Here is the latest bead I've been working on, a flying castle! Its really rough right now, but the next step is to sharpen up all the straight edges and smooth out the walls. I like the idea of tiny

worlds that travel with you. I like to imagine that if you look into one of the windows, you could be transported into another world. I know I was talking about new clasps...its just a pain to design, they have to be absolutely secure, or theres no point. Ive purchased several lovely bracelets (by reputable designers) and found the clasps less than dependable. Which is irritating and the main reason I like making my own. So Im still sketching.

I just got a new sewing machine (a little Singer 7442) and I have to say, why did I suffer my old garbagey machine for so long? Had I realized that most machines don't bunch your thread and sew utterly wonky stitches I might have done it sooner, but I thought this was normal. I am a novice. My mama can sew anything and is completely annoyed with my skill level, she says "I don't know why you can't sew - you see me do it all the time!" which is like asking someone why they can't drive when they've been riding around in a car for half their lives. Anyway, I love it and plan to make Azalea and I all kinds of strange clothes. I've already mended two skirts!

Friday night Azalea, Steve and I went downtown to join the weekly drum circle. Steve is amazing on the drums and we had fun watching (me) and dancing (baby girl). We walked down to the Chocolate Fetish and picked up some fleur de sel caramels and a variety of truffles. My new favorite is the dark chocolate basil pistachio - absolute heaven! The aztec pleasures (cayenne and cinnamon w/ dark chocolate) is pretty amazing. I feel chocolates add happiness to almost every occasion and a drum circle is no different. It was a lot of fun to watch Azalea playing with shakers and chasing other kids. Being surrounded by so much music inspires me, I feel more productive. Maybe Greg will teach me to play the guitar ( in our spare time :) ).