tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73667383562238138622024-02-18T21:48:52.810-08:00Be OK With Who You Are, Even If You Want To ChangeWorking on how to improve the second half of my life. First step, Let whatever I do today....Be Enough.Catiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10960198065615014550noreply@blogger.comBlogger83125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366738356223813862.post-70402141059595526422018-03-11T08:55:00.003-07:002018-03-11T08:55:24.541-07:00Onward, as in FORWARD motion..... This blog is cyclical. I write and then abandon it. Come back with every intention of continuing without the abandonment.....and......poof...I am gone again! Let's see if I can keep it going for a bit.<br />
<br />
I think it is interesting that not only is the attention to my blog cyclical, so is the content. One thing that I have learned is the likelihood of dealing with the same "issues" in my life is assured. Thus, moving on from that isn't wrong. It isn't "burying" it. It is ok to acknowledge that there is a struggle, reaffirm my worth and move on. dragging it all out, organizing it, polishing it and then putting it all away again is torture. Moving forward is far more desirable to me at this juncture.<br />
<br />
I am looking forward to documenting my progress forward...........Catiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10960198065615014550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366738356223813862.post-85020651838232249182017-08-27T15:38:00.001-07:002017-08-27T15:38:32.423-07:00Safe places.....I am sure that there are people who read this, however I believe it is few and far between....so it feels like a safe place to put it all out there. It isn't like I haven't put it all out there recently....in public....starting a Go Fund Me account and advertising it on my Facebook page...and recently my Instagram (which is strictly my happy and drama free place). How did I get here you ask? I am going to "tell" this story one more time....here, then I am moving on from it. Since others may read this, I will spare some details that may hurt others. This has been my "story".<br />
<br />
My story begins as a child, feeling as if I was never worthy of love. I have no idea how that was my internal message. Something pre-verbal? However that came to be, it has been my cross to bear. I am slightly socially awkward due to this. I am happy to stay home alone....although I also long to go out and have friends. I have many acquaintances , many special people....none of which I would ask for a ride, or much of anything else. Not because they wouldn't do it, mainly because I (subconsciously) feel I am not worthy. Now....in saying that....please understand that in my 56 years of living, I have made significant progress with my internal message. This means that logically I know it is not true that I "am not worthy". It remains something that I must tell myself, remind myself, and change the self talk.<br />
<br />
Knowing the above helps understand some of the other things that are to come.<br />
<br />
I am a fighter and I have always kept moving forward. I don't sit and wallow and feel sorry for myself. I just have done what it takes to make things happen. I was divorced from the father of my children when the three of them were all under the age of 5 years old. I had no marketable skills. I worked doing whatever I could do. I then put myself through nursing school and became a nurse. I rose quickly in those ranks. I think the "fake it till you make it" philosophy applied. This of course gave me pause as to why I was being promoted.....they made some mistake.....I wasn't really that good. I had gotten an associates degree, so I went back to school and completed my bachelors in nursing. As I did that, I thought how much I loved to learn and applied to the University of Michigan School of Nursing to complete a BSN to PhD program. It would take 5 years. I quit my job and sold my house in the small town I was born and raised in and moved myself to Ann Arbor. My youngest was 20 years old by then, so no harm no foul right? I was given funding, including a stipend. I had $50K in my retirement fund and life was looking pretty sweet. One week before classes began I received a letter stating the NIH grant ,that my funding was coming out of, was now gone...thus....my funding was gone. I scrambled. I took out a student loan and accessed my retirement fund to live on.<br />
<br />
I wrote the above the last day of July 2017. It is now nearly the last day of August 2017. I thought somehow telling it all (which I have not finished) would be my releasing of it all. It seems daunting to tell it all. what if I miss an important piece of the story? Will I want to go back and add to it? GAH....<br />
<br />
So. Moving on. I used my entire $50,000 retirement fund and racked up $250K in student loans. Yes, you earned that correctly. Salt in the wound......I have no advanced degree as a result of all of that money. I completed 3 years of course work in the PhD program, including a master's thesis. I had no effective or meaningful mentor. I was her "first" PhD student. It was wrong how I was handled as a student. After I finished my course work I just needed to complete prelims and my dissertation. I however, was tired of being poor and got a full time job - incorrectly thinking I could do both. Continuous enrollment at the University of Michigan.....for 8 years......when May of 2015 rolled around and I had to withdraw. Instantly I began working on at least getting a masters degree from this horrible situation. In the meantime - I was hired to begin teaching at the School of Nursing - at a clinical instructor...for Fall 2015. My dream come true...even though I have no advanced degree.....teaching is my heart.<br />
<br />
Fast forward. May 2017. In the course of the 2 years since I withdrew, the School of Nursing realized they were amiss in my situation. They developed a Masters of Science degree for students such as myself. I was told I would be confered this degree. The regents approved it...etc, etc. Now....I am told...only current students can be awarded this degree. NOT ME. NOT. ME.<br />
<br />
Forget that I have spent over $300K, including my retirement, that my student loan payments are more than my rent.....that I had to sell my house because of them, AND.....my credit score will never again be high.....or even medium...due to the debt load of the loans. Forget that.......I am not claiming that I PAID for a masters degree......I am stating a fact that I have earned it....EARNED it. 3 years of course work and a master's thesis....truly......I have earned it.<br />
Thus...my continuous fight with a university that is also my employer, for a job that is my dream.<br />
There are many things that I can say....but this tells you what my soul says......in the face of being told NO.....more than you possibly could imagine..........."Throw me to the wolves and I will come back.....Leading the pack".<br />
<br />
