May You Always Have Enough...

A friend at work sent me this poem today, and I want to share it with all my friends, my fellow beaders, my neighbors on Ruby Lane and everyone who stops by for a visit.

I do not know who wrote this poem or the origin of it, if you do please let me know.

May you always have enough...

Happiness to keep you sweet,

Trials to keep you strong,

Sorrows to keep you human,

Hope to keep you happy,

Failure to keep you humble,

Success to keep you eager,

Friends to give you comfort,

Wealth to meet your needs,

Enthusiasm to look for tomorrow,

Faith to banish depression,

Determination to make each day,

Better than the day before.

Wishing you all a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2010.

Happy Beading!

A Very Merry Christmas

Christmas Greetings from Sunny Florida!

Look who decided to take a break from the white stuff

and went for a swim in Tampa Bay!

The Color of 2010 - TURQUOISE

This posting is being written with family and friends in mind, including clients of Sundancegems and fellow bloggers, who live between W. Virginia and Maine, and are dealing with what the weathermen (and women) are referring to as the 'Blizzard of 2009'. As you look out the window let your mind wander to tropical shores, sultry breezes and swaying palms to warm your heart and body.

I was first introduced to Margie Deeb's work by Pearl in her posting about the Fall/Winter 2009 Color Report. ( www.beadinggem.com/2009/10/review-2009-fallwinter-color-report-for.html ). Margie Deeb specializes in color for bead artists. Her book The Beader's Color Palette has received many rave reviews and was voted the Best How-to Craft Book of 2009 ( http://colorforbeadartists.com ). I must confess I have not read the book, but I have just added it to my wish list. Visiting Margie's website this morning, I learnt the the 2010 Color of the Year is Turquoise. This color was chosen by Pantone  ( http://www.pantone.com/pages/pantone/index.aspx ) a world-renowned authority on color. According to their website they inspire design professionals with products, services and the latest in technology for the colorful exploration and expression of creativity. The Turquoise color they have chosen is not the familiar blue, but the blue-green.  They tell us that the color was chosen, because it invokes "inspiring thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and comforting escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of well-being".

Turquoise is one of my favorite gemstones, and nothing compares with natural genuine Turquoise. The key to purchasing genuine Turquoise is to deal with venders that you know and trust. I always sacrifice a bead from a strand of Turquoise I have purchased to break/cut in it to determine if it is really the real thing and not dyed. So many gemstones, such as Howlite and Magnesite are colored to resemble and even sell as Turquoise, and it is not easy to visually tell them apart. Currently I have three items displayed for sale in my shop that feature beautiful tropical Turquoise. You can learn more about these pieces by visiting Sundancegems at Ruby Lane www.sundancegems.rubylane.com .

Turquoise with Bird and Nest Bracelet

 (http://www.rubylane.com/shops/sundancegems/item/RMS4611 )

American Turquoise Nuggets Necklace and Earrings Set in Sterling Silver

( http://www.rubylane.com/shops/sundancegems/item/RMS4498 )

Turquoise and Sterling Silver Hammered oval chain Necklace with Bird Charm and Earrings

( http://www.rubylane.com/shops/sundancegems/item/RMS4606 )

Green Nail Polish - Fall 2009

Today, I had a long day! I was asked to report for Jury Duty and of course, I did. I armed myself with plenty of reading matter, a bottle of water, couple of granola bars, a few pieces of dark chocolate and a sweater ( we were warned that the courtrooms might get cold) and headed out early to the county court house.

After I got through the long security lines and checked in, I was, along with hundreds of others sent into a waiting room. In this room we waited, and waited, and waited. Every half hour or so, a group of names were called out and the would-be jurors were marched away to some court room to begin their duty as jurors. Lunch break came and went, it is 3.30 p.m. and I am still waiting. Finally 25 names were called, and I was one of them and again we waited. We were to be replacements in case any of the other persons chosen earlier in the day could not serve on a jury.  Then an hour later we were told, all was well, they had all the jurors they needed and we could go home. (Hooray!) I know this is an important part of our democracy and our justice system and I am very proud to be a part of it, but it was a long day!

In the waiting room, I was thumbing through some magazines, (did not check the dates) and read that Green Nail Polish was 'in' this Fall Season. http://fashion-allure.com/style/jade-green-nails-fall-2009-beauty-trend/





This got me thinking.. what do I have in my jewelry inventory that can be worn with green nail polish, and here it is currently for sale at Sundancegems. http://www.rubylane.com/shops/sundancegems/item/RMS4592 Shades of green, shining and shimmering, great for Fall and also the Holiday Party circuit. Enjoy! and don't forget the green nail polish.

Only 10 Days Left to Get Gift Packages in the Mail.

The US Postal Service reminds us that there are only 10 days left for First Class and Priority Mail packages to reach your loved ones in time for Christmas. The 21st of December is the deadline. Express mail can be mailed until the 23rd of December. Check out the deadline for various classes of mail at the USPS. http://www.usps.com/holiday/shippingcalendar.htm?from=home_ftpromo&page=holidaymaildates

Do not forget the all important stocking stuffers, now on sale at http://www.rubylane.com/shops/sundancegems . These adorable Christmas Tree earrings have been a popular item this year. Get yours, while I still have some in stock. Happy shopping!

Jewelry for Animal Lovers

Time is running out and is your gift list is just as long as it was on the day you sat down to make the list. Mine seems that way! It is not an easy task to match the gift to the receiver. I want to find that special gift, one that would light up the eyes, a gift that no one else could have bought, a gift that says you are special! I have some ideas to help you make a choice. Do you have animal lovers on your list? a cat person? a dog person? Check out some of the jewelry that I have made with such moms in mind at www.sundancegems.rubylane.com

Custom orders are always welcome. Please email me. But please keep in mind that custom orders will be undertaken only if time permits this holiday season.