honeymoon hotel and new nursery

See that jasmine arbor to the left?

It has been the focus of our attention

lately as two mockingbirds have decided to

turn it into their honeymoon haven...

First the building...

It went on for days as they flew back and forth

with beaks of straw and twigs and grasses.

In and out they went...

until finally they were satisfied...

They settled in nicely...

while the honeymoon went on...

but sooner than a blink...

eggs were spotted in nest as we had to take a

peek inside...days went by.

Soon more in and out and out and in...

with beaks filled with tasty little morsels for the little ones.

I am convinced that the parents are the wee ones we

had two seasons ago when they built a nest very near our bedroom

door in the Wisteria ...then we could see and hear them...

They are “my mockingbirds”....

They have used my husbands sculpture as a landing spot.

New work and lovin the monkey.

I’ve been on a necklace making binge.

Suddenly, without warning, I had some ideas...

so I took this old crystal  I had and painted it pale pink...

Then I wrapped that baby in wire as I have a tendency to do.

and added those little tiny czech seed beads that I had

since the 70s.

Then I added a few more beads...pretty pale girly.

a smattering of hope....

Not only do I love how this turned out...I mean want to

keep it!

Hey and look!   Another one!

Geez...feast or famine for me...

I got these fabulous Bohdi Tree beads at the bead show

down south...

They are so earthy, textured, wonderous things.

They were for a Mala... Tibetan Prayer beads...

I wear my heart on my sleeve...

I’m finally starting to be able to mix beads up...

without getting all fussy and counting and first one

and then another about it...freedom!

And these pics!

well I’m loving those too....

Thank you PicMonkey...which is the bomb...

Turns meh into beauteous...

bugs, mice, birds in bronze

Mr. Beatnheart is working on a commission

for a hand railing...He made these first out of wax.

Then sent them to a foundry to be cast in bronze.

This little mouse will sit on the railing...

along with these Rails...

early stages of this bronze bug 

made from Mr.B’s imagination...

Installation of this is next week...

Silent protest on ETSY

Oh I love me a good protest!

 I join today in closing my Etsy shop in protest of them allowing " factories" to sell on their site. Etsy is meant for people like me who make items one at a time, by hand. I have often wondered, how can this young lady be making these bracelets for so cheap... In her smoke free, pet free home... Well because... She's probably not working from "home" but" workin for the man”

 let's keep it real.... Keep Etsy HANDMADE... Thank you and see you tommorrow.  Read more if
you want to join in....  power to the people!

 More informations : http://www.protesty.com

Looks like I’m on vacation...

Naw....just went to my neighbors house.

Bill is a talented landscape designer

and his house is like something out of a magazine.

Remember how I mourned the loss of Picnik the

photo editor?   Well...welcome PicMonkey!

A lot better than picnik...I love the options

of frames and textures...also just easier to use.

This texture is called “Smudge”

well I’m smudging just about every pic I take...

I love its old fashioned quality.

Bill’s exotic living room...like hanging out Morocco.

His extraordinary Brugmansia Trees

View out of his bedroom French doors...

Frisco the Wonder Dog

couldn’t leave this out...

We have had this orchid for 5 years...

this is the first time it flowered...

Happy Sunday!