Obama in Ghana

I was just reading about President Obama's visit to Ghana. I was also looking through pictures of the trip, and I started to tear up. This president represents the America that I feel proud about, one that can make a bridge across the world, to all countries and all peoples. Maybe it will take a while for America to get back on its feet after the previous 8 years, but I believe it will happen with Obama at the helm. I know there are people who will read this entry and have different feelings than me, that's okay. I count my blessings that we can do that in this country and still be friends.

Parenting

I've always thought that our children teach us how to parent. Well, my 21 y.o. son, who has been in Israel since January, called today. He thought he would tell us that his friend, Angela, misses him 4 times more than we do, and she wants to pick him up at the airport and go to Michigan State for the night. Then we can pick him up from there and bring him home. I told him I understood, and I'm sure she really misses him like crazy. But maybe, just maybe, his dad and I will still go to the airport and see him, because we miss him too.

Friday errands

Every Friday I have a routine for the errands I run. Today was slightly different because I waited for Dennis, above, to get a ride to the airport. He'll be in France for the week. More time for playing with clay for me!


The I go to the local branch of our library. I actually go 2-4 times a week, since I love to read, and love libraries.


I head toward my next destination. I've waited to turn left at this traffic light hundreds of times.
One more left so I can go into the shopping center.
A stop at Barnes & Noble to check if any new magazines have come in...or beading books!
Sometimes I go to Panera's for a cup of coffee and a bagel.
Then my big stop, Whole Foods. I know some people call it whole paycheck...but I'm a vegetarian and the best selection in one place for foods I eat is WF. Plus, they get their bread delivered from Zingerman's, who makes the best bread. I pick up a loaf of challah and pumpernickel.

Aren't these flowers pretty?


One more left turn traffic light. This one is a long wait.


Ah, turning onto my road...almost home.
And here I am, back at home. I have just completed a big circle. Now to unload books and groceries.

And that's my Friday, every Friday. It's like an anchor at the end of the week. Hope your week has been a good one!

June BJP 09

Last night I was very angry about something. Anger is not conducive to sleep, so I got out of bed, went to my bead room, pulled a few things together, sat on the floor and made this piece. I used markers in my least favored colors, project rejects, embroidery thread, which, when I got frustrated with using it on the needle, I just wrapped around the lacey's stiff stuff. I even left the needle in the piece. Was I less angry? Well, enough to go to sleep. And enough to get out of bed today and move on and leave some of the anger behind.

Hawaii

Last week my husband was in Hawaii for a conference. When he sent me the hotel information, it said his room had a partial view of the ocean. This is what partial looks like! He's off to France next week for yet another conference. We'll have to wait and see what his room with a view looks like. And yes, I could go if I wanted to, but the truth of the matter is that this is work for him, and engineers take their work seriously. They love to talk about their research, what new work they're doing, renew old contacts, and most of all, talk about their research, and their work... because the bottom line is, they love their work!

Clay pendants

I have a few new pieces of polymer clay (my DH is out of town again for the week). I have a feeling this clay stuff can be addictive, just like beading. Above is my last leaf pendant. Now I'll have to make something besides leaf pendants, like the heart below. I'm still very much a novice, but I'm enjoying the process and the possibilities seem endless.

Use the Muse

I'm working on my Use the Muse piece. I've tried several ideas, excitedly gathering beads of different colors, shapes, and sizes, only to discard most of them. Now I'm narrowing down my design, and it's totally unlike my usual beading. Usually my beading is dense, but this design is airy and lightweight. In fact, I'm not sure it's worthy of the contest, but it's been fun for me to do something so totally different, so I feel I have gained something new. I can't show the piece because the muse is in it, and one of the rules is that you absolutely can't share the muse until the contest is over. So check back on July 18th, when all the entries are due!