Thursday, September 2, 2010

My Life... Total Fireworks Baby!


I'm getting rested. I can almost form complete sentences. Soon I will be up and blogging again. I miss it, it's a great way to dump some crap and just laugh at my life. We finished our last big show of the summer season, (Ha! summer, last weekend it rained again and darned near snowed during our show.) It's been a mighty cool summer. Last Thursday night the temperature dropped from 94 to 55 degrees over frickin' night. By Sunday morning it was a balmy 38 degrees. The shows have been OK, we'll be fine. I was just looking for "TOTAL FABULOSITY"(now is that really a word?) Whatever, that's what I was looking for. We're headed for the middle of Montana in a week. Exciting...More shows on their way, of course, there's always another show. It's my life. Welcome, May you have "FABULOSITY" every day of your life.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

THIS IS HOW I FEEL TODAY


ALCOHOL IS THE ONLY ANSWER... May you always find the answer, have a great day:)

Sunday, August 1, 2010

To Wrap Or 2 Rap...



Crazy Days! It's the time we've been waiting for, The height of our season. The weather is still "iffie" but, WE'RE READY! Bring It! We have our biggest show this next weekend and my husband already thinks I'm the bossiest "Bitch" he's ever seen...Ah, things are right on track. He's been wrapping the tiniest stones with the tiniest wire we've ever used (whew, I'm glad that's him, I just keep putting stones in front of him, and he just keeps wrapping ugh!) Wouldn't the picture be so much funnier if he was sitting in his chair "Rapping" Say Dog, It's all Good...OK, it's probably only hysterical if you knew my "Redneck of an ol' coot Husband". Anyway, I tied 10 multi-pearl necklaces 2 days ago and after yesterdays Market, we have none left. That's good and bad at the same time. So we'll remain Crazy for 2 more weeks, with the weathers cooperation and customers with money to spend, all will be well. We have some awesome new things made and we're NOT AFRAID TO USE THEM! So may you also have a very abundant season, and may we NEVER have to see or hear my Husband RAP!

Monday, July 19, 2010

Baking In The Street


We had a show this weekend and for once this year, there wasn't "High Wind Warnings" HURRAH! I can't complain, but I must, it was frick'n HOT! Oh man, it was a street fair, so we're set up on asphalt. We're talking the thermometer said 90 degrees, so inside our canopy tent it absolutely had to be 150 degrees! OMG! Trying to greet the people with a fresh, "Hi, how are you today?" and then happily chuckle(without sounding hysterical) when each of them grumbled, "HOT!" Need I bring up the fact that the friction between my husband and I could have Spontaneously Combusted the whole State of Montana? I'm happy to say we lived through it, we were able to stay at Moms for the weekend, and she kindly kept Gabby (the heat would've roasted the wiener dog!) while we worked. So really we had wonderful food, great conversation, cool accommodations, and a safe place for "The Gabster", ALL IS WELL WITH THE WORLD. I guess I really don't have any complaints that matter...though my feet would tend to argue. May you always find something WONDERFUL in a CRAPPY situation:)

Thursday, July 15, 2010

"AND SPAGETTI..."


OMG! Cathi and I went to see the play "HAIR" last night. Way fun, I had a ball! We went out to dinner at Mambos and filled our gullets with rich Italian cuisine, Yum. She turned me onto Italian "Nachos", Crap, now that's a million calories good. Deep fried lasagna noodles drenched in cheese and cream sauce. We got a salad to share, you know, to balance the dinner with "good" calories, right? Then we waddled off to the theater to enjoy an evening of 60's Protest Music and "naked" Hippie's. Oh what an evening in Montana! I love the time I spend with my girlfriends. My husband? "HAIR"? I don't think so...May you fill up on rich, creamy foods once in a while, and may the only "naked" Hippie's you see be on stage in a theater:)

Wednesday, July 14, 2010


Really, where do the days go? My last blog was 10 days ago. I have been so disgusted with the Weather Gods lately, I thought I better give them some kudos for their behavior of late. We had a show this last weekend and had 3, count 'em, 3 perfect summer days. (The reason I'm stressing 3 is because that's really all the perfectness I can brag about, we lost yesterdays Market due to high wind gusts and rain, GEEZ...) I have invested heavily into silver, trying to prepare for our BIG shows that are coming up in the next few weeks, so I'm sick to my stomach and kinda whirling from the over use of the debt card. We do a small show this weekend close to Moms house, so no real travel expenses, Woo Hoo! Moms food and fun, yeah man, life is good. I'm already planning on Pinnacle and Mexican Train Dominoes, oh and if a Yankee Pot Roast or Mom's Red Chicken Dinner happened Friday night, we'd be talking, "LIFE IS PERFECT". May all the days in your life be "WINNER, WINNER, CHICKEN DINNER PERFECT".

Sunday, July 4, 2010

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!


