It's been way too long...

I didn't think I'd ever go this long without having anything to say. I've been in a mood lately, just so many things happening and I'm finding it really stressful to work my way out of the bottom of this massive pile of stuff on top of me. 

First of all, thank you all for your kind words on Facebook about Niki. I have come to the conclusion, and I know that she isn't coming back. My heart hurts, and that's been really weighing on me. It's killed my desire to design anything because in some silly way...and you'll all think I'm nuts, but I don't want to have to take photo's of anything because she wont be there to sit with me. I told you that was crazy. But she really did sit with me for the past 6 years of me taking jewelry photos. More often than not. So to even think about doing that without her has been killing me. But the show must go on. And I think I'm ready... I think.

I did do something fun last week. I have a friend who asked me to give her some tips on how to use her new fancy Canon camera, and naturally I am happy to help...and of course get my hands on a hot new camera to play with! So I suggested that while she was practicing what I was teaching her, she should take pictures of me. What? Yes, you read correctly. I hate...HATE having my picture taken. That's why I'm a photographer, so I can be behind the camera. Well, I will be celebrating my 40th birthday this December and I decided that it was time to create a memory. My kids will have no pictures of me when I'm older to look back on. I'm really not ever in any of them. So, Lucy and I went off to Topsmead State Park and had an absolute blast!

This one is my favorite. It's now my new FB profile and my blog photo. LOVE it! :) It's a genuine smile, I was having a good time. I really needed some time to laugh and be goofy, so this was perfect. 

My other favorite:

and then there was this, which got the most comments:

LOL! Silly. But I like it! :) I did all the editing of course, played with my fun Photoshop filters and now I have something to save for my kids. This wont happen again for a while! ;) 

The next photo's I show will be of what I am designing this week. I'm hopping back on the bandwagon and getting my butt in gear. I need to put the sadness behind me, and honor Niki. She wouldn't want me to be so sad. I'm sure that she knew she was very loved here and she had a wonderful 15 years with us.

I also know that she will always be with me. :)

Working for a very good cause...

Last week I was asked by a very good friend to donate a piece to a fundraiser for Ovarian Cancer. Naturally, I said yes before I even read any further into what it was for. But once I read through the full email, I am even more honored to have been asked to help raise money for this very worthy cause. 

Here's the story:

In celebration of September’s National Ovarian Cancer Awareness month, we are pleased to announce the upcoming Second Annual Volley for Molly tournament being held at Lexington High School on September 24, 2010. This event is in honor of a resilient and loving young woman who passed of this insidious disease at the young age of nineteen.  Our goal is to stop this disease in its tracks!

 I found out that the awareness color for Ovarian Cancer is Teal. So I pulled out my trusty bead boxes and went digging. Found a great set in Ann's box which she generously let me use. This is what I came up with. 

A gorgeous set of teal lampwork glass beads, which I accented with a variety of Swarovski Crystals, hand wrapped circles and Mykonos Greek Spacers. I added a Silver Volleyball Charm as well as a Cancer Awareness Charm near the clasp. 

Love how it turned out. I hope that this does well in the silent auction.

It's an honor to do my part for a good cause.

Down, Down, Down...

You'll have to forgive me. I've had a bit of a setback this week. I've been in such a slump and have not been able to get myself out of it. My cat, Niki...you guys know...the one that sits with me for all of my jewelry photographs. Well, she's been missing since Sept. 6th. I'm a total wreck. She's 15, never wanders away from the house and I have not seen her, or any trace of her so I'm just beside myself. I don't want to think the worst, although with each passing day, things seem a little more bleak. We've searched everywhere in our neighborhood. I made fliers and stapled them to the telephone poles around our immediate area. I'm hoping that if someone did find her that they took her in and are taking very good care of her and loving her as much as we do. 

We miss you Niki... please come home. :(