Studio Work - Jumprings

Making jump rings is like housekeeping, not the most fun but totally necessary.

My bench ready.

Coils of sterling already wound and ready to cut.

The coil goes into the  holder and  coated with a lubricant to prolong the blade's life.  The top with the cutting slot is screwed over the coil.

This is the housing that fits over the cutting blade.

The blade is drawn down the cutting slot.

Here the coils are cut and have been joined with wire to keep them all together in the tumbling/polishing process.

All polished and ready to make something beautiful.

Starting to put together a Byzantine chain.

A good days work.

Peace

Happy!

It's raining again, long and steady and refreshing.  I can feel the trees drinking it up happily.

Yesterday was a great day to play with bronzclay with two very fine women artists, both of them are extraordinary people, talented and creative. We happily rolled and textured and talked about problems in our small world and the greater world.

I'm going to drag the kiln home to fire some of my creations, see if it works.  Bronzclay can be rather tricky, and if nothing else it takes forever (9 hours) to ramp up, hold and then cool.  There are new formulations but I haven't bothered to try them yet.

And just as I cleared my mind and heart of the dregs of sadness he came walking in, tall and bearded, forthright and honest, life is good.

This is the song of the day, it's so beautiful.

.Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen

Peace

Mental house cleaning...

I woke up this morning (after a shower and coffee) feeling fresh faced and new.  It's a grand and glorious feeling.

I got to do a post mortem on a liaison I've been involved in.  At one time I would have called it a relationship but evidently that wasn't true.  It was fun, frisky, a little bit bad and occasionally loving but it's over.  I feel good about getting a chance to really talk about how each of us felt, turns out I've got lots to learn about communication and being sensitive to feelings.

Everyone talks about getting through the walls we've built up and how difficult that is, unfortunately, that's so true.  It's a vicious circle of protecting yourself until you can no longer relate to another's feelings.  In my case it's being cavalier about other people, sort of a preemptive strike against anyone who could hurt me.

Holding others at arms length and warning them that they are expendable eventually erodes the connection between us.  But here's the not so funny part, in the meantime I get attached and then the break-up occurs and once again I'm scorched by the flames.  Yeah, ouch.

I accept that I've got things to work on.
I accept that it's worth the effort to get to know these amazing people.
I accept the good and the bad, the hurtful and the loving.
I accept that I can be a better person, that sometimes I'm all too human.

I will continue to live with strength and honor.
I will not accept less than that in the people I allow into my heart.
I will continue to look to the skies for an Eagle, avoiding the snakes and the jackals under my feet.

I will, I can.

Peace
and if not peace
then
Justice.

Funk

Major, deep blue, negative altitude, chocolate can't fix sort of funk, that's me.

Maybe it's the weather, since we've only seen a glimmer of sun here and there for the last 8 days.

This seems to be my tough time of year, the weather sucks, relationships falter and fail.  I don't have the extra energy to try to save them, I just crawl under my fluffy comforter and give up.

Shit.

I know it will get better, only a couple more months before spring hits for real.

And then I'll start again.

In the meantime the boys sleep close to me, sending their sweet love to me while they breathe.  I keep busy with studio housekeeping.  Even though my creativity is low I'm able to put together some interesting pieces.  Like this Byzantine link necklace with a stunning Nancy Tobey lampwork bead set.

Peace

Snowy Sunday

This is GREAT!

My snowy little cottage this morning.  I went out and shook the snow out of the dogwood trees.  And the boys think this is the best thing ever.  Dandy was born in December, so he loves snow.  He and my old girl Star played and played.  He was light enough to run on top of the snow banks, while she ran in the paths I had shoveled.

GET ME!

All tuckered out.

And today's play:

Peace

Happy March 17th!

I love Maxine, she's my kind of cranky.

AND, the rain has quit for the first time in five days.  We are heading out for a nice long walk.

Peace

Clearing Out!

I'm sifting through inventory, trying to make sense of a huge pile of "stuff".  I'm going to try to pare out a little bit, which is to your advantage.  I'm feeling generous and want to find out if anyone is actually paying attention.

This matching set is the first thing up for grabs.  It's all sterling silver metal, the beads are african trade beads in colors that are great for spring.

