Grandeur and the Mundane

I've been on a small break from really intense studio work the past couple of days. I really needed a break and could no longer postpone some gardening for the season as the solstice is barely 2 plus weeks away. In due time, I hope I have some images of the vegetable patch we've been working on here (it's just kind of earthy at the moment as in seeds in the ground and not too much to see yet.)

This evening, I figured I had finally scavenged enough plant material to get some planters put together and while I was mixing soil, patting pots, poking in plugs and generally pottering around here (with the watchful cats in audience) I happened to turn around.

There was a amazing, really painterly cloud display with spectacular back lighting just begging for a photo or 12....I managed to winnow it down to 4 images. It was a breathtaking sight and somehow, put a new perspective on everything for the moment. And here, waxing philosophic fails me....so I hope you can enjoy the photos (cropped in wide screen format) while you have a lovely weekend!! Thanks for dropping by!

This Month, It's All About Pearls (at WillOaks Studio!)

Collection of a variety of pearl designs from WillOaks Studio
featuring selections of white and light pearls

...partly because I adore them....and partly, because it's my birthstone and very soon now, it will be my birthday. So I've got a pretty cool idea about how I'd like to celebrate via my Etsy shop....and pay attention here because soon, I'll be announcing some very special pearly kinds of deals, courtesy of yours truly. I find it cool that I'm finally at an age where I'm not so interested in what gifts I'll "get" but instead, what gifts I can give!

And speaking of giving, I've got two lovely young ladies in my life who are graduating right now: one from high school and another from college. They don't know it yet, but their gift from me will be a piece from my Special Chain series chosen to reflect each of their personal birthstones. Simple and sweet and I hope, kept as an heirloom piece for years to come. Yes, I did use the word "heirloom." I believe these pieces are not only well crafted for a lifetime...but that the design is timeless even if it is original....and so can be comfortably and fashionably worn regardless of what "fashions" may come and go! OTOH....I did say "young ladies" as in possibly finicky teens and young adults...so this whole notion of a classic piece may or may not fly at first....and if this happens, well, it won't be the first time I didn't chose quite right but maybe these pieces will look different (better?) to them in a few years....or decades?? Time will tell!

Wordless Wednesday