In the Pit?

I flicked on the radio while I was driving yesterday and into the middle of a radio program. I wish I could tell you what program it was or who was speaking as he was just wrapping up, however,  I missed that part....

but what he said in his wrap up really spoke to me.  Read on and tell me if it speaks to you

He told this story:

I decided to take a walk along a certain road one day, and I fell into a deep dark pit.  It took me a long time to get out.   It wasn't my fault.

I decided to take a walk on that same road another day and I fell into that same pit. It took me a long time to get out. Why didn't I see it? Maybe it is my fault.

I decided yet again to walk that road and I fell into the pit again!!! I got out a little fater this time. It is my fault.

One more time I decided to walk that road and this time I saw the pit and walked around it.

Finally, I decided to walk a different road.......

We all seem to have some pit filled roads in our lives and why oh why do we continue to go down those same roads knowing those pits are there? Isn't it time to take a different path?

Your thoughts?

I will never forget you~ My favorite animal

 I will never forget October 1, 1982 or February 25, 2004. These are the dates that my precious Momma Kitty entered and left my life. She was the most special fur baby and companion I ever had. She was with me through thick and thin- through some wonderful ife experiences and some pretty awful ones- she was always by my side with a snuggle and a purr.

I loved how she used to sleep curled up against my neck and heaven forbid, I have a yogurt to myself! It was the only people food she liked but boy if I opened one it was like most cats that hear the can opener. She'd bolt for my lap and try to stick her paw in the cup to pull it to her. I guess she could smell it in the air. So here I'd sit, a spoonful for me, a spoonful for her..and so on.    

I used to say she was living out her 9 lives because she had some strange accidents, like the time she broker her tail in the fence and it had to be amputated.

The year she passed was also the year we had 3 major hurricanes hit here within 6 weeks.  A traumatic year to say the least. My son was in 1st grade and I remember that day, she looked so bad and I could see she was struggling. I took my son to school and then loved on her and held her in my arms. I took her to the cat hospital but she didn't quite make it.  I am glad her last memory was a loving one.

When I picked my son up from school that day, I told him. He looked at me so sweetly and said "Don't worry Mom, she's in kitty heaven right now, playing with toys and chasing lizards. Got to love that boy of mine!!

Who was your most special pet?

What's new in the Garden

This month's theme for the UWIB Blog Hop is Flower Garden...

Yeah, That's right up my alley!

It has been miserably hot and steamy and many of the veggies in my little
garden are kaput. Thank goodness for hardy herbs.
My lavender is putting out blooms and so are my chives.
What dainty little blossoms

I don't have a dogwood tree so I thought I'd make one
You can see it here

and at http://AudreyGardenLady.etsy.com



The garden is most definitely and inspiration for me!

My UWIB Sisters have made some lovely posts to their blogs this month
please click on their linkz below and pay them a visit :)

UWIB Blog Hop ~ June theme Red White and Blue

In anticipated celebration of our country's 235 anniversary, several of the members of the Unique Women in Business group decided to put together a little patriotic blog hop.

In that spirit, I decided to make a treasury featuring some of the Red, White and Blue creations of some of our members here:

'Ain't That America....' by AudreyGardenLady

"Ain't that America somethin' to see baby Ain't that America home of the free, yeah Little pink houses for you and me oh yeah for you and me" John Mellancamp A slice of Americana

Illinois Old Barn a... artbymsr $55.00	Patriotic Red, Whit... SimplyDivineDe... $25.00	Recycled Denim Jean... hoganfe $18.00	original art - Card... KneeDeepOrigin... $34.00
Wheel Thrown Stonew... ceramicpix $30.00	Brooch fiber art fl... SewDanish $18.00	Up High - 8x10 Fine... Lori411 $25.00	Our Lady Liberty St... kristensteinfi... $18.50
Sailor - Red, White... polishedtwo $9.00	Wander Where the Wi... RobinMariaPedr... $20.00	Unique Wine Cork Bu... thewoodenbee $25.50	Stars and Stripes F... Patidecaz $20.00
Little Home No 76 rodica $14.00	Large French Blue W... WellspringCrea... $178.00	Red, white, and blu... allthingsforba... $23.00	Ivory, Turquoise an... pinkbeach $7.50