There is so much more. I think I have set the ground work though. This is.....the story of my life....and.....my fight to be whole.Catiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10960198065615014550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366738356223813862.post-88102545579180378332017-07-30T11:18:00.009-07:002017-07-30T11:21:15.618-07:00The beating of my heart........................I can feel it, I can hear it.....Let's go back a bit. I didn't get a job for the summer. Paying my bills has been piece by piece, dollar by dollar. Most of those dollars were begged for. I worked for a man who decided to not pay me. That sucked 178 hours of my life. I won't get a paycheck until October 1st. I still have August and September bills to pay. Every single second I think about how I can make money. Every single second I hear my heart beat and feel my heart beat. It is bounding.<br />
<br />
Do you hear it? Do you hear it in every post I make? I have been a victim my entire life. I have survived. I always do. I keep swimming. There must be some way to stop being the victim. There must be some way to make the second half of my life about something to survive and more about something to enjoy.<br />
<br />
First....I have to make it to October 1st.Catiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10960198065615014550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366738356223813862.post-16784935785376011672017-05-16T10:04:00.000-07:002017-05-16T10:04:01.558-07:00Perspectiveperspective comes easy when you have hindsight. Certainly each soul is challenged to see their own perspective.<br />
<br />
I am nearly frozen. Burying my head, trying to avoid tasks that I need to complete. Serious things. Important things. I feel afraid to complete them. I feel afraid to NOT complete them.<br />
<br />
In a order to "search my soul" I decided to come here. Type it out and see if anything makes sense.<br />
<br />
In full disclosure, I am in the process of applying for readmission to the PhD program at the University of Michigan. I am currently a PhD/ABD (all but dissertation) I completed everything for my PhD except my dissertation. The school offered me full funding, including a stipend and health insurance. I still need to put the application in and be officially accepted. I found a dissertation chair (faculty mentor) which was going to be the biggest hurdle. I need to take the majority of the coursework again.<br />
<br />
I think I am afraid. I think I am scared shitless to be exact.<br />
<br />
Money is a huge issue. Not so much during the program, but right now, and during the summer months.<br />
<br />
I am tired. I get kicked in the teeth so much. Nearly every turn I take comes with a teeth kicking. I always pick myself up and dust myself off and move forward. I am just tired of it.<br />
<br />
I am not healthy. I am not sick, however I have not made healthy choices and thus, my body is not as healthy as it should be. Years of unhealthy choices are difficult to break.<br />
<br />
So.....what is causing this avoidance? Likely a combination of all the above. I know that I need to just do it. Just keep swimming.....figure it out and DO IT. I will feel better when it is done. I think that is what is the most perplexing part. It feels terrible to know I need to do it and NOT be doing it. I know I will feel better once I do these things....so WHY?<br />
<br />
I found some courage here. As I had hoped. Now to do it.Catiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10960198065615014550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366738356223813862.post-68624747314247789862017-03-20T06:17:00.002-07:002017-03-20T06:17:34.921-07:00Quick thoughtI have many things to say. I seem to communicate effectively in writing vs. speaking. My lectures are nearly flawless when I am lecturing about topics I know deeply and that I am passionate about. When speaking about my inner feelings, it seems I trip over my words. I am not able to find the words to attach to my voice. When I allow my fingers to be the conduit to my inner thoughts, the words seem to flow out as I feel them. Thus, it makes sense to put them down here.<br />
<br />
Time seems to escape me. I try different things to manage my time better, it is difficult to stick to anything. Currently I am trying to bullet journal. I really want it to work. Nevertheless, I already am challenged by keeping it current.<br />
<br />
I am feeling a bit of pressure knowing that I am not teaching this summer. I don't really want to work in the formal sense of the word. I really want to use the time to explore, create and share. That is a big pipe dream when I have bills to pay! I am going to be creative though and work out some plan.<br />
<br />
My reading this morning included this "I don't have to finish in order to be whole".....finish as it relates to personal growth.<br />
<br />
Read that again. I don't have to finish in order to be whole. That is such a freeing statement. Truly. How many times in working on something have I thought....ok....once I get a handle on this.....I will be close. It is never ending. Life, improvement of self, all of it.....is constant. We don't have to finish for us to be enough, JUST THE WAY WE ARE RIGHT NOW.<br />
<br />
REVELATION. Mind Blown. More later.Catiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10960198065615014550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366738356223813862.post-38905362672398643022017-03-17T21:26:00.001-07:002017-03-17T21:26:20.867-07:00Long time......It has been some time since I have been here. I need to write more here. It is cathartic.Many things have changed since I last posted. Mainly the looming divorce, the sale of my home and the move to an apartment in Ann Arbor. I enjoy living alone although I do miss my house (and my washer and dryer). All in all.....I keep moving forward. I will be back more often.Catiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10960198065615014550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366738356223813862.post-77429537693841690982015-03-18T22:20:00.002-07:002015-03-19T03:37:17.207-07:00Confused.......I would really like to know, in no uncertain terms.....how is it that I, for 53 years now have dealt with this feeling of insecurity? Really....do other people have this horrifying feeling of being an imposter? For their entire life?<br />
<br />
I turn a corner, I rise above and cut the ties to old stories and write new stories.....then a new chapter opens and it is all the same stuff......like some wolf in sheeps clothing.......like some painfully horrible nightmare that you want to wake up from and no matter how hard you pinch yourself you don't wake up, you just keep living in this nightmare.<br />
<br />
When does it end? WHEN? seriously, shouldn't there be some reward for coming around the mountain for the 40th time? For crying out loud, this is just insane. How can your mental state KNOW, logically, mindfully you know it is all a veil of deciept ....yet emotionally you are back at the beginning of the every loving, god forsaken, FUCKING path that you already walked 40 times....isn't there a place of rest from it?<br />
<br />
