Wow - It's been a month and...

Holy cow!!! It's been over a month since I have blogged and so much has happened in that time! I want to start with first things first though and blog about the monthly challenge for the Etsy Bead Weavers Group. I normally put in plug before this time - but have been so busy that I have not had a chance to do so to this point (more on that later).

Anyways, for winning the art deco challenge with this bracelet, I was allowed to choose the theme for September's challenge. I chose the theme of "Animal Instincts" as I thought that this was a fun theme - that could go so many directions. Obviously, there is the obvious animal themed pieces - and then I thought that you could also go with whatever brings out the animal instincts in you? In other words, what's your passion? I have a peyote stitched cuff halfway designed for this challenge but knew I would not be able to get the beads for this in time - so you will just have to wait to see this finished piece.

Once again my fellow Etsy Bead Weavers did NOT disappoint. The pieces are unique, interesting and most definitely show those animal instincts coming through. And so - without further delay, it is time once again for the monthly Juleseys. (Thank you to Susan of Dream Bead Weaver Designs for suggesting the name of my awards....it gave me a wonderful chuckle.)

Best use of teeth: This stunning cuff by The Beaded Lily
Best use of feathers: This spectacular necklace by Beads and Blooms
Best clasp: This fun bracelet by Smadar's Treasure
Best fishy theme: This gorgeous purple bracelet by Enchanted Beads
And last but not least:
Best Halloween piece - that also can double for an entry into the challenge: this necklace by Spring Colors.


Here is my disclaimer on these awards - these are entirely for fun and are of my own design and choosing. If you are not chosen, I mean you no harm - just ran out of ideas...lol.


Ok - so now for some personal updates from my neck of the woods.

I have started a new job at Longhorn Restaurant. I started there on 09/25 and so far I like it although it is entirely different from anything that I have done before. I have never worked in the food industry before - and I have discovered new muscles that I never knew I had as I can hardly move by the time I get home at night. I am not used to working 8-12 hours with no breaks or lunches. However, the money is better - and for that I am grateful.

So things are going well there - and then I find out Sunday that they are closing this restaurant in December. So I will be looking at the end of this month again for another job - the one big plus for me on this was the fact that it is walking distance of my house. With no car, this was saving me a ton of time on the bus. I will put in applications again with all of the restaurants in the area and perhaps I will be lucky enough not to have to start riding the bus again.

My stepsister is doing well with her pregnancy - she had a procedure done called shrod khar (I believe this is the spelling) where they sew the cervix shut. She is at 14 weeks at this point - so if you could all keep sending those good thoughts, prayers and vibes our way, I would really appreciate it.

I've not had much time - or energy - to do any beading. I have been doing some cross-stitching here and there for Rosa's baby project - the baby is here now so I have to get moving on it!

That's about all from here! Hopefully I will be able to get some more posting done this month!