Happy 4th everyone! I'm in a much better state of mind today, a 4th of July state of mind. Right now I'm watching a John Wayne Movie Marathon, (I'm in the middle of CHISUM, JOHN CHISUM) I've already seen McClintock! and North to Alaska, and Cahill U.S. Marshall is coming up next. Now I'm thinking a 6-pack of beer, some friends, a BBQ, Fireworks (illegal, or just sparklers and those stinky black snakes), and I've done all I can do, to contribute to a perfect Celebration. My Dad would be proud. I miss him, especially on patriotic holidays. He was a proud American, an ex-Marine who teared up every time the "National Anthem" or "Amazing Grace" was played. He taught us that it was a Privilege and a Right we had as Americans, to do and be whatever we wanted as long as it didn't hurt someone else, to think and say the things we felt in our hearts, but before we bitched we should know both sides of an argument, and we should respect peoples differences. He was also the one who taught me that "Yeah, LIFE IS NOT FAIR!" Then he'd end that sentence with,"Tough S--t get over it!"(Just wanted to let you know it was not all sticky sweet all the time.) But then he was the first one to apologize when he was wrong, applaud you when you were right, hug you with love, or simply smile at you, and confirm a job well done. He and my Mom raised 3 independent individuals with loud voices and good values. They did a fabulous job. So now on this Celebratory day, we know that, Mom, Dad, The Duke, Beer, Friends, BBQ's, and Fireworks, is all takes to fill my "Americana" needs and make me feel happy and proud. May your 4th be WONDERFUL, may you "Oooo and Ahhh" at the Fireworks tonight, and may we NOT have to get back to 'reality' until tomorrow:)

Saturday, July 3, 2010

ARE YOU KIDDING?!!!?


Went to market today, it was gorgeous this morning. "Awesome" got set up, hung the jewelry, put on the SMILE, had fabulous customer response, tourists abundant, had a good market going...And then...BOOM! Thunder, Lightning, Rain, Wind, oh yeah, lets not forget frickin' HAIL. Cripes, we had 6 inches of hail in our awning. It would have looked like winter, but geez, it rained a couple inches in like 5 minutes, so it was hard to tell what was really happening, You know, a ripping river of water flowing thru the booth, like we were the Kalispell Fork of the Flathead River. I've never seen so many soaking wet Artists, Craftsman, Farmers and greenhous People. And with the exception of the few of us in total hysterics, I don't think I saw one tiny smile. (huh? that's so surprising, it's such a pleasure to try to hold down a metal framed tent in a lightning storm!) OK mighty Weather Gods, W.T.F.? I'm now going in to take a hot shower and make a drink, I'm thinking something heavily VODKAish. May all of your fights with the Weather Gods be 'NOT' in a metal tent.

Friday, July 2, 2010

Nothing New But More RAIN!!!


Rained out of Polson Market, Damn, didn't even get to see Mom. No smiles, No trinkets, No Yankee Pot Roast, No Pinnacle, Totally ripped off of all Friday Happiness...Oh well, tomorrow's another day. We'll try for "ULTRA HAPPINESS SATURDAY". Market in the morning and "SUNSHINE & SMILES" all the rest of the day.(OK, that was even too sticky sweet for me, YIKES!) Back to reality,(It could be frickin' snowing! It is in St. Marys, Montana) A better day is on the way, I can just feel it. May all your days, rainy or sunny, be "BETTER".

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Rest and Rehab at MOMS!


Fort Benton was a great party, and a "decent show". I'm exausted from sleeping in the truck for 4 nights (elbow to elbow with the husband...We should each reicieve the Medal of Honor just for 'NOT' killing each other), showering at a near by RV park (standing on your tip toes like thats gonna keep the Cooties off you), and eating out of a cooler (4 days of sandwiches and chips, oh yeah, SUPER HEALTHY). My bed felt sooo 'comfy' when we got home, we slept for 2 days straight. Now we've been getting ready for 2 farmers markets this weekend. (Happy 4th!!!) Going to see Mom tomorrow after the market, awesome! (Yankee Pot Roast and Trinkets!) May all your days be filled with little trinkets and Big Smiles from Mom:)

Thursday, June 24, 2010

"PARTY ON" FORT BENTON!


We're headed out to Fort Benton, Montana today. Fort Benton is this gorgeous little town in the middle of "NO WHERE" Montana. We love going there, the people are super friendly and it's a giant "PARTY!!!" The Arts and Crafts Show is always nice, but it's the "FREE" Pancake Breakfast on Saturday morning and and the "BIG DRUNK FEST and STREET DANCE" on Saturday night that keeps you coming back! Last year they had the best Fireworks Display I've seen in a long time, FUN, FUN, FUN! So if your not busy...(we'll see you there?)May all of your "Craft Shows" side saddle with Fireworks and Kegs O' Beer, and may you find a "PARTY" in everything you do, (even work!)

Monday, June 21, 2010

MISSING SOMETHING? Ever Just Feel Like An Empty Box Of Bananas?


I've been without wireless for 20 days. Man, I never thought I'd miss my computer as much as I did! Of course I never thought I'd use a cell phone for more than just a couple of calls a month, HA! I can't even go an hour without making or receiving a frickin' call or even worse a TEXT! Wow, I'm so past jumping into the new millennium I'm running headlong into the next...May all of your "electronic devices" run smoothly, and may every one of your "Banana Boxes" be full of LOVE:)

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Still Raining, Still Frickin' Pouring


Man it just won't STOP! I know in my heart that rain and snow can fend off forest fires this summer, but could it possibly rain only after 9:00 pm, that would be much more convenient for me. And isn't that what its all about... ME. Right now I'm feeling a little picked on, you know, when you're sure that "The Weather Gods" have actually pin pointed you out to "kick". Alright already, I'm done with feeling puny! Time to take charge, I'm sending SUNNY VIBES and RAINBOW DUST out to the UNIVERSE. There, that ought to do it! May you never feel puny, and always take charge of your own UNIVERSE.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

IT'S RAINING IT'S POURING...


