The Fan Club Blues

Let's reminisce. First, I'm going to pretend that we are all the same age, which means you remember how your mother cried when President Kennedy was shot, you had a shoop-shoop hula hoop, you watched men walk on the moon and you know the words to all the songs the Monkees sang. Oh, and you remember when David Cassidy was . . . , well *sigh*, you know.

And if you remember that, you remember the teen fan mags. And how you could send your dues in to the fan club of your choice. And you could write fan letters. Did you ever write a letter to your secret crush? You don't have to answer that. It's the next part that is important.

Did the object of your adoration write back? The good manners that our mothers taught us back then dictated some sort of reply. Emily Post said so.

And I hear you asking, "T! Why on earth are you writing about the '60s? Did you get lost in a time warp?? Are you having Partridge Family bus flashbacks?" Nope, nope, nope. Look back up there at the part that is important.

Several months ago I sent an email to a fellow beadwork artist. I told her how I have admired her work for several years. I also told her that she was a big inspiration to me when I decided to apply to art shows. And I told her that it was her work that made me realize that I can be well paid for the pieces that I create. I also asked her a few questions about her experiences with art shows. I figured that since she is 1,000 miles away she wouldn't feel threatened by any sort of competition, even if she considered me in her league of talent. Do you know she never replied?? This is a professional, who has been published in Beadwork Magazine, who wins awards at art shows, has pieces in museums and galleries, yet she did not have the good grace to send back a reply. How rude! Even if the reply was "go blow it out your ass" there should have been something, right? Don't get me wrong, I didn't expect her to spill all her secrets, but the questions I asked were not along the lines of "I'm thinking of doing this, too. Can you tell me how to get started?" (and those of you who know me well, also know how much I detest that line of questioning). I had already gotten started, I had already had several large sales. I just asked a couple of questions along the lines of categorization of the art form. Again, how rude of her not to answer!

So, I promise, if you ask me questions like that, I will respond, even if it is to tell you to go blow it out your ass. However (BIG HOWEVER), if you come to me and ask "I've been thinking of doing the same thing. Can you tell me how to get started?", I will hunt you down like the mangy cur that you are. I will spill and mix all your beads, I will tangle your beading thread, and I will bend all of your beading needles. And then I will make a bonfire of all your beading magazines and books. Are we clear? Good. Have a nice day.

Beaded Necklace Seeks Perfect Ending

Well, I did find the perfect clasp and will add it in a bit. This is a Liz Smith design that was in Beadwork magazine a while back. It's called "Sheherazade". I purchased the ceramic bead at one of the Austin Bead Society's bead bazaars. This particular piece is not for sale, it is mine. And of course, the scan doesn't do it justice, but I wanted to get it posted today. Why, yes --- it is green!

Today is another very low energy day. It could be the ragweed. *sniffle* After all, we are sitting the in the middle of a giant ragweed forest out here. You would think the county would take measures to eradicate some of it growing on the side of the road, but no. We feel privileged when they just mow over here on the east side. And even that is an infrequent occurrence.

Today, the exercise regimen begins. Tomorrow, I may not be able to move! I'll be sure to let you know. I may have to borrow Juls' voice-activated program, though. In the meantime, don't worry -- bead happy!

And now for challenged beading, the kit goes to . . .

Don't confuse challenged beading with the beading challenged. And no, Juls, regardless of what you think, you are most definitely NOT beading challenged. I've seen some of your finished pieces. And Clara, I'm actually sending you a kit for bead weaving, but you know how to do this. I know you do because I taught you how. So there you have it, beaders. Only two kits being mailed out, to two of my dearest beady friends. And they are both very passionate about everything they do, not just beading. I'm very privileged to have these two ladies in my life.

Every once in a while, there will be other challenges with freebies. I truly enjoy it when the blog becomes interactive, so don't be shy -- drop a line or two when you have time. You might just get something nifty in return!

Today is GG's birthday. Her mom is visiting her for a while, which is a great birthday present for her. I'm wishing her a very happy birthday and hope all of her beady friends do likewise. I won't see her until November, but we'll celebrate then.

I've got beads in those colors. Hmmm . . . . I am so ready for cooler, dryer weather. How is this for a great palette? This was taken Thanksgiving 2005 at Lost Maples State Park in Vanderpool, Texas. It was absolutely gorgeous, the weather was perfect and I didn't even mind sleeping on the ground.

I'm working on a necklace that was published in Beadwork magazine a couple of years ago. I'm using it to showcase one of my hubby's lamp work beads. I'm to the point of embellishing, and will post a picture either here or on my website when it is finished. Ooo, beading something for me! What a novel idea!