Mom said we had to attend school, even though my sister Mary and I knew no one would be there. We dawned "sweater tights," as we called them; cable-stitched, knitted tights and slacks under our skirts. After plowing two blocks through the snow, walking down the middle of the road, lifting our legs a foot high with each step, we finally arrived to empty, dark hallways. School was cancelled. We could have slept in--good, ole' Mom!

So, tomorrow, "weather" or not we like it, we're in for a lot of weather...or not!

Pleasant dreams of snowflakes, white diamonds under street lights, frosted windows, heavy winds, snow plows, salt trucks, accidents...oh, forget it!

Frosty Queen

Valentines Day Hair Accessories Already?

Oh, yeah...Valentines Day will be here before we know it.  I'm usually the last to figure it out.

Headbands are filling my Etsy shop--even baby's and little girl's hair bands. Valentines Day! Time keeps slipping away, does it not?

More to come...

Pleasant dreams of hearts, candy, flowers, cupids, cherubs, perfume, romance...  Nighty, night. Sleep tight.

Queen of Hearts

New Treasuries

Hi, again! Wondrous Strange Designs has included me in two of her treasuries. The first includes my Royal Disc Necklace and the second includes my Peacocks Hiding in the Grass Headband.

Please check out these other wonderful artists. Their work is fabulous! I know. I've visited their shops.


Thanks, D!


Have a wonderful evening!

First of 2011 and Introducing Headbands

Happy New Year to all! This is going to be an amazing year! I can feel it. Of course, I'm not always right, either.


Actually, my phone "up" and "down" arrows aren't working, my TV remote is being temperamental and my blog cursor doesn't want to cooperate. Nevertheless, I feel pretty positive about 2011, strange as it seems.


Check these out:

I've been creating and selling headbands and other hair accessories for a year now and keep getting requests to put them on Etsy. Well, the last two days I have listed a few. Hope they do well. Hope you like them, too! 


Pleasant dreams of new endeavors, resolutions, more time, happiness, peace, profit, love...


Positively Yours