Days Off

I always go into my days off thinking "I'm just going to sit around, relax and do what I want" then by the end of them I'll be ready to put in another 21 days.  However, "doing what I want" takes up too much time and I don't get nearly enough naps and baths and sleep-ins.  I also don't get in enough visiting of friends and family.  It's too bad because there are some great people out there for me to visit with and it doesn't happen often enough.  That makes me feel like the napping and bathing is a waste of time and I end up dis-satisfied and feeling unaccomplished on my days off.  It's a no win situation.

This time I had planned to pack up my room at camp, do some beading, finish off three different courses that I've be procrastinating at (four actually) and get at least one massage.  Go visit a dear friend who has a quickly growing baby that I don't get to spend nearly enough time with and another new friend as well.

Here's what I have gotten accomplished;

I've been able to visit with my son.  That was nice.  We don't get to visit much anymore.  Me working up north and him being 19 (yikes!) now and with a girlfriend.  He doesn't "need" me around as much anymore.  (I'm pouting here.)  I've also been housebound due to bad winter weather but, decided to be a rebel and go out anyway after all I grew up in the Mountains, what's a little Prairie weather right?   We emptied my storage space.  Then I sent my son packing it all back "home".  I've had two baths. One I couldn't enjoy because I was so tired I passed out and decided to go have a nap.  Then last night I was exhausted but, couldn't sleep.  Ended up keeping both me and my friend awake all night...and no fun was had!

This morning I needed to be up to go to the craft store because I had a coupon.  Anyone who knows me knows that night time is my time NOT mornings so, no sleep all night and up and on the go in the morning without washing or showering because the pipes were frozen in the trailer (the very same one I fell out of last days off).

So, there I was with my mini  cart full of stuff that I absolutely HAD to have at the till and ...where's my card?  I knew I'd used it this morning.  I was almost certain I'd gotten it back.  Ack!!  So, left my things (of course I'd have to line up again....sigh) and went to the car.  Not there.  Still not in my pockets.  Came back in.  Checked my pockets again.  Called a friend...can I borrow some $$ until I find it or replace it?  No answer.  Called another friend.  He could help...but, could he get there in time?  This coupon was ending in less than an hour.  Thankfully during that phone call they announced that they were going to extend the coupon by one more hour.  Relief!  So, I decided to run back to the drive-thru that I got my breakfast of champions at and see if they had it.  You never saw two kids move so slowly...my goodness I wanted to go back and check myself!  lol  It wasn't there.  On my way back my friend called.  He was half way there when he realized that he had forgotten all of his cards and cash in his rush to my aid (such a sweetie!) and had to go back.  As I was turning back into the parking lot of the store I noticed that my bank was right there on the corner....and it was OPEN...on a Saturday?!?!?  I must be "small town".  lol  Don't even ask why I didn't notice it before.  I've been to that store so many times.

Anyway, problem solved, get a new card.  Just now to hope that there wasn't such a great line that it would take to long.  It didn't.  It was close.  So, back to the store with 15 minutes to spare.  Got the extra 40% off the uber expensive lamp that I SO needed plus the 25% off my entire purchase including sale items and still beat the $300 mark.  It's amazing the damage that can be done in an hour and still fit in two little bags...

It's ok though.  There is a craft fair in my home town for Christmas and my Sister and Mom are going to get a table.  All I have to do is pay for it and help to fill it up.  No problem right?  Except that I haven't gotten a damn thing done for my beading. Well, not entirely true.  I've gotten a few of the beaded beads done.  I think those are going to officially be "Gilly Bean's Gems"  I can't believe that I enjoy making something that can be so bloody frustrating.

I'll have to tell you the story of the "Chakra Bead" I still get all riled up just thinking about it.  It was a trial from begining to end.  It turned out beautifully though.  I'm going to have to start taking pictures of things at different stages.  It would make it easier to tell a story...and more interesting.

Anyway, after sleeping the afternoon away I'm off to have some dinner and then ... I don't know. Hopefully finish the bead that I got frustrated with lastnight and do one more.  ...and A BATH!!  Time will tell.

Have a FABULOUS weekend everyone!!

Stay warm.

~<3 GillyBean.

My Creativity

I never realized how much I had taken my creativity for granted until I didn't have it anymore.

Recently, I've been having trouble at work.  There are many things that are just not working for many different reasons.  Because of that I have been wanting to leave, take time off...just about anything to get away and have time for me and the things that I want to do.  However, finances being what they are it's just not feasible.  With that came anger and frustration and loathing and all those unhealthy things that seem to build up when you are in a situation that you can't seem to see your way out of.  It lead to me not caring about the quality of work I did which lead to guilt for putting more on my co-workers who were already maxed out on their stress limits as well.

We are a very tight knit group and the whole lot of us are just a bunch of frayed nerves with everything that has been going on at work and personally these last few months.  Anyway, I was in a car accident in the summer.  Not a bad one but, it was stupid error that lead to it.  I went to see my doctor about that and he said that my problem could be depression resulting from stress, which can cause you to make these foolish mistakes. I was appropriately shocked at this declaration.  He proceeded to give me a dvd on how to deal with it.  Well, I was 5 minutes into it when I realized that my problem isn't that I don't look at the world in a positive way.  That was what the dvd wanted me to address.

