It's Been Too Long....so, How About a Giveaway?

So much for getting back on a regular blogging schedule!

I have had nothing but problems with Blogger lately.  I could not even "find" images on my computer, much less upload them!  Then, I was reading Christine's blog a couple of weeks ago, and she, too, was having issues.  She told me to try Google Chrome for my Network Browser.  

You know - back in the 1990's, I considered myself to be computer savvy in my office ... granted, there were only 3 of us in the office!  I actually took classes in various programs and thought I was at the very least, proficient.  I was a Proposal Manager/Writer with an emphasis on graphics design.  Does anyone else remember DOS, or a CRT? Ha! Well, graphics design back then is NOTHING like it is now!  LOL! Fast forward to 2013...

I had to do tons of reading (and re-reading)  just to figure out how to load Google Chrome!  I finally did, and PRESTO !  My pictures can be located AND loaded!  Success!  Many thanks to Christine!

So...what has been going on with me lately? If anyone sees my posts on Facebook, I am truly a lover of animals - all animals.  One of my favorite charitable organizations is  a horse rescue in Pahrump, Nevada (just outside of Las Vegas - another of my favorite places!)  I have been a supporter of Miracle Horse Rescue for almost 10 years now and I had the pleasure of finally visiting this fine ranch this past February.  The rescue is run by Stephanie and Robert Pierce - two of the most compassionate and friendly people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.  

The horses at Miracle Horse have truly been saved either from slaughter or abuse.  And they are thriving here!  This lovely lady - Bradylynn - arrived two days before my visit.  She is in foal and is actually passed due - she should have had her little baby on May 8.  UPDATE May 15, 2013- Bradylynn gave birth to a filly named Lily (no rhyme intended!!) on May 14th!!

I was truly in awe of both the beauty of the scenery (mountains are my favorite all-time view!) and most of all, the "residents"!

If you are interested in catching up with the goings-on at Miracle Horse, the best way is through their Face Book page found by clicking here: Miracle Horse Facebook Page  

Stephanie recently asked me to  create a necklace for Miracle Horse to auction as a fundraiser for their most noteworthy efforts.  She asked that the necklace be created using the colors of the Lael Stables (Lael Stables is where the great horse Barbaro hailed).  So, I went to my favorite lampwork artist - Sue Kennedy of Sue Beads - and commissioned her to create some beads for me. As usual, Sue came through for me and sent me gorgeous beads! Thanks again, Sue!

I ended up making a necklace, bracelet, and earrings.

The first focal I made I trashed - well, it is in my silver pile to be recycled!  The one "that made it" includes a hand cut and textured silver disc, to which I revitted a hand cut, copper star. I soldered a small bail to the back of the focal piece.

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I also included two cocoon style beads in sterling silver for the necklace. 

A bit of handmade chain completes the necklace.  Sue's beads really make this piece special!

The auction for this set ends tomorrow, May 15.  I am so pleased that the current bid is $200!  Such a worthy cause and I am so humbled to be a part of it!

In other news....I am very excited to report that one of my niece's (I have 5 nieces and NO nephews!) is expecting!  This is my first time as a Great Aunt and I could not be happier!  Not only is she expecting in September...but she is expecting TWINS!  A boy and a girl!  My mother is absolutely beside herself with happiness and she has been sewing up a storm!  

So, to thank you for putting up with this LONG post, and to celebrate the good things going on in my life, I'd like to giveaway this bracelet!  It is a sterling silver, wire-wrapped creation made with YUMMY beads by the ultra-talented Donna Millard.  The bracelet measures 8 1/2" in length and securely closes with a sterling lobster clasp.  BUT, I will custom-fit this bracelet (if needed!)  for the winner! 

So, what do you have to do to win this bracelet?  Just do one (or all) of the following and LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT ON MY BLOG for each:

1)  Leave a comment! 

2)  Become a follower of my blog - or leave a separate comment telling me you are already a follower.

3)  Post  link to my blog to Face Book about the giveaway

I will pick a winner on Monday - May 20th.  

Thanks for hanging in there for this LONG post and as always, thank you stopping by!