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

and here is one of mine

http://www.etsy.com/listing/44774772/red-white-and-turquoise-link-bracelet


Please take a moment to vist my UWIB Sisters participating in this blog hop at
Rita Wetzel - http://HandmadeBits4u.blogspot.com
Judy Woodley - http://WellspringCreations.blogspot.com
Trudy Miller - http://MommaGoddessTreasures.blogspot.com
Wendy Kelly - http://blog.vintageday.com
Ann Rinkenberger - http://harvestmoonbyhand.blogspot.com
Robin Koehler - http://nestlingsbyrobin.blogspot.com
Cory Trusty - http://store.aquarianbath.com/index.php/blog
Janet Bocciardi - http://thehoneyfromthebee.blogspot.com
Karen Terry - http://www.jmjcreations.blogspot.com
Linda Stranger - www.capecodjewel.blogspot.com
AudreyFetterhoff - http://AudreyGardenLady.blogspot.com that's me

Be on the Look Out!!

There's another UWIB Blog Hop coming your way on June 26th at 7am :D
Maybe you can guess the theme......

Made My Day!! Published in an Awesome EZine

Copper Wire jewelrs 5th Edition... Lot's of wonderful artists, cool tutorials, great designs !
See my entry on page 18 and Thank you Lois of A Beaded Affair !!!

Team Fest May Daze Give Away

I am a member of Team Fest...a group of wonderful and talented crafters and artists who all happen to reside somewhere in lovely sunny Florida.
I wanted to share with you, our team give away this month...

The FEST Team proudly presents our May Daze BLOG GIVEAWAY selection from Laura of Tierrasolpaz. Laura is an accomplished artist who enjoys creating mixed media art, jewelry, photography, zines, stationary, decoupage pieces, paper crafts - anything may inspire her. Laura uses recycled materials, or follows an upcycle philosophy whenever possible helping to keep the final cost of her creations affordable to buyers. She is proud to be part of the etsy community of independent designers, creators, artists, and crafters alike and a meber of Team Fest.

Her giveaway is a stunningly beautiful and glorious sunset over water with mountains in the background of Lake Mead in Las Vegas, Nevada. The photograph will be delivered as an 8 x 10 glossy professionally printed picture. Pictured above.

HOW TO ENTER: Visit the team blog post (link below) May Daze BLOG GIVEAWAY to enter to win the lovely and colorful photograph by visiting Laura at Tierrasolpaz or any of the FEST Team Members listed in the Member Section. Find your favorite item, share it with us and tell us why you love it. Remember to leave your email or contact info so we can reach you if you're the lucky winner. The winner will be picked on June 4rd. Simple and Easy!


http://etsyfest.blogspot.com/2011/05/fest-may-daze-blog-giveaway.html

Playing with Wire ~ Good therapy

There is something so soothing to me about wrapping, winding and twisting wire especially around beautiful gemstones.

Here are some examples of what I've been up to lately...I hope you enjoy them as much as I did creating them



Rainbow Jasper Wire Wrapped and Woven Briollette Earrings
http://www.etsy.com/listing/69121270/rainbow-jasper-wire-wrapped-and-woven





Labradorite on Sterling Wirewrapped earrings
http://www.etsy.com/listing/69626106/labradorite-on-sterling-wirewrapped







Fancy Jasper Micro wrapped Earrings
http://www.etsy.com/listing/69623174/fancy-jasper-micro-wrapped-earrings















One of my other favorite mind relaxing hobbies is working in my little garden.
What's your favorite kind of relaxation therapy?

Where in the World....

