Memorial Day

Today's quote comes from Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address: . . . from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion; that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom; and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Wish List

Wish List for Today: (idea compliments of curious girl)

• to be creative, even a little bit, each day
• to take time to smell the roses
• to remember that creativity removes me from the world and its worries
• to push myself to grow creatively
• to work on the challenge from our bead society
• to not compare my work and creative ideas against anyone else's
• to silence the internal critic (tough one)
• to organize those naughty little beads
• to find inspiration everywhere and act upon it
• to remember that I am not defined by my vocation
• to remember that I am flawed and so is everyone else

Today's quote comes from George Elliott: It seems to me that we can never give up longing and wishing while we are thoroughly alive. There are certain things we feel to be beautiful and good and we must hunger after them.

At Last I Finished a Beading Project!

Mounds Bracelet designed by Kim Stathis

Took me a few tries to complete this beautiful bracelet - the perfectionist in me rearing its ugly head... and life got in the way. I know some people seem to be able to do creative things when they are caring for an ill family member, but I just seem to end up in a fog - moving through the day as best as possible.

Anyway. I am happy to have completed this! It's a little more complicated and shiny than I usually wear, but I like it - not practical to wear to work, but now I have something to wear to Bead and Button.

I'd also like to say that Kim is a great teacher and her written directions are easy to follow - I usually learn best by reading, but I bead best when the directions are pictoral and hers are wonderful (both the written and the images.)

Quote for today comes from Henry Ward Beecher: The difference between perseverance and obstinacy is that one comes from a strong will, and the other from a strong won't.

The Beleaguered Dandlelion

Field of dandelions in a park near my home.

I like dandelions. I think they're a happy flower - what I have never understood is why they are the enemy to so many homeowners and why so many people complain about them to their local municipalities.

Dandelions can be eaten as a salad or made into a wine, right? So why destroy them with chemicals and lawn mowers?

And I don't like it when people refer to them as weeds. A weed is simply a plant that is growing in a place that it is not wanted.

There is something about the green of spring, especially the green in the tree above that I like. I like the contrast of the green against the slate grey skies of a storm (missed that shot the other day) and sometimes I take a break outside just to smell the green.

There's something to be said for each season. I love them all, but spring and fall are probably my two favorites.

I wait for the crabapple trees and the redbuds to bloom.

Another quote for today comes from anonymous: The miracles of nature do not seem miracles because they are so common. If no one had ever seen a flower, even a dandelion would be the most startling event in the world.

Danny Gokey Day in Brewtown!

Okay, I admit it. I am a huge American Idol fan. Things are nuts here in town because Danny Gokey's made the final 3!

Anyway - found myself wanting to see his audition tape from last summer. I was surprised that I was able to embed it here.

Go, Danny, Go! We're rooting for you!

Today's quote comes from Gail Devers: Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.