Forever Love Monday, Nov 9 2009

Forever Love Bead Set

Again, past due for a post.  . .”What am I going to write about?” is the question that’s been flapping around in the back of my mind like a dusty moth that won’t go away. Each day, I sit down at this keyboard and begin pounding out text,  only to later delete it, while telling myself ”I’ll try again tomorrow”.  Being a bit of a philosopher, I tend to take my “pen” too seriously. The short and to-the-point posts are more difficult for me to write than the long, personal essays that you see here on occasion. Really, this experience doesn’t need to be so difficult. . .All I need to do is choose a subject and write. Guess I’ll try that and see where it goes. 

Of all of the offerings I listed last week, the ”Forever Love” bead set was my favorite. This may be because I had identifiable source of inspiration for the set. It was created with Catherine of Aragon in mind. Prior to making this set, I had just finished watching the Showtime series, “The Tudors”. I didn’t have great expectations for this show, as I knew it would be historically inaccurate and a bit trashy. Not that I have a problem with either, but I do get on my own nerves when I watch period costume dramas about subjects in which I am familiar. I had hoped before watching that the writers wouldn’t take too much liberty with Catherine’s character. She was always my favorite of Henry’s wives. She had faith in her husband, her crown, her God and her people. As it turned out, they did a great job with her character and I loved the show.

Even though Catherine’s life didn’t end on the gallows, it was none the less filled with tragedy. Henry seemed to see her as a prudish, cursed and broken baby machine.  As far as I am concerned, she was an elegant lady of grace and far too good for the crybaby king.  When the ISGB made a call for entries for Convergence II, her majesty was one of several women that immediately came to mind.

I intend to go down my list of period women who I’d have loved to design beads and jewelry for until I arrive at the bead design that I want to submit for Convergence II.  Catherine’s set was easy to imagine. I chose Double Helix Psyche as the base glass, for it’s deep purple tone. When barely reduced, this beautiful glass takes on a iridescent blue haze. The russeted red base for the florals were provided by Double Helix’s Terra Nova 2. . . An amazing, yet fickle glass that sometimes also yields rich crimsons and purple-reds. Since no queen would be complete without her diamonds, centering each floral with a CZ only made sense.  Rather than name the set, “Catherine of Aragon”, I chose “Forever Love” per her expressed feelings for Henry that she took to her death bed. 

Later in the week, this set would inspire another set called ”Poetic Chivalry”. . . A similar design but in different colors.

Poetic Chivalry Bead Set

On a personal note, Ashley is miserable, the babies are growing and it can’t possibly be much longer before they finally arrive. (By the way, Happy Birthday, Ashley! I know this discomfort isn’t what you had in mind for you 21st. I had you only four days before my own birthday. You were all the gift I needed that year and to this day, you continue to be just that.) 

Of to the torch I go. . .Have a great Monday!!

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Meet Baby “B” Sunday, Oct 25 2009

Ashley is still thankfully, “holding them in”. . . Although I think they REALLY want out. It seems to me like those little guys are playing basketball in there. They are all over the place and we can even see them move.  Both mommy to be and babies are doing well, too.

Last week, Ashley had another sonogram. I was shocked when I saw the photos. . .These two pictures are of “Baby B”. “Baby A” was hiding so his image couldn’t be captured in 3d mode. I think it’s awesome that we can actually see what one of the “Zacklies” will look like. Well, I’m sure he’ll look a bit different when he gets here. He’ll have more color and his little face won’t be all squished.

Baby "B" Pic 1

 

Baby "B" pic 2

 

Ashley's double baby bump

Well, we’ve had a big weekend and I’m spent. . .Thank you all again for the many prayers and well wishes! Here’s wishing you all a wonderful week!

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Here they come. . . Thursday, Oct 8 2009

Hi! I’m was ashamed to realize that it’s been nearly a month since my last post. This past month has flown by so quickly it feels more like just a few days since I wrote about our trip to the Smokies. Our visit out there was so short that we decided to book another cabin for four days. We left this past Sunday and on Monday evening received a call from Ashley, telling us that she was having contractions that were two minutes apart. She is currently only 30 weeks along in her pregnancy, so her doctors have been doing all they can to stop her contractions and let the little guys bake a bit longer. Needless to say, we packed up and came home early.

As of now, her contractions have not quite stopped, but they have become much weaker and irregular. The doctors are saying she may be able to come home in a few days but I have a feeling she won’t be leaving until they have delivered. That could happen tomorrow or three weeks from now. If it happens soon, the twins will have to be in the NICU for at least 3-4 weeks before she can bring them home.  Ashley is doing well but cranky as all get out since she can’t move around much.