Well, it was another month before I could go see him again.  I told him this time that my moods seem to get worse depending on where I am in my "cycle".  So, he thought, maybe it's hormonal and put me on Birth Control pills.  I haven't taken them for years!!  I take as few chemicals as I possibly can.  I just don't like putting them into my body. I get enough from the food that I'm forced to eat while I'm at work....but that's another rant......

Anyway, I also don't take the BCPills because they make me ill.  The last time I tried them I ended up with a bleeding ulcer.  I don't need them for the traditional reasons so, I never bothered with them.  There are always other methods that can be used if needed.  However, I decided to give them a try to see if they would help.  Well, all they did was turn me from a moody bitch into an emotional moody bitch.    Neither of which I like to be.  I decided to stick it out though until I could get back to my doctor and never thought that there were other side effects.  Now that I've taken myself off of them I realize that they took away my "creative juices" too.  I never would have thought that to be a side effect but, the timing is right. The creativity stopped flowing shortly after I started taking them and has started again now that I've stopped.  Since I've gone off of them I'm back to making things and the drive to continue creating is even stronger.  As is my desire to get the heck out of this God Forsaken wasteland that I work in.  The need to do it quicker and the many different ways keep flowing too.

Also, I feel better.  Less moods, more calm.

One of the things I`ve been looking into is to become a Life/Career Coach.  I figure I've been through enough to be sympathetic to most people and have enough empathy for the rest.  I've always been passionate about empowering people too.  I think that above anything is what I enjoy most.

So, to all of you who have had lull's in your creativity, maybe take a look at your medication.  Odd that it might have that type of  influence but, I believe it completely.  It makes sense to me because in Reiki your Sacral Chakra is connected to anything sexual or creative.  So, if you turn off part of that chakra you are likely going to turn off more than you expected.  It really don't recommend it.  However, I`m not a doctor by any stretch.

Have a great weekend everyone.

I hope to get a chance to see some more bead soup soon.  I am embarrassed to say that I've seen very few of them but, those I have seen are incredible!!

~<3 GillyBean.

What I`ve been up to.

Chain Maille Jewelry.

Who ever thought that chain maille would be used in such a way when they started making armour with it?

What a simple looking thing...who ever thought I would have enough patience to make something so friggity nit picky?  LoL.  Certainly not me!

This all started at the beginning of 2011 (nearly a year ago!  YIKES)  when  co-worker of mine and I were talking and realized that we both had a passion for beading.  She had mentioned that she'd heard of something called wire knitting.  Something like that anyway.  So, the search was on for videos or just about anything to do with that.  That's when I came across M.A.I.L. Maille Artisans International League.  It's a great little source of information if you are interested at all. (Incidently, this is nothing anywhere close to what we were looking for, she later found a video it's actual knitting with wire...who knew?!?)

I continued on to search for patterns and such that I liked and thought I could do.  Finally I made one.  The pic of it is posted on my fb.  (There's a link on the side of this blog to my albums there.)  It looked good but didn't quite turn out right.  I also started on another one.  I don't even at this moment remember what weave it was but, it very quickly frustrated me and I have left it in my "experiments to be finished at a later date" box.

Am I the only one that has one of those?

Anyway, my desire to master this field (is that the right word?) didn't die.  I found a web site.  I'm pretty sure it was M.A.I.L. that sent me there actually.  It has all sorts of supplies  and kits and books and information.  I highly recommend the instructions.  The way they're written is like being in a class.  I have finally purchased five. The first two I've completed are below.  The next three will follow quite soon I think.  It is amazing how much easier it is to use a kit than it is to try to figure out the AR make your own rings and find the right metal and everything else.  I feel a bit like a Chef following someone else's recipe but, how else will I learn?  There's just not alot of creativity involved.  However, now that I've got a few kits and am confident that I CAN make something that works I will try doing it all from "scratch" again I'm sure.  I also think I'll soon start to experiment with my own weaves.  Much like the people on M.A.I.L. have done.  The website that I purchased everything from is The Blue Buddha Boutique.  It's another great resource.

Here is my Japanese Lace 3 row.  What a pretty weave.  I bought it with my Dad in mind.  He had a car back in the days before me that was yellow with a black stripe.  I'm a terrible daughter and can never remember what it was...but, it was a muscle car and all the stories I ever hear about it are filled with love.  Anyway, I made it for him knowing that he would never wear it.  He's too tough for pretty jewelry!  lol   So, it's my Mom's now. I will probably make her a pair of earrings to match.  Sorry about the poor pictures.  I was at home when I did them and the good camera was in Camp and the people they are for are at home.

There is no picture of the actual finished product.  I had to add a clasp.  The kit does come with one but, it was silver...and that just wouldn't work for me.  I found a semi-suitable one and put that on but, will keep looking for "the right one" to change it to.  I'm picky that way.  I'm sure at least some of you understand.

