OK - So I'm an AVID "Dancing With The Stars" fan...since Season One.
Tonight is the finale - and I am compelled to end my "blogging" break after the tumultuous season of dancing drama involving Bristol Palin's quest to win the mirror-ball trophy.
I have been increasingly distressed over the last few weeks of the season - but more so tonight in viewing Bristol Palin's package where Bristol addressed those that HATE her and her mother. Oh My Goodness...Is that where we have come to?
Let me be perfectly clear Bristol... I have enjoyed immensely watching you grow as a dancer over the last few months. I think that you are a very sweet young woman who has been thrust into the fickle spotlight of celebrity which you are often uncomfortable with. Your son is adorable and your family support has been steadfast. We've seen your confidence grow in many ways allowing you to have fun on the dance floor and gather better scores from the judges.
But HATE, Bristol? Not from me...
I want to be able to speak the truth and still be kind Bristol. As sweet as you are, I'm voting for Jennifer and Derek to win the mirror ball trophy....I've even thrown some of my votes to Kyle and Lacey. And before that to Brandy and Max. Why? Because DWTS is a Dance Competition! I am so disappointed to have seen politics drawn into any of this. That's why you are feeling the hatred Bristol as mis-guided as it is...because the water has been muddied to the point where a great portion of America feels that they have to be either for you or against you.
THAT is where you are getting hurt. You have put forth an honest effort - a valiant one at that - but we DWTS die-hard fans want the best dancer to win. Not to hurt you....
Believe me...
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Been Busy Doing What???
I feel compelled to explain my absence over the last couple of days.
For those of you that have been reading my blog for sometime you know that I have had some really difficult issues going on over the past two years and as a result some tough decisions to make.
We will be putting our house on the market as quickly as we can to see if we can sell and perhaps even break even. We are tired of fighting the fight and have painfully decided that it is time to move on. Obviously, we will also have to look for another place to live...
Although we made this decision almost 3 weeks ago I think I spent the 1st week in denial, the 2nd week planning in my head and now this 3rd week is heavy duty work. I am deep cleaning every nook and cranny of my home and decluttering and destashing as I go - and that is the torturous part.
As a jewelry designer, my craft has totally taken over my home. There are not many places within my 3 levels that I do not have beads, findings, wire and finished pieces. For my sanity I will be taking a breather from creating any new pieces but will continue to sell my huge inventory. I'm already amazed as I am going through boxes how much I have that I had totally forgotten.
So, I will undoubtedly be posting on my blog less - cause it is a bit of a guilty pleasure for me. I will also have to drop fewer Entrecards as I cannot possibly do my 200-300 per day right now. I need to get on top of my "chores" before I can allow myself to catch up on all of the blogs I read daily. Thank goodness that I can keep current with all of you in Google reader and Feedburner.
I would love suggestions from any of you that have already completed what I am going through. I have a large tri-level split home that is full from top to bottom! I have already had our local Big Brother Bis Sister non-profit come by for a couple medium size loads...so much more to go!
OH YEAH! Almost forgot...
My daughter Annie saw Layla today!!!!!!!! She's no spring chicken and I am just glad to know that she is on the flip side of another winter.
I hate being a deadbeat and feel better just having let all of you know what's going on!
For those of you that have been reading my blog for sometime you know that I have had some really difficult issues going on over the past two years and as a result some tough decisions to make.
We will be putting our house on the market as quickly as we can to see if we can sell and perhaps even break even. We are tired of fighting the fight and have painfully decided that it is time to move on. Obviously, we will also have to look for another place to live...
Although we made this decision almost 3 weeks ago I think I spent the 1st week in denial, the 2nd week planning in my head and now this 3rd week is heavy duty work. I am deep cleaning every nook and cranny of my home and decluttering and destashing as I go - and that is the torturous part.
As a jewelry designer, my craft has totally taken over my home. There are not many places within my 3 levels that I do not have beads, findings, wire and finished pieces. For my sanity I will be taking a breather from creating any new pieces but will continue to sell my huge inventory. I'm already amazed as I am going through boxes how much I have that I had totally forgotten.
So, I will undoubtedly be posting on my blog less - cause it is a bit of a guilty pleasure for me. I will also have to drop fewer Entrecards as I cannot possibly do my 200-300 per day right now. I need to get on top of my "chores" before I can allow myself to catch up on all of the blogs I read daily. Thank goodness that I can keep current with all of you in Google reader and Feedburner.
I would love suggestions from any of you that have already completed what I am going through. I have a large tri-level split home that is full from top to bottom! I have already had our local Big Brother Bis Sister non-profit come by for a couple medium size loads...so much more to go!
OH YEAH! Almost forgot...
My daughter Annie saw Layla today!!!!!!!! She's no spring chicken and I am just glad to know that she is on the flip side of another winter.
I hate being a deadbeat and feel better just having let all of you know what's going on!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Another Tangent...A Tribute to Layla
I absolutely adore cats...and have all of my life.
I have also learned to love dogs in my adult life...but that will be for another day.
