In the words of Eleanor Roosevelt:
Dear Lord,
Lest I continue
My complacent way,
Help me to remember that somewhere,
Somehow out there
A man died for me today.
As long as there be war,
I then must
Ask and answer
Am I worth dying for?
In honor and memory of those who have served and are still serving
Went on a eBay spending spree for beads and findings about a year ago and then promptly didn't do anything with them! Segue to this Spring when I remembered I wanted to take some jewelry making classes at Embellish, a bead shop on Cleveland's West Side in Rocky River. What a great place! I signed up for a basic technique primer night. Can't recommend this place highly enough. Laura the owner, and Jennifer were wonderful. Lots of one on one attention and I would have left with a completed project if I hadn't chosen one so ambitious!
Actually, most of the materials here are recycled from other older pieces. The colorful black beads were once a bracelet given to me by my mother-in-law, acquired on a recent trip to Italy. I had worn it so much that it fell apart! The big gold owls also from another piece I wore-out when in college, the gold beads from one of those popular bead necklaces we all wore in the mid-80's.
The matching earring are next, then a few more wire wrap projects like this one to use up those eBay beads... then I'm taking a stringing class!
I'm sure I'll have more shiny stuff to show you soon!
Who wants to come play with me!?
Maybe just a Haiku:
I have now officially lost a total of sixteen pounds on my weight watchers plan. Just in case you were wondering.
Sweet!
Enough said.
You may now return to your regular programming....
Seeing the Indians win 12 - 0 & hanging out with my boy?
PRICELESS!
So I made it to Columbus in time for the big Rock & Runway Show at CCAD. As part of Ian's scholarship, he participates in Community Service hours. This year, he modeled for one of the fashion design students in the Senior Show, Huevan Cox. This years theme: Rock and Roll Fashion. There are some very talented students!
The show is looped in the Gallery... Got to admit the first thing that happened when he told me he was doing this was... I thought, "I've got to see this! Can you imagine the scrapbook page this will make!? So Right Said Fred!"
I'm too sexy for your party - Too sexy for your party - No way I'm disco dancing
I'm too sexy for your film (no really I made it look like that on purpose right? it's an art photo!)
...and I do my little turn on the catwalk, yeah the catwalk!
Love the use of the gold leaf - very Milan, New York and Japan! 
In addition to the Fashion Design Show, works from many other senior artists and designers are on display at THE SHOW: 129th STUDENT EXHIBITION. The Show is open through September 6th. Ian is only a junior and elected to have his piece outside the main display area. If you pop in be sure to check it out. To left, inside the main doors to the Canzani Center, in the lobby, on the wall.
In case you are wondering, you're allowed to touch it. It's a kinetic art piece - made to move.
The main marble piece is securly supported on a wheeled base (he says it won't fall off - really you should touch it)
Just swing the pendulum... One little boy almost did. You could see the wheels turning in his head... I was afraid to touch it! You never touch stuff in a museum - they toss you!
He was very excited about his use of symbols. He got a book of symbols for Christmas from Uncle Bob and Aunt Linda and really enjoyed the depth of meaning behind them. Trying to communicate with out words is really what art is about anyway - just another layer.
I'm headed to Columbus tomorrow to see the boy.
Funny thing about that... have I mentioned that Ian has not one but two roommates with the same name? Ian that is. They've all know each other for a very long time. I'm really glad he has made lasting friendships - even if they are confusing!
I always thought I picked a nice strong name - but one that was classic and unusal where there wouldn't be eight of them in his graduating class. Apparently there would only be four! Well technically number four isn't really in the inner "Ian Circle" now, but the boys know him and I'm certain he was on Ian's U11 soccer team years ago!
Once when I was still living with the boy in Columbus but was out of town, my sister Deb popped into the apartment to check on Ian's behavior. Some strange kid answered the door and when she asked if Ian was there he looked a bit confused. Um, maybe because he didn't know which one she wanted - not because he didn't know his host!
At any given time my home could have an Ian in every chair...
"That's just the way we roll mom!" says the boy.
