presents...

At Christmas, all roads lead home.  ~Marjorie Holmes

Today I am finishing up with gift wrapping and cookie baking.

The house smells like Christmas, looks like Christmas, feels like Christmas.

I feel the season's gentle benevolence descend 

like softly falling snow.

♥

And best of all I am looking forward to the most treasured gift

of all~ my sweet children gathered here for Christmas eve

and Christmas day! 

I love the laughter they share, the bright noise of them together! 

Everything else will fall away, the trials of life

will dissolve like snowflakes meeting a candle flame.

Joy will fill my home when those sweet faces

gather here. 

♥

There is no present greater than love.

♥

join me~

 Come one, come all! Have a beverage 

and shop to your heart's content!

I have lots of lovelies! 

Great for gift giving or a treat for YOU!

heroes among us...

Today is Pearl Harbor Day.

I am reminded of those who lost their lives on that fateful day

and the many days of war that followed.

Heroes comes in many guises. I am blessed to know

a few. My husband is one. He does more for others

in a week than most people do in a year.

And my son is a hero, too.

Here he is on the day he signed his

contract with the U.S. Navy.

He will leave for basic training in August, 10 days shy of his 19th birthday.

He is going into the Navy's highly regarded nuclear propulsion program.

I am so proud of his decision. He is a kind-hearted and determined young man

♥And he is a hero to me. ♥

Remember and hug the heroes in your life today.

shades of winter

It is a marvelous feeling to realize I have no more shows this year. While I love creating, love staging my creations at shows and adore meeting shoppers and fellow artists/craftspeople, truth is these shows are exhausting! So, I am basking in the lovely post-show glow and contemplating surviving Christmas and winter.

As you can see I am in a frosty, wintry sort of mood.

I am fond of this color palette, the blanched sky and bare branch.

I created my new blog banner in these muted, solemn shades.

My latest creations also feature these hues.

But I will soon return to the sweet pastels and bright colors that I adore.

Stay warm, my friends. Spring is sleeping now,

planning her sweet and vibrant return. ♥

it is upon us...

Well, try as I might, I could not stave off the arrival of the cold.

Yes, by many standards, Dallas has mild winter weather, but we DO have

cold and wind and last year... the dreaded S-word fell on us with a vengeance!

I am not so very fond of bare trees and howling winds.

Tell me, what mermaid would be?

BUT~ I am feeling very creative!

I've been making lots of pretties and that always

warms my heart.

I have a show this weekend.

Here's a peek at some of my wares...

Stay warm~

How did that happen?

November? LATE November... wha???

Last thing I remember is being poolside with a lime flavored beer

and now the chilly winds of November are making flurries of colored

leaves. Times waits for nobody and no thing! But, as these days pass

in shades of pewter and gold, I will remember that springtime will

be on the other side.

Autumn means show season. The photo above is a snippet of my setup

for a show last weekend. It was a good show! I am in my studio today

preparing for the next one. It is a grey, cold day and my studio is warm

and glittery. It's all good.

Hope your weekend is cozy and filled with things that make you smile.

show time!

I can account for absence! The above photo attests to my whereabouts.

I've been feverishly preparing for this weekend's show.

I've been chained to the table in my studio/sweatshop, nearly buried

under a heap-o-sparkles! Good times!

I will be at First United Methodist Church in Plano this weekend

hawking my wares. Just look for a cloud of glitter!

xo~

in flight

Halloween is the perfect time for a bit of time travel.

I sort of believe in time travel... I WANT to believe in it,

so I guess I do. It goes well with glitter and I like the clothes.

My friend Jana (on the right) joined me for a wee trek through the ages.

What a magical night. Hope yours was, too!

self-contained...

Sometimes I think I have the soul of a gypsy. I imagine a tidy wagon with lanterns

and beaded curtains. A wee home that traveled at my whim. I think of mornings

that would hold no clue as to where I'd be at sunset.

In real life I am anchored by love and family. It is a sweet tether and I am grateful

for it. But dreams are good. They allow us to soar on gossamer wings and break the bonds

of time, to dwell in castles and gypsy wagons. Never deny yourself this small pleasure,

for sometimes dreams are the balm our hearts require and the inspiration of

beautiful things. ♥

Hello, dear ones...

Such a lovely day... Makes me long to stroll in the forest in my crown.

But, as fate would have it, less fanciful pursuits have taken precedence

over my desire to wander.

I am having a wee little soldered pendant class in my

studio tomorrow, so I am making preparations (checking my

liquor stock... I anticipate some rather thirsty pupils).

I am looking forward to creating some new pendants.

It has been so long since I have soldered.

My head is a hive of ideas!!

Happy, creative weekend, my friends!

so far...