While dropping Entrecards today, I linked into Beaded Tail 's blog where she was featuring her beauty Isabella who is a Tortoiseshell cat (Torti). I've seen Isabella on this blog...along with Sharla's other cat and dog before, but today I felt the need to comment.
Because Isabella looks just like my cat Layla who I haven't seen in more than a year but will never forget.
Back in 2000 we had a female adult brindle boxer/pitbull mix named Jaya and a gorgeous calico cat named Cali. Daughter Annie begged for a kitten and we gave in. Well her choice was the scrawniest and homeliest kitten that I think I had ever seen. She was SO skinny with a tiny face, huge ears and a long skinny tail. Her name was Layla. Poor thing, she must have been taken from her mom way before she was ready because she starving, wild and made poor spayed Cali be her surrogate mom. I called her the rat cat.
Anyway, I never thought that she and I would become such good friends, but we did. Do your cats talk to you? Well, most of mine do, and Layla was extremely expressive. We "meowed" together every day and always understood each other.
Layla was an indoor cat until we moved in December of 2002. We have woods adjoining our backyard and soooo many species of birds, that it was making Layla crazy looking out the windows of the sunroom. Hubby started letting her out (against my will) and she started a routine of going out for a couple of hours every day and exploring. Layla was a great hunter and routinely brought home mice and birds to show me. (yuck)
Now let me tell you how the trouble started.
Layla was the boss of Cali and Jaya...no problem. And then, Panther, an injured stray kitten showed up in our driveway and my son begged and begged for us to keep him. OK...well Layla was none too pleased but decided to put up with him just to make me happy. She kept him in line and soon there was calm in the house again.
In mid 2006 daughter Annie who has moved on her own and back and then on her own again through the years now had another favor to ask. She had another kitten...Lola...and can we keep her for awhile while she transitions from house to house... OK, Annie but just temporarily. Now here is another skinny scrawny kitten that is starved for attention but is not pleasant at all. Lola was just flat out mean.
Layla was pissed...
Not at me... but I could tell that she wasn't happy having to put up with Lola at all.
I've got to give Layla credit - because she tried.
So, in the early fall of 2006 Layla came into my office where I was working. She was affectionate and chatty. I knew she wanted to go out and it was early evening so I figured it was OK....she would come in when I called between 9-10pm for the night.
I picked her up to give her some love. It was the way she looked at me that I just knew. I knew as I let her out the door that she wouldn't come back. When she got out the door she turned to look at me watching her. We both knew.
I called her before bed as I always did. No answer. I got up again in a couple of hours to see if she was outside the door waiting for me to let her in. No Layla. In the morning, again no Layla.
It hurt so bad.
I went through the woods....all over the neighborhood...called her in the morning and at night.
Three weeks to the day, on a sunny afternoon I saw Layla sunning herself on the covered pool deck. My heart was pounding so hard. I threw open the sunroom window and called out to her "Layla" with pain in my voice. She looked at me...we just kept looking at each other... I could see she had a decision to make. Layla got up took one look back at me and jumped over the stone wall back into the woods.
Layla had made her choice.
Well - it's been a little more than three years now. We had Layla sightings for the first couple. She could be seen peeking into the family room windows, or passing through the back yard. Never close enough to come back, but just close enough to make sure I was OK.
I think.
Seeing Isabella on Torti Tuesday brought the memories back today. I left a comment on Beaded Tails blog about Layla and felt the need for closure.
With tears in my eyes....
I have also learned to love dogs in my adult life...but that will be for another day.
While dropping Entrecards today, I linked into Beaded Tail 's blog where she was featuring her beauty Isabella who is a Tortoiseshell cat (Torti). I've seen Isabella on this blog...along with Sharla's other cat and dog before, but today I felt the need to comment.
Because Isabella looks just like my cat Layla who I haven't seen in more than a year but will never forget.
Back in 2000 we had a female adult brindle boxer/pitbull mix named Jaya and a gorgeous calico cat named Cali. Daughter Annie begged for a kitten and we gave in. Well her choice was the scrawniest and homeliest kitten that I think I had ever seen. She was SO skinny with a tiny face, huge ears and a long skinny tail. Her name was Layla. Poor thing, she must have been taken from her mom way before she was ready because she starving, wild and made poor spayed Cali be her surrogate mom. I called her the rat cat.
Anyway, I never thought that she and I would become such good friends, but we did. Do your cats talk to you? Well, most of mine do, and Layla was extremely expressive. We "meowed" together every day and always understood each other.
Layla was an indoor cat until we moved in December of 2002. We have woods adjoining our backyard and soooo many species of birds, that it was making Layla crazy looking out the windows of the sunroom. Hubby started letting her out (against my will) and she started a routine of going out for a couple of hours every day and exploring. Layla was a great hunter and routinely brought home mice and birds to show me. (yuck)
Now let me tell you how the trouble started.
Layla was the boss of Cali and Jaya...no problem. And then, Panther, an injured stray kitten showed up in our driveway and my son begged and begged for us to keep him. OK...well Layla was none too pleased but decided to put up with him just to make me happy. She kept him in line and soon there was calm in the house again.
