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!