My Old Man is SNORING! Seriously, he's in the bedroom napping. We're 2 for 2, enough! Rain yesterday, the Market in Polson sucked. 40 degrees is generous, I really don't think it got that warm. On the other hand, went to Moms, played pinochle and ate "Mom's Famous Yankee Pot Roast"...LIFE IS GOOD!... Today we went to Big Fork White Water Festival. We didn't even get to set up! It was just pouring, (CRAP)...LIFE NOT SO GOOD... Oh wait, Mom sent home "Pot Roast Leftovers"...LIFE IS GOOD!... May you NEVER need to find comfort in food, but if you do, may it be FABULOUS comfort food:)

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

LAST NIGHT


Last night we DVR'd Idol and we went into the East side of Glacier National Park and looked for Grizzly Bears. What did you do???
May all your Griz sightings be from inside of a car:)

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

My 1st Treasury!


I learned, with the careful guidance of Cathi, how to put together a"Treasury" on ETSY. Now this is pretty cool, as Cathi says, "it's very Buddhist like", your not allowed to use your own product. You're learning to see and promote others. I've also learned this helps you make contact with 16 other artists and craftsman. Even though there's like 8 billion of these awesome treasuries, mine is pretty awesome. I've been collecting favorites on "Beach Weddings" so take a peek at:


I'm featured in two other Treasuries so please check these out too!



May you all have a very Buddhist like day!

Sunday, May 23, 2010

That Kind Of Day...


Did you ever wake up and immediately start having "That Kind Of Day"? This morning I couldn't come out of the coma sleep I was in. Man, I just layed there when I woke up, trying to come into this 'Earth Plane' but quite honestly I was stuck in 'Never Never Land'. I went and took a shower to jolt myself out of the fog bank, but seriously I still wanted to climb back between the sheets and hibernate the day away. My husband (who lost 41 lbs. by walking faithfully. Swear to God, he eats twice as much as he did before, men are just freakin lucky on this body chemistry thing...JERKS!) is hollering at me to hurry, We're going for a WALK?!? OMG, What have I done with my life? I'm turning into some kinda healthy thing? Move over Susan Powter (STOP THE INSANITY!)...Yeah right, I'm aiming more for a real lazy Richard Simmons (Com'on Girls, lets just MOVE for a minute)...Anyway, even though I feel like a wet dog, I'm gonna shake it off and GO. May all of your "That Kind Of Days" turn into "Totally Awesome Kind Of Days"!!!

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Have a Hokie Day!


Good Morning, Wow, my husband and I have been really busy this last week. Our Markets are picking up, we've had a couple of orders on our Etsy Shop, we are building up our jewelry inventory, Mom came and spent the night (OK, now that was just FUN! A slumber party! Although at this time in my life, We actually SLUMBERED.) This last week has also been crammed with walking 3 miles every day and finding a few minutes here and there to center and meditate and for this model of the perfect adult ADD freak, that is no easy feat! Yesterday, Cathy (http://www.thinklocal.etsy.com/) and I made copies, then hand addressed and mailed the applications for our "August" Art and Craft Show, Wow, already. Our June Show is almost upon us. June 11-13 is the 1st "Summers First Art Blast". We've had an excellent response. We have most of the categories filled, and just a couple spaces left to work with. It's very EXCITING and extremely CHALLENGING to be a Promoter of a show and a participating Artist, but then isn't that what it's all about? (I mean besides the Hokie Pokie and all...) May all your summer days be EXCITING and CHALLENGING and may we all LOL that the HOKIE POKIE is really what it's all about!

Thursday, May 13, 2010

A Bad Week


I'm sorry I've let the blog go for a few days. It's been an interesting week. Let me start at the beginning...Last January I decided to do a few things to clean up my act. I gave up Pepsi and the other true love in my life, BREAD. I mean to tell you this is no easy feat, I absolutely believe I went through withdrawals...I had the "lack of BREAD shakes" and the "missing my ice cold Pepsi migraines". Oh yeah, my poor husband (he's not that poor, after 29 years of marriage, he holds up just fine), I might not have been very pleasant to be around at times, (if you could believe that one) I'm usually so charming when I give up my lovely compulsions, (yeah right) like 10 years ago when I quit smoking...Yikes, that was rough, I think the people around me were actually talking about hiring a Hit Man...Anyway back to the blog, I got off the Pepsi and the bread and this week I started a little more hard core DIET. Yuck, I don't even like the word, but please the politically correct LIFESTYLE CHANGE is sooo not me. I've been walking 4 times a week with a group of friends, and now this, IS IT THE APOCALYPSE? Well is it? That would be my luck, Suffer without all of my favorite foods, loose weight, feel great, and then the world ends! Damn the Hopis were right! Oh well, I'd be lookin' HOT on the other side:) EU LA LA Mon Cheri. May we all reach our goals and for the stars!

Sunday, May 9, 2010

MOMS DAY!!!


