This is unreal. UNREAL, I say!

December 30, 2007 | 2 Comments

Well, it’s unreal but it’s also totally true.

I answered the phone the other day - expecting it to be one of those !@#$% Democrat campaign workers who I could gleefully tell to go toss Hillary’s salad - but I was amazed to hear something even MORE annoying on the other end.

It was a recorded message that said:

“This is So-and-So Telemarketing calling to verify your phone number. We look forward to talking with you at a later date.”

*Click*

:explode: :swear:

Asshats!

Posted by Christine | Filed Under The Scoop

Oooo… pretty. :)

December 28, 2007 | 3 Comments

Usually a Thursday’s Pretty, but since I have lost all concept of time this month, it shall be posted now. Whenever now is.

The Inner Peace Necklace

A single row of faceted Tundra Sapphires stretch across the middle of a hand-forged sterling hoop. The configuration of lines is calming, yet the gemstones hold an exciting sparkle.

This is one of my very first attempts at wire shaping and I have to admit, I love the process of it. You get to bend, twist and hammer the wire and even after all of that force it still asserts a will of its own. There is something metaphysically profound in that.

If first editions and rustic traces of the hand of the artist are your thing, you may want to check out The Inner Peace Necklace in my shop later today. The sapphires are AAA grade gemstones, the wire is 21 gauge sterling for the hoop and 26 gauge sterling for the wrapping. The finished pendant has been de-burred of all rough spots and softly hand polished. It is suspended on a natural doeskin lace that simply ties on.

Delicate and lightweight. Feels like a whisper.

(More again soon, my dear ones.)

Posted by Christine | Filed Under Creative Moments, The Scoop, Thursday's Pretties

The post-Christmas post.

December 26, 2007 | 3 Comments

Well? Did you have a merry one? I did! It was fun (even with a head cold), and pretty, and cozy. Nothing says Christmas like the smell of a pine tree, cinnamon and Vick’s Vaporub wafting through the house. Hehe.

I received a lot of nice gifts including things for my camera, a steel block and anvil for my jeweler’s bench, pink roses (woo hoo!), beautiful framed pictures of my family, really comfortable slippers, and some gift card$ to Hobby Lobby. Yea! Jewelry supply spree!

So… I think this is proof positive of which of Santa’s lists I was on this year.

That’s right!

The Nobody-Saw-Me-Do-It-and-You-Can’t-Prove-a-Thing List for Wayward Girls.

Works for me. I’m sure some of you were on that list as well.

************

It’s amazing how quickly everything goes back to business as usual the day after Christmas. Sometimes I wish there was a mandatory 24 hour cooling down period afterwards, where no one is allowed to do anything but be quiet and think and sort of absorb the events of the day. Good or bad or undecided.

I don’t think many people could slow down the pace for that long. I wonder what that is about.

************

And talk about a frantic pace: The politicians are pounding on Iowa like a jackhammer right now because of the rapidly approaching caucuses. Some of the presidential candidates are actually walking around neighborhoods and knocking on doors!

(Oh, please Hillary. Please, please come to my door. )

Seriously, though, it’s a bit over the top. But many Iowans love it because it makes them feel like they have a special prominence in the elections. You know, like when your parents let you ride up in the front seat of the car for the first time. Gah. Some people are so easy to appease.

I don’t know why but it rubs me the wrong way. I feel like I am watching a high school class presidential race and a bunch of the popular kids are saying: “Vote for me and I’ll be your friend. You can even sit at the cool table with me at lunchtime!”

It’s disturbing. I think it may be time to bring back a wardrobe essential, just to get a little perspective:

“You know, there’s like a butt-load of gangs at this school. This one gang kept wanting me to join because I’m pretty good with a bow staff.”

Posted by Christine | Filed Under The Scoop

Merry Christmas to All!

December 24, 2007 | 6 Comments

“Rejoice! Rejoice, believers and let your light appear…”

I’m thinking of you, my dear friends and loved ones. I hope the Spirit of Christmas brings peace, joy, and warmth to your hearts wherever you may be.

~XoXooo

Posted by Christine | Filed Under The Scoop

Didn’t I just post a picture like this last winter?

December 23, 2007 | 3 Comments

It’s almost 3 AM and Dubuque is getting another good snowstorm. I think it’s amusing how Mother Nature does stuff in the middle of the night so no one but the artists, insomniacs and new parents can see it happening.