I’ll be back and forth between home and the hospital until mom and babies are home for good. I’ll still be making beads and running my business too but my email replies could be a bit slower than usual. I’m going to try and steal a couple of torch hours this morning before I head to the hospital this afternoon. Hopefully I will have a bead or two to list tomorrow.

Thank you all for checking in!

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The “Smokies” Monday, Sep 14 2009

I had the most wonderful weekend.  My lovely mother in law, Judy and her darling “bo”, John came in to visit us from CA. We spent the weekend in a mountain chalet in Pigeon Forge TN.  I swear, I have NEVER seen traffic like this in my life. As we rolled into town, we noticed lots of camping chairs and restored old cars lined up along the main strip. It took us 2 hours to get through 6 stoplights! Crazy, huh? Still yet, I’d do it all over again. The cars were a real treat to see.  Several times each year, Pigeon Forge hosts what is termed as a “Rod Run” and as it turns out, we chose to stay during one of them. Today I’m wishing I had taken pictures of some of those roadsters.

Thankfully, we spent most of our time in Gatlinburg. I love that little town. It’s so artsy and far more slow paced than the commercialized Pigeon Forge. We drove along the parkway and visited a mountain frontier town called “Cades Cove”. The drive was incredible and the old homes were a sight to see. I wish we would have had time to stay longer. We missed a great deal of Cades Cove so I plan to go again the next time we are out there.

Now I guess I get to obsess about how much I’d love to live in Gatlinburg. Normally I would keep these thoughts to myself but if I express them “outloud” I have to follow through and make them happen.

Mark and I live in Lexington, NC by default. I moved her with my former husband and never left. This is only because I didn’t want to uproot my daughter and move her to a new place. I grew up in the small mountain town of Roanoke, VA.  My family still lives in that area so I’d thought for years that I would end up back there. Somewhere along the line, I disconnected from that prospect. Mark on the other hand, is from Tehachapi, CA, another, yet very different mountain town. We thought of moving there also, as that is where most of his family lives. (Well, proudly they are my family too now, but you know what I mean.) Today, as much as the thought of CA mountain living appeals to us, it’s too far away from my daughter for me to think of moving, especially with the twins on the way. There’s just no way I could leave her, her husband or their little guys. 

I think Gatlinburg is PERFECT for us but I can’t help thinking and feeling selfish for wanting to make such a drastic move. I struggle in my thoughts of how unfair this would be to our families. I do know that Zack and Ashley and their two little “Zackleys” would visit us often and we would visit them just as much. Five hours isn’t too bad of a drive, especially since we would all get to experience the beautiful Smokies as we drive home for visits.

So, Gatlingburg it is! I don’t know how or when, but Mark and I both want this badly enough to make it happen. I dont know a thing about their home based business requirements. Hopefully Uzilla is reading this. Perhaps she can check into it for me, since she seems to know so much about what’s required to setup shop in small US towns. lol! Speaking of Uzilla, I coordinated a little social network called Uzilla’s Envy. I’ve had very little time to spread the word so right now, there are only a few us that have joined as members. You can take a look around without being a member. If you’re looking for beautiful beads or well, handmade goods, please check often to see what the new members have listed. If you are a lampworker who’s not afraid of Uzilla’s wrath, please sign up! I’d love to have as many folks as possible, showing their work on this site. We can tag photos as AGLF goods too, so that they can be easily found by prospective buyers. I want to stress that I’m not doing this for money or advertising income. The cost is very minimal, so it’s no big deal for me to pay for. It’s just my way of sharing what these wonderful artists have to offer.

Now, I’m off to the torch. I haven’t lit her up in three days. I’m itching to get started! I think maybe some autumn inspired work is on the menu! Thank you all for checking in and I’ll be back soon to show some new work.

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Beautiful Day in September. . . Tuesday, Sep 1 2009

September is one of my most favorite months of the year and today, being the first of September, was a great reminder of why I love this month so much. The air was dry, the temperature was mild and I could actually work in my garden this morning without developing sticky haze on my skin.  I’ve promised myself that I would take advantage of each and every beautiful day that September has to offer.

I’m still behind on a lot of things, but I did find time to mop my floors and wash the wee yorkies. They no longer smell like feet, so we are a happy family again. My time is becoming less limited each day, and I do expect to be listing some bead sets and focals in my store within the next few days. (REALLY! I mean it!) I think I might have a small set and a focal to list tomorrow, if they turn out okay.

I’ve had quite a response to the finished pieces that I’ve listed over the past month. A heartfelt thank you goes out to each of you who have purchase or expressed interest in them. Your encouragement has been great for my soul. I’ve really enjoyed putting the pieces together. I don’t know about you gals, but there’s just something about holding those sparkling little components in the palm of your hand that feels soothing and satisfying.  I have a few new pieces, if anyone is interested in pre assembled bling!