Make yours @ BigHugeLabs.com

I am always amazed at where my clients find me!
Just looking at some of my sales records while prepping for taxes,
it dawned on my to map out where they live and I was surprised
by how mant states I have mailed jewelry, artwork, and spa products to.
All those states in gold are home to my wonderful clients!
(Thank you Robin for the link to this mapping website :D)

Not showing on this map is the fact that I have also had lovely people
from Canada, Ireland, Australia and even Moscow, Russia shop with me.

The wonderful woman in Russia told me the necklace she purchased is the finest piece of handmade jewelry she owns. Have to say, that made my day!!

Truely the internet has had a profound inmpact on our lives ....

Where does your reach extend?

Celebrating Womanhood - UWIB Blog Hop

What does womanhood mean to me? It is a never ending process of creativity, growth and new beginnings.
Wow, that almost waxed philosophical didn't it? But, it is the truth for when we stop growing, we wither and die. 

For sometime now, I've been pondering this idea, as I enter my 50's and start thinking about what my next path might be. I have dabbled in so many different creative things over the years...and thruth be told some not so creative things... that my house is stuffed with too many crafties.  I can't bear to part with any of them, I cry but I have come to the realization that this may just be a new stage of growth for me.
If my Mom were to read this, I am sure she would see herself in this part of me....I can say I come by it honestly.. Thanks Mom.  It pleases me to have passed on creativity to my son too-- hopefully I don't pass on too much of the pack rat gene :)

But celebrating womahood is so much more. Think, who are your deepest and best friends? I don't get to see my BBF as much as I'd like since we now live in different towns but I do know that I can pick up the phone even if a month or two has gone by and in minutes we'll be in thick of it laughing, crying and chatting picking up where we left off just as though it were yesterday. We are each other's cheerleaders but are not afraid to be brutally honest when it needs doing either. I love her like she was my sister... Oh wait, she is my sister!!

I've also "met" some wonderful lady friends in our Unique Women in Business etsy group and I have to say, even though I've never actually laid eyes on any of them, they are some of the best and most supportive friends a gal could ask for.


Please take some time to visit the blogs of these other Unique Women in Business and see what Celebrating womanhood means to each of them.

Rita Wetzel http://ritascreativenest.com/
Judy Woodley http://wellspringcreations.blogspot.com/
Linda Stranger http://capecodjewel.blogspot.com/
Janet Bocciardi http://www.honeyfromthebee.com/
Ann Rinkenberger http://harvestmoonbyhand.blogspot.com/
Celeste Bocchicchio-Chaudhri http://elephunkstrunk.blogspot.com/
Wendy Kelly http://blog.vintageday.com/
Cory Trusty http://aquarianbath.blogspot.com/
Karen Terry http://jmjcreations.blogspot.com/

Handmade Ric-Rac Rose headband- Free tute

So how pretty is this?!?
and guess what? It's handmade and the tutorial for it is free


Find the free tutorial here: HERE

The blog is not in English but about half way down on the right is the Google translator ...choose your language there and create away.

Thank you to Mercedes Meshler Mercedes Meshler for sharing this
Good stuff!!

A tribute to Mom

I belong to a fabulous and supportive group of ladies know as Unique Women in Business or UWIB for short. Many of us are Moms, some even Grandmoms
and certainly all of us have a Mom.
My Mom is a very special person in my life and had her in mind when I curated this UWIB team treasury



Thanks Mom for who you are, for all you do..
I love you...

Spring a UWIB Blog Hop

In additon to the return of green and flowers to my little garden, something that just sings Spring to me is the return of the butterflies.
I have many favorites but who can compare to the majestic Monarch.
I have a tribute to them in my etsy shop here
 http://www.etsy.com/listing/44197896/cuff-gemstone-butterfly-wire-wrapped

In honor of Spring' long awaited arrival, my UWIB Sisters and I are having a blog hop!
Please take a moment to visit thier blogs listed below and see their tributes to Spring!

