Back to Blogging

I'm trying to get organized enough to do more frequent blog postings.  Bear with me, please, as I fumble my way through the technical aspects of doing this.  Did I mention that I'm a 'computer-phobic' working with both hands in braces?

I'll post a few short blogs while I sort out how to add links and images.  Cross your fingers.

I ran across a relatively new mineral at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Shows a year or so ago.  It's called 'Sonoran Sunrise' or sometimes 'Sonoran Sunset'.  The stone is mined in the Mexican state of Sonora and will be in short supply unless they find new sources.

Tomato red with green, turquoise and aqua patterns, make this strikingly beautiful.
Sonoran Sunrise

CMA Gift Rings in Cowboy Hat Gift Box

TrinketsNWhatnots' Shop Announcement

Now is your chance to own the same gift that the biggest names in Country Music own! 20 LIMITED EDITION Swarovski Crystal Rings are on sale now. Get them while you can, once they are sold out, that is it.

Our Swarovski Crystal Rings will be showcased on display at The Artisan Group's exhibit, and these Swarovski Crystal Rings will be gifted to the biggest names in Country Music backstage at the CMA Awards. This event will also be attended by over 25 media and press outlets.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TrinketsNWhatnots?section_id=5478521

Watch LIVE on Nov. 1 at 8p/7p Central on ABC

 

 

Lots of colors.  Check the site now.  Only 20 available.

Exciting Times

I’m spending more time working with clay.  I have tons of new ideas for these mostly sculpted pieces.  Some will be the small totems. I do love working on these.  Other things will be more free form and very conceptual.  Some can be made into jewelry and some just sit and inspire.

I’ve always been very precise in my work but feel that it is time to explore more ‘unusual’ and impressionistic ventures.  These are exciting times for me.

 

 

Old White Faced Wolf in Ragged Moss Cloak  is my latest.

 

Now all I need to do is to take some decent pictures

Food for Thought

It has been brought to my attention that perhaps having shops that look like someone having a yard sale just might not be the most efficient way to attract buyers.  Of course, my shop fits the 'yard sale' mode.

I'm truly trying to focus more on specific catagories and move away from some of the more random works but it's slow going.  I'll never get down to just one thing.  That's simply not in my nature.

What in the world will I do with all the miscellaneous finished items to say nothing of the mountains of supplies I have acquired?  A daunting task, indeed.  Need to ponder this a bit.  The seed has been planted, Katie. 

Say Good-by to the Feathers.

Miss True, Prima Ballerina

Introducing:  Prima Ballerina "Miss True"

Miss True has appeared as the featured artist in many private and public performances.  She takes her work seriously and works hard to hold the interest and focus of her many fans.

True's human Mom is an Occupational Therapist and Miss True is her assistant.  True's job is to motivate clients and patients to participate in their therapy which some are reluctant to do. 

She engages them in games of skill.  In one, she gathers the strewn contents of her purse, trying to get all of her items tucked in before the patients can gather theirs.  She is so determined to win, that, I'm sad to say, she often gathers some of the patient's items and tucks them into her purse as well.

There are also festivities at the clinic where, as you can imagine, True again shines.  One such event is coming up soon and I'm sure True will be more than ready.

Farewell to Abby

We had to say good-bye to Abby this morning. She had liver and pancreatic issues and nothing could be done so we gave her the last gift we could and let her go peacefully and without pain. Abby was born in Scotland, April 4, 1997.


Abby left us with lots of memories. She was a rehome and had been a very well-known competitor in the high level Border Collie Herding Trials with her former owner. We got her when she was 9 years old. She had been a kennel dog but adapted to being a house dog right away. She liked having two meals a day, sleeping inside, getting treats and a never ending supply of ear rubs.

I trialed her a bit on sheep, geese and ducks and she earned several Herding Championships. She was horrified that I would ask her to herd DUCKS, but ever the lady, she humored me. She was too pushy for geese and they hissed at her. Quite comical. We even ventured into the arena with Cattle a few times but I didn’t like being afoot in an arena with steers and Abby was too brave for her own good and I was afraid she would be hurt so we stopped that. She never felt she was getting older and slower.

Abby’s herding skills never left her and she would go around the house counting noses. She preferred that everyone (dogs and people) stay in the same room so she could keep track of them. Herding dogs are control freaks you know. The other dogs were boys so Abby was the reigning queen of the pack.

Abby is best known to my Etsy friends as the dog who ate all the trimmings off a dozen of my Medicine rocks then denied having done so. However, what goes in tends to come out and we were pooper-scooping turquoise nuggets, carnelian and citrine beads as well as random small shells and fibers for days after. (She never did admit eating this stuff.)

Abby was kind to her stock and got along well with other dogs. She loved having company and greeted each visitor as though they were long lost friends.

It was hard saying good-by to this dear girl but she will live on in our hearts.

Here's Hootie...

Here's Hootie....

Hootie is the newest member of our family.  He is a 6 year old Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie) who was the companion of my sister who is suffering from Alzheimer's and has had to be placed into Care. 

Hootie (Hoot and he is one) is fitting in very well around here except for one dog who keeps wondering when Hootie will be going home.  Fortunately,  all the dogs are easy-going and we have minimal squabbles.

He came to us very overweight and has lost 10 lbs already.  He's quite active but the excessive weight did do some joint damage.  Hopefully, that will improve as with the weight loss, he has become more active.

I managed to get his toenails down to normal length and scaled his teeth so now he has a great smile.

Hootie has a very dense coat and was so matted that my niece had a groomer come in and shave him.  He looks like a little lion.  The hair is starting to grow back now.

So, here's a reminder.  A fat dog is not a healthy dog.  Keep that weight down.  Use low calorie treats, exercise and control the food dish.  My dogs think green beans are a fun treat.  Also, keep those nails trimmed or have your vet or a groomer do it.  When the nails start to curl under it causes stress on the feet and toes and your dog will pay for that down the road.  Finally, dental health is just as important to dogs as it is to people.  Keep the teeth clean and don't let the tartar build-up get out of hand.