Growing...

Someone please tell me where has the time gone?? 18 years ago a tiny, helpless baby girl came into the world. She was needy and looked to me to make everything okay. As she grew, she talked incessantly, followed my every move and couldn't get enough of being in my presence.

That precious baby is now a precious young adult who would rather die than give in to neediness. She must have used up all of her words. My presence is not such a necessity.

But, I wouldn't trade the blessing of watching her grow for anything. I'm so proud of her self-confidence, quiet grace and independent spirit. She knows who makes her world secure and seeing her grow in her faith and love for her maker is more than I could ever ask.

Happy Birthday, Sweet Alyssa!

Handmade in the Arcade Craft Show

I'll be participating in Handmade in the Arcade, this Saturday, November 7, 1-9pm--sponsored by Twist Gallery. This will be a fun, free event that you don't want to miss! Can you believe there are just 50 shopping days until Christmas? Stop by the Nashville Artisans booth and say HI while you're there!

Don't Miss This One...

I love a good giveaway and urban hen has a lovely one--or choose from three! Sharon's vintage wares are just beautiful. Don't miss out on this one--it ends Thursday, drawing is on Friday!

We Have A Winner!

And, the winner of the Teardrop Guitar String Earrings Giveaway is.....KT!

Thanks to all of you for answering honestly about what influences your jewelry purchases. Your comments are a great source of "what women want." I really appreciate you taking the time...

I wish you all could've won:( I plan on doing more giveaways in the future, so please check back!

Congratulations, Katie!
xox -Robin

It's Time for a Giveaway!

For the 3 or so of you who read my blog, I'm having a giveaway!

That's right...in honor of a new business venture, see here: nashvilleartisans.com, I'm giving away a pair of my Teardrop Guitar String Earrings... All you have to do to enter is tell me what influences your jewelry buying - positively or negatively. Is it price, materials used, one of a kind, availability...? This is for gals and guys!

I will draw a winner randomly on Friday, October 8, so get those responses to me by 10/7 midnight CST. I can't wait to hear what you have to say! Let your friends/family know about it! xox-Robin

Oh, and the winner has a choice of pierced or clip-on.

Hear Ye, Hear Ye!

So excited to be part of this! Please visit to see or purchase my work!

::Nashville Artisans Gallery::

nashvilleartisans.com
created by Joel Anderson of the award-winning Spirit of Nashville collection and Anderson Design Group:

And, to celebrate the cool, crisp days of Autumn:

I call it Autumn Breeze Bracelet

Happy Fall, Y'all!

Check It Out!

Look at my new banner - compliments of my sweet and talented daughter, Alyssa. She totally surprised me with this and I love it!

Thanks, Daughter. You're the best!

Happy Birthday Sean

Actually, he turned 14 yesterday and I would have posted then, but this weekend was the busiest we've had in a while, part of that due to his birthday. His party was on Friday night, celebrated with his best buds, and consisted of a giant slip-n-slide down the slope in our backyard (they really go fast with baby shampoo!) and a night out on the town. They stayed up all night playing flashlight tag (we're talkin 3:00 in the morning!) I think they passed out around 6:00 am. So, his actual birthday was spend resting up. Later that night, Dad was playing w/ Paul Bogart at Puckett's, so the whole family celebrated there, too. Barbecue and pecan pie for a birthday meal is better than I could do at home!

So, how do I begin to explain the complexities of this incredible young man? He's funny, easy-going, kind-hearted, creative, sure of himself, athletic, musically gifted...a joy to be around, even as a teenager. The best part is seeing his faith in God grow as he grows. We look at each other on a new level, literally - he's as tall as I am! It just happened overnight!

He'll probably never read this, but I hope he knows how proud he makes me. It's been a delight and blessing to see him mature from the little boy that he was into the young man that I see now. I look forward to looking up to him. Happy 14th, Sean!

Gone Are the Lazy Days of Summer

Whew! Back in school mode. The first week has gone really smoothly, but I feel like I'm missing out on something. Oh yeah - sleeping in...lazy morning cups of coffee...that feeling of the day looming ahead with no important agenda.

I did have time to create a few more trinkets before the madness hit. I'm anxiously looking forward to a new business venture...can't wait to share it with you! I'll keep you posted;)

Joy

Just a simple reminder that, although happiness is fleeting, joy is eternal.

My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you; I whom you have redeemed.
-Psalm 71:23

Repurposed

Steve was recently playing a gig with a friend who was changing out his bass strings. I almost had a conniption (that's a southern fit) when he said he was going to throw that wad of bendable, malleable, silver stuff away! Oh, the possibilities! So, what you see is one, actually two, of the finished results made from repurposed guitar string. More repurposed goodies coming soon...

Wired and Stoned

No, not me! I have long thought of naming my shop that simply because it reflects what I love to do (umm...create jewelry pieces using wire wrapping with stones!) This is one of the newest pieces I've been working on and I'll be posting others soon. Just wanted you to know I have been busy doing something since my last post in February!! Yikes, time flies when you're having fun!

Eating Crow...or Buzzard

Yesterday started off really well. I had my to-do list and was feeling up to the challenge. The top of the list was to visit my local library to politely argue over a missing DVD. The said DVD was showing up on my account info. and I knew I had returned it. I even remembered looking in the case to make sure the disc was there. So, I walked up to the front desk cocked and loaded - polite, mind you. Of course, I got the one librarian who I knew to be rather brusque. She actually handled the situation really well, asking me to double check back at home, in my car, etc. I'm sure I was oozing sarcasm as I patiently explained that I had looked everywhere - and, don't forget, I even checked the case! After asking for the worst case scenario and being told it would cost $25, I lost a little of the patience declaring that I would NOT be paying for something I had returned. But, I dutifully agreed to check at home again and thanked her - politely.

I let the incident fade throughout the day and had totally forgotten about it. Well, after I vented my frustration to my loving husband after his long day at work, I forgot about it. And, then, what do you know?? My son comes over to me with a ..."So, you returned this to the library, huh?" (obviously, I had mentioned it in his presence, too.) He was looking for a movie to watch last night and found the *#@ DVD by the side of the TV- the same spot I remember taking it from and then returning it to the library!

So, today I'm off to the library again to apologize for my mistake yesterday and to sincerely beg forgiveness.

Confession is good for the soul....thanks for listening.

I Dare You NOT to Try These

I was having a chocolate attack yesterday and needed a quick fix. I came across this recipe on allrecipes.com and it really, I mean really, did the trick. And, so easy! These are dense, chewy brownies that just melt in your mouth. Go ahead, you know you want some. Let me know what you think.

Best Darn Brownies
2 sticks butter
4T good cocoa powder
2 c white sugar
4 eggs
1 c all purpose flour
2 t vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Melt butter in heavy pot on stove.
Add the cocoa and stir until smooth - just a minute or two.
Take off heat and beat in rest of ingredients.
(I beat the eggs separately and gradually added small amounts so as not to scramble them in the hot cocoa.)
Pour into an 8x8 inch square pan.
Bake @ 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes or until the old toothpick in the center comes out clean!
YUM!

He's not getting older...he's getting better

To the incredible man in my life- who happened to turn 46 today! I've been blessed to spend 30 of his birthdays with him (we were high school hearts :) Through all of these years he's taught me so much about faithfulness, unconditional love and perseverance (without complaining). I pray this day would be filled with all he holds dear: the presence of God, loved ones and sweet memories.

Happy Birthday, Old Man!

I love you!