Here is my Dragonscale.  I made this one for my son out of his favourite colours.  He is an odd boy.   LoL.  Ultra Blue and Bright Orange.  It's an odd mix but, it works, especially on him.  He's actually got a tattoo in these colours.  (I admit that I helped to design that.  I thought with the things he was planning if I didn't step in we'd BOTH end up regretting the decision he made.  It's a pretty cool tattoo.)  So, I also picked the weave for the name.  I thought it would be something that was right up his ally.  Dragonscale, Dungeons and Dragons, Harry Potter, ...all that stuff.   We're a very magical household.  hehehe

These pictures really don't do it justice.  It is an amazing looking weave and it moves like you would imagine dragon's scales would look like if you saw them.  I'm told that I've missed some rings.  It will be fixed next time I can get my hands on it.  I was cross-eyed by the time I finished so, I'm not surprised I missed some.  I also had a few sitting backwards to what they should have been.  That was a pain to fix.  My sister's innocent off-hand suggestion of "why can't you take just those rings out and switch them" produced an initial reaction of me wanting to toss the thing at her head (I resisted!) and it later turned out to be the best way after all.  However, it is much easier to do it right the first time!!

Next I will be working on two different variations of Byzantine and some quite adorable little Christmas Trees.

Have a fabulous week fellow artists. I hope to be here more often now that I`m feeling creative again.

Until next time
~<3 GillyBean.

Soup's Ready!! ...finally

Thank you (again) so much to everyone for the kind words and the patience while I "got it together" and "got on with it"  lol.

Here is what my bead soup turned into.  It isn't the stunning masterpiece that I had envisioned but, I think it's pretty darn good.  I've never worked with chain before.  I've only ever beaded.  This chain was actually another necklace until shortly before it turned into this one.  I didn't like the way the other one worked when I got it (mail order) so, I had planned on changing it anyway...just not this way.  lol

So, now for my soup pics.  There were other stones but, I'm just not sure what it wants to be yet. I've realized that a medication I was put on by my doctor has been part of my issue...going to have THAT fixed really soon.  Nothing like having something given to you and making the issue worse rather than better.

Anyway, ... on with the show ...

Here's both the earrings and the necklace.  The coils on the necklace are pink not copper, hard to believe in these pics I know but, it's true.

the necklace all by itself

close up #1 - the top of the focal and the toggle - I really like the milky blue colour of the round agate beads

close up of the focal - such a pretty stone - I like the way these colours came together.

the earrings - I used the pink wire  because of the pink focal, truly it matches better than the pics show

and a close up

I hope you like it!  I'm off to start to look at what all of you posted now.  I didn't think it was fair of me to see what you had before I posted mine so I haven't even looked yet.  All except at my partner Bella's.  ...and what a beautiful job she did!   Here's the link to her soup  --->  Bella @ Wirelicious
aaaannnnd here's the link to the list of Bead Soup's, just in case I'm not the last one in the world to look at them!  (you'll have to scroll down a little, there are 362 of us!!)  ---> Bead Soup Fall 2011

That's all for tonight everyone.  There is more to come.  I'm going to work on some Chain Maille next! I'm so excited...Christmas presents!!  Have a spectacular week and happy creating!

~<3 GillyBean.

Hiatus

Hello my friends!

I would like to start off by saying a great big heartfelt thank you for all of the kind words.  They helped more than you can imagine.

I am on my way back.  My inspiration was gone for a while there too...it was rather depressing.  I was in Michael's (if you don't know what that is well, it's a giant craft store with anything and everything you could possibly imagine...it's like Christmas everyday for the creative) and I had a super coupon and there were sales and I had money to burn and I couldn't find anything that sparked my interest.  Oh and I tried! I think I grabbed a package of toggles and another of charms just for spite but, I'm not even sure what they look like or where I've left them at the moment.  I don't wish that feeling on anyone.  Anyway, I was doing some shopping on line the other day and did a little better.  Hehehe.

I am going to get back to my project and have it up asap.  Just as soon as I kick this weird bug.

I've had a fever all week and dizzy spells and nausea.  It hasn't been so bad as to need a Dr really but, it's certainly dragging out.   I feel like I'm fighting an infection but, have no idea what type.  My ears and throat aren't inflamed at all...it's odd.

Anyway, my energy seems to be getting back up to where I like it and hopefully it will stay there...or keep growing.

Also, there are some big changes coming.  I'm not certain how they are going to manifest but, they will and it will be better.

Have a spectacular weekend everyone!  It's Thanksgiving here in Canada so for all of my Canadian friends I hope you enjoy your long weekend and have so much family fun and turkey and ham you'll be too worn out and stuffed for the family squabbles that always seem to go with such get togethers.

~<3 lots of love to you all GillyBean.

Bead Soup

Hi Everyone,

It is with much humiliation and great sadness that I write this post.

Due to unexpected circumstances in my life in the last week I have been unable to complete my project.  YET

I do intend to finish and post it.  I have great ideas for two pieces that will compliment each other nicely.  However, this happened at our Sister Property just over a week ago:

“A 34-year old worker employed by PTI Group was electrocuted while installing electrical cable at Beaver River Lodge,” said Occupation Health and Safety spokesperson Sorcha Thomas.
The incident occurred on Sept 11 at about 9:30 am while the man was working at the main electrical distribution area for a camp that serves oil and gas workers about 49 km north of Fort McMurray.
“A stop work order for the electrical distributor is in effect, while our officers investigate the death,” said Thomas.

Beaver River Lodge is a 732-room facility with private management and executive suites, home-style cuisine, games room, licensed lounge, driving range and fitness facility.

PTI Group provides accommodations and food services to workers in remote areas. "

This was one of the kindest men you could know.  He's got 8 month old twins and another baby on the way.  Our construction Crew and Maintenance department is devastated.