AND then...to add salt to the wound....failure for real comes nipping at my heels?<br />
<br />
<br />
Sooo...let's put this into perspective. I have been succesful all of these years....but have felt like a failure. I recently get myself to the point that I can cut old ties and say....that is not my story any longer.....I am moving forward with my new story. I truly, truly walked away from the old story..................and now....the reality is that the old story may just be true?<br />
<br />
WHAT THE FUCK? No. Seriously. What the fuck.....I just shake my head......I must have lead a horrible life in my past life.........and this life is paying the price.<br />
<br />
Would it really be so bad to just start a new life? I am actually worth more dead then I am alive. So Dave actually would be better off. My kids have moved on...they would miss me....but...only once in a while. I of course have no courge to do anything like what I am suggesting, so if you are reading this, please don't worry.....I am just thinking out loud....getting out some emotion that apparently needs to come out.<br />
I think for the first time in my life, my rose colored glasses have fallen off and I just don't see how it is going to get better and I don't know what I am going to do when/if it gets worse. My whole life I have laughed at all the rotten shit that has happened to me and said.....let's just keep moving forward, let's make this life what we want it to be, no matter what gets thrown at us.......I think I finally have hit the end of it......and if this all falls apart now........I truly, truly don't know what I will do....I don't know how to fix any of this......not one fucking clue.<br />
I know I need to keep moving forward and hope to keep it all together.....but.........honestly, I am so tired...soo so tired. I need a break......I need something to go my way...something to make this NOT fall apart.....it just can't.....my polly anna just walked out the door......Catiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10960198065615014550noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366738356223813862.post-42737043815114687372014-09-30T18:29:00.000-07:002014-09-30T18:29:32.165-07:00Welcome Everything.....Push away nothing.........Welcome everything and push away nothing is a mantra that a spiritual teacher of mine said to me. It sounds fairly straight forward and quite easy....until you think about what that actually means. Welcome everything. Every bad feeling, every unsure thought, every piece of sadness and grief........everything....welcome it ALL. Don't push away anything.......don't say....."no I am not going to feel this right now.......rather.Welcome.everything.push.away.nothing.<br />
<br />
Who has time for that? We all should. We all need to allow the feelings and emotions that waft through us to be acknowledged. It doesn't mean that we "wallow" in them. Meditation requires us to focus on the present moment. Often I find the "monkey mind" where my thoughts are jumping around from thought to thought. As we learn to control our thoughts we realize that it isn't that we don't THINK these thoughts, but rather, allow them to come and then to go. Similar to a screen door to the mind. The thoughts come, we acknowledge them and then allow them to go on through the screen.<br />
<br />
So, my father died 3 weeks ago. I am doing very well with my grief. I am allowing it to be present when it needs to be. I am feeling the significance of the loss. What is complicating this for me is the nature of some of the remaining relationships.<br />
<br />
For the majority of my life there is someone that has hurt me. I now need to make a decision if I will continue to have a relationship with this person. There is a part of me that believes this is a no brainer....certainly it is time to end the cyclical process of hurt and forgiveness...........and another part of me that is simply confused by other thoughts.<br />
<br />
I need a safe place to vocalize everything to help myself come to some conclusion that is the right thing to do. These thoughts and feelings about this situation are heavy and they don't just breeze through the screen door....they settle in my mind and don't allow me to sort them out..........they just sit on top of my chest, so I feel a bit like I am suffocating...........this of course makes me want to push them away.........yet I need to Welcome everything and push away nothing...........<br />
<br />
<br />Catiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10960198065615014550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366738356223813862.post-77439585140299950602014-09-06T12:44:00.001-07:002014-09-06T12:44:45.195-07:00Ticking onI am happy that I can say that I have not lost my father yet. He continues to fight this battle between life and death. I can only imagine how difficult this battle is for him on the inside, working for every single breath. Knowing that he is not afraid to die, that is not why he is fighting.....he has a vision of where he is going and is excited to be there when the time is right. He just doesn't believe that it is his time.....so even though his lungs are failing, his heart is failing, his kidney has failed......he keeps on ticking. There is a large part of me that does not want to see him suffer and wants him to move on to the better place he is going to. But this small part of me is very happy to have my dad still here.....that I can still say that my father is not dead. Although he hasn't been able to kiss me or hug me, or tell me that he loves me...he is still here. I do selfishly hope I get those one more time.......Catiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10960198065615014550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366738356223813862.post-44295308092790309952014-09-04T13:36:00.000-07:002014-09-04T13:36:03.716-07:00Confessions of a daughter about ot lose her father..........I am one of 8 people that my father has called his children for the last 43 years. There are 7 of us left and all total 55 and that doesn't count those who are part of the family but just not married in yet. On top of that, he is one of 8 children himself.....and that family numbers into the hundreds. Moreover, he is one of the most loved members of our family. Thus....this man who lays dying in the bed next to me has streams of people coming to see him......and all I want is to be here with him.....alone....Selfish beyond measure, no question. However, given the fact that this is the man that loves me like no one else could ever love me......not too surprising. I at least recognize this selfishness and I am not pushing anyone out of the door! It is a silent selfishness......and I pray it is not visible to anyone else here as they all deserve to be here and feel the unselfish soul of this giant of a man.Catiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10960198065615014550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366738356223813862.post-32710153006895486752014-09-03T21:43:00.001-07:002014-09-03T21:43:16.914-07:00SufferingA insightful teacher of mine shared this on his facebook tonight. I needed to read this:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #141823; display: block; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Suffering is exacerbated by avoidance. The effort to avoid no matter how normal or natural simply doesn’t work. Even if you think you’re successful—look more closely, you will realize your not. There is the dread of the sufferings return. There is the way we carry the unacknowledged, undigested suffering in the body.</div>