I'm going to have a give away, this set will go next Monday the 19th.  There really isn't an exact hour on Monday, just whenever I feel like it.  You must leave me a comment on this blog telling me which of my jewelry pieces on my www.riverwomandesign.com website you like the best.  I'll do some random thing with those who comment and the winner gets this exact set.  (This is just for my friends in the US, shipping overseas is too much.)

Have fun!

Peace

Little Radar

I love these pics of the band, well mostly my boy Grant Himmler, but I think I'm entitled to adore him.

I'm surfing for plane flights now, heading out to Austin, Texas to see them perform and to help celebrate their CD release.

Mostly I just want to see Grant performing and playing music, something he was born to do.

Thanks to Pens and Lens for taking these great shots.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pens-lens/

Peace

Walkies

The boys are always up for a walk and a little water.
Here's Dandy having a very loud conversation with Bode.

Here's Bode doing his thing.  He never quite swims but will happily wade around.  I think if he had a Corgi buddy who actually swam he would follow.  This will be a nice swimming hole this summer.

We're at Stocking Flat down at Deer Creek, the rocks are really smooth and beautiful.

And some great old manzanita on the hike back up.

We're heading into a few rainy days which means muddy floors and stinky wet dogs, but happy forests.  All the flowering trees are in full bloom so it's worrisome, will the fruit make it or not?

I have some great shots of my son performing with Little Radar, will post those later.  Still hoping we can get some higher resolution copies to have some printed.

Little Radar will be having a CD release show and party in Austin on April 29th.  I'm going to be there, can't wait!

Peace

Merry Monday

What a fine day!  This time last week we were preparing for a snow storm, today it's 63 and sunny, my kind of weather.

We went walking on the Champion Mine Road Trail again today, but this time we took the trail down to Deer Creek, ate lunch, cooled our feet and then headed back up again.

It was great!  Here's a view of a little tributary creek on our way.

There are robins splashing around in my fountain and a pretty little daffodil is blooming by my back steps.  I can see the tiny buds of the flowering dogwood in the front yard.  There must be about a million of them, should be gorgeous this spring.

I'm getting my hair trimmed soon and then will get ready for pistol league tonight,  hopefully will be better than last week.

Enjoy your day, wherever you happen to be.

Peace

Today he's three!

Happy Birthday to Bode (Alltrade Fernbriar Xciting Bad Boy)!  He's a complete goof, fun to have around, bright and alert, always a little naughty but that's ok, we like naughty.

He's hoping a bird will show up in the yard to be chased.

Showing off his profile and looking for squirrels.

Lounging on the couch, but his favorite place is under my bed.

Ah, dogs make life so interesting.

Peace

This and that...

The weather could not be more beautiful, 70's with a cool breeze.  The boys and I have been walking up on the Champion Mine Trail in Nevada City, miles of level trails running along a NID ditch.  The boys run happily down the trail and occasionally jump into the ditch for a slurp and a cool down.

This tree is almost ready to fall down, hopefully it will go down the hill and not on the trail.
And Bode wondering if I'm going to kick him off the couch.

But he's safe since he didn't tear off the sheet before he nested in.

Peace

Stevie Ray Vaughan

Cheap tickets huh?

I wonder what he would have produced if he had lived?

Peace

Bumper Stickers

I have never, ever had a bumper sticker on one of my vehicles.

Well, up to now.

Now I have two.  Click the photo to make it bigger.

I know it's sort of silly but I find all the political posturing to be so ridiculous and annoying this makes me smile. I'm not a political person.  However, I do have a brain and a heart. It scares me to think of someone like Rick Santorum becoming President.  I cannot tolerate sanctimonious haters.

I'm pretty much out of choices at this point.

Bring me someone who recognizes the value of the people who make this world move.

Bring me a miracle.

Red neck or warrior?

The Spartan King Leonidas was offered life by the Persian Emperor Xerxes if he would lay down his arms and surrender.

He said, 

ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ!

(mo-lone lah-veh)

Which translates to:

Come and take them!

I think the red dirt around here is starting to sink into my spirit.  This story tickles me.  Of course, this was the beginning of the Battle of Thermopylae and they eventually suffered defeat but not without dealing a serious blow to the Persian army.  I mostly slept through Greek history in high school.  Maybe it's time to go back and do some studying, fascinating stuff.

