Husband making lollies, 2007

Here is a fine holiday tradition:  Husband making home-made lollipops.  We have had cast iron molds for over 15 years, and last year got some stainless steel ones too.  Now batches run about 12 instead of 8.  So it goes faster.  Which is great – more lollies!  Let me tell you that everyone at his work waits for this time of year and those lollies.  My longest friend in California waits for those lollies.  He and I wait for the days to make those lollies – him stirring and pouring and me marking the wrapping, wrapping and tieing.  It goes on for several days until we have a mound of colorful lollies to give away for the holidays.  Husband also makes chocolate chip cookies and fudge.  Sometimes I make butter cookies.  We give them all away and try not to eat too many during the process.

Yesterday I went to my very first bead show.  Acres and acres of sparkly things under bright lights.  It wore me out it was so much fun.  Tricia of The Bead Boutique invited and we were joined by an artist who makes precious metal clays (I don’t have a website for her – she does gorgeous work) and we made a very full day of it and it was quite grand.  And I came home with lots and lots of beads and pendants – gorgeous pendants – just wait and see as I make new pieces over the coming days.  Hopefully some will sell as this addicting habits needs some support if I’m going to keep it up.

Finished daughter’s stocking necklace and bracelet and then made myself this set (chrysocolla and swarovski crystlas on necklace, and chrysocolla, bawa pearl and amethyst on pendant) to wear with my eggplant colored t-shirt today.  I’m going to have matching jewelry for everything!  In case you don’t understand, I am and have always been a lovely of jewelry.  And now I can make my own.  It has been wonderful having Tricia to trade work with, but now I can make my very own.  It’s so very exciting!

Meanwhile, below the surface, I can feel clay stuff percolating, and I’m going to let it stay down there and perk away until it gets really strong while I focus on holidays: wrapping presents, putting the tree up – this evening I think, food, friends, relaxation.  I LOVE this time of year!  And it’s finally cold and we have warm woodstove fires inside:  perfect!

thought for the day:  Chrysocolla is a stone of many attributes.  It is calming, a briner of wisdom, stabilizes relationships and helps bring about inner balance.  www.amerindea.com/gemstones02.html