Monarchs are on the Move!

Monarch butterflies are on the move! They're gathering in trees very close to work, getting ready to migrate to Mexico. Take a look at Monarch Watch if this intrigues you. Photo by and (c)2007 Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man)

In the 60s, I remember the neighbor's tree being full of monarchs one fall. It was beautiful. My Dad planted milkweed to encourage them to return, which didn't make the neighbors too happy - the sixties was known for it's manicured lawns.

Went to the Chicago Bead Society's Book and Bead Sale on Sunday. I was pleasantly surprised by the number of vendors and the quality of the vendors at the sale.

Naturally, I spent more than I probably should have, but I got some very nice beads to play with. Saki Silver was there and their items are so tempting that I just had to buy a few.

I did support a couple of bead artists by buying their lampwork beads. I really believe that we should support artists, writers and all people who create for their living. They enrich our lives. (And maybe someone will buy some of my work someday, too.)

I went with a few beader friends of mine and the company was good. I'm always curious to see what other beaders buy for their stashes. I must admit that I admired my friends' willpower. They didn't buy as much as I did. Beginning tomorrow (there are a couple of purchases I need to make for projects) I will be on another bead diet. If I put my mind to it, I can resist the temptation to buy beads.

I'm on vacation next week - spending it in Chicagoland animal sitting for my sister. That will be a treat in and of itself. I plan to make some immediate gratification pieces - a necklace or two and at least a bracelet and I plan to work on some longer projects. Still have to get on that September page.

Today's quotation from Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804 - 1864): "Happiness is a butterfly which when pursued is just out of grasp, but if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you."