So, here I am.....

The girl that said she'd never blog. The far from computer savvy girl that is always up for a challenge despite a serious lack of time.My blog goals. Do I have blogging goals? Hmmm, I guess I should. So I pledge to be funny, lighthearted, not vent or complain to much and maybe just maybe share a crumb of wit and wisdom on occassion.I will most likely chat about etsy, my addiction and muse. the incredible artsists and friends I have found in a community that oozes with creativity, friendship, support and a home for all things handmade.You will hear me ramble about the insanity of my life including my 3 boys, ages 12, 16 and 53. Yes, that last one I am married to, but trust me, he is just as much boy as man. After 17 years of marriage I find myself raising him along with them. Then again, he would probably say the same of me at times. I will often speak of friends I would go to the ends of the earth for and a family that more often than not defines dysfunction. Then again, I strongly believe a functional family is the stuff legends are made of.I am a lover of music of all kinds and not so much the TV ( except maybe Glee). I have an addiction to handmade glass, especially venetian and lampwork beads as well as unique pottery. I have made a concerted effort to tame my jewelry fetish with my own creations which can be seen at http://www.kjbeads.etsy.com/If you haven't figured out by now, I can jabber my jaws and my fingers as if someone could care what I have to say.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Trust Me, I've Been There

It seems I count my years in summers. Being an eternal kid at heart, life is all about the freedom of summer. Screw that pile of laundry and toilet scum that is the envy of every Shell station west of the Mississippi, dammit, the pool water is 85°! Trips to the beach, vacations, swimming, sun and just plain fun are where it's at. Okay, it used to about where the boys were, now it's just where the dishes aren't.

Lathering up the sunscreen, hitting the pool and realxing seems to come with a tad more guilt year after year but I am still able to push my way through and be a total sloth now and again. Having that back yard pool helps a little, despite being the coldest summer on record for Chicago, I managed a few good days.

We may still get a handful of hot, sunny, sweltering days, yet it feels as summer is over. Today, my baby started high school. Summer school and soccer practice served to ease me in as much as him, but today it was official and I am OLD! OMG! High School! When did that happen? I ask myself, did I prepare him? Will he handle it? In a last ditch attempt, I sent him off with a few tricks and some sage advice for the first week of school:

yes dear, that 8x11 canary yellow schedule in your hand = a stamp on your forhead that says "Freshman" to every bully this side of the tracks

No, there is no elevator in the school, please don't spend your lunch $$ on a pass

yes, that upperclassman sending you to the pool on the 4th floor is a bone. There IS NO 4th floor

trust me, learn the school fight song. It's only a matter of time

you will not get from 2nd fl bio to 3rd fl locker to locker room and then PE class, dressed and ready in 5 minutes. it's just not physically possible. come up with a better plan

have fun, explore your curiosities and be your own person (even when the entire school is wearing the same Hollister hoodie.

Most of all, remember and believe me when I say, I did this once. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Be a risk taker and believe what I say once in a while that I am not a total idiot.

I love you, my son. Go, enjoy your life as a "big kid"

Saturday, August 8, 2009

The Glory Train

has a new passenger today. My friend has boarded for his final destination. I will not say good bye to him, only so long. If I am as lucky in the future as I was in this life, we will meet again. I know I'll find him, no other light will ever shine as bright. I will recognize his giggle, be prepared with a high five and once again be treated to his infectious smile.
Breathe easy my friend. Run with abandon, dance with the angels and reach out your arms as they hold the air you breathe as deeply as effortlessly as the wind, you have the strength of 10,000 men and the admiration of countless others.

Thank you for touching my life, sharing your soul and making me a better person for having known you.
Brian, my friend, Rest in Peace.



There is something rare and special
about a person who always makes you feel good
without even trying
There is something magical in a smile that talks


There's a lingering warmth in laughter
that comes so easy that nothing else
seem to matter
The ability to touch people without
having to reach out
a simple understanding of hearts

There's nothing more refreshing
than coming across such a person in your life
and nothing so appreciated as being able
to call him your friend