<div style="color: #141823; display: block; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 6px;">
Our avoidance and attempts at false self-protection cause us to live in a small dark corner of our life. We imagine there is nothing we can do about our sufferi<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">ng and so we slip into a numbing paralysis.</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
But there is a sense of possibility and even ease that emerges when we realize that we have a capacity to bear witness …to turn toward what we have tried to avoid.</div>
</div>
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><div class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 6px;">
When we breathe and just let it be there. Not defending ourselves against it. Not trying to talk ourselves out of it. Not trying to figure out strategies to fix it… we allow the suffering space. Anything we give space to can move. It is free to open, to unfold, to revel its true causes. Often in allowing, we discover a point of stillness, even peacefulness—right in the middle of the suffering. </div>
</div>
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px;"><a aria-haspopup="true" aria-owns="js_77" class="" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1244749645" href="https://www.facebook.com/frank.ostaseski?fref=photo" id="js_78" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" tabindex="0">Frank Ostaseski</a></span><br />
This place that I am in, the colliding of the daughter in me and the hospice professional, is really me attempting to avoid suffering. I have said tonight "I need to be on top of this to get my dad through this, then I can cry" The truth is I just don't want to feel the pain of losing my father. I don't want to suffer that experience. I think it is time to sit in meditation and be with the present even if the present is something I think I wish to avoid.Catiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10960198065615014550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366738356223813862.post-85601256531486538132014-08-20T18:33:00.002-07:002014-08-20T18:33:31.219-07:00VertigoIf you have never experienced vertigo, count yourself lucky! I have had a dizzy spell before.....trust me when I say that vertigo is much more than a dizzy spell. The world spins....even when you are laying in bed with your eyes closed. This sensation logically leads to nausea and when lasting long enough you become diaphoretic (sweat like a pig). I have had 3 episodes of this in the last few weeks. The first one I was seen by a doctor and he said I had fluid behind my eardrums. He called this a viral infection in my ears and gave me zofran (for nausea) and antivert (to help with the dizziness). The second time was during yoga. (yes, it ruined a yoga session....that did not make me happy). The third time was today. My boss was around (he is a nurse practitioner) and he took my blood pressure, which was high (it is typically low). I am finished with my audit here in Illinois so I could have driven back to Michigan. Needless to say, when the world is spinning, I probably shouldn't drive. So I am in the hotel hoping to be well enough to get back to Michigan tomorrow. I will go to work at my Grand Rapids office for a bit then go to see my father who will be coming home from the hospital and signing up with Hospice care. I want him to feel as good as he can and to live as long as he can and I know that hospice can help him do that. It has been a stressful week and really....it is only half over! :)Catiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10960198065615014550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366738356223813862.post-35652018509489547012014-07-21T04:21:00.002-07:002014-07-21T04:21:40.441-07:00Can't quite put my finger on it.........Life is incredibly cyclical. A more crude way to put it.....same shit, different day. I remind myself that each day I learn and grow. If I think back to who I was when I was 18, I can see the maturity and the growth. Yet, I can also see the same little girl. Quirky, awkward, and often confused. I think that is part of what life is about, learning to deal with those quirky parts of you that seem to tag along all through life. Today I am tired of the learning process. Tired of this awkward part of me that feels lost and confused. I really just want to reach this calm peacefuly moment of self appreciation and love. It isn't that I don't have those moments now, it is more that I think that by this point there shouldn't be moments of the SAME awkward confusion. At least give me something new to deal with! :) Oh boy....Lets not put that out into the universe! Ok. Those words were begging to be spoken and this is the only place I had to do it. Now that I got that off my chest, hopefully some of this negative vibe will flee and peace will settle in. Perhaps even a good cry.Catiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10960198065615014550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366738356223813862.post-67455295153643034822014-05-10T04:48:00.002-07:002014-05-10T04:48:36.290-07:00Bead Soup Blog Party Reveal DayWelcome to the 8th Bead Soup Blog Party Reveal Post! I had <a href="http://www.junipergoods.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Chandra</a> as my partner. You can click on the link to see her blog and her reveal. Now, to remind you of what she sent to me......<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglULwg7LSJvmOcavtwRzd-TCeGPxVQXVcXTiOMIZSEwD-MAIKyeUj3WOP1wi3HzqGXm_gOECtKmN75cnsHpUTmgvnnMT3YSsGqVO8O0EkYW9uOzZVyvG4pumsVOQHL3cPo-NCE2ups7e-m/s1600/DSC06905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglULwg7LSJvmOcavtwRzd-TCeGPxVQXVcXTiOMIZSEwD-MAIKyeUj3WOP1wi3HzqGXm_gOECtKmN75cnsHpUTmgvnnMT3YSsGqVO8O0EkYW9uOzZVyvG4pumsVOQHL3cPo-NCE2ups7e-m/s1600/DSC06905.JPG" height="320" width="297" /></a></div>
Chandra certainly was generous in the amount that she sent for me to work with! Basically 3 color pallettes. It was so sweet on she had them wrapped in the dragonfly tissue paper. I fully enjoyed that and the music paper that was the envelope! Now.....what to do.......<br />
<br />
<br />