September Jewels

Okay, so my next post will be about new loose beads. . . See you all very soon!

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Watch out for that falling house!! Wednesday, Aug 26 2009

Now THIS is so funny that I couldn’t possibly keep it to myself!! A couple of weeks ago, Munkin Arts was selling a “smashable” piece of art glass on Etsy, with the proceeds of the sale going to the AGLF. I bought it and rather than smashing it, I put in my collection of beads. This week he has a new piece and when I saw it, I laughed so hard I nearly fell out of my chair!

Witch’s Legs, by Munkin Arts on Etsy

Witch's Legs

What to do with your witch's legs.

Ex got ya down? How about a crazed nutter with a hateful blog?

Drop a house on ‘em!

With crazy leggings and sparkly red curled shoes these beauties will be at home under the edge of a book, your keyboard, mouse pad, etc.

It’s made of glass, so nothing too heavy, but feel free to stash them where they’re most deserved.

Proceeds from this sale (minus shipping) will go towards the AGLF.

Ahhhhh. . .Thank you Tom for the comedic relief. Laughter truly is the best medicine.

 

 

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Orphan Auction on Ebay Saturday, Aug 22 2009

Orphan Auction on Ebay

With things being so crazy, and work being more a chore than a pleasure, I have a group of 20 orphans that I listed on Ebay last night.  When I made them, I was in a bit of a funk. I was suffering from the “U Virus”. If you are unaware of this social disease, here’s a public service announcement, written in part by CUVDC (Center of U Virus Disease Control), member, Mark D. Muell:

The “U” Virus – There is not yet a cure but there have been some very promising breakthroughs. After several setbacks, we understand that this virus can cause some debilitating symptoms, like panic, rage, fear, loathing, disgust, speechlessness, insomnia, dry heaves and other extremely painful unpleasantries. Our goal is to find a cure for the “U” virus. Through research and the sharing of information and ideas, we at the CUVDC, (Center of “U” Virus Disease Control) are determined to develop an antivirus to vaccinate those infected, or are at risk of infection. Funding for this program is being collected through the AGLF fund. The “U Virus” germ is quite large and easily identifiable. It looks a lot like Veruca Salt from Willie Wanka. If you see it, do not run around screaming with your arms flailing about. Fear could induce a hybrid strain of the virus. It is best to look the germ straight in the eye as you laugh from the pit of your stomach and as loudly as possible. Further public announcements will be made as we continue to work to eradicate the online hand crafted art communities of this unfortunate disease.

"U" Virus Germ

If you are looking to shop for beautiful bead bargains that will benefit our mission of eradicating this social disease, please have a gander at Debbie Peirce’s webpage for links to products that directly benefit the AGLF. Click, Click, Click ME!

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Peacock bangle and other sparkly things :-) Wednesday, Aug 19 2009

The weather here in NC  during the month of August is always hot and humid and often times, my bead production is slower than usual. I run an ogygen concentrator rather than pure oxygen and the humidity in my studio seems to effect the oxy output in a negative manner. I guess if I’m to go through a big mess, right now is the best time. My studio is MISERABLE a place to be anyway.

I wanted to make a set of peacock beads for ebay but most of the ones I’ve made in the past few days really aren’t so pleasing. This is related to my oxyconn issue. I’m using silvered glass by Double Helix and it’s not so crazy about my sad output of oxygen. I did yield two very nice beads though, so instead of keeping them for a set, I made a bangle and mini pendant. This is especially good for my soul right now, because it allows me to spend some of my creative energy that would otherwise be bottled up and spewed in a volcanic emotional outburst.

Peacock Procession Bangle

 

Peacock Procession Mini Pendant

 

This piece is one of my most recent favorites, because I love the soft aquatic blues and shimmering gold.

Romantica Lampwork Pendant

Alrightythen! Now that I’ve spent half my day photographing and listing three measly little pieces of work, I’m going to retire to my dungeon to make more beads. Hope it’s cooler where you are!!!

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Uzilla’s accusation of FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD!!!! Sunday, Aug 16 2009

Ya’ll know I’ve been really busy behind the scenes, working with my fellow artisans who have been placed on “Uzilla’s” blog of shame. Today is the first chance I’ve had to come back and update on we are doing and what’s going on. Some of it, I can’t share but some of it, I can. I know too that a lot of you that come here are my fellow bead makers. I want to assure you that Uzilla cannot possibly ruin your life by putting your name on her blog. Her words are nothing more than threats designed to scare the hell out of you, whether you are doing everything right or everything wrong in terms of how you handle your business with local, state and federal governments.  I am pretty sure she’s also trying to run interference by putting libelous content about you and your business on line in the hopes that you’ll lose customers and potential customers. 

