♥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.