Due to the nature of the accident Beaver River lost all power and other services for approximately 48 hours.  Now, because we are 45 minutes north of the most rudimentary civilization those 732 guests + staff and management had to be housed at our property which is right next door.

I work at the front desk and getting that many people (who are used to being pampered and are quite whiny ...I'm still exhausted and therefore a little whiny myself) into a Camp where the people they Manage are staying AND keeping them happy is no small task.  Add to that the fact that our little staff of five has been working short handed all summer and our relief came back 10 days late from holidays.  So the  three of us who were here to work at the time were already exhausted.  We then had to put in a number of 12+ hour days to ensure that everyone was taken care of aside from having to deal with the devastating loss.  It has been all we could do to make it through the day and then peel ourselves out of bed in the morning.  Also, while we only had our unexpected guests for two nights we had to be ready to take in all the ones that had been put out for those two nights the next day.

Anyway, enough whining from me about my problems.  What I would like to say is that I got started, the idea is in my head of how to do it but when I tried to get back at it the other night I found I hadn't the stregth, the energy or any patience hwatsoever to continue on.

I appologize everyone in the Bead Soup Blog Hop.  Right now I must get to work....again.  I have posted pictures of the pendant  that I made and the Egptian Coil Necklace that I started to make.  it was my plan to put in three or four of the coils then un-bend one and string one of the blue agate beads on it and continue on with the coils...I'm not sure how long it will end up yet.

Anyway, I am very sorry to have let you down in this.  I was so looking forward to participating in this blog hop.  I know that I am not the only one that has been stretched thin.  I wish I had been able to come through...if I had been able to find anything in me to make this on time I would have.  I think that's why I put off writing this.  I had thought I'd maybe throw something quick together but decided that this and my partner deserved more than a quick non-effort.

I hope everyone enjoyed their Blog Hopping and had a great weekend, here is what I have so far.

~<3 GillyBean

Sharing September - Be Healing

Sharing September - Be Healing

....oh boy! How I DO love the internet!!!

Oh so much wonderful stuff out there and so little time to appreciate it all!

I love the internet.  I always have.  I know it has a wealth of information.  I always knew that so much good could come from it if only people would give it a go.  What I didn't know is that there are SO MANY people out there already doing it!  I've been "blog-hopping" tonight rather than sleeping or making my bead soup piece (bad GillyBean!  lol) and I've found so many inspirational things.  All thanks to well, last fall I broke up with my very controlling boyfriend.  Took a drive to town.  Bought myself something pretty and ended up thinking to myself.  I can do that!  ...and with the new freedom and empowerment that I felt I decided at Christmas time that I would make myself a watch.  It was a hit with everyone who saw it!  I ended up selling quite a few.  Still have some orders out there.  I've also branched out into earrings and bracelets.  Nothing big but, I love making things that other people love as much as I do.  ...and I am always so surprised at that!  lol  (pictures of these things to follow, I know I have to get more up here...I promise I will!)

Anyway, my journey led in a roundabout way to the BSBP (there's a link over on the side there, if you want some info, it's a wonderful thing created and organized and very well handled by the amazing Lori over at Pretty Things, if you ask me I think she's got super powers!).  The BSBP has led me to some wonderful blogs.  (There are a few links to them as well, all are worth a peek and another one or two.... Amber Dawn's Inventive Soul this post started my evening off, another one that I follow by e-mail is Pink Lemonade, wow...and that's only three or four!).

Then finally I've been led to the Brave Girls Club, if you haven't read this post then please go do so now...I'll wait. ... ... ... ... ... ...    :-D    ... ... ... ... ...  The idea of this club (and I've only looked at it a little bit, so this is my very first impression) is something that seems to be the theme of my evening.  Wonderful, strong, passionate, creative women empowering others to follow their dreams.  What a great place the internet can be!

I am off to dream land.  Have a SPECTACULAR weekend everyone!

~<3 GillyBean.

FINALLY!!

I have finally had a chance to open and appreciate my Bead Soup from the lovely Bella!

It has some beautiful beads and some hand made findings.

Here's a pic:

Some cultured pearls, some agate, some sterling and Bali silver.  I'm quite excited!  The ideas are already brewing...gonna go over the rules again to see just what I can and can't do.  lol!

Happy creating fellow artists and good luck with your Bead Soup (I know you won't need it as much as I do!)

~<3 GillyBean.

A Humbling Realization

Wow...I've been looking at what some people have sent and received on your wonderful blogs and am afraid that my "newbie-ness" has left me at quite a disadvantage.  I'm afraid that what I sent pales in comparison to anything that I've seen.  It didn't even occur to me to "fancy up" the packaging. I just found a box that I was sure would make the trip over-seas and packed everything in safe and sound.  Then I had no idea that everyone was sending so much!  I suppose next time I will know better.  I certainly could have sent more.  Actually, would have loved to but, I mis-understood I suppose.  Anyway, I hope my partner Bella isn't too disappointed when she opens it (assuming she manages to get her package, I haven't heard yet).  It may be lacking in "stuff" and fancy packaging but certainly not in good intentions and enthusiasm (or shipping costs!  lol, another newbie mistake).  I didn't even think to include a note!

Ah well, another lesson learned I guess.  Maybe I'll start brewing my soup for the next party now...assuming I can participate.