In mid 2006 daughter Annie who has moved on her own and back and then on her own again through the years now had another favor to ask. She had another kitten...Lola...and can we keep her for awhile while she transitions from house to house... OK, Annie but just temporarily. Now here is another skinny scrawny kitten that is starved for attention but is not pleasant at all. Lola was just flat out mean.
Layla was pissed...
Not at me... but I could tell that she wasn't happy having to put up with Lola at all.
I've got to give Layla credit - because she tried.
So, in the early fall of 2006 Layla came into my office where I was working. She was affectionate and chatty. I knew she wanted to go out and it was early evening so I figured it was OK....she would come in when I called between 9-10pm for the night.
I picked her up to give her some love. It was the way she looked at me that I just knew. I knew as I let her out the door that she wouldn't come back. When she got out the door she turned to look at me watching her. We both knew.
I called her before bed as I always did. No answer. I got up again in a couple of hours to see if she was outside the door waiting for me to let her in. No Layla. In the morning, again no Layla.
It hurt so bad.
I went through the woods....all over the neighborhood...called her in the morning and at night.
Three weeks to the day, on a sunny afternoon I saw Layla sunning herself on the covered pool deck. My heart was pounding so hard. I threw open the sunroom window and called out to her "Layla" with pain in my voice. She looked at me...we just kept looking at each other... I could see she had a decision to make. Layla got up took one look back at me and jumped over the stone wall back into the woods.
Layla had made her choice.
Well - it's been a little more than three years now. We had Layla sightings for the first couple. She could be seen peeking into the family room windows, or passing through the back yard. Never close enough to come back, but just close enough to make sure I was OK.
I think.
Seeing Isabella on Torti Tuesday brought the memories back today. I left a comment on Beaded Tails blog about Layla and felt the need for closure.
With tears in my eyes....
Friday, February 12, 2010
It's a Mixed Bag Today...
I'm still a fairly new blogger...been about 4 months now.
I really like it...
My original goal was to promote my jewelry line, but I found the opportunity to network outside of my comfort zone on so many different levels intoxicating.
I mean, to discuss my own personal goals, my families struggles, some new designs, debate politics, current events, meet FABULOUS new friends...this is great!
Not that there aren't frustrations - how to balance the time required to produce a thoughtful post without feeling depressed for it....the impatience to build a following...working at getting the "it" that compels strangers to care and come back.
It's working at acceptance that I've always taken for granted...you know where you only have a very few seconds to catch a readers eye while they drop and run...wait a minute...what did she say????
And then watching your followers straggle in, EC numbers go up...and down, daring to take another step into the realm....
Like I said - I am loving it - and loving all of you.
The good and the bad of it all.
Keep it coming at me...
Peace out...
I really like it...
My original goal was to promote my jewelry line, but I found the opportunity to network outside of my comfort zone on so many different levels intoxicating.
I mean, to discuss my own personal goals, my families struggles, some new designs, debate politics, current events, meet FABULOUS new friends...this is great!
Not that there aren't frustrations - how to balance the time required to produce a thoughtful post without feeling depressed for it....the impatience to build a following...working at getting the "it" that compels strangers to care and come back.
It's working at acceptance that I've always taken for granted...you know where you only have a very few seconds to catch a readers eye while they drop and run...wait a minute...what did she say????
And then watching your followers straggle in, EC numbers go up...and down, daring to take another step into the realm....
Like I said - I am loving it - and loving all of you.
The good and the bad of it all.
Keep it coming at me...
Peace out...
Friday, February 5, 2010
Thankfully Another Successful Surgery...
I speak of my family often.
And of Hubby in particular...
You see he has been incredibly supportive of me throughout our friendship, relationship and marriage and especially through the last incredibly tough two years since I was layed off after 20 plus years working in Telecom and Data as a Project Manager.
I looked at the time off as temporary and an opportunity to make a go of my fledgling online jewelry business while collecting unemployment for the first time in my life.
But then the economy hit the skids...and it became increasingly difficult for me to gain the ground I imagined in the glut of online crafters and jewelry designers. So, what to do? Find a "real" job and continue my jewelry venture on the side as before - that was what I needed to do.
Long story short...I haven't been able to find a job, and all of the terrible things that happen when your household income drops in half are happening to hubby and me. I will spare you the details, because we all know what they are and the point of my story isn't that...it is how incredibly HARD it is on a marriage and how INCREDIBLE hubby has been in in handling all of this without turning his back on me or us.
He had a successful surgery today to open blocked arteries in both his legs...Three months ago he had his second prostate surgery in three months time. If he has his way, he will be at work on Monday morning overseeing contractors with our local Housing Authority (from whom he retired from full time work 7 yrs ago) to ease some of our financial difficulty.
Tonight at the hospital hubby's blood pressure was sky high. I worry about how "hanging in there" is wearing on him. I sit here tonight and wonder what it will take to put some of the pieces of our life back together so that we can be well both physically and mentally.
