Swarovski necklace

People are always telling me that the get numerous compliments when they wear my jewelry. I hardly wear the pieced I make, because I do not get out much, plus, I sell most of the pieces I make. Today was the exception. I was the necklace pictured here and 2 ladies came up to me and complimented me on the piece. Later on, I was in a department store and yet another lady came up to me and complimented the piece. I think I may have a few new customers. I must say, they made my day. It feels great to get kudos on your labor of love. All my pieces are made with love.
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Rag Shop

My mom was very creative; she liked sewing, embroidering, crocheting, painting. I guess you could call her a mixed media artist – her favorite media was textile. Her favorite store was Rag Shop, followed by Jo-Ann fabrics and The Home Depot.

Several years ago – before Cell Phone was King – I was living in NY and I was having a very bad day. I needed to speak with my best friend, my Mother. I called her repeatedly at home but she was not home. Then I decided to call the Rag Shop close to her home in Deerfield Beach, Florida. I described her to the clerk and asked if she was in the store. Indeed she was. The clerk handed the phone to her, we talked for a bit and all was right with the world.

A few weeks ago an e-mail from Rag Shop was in my in box. They are going out of business. My heart is broken. I rushed over to snag a few items, but all my favorite items are picked over. I was able to grab a few beads and jewelry findings.
I have been searching the ‘net to find out why they are closing, but the information is scanty. According to one report, they are closing because of competition from WalMart, another states that “the family that had started the chain had sold it, and the corporate executives were cutting back on the merchandise in lots of ways. They were going to try to max out profits while they could and then liquidate.”
I am sad to see them go. Anyway, here a few of my creations from the supplies I got @ Rag Shop.


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Jamaica, Jamaica

Here are a few pictures I took while I was on vacation in Jamaica.


My Niece and I went hiking in the Dolphin Head Mountains

These Mountains extend through Westmoreland and Hanover, reaching a height of 600 meters (1,809 ft) at Birch's Hill. Dolphin Head, so called because of its appearance, is a landmark seen from far out at sea to the south). – We came across the water fall pictured here.

My Niece named this Goat Puebert, I hope that is the correct spelling of his name. She was not pleased that Puebert was locked up and she complained bitterly. My brother explained that if he was allowed to run loose, then they would have a problem with over population. She was not pleased with this explanation – after all, what’s a few extra goats?

Puebert

I had to take this photo. I remember my teacher in prep school would have the girls walk with books on their heads. This was her way of helping us to improve our posture. I think this news paper vendor has perfect posture.

These tourists were not pleased about the 1.5 hours it took to travel .5 miles. I hope they had fun once the eventually got to their destination.

My brother took me to Tortuga’s. Arguable the best ice cream on the island. The facility includes a bakery for the Tortuga Caribbean Rum Cakes, a production kitchen for Calypso Gelato (Italian style ice cream) and a café and gift shop. Visitors can see the rum cakes being baked and gelato produced from the viewing windows, enjoy free samples and dine on the verandah of the Caribbean styled cottage overlooking the water. The gift shop includes a complete selection of Tortuga rums, rum cakes and other gourmet gifts and souvenirs.

Memorial Day

This holiday was first known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to decorate the graves and honor those that died in the Civil War. Although many cities claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day, President Lyndon Johnson declared Waterloo, NY the official birthplace. Waterloo started celebrating Memorial Day on May 5, 1866. It was a community-wide event during which businesses closed and residents decorated the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags. But it wasn't until 1971 that Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May.

Here is my latest design in honor of what I think will be an awesome summer. I am praying for no major hurricanes, enough rain to end the drought we are having in south Florida, and enough sunshine to have lots of outdoor barbeques.

About a week ago, I decided to work on a few designs for some napkin rings. I sat down to start on the design, but instead of napkin rings, I started making tablecloth weights. I am not sure why, they were not on my to-do list, but with me, that is just the way it is – everything I create comes from the heart. See more @ www.almatthewsetc.com.

By the way, Tablecloth Weights clips will hold your tablecloth in place even when the wind kicks up। The only thing you have to do is to simply clip the weights around the bottom of your tablecloth to keep it from blowing in the wind. Or more bling for your table.
Have a spectacular summer!!

I did it

I finally did it. Today I got my ears pierced. It took over 30 years, but I did it. I must say, it was the most unpleasant experience I have ever encountered. But I am happy to be able to wear some of the earrings that I have been designing - Well, I will not be able to wear them for six weeks - but when the time comes, watch out world, no more unadorned head. By the way, I would like to thank the 2 ladies at Wal-Mart who held me down while I went through the piercing ordeal - Ok, they held my hand. And to that security guard who thought I was casing the joint (I took me over 2 hours to decide on the ear impalement) shame on you;)

See more designs @ www.almatthewsetc.com