First I tackled the Wire Wrapped Cabachon....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjStWBlwkCzxSZtswuuFOieMgKXu8ePm0N5JpKAzvXj8VhGxGYQMlu-i7gCpvxCOiPJ-l-lGHs0Y6Nu5wuCe7UlGvipQJj08MHjTV7UgLORgr4yMVzhk3JyIUACpskbYc1gv9YM4RgKhaMZ/s1600/DSC07407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjStWBlwkCzxSZtswuuFOieMgKXu8ePm0N5JpKAzvXj8VhGxGYQMlu-i7gCpvxCOiPJ-l-lGHs0Y6Nu5wuCe7UlGvipQJj08MHjTV7UgLORgr4yMVzhk3JyIUACpskbYc1gv9YM4RgKhaMZ/s1600/DSC07407.JPG" height="320" width="312" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQ1dweIFvr5HSxqxJ_VTcv6yseaIMPiIgpiAitF2OY_kgldLuB59N1U6hE3BfC1KgXwmD-OlU0zDGWiY4AbGb0HYmgvsBz5eJU0T5ocSGnq00M8yB8ZphWvGOMue65p6WPdlQ__Zhwivw/s1600/DSC07408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQ1dweIFvr5HSxqxJ_VTcv6yseaIMPiIgpiAitF2OY_kgldLuB59N1U6hE3BfC1KgXwmD-OlU0zDGWiY4AbGb0HYmgvsBz5eJU0T5ocSGnq00M8yB8ZphWvGOMue65p6WPdlQ__Zhwivw/s1600/DSC07408.jpg" height="320" width="204" /></a></div>
I had some natural fresh water pearls that were large and not completly round. I loved them, but just had not found a way to use them. I also wanted a necklace that sat a bit higher when I wore it. So I decided that Memory wire was my ticket. I added some glass pearls in the back and silver from my stash to acent it with a silver flower charm hanging from the focal piece. I like it :)<br />
Now for some of the other beads in that color scheme......<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4jCtH8TwIeOh8AAKIJh8XGvc6h4fCcPewxz6ryWS8DR2TGlge46B3hSkeXmo_fLSF0hj5UgzXPSTxeuZ5FRkI11aBl-OQ9QmC6W7FDdiT-wRTdbc1P7MeT60czzFOP7NWR4ZcvFLVBqP/s1600/DSC07409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4jCtH8TwIeOh8AAKIJh8XGvc6h4fCcPewxz6ryWS8DR2TGlge46B3hSkeXmo_fLSF0hj5UgzXPSTxeuZ5FRkI11aBl-OQ9QmC6W7FDdiT-wRTdbc1P7MeT60czzFOP7NWR4ZcvFLVBqP/s1600/DSC07409.JPG" height="283" width="320" /></a></div>
I had the memory wire out and I just kept going with it.....Pink and purple together is a favorite of mine....adding some of my silver stash to some silver colored beads that chandra sent I created this lovely bracelet! At the ends I added a charm to dangle. I love the purple and pink together in this piece!<br />
Now...on to the Green!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1eX7KEg-lBgV9NMxH3CVl8132uenun1KlXpuEElHpqYwosRU6nBOIR4qtR_aDQGcibD7QjWhKb9Gf0jZKXoovREX4Tn4dsYNLD_5P1cHOxATLMfh_mLT7-1aMg28rp3RJzqNcW_Ue8oU/s1600/DSC07411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1eX7KEg-lBgV9NMxH3CVl8132uenun1KlXpuEElHpqYwosRU6nBOIR4qtR_aDQGcibD7QjWhKb9Gf0jZKXoovREX4Tn4dsYNLD_5P1cHOxATLMfh_mLT7-1aMg28rp3RJzqNcW_Ue8oU/s1600/DSC07411.JPG" height="268" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLwvZgablnc8D1ZD7Tra5wKLPoN4j93qz8AvSm32BvDBKzi7toqi8iY2R1aqLM17o9oa_XzEtqOGi-2NpCRIvrGfQVpOmvlVlW4hb8exa8JjgtwxYnzekZ2wZ_mQR0mcnJsZdIXDWWPm6/s1600/DSC07412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLwvZgablnc8D1ZD7Tra5wKLPoN4j93qz8AvSm32BvDBKzi7toqi8iY2R1aqLM17o9oa_XzEtqOGi-2NpCRIvrGfQVpOmvlVlW4hb8exa8JjgtwxYnzekZ2wZ_mQR0mcnJsZdIXDWWPm6/s1600/DSC07412.JPG" height="320" width="272" /></a></div>
Green hands down is my favorite color. The 4 tile beads that Chandra sent are just lovely. As you can see...I just kept grabbing the memory wire. I actually never use it and I have a lot of it! So it was fun to see what I could create with it. I added some rondelle beads from my stash to complete this bracelet. Again at the ends I used some silver colored charms that Chandra sent me (we both sent each other dragon fly charms!) The one dragon fly here I think was the clasp however it didn't have the other piece to use it as a clasp...so this is how I used the clasp....as a charm! :)<br />
<br />
More...YES...there is more! Another bracelet.......<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMYIkC-0ecYAuhXjDroxMjgaFfF-MqXjjMOOaNJg6dqS1nX8BUgY5d4iNBLKMYmeW4SYlwGLFndAwOXT0_Z11ZMR0ogQK7nTFgouHy-njQP69dxoa8hjvJfxBOWmTMVgY0kGW58oUIxUb/s1600/DSC07417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMYIkC-0ecYAuhXjDroxMjgaFfF-MqXjjMOOaNJg6dqS1nX8BUgY5d4iNBLKMYmeW4SYlwGLFndAwOXT0_Z11ZMR0ogQK7nTFgouHy-njQP69dxoa8hjvJfxBOWmTMVgY0kGW58oUIxUb/s1600/DSC07417.JPG" height="189" width="320" /></a></div>
Chandra sent a very pretty Lampwork bead so I added some silver from my stash and grabbed that memory wire again! Added some of the pearl like beads Chandra sent I created this very sweet blue bracelet. Ok....ONE more to share!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDV4oGrdlHk0rlAsOG6wd3AloaHvlNMkCOUGVocGnVpRL8baXh-zbmiT_Bw_4b12B0vvBf_TBWpr_P5P6nw6kS4ZMgUJnwM4Zw4jqf7_Mr9mnrB3qpr59-Enbo7uXp3B8dNoiT8-TcPye/s1600/DSC07413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDV4oGrdlHk0rlAsOG6wd3AloaHvlNMkCOUGVocGnVpRL8baXh-zbmiT_Bw_4b12B0vvBf_TBWpr_P5P6nw6kS4ZMgUJnwM4Zw4jqf7_Mr9mnrB3qpr59-Enbo7uXp3B8dNoiT8-TcPye/s1600/DSC07413.JPG" height="264" width="320" /></a></div>
Yes, just a little more memory wire for the bracelet! However the necklace I strung with some glass pearls that I had and then the lovely stone like beads that Chandra sent and the very pretty focal that she so lovingly wire wrapped for me! Coral IS the color this season and this is a very pretty group! I also wanted some matching earrings!<br />
There you have it! There were some additional pieces, so there is actually more that I can create! I am playing around to see if I want to take anything apart and try something else.....It is challenging to get pieces that you are not familiar working with and creating something with them. It also is LOADS of fun! Thank you Chandra for sharing with me! Also a shout out to Lori Anderson who is the host of this wonderful party!<br />
<br />
Please be sure and check out the MANY other participants and see what they did with their items! The full list is <a href="http://www.prettythingsblog.com/2014/05/welcome-to-8th-bead-soup-blog-party.html" target="_blank">HERE</a><br />
<br />Catiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10960198065615014550noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366738356223813862.post-58215804901160067752014-04-06T06:08:00.003-07:002014-04-06T06:08:38.460-07:00Yoga<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKl7GMd1fxNxtHaE7OrzUiKKfR3rr06oDLmZ8lkGi9lbCaxSa94QI1Djz6tS0fkMTZpeLjUtf18XW0Pal25bXG-MvKJMMPgY1YpBFmXYkz1w78BE9SrfoSjNGBP0klzFk-q0-y7TTLN2X1/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKl7GMd1fxNxtHaE7OrzUiKKfR3rr06oDLmZ8lkGi9lbCaxSa94QI1Djz6tS0fkMTZpeLjUtf18XW0Pal25bXG-MvKJMMPgY1YpBFmXYkz1w78BE9SrfoSjNGBP0klzFk-q0-y7TTLN2X1/s1600/Slide1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Catiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10960198065615014550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366738356223813862.post-41399536228503412042014-03-20T17:22:00.001-07:002014-03-20T17:22:23.089-07:00Soup IngredientsMy partner has recieved her soup ingredients, so it is safe for me to share some photos of what I sent her!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkL8UiT-yXFiavwJyM2dYrLeBkigxPB5KuxaL_OR1X_gKRLNzN3pnlcVRwcFs3qFTMS6egKTYMT7ioUpUwUVIeNsmddwt93Nkecyw93T1uRspH0eyp3G_ucb1dIsbz5GOdwndmFYP6H4j5/s1600/DSC06748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkL8UiT-yXFiavwJyM2dYrLeBkigxPB5KuxaL_OR1X_gKRLNzN3pnlcVRwcFs3qFTMS6egKTYMT7ioUpUwUVIeNsmddwt93Nkecyw93T1uRspH0eyp3G_ucb1dIsbz5GOdwndmFYP6H4j5/s1600/DSC06748.JPG" height="256" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Focal Lampwork Bead by Kim of BluffRoad Glass!