It's MOTHERS day today! I would personally like extend a very hardy HAPPY MOTHERS DAY to every MOM I know. You are all wonderful and have the most important job in the UNIVERSE. I personally have the "WORLDS GREATEST MOM" and not just because I happen to know she reads my blog, But because she is COMPLETELY FABULOUS! She has always been there for me, always supportive, and most of the time she has been my only cheerleader. She taught me how to be a kind and loving person. Don't get me wrong, both of my parents excelled at raising us kids, but my MOM was on her own a lot when we were small, because DAD traveled for work. Basically I thought, and still do today, that she is a "SUPER HERO". She's as beautiful as a movie star, She could sing like an ANGEL, (She was in the professional singing group, The Escondido Oratorio, They cut a 45 vinyl record and everything!) She baked bread and her Carmel Rolls were honestly FOOD FOR THE GODS. She taught us morals and ethics and how to play Old Maid and Go Fish. She has always been magical, she could heal our broken hearts or a cut on our finger with a simple kiss to the forehead. But the one thing that proved she was 'ISIS' in blue jeans was her incredible talent for BLOWING BUBBLES. She'd always have BAZOOKA bubble gum in her pocket, and with the precision of a surgeon, she would carefully tear the piece in half and give us each our share. Then because she has the "Patience of a Saint" she taught us all, (even the neighbor kids) how to BLOW BUBBLES. Pretty pink BUBBLES, tiny snapper BUBBLES, big bruiser BUBBLES...We'd sit for hours chewing and striving to create the perfect BUBBLE. I'm thinking now that MOM was not only a SUPERHERO she was frickin' EINSTEIN! She kept us busy, so she could accomplish some of the zillions of chores she had to do during her day (washing, hanging, and ironing laundry, baking, cooking and cleaning, teaching, healing and loving, a family of 5) When I was a child, my MOM was the Perfect MOM. Now that I'm an adult and well into middle age, She is still the Perfect MOM. We talk every day, and I still need her support and cheerleaderism (if that's not a word, it should be!) Thinking about her makes me smile. Thank you MOM for being a SUPER HERO PARENT and my best friend. My wish today is that EVERYONE be wrapped safely in MOMS LOVE ( I'm happy to share, She has plenty of it to go around, she's a SUPER HERO for Gods sake!)

Tuesday, May 4, 2010


Well, I'm ready to talk about it now. We had our first Art and Craft Show of the season this last weekend. It really wasn't that productive. Sales were disappointing. There were many variables in play to thwart the show. (Cool huh? thwart?!?) It was early in the season, it was a new venue for this show, the tourists aren't here yet, the storm that should have kept people out of their yards and flower beds, was soooo nasty that they stayed at home out of the RAIN, HAIL, SNOW, and frickin' knock you over WINDS! But that's the nature of the 'Beast', You never know what your gonna git. "Life is like a box of choc..." Are you kidding me? It plain ol' pissed me off that the weather wouldn't calm down like I thought it should. It's shocking to realize that I can't control things like the weather, no matter how tightly I 'squeezed'!!! Oh well, I'll try harder next time. We've been working on some new things this week and we'll be ready for the Weather and Market this weekend. May you learn to work with the Universe with wisdom. "LET GO" but still "SQUEEZE OUT" what you want on the SIDE! Have a wonderfully Controlled Day :)

Friday, April 30, 2010

I'm out the door for my morning walk with the girls.(What? A healthy choice? Whats next salad instead of pizza? Let's not go completely crazy.) I'm leaving you with a couple deep questions this to contemplate this morning...If you "wrap" up Gabby, does she become a HOT DOG? If Gabby falls asleep in the sun, is that GRILLIN' a dog? And last but not least, if Gabby is off her leash, is she a FREE RANGE FRANKFURTER?!? May you have a Doggone Great Day :)

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Turquoise Twist


Turquoise is one of my favorite stones. The color is a necessity for me. It makes me feel good. It keeps me grounded and reminds me of my youth.(ahhh yes, I was so cool in high school with my 3 rings on one hand and 4 rings on the other, what a Turquoise REBEL) My softest and most favorite T-shirt is Turquoise, boy do I baby that thing, gentle wash, cool dryer etc...They say all things on the Earth run an 'energy'. The energy that turquoise has is very healing. It is very spiritually protective. It heals and cleanses the wearer, keeping them safe. the coolest thing it's known for is bringing peace to ones mind. Wow, PEACE OF MIND now that's a necessity. I hope you run across a Big Ol' Chunk of Turquoise to put in your window sill, the perfect Turquoise T-shirt, or an old Sterling and Turquoise Ring from the 70's (a tip to clean old jewelry: wash it in toothpaste, it'll shine the silver and it won't hurt the turquoise stone). In other words, May you always be PROTECTED and have PEACE OF MIND!

Sunday, April 25, 2010

ONE HELL OF A DAY!

OK, soooo yesterday was our second Saturday Market. The hours are a short 9:00am-12:30pm, a concise 3 1/2 hours. Now the weather was a little 'iffie', but stable enough that we got completely set up and ready to sell our wares. The Market opened sharply at 9:00 am, then about 9:30 it started to spit a few drops so we prepared a tarp to cover the displays, you know, 'just in case'. By 10:30 am it was POURING. The wind was blowing a moderate 20mph, nothing we hadn't managed through before, a little rain, a little wind, besides my Mom always told me "you'll be fine...you're not made out of SUGAR!" About half of the vendors pulled out, 'Sissies'. the rest of us stayed, slowly coming out from under our tents. We meticulously rolled our sides up and chuckled to ourselves, "We beat it!" The sun came out, the wind slowed down...Now we get down to the business of selling our handmade wares. 11:00am came and a few customers were strolling down the isles, umbrellas at the ready. A pair of earrings go out, then I box a small necklace for someones grandmother, we're on a roll of two...11:20am POW! The side of the canopy moves about 12" Oh Noooo, the wind, I stay calm, I mean, my gosh we have 80lb. weights on each of the legs of our tent. I HATE WIND, come on, stay nice for a frickin hour, that's all I'm asking. My husband tells me he's got to run to the restroom, I mistakenly think, that's cool I've got it under control "Hurry back" I say, with kind of a hysterical laugh. As soon as he was out of sight, WHAM! The tent moves another 12", with such force our earring display falls over. I grab the crossbars of tent, so me, the tent, and 340lbs of weight, lift off the ground, YES AIRBORNE! I call to the market Master (of course, the tiniest lady around) HHEEELLLLPPPPP!!!!! Anne and 4 men who we're walking by, grabbed the legs of the canopy. My husband came back just in time to chase earrings, (they're display cards acting like little tiny airplane propellers) oh and by the way, need I say, his mood had changed dramatically. This time the wind did NOT stop. We had to get the canopy down, the wind just kept blowing constant with the big gusts probably hitting close to 50mph. We started unstrapping weights and peeling off sides, everyone was hanging on for dear lives. All the jewelry displays toppled over twisting all the necklaces into 'knotted chain puzzles' for solving at a less crazy time later that night (now that's a family 'fun' project). Our booth set up usually takes us 2 hours to complete, this take down took us 25 HELLISH minutes, so I'm guessing you can figure out how things got packed. When we got home my husband packed the jewelry up stairs, set the boxes down, stripped, walked into the bathroom and crawled into a hot bath, got out and without a word went to bed. I made a pot of HOT coffee, took an 800mg Ibuprofen put on my Pj's and crawled into the Lazyboy with the wiener dog and a fleece blanket. Neither one of us had coffee and we didn't wake up until 5:00pm. It's HELL getting pounded on by the weather! It's the one thing you can't control. Maybe just maybe, we got the worst weather out of the way early in the show season, yeah, that's what I'm gonna think. May your partner be blessed with a bladder the size of Boise and may the Weather Gods always be kind to you.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