While I'm soul searching, any input would be highly valued.
Valentines Day is coming...I Love you Hubby!
And of Hubby in particular...
You see he has been incredibly supportive of me throughout our friendship, relationship and marriage and especially through the last incredibly tough two years since I was layed off after 20 plus years working in Telecom and Data as a Project Manager.
I looked at the time off as temporary and an opportunity to make a go of my fledgling online jewelry business while collecting unemployment for the first time in my life.
But then the economy hit the skids...and it became increasingly difficult for me to gain the ground I imagined in the glut of online crafters and jewelry designers. So, what to do? Find a "real" job and continue my jewelry venture on the side as before - that was what I needed to do.
Long story short...I haven't been able to find a job, and all of the terrible things that happen when your household income drops in half are happening to hubby and me. I will spare you the details, because we all know what they are and the point of my story isn't that...it is how incredibly HARD it is on a marriage and how INCREDIBLE hubby has been in in handling all of this without turning his back on me or us.
He had a successful surgery today to open blocked arteries in both his legs...Three months ago he had his second prostate surgery in three months time. If he has his way, he will be at work on Monday morning overseeing contractors with our local Housing Authority (from whom he retired from full time work 7 yrs ago) to ease some of our financial difficulty.
Tonight at the hospital hubby's blood pressure was sky high. I worry about how "hanging in there" is wearing on him. I sit here tonight and wonder what it will take to put some of the pieces of our life back together so that we can be well both physically and mentally.
While I'm soul searching, any input would be highly valued.
Valentines Day is coming...I Love you Hubby!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Freshwater Pearls Anyone?
Oh, I love Pearls!
I think that Pearl jewelry is almost a rite of passage for adolescent girls to womanhood...
Even if you are waiting to be "old" enough to wear them....you still have to have a string of your own.
Well, it was definitely that way for me...and has been for my daughters as well. My younger girls have junior strings that were gifted to them from their Aunt Kate years ago, and then the 2 Brides have senior strings that they wore when wed.
But the point of this post is to show you some pearls...my designs that vary in style from traditional to funky! Your pearls don't have to be your Grandmothers pearls anymore!
I think that Pearl jewelry is almost a rite of passage for adolescent girls to womanhood...
Even if you are waiting to be "old" enough to wear them....you still have to have a string of your own.
Well, it was definitely that way for me...and has been for my daughters as well. My younger girls have junior strings that were gifted to them from their Aunt Kate years ago, and then the 2 Brides have senior strings that they wore when wed.
But the point of this post is to show you some pearls...my designs that vary in style from traditional to funky! Your pearls don't have to be your Grandmothers pearls anymore!
5-6mm Freshwater Pearls in Creamy White with 14k White Gold Beads and Faceted Light Blue Aquamarine Briolettes
All of the metal is 14K White Gold...Look at the Fish Hook Clasp...totally Sturdy!
Soft and Pretty Sparkly Briolettes!
Check this Necklace out at janaes jewels on Etsy
The price may suprise you...
Now lets look at a totally different style...
This is a nice and chunky string of Amber Nuggets with top strung Freshwater Pearls in the same soft Orange or Bronzey tones.
It is tumbled and the gemstones are flexible enough to move pretty freely.
Now, you couldn't see the pretty bronze coral tubes before...Suprise!
And the Fish Hook Clasp on this Beauty is in 14K Yellow Gold
Totally Funky and Cool for ANY age!
This is a real signature piece
So, where can you purchase it?
Check it out here in my eBay Store
The price is incredible!
So, that's it for today...BUT I have so much more to show you. Come back soon!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Overdue Declutter Over Heahhhhhh...
We moved into a tri-level split from a small single family home that we were bursting out of about eight years ago. With 2 of our 6 children and my mother-in-law, it was a necessary move and we just about doubled our living space.
I've never been a collector - and though I do have beautiful antiques passed down from my family - my home had been pretty clutter free for many years.
Well, that was then...and this was now.
Everywhere I look in my house now has clutter!
Why you ask?
Well - it's a long story.
And I want to keep it kinda short, so I'm just going to fast forward all of the gory details. Those of you with families can read between the lines, I'm sure.
OH, one important detail that points directly at me - and I don't want to call anyone else in my dear family out - is that I make jewelry...and I sell miscellaneous items on eBay.....hmmmm.... starting to make sense?
Well, at the end of last week, I was reading one of my fav blogs Spicybugz World ...she has a kinda crazy life like I do and another of my fav bloggers, Ruth, from Ruth's Creations had recommended quite gently that clutter issues can be dealt with with the help of Flylady.
WOW - I hit the link...browsed a few minutes...joined and have been shaming myself for 3 days now.
I cannot emphasize enough that this is a website that has something for every brand of clutterer and clutter in your home. So, if you are a juvenile offender, a repeat offender or a bonafide hoarder there is help for you.
I guess this was the kick in the butt I needed. There are so many great causes right now that can use your excess goods. My local state police barracks is collecting clothing and useable goods for the victims of the Haiti earthquake. Our local Big Brother Big Sister also collects household items and clothing for local families less fortunate.