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixg59FEJJBSKwGID12cJZuH5DIXmnU96qyHUtF6DDjNAsLomZ1e7knCdPWinVzX4oz_0ACRs7kTwZAJpsrFbWd20GaRx0RLPmzowtHzCaitlT4D_zulITq7k1GTuQ2WwTWCj8OS2VWxn_U/s1600/DSC06752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixg59FEJJBSKwGID12cJZuH5DIXmnU96qyHUtF6DDjNAsLomZ1e7knCdPWinVzX4oz_0ACRs7kTwZAJpsrFbWd20GaRx0RLPmzowtHzCaitlT4D_zulITq7k1GTuQ2WwTWCj8OS2VWxn_U/s1600/DSC06752.JPG" height="206" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clasp By Metal Me This!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDm4PMwFFJpqutEyBUPngGrJfpfM3IIO9xI6aCkg0gl4ncfYJI3hb5My4smz6kLmSGkwdvdpDy6Obs0ZvpmUs0i06i_OR3w5t6dvisqcqU6Dyt70VkB83QUx3JM61HEUORGPZGeFXDq5lK/s1600/DSC06754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDm4PMwFFJpqutEyBUPngGrJfpfM3IIO9xI6aCkg0gl4ncfYJI3hb5My4smz6kLmSGkwdvdpDy6Obs0ZvpmUs0i06i_OR3w5t6dvisqcqU6Dyt70VkB83QUx3JM61HEUORGPZGeFXDq5lK/s1600/DSC06754.JPG" height="221" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcrNCircouAIsGTe8W4jZA7c9aODv-Z0E1ozQml7lxueNwNFteLgt6N4Z6gM1fZ7-FMo0QeCsPyT913ISyZh7LPTuVTv-CD_aouXARxtJlkWdJZSGrVaf0zTjs23TiOhJibRWP1CAKioQ/s1600/DSC06749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcrNCircouAIsGTe8W4jZA7c9aODv-Z0E1ozQml7lxueNwNFteLgt6N4Z6gM1fZ7-FMo0QeCsPyT913ISyZh7LPTuVTv-CD_aouXARxtJlkWdJZSGrVaf0zTjs23TiOhJibRWP1CAKioQ/s1600/DSC06749.JPG" height="320" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carnelian and Onyx Gemstones and plenty of silver!<br /><br />I didn't realize how terrible my photos were! I can't wait to see what Chandra makes with it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Catiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10960198065615014550noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366738356223813862.post-88763958877503838202014-03-15T06:22:00.000-07:002014-03-15T06:22:21.355-07:00Time of Change, or at least the preparation for itYesterday I picked up my Kiln from the glass shop that I had it stored at when I attempted to melt glass there. It is covered with dust and cobwebs and the element has fallen down inside. I have no idea yet if it will even work for me. It is a Glass Hive Kiln though and I know if I call Mike and Pam that they will help me to get it in working order again. As Spring comes to our lovely State I plan to get my studio set up in our garage so I have that creative outlet back again.<br />
<br />
Next, I have lost 85 pounds and have stopped losing. I need to lose a bit more, so I need to ramp up my exercise program and evaluate my nutrition. I am choosing Yoga as my main form of exercise. Anyone who has pariticipated in Yoga knows the benefits it has for strengthening and toning your body. It also is excellent for your mind and soul. I have a DVD and a yoga mat I can take with me to work each week and on the weekend I am planning to go to a studio on Saturdays to get to participate with a group.<br />
<br />
My dissertation. I have been on Medical Leave for the last 2 semesters. I will officially begin again in the Fall, however between now and September I have a lot of work to accomplish. No doubt that I need to hire a dissertation coach. I need to finish this off in 2 semesters so that I can graduate next spring. This is imperative.<br />
<br />
There is much to accomplish in the course of the next few months. My focus will need to be diligent as I move through all of this. It is time for me to take care of these things and move forward in my life. Thus, I am putting it in writing here on my blog. When I write something out, I live it. It is like I am putting it out to the universe, or saying a prayer. If you have come here and read this, if you think of it, I would be grateful for your thoughts and prayers for me this year as I move through these important milestones of my life. Thank you for reading and may your life be full of peace and Joy.Catiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10960198065615014550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366738356223813862.post-59898083252991819142014-03-14T15:26:00.000-07:002014-03-14T15:26:00.438-07:00Soup is on!MY SOUP ARRIVED!!!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRITWmvKYYkrdeFWLZIs2hazIFaAMKAp-naDewifPB-Jm2_T5vk_DIeMbg3V-ppKeqJODsYwvIrTVutOqSbZN9Q5B0tpq61LxYJAqRoCghu4iNJzRa2Zb5GN7sbGsKctPh_Cyal6pSA6TL/s1600/DSC06903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRITWmvKYYkrdeFWLZIs2hazIFaAMKAp-naDewifPB-Jm2_T5vk_DIeMbg3V-ppKeqJODsYwvIrTVutOqSbZN9Q5B0tpq61LxYJAqRoCghu4iNJzRa2Zb5GN7sbGsKctPh_Cyal6pSA6TL/s1600/DSC06903.JPG" height="156" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5 groupings lovingly wrapped in dragonfly tissue paper!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOnX7VS7t3RyyGGCw4djk02PsJ5Lc-8xe5i0Mj53Nh5T2Nn0gJ5-0QbRpSzSYmiV6QmGdylY017VI0ctE9LrPsvyFXV7WyR_YlVugwu9uo4KvKqabLcLygWLO7TMl71hp-2FV-ygCc-I4Y/s1600/DSC06905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOnX7VS7t3RyyGGCw4djk02PsJ5Lc-8xe5i0Mj53Nh5T2Nn0gJ5-0QbRpSzSYmiV6QmGdylY017VI0ctE9LrPsvyFXV7WyR_YlVugwu9uo4KvKqabLcLygWLO7TMl71hp-2FV-ygCc-I4Y/s1600/DSC06905.JPG" height="320" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OH MY!! 3 different soups!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlIZWkWzla5-XXNAXTSE57rQjixmiiyB2zaR5qf_FL-k7Bf1S0RtUNNAaMRI68mxbsedKUrsLXBYRHfVCv3H2QyO3y_hvAMqGje6BdqQHhdI8rACdw4yWfDuFMTX7Y63lQO5g03mXHGjG/s1600/DSC06906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlIZWkWzla5-XXNAXTSE57rQjixmiiyB2zaR5qf_FL-k7Bf1S0RtUNNAaMRI68mxbsedKUrsLXBYRHfVCv3H2QyO3y_hvAMqGje6BdqQHhdI8rACdw4yWfDuFMTX7Y63lQO5g03mXHGjG/s1600/DSC06906.JPG" height="226" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I LOVE green, it is the color of life and these are simply stunning! 2 cabs and a stone, I think I will be trying my hand at wire wrapping!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCdMN2L7icpxQ8SsB8FhpVYyqwZhrb_ko29HVpwiLOetyEGUKH8DKhlpwlAzfVKKwAiOOcLgU98WYKOkOfCDgyRxxNPxV32M1JVEfiShwuIMwbrolPw95475URon6V6WfPvv3ZFCWrPlv/s1600/DSC06907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCdMN2L7icpxQ8SsB8FhpVYyqwZhrb_ko29HVpwiLOetyEGUKH8DKhlpwlAzfVKKwAiOOcLgU98WYKOkOfCDgyRxxNPxV32M1JVEfiShwuIMwbrolPw95475URon6V6WfPvv3ZFCWrPlv/s1600/DSC06907.JPG" height="254" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A purple collection with a gorgeous cab that Chandra wire wrapped for me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidM4bNkIY9ofue3BXkdtsgtt4wb7KE5VpRkOWW7Gp7LEz6DWYArECVHcS0b8pxJeMeC-CesG6yT1lZc6hugkV7GJuZqzq-jxbNcFrqS8fAoqmO9MT1YtuqFFSizJBATanB4C2PQkq62plk/s1600/DSC06908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidM4bNkIY9ofue3BXkdtsgtt4wb7KE5VpRkOWW7Gp7LEz6DWYArECVHcS0b8pxJeMeC-CesG6yT1lZc6hugkV7GJuZqzq-jxbNcFrqS8fAoqmO9MT1YtuqFFSizJBATanB4C2PQkq62plk/s1600/DSC06908.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pink collection with a gorgeous stone that Chandra also did a beautiful job of wire wrapping!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7XLO-cp9DlkHL-prbQIV0_aQhHmsWrUMRodpafPqWIa7z0MReg-57T7jCAji7a7cwxMwQZL95emhmvh_pe2KDZ3pEmqX3J9wOPGiWh25sa5U63y0Za8pzIsX2PL6o69qynehTSrGz2FN/s1600/DSC06909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7XLO-cp9DlkHL-prbQIV0_aQhHmsWrUMRodpafPqWIa7z0MReg-57T7jCAji7a7cwxMwQZL95emhmvh_pe2KDZ3pEmqX3J9wOPGiWh25sa5U63y0Za8pzIsX2PL6o69qynehTSrGz2FN/s1600/DSC06909.