However, today is for friendship and some good food, including a Blood Orange and Raspberry tart.

Peace,

and if not Peace,

Justice.

New Hearts

These are available for your sweetheart next week.

I've put them up on my website.

I hope you have someone you love, someone that fills your heart, the person who gets your secret smiles, the one you can't wait to put your arms around.


"I'll be your dream, I'll be your wish I'll be your fantasy.
I'll be your hope, I'll be your love be everything that you need.
I love you more with every breath truly madly deeply do..
I will be strong I will be faithful 'cause I'm counting on A new beginning.
A reason for living. A deeper meaning.

I want to stand with you on a mountain.
I want to bathe with you in the sea.
I want to lay like this forever.
Until the sky falls down on me

And when the stars are shining brightly in the velvet sky,
I'll make a wish send it to heaven then make you want to cry
The tears of joy for all the pleasure and the certainty.
That we're surrounded by the comfort and protection of
The highest power. In lonely hours. The tears devour you
I want to stand with you on a mountain,
I want to bathe with you in the sea.
I want to lay like this forever,
Until the sky falls down on me

Oh can you see it baby?
You don't have to close your eyes 'cause it's standing right before you.
All that you need will surely come

I'll be your dream I'll be your wish I'll be your fantasy.
I'll be your hope I'll be your love be everything that you need.
I'll love you more with every breath truly madly deeply do

I want to stand with you on a mountain."


Savage Garden


Peace

Little Radar - Song of the Day

Birds by Little Radar

"This Friday Little Radar plays the Mohawk inside aftershow following the Octopus Project’s show outside. This spring the band is set to release their first full album. So keep an eye on them, because sooner or later Little Radar probably won’t be so little anymore."

This kid has been following his dream since he first picked up the double bass in 4th grade.  He makes me happy no matter what he does but knowing he's doing what he loves is very satisfying.


Peace

Little Radar

Love that they are starting to get some recognition.

Little Radar kicked everything off, and blew the crowd away. Dozens of folks came up to me to tell me how much they loved the band’s gorgeous vocals and upbeat pop-rock tunes. After only seeing them twice, I find that I already have some favorites – “Wake Up” is totally infectious, with fancy beat changes and impressive guitar licks. This is one of the most exciting local bands, and I have a feeling they’ll break it big soon. Sean Hale’s voice always reminds me of Ben Bridwell’s from Band of Horses, and bassist Grant Himmler is an incredibly exciting bassist, with fingers flying and head bopping consistently through the band’s performance. 5 stars and a sincere hope to continue working with these lads.

http://www.austinwritesmusic.com/2012/02/shot-through-the-heart-showcase-at-frank-2/

That's my boy on the far right.

See me smile!

Art of Love

Tonight from 5 to 8:30pm at 940 Idaho Maryland Road the Artist's Studios in the Foothills is hosting an opening reception for their new exhibit - The Art of Love.

See you there!

Peace

San Jose Nationals

I got to spend a great weekend absorbed in some very fine skating.  This was the first time I went to one of these events by myself, which was sort of weird but not entirely bad.  Each of the four disciplines produced new National Champions that we can be proud of.

And I got to see my young friend Tim LeDuc skate pairs with his partner Cassie Andrews.  Tim used to help me at his club competitions in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  Even then as a young kid he was a warm and delightful person, now he's matured into a stunning young man.  This was their first year at the Senior level.  It's going to be lots of fun to see them in a couple of years.

I also spent a great night in a Hilton in Santa Clara, all by myself in a big king sized bed, room service and a bottle of champagne.  It was heavenly.  I spend most of my time being responsible, even though I love every minute of it but every now and then I need a night like that.  I call it a healthy dose of ass kissing.

Now I'm back to my oh so responsible but excellent life.  Back to my dogs, business, house, friends, shooting, creating and a very satisfying relationship in the making.

Peace

Wanderings...

The weather cleared up a little and gifted us with a beautiful opportunity to walk together along the top of the Oroville Dam.

Peace

Welcome rain

It's finally here and has come with a vengeance, slaying the dusty roads and the parched ground around the trees.