So, for the last three days, I've been decluttering. I will part with extra sheets, towels, curtains, bed ensembles, blankets, dishes, winter clothing, and general clothing for elders, children, teens and adults. I have walkers, canes, baby booster seats, televisions, stereos, tables & chairs, couches and on and on.
I know how to do this...I've just been putting it off.
But no more...
This is it!
Thank you Ruth...and FlyLady - though I will really explore her website when I feel like less of a victim and more victorious!
I've never been a collector - and though I do have beautiful antiques passed down from my family - my home had been pretty clutter free for many years.
Well, that was then...and this was now.
Everywhere I look in my house now has clutter!
Why you ask?
Well - it's a long story.
And I want to keep it kinda short, so I'm just going to fast forward all of the gory details. Those of you with families can read between the lines, I'm sure.
OH, one important detail that points directly at me - and I don't want to call anyone else in my dear family out - is that I make jewelry...and I sell miscellaneous items on eBay.....hmmmm.... starting to make sense?
Well, at the end of last week, I was reading one of my fav blogs Spicybugz World ...she has a kinda crazy life like I do and another of my fav bloggers, Ruth, from Ruth's Creations had recommended quite gently that clutter issues can be dealt with with the help of Flylady.
WOW - I hit the link...browsed a few minutes...joined and have been shaming myself for 3 days now.
I cannot emphasize enough that this is a website that has something for every brand of clutterer and clutter in your home. So, if you are a juvenile offender, a repeat offender or a bonafide hoarder there is help for you.
I guess this was the kick in the butt I needed. There are so many great causes right now that can use your excess goods. My local state police barracks is collecting clothing and useable goods for the victims of the Haiti earthquake. Our local Big Brother Big Sister also collects household items and clothing for local families less fortunate.
So, for the last three days, I've been decluttering. I will part with extra sheets, towels, curtains, bed ensembles, blankets, dishes, winter clothing, and general clothing for elders, children, teens and adults. I have walkers, canes, baby booster seats, televisions, stereos, tables & chairs, couches and on and on.
I know how to do this...I've just been putting it off.
But no more...
This is it!
Thank you Ruth...and FlyLady - though I will really explore her website when I feel like less of a victim and more victorious!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Kids Almost Always Need Their Moms...
Even when they grow up...
I know I am lucky to hear from and see my adult kids all of the time.
I have 4 kids from my 1st marriage and Hubby has 2, together which makes 2 sons and 4 daughters and 4 grandsons and 1 granddaughter.
When they were young and had trouble getting along, I stressed to them that they needed to be able to resolve conflicts on their own. Life lessons, right?
How could I possibly take sides about who was right and who was wrong?
How could I know what really had happened?
How could I know who was telling the truth?
After all it is all so subjective...and how could I judge between all of these kids that I loved soooo much?
My bottom line became "If you cannot get along together in the same room, then separate until you can".
What I didn't count on was that here they are all well seasoned adults and they still come to me to resolve their differences.
It's just as tough!
BUT...
Rather than focusing on the negative, or how they cause me angst at times...I am still smiling.
I know that many parents due to time and distance see their children and grandchildren not nearly enough and I am so blessed to see (most of) mine several times a week if not weekly.
During the summer, our house with the large backyard and pool is party central and we all have a blast.
Holidays, weekends, school vacations, any excuse...we make great use of the terms "parents" and "family" and we love it!
I know I am lucky to hear from and see my adult kids all of the time.
I have 4 kids from my 1st marriage and Hubby has 2, together which makes 2 sons and 4 daughters and 4 grandsons and 1 granddaughter.
When they were young and had trouble getting along, I stressed to them that they needed to be able to resolve conflicts on their own. Life lessons, right?
How could I possibly take sides about who was right and who was wrong?
How could I know what really had happened?
How could I know who was telling the truth?
After all it is all so subjective...and how could I judge between all of these kids that I loved soooo much?
My bottom line became "If you cannot get along together in the same room, then separate until you can".
What I didn't count on was that here they are all well seasoned adults and they still come to me to resolve their differences.
It's just as tough!
BUT...
Rather than focusing on the negative, or how they cause me angst at times...I am still smiling.
I know that many parents due to time and distance see their children and grandchildren not nearly enough and I am so blessed to see (most of) mine several times a week if not weekly.
During the summer, our house with the large backyard and pool is party central and we all have a blast.
Holidays, weekends, school vacations, any excuse...we make great use of the terms "parents" and "family" and we love it!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Pregnancy Pact in MA City.....
OK - let me say first that I know that this movie premiere on Lifetime tonight is fiction...
It is loosely based on fact about a coastal seaport in MA where there was a huge spike in teen pregnancy in 2008, supposedly the result of a pregnancy pact between 17 girls as I remember from the news reports, but 18 girls in the movie.
I saw on my local news channel yesterday and again this morning that the families of some of the young girls are angry and upset that this movie was made, and vowed not to watch it.