Have a lovely day my fellow creators.
~<3 GillyBean.

Bead Soup's been Bungled.

So, we are at a frustrating point in our bead exchange. My partner and I are anyway.

My Bead Soup has arrived from England and I am not where it is for another four days!!  Ack!

On the other end the postal services had added on extra charge....basically holding my package hostage.  grrrr   That should be sorted out soon enough.

In the mean time I thought I'd give Bella (my partner) something to think about.

I've sent some stones.  The stone is called mookaite.  As far as I can tell it is from Australia (someday I want to go there).  It comes in so many different colours.  Red, purple, ivory, brown, pink, orange, black, yellow....it's awesome.

Twice in the last few years I've ended up visiting Kissimmee, Florida.  Along with the other attractions I went to some of the many flea markets that they have.  In the back of one of them there was a guy that makes jewelry.  He also sells stones.  It's great!  I get some amazing things and add all kinds of weight to my suitcase  and he makes a killing off of me!  Anyway, he's always got something interesting whether its the shape of the bead or the type of beads...it's usually my favourite part of the holiday.

This last time I got some mookaite in a few different shapes.  That along with a few other things I've acquired since is what I sent.

Here are some links that I've found;

A bit of history

Pics of a mine

Metaphysical properties - if your interested in that type of thing, ALSO there's a great picture of the different colours of the stone.

Where you can buy some - also some pictures of the incredible colours of this stone.

Some of my collection.

There's some incredible colours in there eh?

Hopefully next time there will be good news about both of us receiving our bead soup and pics!!

Best wishes for a wonderful weekend!!
~<3 GillyBean.

days off

Well....

I'm on my way home for days off at long last!!  This past few months have been long and exhausting and so packed full of everything you could possibly imagine!

I am exhausted and exhilarated at the same time...yes, it is possible.  lol

I have 9 whole days off this time.  One has been spent.  Another two (at least) will be spent travelling and the rest...who knows. I'm hoping to get some Geocaching in this time.  Do some beading.  I've got some fabulous new ideas brewing! I'm so excited!!!  Also, I have to practice my newest skill.  Reiki.  At long last I am now a Certified Level II USUI Reiki Practitioner.

Now, of course because I'm not at work my Bead Soup will arrive...ah well, I've got time to figure out what I'll do with it after my days off.  I can't wait!  Why does the mail take so long?!?   hehehe

Anyway, I'm off to sleep now, in my hotel room, in one of those charming little hotels that you don't look too closely at because you are afraid of what you might find but are too cheap to pay the extra $50 for the guarantee of a nice room.  lol   It's clean enough, it's just too bad I can still smell the last person who lived here.  I also (sadly) know that at some point during his (I assume it was a he) stay he had some sour cream and onion chips.  *sigh*  At least the sheets and pillow cases are clean and the bathtub was divine...mostly and the internet is free!  Oh, I think they tried to bribe me at check in with a box of chocolates.  I've never seen that before.  It's a neat idea.

Also, before I go, I should put in a HUGE thank you to my team of guardians.  This hotel (motel?) is still on the old system of keys.  Big, square, with the number stamped on, and brass....you must remember the type.  lol   Anyway, I opened my room (the door didn't swing shut behind me, I think that's what messed me up) hauled a few things in from the YarCar and closed the door, put on the chain, undressed, fixed the curtains, put down the blinds (yes in that order sadly, didn't notice the window at the back of the dark room and didn't realize the curtains were gaping), turned on the a/c (hoping to filter some of the smell) and climbed in the tub.  After a few hours of relaxing I decided I wanted that bag of chips in the passenger seat, pretty sure I forgot to have dinner tonight.  So, I went outside to get them and the key was still in the door.  Yikes!!  So, to my guardians those that we can all see and hear and those that only a special few can....thank you very much for keeping "the wrong people" from noticing that lapse in my diligence....and believe me when I tell you that Northern Alberta has more than it's fair share of "the wrong people".  This is why my Angels are so darn busy and why my best friend's father is often heard uttering the words "she's a scatter-brain but, she's OUR scatter-brain and we love her".  Love you too PaPa Bear!

So, with another adventure well underway GillyBean style I'll sign off by wishing all your days are filled with love, peace and laughter.

~<3 GillyBean.

It's been a while so,

I don't have A LOT to say  but, it's been a while so I thought I'd pop in and say HI!

Not much to say.  Oh wait!

I did have an actual adventure the other night!

We had an incredible storm.

It was a lovely evening when I left.  There was a few bits of lightning in the clouds.  Then right in the middle of the horizon this HUGE bolt of lightning struck, and connected the sky and the ground for two or three seconds.  Now, I absolutely LOVE thunder and lightning storms so, my reaction would probably make people look at me like I was crazy but, I let out a whoop of delight and kept on going.  Oh, right I was in the car (my sister's, another adventure for another time, lol).  I drove on for a few more minutes and there was a little more lightning in the clouds and BANG another great bolt of lightning.  How exciting! I couldn't wipe the smile off my face.  This time there was a little bit of rain but nothing The YarCar and I couldn't handle.  I mean I  grew up driving an '88 Toyota LE Van in the Rockies.  A bit of rain is nothing...good to clean the windshield.  hehehe

So, I continued on, watching the clouds but, nothing happening.  Then I saw a cloud formation that looked like an eye.  Not a scary or creepy eye just someone up there looking down to see what they could see.  It was odd.  It looked a lot like this.

