Thankful

I had a wonderful, warm and restful trip. This post is a bit late.That's because ,I returned home to find my computer had gone wonky!
How can something break when it's not even being used?
My son mumbled and grumbled.But, he finally has it working !!! whewww...that's one thing I'm thankful for ! Of course, I have many more important things to be thankful for as well . I won't bore you with my list.Suffice it to say, I am healthy,happy and so is my family !

While I was a way, I visited the Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden.The place is a true treasure chest of tropical flora and fauna.The garden also has a collection of Cuban "chug's".These boats were ingenuously crafted from whatever was at hand and used to flee Cuba. One could imagine these packed tight with people, willing to risk so much, just hoping to find a life with more freedom and opportunity.It was a very humbling experience. A reminder not to take my Thanksgiving Day for granted.

The weather in Key West was amazing !!! PERFECT!!! I really relaxed and soaked up the sun! I brought home some great holiday gifts and some not so great Extra pounds ! Key West has so many fabulous restaurants! I also returned home with heart and head full of tropical bright,romantic night and sea-ational inspirations.
I'll have to keep my ideas on hold for now . There is turkey to eat ,and then more shopping to do! One of the joys (or maybe hazards )of selling on ETSY & Artfire is that, while I tend my own shop, I find the most wonderful handmade gifts in the other stores !! I'll be shopping at my key board this year .I know I can find a gift that is unique and very special for everyone on my list.! And I won't even have to get out my PJ's !!!
Provided my computer keeps working ,I'll be back on Dec .4 to visit with you .Until then,
Have a Wonderful Holiday,
Enjoy an extra piece of the pie
Count your blessings
and
Bead Happy !
m.e.

A Frosty Focus

Brrrrrrr....Morning Frost on my garden this week! The bright annual plants are gone.The frost creates a sparkling fairyland in the early morning hours. My garden is now clothed only in shades of green . I have been enjoying working with this palette. Green florals have been popping up all over my work table !
I love the change of seasons . The crisp morning air and frosty foliage do inspire me.
This season has a more subtle beauty than it's flamboyant sister Summer. Late Autumn seems to invite me to slow down . It says to me relax ,rest , restore .
As winter approaches I like to get comfy, cozy and create . I make most of my holiday items in late summer and early autumn. By this time of year I am usually able to kick back a bit .
This year I need to recuperate and recover.This fall both my husband and myself had surgeries.Last week a good friend died very suddenly and unexpectedly.
Most years I welcome frosty mornings and the promise of snowy days ahead.Normally I relish time to work with the colors of the season...deep jewel tones , bright whites, subtle muted blends. But, this year I need a quick dose and Sunshine and Bright color !
I just need enough to perk me up after a difficult Autumn. Tomorrow My hubby and I are flying off to the Florida Keys for a Week of Warmness !!! We go there yearly to scuba dive. But, I'm still not 100% after my surgery .This visit I'm just going to soak up Sun and Fun.I hope to take my Muse along to capture a bit of the colorful Keys.I 'll be wanting to use it after the holidays.That's when my bead creations will need to jump into Spring /Summer mode !
I'll be back here next Sunday to share the inspiration I find .
If you're still in Holiday overdrive
this week take a moment to relax
enjoy the signs of the season
and
Bead Happy, m.e.


PS: my shops will stay open while I'm away .I'll be able to answer any inquires and I will be listing new items. I will be mailing any purchases on Monday 11/22.