...Commented on your post.

Hello all!
Long time no blog…my apologies! There just isn’t enough hours in the day to work, apply for jobs, have a hobby AND blog. So now I’m trying to catch up here. I promise I’ll be better! Afterall, it’s almost the holidays and I’m going to actually enjoy them this year :)

So, I’m sort of a social networking site whore. I’ll admit it, I check Facebook everyday and I’m always on Twitter (I did cancel MySpace though…creepy!). For me it’s been a great way to keep in touch with family that I don’t get to see often. Everyday I can count on certain cousins (and a few great friends) to cheer me up with a comment or wallpost. I find it funny that if you were to look at my Facebook Wall and my Fanpage it’s mostly made up of my family. I’m so lucky they’re my biggest fans! I keep in touch with family from Wisconsin, Texas and my best friend (she’s also my cousin) almost like they’re here. I’m even in constant contact with a cousin (by marriage) that I’ve never even met before! She seems like an amazing person and just as loving at the rest of our clan.

So I guess this entry really isn’t about much of anything, but I think you get my point if you have family that you deeply love and appreciate that isn’t close enough to hug. Distance does make the heart grow fonder and Facebook makes the distance a little less noticeable on those days where you post a crabby comment and have your wonderful cousins to show you love.

So to all my long distance family that are friends and fans…I miss you dearly and thank you!

A Circle...

When I was younger I gave people "stuff" just as fast as I could make it (no holiday needed). You name it I’d make it; earrings, necklaces, worry dolls, collages, leaves glued to paper…completely custom stuff! The main recipient of my gifts was my grandma, even if she helped me make the crafts, she still accepted and wore it like it was made of gold and diamonds. Simply, she was my biggest fan, and my craft buddy.

Since her passing I’ve gotten a majority of the things back that I’ve made for her. It’s sort of ironic, getting back the things you handmade for someone. You never really think of the life something will see once it’s out of your hands. I of course, held onto to everything but stored them away. This entry is really about the stuff that I got yesterday, nothing that I made but the stuff that was made by my grandma.

It’s been 8 years coming, it was the first time that I’ve been able to go through stuff that was my grandma’s without shedding a single tear or feel like my heart was being burned out of my chest. I finally got to claim what my grandma left behind. Her 90 years of being an artist and crafter was right there in a few boxes.

Aside from the paintings that I'm going to frame and some of the jewelry that I'll keep for myself, I found an amazing amount of very old costume jewelry. My grandma, being the thrifty lady she was re-purposed anything that was broken and obviously never threw anything out. I don't think I can bear to throw any of this stuff out either. I took a bunch of beautiful pieces and amazingly have become very inspired.

Mixing old with new, it's such a obvious concept but really shines for me in this situation. She was proud of everything I ever made her, wasn't it my turn to keep and be proud of all that she did? It's like the whole circle of life thing...but circle of crafts and handmade. Isn't that why we all do it? Not to turn a crazy profit but to share the love and heart that goes into a piece that specifically came from your hand. That's why I made her all those wonderful macaroni necklaces...and that's why I hand make things now.

This may just be the best therapy I never paid for. Whenever I feel her memory fade I'll use her rhinestone pin and make it the focal point of a feather fascinator. I'll re-purpose a cameo pendant she made and put it on a headband. Take what she's created, make it my own and share it with others...the spirit of handmade.

Happy Tails

Lately, all signs have been pointing to me writing this entry…it’s about pet adoption.

Yesterday while waiting at the doctor’s office, I picked up some random waiting room magazine that had Lisa Edelstein (Dr. Cuddy from “House”) on the cover. Since I have an irrational love of all things “House” I read on and it pleasantly surprised me. It talked about she has adopted three dogs and is big animal adoption advocate and even volunteers at her local animal shelters (‘There’s your sign!’).

I really started to think about how much adopted animals have changed my life. After years of begging for a dog, when I was younger I told myself “as soon as I have a place of my own, I’m gonna get a dog” and that’s just what I did. About a year ago I came across my Beagle, Ratchet’s (yes, I renamed him and yes, he is named after a Transformer) listing on Craigslist. I met him and fell in love. It wasn’t a case of abuse or anything like that, his previous owner couldn’t keep him because of a no-pet rule in her lease. I was very lucky to be able to adopt a truly sweet and loving dog, although it did take awhile to adjust for us both.

I’m not the only person that has had amazing luck with animal adoption. My parents (the people who never let their kids have a dog J) just adopted a Beagle named Wylie from a wonderful pet adoption organization. Castaway Pet Resuce is a small but great place that really takes the time to find the perfect home for their dogs. Wylie is super spoiled and has brought my parents a lot of joy (and he’s a great playmate for my two dogs). Another adopted dog in my inner circle is Kaya, a fluffy ball of sweetness adopted by good friends Molly & Ryan.

So what’s the point of all this rambling about adopted dogs? I guess it’s just to raise awareness about all those dogs who are sitting shelters that need loving homes. Do they take a little bit of work to adjust? Sure, but animals bought from a breeder and a pet stores require the same patience and love (I also have a purebred lab at home too). Going to shelters can also give you a real understanding of all different breeds and give you a chance to interact with all types of dogs. Adopting a pet and welcoming an animal into your home can be one of the most rewarding experiences.

(Pictures above are Ratchet, Kaya and Wylie)