It's harder to deal with the dogs, who end up wet and muddy without even trying but that's the dirty reality of dogs.

Now I step outside and can feel the sweet fresh smell of the forest, soaking up the water. It's easier to breathe and my hair is curling up a little more.

It's glorious!  Of course, this time next month when it's rained for two weeks straight I may be singing a different tune.

Peace

Love and other things...

I found this photo in a pile of photographs I'd packed.

It so perfectly shows my heart.  This perfect baby, the ocean breeze, the restaurant on the edge of the San Francisco cliffs, my joy, the exhaustion of my body and a sweet sadness of knowing what I traded for this baby.

Every Mother trades something for her children.

She makes a bargain with the universe.

She walks through fire and pain to hold a life in her arms.

She breaks her heart and steels herself to walk the hard road.

She is transformed from a kitten to a lioness.

Her senses are forever heightened.

Her gain is that broken heart.

In breaking her heart expands to hold love larger than she was.

She shines forevermore.

Peace.

180!

Last night for the first time I put up a perfect score, which means 18 rounds ended up in the center ring.

Now if I can just do it again.

And we had birthday cake, chocolate with chocolate frosting.  Almost a perfect evening.

Peace

I went up to the mountain...

One of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard in honor of this day.

Peace
And if not peace
Then Justice.

Short dogs, tall gate

Our new, gorgeous gate by Frank Whaley of Whaley Construction.

This spring I'll see if I can get some ivy to grow on the fence section and eventually it will weather to a silver color but right now it's wonderful.  I really like the added privacy it lends to the back yard, my secret garden.

The boys are romping in the back yard now, racing around, barking and chewing on each other.  I think they exist to make me smile.

Peace to you on this sunny day.

Double Nickel

Yesterday was my double nickel birthday, another milestone, another reason to reflect on life and love and how best to be who I really am.

I recently met someone who seems to share my outlaw nature which I have suppressed and virtually disowned for many years.  I'm at times uncomfortable with his demands and yet intrigued and encouraged to stretch my boundaries.  It's tough to try to be who I am when I don't really know exactly what that is.  However, I now know that each person I meet is there because now is the time for me to learn something from them.

I love my life.

Peace

First Day of 2012

And a fine day it was, unseasonably warm, incredibly sunny, fragrant with lingering wood smoke and the mountain defining smell of pine.  We slept in and went to the park later to play frisbee.  The boys looked pretty hot after clearing the ball field of geese and chasing the frisbees so I let them cool off in the duck pond and then we headed over to the dog park for some social time - also known as sniff butt time.

With the help of a great and talented guy I've gotten a lot of the more complicated projects done around the house.  The garage is almost ready for two cars and looks pretty damn neat and tidy. Locks work, curtain rods are ready for curtains, shelves are up and so is the really large mirror that takes up most of one dining room wall.  The potted Turkish Fir has been moved back outside.  We also have a really great door knocker.  It's a cast piece by Michael Healy.  I love people who do fine metalwork, this is truly a nice piece.

What an incredible year!

This time last year I was hanging on.  I was just starting to make friends.  The weather was awful, cold and wet and gloomy, it didn't seem like California.  I wasn't really sure what I wanted.  I had an idea forming, a wish for how things might be, and yet, no, I didn't really know what I wanted.

Do I now? Maybe, maybe not.  It's true that the more you know the more you realize how little you know.

So what do I know now?

I know that having my very own space is gratifying and satisfying way down deep in my heart.

I know that each person has the capacity to love but that each person loves in their own way.  Learning how our styles of love fit together is half the fun, sometimes frustrating, sometimes fabulous, always a learning process.

I know that rushing anything is a mistake, good things really do take time.

I know that keeping an essential vision of what we need and want is crucial to actually finding it.

I know that good friends are few and far between but that those few fill our hearts to overflowing and they are enough.

I know that we often do good things for people not because they are good but because we are.

I also know that a tiger doesn't change it's stripes and has big teeth and is often hungry.

I know that watching my children become adults is pretty freaking fabulous.

I know that pounding on a piece of metal makes me happy and a little sore when I miss.

I know that each day is a gift.

I know that I am enough, no matter what.

My heart, my words, my thoughts go with you.

Peace