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely pearl beads and silver charms and toggles to create something lovely!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kWCK9-BIpT-2gfutauk-GSM1hQpbykfcngosZcPP-HOOzUWYl6VaYoZdocfA551SDS2UwLtyDhLnptfHrLyEfEZvs42IUC_u_bU2naULsNQLEf7eCEQDgpjGk4zTcYETh-BKog6vn-ac/s1600/DSC06911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kWCK9-BIpT-2gfutauk-GSM1hQpbykfcngosZcPP-HOOzUWYl6VaYoZdocfA551SDS2UwLtyDhLnptfHrLyEfEZvs42IUC_u_bU2naULsNQLEf7eCEQDgpjGk4zTcYETh-BKog6vn-ac/s1600/DSC06911.JPG" height="222" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgoocPa-4pMFIpJttIZipHiAbzJih5nPbTyVQKCD1qVwz04uRit-_8gGSCHymsb4LOhGsRCDUF3Wr2qiX9qSo7bqDl1xb1L063MLYQiMbnClziziK50izZCKbdUpKWE_oQ8JrxQhs-Lah_/s1600/DSC06913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgoocPa-4pMFIpJttIZipHiAbzJih5nPbTyVQKCD1qVwz04uRit-_8gGSCHymsb4LOhGsRCDUF3Wr2qiX9qSo7bqDl1xb1L063MLYQiMbnClziziK50izZCKbdUpKWE_oQ8JrxQhs-Lah_/s1600/DSC06913.JPG" height="320" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this cab, it is just gorgeous!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjesm1zsKsb7DniN0w35p76M0JcaAbnLSapxHvMKgBzKF7s7fUxtZSflmRxmGQAQdOGJvGzMN33wq7JErml0yj2eA-EmEgtTb4JxG9Yhurb0nosaX2BwsIjAVQISfMuN0vlaJ9A8-xcAm4-/s1600/DSC06915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjesm1zsKsb7DniN0w35p76M0JcaAbnLSapxHvMKgBzKF7s7fUxtZSflmRxmGQAQdOGJvGzMN33wq7JErml0yj2eA-EmEgtTb4JxG9Yhurb0nosaX2BwsIjAVQISfMuN0vlaJ9A8-xcAm4-/s1600/DSC06915.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This stone is beautiful and Chandra's wire work is amazing!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEineTEEhIMKcxjrbp_potMp2FewPSJpwr9arUbcpEsTiKBRGpCQ04W1tj-p-3Ydv3tHGj8h4ATzzfBO6AOARb64ZVHBzePiI-RmE5RzJrGPQLDWotWxBZhPoa92qf2wtcVj98ASIPIcD7Lc/s1600/DSC06901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEineTEEhIMKcxjrbp_potMp2FewPSJpwr9arUbcpEsTiKBRGpCQ04W1tj-p-3Ydv3tHGj8h4ATzzfBO6AOARb64ZVHBzePiI-RmE5RzJrGPQLDWotWxBZhPoa92qf2wtcVj98ASIPIcD7Lc/s1600/DSC06901.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />My oh my! How much fun will I be having over the next few weeks creating something with the ingredients of this soup! Be sure and stop back to find out! Thank you Chandra for such a generous and lovely soup!<br /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Catiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10960198065615014550noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366738356223813862.post-39836190216497176652014-03-14T06:43:00.002-07:002014-03-14T06:43:33.974-07:00Meet My Bead Soup Partner - ChandraOh, I am so excited! My Bead Soup partner is a beautiful soul! Her Blog <a href="http://www.junipergoods.blogspot.com/2014/03/bead-soup-blog-party.html" target="_blank">Juniper Goods</a> shows her beautiful creative work. You can really see the beauty in her soul when you look at her <a href="http://www.junipergoods.blogspot.com/2013/08/prismatic-lotus.html" target="_blank">prismatic Lotus'</a> and her giving heart with what she did on her <a href="http://www.junipergoods.blogspot.com/2014/01/birthday-acts-of-kindness-flying.html" target="_blank">Birthday</a> . I heard of this Random Act of Kindness Birthday about 6 months ago and I though for my birthday this year that I would do this as well, so it was wonderful to read about someone doing this. I have appreciated Buddha and his teachings for 7 years now and found meditation to be healing to my mind and soul. Chandra is a teacher of meditation! Could it be that the universe brought us together to share with each other? I believe so! I do hope that she loves what I sent and I know that I will love what she sends to me. I can't wait to see what she makes with her soup and I am excited to show what I make with my soup!Catiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10960198065615014550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366738356223813862.post-56509664622327004032014-03-07T11:46:00.001-08:002014-03-07T11:46:43.394-08:00Getting ready to ship!Ok, I couldn't resist! This is my soup that I am planning to ship to Chandra! Yes, I am aware that you can't see anything! HA! She gets to see it first! It MAY change once I have a chance to talk to her, but for now, I am thinking she will like the ingrediants to this soup!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUrMkGbTeWcnZXdtKmPQimPbdF9HAsFf5P94Qj74ThbF4RjDxmxxxIHA41PphxRGTj8yNGHQFDsAglwEzHdCE7SMDMJH2MkoGv_1b3Fns7FVO_gm7Lih0tbTyHAI0TKAKBz_Z-zkFAsZy/s1600/DSC06757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUrMkGbTeWcnZXdtKmPQimPbdF9HAsFf5P94Qj74ThbF4RjDxmxxxIHA41PphxRGTj8yNGHQFDsAglwEzHdCE7SMDMJH2MkoGv_1b3Fns7FVO_gm7Lih0tbTyHAI0TKAKBz_Z-zkFAsZy/s1600/DSC06757.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Catiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10960198065615014550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366738356223813862.post-18651933352156395802014-03-07T10:28:00.002-08:002014-03-07T10:28:51.176-08:00I have a Partner!Woohoo! So I have been paired with another artist for the Bead Soup Blog Party! I am really excited because she is an incredible lady! I can't wait to chat with her through email. I think we have a lot in common! Chandra is her name and this is her blog <a href="http://www.junipergoods.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Chandra's Blog</a> . She has some mad talent for certain! So now once we connect and chat a bit, we will send each other components to make something lovely and then we will reveal it on each of our blog. Stay tuned! :)Catiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10960198065615014550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366738356223813862.post-3681493718260127002014-03-02T12:44:00.002-08:002014-03-02T12:44:57.739-08:00Organized Home Week 1-4 - Kitchen<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NBUBLYiw5UblPe5Gehs0UKfXXX1bIU1R0mukuXXjd8BB4CcMyIPW9QnmwgsXu7fCmXgzgkMdg_lpFiseS8eLDVwv6k3tPI09IXsYRhgESMHaiXhFcHW33KnPVNg9N5T42b1CCIbT85Qz/s1600/DSC06700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NBUBLYiw5UblPe5Gehs0UKfXXX1bIU1R0mukuXXjd8BB4CcMyIPW9QnmwgsXu7fCmXgzgkMdg_lpFiseS8eLDVwv6k3tPI09IXsYRhgESMHaiXhFcHW33KnPVNg9N5T42b1CCIbT85Qz/s1600/DSC06700.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Items that were on the counter, now on the steps to be put where they belong</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ok, so I was serious when I suggested that we get organized earlier! I spent a good portion of today getting weeks 1-4 completed. Weeks 5-8 are going to be easy and I may do them yet tonight, then I will actually be caught up!, the only reason that this is possible is that I recently had organized my cupboards, so the basics were recently purged all I needed to do was wipe them out and get a few drawers organized. I am the type that if I am going to organize something, I must also clean while I am at it. So I am going to add cleaning each of these areas to the process if it isn't already included.
