Share the Blog Love!

Etsy is a really neat selling venue... I enjoy the diversity of products and many talented artists. Every now and then you run across folks who are fun, talented and just all-around nice - that would be the case with Amanda, AKA Wildlifer78!

Amanda and I both belong to an Etsy group, the "BeadHive" and found we have many things in common. Not only do we share the love of jewelry design and beads (massive amounts of beads too!) but we share a deep commitment to our college teams - she's a LSU girl and it's UGA for me! Though our teams are rivals a few times a year, it's still fun to cheer for the other!! How do you like her Georgia Bulldog set she made for me!!! :)

I also want to mention that Amanda chose to have me in her artist feature this week!!! Wow!!! I am honored!!!! Her glowing blog piece was so kind and sweet - THANK YOU AMANDA!!! Let me pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming. :)

So if you have the chance... check out Amanda's blog and most importantly go visit her shop on Etsy - you'll be glad you did, her work is amazing!!!

The Last Lecture - Professor Randy Pausch

With great sadness and surprise, I learned tonight that Professor Randy Pausch passed away from pancreatic cancer on Friday July 25. I didn't know him personally, but was unbelievably touched by a series of reports on ABC News about him and his views on living and life.

I really don't remember the date I saw the original story on his "Last Lecture." I should have been grading papers but was incredibly drawn to him and what he had to say. So I put down my red pen and just stared at the TV, hanging on every word. I was blown away.

His lecture was filled with stories, memories, lessons and metaphor. While the lecture was intended for his children, people across the world found inspiration. There are 2 things Professor Pausch said that have stuck with me all these many months...

"We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand" - as I come to terms with my own very recent diagnosis with cancer, only now do I fully understand what he meant. I will not ask 'why me?' and shake my fist in anger - why allow those negatives to dictate a life that can and should be rich with love, laughter and yes, even lessons. We do indeed have a choice in how we play our hand...

"The brickwalls are there for a reason: they let us prove how badly we want things." The "brickwalls" quote was so powerful, I immediately made a sign and posted it in my classroom so I would remember... Many of my students read it and gently nodded as they realized what it really meant. I will keep that quote on my wall as a reminder, not only for it's true intent but that it came from a man who had a very special message for the millions of us who were willing to listen.

God speed Professor Randy Pausch - your lessons will live on and in your memory.

Treasury of Trees

I love trees... in spring and summer they are welcoming and inviting and in winter they remind us of what wonders lie ahead once their dormancy is over... This treasury by SmokeyLady54 celebrates TREES of all sorts! Let's celebrate them!!!

Thank you SmokeyLady54 - your treasury is awesome and inspiring and I appreciate you including my tree in this beautiful list!!

Have a look at all of our trees... this list expires Wednesday night!

Inspirational Treasury

The blue box popped up again this morning and this time I was ready with an inspirational theme. Entitled "WORDS to LIVE by" I think it is a gentle reminder of what's really important in our lives...

Check out my treasury... it's active until early Sunday morning! Enjoy!! :)

BeadNest Designs and "The Giveaway"

Blog giveaways can be so much fun! And I am thrilled to be the "21st Etsy Giveaway" on the blog site "The Giveaway" authored by Katie at BabyLyons Designs (Katie's shop is fantastic - so go have a look!!).



Because my life has drastically changed in the past week, one of the prizes really has some philosophical significance and the other... well, I hope it just makes you smile! For the 1st winner, they will receive my hammered, textured & antiqued copper pendant "Carpe Diem" necklace; the 2nd winner will receive a $10 gift certificate to be used in my Etsy shop.

Please read all the "Rules To Enter" and join in on the fun! And... "Carpe Diem!"

New Stuff, New Treasury, More Fun!

Long overdue post... I have 3 new items listed this week, the first are some great hoops "Bermuda Vacation" - they're big and bold and beautiful blue!

The other 2 pieces have a vintage flair to them. The first is "Vintage Rose" and it is made with glass flowers, sterling silver, Swarovski crystal and unique sterling silver hand-formed earwires.

The 2nd piece entitled "Sweet Antique" is made with Swarovski Pearls and antiqued brass accents. So romantic and feminine, I love 'em!

My "Stand By Me" treasury expires Monday afternoon so have a look before it's too late. It's a great theme for all of us who make a living standing up! Enjoy

See SPOT!

I've been feeling a little "under the weather" this week so when the Etsy treasury box appeared earlier this afternoon, I knew I had to create a treasury that would make me smile! So the "See SPOT, See SPOT have Fun" list was born! Lots of bright color and fun dots and spots - who could go wrong with that?! This list runs through Tuesday night so have a look at these fun items too!

I would also like to thank Jessi of JessiJewels - she featured me in one of her treasuries earlier this week too but I never managed to make it here to post a link. She has a great shop so have a look at her beautiful items!

Another milestone... I reached 400 hearts this week! Now that really makes me smile and I'm thankful to all those Etsians who took the time to look at my shop and heart me!! :D

Treasuries Rock!

Another surprise - my "Dewberry" earrings have been included in a fantastic treasury entitled "Pink Panties." I must admit the title got my attention and I had no idea what to expect... I knew I didn't have any panties in my shop... But once I saw the treasury - well it was all about PINK and I also learned that there's a drink called "Pink Panties!" That just goes to show, you can learn something every day. :) Many many THANKS to PromosInASnap who curated a treasury filled with beautiful pink items. Check out the treasury and Promos shop - she really has some great promotional items for small businesses!


By the way... Treasuries rock!!! :D

Treasury Madness!

As we begin the holiday weekend... let's not forget the reason for the holiday! Freedom isn't free... So with that in mind let me wish everyone a HAPPY 4th OF JULY! Celebrate and enjoy!

Now... It's no secret... I love treasuries. It's just too much fun curating them and the search for perfect elements is like an old fashioned savenger hunt! My next treasury is ready to go... now if that infamous "blue box" would pop up for me - all would be right in treasuryland!

As I cruised through the newest list of 600+ treasuries tonight, I was pleasantly surprised - one of my pieces was featured in a list by LaurasJewellery!! Thank you for including me in your gorgeous treasury! Hurry hurry and have a look, her "Black Black Black - Flowery Earrings" list expires Saturday evening.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=54358