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.