First I tackled the pantry. My husband had tossed LOTS of grocery sacks on the floor. I had an extra tupperware cereal container, so I put them in there individually and left the top "popped" open so he can just grab one. Not a new idea for certain, but I thought it was fairly smart to use what I had on hand, rather than writing down that I needed to buy something for them! I moved on to the counters and inside of cupboards and of course the fridge and freezer. Now it is time to go put away things that I determined don't belong in the kitchen. I could have shown more photos, but I am sure you get the point. Hopefully I can get weeks 5-8 completed tonight so that next weekend I will be doing what is on the list for the first week of March! Stay clean and organized!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkeZvIkaQ4d-Gv2PrRwBDwCi2HHdNYSGb_uc4x5MEwNEmwzENs4jj7UKzxkaFILGl-wvuqQZCZXVgiLW8Zzz6WmGQGXgg5TIgSYe6ZNFGPwNo9adBH98pLC7kGenpvJ2Y_9b2I711TqOW/s1600/IMG_0345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkeZvIkaQ4d-Gv2PrRwBDwCi2HHdNYSGb_uc4x5MEwNEmwzENs4jj7UKzxkaFILGl-wvuqQZCZXVgiLW8Zzz6WmGQGXgg5TIgSYe6ZNFGPwNo9adBH98pLC7kGenpvJ2Y_9b2I711TqOW/s320/IMG_0345.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pantry, organized!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5ihjvqGhOywANWOxg65Rxoh3Jsr8myXxpkbtZjlAfG4uS2fEgWzIKjT7LW2ZVk06cGivmc5vX4-Pk5zi0XgNGQbjIvXjqmkzo6uGOJYEpEzdJQpzOL17GT0-gw92WA6K7btu-qvrgBr1/s1600/IMG_0347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5ihjvqGhOywANWOxg65Rxoh3Jsr8myXxpkbtZjlAfG4uS2fEgWzIKjT7LW2ZVk06cGivmc5vX4-Pk5zi0XgNGQbjIvXjqmkzo6uGOJYEpEzdJQpzOL17GT0-gw92WA6K7btu-qvrgBr1/s320/IMG_0347.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tupperware for the plastic grocery sacks<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Catiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10960198065615014550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366738356223813862.post-28172539489163065902014-03-02T04:54:00.001-08:002014-03-02T04:57:13.793-08:00Let's Get Organized!<a href="http://www.home-storage-solutions-101.com/organized-home.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.home-storage-solutions-101.com/image-files/organized-home-challenge-ad-button-2.jpg" height="200" width="200" alt="52 Week Organized Home Challenge"></a>
<br />
<br />
Indeed! I was blog hopping this morning and ran across this challenge to get your home organized in 52 weeks. I am slighlty OCD about my living space. I also work at a job that keeps me away from my living space Monday through Friday. (yes, I live in a hotel!) My husband keeps the home front running......but he is a boy......and most boys don't clean like most girls do.....sorry I know this is a sterotype, however it is acuarate when it comes to my situation! I think this challenge may even help him see the importance of keeping things neat and tidy but also organized! Yes, it is long past the first week of the year. I acutally will attempt to get up to speed and be on top of the challenges so that I am on track to do them in the appropriate time frame, however that means double duty for a few weeks. I think it is doable, but I won't kill myself doing it either. So if you wish to join me, here is where I found the information <a href="http://www.home-storage-solutions-101.com/organized-home.html">Home Storage Solutions</a> I acutally should also provide the original blog that I found this site from, a fellow jewelry maker <a href="http://alspolkadotsandpaisley.blogspot.com/">Polka Dots and Paisley</a> Let the games begin!Catiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10960198065615014550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366738356223813862.post-28747649630099638782014-02-23T09:29:00.002-08:002014-02-23T09:29:41.320-08:00Bead Soup!So I joined the Bead Soup Blog Party (you can see more about it on the badge over there ---><br />
<br />
I am excited. I just purchased the "clasp" that I hope to send my partner. I have lots of ideas for focals. Some that I have here and some that I would purchase. I am not sure what style my partner has yet and we are supposed to send something that is a bit different than their style, so I am waiting! I like this exchange because we get to keep what we make from what I partner sent us. So it is fun to put a soup together because it is like putting together a wonderful gift for someone, knowing that they get to use their own creativity to make it come to life! Then how exciting that you also get the same in return and it will be something that is different than your style and you get to use your own creative energy to make something that you get to keep! This is a blog party and so I am a little nervous, as this really has been my private little place and I do much more on here than just post about my creative fun. The upside is that it will push me to post more about my creative fun! :)Catiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10960198065615014550noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366738356223813862.post-25503485826151301922014-02-15T18:15:00.001-08:002014-02-15T18:15:40.240-08:00Peeling Away the LayersTo sound cliche', Life is a Journey. Each experience building upon another. There are those "ah ha" moments, although I feel that they simply are moments of realization that only become part of who you are through the practice of what you learned in those "ah ha" moments. Thus, as each experience builds on the last, we become like an onion......layer upon layer.<br />
I beleive that in my years of living this life I thought that there would be some magical "ah ha" moment that would simply "fix" me and I would be this "perfect" being. I spent many years searching for that. My "ah ha" moment this week has been that there is no magical "ah ha" moment that will "fix" me. Moreover, I am not "broken", (and so the title of my blog, be OK with who you are, even if you want to change.) rather.....I learn new concepts each and every day and this learning is layered one on top of the other fitting together almost like a jigsaw puzzle, only not as neat and simple. Only when we practice and work with each layer, do we truly incorporate that as part of our being. I have added additional layers over the last few weeks. It is daunting to be mindful of these newly discovered layers and practice them so they become part of my soul. I am encouraged and thankful that I have found these new layers and welcome the opportunity to practice them and make them part of my soul. Much Love to you all as you walk this journey called life and remember........you are not broken either, you simply are a work of art in progress......a beautiful work of art......Peace.Catiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10960198065615014550noreply@blogger.com0