Random Tuesday

So after weeks of NOT being on the torch, this morning I am.  And working with my windows open in my studio.  I love winters in the South and that there are so few weeks spent in the 30s or below.  And that there are days in December where we are graced with temps in the 60s or above.  I'll stop gloating now.

After weeks of being away from torch (even though I carry my lighter in my pocket to feel closer to my flame, because I'm a dork like that), I am enjoying being back on it today.  I'm making discs.  And flying saucers.  And other non-traditional shapes, just because they are fun.

My eyes don't normally look like bug eyes.  But my hair is long enough to pull through the back of a ball cap, which is cool.  My hair hasn't been this long in a few years.

This past weekend, a little girl in the next town up went missing.  Highways were shut down.  Her body was found yesterday.  I won't share details, other than my stomach hasn't stopped churning.  And that I continue to shed tears for this family I don't know.  I am hugging my kids tighter and longer.

This morning, we kissed and hugged my in-laws goodbye before they started their trek back to Minnesota.  There were tears as we drove away to take the kids to school and not just from the back seat.  They stayed almost three weeks and couldn't convince them to stay longer.  It was three weeks of awesomeness.  I just LOVE having them here.

We will get our Christmas decorations up this week.  After I clean up the downstairs.  The kids were thrilled Todd pulled out one of the boxes last night to retrieve their advent calendars.

If you follow my facebook page, then you already know I gave away all of my bead inventory.  That's right.  All.  Of.  It.  I had originally thought after deactivating everything in the shop after my little Cyber Monday sale that some sets would make reappearances in a few months with new photos.  And that I would break up some matching sets and create new mixed sets.  But now that possibility is long gone.  Clean slate delivered in a jiffy.  So now I have a BIG fire under my feet to make more and quickly.  My goal is to be on the torch every day this week and next.  After that, the kids are on Christmas break and torch time will come to a halt as we break out the craft projects, hot chocolate and daytrips to see friends and family.

I'm ready for the UPS man to drive down my street.  He's not arriving quickly enough today for my liking.  He has an important package with a wedding album I designed and I don't want to wait anymore to hold it in my hands!

If there is something you want to see in the shop, leave a comment and help me plan my time at the torch for new items.  I'm not a fan of senseless obligations, so there won't be any strings attached for you to buy it just because I take up your suggestion.  :)

I believe all of my beads from the Cyber Monday sale have been delivered now, with the exception of one worry stone that took a trip across the pond to Great Britain.  She may be waiting a few more days.  I've heard from a few folks with squeals, so that's neat.

Happy Tuesday!  I'll be back soon with pics of what comes out of the kiln tonight!