The Eye of Horus.  While I was looking at it trying to remember what it was called and what it was supposed to mean and wondering if I had time to pull over and dig out the camera or if it was worth it ...  the clouds went from a lightish grey to dark menacing black in a matter of seconds-that may be an exaggeration but, not by much.  It was AMAZING!  Then the lightning picked up.  It was still ahead of me and off to the side so, I still wasn't worried.  I mean, I'd just seen the Eye of Horus, what was to worry about right (it's for protection)?  Besides I had a spectacular view of the storm that was brewing.  I was hoping to make it to town in time to enjoy the thunder and rain in the trailer of the friend I was on my way to see.  Pretty soon I had made it up to where the nasty dark clouds were.  OH MY!!  It was pitch black in the day light hours then there'd be lightning flashes and it would be daylight again.  This is where I thought to myself....I think I'm heading into the storm...now, my next reaction should probably have me committed but, I was excited.  The energy from the lightning seemed to be flowing through me and it felt GREAT!!

I kept going,  the rain was starting but, it wasn't too bad so, I wasn't too worried.  I got to the bottom of The Hill and the lightning was coming faster and faster, it was like a strobe light.  Incredible.  Then the rain hit. HOLY GOD!!!  Did it ever hit.  The wipers wouldn't go fast enough for me to be able to see clearly but, I knew if I stopped I may not get going again.  I was in a Yaris after all, I thought, damn I hope she's got good tires on this thing....I was also thinking to myself, this must be a big storm because I haven't heard any thunder yet.  That's when the hail started.  Thankfully, it didn't last long, I was worried that it would dent my Sister's baby and she would never forgive me for that, natural disaster or not!

Then I saw lights on a police car.  I thought oh please don't make me stop, because on top of being worried about not getting going again as the water on the road was fairly deep (I could feel the car hydro-planing from time to time) I had to get to town in time to pick up dinner.  LoL  yes, foolish thing to be worrying about.  ...actually, the real worry was that I was hoping to get a chance to call my friend and say can you pick it up instead.  However, I was busy "keeping it between the lines" and wasn't able to do so and there was no way I was pulling over so, no phone calls for me.

Anyway, there was no stopping, the worst parts were the people who thought they drove better than I did because they were in bigger vehicles passing me and messing with the wind currents and throwing more water in front of me.  As I said earlier though, I grew up driving on black ice in snow storms so a little rain an lightning didn't do anything.  It was a HUGE rush, I loved it!  It was mostly abated except for a little rain by the time I got to town and I was completely exhilarated.  What a drive that was!  I didn't even get 'road rage-y' at the guy in the big cube van that was obviously disoriented from his experience in the storm and couldn't pick a lane and tried to squish me.  No, that didn't bug me at all.  Even thinking about it again, I get that same high.  I loved it.

What killed my buzz was the absolutely appalling customer service from the lady where I was picking up dinner.  What is it with people these days that it is so hard to be pleasant to each other.  Every chance she got she was rude.  I should have said something but, what?  She thought it was me being offensive although, I'm not really sure what I did to offend her besides going to her place of business.

Honestly, if you are that unhappy in your life change it.  There's a lesson we all need to live (me especially) I just need to find a way to do it.

When I got to my friend's place and told him all about the last 90 minutes I asked him if he'd heard any thunder.  He said that there was all kinds of it.  That's when I realized I must have been smack dab in the middle of the storm because I didn't hear any...and I don't think the stereo in it goes that loud.  Isn't thunder caused by air being super heated by the lighting and then it clapping together?  I'm pretty sure it's something like that, I'm also sure there is someone out there who could explain it better than me.  All I know is that there was lots of lightning and even more rain and no thunder where I was.  I realize now that I was lucky not to be struck.  What an experience that would have been!!

Anyway, I need to head off to sleep now.  I agreed to help someone and need to be awake to do it in six hours...yep, that's me 'sucker for punishment' it's written on my forehead. hehehe

I wish you all great adventures every day.

~<3 GillyBean.

Full Moon / Mercury in Retrograde / Be Healing Mandala

I have been having the hardest time with energy in the air recently. I've finally figured out what's causing it!!

First the moon. I live in the very far north, and I'm not sure that it's "north" or just where I am in the north.  Anyway, here the Full Moon seems to last AT LEAST three nights is more intense than anywhere I've ever experienced before (and I've lived in  A LOT of places, maybe I'll tell you about them someday).  Then there is the New Moon.  It's just about as bad....and ON TOP of that when the moon is close...you know when you look up in the sky and its just this huge yellow ball (or part of one) .... that energy tingles up and down my arms and legs and lingers in the palms of my hands and the soles of my feet.  I soon hope to know how to harness it and use it for good.  Reiki, I pray that will help me!
*A chart    *An essay

A while ago I learned of "Mercury in Retrograde".  What an interesting time this is.  If you've had trouble getting something off the ground recently this could be why.  Try again in a week or more and you should have more luck.  This explains A LOT of moodiness for me.
*A newsletter    *Some good info with a chart    *Good info with a sense of humour!    *This is who I learned about MiR from - some good advice

The Be Healing Mandala...there is a web site / store that is full of intuitive women and one man.  They are incredible!  The lady that heads the group is quite amazing too.  This group of people have come up with a Crystal Healing Grid Mandala. Each one of them has a stone/crystal on this grid that Claire has picked out specially for them and everyday someone charges it with a different energy or intent.  You can purchase a place on this grid for a certain amount per month or week..I don't remember how it works.  Anyway, I was added to it.  Now, anytime someone works with it (especially Claire and especially when she's adding someone new) I get the tingly agitated feeling.  Again, I just wish I knew how to channel that energy for the good.  ....soon!  lol
The Be Healing Website - it's worth a look!

