Camera Shy

This is Lexi.

I adopted her in April but have had a hard time getting a non-blurry photo of her. I was finally able to snap a few this weekend.
 
I went to an adoption fair just to test myself.  I really didn't think I was ready for another dog.  Since Hope passed away, I felt like I didn't want any other dog, I just wanted Hope back.  A part of me felt like even considering another dog was being disloyal to her memory.  She was so special to me and her passing left such a huge hole in my heart.
But another part of me can't help but think about and feel for all the dogs out there that deserve good homes--that are just waiting for some kindness.
And I also know that I am someone who needs a dog in my life.

I walked around the whole circuit that the people putting on the fair had set up.  There were a lot of cute dogs--puppies and grown dogs.  I stopped to pet a few, but I began to think that maybe I was right, I just wasn't ready.

Lexi was the last dog in the room.  She came right over and I just knew she was the right dog for me.

I filled out an application and a few days later, I went to pick her up from the shelter.

When I got there, the man let her out of her crate and she came right over to me.  She walked right out the door with me and hopped into the car, never looking back.  The guy was a little surprised too.  He said, "It's like she knows you."

She is a sweet, sweet girl.  Quirky and lovable in her own way.

She had a rough start to her life, but that is all in the past now.

Now, she is finally home.

A Gift

This sweet little pendant was a birthday gift.  My sister-in-law, Diana, found it in Asheville and thought of me and my home.   I love it~it was such a thoughtful gift.

Over the past few months, I've been thinking about what other components to add to it to make a necklace for myself.  I knew I wanted to use the beautiful moss opal beads that I have been hoarding for quite some time.  I think they are gorgeous.  They remind me of the woods behind my house.
I added in some golden freshwater pearls, a small piece of brass chain and a leather connector that I made with some deerskin suede and a little antiqued brass wire.

For a final touch, I added this lampworked glass leaf headpin made by talented glass artist Nikki Thornburg-Lanigan and a 'Hope' charm.
I knew I couldn't make a necklace that represented my home without adding a reminder of Hope
I can hardly believe my sweet pup has been gone for almost a year. I miss her.

And the winner is. . .

Claire!

Congratulations~I'll get your earrings right out to you.

Thanks to everyone for playing.

July Earring Giveaway!

This month's earring giveaway from Songbird Cabin Designs is for these robin's egg blue dangles.
The flat ovals of mottled blue czech glass dangle from handformed earwires made from non-tarnishing silver artist's wire.
You can leave a comment here or on Facebook here. Please pass on the links to your friends.  I will throw all the names in a hat and draw one on Saturday, July 21.  Good luck!

Back in Time

Ahhhh, Summer

Bugs & Blooms



***Edited to add:  One more bug!

 

 

A scareb.  This guy was huge--at least 2 inches long.

I've seen images of scarebs used on beads and charms in jewelry, but I've never really seen a big one like this in person.  June Bugs and Japanese beetles are scarebs too, but they are so small, you can't really see the shape like this one.