Well, I'm watching it. And it doesn't matter to me whether it is fact based on a series of incidents in MA or Anytown, USA.
This is a real concern as we parents work to raise our children to be happy and healthy adults. We want them to make choices, informed choices and to be aware that they ARE making choices every day - yes, even when they are 13 or 14 or 15 etc.
We also want to raise them to be responsible for their choices...so that life doesn't just "happen" to them.
So yes, this means talking about sex and pregnancy when our children are young...really young. And it also means talking to our boys as well as our girls so that boys understand that they have a responsibility to the unplanned (or planned) child as well.
I realized that I missed the boat with my oldest daughter when she was not quite 12 yrs old. We were driving in my car...all 4 of my kids were with me and my oldest spotted a young girl wheeling a baby stroller up the hill we were driving down. She remarked "I think it is so unfair that people talk bad about teenage girls having babies".
OMG!
I really panicked inside as I saw our generation gap for the first time.
What I wanted most for her to avoid as a "poor choice" in a limitless world for her was in fact to her indeed a "normal" phenomenon and "no big deal".
It was a true eye opener for me, and only the beginning of unforseen issues I had to deal with way before I felt ready for them.
So - what's the lesson here?
Talk to your kids...constantly...
Don't be afraid to set your standards to them...
I found that car rides with one child at a time were a really good place to touch base. It's a neutral place and you don't have to be so "in your face" that your child can relax and open up to you.
And finally...avoid denial...for whatever happens to someone elses child can just as easily happen to yours.
Of course teen pregnancy is only one issue of many potential interruptions in our childs future...soooo
Ditto: Cigarettes, Drugs, Alcohol....
Don't give up - the journey is long - but worth every minute!
It is loosely based on fact about a coastal seaport in MA where there was a huge spike in teen pregnancy in 2008, supposedly the result of a pregnancy pact between 17 girls as I remember from the news reports, but 18 girls in the movie.
I saw on my local news channel yesterday and again this morning that the families of some of the young girls are angry and upset that this movie was made, and vowed not to watch it.
Well, I'm watching it. And it doesn't matter to me whether it is fact based on a series of incidents in MA or Anytown, USA.
This is a real concern as we parents work to raise our children to be happy and healthy adults. We want them to make choices, informed choices and to be aware that they ARE making choices every day - yes, even when they are 13 or 14 or 15 etc.
We also want to raise them to be responsible for their choices...so that life doesn't just "happen" to them.
So yes, this means talking about sex and pregnancy when our children are young...really young. And it also means talking to our boys as well as our girls so that boys understand that they have a responsibility to the unplanned (or planned) child as well.
I realized that I missed the boat with my oldest daughter when she was not quite 12 yrs old. We were driving in my car...all 4 of my kids were with me and my oldest spotted a young girl wheeling a baby stroller up the hill we were driving down. She remarked "I think it is so unfair that people talk bad about teenage girls having babies".
OMG!
I really panicked inside as I saw our generation gap for the first time.
What I wanted most for her to avoid as a "poor choice" in a limitless world for her was in fact to her indeed a "normal" phenomenon and "no big deal".
It was a true eye opener for me, and only the beginning of unforseen issues I had to deal with way before I felt ready for them.
So - what's the lesson here?
Talk to your kids...constantly...
Don't be afraid to set your standards to them...
I found that car rides with one child at a time were a really good place to touch base. It's a neutral place and you don't have to be so "in your face" that your child can relax and open up to you.
And finally...avoid denial...for whatever happens to someone elses child can just as easily happen to yours.
Of course teen pregnancy is only one issue of many potential interruptions in our childs future...soooo
Ditto: Cigarettes, Drugs, Alcohol....
Don't give up - the journey is long - but worth every minute!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Politics Has Me Beat...Back to Jewelry!
I'm sure that I am in good company with these sentiments.
So, took and edited pics from my most recent ring designs. I'm going to show you one today. It's what is called a bypass ring where the setting or mounting curves above and below the actual set gemstones.
In this case you will see a Sterling Silver Bypass Ring set with Sapphires in Yellow and Green.
The ring is a size 7...and it is 2.9 grams.
It is soooo darned pretty.
I'll probably list it on Etsy where my rings get the most attention.
I wish they sold like they collect hearts tho (sm)...
If you're interested in this ring it will sell for $24.99.
Any interest in how to set gemstones?
It's a challenging job, but it relaxes me....well at least when I'm not crushing Emeralds - or Opals - or Agate...
You know, occupational hazards!!!
See ya tomorrow.
So, took and edited pics from my most recent ring designs. I'm going to show you one today. It's what is called a bypass ring where the setting or mounting curves above and below the actual set gemstones.
In this case you will see a Sterling Silver Bypass Ring set with Sapphires in Yellow and Green.
The ring is a size 7...and it is 2.9 grams.
It is soooo darned pretty.
I'll probably list it on Etsy where my rings get the most attention.
I wish they sold like they collect hearts tho (sm)...
If you're interested in this ring it will sell for $24.99.
Any interest in how to set gemstones?