GIFTS !!!


Gifts from the Universe, We are sent Gifts everyday, whether we see (receive) them is up to us. They could be as simple as a bright sunny day during a Parade, or as complicated as a family emergency changing travel arrangements and that delay keeps you from being in an accident. We notice the 'BIG' things, but we need to be grateful and pay attention to the 'small' Gifts. When we first started doing out of town Arts and Craft Shows, it was a big expense and always a gamble. If we didn't make enough money it would be a burden that would be hard to bounce back from. We signed up for a show in Great Falls, about 5 hours travel one way, and it happened...The Big Bomb and not Bomb like Randy says on Idol "That was the Bomb Dog", but Bomb the Big ol' Failure. We sat there for 2 days 'not' selling, Yikes! We were upset, worried and bored. All the while we pouted and griped to each other, but we also were talking to a gal from Guatemala who was traveling through the U.S.A. She supported her travels by wire wrapping jewelry and selling at these little shows. We became fast friends and she happily showed us a couple wonderful techniques she was doing. That horrible show really wasn't so horrible. The Universe Gifted us with a new friend and a wire wrapping technique that we have used for the last 15 years. What a GREAT Show! May you always NOTICE your Gifts big or small.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Compromise Is Good


Today was a bright and sunny day. It was gorgeous, blue skies, and not a cloud in sight. With the dawn of a new day I started a new phase in my life. I joined a group of my friends for a walk...TA DA!!! Yes, I WALK. I'm a Walker, I WALK! My girlfriend Cathi presented me with a new pair of Merrell tennis shoes. (she is so thoughtful). Not only am I a Walker, but I have "happy feet". Now the body is another story...yep sore, all parts are sore. I'll be a little slow in the morning, but I'm aiming to be out and Walking again. I hear you can turn good nutrition and exercise into a compulsion...hummm...We'll see, I really like to Eat, Drink, and Be Merry. Maybe I can still 'Live La Vida Lo ca' with a little exercise on the side! May you be blessed with Good Health, I'll drink to that!

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Show Season BLAST OFF!!!


Yesterday was opening day of Farmers Market! Oh yeah baby, the show season has officially started. THANK GOD. It was glorious...the sun was out, little wispy clouds, and a slight breeze. Very few people, but that will only increase. We're ready to start. We have jewels and we're not afraid to use them...HA! I say to the universe..."BRING IT" all I ask, is a chance to prove money can't make me happy:) May you meet all of your burdens with HUMOR.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

April Is Not Just Another Pretty Month


OK now, the month of August must have been very busy in our family through the years...Because we've had a bunch of births in the month of April, starting off with the eve of April fools Day, Happy B-day to you Auntie Pat. (If I had been there, we would've shopped or had tea together, something very 'girlie' and fun.) The 14th is my best buddy in the Bay Areas day...Happy B-day Debber! I wish I could've hung out with you. ( We'd drink Champagne, and eat Sushi till we're bloated for days! Just like old times.) Today, the 15th brings us Tax Day and my husbands B-day, it's also the day Lincoln died, the Titanic actually finished sinking, and the Hindenburg exploded...Whats that telling us?(Always keep receipts, don't go to the theater, and for goodness sake, stay off of Cruise Ships and Big Ol' Blimps!) My gorgeous niece, the RN, was born on the 22nd (She is responsible for getting me hooked on IDOL, thanks alot Heidi...Go Crystal and Lee!) My wonderful Brother, Kerry's Birthday is the 25th (if I was with him, I'd be playing Pinnacle or laying by the pool over looking the ocean in Kauai, WHAT AM I DOING HERE?)The 25th also happens to be my father-in-laws, Happy B-day Fred. Last but not least my lovely Sister-in-law Tammy finishes the list on the 28th. (If we were together we'd be in a Casino somewhere, Drinking 'Heavily' OH YEAH 'Heavily', PARTY ON!) You know... April would be a great month to vacation and visit everyone (hummm...).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO EVERYONE! May all of your wishes come true. I hope you have a very prosperous and healthy year. HAVE LOADS OF FUN... FIND YOUR BLISS... ENJOY LIFE!

Tuesday, April 13, 2010


WINTER STORM WARNING IN MONTANA TODAY...Hurry, Take Shelter...I love spring in Montana!!!