Well, it is October 5th and I have not been defeated by autumn yet!
It is still pretty here in the Dallas 'burbs, though chilly in the morning and at night.
Last night I dreamed I moved to an island... off the coast of ALASKA.
Not cool, Mr. Sandman. You sense of humor is not working for me.
I have some shows coming up, so I need to chain myself
to my table in the studio.
But I am thinking about taking photos at the old cemetery in McKinney.
It is a beautiful day. I am off to make it mine!

October... sigh...

So the melancholy season is upon us. I realize that many are endeared to this season, but I am not. It is not for mermaids. We crave warmth and balmy breezes, endless summer...
But, thankfully, it is still warm here and the horrid decay and decline of autumn has only just begun. Mostly I notice the shorter daylight hours, which tend to make me rather sad.
I'm only the teeniest bit blue though. I am making some lovely things and that always makes me happy.
I am thinking that an autumn like the scene above (Tissot's enchanting painting ~"The Picnic") might be rather nice. I like the languid air of it and everyone is so nicely dressed. Yes, this sort of autumn picnic would suit me quite well. I think, perhaps, I might forget winter's approach for a time were I to enjoy such an outing. I think I will gather my wrap and my tea service and a few dear friends...
Or maybe pizza and a movie. ;)

choo choo...

Ah, so what do we have here?
Why I do believe it's the Drama Train!
And guess who is not buying a ticket??
That would be ME!
Why is it, my friends, that some people
are so enamored with life's dramas?
As for me, I like calm, clear seas
with a beautiful, peaceful view of the horizon.
I understand that we all have problems and unpleasantness
in our lives, but the attraction and devotion
some feel for misery eludes me.
I believe our thoughts have tremendous power.
I choose to give that power not to despair, but to joy.
We all have trials and sorrows not of our making, but I choose
my response. Sometimes I am sad, but not for long.
I choose to see this world as benevolent
and rife with possibility. And I am grateful, always,
for this beautiful, heartbreaking, tender gift of life.
So, I will let the Drama Train leave without me.
♥

I swear on this monkey's fuzzy head...

I have not forgotten this blog or my millions of loyal readers!
Life has intervened. School is in full swing, so much of my time is spent
nagging my kids about homework. I've found a few moments for some
art projects and, as always, I am busy with digital graphics work.

I am happy to report that I have been victorious in my battle with Fry's Electronics
and after an eight month siege I am the owner of a marvelous new laptop! My patience,
persistence and knowledge that I was in the right have prevailed. JOY!

I am ignoring the signs of fall. Actually, I plan to ignore fall and winter outright! I am going dwell
in a mental summer henceforth. So there...
And in that spirit I am off to enjoy some sunshine and an icy Michelob Ultra Lime Cactus~ summer in a bottle!
Join me, okay?
~♥~dale

I don't like green eggs and ham...

Actually it is winter I don't like. And here it is the end of August. The days are getting shorter and nearly everyone I know is giddy at the mere thought of autumn. Alas, I am not giddy or even slightly glad. In the autumn everything dies and it gets cold and dark and dreary. Why would I like that?
But I do like boots... There's that.
I would joyfully live where winter is but a fairytale. I dream of burning my winter clothes in a glorious pyre! Dried leaves and bare branches do not delight me. I need sunshine and salt water and long, long days.
So, there is my little rant in anticipation of the bleakness to come.
For all of you autumn/winter lovers~enjoy! You may have my portion!
Me? I am building a boat that can carry me to the West Indies...
or perhaps I'll take up curling...

back to school

Between my own school years and my kids' (ages 14 to 25 now) the school calendar
has ruled most of my life. Summer is too short. School holidays are treasured. Days are
arranged around school hours. Even now, with a senior and an 8th grader I like to be home when my boys arrive after school. There is homework to oversee, papers to sign and stories of their days to be heard... and cherished.
Always, at this time of year, I am reminded of how quickly the time has passed. Gone are the hectic mornings of getting 4 little ones dressed, fed and off to the school bus. Things are calmer now and I have the gift of time to savor these days. Someday the school calendar will not be of my concern. I will miss it.
For now, there are breakfasts to make, hugs to give and time for gratitude for this life that is often beautifully ordinary.
~Dale ♥

not so fast...

School starts here on Monday for my 2 younger boys. Summer has flown by.
I wonder what it is like to not have the school calendar run your life...
It really is still summer until late September and here in Texas it stays
warm long past that time, but after school starts the lazy days are but a
sweet memory. I will miss the kids being home during the day, but it
will be good to plunge into all the projects I had set aside for the summer.
And some of those projects involve seashells and sand, so I will hold onto
to my favorite season a bit longer... ♥

good Mojo...