It's a challenging job, but it relaxes me....well at least when I'm not crushing Emeralds - or Opals - or Agate...
You know, occupational hazards!!!
See ya tomorrow.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Fall Out From MA Senate Election
Phew....I'm tired.
I live in Massachusetts and we just finished (like you don't know-sm) our special election to fill the late Ted Kennedy's senate seat.
It was a full two weeks of back to back to back to back commercials from each of the candidates (Martha Coakley and Scott Brown) and their supporters.
BRUTAL!
Today I joined in the nationwide online and social network debate as to the pros and cons of republican Scott Brown's victory over democrat Martha Coakley. Maybe I should have skipped it.
As a democrat (although a somewhat conservative one) I just cannot understand how we all (dems and gop's) have the same concerns but percieve the way to get relief so differently.
I mean, no one volunteers to get layed off (like I did 2 yrs ago after working in an industry for 22 yrs), but I did...
I wish I could get another job - in ANY industry, but I have not been able to...
I wish I wasn't living under the threat of foreclosure, but I am...
I wish that my health insurance premiums (obtained through my husbands retirement benefits) hadn't gone up significantly TWICE in the last 6 months - along with the deductibles and co-pays, but they have...
I can't pretend to have the answers to all of these issues... heck no... but we won't find the answers in the extremists diatribe either. We won't even touch the real issues without some real bi-partisan diologue on the local and national level.
And the TRUTH!
Give us all the strength to recognize it when we hear it.
I live in Massachusetts and we just finished (like you don't know-sm) our special election to fill the late Ted Kennedy's senate seat.
It was a full two weeks of back to back to back to back commercials from each of the candidates (Martha Coakley and Scott Brown) and their supporters.
BRUTAL!
Today I joined in the nationwide online and social network debate as to the pros and cons of republican Scott Brown's victory over democrat Martha Coakley. Maybe I should have skipped it.
As a democrat (although a somewhat conservative one) I just cannot understand how we all (dems and gop's) have the same concerns but percieve the way to get relief so differently.
I mean, no one volunteers to get layed off (like I did 2 yrs ago after working in an industry for 22 yrs), but I did...
I wish I could get another job - in ANY industry, but I have not been able to...
I wish I wasn't living under the threat of foreclosure, but I am...
I wish that my health insurance premiums (obtained through my husbands retirement benefits) hadn't gone up significantly TWICE in the last 6 months - along with the deductibles and co-pays, but they have...
I can't pretend to have the answers to all of these issues... heck no... but we won't find the answers in the extremists diatribe either. We won't even touch the real issues without some real bi-partisan diologue on the local and national level.
And the TRUTH!
Give us all the strength to recognize it when we hear it.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Martin Luther King Day (to me)
I was raised in Boston, MA.
I am the 1st daughter and second child of 6 children.
My parents and grandparents were 1st and 2nd generation Irish Catholics practicing liberal democratic politics during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's.
I attended freedom school during the boycott of the Boston Public School system in 1963 over segregation in the neighborhood schools. Over 8,000 black children participated in this event. I was one of very few white children in the church classrooms. The particular issues raised and dealt with at that time were lesser quality teaching materials, lack of any "Black History" for black students, lack of black teachers as role models in the community and crumbling classrooms.
I took classes in Black History, was introduced to text books about formerly unknown black history makers and scholars and sang "We Shall Overcome" with the conviction of a young girl who had been forever touched.
In 1965 I marched alongside Martin Luther King and Reverend Ralph Abernathy to the Bostom Common in a Freedom March - linking arms and swinging my red scarf proudly. I was 10 years old.
My parents "bused" their children to schools in black neighborhoods. I attended programs in all black neighborhoods and finished my high school education in Copley Sq at a program that originated in Dorchester, MA called the Model Demonstration Sub-System Senior HS. At the time I was part of a 14-20% minority population of white students.
It was an incredible upbringing. Did I feel that I "belonged"? Yes I did, due to the nurturing that I received from the key black leaders in the programs that watched out for their "experimental" white students. I had a thick skin, and recognized the sameness of the bigotry that I had seen in my white neighborhood as no different or more right than any bigotry that I experienced as a minority in the black community.
When I was about 12 yrs old I complained to my father that since I hadn't been alive during slavery in America, and that neither I or my family members had participated in the segregation of blacks, why did I or we have to pay the price in the world that we lived in?
My father very wisely and sternly explained that as long as I had a white face in a world where blacks continued to be segregated, where prejudice against blacks still prevailed then, I too, would bare the guilt and the shame of those before me.
"Lift Every Voice and Sing" (the Black National Anthem) I learned this anthem as a very young girl and sang with Martin Luther King proudly then and now as I live his legacy in my everyday life to bring equality to all regardless of race, color or creed.
Happy Birthday!
I am the 1st daughter and second child of 6 children.
My parents and grandparents were 1st and 2nd generation Irish Catholics practicing liberal democratic politics during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's.
