Gulp, A Teenager

Happy 13th to my "Little Man!"

Where Have You Been?

Hello? Anyone out there? I am hanging my head in shame, embarrassed that I have neglected my blog so badly.  I've kind of lost my motivation to write here.  Plus I've been feeling well lately and thus keeping busy. This is what I've been doing...

1) Life is busy, y'all! I've got this going on and that. A lot of this...

(We're not sure what's going on with the youngest son's hair. Hmm, he got it cut really short, and now it's growing back STRAIGHT up. Like, not laying down, no matter how long it is growing. Any tips?)

And some of that...

2) I've been helping a good friend with a big project. That's all I can really say right now, but I will be more than excited to share it with you at a later time. :-)

3) I've been hanging out with some really cool Jr. MYF'ers from our church. Have you ever googled "MYF"? In my world, it has always meant "Mennonite Youth Fellowship," but apparently the urban definition is "miss your face." HA! That's funny, can't wait to tell the Jr. MYF'ers (who probably already know). Woot woot! That's for you, guys! 

But seriously, I am a sponsor for the middle schoolers at our church, and they are great kids (all 4 of them)! We talked about blogs at bible study last night. Good stuff.

4) It just seems strange all of a sudden that I put my life out on the world wide web (Remember when we used to call it that?). In all honesty, I never would have started a blog if I didn't have an online business. But since I do, I feel like it's necessary for me to have some way of connecting with my customers, whom I appreciate very much. :-) 

Well, it's late. Although not if you live on the west coast...by the way, I can't believe I haven't blogged about our trip out there this summer. But well, you know, I've been busy with this and that...

One more thing...happy birthday today to my amazing and dear niece Liz! You are beautiful in so many ways, both inside and out. I love you more than you know! 

In honor of Liz's birthday, take 20% off all items in my Etsy shop by using this code when you check out:  LIZ20. Yep, she's 20! 

First Published Pieces!

Ever since I started making jewelry, I have subscribed to beading magazines.  I have studied the pictures of designs, admired the skill of the designers who created them, and dreamed of having a piece of my jewelry in one of the magazines someday.  

This spring, I summoned up the courage to submit several designs to various magazines.  Then I received great news in May...I received an email from Stringing magazine informing me that 2 of my earring designs had been selected for publication!  I was so excited (like, squealing-and-jumping-up-and-down excited)!!  

After patiently waiting, this finally came in my mail today...

Stringing Fall 2012 issue

On page 56 of the Fall issue of Stringing, you will find these earrings featured.  

Green Goddess

Spirit of the Caribbean

It's ironic that the day I receive this magazine, I am sending off a signed contract for another publication to be announced at a later date! :-)  

Travels to the Northwest, Part 1

My dear friend Anneliese (and our host while in British Columbia) did a wonderful job of summarizing our trip up to Whistler this summer.  Head over to her blog for some spectacular pictures!

Anneliese' blog post on Whistler

Life Is Short

I've been eating cookies....

Winner!

Thanks to all who entered the Olive Branch giveaway!  


And the winner is....

"Beautiful as always!  

Had to take time out from vaca to comment. :-)"

Renee Ours

Congratulations to you, Renee!  Since you live close by, I will deliver them in person!

101 Posts

**Contest is now closed.**


Oops, I missed highlighting my 100th post!  


I guess that calls for a sweet little giveaway, don't you think?  


Leave me a comment below if you would like a chance at winning a pair of a new Artful Accents earring design...

Olive Branch

The giveaway winner will be randomly chosen and announced on Thursday morning, so be sure to get your comment on here by Wednesday night at midnight (Eastern Daylight Time).  

Here's one more picture...

[Open to US and Canada residents only.]