Since I was going to potentially be walking in the rain last weekend, I really did need to purchase a proper raincoat. (And clearly having the raincoat on hand prevented the clouds from opening up and coming down on us!) Found this one at Target. I love, love, love this coat! The color is so bright and cheery, the pattern is funky and retro - very hot, and I think the cut is flattering as well.
My husband hates it. He has not yet refused to leave the house with me in it (yes that has happened before!) but you never know how the wind may blow! Granted, when I wore it with my Neapolitan ice cream colored twin set even I didn't care for the combo - but tell me what is not to like about this coat!
Never did find boots last weekend... but Target to the rescue again by way of Target.com I've wanted some fun boots to wear for snow as well as rain and fishing too! An online search brought me (bought me!?) these....
A quick trip to Joann to find some fleece for liners and I will be all set! (don't worry - I likely won't wear these with the coat above!)
I am a lucky girl!
We've been to many a show there, this time it was to see Artful Dodger. Artful Dodger is a band that was rather underrated nationally in it's day (1970's), but has always been a Cleveland favorite. My favorite song hands down would be "Scream (For You)" - but I love them all! Saw them on New Year's Eve a few years back for the Agora 40th Anniversary Celebration. They put on one heck of a show.
Whenever we go out, we almost always include a night in a hotel near by. We do not under any circumstances drive after drinking... and we have been known to tip a few. We therefore feel it is our civic duty to support the local hotel and taxi industry. We do enjoy being thrifty however! Ever been to HotWire? You've got to try it! We got an excellent rate on a classic Cleveland establishment. Hyatt Regency at the Arcade. I know it can be scary to book a room without knowing where you will end up, but once you do it a few times, you begin to anticipate which location you are likely to get. The husband has it down to a science for us in downtown Cleveland (and I'm pretty good with guessing venues in Columbus!) Generally speaking we can get a room for about $50-$60 this way.... It doesn't get much more affordable for a downtown hotel room in any city!
I'm not sure what's on the official list of Cleveland Architecture Highlights, but this one ought to be there. The lower levels are shops and businesses, the upper have been converted to hotel rooms. After business hours, they also rent out the ground floor for dances and such - one time we were there during a prom - just beautiful!
A wide shot from the lobby level.
These guys guarded our room for us.
They just don't put detail like this in new construction...
The craftsmanship is amazing!
Visit the Arcade next time you're in town. Walking distance from tons of places including the House of Blues and Progressive Field.
...and I hope you enjoy your stay! Don't forget to call me!
GREAT STRIDES is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's largest and most successful national fund-raising event. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a devastating genetic disease that affects tens of thousands of children and young adults in the United States. Research and care supported by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is making a huge difference in extending the quality of life for those with CF. However, we continue to lose precious lives to CF every day. To learn more about CF and the CF Foundation, visit cff.org.
Here I am with Miss Breanna. Our Team name is Breanna's Bunch - you can spot us next year, we're in the awesome green shirts!
My sister Diana is Bre's mom. She and our mom Gloria set up a booth at the walk to help with the fundraising... we've got CF Beanies, BREATH bracelets, and dish scrubbers for your shopping pleasure! I helped a wee bit with the over flow customers.
We really did walk! A total of 3.2 miles through the park. Diana, Jack and good friend Libby walking anchor in this shot. Following the kids was rather entertaining... several choruses of The Ants Go Marching... a few Christmas Carols ... yup! entertaining is maybe not the right word!
It had threatened to rain, but the day turned out quite lovely. The trees were in blossom and I couldn't resist a shot or too!
The turn out was great and over all I believe the total money raised exceeded $210,000.00
Watch where you step! Other creatures walking too! Or wait... maybe they are marching! Do you see him?
Here's (almost) the whole bunch...
Bre's big sister Amanda was there with her boyfriend Scott - both are graduating seniors at Sylvania Northview this year.
Of course Mom and Dad were present and accounted for!
If you are interested in making a donation to be credited to Breanna's Bunch, you can do so through my web page for the walk HERE. I would truly like to thank those of you who have already donated - you are a blessing!
Together let's make CF stand for CURE FOUND!
