Little Miss Isabel

Isabel Thompson is almost 6 years old and boy, does she have a personality. She is my niece, daughter of Sandy Fonseca and Paul Thompson. For a young girl, she is very opinionated and strong willed, which is okay - at least we know that she will be able to hold her own if necessary.
When Isabel comes to my house, I still haven't figured out if she is more excited to see me or my dogs. Molly and Isabel love to roll around on the floor and see if Molly can find a way to kiss Isabel. I do believe that Molly usually wins this battle, and Isabel then has to wash her face. I think that the dogs are winning. Just last week, I took this picture of Molly and Isabel sleeping. Hmmmm, Isabel not talking and Molly not licking. Something is really wrong.

Isabel recently moved to California to live with her mom, and will be missed in the metro Detroit area. However, winters in Long Beach versus winters in Michigan? Easy decision!

Take care Isabel! Uncle Alan, Aunt Betsy (or Auntie Liz) and the girly girls will miss you!

How I keep my sanity..

Although it could be a matter of opinion if it really helps me keep my sanity - or if it is the reason that I am insane. I do beadwork. It is a relaxing hobby (well, to a degree) and it keeps me home.

The Santa Claus pattern is from a designer (note to self - credit this artist when you get a chance - Kris Raines???) who does some beautiful work. I have completed this necklace with a 4-strand braid in some beautiful Christmas colors. Yes, it's for sale to the first person to give me $250 for it. It measures about 2 inches wide, by about 4 inches tall and it is a pouch.

The Asian dragon is taken from a photograph that I took while I was in Korea. It's a temple dragon - and I have named this piece Soraksan - which was the name of a national park that I visited while I was in Korea.

I manage to complete a couple of large pieces every year and lots of smaller pieces. While I would like to sell on a larger scale than I do, with working full time, it's going to be really, really hard.

Since I have picked up the beads, I haven't gone back to any of the hobbies that interested me before. It's amazing how these little pieces of glass are so addictive!