I attended freedom school during the boycott of the Boston Public School system in 1963 over segregation in the neighborhood schools. Over 8,000 black children participated in this event. I was one of very few white children in the church classrooms. The particular issues raised and dealt with at that time were lesser quality teaching materials, lack of any "Black History" for black students, lack of black teachers as role models in the community and crumbling classrooms.
I took classes in Black History, was introduced to text books about formerly unknown black history makers and scholars and sang "We Shall Overcome" with the conviction of a young girl who had been forever touched.
In 1965 I marched alongside Martin Luther King and Reverend Ralph Abernathy to the Bostom Common in a Freedom March - linking arms and swinging my red scarf proudly. I was 10 years old.
My parents "bused" their children to schools in black neighborhoods. I attended programs in all black neighborhoods and finished my high school education in Copley Sq at a program that originated in Dorchester, MA called the Model Demonstration Sub-System Senior HS. At the time I was part of a 14-20% minority population of white students.
It was an incredible upbringing. Did I feel that I "belonged"? Yes I did, due to the nurturing that I received from the key black leaders in the programs that watched out for their "experimental" white students. I had a thick skin, and recognized the sameness of the bigotry that I had seen in my white neighborhood as no different or more right than any bigotry that I experienced as a minority in the black community.
When I was about 12 yrs old I complained to my father that since I hadn't been alive during slavery in America, and that neither I or my family members had participated in the segregation of blacks, why did I or we have to pay the price in the world that we lived in?
My father very wisely and sternly explained that as long as I had a white face in a world where blacks continued to be segregated, where prejudice against blacks still prevailed then, I too, would bare the guilt and the shame of those before me.
"Lift Every Voice and Sing" (the Black National Anthem) I learned this anthem as a very young girl and sang with Martin Luther King proudly then and now as I live his legacy in my everyday life to bring equality to all regardless of race, color or creed.
Happy Birthday!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Friday Night...
Hubby and I went out for fish and chips tonight. This is the best part about living just outside of the largest fishing port in the US. We didn't go to a fancy restaurant for fresh fish...we went to a cozy diner - and it was great!
We were expecting a couple of our kids to visit this evening - so made our way home quickly. It's been a nice night. Just hanging out with them...talking about the good old days - and a few of the so-so old days.
Reading email, checking my auction stats, trying to figure how to get to know YOU better!
Have a great weekend!
We were expecting a couple of our kids to visit this evening - so made our way home quickly. It's been a nice night. Just hanging out with them...talking about the good old days - and a few of the so-so old days.
Reading email, checking my auction stats, trying to figure how to get to know YOU better!
Have a great weekend!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
25% Discount on Jewelry for My Blog Readers
OK - so I was thinking...how can I increase my sales and my blog readership at the same time? I can't afford to give away the store, but I can offer a 25% discount on all jewelry in my Etsy shop to my blog readers...
So, here's the deal. If you have read this promo on my blog take a quick visit to my Etsy shop, pick some stuff out, contact me through Etsy and use promo code "25jjblog" so that I know to discount your purchase. If you prefer to buy and pay without the discount up front I will reimburse you when I process your order.
Here's a new listing for you to ponder...
It's a gorgeous new Smoky Quartz Pendant set in Sterling Silver with a 20 Inch chain for $35.00. Well, that's before your discount - right?
Oh yeah - before you have to ask...this will remain in effect until midnight 1/21/09.
Take a chance...What do you have to lose???
So, here's the deal. If you have read this promo on my blog take a quick visit to my Etsy shop, pick some stuff out, contact me through Etsy and use promo code "25jjblog" so that I know to discount your purchase. If you prefer to buy and pay without the discount up front I will reimburse you when I process your order.
It's a gorgeous new Smoky Quartz Pendant set in Sterling Silver with a 20 Inch chain for $35.00. Well, that's before your discount - right?
Oh yeah - before you have to ask...this will remain in effect until midnight 1/21/09.
Take a chance...What do you have to lose???
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Beatles Rock Band - SO Much Fun!
Hubby and I got the Beatles Rock Band for the Wii for Christmas. We are having so much fun with it! I'm really thinking that we need to get another guitar and a couple more mics so that we can attempt some of the Fab Fours harmonies...
I'm the resident singer, my son is really good on the bass and my grandson Aiden prefers the drums. I would love a break on the singing - but Hubby hasn't warmed up to the whole "karaoke" singing bit. I have though...it is really a blast singing all of the old songs....that you kind of know by heart or at least you thought you did...(sm)
I'm thinking we'll be ready for a rock band party by the end of the month!
Cleaned jewelry this morning...took pics this afternoon and did some listing this evening....after my performance of course.
It was a fun day....
I'm the resident singer, my son is really good on the bass and my grandson Aiden prefers the drums. I would love a break on the singing - but Hubby hasn't warmed up to the whole "karaoke" singing bit. I have though...it is really a blast singing all of the old songs....that you kind of know by heart or at least you thought you did...(sm)
I'm thinking we'll be ready for a rock band party by the end of the month!
Cleaned jewelry this morning...took pics this afternoon and did some listing this evening....after my performance of course.
It was a fun day....
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