Honey Of Life

As we enter the final month of 2011, it's amazing to think of how quickly this year has flown by.  For me personally, it's been a year to remember..one of closure, changes and a dramatic new beginning.  

I see 2012  as my biggest challenge yet - and I welcome it with arms wide open.

Winter is a season to slow down, nest and hibernate.  As the colder weather sets in, our little house truly becomes a home..a place we rush to at the end of a long day, to the cozy comforts of our family (human and canine alike..), the warm glow of the holiday lights and the tantalizing smells drifting from the kitchen throughout the rest of the house.  

This year I'll be spending the holidays here - right where I belong.  

No hustle and bustle of traveling during the busiest time of year, no unpacking for short holiday visits only to then packing up again to come home to a holiday neglected house.  There's much nesting still to be done in anticipation of our eagerly awaited arrival, our lives as we know it will cease to exist and although there will be a lot of fumbling..

I know that we'll be just fine.

For my latest creation born in my shop, I thought it fitting to incorporate an animal totem that is the epitome of maternal protection.  There is no creature more dangerous than a mother bear protecting her cubs and the Bear Totem represents loyalty, quiet confidence and is seen as the protector of family values.  Although reserved and rarely confrontational, the Bear displays fearlessness in defense, a ferocious creature whose physical presence alone is enough to send opponents running - a reminder to always standing up for your beliefs when called upon.  

Sterling, Freeform Turquoise

Made entirely of sterling and a beautiful freeform turquoise, available now in my shop.

I hope you have some wonderful things planned this weekend! xo

Blue Gnome

  

In my next life, I think I'd like to come back as a dog.

Not a care in the world..total blissful sleep on the bed where she's not supposed to be.

I love listening to her big, black olive nose whistling..she makes my heart happy.

xo

Strange Line of Work

I guess I work in a less-than-ordinary line of work.  

When I find myself sitting with people I don't know (like at a friend's wedding) and am forced to make pleasant conversation through the reception dinner, the first question that usually comes up is, "how do you know the bride and groom?"..then that's generally followed by, "what do you do for a living?".  

A seemingly easy question to answer if you work within a defined industry like being a sales manager at so-and-so, or in the financial or medical field.  That seemingly easy question usually makes me a little squirmy because I don't actually know what my job title is..to say, I have a title on my business card but it says very little about what my job description actually includes.

I work with dinosaurs.  In so many different applications.  One of the most interesting things about what I do for a living is that it's always changing..no two projects are ever the same.  I've endured torrential rain storms with soaking wet, feathered puppets to shoot segments for the Discovery Channel, sent crew members to a drug store to buy copious amounts of KY Jelly for on-camera effect, witnessed the good, the bad and the ugly side of each and every person I've worked with after 17 consecutive hours of working side by side, hour after our.  From disasterous mishaps at the 11th hour right before a deadline to triumphant results delivered right on schedule, this life I lead is an interesting one..far from glamourous..but interesting.

This texture ring is a result of one of those odd projects - sterling silver cast from a mold taken from an Emu leg..don't ask me how I had access to an Emu leg, please.  It wasn't one of my favorite experiences!  The results are somewhat experimental but I think I like it..it's organic and hefty, a beautiful BIG ring for those of you (like me) who love to wear pieces that make a statement.  Adjustable and unisex, this ring along with a couple of other items, now available  now in my shop.

xo Blue Gnome

 Sterling Ring

Prehnite, Smoky Quartz and Sterling Stacking Rings 

Sterling and Natural Amber Earrings

Celebrating The Wee Bean

This weekend was a busy couple of days, last night I was so exhausted from the two day activities that I was certain I was too exhausted to fall asleep..have you ever felt like that?  When your body is ever so thankful to be lying down but your mind is still running around in circles.. I usually get a pretty good case of the giggles when I'm feeling like this and last night was no exception.  So after wailing and giggling "I'm toooooo tired to fall alseeeeeeeep.." a couple of times, I heard my alarm go off this morning and it was already today.  I guess falling asleep wasn't as difficult as I thought.


A huge thank you to everyone who was able to attend the shower thrown by the lovely Miss P and Mrs U and the rest of the family.  I was so overwhelmed by everyone's generosity..and of course, a very special THANK YOU for organizing, baking, cooking, decorating and hosting such a wonderful afternoon filled with good friends and family, from near and far. 


We are both so blessed and excited that the "wee bean" will be welcomed into such a loving life!


Thank you, thank you, thank you everyone!


xo

Seal Lullaby

Sterling

Seal Lullaby

Oh! hush thee, my baby, the night is behind us

And black are the waters that sparkle so green.

The moon, o'er the combers, looks downward to find us

At rest in the hollows that rustle between.

Where billow meets billow, there soft be thy pillow;

Ah, weary wee flipperling, curl at thy ease!

The storm shall not wake thee, nor sharks overtake thee,

Asleep in the arms of the slow-swinging seas.

By Rudyard Kipling

Can't See The Forest For The Trees..

Sterling 

Sometimes life gets hectic. 

Beyond hectic. 

We lose sight of the important things in life 
and worry ourselves silly with the itty bitty things that should  
in a perfect world 

remain small and insignificant.

Made entirely of sterling silver. 

Wonderfully textural and with silent presence.

Hope you're taking the time to enjoy your nows 

and not wasting time worrying about your laters.

xo Blue Gnome

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving this year has come and gone.  

It was a lovely weekend of hot apple cider, quiet chats and a roaring fire..everything Thanksgiving is supposed to be.  There was turkey, warm caramel fondue with fresh fall apples and my Grandma Jones's unbeatable butter tarts.  The days following the fall harvest feast were filled with lazy afternoon naps and endless mugs of hot tea, filled to the brim with milk and honey.  So many things to be thankful for this year..every year..but this one in particular. The love of family and friends, our cozy home, the health of my furry sidekick.  The celebration of new beginnings and the healing of old wounds.  I wake up each and every morning with a reminder that I truly am blessed.

The long weekend also allowed me the time to finish some little pieces that've been patiently waiting to be worked on in my shop.  Amber hued carnelians and deep green peridot are such an irresistible pairing especially this time of year.  I also found a gorgeous little nugget of rosewood in my treasure box of odds and ends, perfect for another Giving Tree ring.  All that and more, available in my shop.

 Sterling, carnelian, peridot - Caramel Apple pendant

Sterling, carnelian - Under The Harvest Moon 

Sterling, rosewood - The Giving Tree ring

Sterling, ocean jasper - Remnants of Summer ring