Sunday, April 11, 2010

INSPIRED PROSPERITY


Inspired Prosperity(Success)... I watched the Masters Golf Tournament today. I was enchanted by Phil Mikelsons will to win. I have been a closet golf groupie for years. I've never played the game myself, and usually we work the weekends doing Arts and Craft Shows. (I remember when I was young I thought, "I'm never going to work weekends!"HA!) When we have an occasional Sunday off, you can usually find me making jewelry and watching a tourney. Back to Phil, he's had a rough year, not only is his wife battling Cancer, but his mother is also battling that same horrible disease. He has three small kids to worry about and I'm sure just regular day to day life worries like the rest of us. While the world watched and worried how "Tiger" would hold up, quietly in the background of the hoopla, Phil shot a good game. The 2nd day people noticed he was shooting a great game. Today, the 3rd day of the tournament, he was 'Loud and Proud'. In control and right on line, He won and accepted his trophy Green Jacket with the grace of a humble champion. He said he was inspired to succeed by those around him battling their foes. I myself am inspired to succeed by those around me... My Parents were my greatest inspiration. They taught me to be responsible and honest, but then they listened and trusted . My brother is my greatest Champion, he is strong, helpful and he inspires me to keep reaching for the stars. My friends inspire me to live, laugh and create, but also relax and be myself. My husband inspires life partnership as well as security and love. I am blessed with the Inspiration to Succeed and Prosper from those around me. My Mom has battled breast cancer and won, but it shook me to the core of my being. We lost my husbands Mom to lung cancer, that kicked the wind right out of us. I can't imagine how Phil concentrated on hitting a tiny ball into a tiny hole...But then again, I can hand knot a special order strand of pearls, be polite, calm, and chat with potential customers, in the middle of a thunder storm while the wind is blowing 50 miles an hour, in a 'tent' in the middle of main street Any Town, USA. We just find the Strength to Succeed. May you be blessed with INSPIRED PROSPERITY.

Friday, April 9, 2010

HEART FELT FRIENDSHIP


Friendships aren't supposed to be hard work. They shouldn't stress you out. It should be easy and secure. It should warm your heart, not make it ache. A friend should never judge you. A friend should always have your back. A friend should be able to tell you the truth (like, yes your ass looks big in those jeans) and because they told you, you should not be hurt, you should just take the jeans off and wear something else. (Otherwise you should laugh and be OK with a big looking ass.) I am blessed with friends just like that, and I thank the Universe for them. The other day I was thinking about my life and my many friendships along the way. I was getting a little melancholy over some lost friendships. I realized that some of the people I thought were my best friends, were really just people passing through my life. A true friend doesn't ever knock you down just so they themselves can feel superior. When you "shine" they're not agitated and jealous. Your own growth and self-esteem doesn't threaten them. I have been given a wonderful gift, My friends in the "present" helped me be excited about renewing old friendships, and thrilled about the prospect of new friendships in my future. May HEART FELT FRIENDSHIP shine on you.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

PERFECTION


This is the day we winter lovers have been waiting for. Cold, wind blowing, every once in a while sun, snow the rest of the day, just awesome! Right now we have about an inch sticking. (on the ground) We need moisture, so we don't have forest fires this summer. The more rain and snow the merrier. All of our big Shows (Arts and Craft) have the potential of being smoked out, three years ago we did a show in Whitefish, Montana, just 15 miles up the road. OMG it was so smokey you couldn't even see the booth across the isle from you (I didn't even want to be there) let alone potential customers. Wow! Montana depends on tourism and if your traveling around, seeing the country with your family, you wouldn't stay in a state that is overwhelmed by smoke. We the Artists and Craftsmen of Montana are on the "bottom of the food chain of Retail"(classy aye?) you know the non essential IMPULSE items, handmade souvenirs, Bling, and Decor that the tourists buy, Our income depends on clear blue skies (Big Sky Country) so smoke is not our friend. "Oh mighty weather gods...Bring on the rain and snow!!!" Then when June comes, could we please have perfectly calm and gorgeous weather...Oh yeah and...Wouldn't it be nice if we could have everything be perfect in our lives? Perfect weather, perfect careers, perfect families, perfect relationships, Oh man, that would just be PERFECT. My wish today is "TOTAL PERFECTION" for all. Have a Perfect day!

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

A Great Day...


What a great day! I worked, I played, I enjoyed great conversation with very empowering women, I mailed off an order from our Etsy shop, I walked out of the Post Office into my favorite Montana weather, sunny and snowing!(no joke) I cooked a wonderful meal, I laughed with my husband, I planted my butt comfortably in a chair to watch my favorite eye candy, no brainer show American Idol. (Crystal, Lee, Shibhon, Big Mike) They're so going to the end...We should all have GREAT DAYS everyday!!! That's my wish!

Monday, April 5, 2010

EMPOWERMENT


Yesterday was our 29th anniversary. Wow, I know it wasn't just yesterday, but it sure doesn't seem like it was 29 years ago. I was thinking about our wedding day. It was a great day, family, friends, music, 24 cases of wine, and 15 kegs of beer. Woo Hoo!!! What a party! Everybody came to dance and get drunk, but my favorite part of the day didn't have anything to do with the reception party. The best part of the entire wedding day was a tiny bit of time when my Dad and I were standing outside the church doors, the bridesmaids were almost down the aisle. We were waiting for our cue from the music, in a few minutes we'd be walking down the aisle to a new phase of life. My Dad, with his quiet strength and wisdom, my guardian, my defender and loudest opponent in all arguments, my teacher, my best friend, the man whom I depended on all my life, turned to me and said, "There's 200 people in this church and a good man waiting at the end of the aisle, If you want to change your mind right now, I've got your back, No one will ever say a bad thing to you about cancelling this wedding. Wow, for real, a way out with no retribution. My Dad was awesome. Feeling totally Empowered, I reached out for my Dads arm. The doors swung open and we walked down the aisle into a new and exciting chapter of life with my wonderful husband. 29 years later... My wish today is LOVE and EMPOWERMENT for everyone!!!