PS: If you want my advice and are thinking about having a reading I suggest an Angel Reading.  I've had readings done by Claire, Tiffany (the Reiki Master whom I'm getting my certification from), Balen (that was a quickie but, I'm looking into something more) and Christine.  All of which were incredibly insightful.  I'll also mention that I've never been in the same room with a single one of them but, a few of them I feel quite close to.  Also, if you're on fb and you "like" their group...the 3333rd person wins a free reading.  When I looked earlier tonight it was at 3320 so, hurry on over!

That's it for tonight.  I wish you all a restful, relaxing Sunday and hope that you don't have too many "Murphy's Moments" as a result of the Cosmos!

~<3 GillyBean

Oh what a day!! Potentially 4 big things.

#1 - Bead Soup!!

I AM SUPER EXCITED!!!

I was completely stressed out for close to a week about what I would send for my Bead Soup.  I had been focused on what I'd get and wondered about what I'd have a chance to create....never once did it cross my mind to think about what I'd be sending!  lol   (if it had I may not have signed up, I'm sure glad I did though)

Finally, I asked my angels (who are always with me and constantly averting disaster) to gimme a hand with this one.  It took a few days (I'm terribly impatient) but, OH MAN !  Did they ever deliver!  The funny thing about it is when I ordered what arrived today I didn't even know the BSBP existed!!  Talk about divine timing!

Anyway, my usual habit is to make something and post it to my fb immediately to share with friends and family.  I couldn't do that this time because I've got links to my fb albums on my blog and don't want to ruin the surprise!  So now, here I sit BURSTING with excitement and I cant share it with anyone because they're all asleep.   I'm a night owl and tend to work late...ah well, c'est la vie!   I will put some pics up in a few days. I promise they won't give anything away.

One little glitch is that I didn't have a pretty clasp to perfectly match my focal bead. I had some a few months ago.  lol   However, I've made peace with what I've chosen to send and can't wait to see what my partner does with it all.  I sure know what I'd try to do!


#2 - A realization

This one actually happened last night.  I have this 'friend' that I have been in a non-committed relationship with for over two years now.  He was just out of a long bad marriage and I have had a long string of bad experiences.   We just seemed to mutually came to the understanding that we'd carry on how we had been and do what we do and not have any strings.  It's been going along just fine.  Sometimes one of us gets a little more attached, or the other pulls away but, generally it's been lovely.  We've always got a 'date' but, don't have to worry about making plans around what the other one is doing.

Perfect right?

Well, the other night I realized something as I was driving into town after work to visit with him and thinking about all the things that I should be home doing, laundry, studying, defrosting the fridge, sleeping, making my bead soup, ....basically; bettering myself so that I can get out of this god-forsaken wasteland that I work in and open my business.  That's when it hit me (out of the blue, like a bucket of water from the sky lol) that I spend A LOT of time on this "relationship" that isn't going anywhere.  When I spoke with a friend about it today she seemed as shocked about me realizing it as I did.  ...now, what to do...  lol ...must be time to move on.


#3 - My Reiki Manual Arrived!!!

I can't tell you how excited I was to receive this in the mail today.  I opened it at work and dared to start reading it. I can't wait to make an appointment to start learning how to work with it.  It is Usui Level 1 & 2.  Soon, not only will I be able to make jewelry for wonderful people, I'll be able to charge it with certain "intents" for the people buying it to help them in whatever way that they feel help is needed.  I LOVE empowering people.


#4 - I WON THE LOTTERY!!!!

lol, ok...that's the potential one.  I bought a ticket.  I would love for it to be true!  Someday....soon I hope.  I'm sure all of you feel the same.  I'm just going to believe in the power of positive thinking and attraction.  ...let the universe deliver to me what I need.

Have a super wonderful day everyone!!
~<3 GillyBean.

Not much to say today

I've been up all night trying to figure out what flavour to make my Bead Soup  (hehehe).  Ideas are brewing and I think I've got a good start!

Should be off in the mail by Friday.  I hope that it gets there ok.  All that trouble brewing over-seas (from me) is rather frightening and my soup partner is right smack dab in the middle of it.

I wish everyone all the best and hope that the rioters see the destruction and anguish they are causing soon and stop.

Have a wonderful day everyone!

~<3 GillyBean.

The Bead Soup Blog Party - August 2011

BSBP August 2011!!

What is it?  Click the pic!


So today I found my partner for the Bead Soup Blog Party . . . thankfully!  I have been faithfully reading all of my e-mails Lori Anderson who is spending her own precious free time doing the organizing of this massive event when I was surprised to read that the list of partners had been sent!  "Wait!!  I didn't get a list!  Ack!!"  Well, apparently that e-mail got sent out through some kind of server and my gmail account registered it as SPAM and I had to go hunting!

