musings

So busy these days. Since the new puppy arrived we have company 1-2 times a day. Not that I'm complaining, I love that my friends and family are so into our new baby.....really! Since our trip to Alaska, we have been away twice and have had lots of weekend company (with more to come through September) I am desperately trying to squeeze in work, but even with me cutting my work schedule down to just two nights a week, it still doesn't seem like enough.

Unfortunately I have not been in the studio. My sketchpad is full of new ideas, and I'd love to get back at it. It almost feels like I've taken an extended vacation as far as the jewels go, but I have been spending time writing and working on Vintage Junque Revival.

I woke up at 4:00 this morning, to try and get some computer work done. It's supposed to be rainy, and I hate to admit it, I'm kind of glad. Big Daddy and I are going to do inside chores, then maybe I'll find time to play in the studio!

I've been all about cleaning and destashing this house. Just too much about. As we get older, do we crave more order, function and organization? (not that I think 40 is old mind you) But I do find my creativity flows better when things are (somewhat in order). We wont talk about the bedroom and my upstairs studio that I'll have to move back into in another month when it get's cold!

Anyhoo, I'm almost uploading items daily to the shop, and it feels good to think that some of these goodies will find new appreciation.

aint she sweet?

Our new family member!

Abigail (AKA Abbey)

ALASKA: Seward

I can't believe it has been over a month since my last post! Where does the time go?

Since our trip to Alaska, we have had company, been to the lake at a camp a friend rented, and now we are off again this weekend to another friend's camp! I figured I better squeeze in my first post about Alaska!

I've decided to post in little installments, so as not to overwhelm you all!

We started the trip at our friend's, Jason and Elana in Wasilla. There we rented our vehicle, shopped for supplies, etc. I really didn't start taking photos until the four of us drove to Seward. It was rainy those first couple of days, but we were used to it, as that's all we've had had here in Maine anyway!

I did find a really cool (wonderfully priced) bead shop in Wasilla. I am excited to get back in the studio and play with my new collection of beads.

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SEWARD

The four of us stayed at this sweet little Victorian hotel in downtown Seward. Our two bedroom was quaint and cozy.
Jon and I took a rainy stroll all around Seward that morning. Wild rabbits (who weren't so wild) greeted us. Jon actually fed one from his hand.

The ravens reminded me of seagulls. They weren't skittish like they are here. They hang around the campgrounds and touristy places looking for handouts.

I found not only good coffee, but great art in this groovy coffee shop. I would love to own something like this one day! It was filled with jewelry, paintings, fiber art and pottery from various local artists.

The town was filled with huge artist's murals!

Big Daddy and I walked around the marinas looking at boats and chatting it up with some local fishermen. We found one guy a little grumpy, and a bit full of himself. He was letting us know that Pacific working boats kick Atlantic working boats asses! He did not know that Big Daddy used to work on these boats, and has a clue. To him, I'm sure we were the annoying tourists. To me, he was an annoying a-hole!

BUT,

since we are boat lovers, we really did have a good time checking out the difference in these boats compared to our Maine lobster boats. Since it was rainy, we decided to go to the Alaska Sea Life Center. It was a pretty quick trip around the Center, but I was able to get some fun shots, and pick up a few treasures for the nieces and nephews there.

I want to mention two really great eateries in Seward. The four of us had a wonderful dinner at Ray's Waterfront
where we could boat watch. If it hadn't been raining, we would have enjoyed spectacular views as well. The food and service made us forget that it was a rainy evening. Elana and I ordered a bottle of "Wild Horse" chard; fresh halibut, baked and topped with a delish sauce and crab. We also ordered king crab legs to share. Jon had the HUGE fried fishermen's platter, and Jason had prime rib that looked so good, I wanted to reach over and steal a piece. We took back to the room a big piece of key lime pie. It really was perhaps one of the best meals AND service we had the whole trip!

Jon and I went to breakfast at a new place called AK. Nellies. It was named after one of the many famous pioneering women of Alaska, Nelly Neil Lawning. (1873-1956) To find out her story, just google her. The breakfast was hearty and oh-so-tasty, and the owners are super-sweet!

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I am very behind in some of my writing projects, and as soon as I finish those up, I'll be back in the studio creating! Today I am sending off an article for Belle Armoire Jewelry Magazine's winter issue. I believe the Fall issue comes out Sept. 1rst, and I think some of you will really like my article, "Polymer Flowers". They are a bit challenging, but once you get the hang of it, they are GREAT FUN! As always, once the article comes out, feel free to email me with questions. (Cindy you are in my mind here, I know you are going to want to try these!!!)

Until the next time....

peace out!