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Laughter and the K.D.W.C.


Talk about fun, last night our friends came down from St. Marys, Montana (one more step north and your in Canada, you know eh?...) and we had the "KILLER DOMINO'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP" right here in our house last night. I Kicked Domino booty!!! They went down like sittin' ducks, easy peasy, (not really it was a total fluke, but it sounds good) Actually, we sit around the table, have a rousing game of Mexican Train Domino's, Yell, cuss, poke fun and harass each other, blow off tons of steam, but the most important part of the evening is the Laughing! We Laugh 'at' each other, 'with' each other, but mostly, at ourselves. Laughing is the only requirement you must heed in the "K.D.W.C." also if you get caught with the 'Double Blank' you're totally screwed!(50 fricken' points! WHAT?) I believe the most healing thing that we can do for our souls is laugh. Our cheek muscles might be a little sore, but our hearts and minds become lighter and brighter. I lived in a 27 ' travel trailer for 10 years on the road with my husband, so believe you me, I am very knowledgeable on this subject! Laughter lifts our spirits so we can soar with the eagles...or just simply make it through another day. My wish today is that everyone has friends to kick booty, and LAUGH LOUD with! Happy Easter Eve.

Friday, April 2, 2010

What A Face!


Today I thought I'd just let Gabby say it...HAVE A GREAT DAY!

Thursday, April 1, 2010

My Dog Drinks...


APRIL FOOLS!!!


Just wanted you to know if Gabby really drank beer, she would probably drink CORONA.

My wish for everyone today is that they always smile and spread a little foolishness around.

The BEST DAY EVER!

Happy April Fools Day! I woke up this morning with a brand new attitude. It's the start of a new day, a new week, a new show season, and I've decided it's going to be GREAT!!! Jump into this wonderful new phase with me. We're all going to have the best year ever! You can feel it, It's in the air... It's exciting and energizing entering a new cycle of "abundance" (good health, increased knowledge, and MORE MONEY). Just reach out and grab it! I say, BRING IT!!! Are you ready? I AM!!!

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Wire Wrapped Stress


My husband and I are trying to teach ourselves (this being the mistake already) a new wire wrap technique. Oh my frickin' gosh! We have now, both stepped on each others last nerve like a hundred times over. We've been together for 29 years, (wait did I get married when I was 9?) and we've worked together on our jewelry business for the last 16 years, so believe me, we know how to push those "buttons". I know eventually we'll get it down, but until then I feel like a giant voice is yelling down from the heavens "IT IS FUTILE TO FIGHT! YOU WEAK EARTHLING REBEL JEWELERS, GIVE IN TO OUR DEMANDS OF INADEQUACY..." We in the underground of 'Sole Proprietorship' will CONQUER ineptitude!!! A new product line is on the way,by heck! Always remember nothing is futile, we all have the POWER of ADEQUACY!!!

Friday, March 26, 2010

Mom's coming home!


My Mom is coming home from her winter home in Arizona. She's like my favorite person in the world. I've missed her, even though we chatted almost every day. Mom is the best, she unconditionally loves and she always forgives. Her faith is strong and she is always kind to everyone. I strive to be half the person she is. She is truly wonderful, but one of the coolest things about my Mom... she is a Trinket Giver. "What is that?" you say, Let me try to explain. A Trinket Giver is a person who always sends a little something something home with someone to brighten up their very dull existence. A tiny refrigerator magnet with a deep inspirational message, or maybe just a laughing bunny figurine. Three kitchen towels because she bought a set of six, and only needed three. A pair of size 11 flip flops that just don't fit her right, maybe because she wears a size 9.(she's so cute!) When ever you leave Mom you leave with a tiny Trinket of her love. The best Trinket ever was last year, after having a wonderful "Mom Meal" and some awesome "Hanging with Mom Time" we headed home. We realized we hadn't left with a Trinket.(What?!!!) Was this the end of an era? A ripple in the time and space continuum? As we tried to find normalcy in our empty Trinket less lives, I reached into my purse to grab my checkbook and "TA DA!" The Trinket! There it was, a can of green beans! Mom had slipped the can into my purse as we were leaving. All was right with the world again. My wish today is "Trinkets For Everyone!!!"

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

GABBY!


Wow! It's incredible out this morning! The sky is blue, the sun is warm, and our wiener dog Gabby is stretched out on a pillow in our window sill. Man, what a life. I've always said, in my next life, I hope I come back as my husbands dog. Talk about the life of Riley. Who is Riley anyway, and why did they have a life everyone envies? Gabby's only worry is whether we've run out of the turkey bologna she's buffaloed us into feeding her. She just stopped eating everything! Even our Vet said, "you've got to find something she'll eat, she has to eat"... How good are you at running things when you can get a professional to let you eat bologna?( she's working us all like the 'cheap suits' that we are.) Here's the thing though, we totally let her. We love her to pieces, and we wouldn't want it any other way. My wish today is that everyone should do something fun, (like shopping for the finest in turkey bologna) or have something you adore (like a very cute but very picky wiener dog) in their lives that oozes love and makes them smile.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Chocolate Decadence