Anyway, I am SUPER excited yet VERY nervous all at the same time.  I was looking at a few of the sites for other people registered for this event and I feel as though I'm in a bit over my head.  All of these other ladies and (I assume there are) gentleman are making their own findings and beads and such...yikes!  lol  I'm sure I'm up for the task of making something amazing with what I'm sent but, I'm completely terrified of sending something out that isn't up to par.  I'm new to the jewelry making world and while I'm looking forward (in the future) to making my own beads and findings and everything else I'm just not there yet.

Now, because I had some trouble finding things that all of the people on the list actually made I'll put a link below to find my things.  I hope it works!  Now, the pictures aren't great by any means, they were taken with my phone and posted to my fb page but, they give an idea of what I do.

My Creations

Trial and Error

Happy Beading...or whatever it is that you do!

~<3 GillyBean.

hmmmm

Well, today was a day of nice surprises.  I had some laughs.  Had a drive. Did some shopping.  Work was quiet....not unusual these days.  I don't have much to say.  I thought of something earlier but, I didn't write it down so...it's gone.  Maybe it'll come back, maybe not.  Who knows.

I'm going to go put some questions out to the cosmos and go to sleep and hopefully I'll have some answers by morning.

Then it's off for another drive.  Forgot to buy my lotto tickets on the last trip!  lol

ttfn everyone!

Leaving it to the Ether....

I've been trying lately at much egging on from a number of different sources to "let it go".  This has been incredibly hard for me to do.  I realized today that it's because letting go and sending things out for "my guides"   ( of which I know I have many )   to take care of feels too much like I'm ignoring things that I need to deal with because I've had it drilled into my head all my life that "this isn't how the real world works!"

...and THAT my friends is where the real issue is.  The things I was brought up to believe.  Well, not just believe but, to know.  It's hard to go against what you've had programmed into you from childhood, even if you've fought it every step of the way.  To suddenly be given permission to do just what you've always thought was the right way is awkward and strange.  Take it from me...changing your core values and how you live your life and believe you should act is no easy task.

I'm just not sure how to reconcile "letting go" and "dealing with it" and how much "work" do I have to do myself before I "let the universe take care of it"....it makes my head spin!!  lol

Have a wonderful night everyone.
~<3 GillyBean.

a Reason, a Season, a Lifetime

Hi Everyone;

I had that spam e-mail proven to me tonight.  The one that says everyone you come accross is there for a reason a season or a lifetime. ...maybe that's not quite what I mean.

There was a person....she was with a company that contracts people out to my Lodge and they are closely linked with my department.  Anyway, she was here for maybe ten days before deciding to leave that company to go and work somewhere else.  I had only worked with her for four shifts but, the difference between when she was here and tonight is significant.  I'm not the only one to have noticed it either.  I find it amazing that someone that I interacted with so minimally and for such a short time can leave such a big hole.

I have always believed that everything happens for a reason, I just hadn't noticed that I don't LIVE it.  I've realized that I should start paying closer attention to all the people in my life and what lessons they are trying to teach me and not just the obvious ones.  The whole situation with this girl has left me with MANY questions.  I don't know that I've ever met anyone quite like her.  I've known alot of people that are full of life and light up a room when they come in but, this one was something else.  I can only hope that our paths will cross again....as awkward as that may be for me when it does.  At any rate I feel lucky to have known her even for the short time that I did.

This video on YouTube says it better than I can.  a Reason, a Season, a Lifetime

I'm going to sign off tonight by saying make sure that you take notice of all your surroundings and how the people that you interact with affect them because someone may be suddenly yanked out of your world and you won't realize what you've had until they're gone.

(...man! I'm full of cliches tonight aren't I?  lol)

Sleep sweet everyone,
GillyBean.

Day 2 (How original! lol)

Not too much to talk about today.  Decided not to fight with that lovely ornate beaded bead that I was working on last night and then again this morning before work.  Instead I  wasted 90 minutes on facebook and am now going to go and watch Ghost. ( Haven't seen that in years!)  Then off to sleep and hopefully to town in the morning.

Good night world, don't miss me too much!
GillyBean.

My Very First Blog

I've been thinking for quite some time that I would like to start a blog.  Today I  came across a site that had something I wanted to participate in.  However, in order to participate in it I would have to start a blog. So, here I am.

I am learning as I go so, please forgive anything that is hard to read, hard to see or just plain not good.  lol  I like playing with colours and settings and such so, for the first while  I will probably be changing the look of my blog quite a bit.  Please bear with me during this time.

I have opened up a new store on Etsy, please feel free to drop by.  It is called GillyBeansGems  I welcome any comments and purchases!

As things progress I will add pictures of my Creations to my blog (I assume I can do these things right?) and hope to continue on with this on a regular basis.


Here is the link to the Bead Soup Blog Party that I wanted to be a part of and finally got me to start up a blog.  It looks like alot of fun!  I can't wait to see what happens.

As to my adventures.  I've often said that I need to write down some of the things that happen in my life because they just wouldn't be believed....and sometimes they just shouldn't be forgotten.  So, here's to writing down your memories and sharing them with the world.

Thanks for stopping by!

I wish lots of love and many blessings to you and yours.

GillyBean ~<3http://www.prettythingsblog.com/p/bead-soup-blog-party.html