This morning was spent with good friends for our annual “Girls Breakfast” at The Cottage in Laguna. It’s been our tradition for quite a few years now, a circle of friends come together for breakfast around the Christmas holiday. Not all of the girls were able to attend this year, but it was still very delightful to see those who did, and spend some time together catching up
For me, the BEST gift, are my friends!
What a spectacular day too. Couldn’t believe it was almost 80 degrees today, wow!
Is it fall or is it summer? Hard to tell isn’t it!! Last week we had temperatures in the 90’s, the week before it was cool and it rained. Today, well it can’t decide, maybe rain, but it seems warm and nice out. Actually it is a typical autumn day in Southern California.
What ever temperature it is, it’s still that time of year when we turn the clocks back (did you remember to do that last night before you went to bed?). The daylight hours will now be shorter, and for me, there aren’t enough hours in the day as it is. I know there is still the same amount of hours, but…
A lot of my friends love this time of year, and it isn’t that I don’t, but I really LOVE the spring and summer months when it stays light out longer. However, I must confess, I do enjoy hanging out on a lazy Sunday with a pot of chili on the stove, curled up on the sofa next to a fire in the fireplace, and yes, do I dare say it, watching a football game with my dedicated, sports loving husband. Not every Sunday, but it’s a nice change.
Speaking of autumn, have you had a chance to check out the new issue of “Jewelry Affaire?” I’m honored, once again, to have a few jewelry pieces featured in this lovely issue. I love the leather cuffs by Jean Carte on pages 6-9, and Beth’s Beauty by Denise Yezbac Moore is absolutely stunning! So many other amazing pieces too, you will have to check it out.
Here and gone all in a blink of an eye. Once again, there were so many AMAZING artists all in the same room, it was very inspiring. What a great day, although a little hot and humid for this time of year, and of all the times for the A/C to malfunction, what do you do?
It was great to see familiar faces, as well as it was to make new friends!
Rena and Sara, I’m so glad you came all the way from Utah to experience Glitterfest. All your license plate books and signs were AWESOME, not to mention the cool calendars, and fun key chains. Can’t forget the boxes with the embossed copper and resin lids, I LOVE mine!! (and the key chain too) Denise, I’m looking forward to hooking up to use that scroll saw we talked about. Your soldered houses were amazing! Tara, I sent you a shot of you and your adorable daughter. Love your work! Andrea, loved the outfits you and your daughter wore, but you had to be so hot. Michelle and Maija, always a pleasure, and thanks for being such good sports as we bumped each other through our small table aisle.
Many more artists I want to mention, I could go on...
A big “Thank You” to our hosts, Sheryl and Dianne for making it another sparkling even!!
Here are just a couple of shots. I always think I take more photos then I actually do. I guess I’m too busy ooh’ing and ahh’ing at all the eye candy that I forget to capture those special moments; I need to get better at that. (yes only three, I think someone else took some shots for me, I hope)
And a special & sincere "Thank You" to ALL the wonderful people who bought from me, I hope whatever you bought makes you as happy as it made my heart happy to create each piece, enjoy!
Cheers, JoAnn
p.s. A big heartfelt "Thank You" to my friend, Cindy, who always is willing to help me! I couldn't do it without you :)
On a walk the other morning, I saw these two cats hanging out looking like they didn't have a care in the world. I had to capture the moment so I could remind myself, life is busy, but it’s good to stop and take a little time for ourselves.
What artist wouldn’t love their very own studio fairy? I know I would. With Glitterfest just around the corner (Oct. 2), I’m busy creating and can always use an extra hand or two.
Here are my wanna be studio fairies:
This is TC, he thinks he is helping, sitting on a stool consulting, but usually he likes to walk all over my work space and plop right on top of all the stuff.. I’m sure some of you have a cat (or cats) that enjoy helping too, and they are.
This is Bentley, he just likes to keep me company, well actually he likes attention. He thinks he is helping by just being cute!
HB US Open is happening this week. It seems to get larger every year, it truly does look like a city within a city. This was last weekend before ALL the people. This weekend, will be another story.
I took some time off over the 4th of July holiday week to visit my sister in-law, Rena and her family in Utah. Our plan for the week was to play in her studio, learn some new techniques and enjoy our time together.
I arrived early enough the first day that we were able to visit some favorite haunts in SaltLake, and we even managed to have time to go to Snowbird for a late lunch. The UtahMountains are so beautiful. The smell of fresh air, the surroundings were green and lush, the streams flowing from the snow run off all made for a charming back drop as we ate our lunch and chatted. It was such a delightful day!
Well almost. We have to make it through June gloom first. What is June gloom you ask? The gray marine layer which settles along the coast and several miles inland which usually burns off by noon. Those who live in Southern California beach cities all share this same hazy experience. Then, summer finally arrives, and it’s hot, then we wait for the coolness of Fall.
Although Spring is filled with warmer days, and bright flowers, Summer is still my favorite season. I love the longer days of light, being outdoors, walks on the beach, outdoor concerts, hanging out at sunset, barbeques, floating in the pool with my husband, hanging out with family & friends, vacations, anything else we relate to the summer months. As far as the heat, well we are fortunate to live somewhat close to the ocean, usually if it is hot during the day, it cools down at night. Summertime is a happy time...
