Anyone for a dance?

Last week, I attended Dressage at Devon an annual horse show held at the show grounds in Devon, PA. On Friday evening, I watched riders and horses skip, twirl, and prance their way through the Grand Prix test. And then on Saturday, they competed again in the Grand Prix freestyle. Dressage is a beautiful sport that demands discipline, stamina, patience, and tenacity. It is inspiring to watch - perhaps more so to ride. The best riders do not force their horses to do the intricate moves required. Rather, they work together as a unified team. As I sat there watching, I witnessed moments of perfect harmony between to independent beings.

...good times...

Earlier this week, I was in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was the 219th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA, and I had to work. Over 4th of July. I made the most of it and had a pretty good time. Usually, I’d be at the beach on 4th of July, or perhaps at a BBQ and then swimming in a pool, but not this year. I was inside (no) in an air-conditioned convention center, away from the sun (eek). But like I said, I tried to make the most of it. I am not Presbyterian, but I work for the church. I am not of any religion. I studied religion for 4 years in college, all kinds of religion. The simplest way to put it - I believe in everything all at once. No one way is right. No one way is wrong. Doesn’t matter. Once you judge the way, you’ve already lost the path.

I went to the Science Museum while I was working over 4th of July, and got to see the Dead Sea Scrolls Exhibit, and also a wonderful collection of Prehistoric creatures. I talked Seinfeld with one of my colleagues. I had some delicious food, and was on the 9th floor of the hotel...good times...

Spotlight: Mocahete

I spend a lot of time on etsy looking at shops run by other jewelry designers; admiring their work, and not making nearly as many purchases as I would like. If you are looking for bold, dynamic, and earthy designs, I highly recommend that you visit Mocahete. When you do, you will see the quality, style, and passion with which each piece is made. And, as a wonderfully satisfied customer, when you select a design to purchase, you will feel it.

Dante and Sabrina work together to create ethnic, tribal, and modern jewelry. Offering a wide range of earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings and brooches, you are sure to find a handcrafted piece to fit your personal style.

HAZZAH to Summer!

Today is June 21. In the Northern Hemisphere it’s the Summer Solstice - the longest day of the year and the first official day of summer. In the Artic Circle, there will be 24 hours of daylight and along the Tropic of Cancer the sun rays are directly overhead.

NASA recently launched the Solar Dynamics Observatory, a project that is part of the Living With a Star program designed to learn more about solar variability and its impact on Earth. Results are already being sent back showing that the Sun is currently entering a highly active period unlike anything seen since the 70s. During these active periods, solar flares, like the one shown in the picture, increase and release broad spectrum radiation into the atmosphere. The radiation results in higher levels of x-ray and UV waves which impact life here on Earth.

Being a Leo, I am ruled by the Sun. Summer is the season when I am the most energized, the most creative, and the most ambitious. And, with the Sun in an active period, this is shaping up to be the Summer of Sam.

Oil Spill - Dang it!

The BP oil spill has been upsetting me since we first heard about it. Everyday I wake up and watch the morning news. The reports on the spill have me worried, anxious, and suffering slight nausea. The complacency infuriates me. That much oil in the ocean is a serious concern. And the dispersants forget about it! What if everyone took turns spending a day in a boat with their macaroni strainers and scooped as much as they could? Maybe that’s naïve.

But a wonderful group of etsy artists have come up with a way to help. Proceeds from sales of their hand crafted items are being contributed to help with the Gulf oil spill clean up. There all different kinds of sellers participating, and the list continues to grow. Maybe we can’t all get in a boat and scoop oil. But shopping for a cause, now that’s a win, win.

Hopi Necklace

Hey! Today I wanted to take a moment to let you know about a new necklace I made. It is a one of a kind design, that is bohemian, beautiful and affordable. I used large genuine Turquoise beads, and smooth, round Lapis Lazuli gemstone beads to create it - along with some Onyx and black disc-shaped beads. Not only is it gorgeous and extremely wearable, it will make you feel good too. I hope you'll take a look at it, as well as the other OOAK jewelry designs at squeakydingo.etsy.com.

Thanks :)

WildLifePrints

Etsy has some of the most amazing shops and artists. They never cease to amaze me, and to inspire me. Today, I wanted to let you know about one of these superb shops, Wild Life Prints. In this shop you can purchase some of the most whimsical, creative archival quality prints I've ever seen. A few things you'll find- an Elk on a sofa, Zebras at a disco party, and a colt playing soccer. What?! How do you come up with this stuff? So fun, thought provoking, and unique. You really should take a few minutes to see this for yourself.