Even though I am a bird owner, there is something about caging a wild and beautiful
creature that sits uneasy with me.
Our endearing parrot, Mojo, has gorgeous (unclipped) wings... vibrant green with a deep aqua underneath. When he flies around our home (he has a specific pattern or two that he flies) you can feel the power in those glorious wings as he passes over. It is amazing how much he churns the air.
We rescued Mojo and we love him. We try to give him the best life we can. He has a huge and splendid bowfront cage and we let him out as much as we possible. He has lots of toys and gets plenty of attention. He seems happy and healthy. He talks a lot! He would most likely not survive in the wild, so we try to make his caged life a good one.
I feel blessed to know this enchanting bird, to hear him speak and see him spread his wondrous wings and fly.
xo~Dale

hot, happy days...

I am so loving these beautiful, hot summer days!
Yes, it is the 100s, but I still love it!
I am busy making jewelry and graphic design creations.
And savoring every sun-filled day!
Tomorrow my sis and I are going to visit some
of our favorite haunts in search of treasures.
Every day is a gift for which I am so very grateful!
Hope you are also enjoying these fleeting summer days...

♥graphics love♥

I have the best "job" in the world! Graphic design is like playing
with magic!! I made myself a new Etsy banner tonight after working
on custom orders all afternoon. I think it reflects my longing
for the sea.
I am off to dreamland with a grateful heart. I am so thankful that art
and creativity are part of my life.
~sweet dreams~ ♥

happy days...

Oh, how I love summer!! I feel like every day is a wonder!
Now, this doesn't mean that all is perfect in my world,
but sunshine and long, warm (some would say HOT) days
are a balm for my soul! I am savoring these beautiful days.

I have been working on some earrings and I want to keep
every pair I make!! Silly me! I've also been doing LOTS
of digital work. This medium continues to enchant me!
I feel like I am making magic when I enter this amazing
and nearly unlimited world of creativity!!

I hope your days are filled with sunshine and fulfilling endeavors!
xo~Dale ♥

Divas Do Dallas

My fun and creative pal, Jana, is hosting a weekend of shopping,
pedicures, pool side hi-jinks, food, drink and general mayhem and
I was lucky enough to be invited! I am looking forward to lots of glitter,
laughter and mild mischievousness!!
I made all the gals sea shell tiaras and oceany themed pendants
(with help from my sweet daughter) since the theme is Diva Island.
It should be a great weekend!
Hope yours is equally fabulous!
xo~dale

home...

It is good to be home after a few lovely days on the Gulf.
Despite news reports to the contrary, Galveston seemed to be oil free.
We were blessed with glorious weather, though the water was rough.
There were red flags flying to warn of a strong riptide.
There are still plenty of reminders of Hurricane Ike,
but Galveston is a scrappy town and it has made a vigorous comeback.
Still, it is sad to think of the landmarks destroyed
and mostly, of course, the lives lost...
My son and I had a marvelous time with our friends.
It was so good to be by the sea again.
It is where I belong...
xo~Dale

My son and I are having the BEST time ever on our little vacation!
We have played in the Gulf, spent a day at beautiful Moody Gardens,
taken a sunset cruise and enjoyed the company of good friends.
I could gladly stay right here.
My spirit is always so peaceful when the sea is near.
It is my heart's harbor...

Galveston...

My youngest son and I are enjoying a few days at the beach with friends.
There is always such a peaceful feeling in my heart when I am at the coast.
I find myself grinning and loving life!
The sound of the surf, the salty breeze, the beautiful landscape~
this is my soul's harbor...
I am so grateful for these days...

ah, summer...

I am so loving these hot, lazy days of summer. This is my season, my most cherished
time of the year. I am enchanted by the music of lawnmowers and cicadas, the glint and
gleam of fireflies, the beautifully quiet mornings and the brilliant late sunsets.
I have made an uneasy peace with the other seasons,
but it summer that I adore.



In these midsummer days I am not pushing myself. Yes, I am creating
when the spirit moves me, but only then. I need this restful time.
That being said, I am enjoying working on some jewelry pieces.
I am loving combining textures and colors in new way.
I love the feel of glass beads, the character inherent in snippets
of vintage lace.

I am enjoying some fabulous summer reading. I have a wonderfully
tall stack of books at my bedside. It always makes me feel joyful to think
of all the adventures waiting for me between the covers of those books.


I hope your summer days are also filled with the small joys exclusive to this most lovely season!
xo~Dale

Sweet land of liberty...

After a week of rainy days, the sun is out just in time for the Independence Day celebrations!!
It is a beautiful afternoon and I am reflecting on the great privilege it is to live in the United States. No country is without flaws, weaknesses, room for improvement, but the American spirit is a fine and noble thing.

It is still a land of great opportunity.

These fine words engraved on the pedestal of The Statue of Liberty
remind us of who we are...

"Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me.

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

~Emma Lazarus

Now that is something to believe in.