Treasury Love

Today is the last day of my Christmas holiday break, I return to the daily grind again on Monday. I'm so conflicted... I love the freedom of coming and going as the mood hits but I also love the prospect a new semester will bring...

Unless I discover a way to freeze time, Monday is inevitable. So it was such a nice surprise when I checked the Etsy treasuries this morning - my dear friend Jennie included me in her "Yes, I'm Ready!" treasury! Thank you for thinking of me as you put together this beautiful list!! It is active until the wee hours of Monday morning - go have a look at all the gorgeous pieces Jennie included!! And while you're cruising treasuries, please visit Jennie's shop and all her beautiful handmade bowls, infant snuggle sacques, rugs and more at SosoRosey! :D

What A Day In Atlanta!

It's no wonder why I haven't added any new items to my Etsy shop. First there was the end of the semester, then Christmas and visits with the family and today - a wonderful trip to Atlanta.

We (3 adults, 3 kiddos) began our day visiting the King Tut exhibit at the Atlanta Civic Center. Words cannot describe the magnificence. Sadly, photos were not permitted so I cannot share the various artifacts of Ramses II, Akhenaten, Amenhotep III and Tutankhaman. The beauty of the gilded and solid gold jewelry, shoes and coffinettes is indescribable. The detail in each carving was exquisite artistry. The photo below depicts a statue of Ramses II found in the exhibit.

After spending a couple of hours looking through the King Tut exhibit, we made our way to the High Museum of Art to see 3 fabulous exhibits: China's Terracotta Army, Medieval & Renaissance treasures and pieces from the Louvre. Each exhibit was unique so here are a few highlights and photos...

China's Terracotta Army was the most impressive. Discovered in 1974, the first Emporer of China, Qin Shihuangdi, constructed an underground tomb complex, complete with life sized terracotta soldiers and other figures. To date, over 1000 figures have been excavated but archeologists believe there may be as many as 7000! These figures were most impressive - from the assembly line method of production, the stamping of names on pieces to ensure "quality control" & "accountability" and the details in the terracotta costumes, hair and even musculature. The faces of each soldier is unique and different - a testimony to the expertise of those constructing the clay warriors. They stood guard over the Emperor in his afterlife, for over 2000 years! Below... 2 examples of the terracotta soldiers...

We also visited the Midieval/Renaissance treasures. Lots of gorgeous pieces and the influence of the Church was evident from an ivory carved book cover (below) to an ivory and gilded diptych. I was most intrigued with the notebook of Leonardo daVinci... how incredible to see his writings!

Finally, we visited the Louvre exhibit which included vessels, paintings, sculpture and assorted carved pieces. The red chalk drawings by Michelangelo which included the "Ideal Head of a Woman" is simply beautiful and very different from what we associate with Michelangelo!

While today was a full day, we did manage to have a little fun... here's the kids playing in front of a piece of modern art...

Educational, enlightening, amazing and fun... what a day in Atlanta!!! :D

It's Been A While...

So much has happened the past few weeks - where do I begin??

First... my daughter has completed her competitive gymnastics season - she qualified for her Level 5 State Meet and placed in 2 events (Floor and Vault)!!! We are so proud of her and all of her accomplishments this season!
 

The "off-season" has begun but there's never really an off-season - the girls will continue to train and they will be performing in the local Christmas parade this week and have exhibition performances scheduled in the upcoming months as well. At least I won't have to chew my finger nails down to the nub for these events! :)

Thanksgiving has now come and gone... and yes... I took the time to reflect. There's so much I have to be thankful. My family and friends have been so amazing these past 5 months - without their love, support and prayers I would have collapsed. Of course, they are always awesome but when disaster strikes and people rally around you - it really makes you take notice! And... While shopping today... I met up with an old friend - it was so nice to catch up, hear about her latest adventures and her family. But while we talked, I also came to realize just how much of a difference she and her church made through the power of prayer. Evidently, seeing me further strengthed her belief too. Of course, I strongly believe that with God on my side, I can manage through anything - including cancer! He and all the wonderful people in my life - make me see how truly blessed I am every day. Thank you to one and all!!!

Finally... my last trip to see my Oncologist allowed me to take this beautiful picture in the hills of Tennessee...

Ribbons of Hope

I love this picture. It says it all... cancer... awareness... ribbons of hope woven together... unity.

Gotta Love Treasuries!

Are you a treasury addict? I am. And I won't make any excuses...

Treasuries are a great creative outlet. They're lots of fun to create. They are maddening because you can only choose 12 items! And they're a great way to feature Etsy sellers who are friends and talented artisans in their own right.

Every so often, I'm honored to be featured in a treasury and today is one of those days! My "Hug thread" friend LindaButterfly added me to her fabulous "ORANGE" treasury - not once but twice!!! So cool!! Linda's treasury is colorful, festive and full of Fall fun.

Have a look in Linda's Etsy shop - she carries so many beautiful cards, ACEO's and photographs! I have lots of favorites, but here's an example of one of her photos!!

Thanks again Linda!

Need A Little Pick Me Up??

Need a little pick me up? Well this treasury should do just about do it! Look at all the bright, vibrant and gorgeous items!!! This list was created by my friend Sarah of GenuineArticle and her treasuries are always beautiful so have a look at this one before it expires Tuesday, 10/28.

I also want to thank Sarah for including me with all these talented Etsy artists - I'm honored to be included! Check out Sarah's Etsy shop too - she's such an amazing jewelry artist too!!!

In One, Made One

Yeppp, it's treasury time. :D Lately, I never seem to be near the computer when the blue box appears so imagine my delight when my timing was perfect this afternoon! I managed to secure a "yummy" treasury entitled "I HAD A CHOCOLATE CRAVING." I didn't have any chocolate around, but these pieces are really delicious to the eye!!

Another stroke of good luck came last night when I found out I was featured in a treasury as well. Jennifer of MerkabaJewelry curated a treasury entitled "BEAUTY" and her selections are beautiful indeed!! Have a look at her treasury (but hurry, it ends tonight!) and her shop! Thank you Jennifer. :) Treasuries - is there a support group for this addiction? ha!