I changed the greeting in my Etsy Shop site today. You'll be able to tell who's on a diet around here. I spent all day typing in every descriptive word I could come up with about Chocolate. How, you know, it's Heaven sent and all the angels sang in harmony the day it was invented etc...I compared it to a Chocolate Decadence Cake, the kind that's not fluffed up with with all that intrusive flour, but gets down to business with cocoa, sugar and butter. So rich you should only have a sliver, but instead you opt for the gargantuan piece that makes you moan for hours. OK enough about CHOCOLATE, but seriously isn't it the greatest? The day I found out it could help your mood swings was the day I started have immense mood swings. What ever it takes Chocolate is the be all end all...milk, dark, extra dark and OK even white chocolate has its place. So I say to you, There are worse habits! Live your Bliss.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

The Evil Widget

OK, this whole winter is full of firsts. Cathi and I spent most of yesterday trying to place a "scrolling Widget" in my blog, and not just any widget, a Scrolling Sky Scrapper 3 Picture Widget. OMG is this for real? HTML, Java script, Widgets what the hell? The day before I tried to use the directions on a website, I clicked right , left, and stared at my computer for 5 hours until Betty explained to me I was just looking at a UTube tutorial video. I hadn't even gone into his website.(Aaarrgggg!!!!) Anyway...back to yesterday, Cathi picked me up and took me home with her to navigate this covert operation on her own computer. I watched in total awe as she moved through the sites with the skill of a Microsoft genius, and then, nothing. We couldn't get that beautiful Widget to go in my blog! It looks so good in hers http://www.thinklocal.blogspot.com/ I was so envious. So before she pulled out all of her hair, which by the way, she had been to the salon earlier that morning and it looked fabulous, we moved out to her art studio. We got down to business out there, building shelves, cleaning, basically making it a little more user friendly. Now this I could handle. Being a laborer, that's me. This computer stuff, not so much. Later last night we were on the phone for a couple hours trying again, (the frickin Widget thing) we actually got the widget in the blog, but of course it was at the top of the blog and nothing else was there, CRAP! Our brains were toast so we quit for the night. This morning I woke up with one mission in mind, the 'Evil' Widget. The house was absolutely quiet, except for the light haunting music of the Sponge Bob Theme. That's as deep as we get at 7:00am. I sat down at the computer, looked at all my notes, and dang it, I did it! Just a mere 7 hours later, I did it! Easy Peasy, just like that, There is a Scrolling Frickin' Widget in my blog. Whew, now that's like 20 hours of my life I'll never get back. Thanks to Cathi for teaching me not to be scared to do things, thanks to my parents for teaching me to finish a job, and thanks to the academy...(there is really not an academy) but there should be!!!! My wish for you is, "May all of your Widget's be where you need them to be". Have a wonderful day.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Wearin' of the Green


Today is St. Patricks Day. Everyone should be wearing a little bit of green. You don't want to get pinched. Remember when you were young at school, you'd be freaking out if you forgot. Oh no! I'm going to get pinched, some creepy kid would notice and point you out. You'd be scrambling for a green pen to draw on yourself, or stuffing grass in your shoes (like you had a new fashion statement) I remember thinking this is the worst day ever. Now wouldn't it be nice if that was all the stress you had to deal with today? Not how am I gonna pay my rent, or how am I gonna pay this bill or that bill. So today I wish for you a little less worry, and a little more fun...Wear a little bit of the green so you don't get pinched!

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

English Breakfast Tea

Today, another first, I went to Tea with my girlfriend Betty. Awesome! It was everything a girl would want in an afternoon. Betty picked me up, a trendy cafe, a Caesar salad, a pot of tea. Me being me, I had mine iced (I know uncool right? but really, it was cool) Then we got down to the business of solving all the worlds problems. Hard work? No, very pleasant actually. It would be a beautiful world if everyone would just listen to me. Just kidding, I don't really have any answers other than what my parents taught me, Never judge anyone, always be kind, be honest, and always work hard. Oh yeah, my mom always told me to get up early, put on my make up, my pretty underwear, and remember my name. I know who I am all right, but I think I've gone wrong, because I have no make up on, and I'm wearing granny panties right now. I'm a frickin REBEL. My wish for you today is be a REBEL!

Monday, March 15, 2010

Welcome to my first blog. I'm excited but very nervous. I'm still trying to figure out how to use my computer. Usually, I'm not defeated by machines, I'm the one in the house that hooks up the VHS, the DVD, the stereo etc...This computer thing though, it seems to be alive,"It's Alive!" I have discussions with it,pull my hair out over it, laugh at it, cry and scream at it, but every now and then I get to feel proud when I learn something new on it. I do however have a wonderful support system. My girlfriend Betty has taught me all my basic computer skills, (Oh how the angels sang the day I "got" cut and paste) she also helped me set up my Etsy shop www.coolmontanajewels.etsy.com then she painstakingly took all the gorgeous photographs of our line. She was beyond kind when she maintained our shop while we were living like gypsies, going from state to state, and show to show selling our handcrafted jewelry. (More on that in future blogs) My girlfriend Cathi, www.thinklocal.etsy.com has helped me hone my basic skills with challenges like, quicker shortcuts, cool backgrounds, and just reading miles of instructions to me, so I could finally comprehend what I was reading. "She has the patience of Job." I'm sounding more and more like my mom everyday. (That's a good thing and a future blog) I am blessed beyond blessation. ( In my bubble world, blessation is a real word) I wasted a lot of time thinking I couldn't do things because I didn't know how, when all I had to do was ask my girlfriends to help me. "My Girlfriends" Wow that sounds awesome to me. A few years ago Cathi told me she didn't know what she would do without the women in her life. She said "A girl needs girlfriends." At the time I didn't really know what she meant. I do now.