I can feel it....it's gonna explode....

Do you ever get that feeling that if you don't sit in your studio and make some jewelry (or create whatever it is that floats your boat) you are going to explode? I have that feeling right now....I have been so inspired lately and it's gotta squirgle (a Lucy word) it's way on out soon. When I am done writing this book (by the end of next week) I have a serious hot date with my studio. I need a nice chunk of alone time with a mess o' wire and some pliers.

What's with this recent surge of inspiration? Is it the simple things in life, or is it the big "in your face" stuff? Is it the weather, is it the Renegade Craft fair I went to last weekend, is it Izzy's messy hair, is it Paul's guitar, is it the music in the park, is it my new shoes, is it the smile on my moms face, is it my bike rides, is it the plethora of apricots in my yard or the nearly ripe tomatoes? Perhaps it's a pinch of each, combined and stirred together. Is it from a general feeling, or an exposure to beauty and color.....can ya pin it down? Can ya put a finger on what lights that fire? I hope not, because if you can clearly define it, you will try too hard to chase it or artificially recreate it. I am happy to have it pop in when it wants, when it finds a clear and appropriate passage. And when it is absent I will wait, and be, and observe. Will it wait for me?

It sure would be nice, though, if inspiration would strike when you aren't completely busy with something else....I know, I know, don't push it, be still. In fact, I will stop questioning it and just be grateful ;)

oh so sad....

'tis with an ungloved hand that I wipe a tear for Michael and Farrah. Anyone who knows me, knows that 2 of my favorite things ever are Michael Jackson and Charlie's Angels. I will have to listen to my Thriller vinyl while sifting through my Charlies Angels trading cards, which are kept in my Charlie's Angels lunch box.
What a loss!

Father's Day Picnic at the New Guinea Sculpture Garden on Stanford Campus

We picnicked (that sounds so civilized) at the super cool New Guinea Sculpture garden today. It is such a beautiful and magical little nook of Stanford University campus. There are a lot of little spots like this on campus. Learn more about this permanent sculpture garden here.

A few things I love about living in Redwood City

• The weather. After all, Redwood City is "climate best by government test", just ask us.
• The fact that a 10 minute drive will take you to amazing hiking trails.
• The fact that a 40 minute drive will take you to a camp site that makes you feel like you are in Tahoe.
• A 3.5 hour drive will take you to Tahoe.
• A 12 minute drive will take you to Anthropologie.
• A 6 minute bike ride will take you to Whole Foods.
• A 7 minute walk will take you Peets Coffee.
• A 30 minute drive North or South will take you to an International Airport to take you anywhere.
• San Francisco is oh so close which means easy train or bart access to The Fillmore, China Town, North Beach and the Ball Park.
• Today on my way to my chiropractors office in Portola Valley, I had to stop to let 2 deer and 4 baby deer get out of the street.
• There were way more Obama signs than McCain signs....well at least in Redwood City.
• I can walk my kids to school.
• Soon my kids can walk themselves to school....hallelujah!
• You get to say things like "I live in The Wood".
• My mom lives 2 towns south.
• The trees are big....and old.
• and the weather, again.

Working on my book....really, I am working not fooling around, really.

Yes, it's Saturday and I am at my office working on my book (ok, and fooling around). A nice chunk of the book is due next week and I am making good progress. The day started out great as I rode my new bike to work. It took me 12 minutes to ride here....not bad. I have driven this route 4 times a day for the last 2 years but on a bike you see all new things. What a great ride. And a big thank you to the fairly middle aged, bearded hippie gentleman who gave me a whistle, big thumbs up and a "nice bike" this morning. Who needs coffee when you can start your day with that :)

Now I continue on. The live Bonoroo webcast is playing in the background...Gov't Mule. Super good! Warren Haynes rocks. I don't know how that brotha can tour with 3 bands at once (Allman Brothers, The Dead and Gov't Mule) .... impressive.

Barf Bag Designs

There was a time where I thought I should change my business name to "Barf Bag Designs" (sexy huh?). See, for a while, the only time I came up with new designs was when flying in an airplane. Up in the clouds, there are no computers (well mine is usually in the overhead), no phones, no TVs and often times I am alone. All you can do is listen to music and look out the window (window, not aisle please). I find it to be the most relaxing and inspirational spot to ponder. So as I ponder, I need something to write on....oh look, it's a barf bag. At some point, I started using barf bags as my canvas of choice. They are perfect. I have been designing on barf bags for about 8 years. On a recent trip, my mom saw me doodling on a barf bag and she offered me a piece of paper. I declined.

Earlier today, I was searching for something and came across some barf bags with sketches all over them. There is some good things on there!

Bead and Button 2009...over and done

We just completed the Bead and Button Show. Holy moly we had fun! Our triple booth was slam packed with tools, kits, wire, donuts and customers!
This year (pretty much from May 31st 2008-May 31st 2009) was tough and basically horrible (only personally, business has been great!). Not only did I have my "little" health issue, but I lost my step dad and a week or so before I left to the B&B Show, one of my closest friends (who is the husband of my best friend) died from a 3 year battle with Lung Cancer (40 years old, never smoked). So I have been a bit down lately and the show could not have come at a better time. Thanks to all my good pals who brought me back to life this week. What a blast!