All the best to you,
Audrey
aka AudreyGardenLady

Rita Wetzel    http://ritascreativenest.com/
Jenn Nolda     http://brynnsbeautifulbows.blogspot.com/
Ann Rinkenberger  http://harvestmoonbyhand.blogspot.com/
Robin Koehler   http://www.nestlingsbyrobin.blogspot.com/
Linda Reynolds   http://bellalindadesigns.net/
Audrey Fetterhoff   http://AudreyGardenLady.blogspot.com
Birgitte Hendricks    http://SewDanish.blogspot.com
Wendy Kelly   http://blog.vintageday.com/
Janet Bocciardi    http://www.honeyfromthebee.com/
LindaStranger    http://capecodjewel.blogspot.com/
Karen Terry/McDuffie   http://jmjcreations.blogspot.com/
Judy Woodley    http://wellspringcreations.blogspot.com/
Trudy Miller    http://mommagoddesstreasures.blogspot.com/
Cory Trusty    http://aquarianbath.blogspot.com/
Nancy Pace    http://nancyswildwirejewelry.blogspot.com/
Lois Stifel    http://foxygknits.com/
Jenn Brockman    http://alexshares.com/

Also, here are the links to our blog and our ETSY Team

 UWIB ETSY Team - http://www.etsy.com/teams/6263/unique-women-in-business-uwib
 UWIB Blog - http://uniquewomeninbusiness.blogspot.com/

Here's a beautiful Spring UWIB treasury curated by my friend Janet...enjoy!http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d797b3ce8248eefbe841ca2/for-the-bees-and-us

Gratitude

One of the things I really enjoy about Etsy is all the friends, teams, and artists I have met. They are in far flung places and I would likely never have met any of these fabulous friends any other way!

Today, I am giving Thanks that so many of them have placed me in their beautiful treasuries and would like to share some of them with you.

First this one called April Showers by Barbara of UpToMyKneesInCrafts
a fellow TeamFest member


She added my my Healing Vessels Turquoise and sterling earrings to her beautiful collection.

Barbara makes the most adorable embroidered baby and children's clothes.
Here is a really cute one called  Born to Explore


Next up is Oh That Color! by IQuiltKnitSew


She featured my Secret Garden Beaded cuff
along with a fabulous selection of gorgeous spring color creations.

As you may have guessed, she quilts, knits, and sews.
I am always in awe of fine quilting and really like this Baby Quilt in her shop

Next up is "Bejeweled comes in all shapes, sizes and... by Ronnye from Shopping for beads


She chose a necklace in my shop called what else but Beweled

Ronnye sells beautiful unique beads and these Fan shaped Turquoise beads are really cute!

There are many things I am grateful for..just a few to share today: etsy friends, my family, my little garden and nasturtiums

Something Green UWIB Style

Hi there and Welcome!
It's time for a blog hop! I am so excited this is my first time participating in a blog hop!
This one is being sponsored by my teamies at Unique Women In Business .
The theme for this month is "Something Green". I hope you enjoy seeing how each member created something unique and exciting for their expression of this theme.

I created these lovelies that I called Fandango Leaf earrings by forging the frames out of copper wire and wire wrapping beautiful green vitrail finished crystal bicones to them to make a kicky pair of modern earrings.

Be sure and check out the wonderful "Something Green" creations from the blog hop participants

Audrey F   http://AudreyGardenLady.blogspot.com
Karen T-M   http://www.jmjcreations.blogspot.com/
Robin K   http://www.nestlingsbyrobin.blogspot.com
Linda R   http://bellalindadesigns.net/
Birgitte H    http://SewDanish.blogspot.com
Judy W    http://www.wellspringcreations.blogspot.com/
Rita W    http://ritascreativenest.com/
Robin P   http://www.pocketfullofcolors.blogspot.com
Ann R   http://harvestmoonbyhand.blogspot.com
Trudy M  http://mommagoddesstreasures.blogspot.com/
Cory T   http://aquarianbath.blogspot.com/
Cory T http://delicateadornments.blogspot.com/
Nancy P  http://nancyswildwirejewelry.blogspot.com/
Wendy K  http://blog.vintageday.com/
and check out the  UWIB Blog

Thanks for coming by!
Audrey
____________
Today I give thanks for my family, a lovely sunny day, time with my best friend, fresh okra and blog hops....
oh and coffee  ~smiles~

What I am up to today...Genealogy / Family history and Stories

As part of my hobby quest to document my family heritage, I am transcribing Court ordered road records from the 1790's while my DH and son are out doing their man things.