As Uzilla might say, “Let me enlighten your knowledge. . .” Her obsessive-compulsive dissing won’t harm your business unless YOU let it.  Since this has happened to me I’ve had little time for the torch or for business, PERIOD.  Still yet, I have had so much support from my customers and fellow lampworkers. Right now my name and business name is being googled more than ever, thanks to recent reputable publications. Some of the people who saw those pubs also saw the infamous Tax FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD blog, just as I knew they would. I was afraid that the people seeing it would lose interest in my work. That wasn’t the case at all.  A few of those folks were so appalled by what they read that they sent me personal emails filled with support and encouragement. Even some of Uzilla’s former customers have contacted me with words of support.

As for the IRS, State and local agencies, I’ve only heard from my property tax assessor and zoning department. The zoning department didn’t open a report because I’m operating a home based business per their guidelines. I am accused of being a “Fraud on all levels” so after much thought, I decided to publicly address the accusation made against me by Uzilla of Woodway Texas:

Personal property taxes: Did I or did I not pay them? No. I did not. Is it “tax evasion/fraud”? No it is not. Why? I did not know I had to. When I opened my business, I called to find out if I needed a business license. I was told no but was not told that I had to list my business with the county even though a business license was not required. So, I hung up the phone and went about my business. Therefore, I have unintentionally avoided paying Davidson County their well deserved personal property tax. When contacted by the tax accessors office via us mail, I immediately called them and they explained everything to me. Here in my county this is a very common mistake among small business owners since business licences aren’t required for most small home based businesses. This is not fraud. This is lack of awareness on my part and it’s a lack of important information being shared by the county employee I spoke to several years ago when I called about getting a business license. No. . .It is not FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD!!!

My sales tax ID number: It was obtained in 2006 under my business name by my dear husband. He was off work and ran an errand for me. Any sales tax owed by my business has been paid through that ID number. So, when she started screaming her head off on her blog about this, I was freaked out and thinking, “OMG! Did I do something wrong?!!” I called the NC state tax office. I explained this stupid crap to them and they told me how to fix it. . .Close the one I was using and open a new one under my own name and business name. He also said as long as I paid the tax collected by my company, that’s really all that matters in this situation. Again, no FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD here.

As of this writing I have not heard from the IRS or NC State Revenue, although I’m sure she reported me. This is the part that I fear the least. I’ve reported my business income, as I’m supposed to. I’ve turned a lovely profit for two years now and they’ll see that when they look at her reports. If they want to audit me, I’m prepared for that. I always have been prepared for the off chance that I would be audited. That’s why I am very thorough when I report business income and expenses. Her obnoxious talking head creates no new fears for me in this area because my tax records are in order.

I have yet to figure out why she’s screaming about business paypal accounts. This just makes zero since to me so I won’t address it. It’s just too dumb to care about.

We need to no longer fear this person’s constant threats and screams for attention. She’s angry and she wants us to feel the same fear that she felt last year when her business was shut down due to her own shady business dealings. To me, it seems that she is mad because she can no longer experience the joy of selling online without proper business permits and tax ID numbers. Since she has been SO in my business, I decided to do some public records searches of my own. I found some very fun and interesting fact about the infamous “Uzilla” and her business legitimacy. I’ll share those a little later.  

The best revenge is living well. I plan to do so but before I get back to my regularly scheduled life, I’m going to blog about her business related public records on blogspot.com since they don’t seem to care about this kind of thing. I’ll put a link here so you can all follow along as we find out more information. Unfortunately this is necessary, not because I want vengeance but because I am TIRED of seeing my friends go through the emotional hell that’s being delivered by this loud mouthed vindictive and angry person. It’s unfair. It’s uncalled for and it’s just plain WRONG.

Today, I’m going to go make a new set of peacock beads for Ebay and Uzilla can kiss my lilly white ass!

P.S. Thank you all again for the support!!! I couldn’t have gotten through this without all of you. Hugs and love to all of you!

Edited to add: I changed my mind. I don’t need to put anything on my blog about her business history. Her actions speak for themselves so I’ll just leave it at that.

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Artisans and Glassworkers Legal Fund Sunday, Aug 9 2009

As I sit here writing this, more and more artisans are being attacked, harassed and added to Ullja’s blog. A legal fund has been setup to help put a stop to the psychotic game this person is playing with people’s businesses and personal lives. That’s what it is after all, just one fun game developed by an apparently sick minded freak. Well, we have a direction now all we need are the funds. If you’d like to donate, please do so here. No donation is too small. Even if it’s only a dollar, it will help!

Thank you!!!

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