Happy Thanksgiving!

I saw this little guy while eating dinner beach side while on vacation.  I could not resist snapping his picture.  I looked at BFF and said "Here I go" to give her a heads up.  Well, actually a bottom's up would have been more appropriate because I had to slip under the bench to capture his expression.  I must have startled him by the look on his face.  I didn't startle BFF though, she didn't even bat an eye.  Hence the reason she is my BFF.

Speaking of BFF, please say a little prayer for her.   She was admitted to the hospital on Wednesday, released today, treated for mini strokes.  She thought it was just stress and at 49 most people would.  The Dr. feels she should have a full recovery, as long as the blood thinners do their job, but it will take some time.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner it reminds me that I am thankful for so many things: our health, family, friends, our business and so much more. Our turkey is thawing, invites sent out, house attended to so we are ready to celebrate!

Oh, Hahaha...just noticed I have been showing my age...using BBF instead of BFF in my older posts.  I was just letting everyone know that she is my Best Best Friend.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Hilari

Beach Musing and a Cold Snap

Beach Muse

While time was flying last month, I was able to enjoy a quick trip to our closest beach (6.5 hrs away) with BBF.  We had no plans except to enjoy each others company and the sound of the beach.  BBF is a sun worshiper, and I, being a redhead, am not.  While she soaked up the rays I walked the sand picking up shells, watched sand pipers, and sat quietly communing with a resting pelican.  When I returned to our room and looked through my found goodies, the shells whispered the idea of this little lady to me.  She worked up quickly as we sat on the balcony watching a dolphin pod swim by.  We had a very relaxing visit to the shore and we each have a Beach Muse to remind us of our trip.

We are in the thralls of a winter cold snap and the last of our breautiful fall leaves have fallen to their demise. We even had a little bit of snow on the cold ground this morning.  What does this mean, you may ask...cozy fires, hot chocolate, and roasted marshmallows.  Our fire is burning so I am heading to the kitchen to heat up some cocoa and put a marshmallow on a stick and all will be right in my little world.

Sweet dreams to all,

Hilari

Twirling in the Storm

First piece created at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts

One of the first questions asked was who was a jewelry maker... second question was who has soldered before...Hum...neither of those could I answer yes to.  I had to quickly figure out how to make this week long, much anticipated class (the description stated that it was for both jewelry and sculpture) on kinetic movement work for me. Day one was working with copper tubes and basic soldering. Day two became more jewelry centered.   Luckily, I knew where the town cigar shop was and during lunch I headed that way to get a base to work with.  While the other ladies, who were jewelry makers, were making copper rings that spin, I was making a wire lady to dance in the rain.  My teacher was a little thrown off but definitely not put off by this.  She was just as excited to see her come to life as I was.  

It took a little bit of trial and error but I got her to twirl around and around when her crank is used.  I had to solder, pop rivet, use the drill press and scroll saw, and bend copper tubing.  It was awesome.  

 

 

This was the second finished project.  When her crank is turned, her foot stomps in the puddle.  I had to work out how to connect the leg at the knee and not have it jam up when in motion.  Most of the time it is a pretty smooth movement but I am going to try using a jump ring for the joint the next time to see if it will be  any better.   I was thrilled to have new skills and two items to take home to share.

I have one less item for my Christmas list.  A family friend happened to have a commercial scroll saw that was in need of a home and we were happy to help him out.  I can't wait to go to the workshop and give it a workout.  I have lots of ideas running around in my head to play with. The only problem is that they always take more time to figure out that I think they will.  Wish me luck!

Each year October is our busy month.  Add in a week at art camp, a short trip to Myrtle Beach with BBF, and starting to lay flooring in most of the house to our usual assisting Mother-in-law with a 3 week craft fair (she is a potter by trade) and WHEW...It was a fun whirlwind but bring on November.

Peace,

Hilari

#arrowmont #craftexperience