It can be slow going what with the handwriting, the faded entries, the age of the documents with their assorted creases and tears. Still in an era when many people didn't read and write, I am thankful to have them. I've even found a few of my ancestors in them.


Take a peek and you'll see what I mean (and this is one of the better copies)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
What would you like to know about your family heritage??
 
 
Today's blessings:
Family, sunshine, a little rain and Coffee

My funny Valentine.....

On Valentine's eve, I left cards and sweet little present on the table for the 2 loves of my life to find at breakfast. On Valentine's Day, those 2 wonderful guys let me sleep in a little...got to love those two.
My son couldn't stand the suspense anymore though and woke me up so he could show me what he made me for Valentine's...

 Yep, It's a Lego Valentine.....

Then wonderful hubster got in on the act...

Sigh...I love those guys of mine!!

On the wrong side of the Needle ??

Did you know there is a right side and a wrong side to a sewing needle? Don't believe me?
Just take a peak at the needle's eye under a magnifying glass and you will notice that one side is more beveled than the other...making that side easier to thread...
Next time you are frustrated or going blind while trying to thread a needle, just turn it around and try the other side...
Oh, also, lick the thread and the needle eye as well....It really does work
Just a few facts about Sewing Needles
•Sharps are medium-length needles with small, rounded eyes. The larger the number, the finer the needle.( Just like wire gauge...)These are considered a general all-purpose hand-sewing needle.

•Betweens are short needles with small round eyes for fine quilting and detailed handwork. The larger the number, the finer the needle and of course, the finer the stitch. Again, Just like wire gauge...
•Embroidery/Crewel: For all types of embroidery and crewelwork, these needles with their long, oval eyes can handle yarn or several strands of embroidery floss.
•Large Eye is a needle that is actually two thin flat wires bonded at both tip ends of this sharp needle. You open the two flat wires to thread any thickness of thread making it foolproof (and so easy!) to thread. I love these.
•Beading needles are for picking up several beads or seed pearls at a time before attaching to project. They are long & fine with a small, round eye so they can pick up even the smallest of the seed beads
•Long Darners have large eyes and long shaft make the stitches line up perfectly. The shaft is perfectly straight until the point, so all your stitches will stay nice and even.
•Leather has a 3 sided chisel point so it can easily pierce through leather and suede.
•Silk Ribbon needles have large eyes and sharp tips for stitching into fabric so can be used with cardstock and lighter weight papers.

To be sure, I left out a few  but these are some I use.
How about you?

Almost lost vacation- South Dakota 2004

 Now Found!!!! 



It was 101 degrees when we landed in
Rapid City, SD but the next day, it snowed....

 We love to visit the National Parks of our Great Country! Many years ago, 2004 actually, we took a family vacation to South Dakota. We made a great big circle tour and saw lots of wonderful landmarks, wildlife and Native Amercian settlements and treasures. While I have never forgotten that trip, it was only recently that I came across the pictures again..pictures that I thought were long lost with a computer crash from years ago. To my great relief, I found them in a totally unrelated file..Yipee!
Here are some I'd like to share



in front of Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills

 



Blue Belle Lodge /Custer State Park

 





Florida's marker ~ Mount Rushmore

 



Where the Buffalo roam...Custer State Park, SD

 





Jellystone Park in SD

 



Mammoth site near Wall, SD

  The landscape, scenery and wildlife were incredible ......

Ready for a chuckwagon ride..



Circle View Ranch in the Badlands




An awesome view aross the terrain

 ...the history, amazing..the wide open spaces, unbelieveable!

I highly recommend South Dakota as an amazing family vacation. If you have questions about what to see, where to go, etc., please feel free to contact me or leave a comment...