miami

Hello! We are in Miami right now, on the last day of the Best Bead Show. Azalea and I have been camped out in the hotel room, working on the last illustrations for my book. They are lookin' good! I'm using a mix of gemstone watercolors and gouche, for an ethereal quality.
Today, we are going to work at the show behind the booth, while Andrew tends the customers. This should be interesting. I have a few more days to finish, so I'm painting every chance I get! Then I will be done, so I can relax and think about what I 'm craving. Lately, the cravings are flan, sweet tea and madeliene cookies. I eat healthy so its ok to indulge! Names I like today are: Max, Jackson and maybe Forest and for girls Viola, Tiger Lily and Rose.

good news

Ok, I've been agonizing over what picture to use with this post, but didn't have any clear ones. So, here's my good news...I'm knocked up! Yay! We were going to wait till after my book was finished, but Greg got word from our best friends that THEY were pregnant, so he insisted. I know, goofy, but that's us. Azalea is, of course, beside herself with happiness. She did ask me, with big, sad eyes, if I could make her a brother or sister so she'd never have to be alone and I said yes. So here's the pertinent info: I'm now at ten weeks and a few days, due early November (that's right, a Scorpio baby) and have nauseau and heartburn.

I haven't decided on any names, but am sure it will be something interesting and powerful, like Valentine or Orlando. I know some folks prefer very traditional, soft sounding names that don't stand out, but they can have their own babies or pets or what have you. Anyway, this whole pregnancy business is very tiring and makes me puke, so you can imagine how hard working on anything is! Greg has been very helpful by juicing all kinds of interesting concoctions and making all the odd things I request. Which is cake and lots of it! I suppose this was why I had such a big baby before, but that's ok. I like a nice fat baby anyway.

atlanta

New buttons, charm and bead from Anne Choi's delightful new line.


Tiny shells, irridescent wing pearls, roman glass and the smallest turquoise, coral and pearl beads I've ever seen. Found at the American Gem Expo.


Persimmons, cacao pod chips and a long 'tango' pear found at the Buford Hwy. Farmers Market in Atlanta.

We got home last night from our long weekend trip to Atlanta, disappointed to return to such cold and snow after enjoying such beautiful weather. It was a nice little trip, Greg worked the show while Azalea and I ran around town with our good friend Anne Choi . I have to say, I am jealous of all the good food to be found in her neck of the woods! She took us to the asian farmers market and I gawked at all the goodness and weirdness that we discovered. How I would love to have a grocery store that stocked guavas, persimmons, strange pears and everything asian food you can think of...it was hard to leave. We ate Indian food for lunch and sushi for dinner, and loads of sweet tea between. We really enjoyed spending time with locals Deb and Lynn as well, it was a lot of fun riding around, looking at everything. It made me miss living in a big city, everything so accessible, with so many choices. I guess its good we travel a lot! Greg will definitely be on the road the next few months! Almost a show every weekend! He has another agenda while in those cities...to find Trader Joe's and keep me stocked in my favorite food that I can't get here! I can't help it if I'm obsessed with food! Lucky me, I think Greg is making a buttermilk pie tonight!