Bead Happily Ever After

Winter Zest

Posted on February 2, 2014 by crystal

snow birds (Small) I always get a big burst of creative energy in January…

You, too?

I’m guessing it has something to do with Christmas. Think about it. It does make sense!
After the whirl of holiday preparations in November and December, it’s tough to suddenly turn off the adrenaline on January 2nd
. . . at least for me.

Many of you know I’m a fan of all kinds of crafts, but beading and crocheting are my favorites.

Shall I show you a little of what I’ve been up to in January? I’ll focus on the beading today and add the crocheting next time.

A few beads, a few findings, a needle and thread, and a good TV show?

Now we’re talking! Pure bliss.

Some are finished… some still need a finishing touch…

Looking at them inspires me.
More ideas. More plans. (More hours in a day, please!) 😉

Hope you’ll have a chance this week to get lost in something you enjoy. 😀

Hugs,

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Click the envelope to leave a comment or to read what the other kids are saying! 😀

It’s The Thought That Counts

Posted on January 22, 2014 by crystal

My oldest daughter is a journalist. While on assignment in South Africa last fall, she had an opportunity to do some Christmas shopping…

SA On Assignment-2

She came upon an outdoor artisans’ market where she found something bead-y for her mom. 😉

(click photo to enlarge)

Here’s the lady who made my gift . . .

(click photo to enlarge)

And this is what I opened on Christmas morning.

SA Necklace

I’m absolutely thrilled with it… not just because I’m crazy about beads, and not just because I’m delighted to have something beautifully handmade from another country. To be sure, both of those reasons are true, but the most important reason I love it is that my girl thought of me when she saw it! 😀

Hugs,

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Click the envelope to leave a comment or to read what the other kids are saying!

What’s the good word?

Posted on January 9, 2014 by crystal

Whether you blog, read blogs, or simply like to frequent the social media sites, by now you’ve probably noticed that the Internet is awash with people choosing a 2014 focus “word”.

Laughter

Thinking caps are getting quite a workout as people mull over their options. Some might say it’s not easy to select a one-word mantra. I would agree.

It seems to me there’s a need for multiple inspirational buzzwords in any given year . . . but I’ll play along anyway, and choose just one!

Maybe it’s because I’m an oldest child – you know birth order and all that stuff – but I’ve always been quite serious. Let me hasten to add that I do have a sense of humor and love to laugh, but in the grand scheme of things, I’m more likely to view new situations in a thoughtful – almost solemn – fashion, than by searching for the humor in them.

This epiphany has brought me to my 2014 word, laughter . . .

I firmly resolve to look for it, engage in it, and share it with others –
as often as possible!!! 😀

How about you?
How do you feel about choosing a “word” for 2014?

Hugs,

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Click the envelope to leave a comment or to read what the other kids are saying! 😀

Special Wishes for You

Posted on December 23, 2013 by crystal

Dear Kids,
If you celebrate Christmas – I wish you a very merry one!
And may we all enjoy a 2014 that’s filled with happiness and good health.

Christmas Eve

Thank you, as always, for stopping by . . .
See you in the New Year! 😀

Hugs,

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Click the envelope to leave a comment or to read what the other kids are saying! 😀

Bonjour Montreal

Posted on December 10, 2013 by crystal

For weeks, I’ve had some pictures I wanted to show you . . . I guess today’s the day. 😉

In early November, things were fairly quiet around here, so Sir Beads and I decided to take a mini vacation. But where to go?

After some internet searching we chose Montreal – specifically, the old part of the city. Our time was limited so we knew we couldn’t cover the entire city. I can’t believe I’ve lived in New England all my life and had never visited Canada. It’s less than 7 hours away by car!

Old Montreal, with its architecture, cobblestone streets, and French-speaking natives, is often described as a little piece of Europe in North America. As soon as we arrived, we were absolutely charmed.

We were there for 3 nights only . . . but it was restful and romantic and lots of fun. The people are wonderful; the food is amazing; and there are so many interesting things to see and do.

Of course, no photos can really do it justice but I’ve included a few below.
Click them to enlarge for a better view.

Cobblestones, Unique Shops, and Excellent Dining

Artful Architecture

I’ve never seen St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome but surely this breathtaking Montreal cathedral, Notre Dame, is in the same league.

After long days of sightseeing on foot, it certainly was a treat to return to our room with a Jacuzzi . . . for two!

The hotel served a lovely breakfast each morning in an area with tables and two banquettes!

We were lucky enough to snag one of the banquettes for a couple of breakfasts . . .

And once for a pre-dinner snack!

As I mentioned, the food was incredible! We practiced our high school French with the waiters (and shopkeepers) who were delighted we were trying – but graciously saved us with their excellent English as soon as we got in over our heads (which didn’t take long!)

After dinner each night, we were awfully glad we had a “fluffy cloud” of a feather-bed to flop into back at the hotel.

So that’s my story about our Late Fall in Montreal!

We’ve been back home for quite a while now, but it has definitely occurred to us that it might be nice there in the Spring . . . 😉

Hugs,

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Click the envelope to leave a comment or to read what the other kids are saying! 😀