Summer salutations
I hope everyone’s summer has been smashingly great so far ! I’ve been keeping busy with the new puppy, keeping up with Elyse (who was in rehearsals all of June for ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.’ She was The Candyman, and a sassy one at that. See pic below.), keeping up with Madeline and her preparations for leaving in September (to attend school in LA), keeping straight where Parker is at any given time (he’s been working a hockey camp out of town for a few weeks), taking care of myself (down 30 pounds and counting), spending time with Don, and in general, enjoying life.
Some wonderful news: Madeline graduated high school on Memorial Day and we were thrilled by the surprise announcement that she was named salutatorian in her class of 308 students, with a GPA of 4.6! We knew she was oh so close to the top, but the announcement that evening caught me off guard. While she received her medal, the assistant principal read a prepared speech that Madeline had written earlier in the week. It had come down to her and another student for that particular slot, and so they were both asked to write speeches. Of course, I got all weepy and then they asked her dad and I to stand up to be recognized. We were in an arena! Madeline even had trouble picking us out. It was very emotional for me and her dad. Such a proud moment. And she worked so hard during all of her school years, particularly high school. She absolutely deserved it. (And she was such a stinker for keeping it from us!! But looking back, I’m sure she didn’t want to get everyone’s hopes up in case it didn’t work out.). She also received six honor cords for her efforts.
Believe it or not, it’s mid-July and I have YET to get to the pool or any body of water in which to swim! That’s ok though. I do love swimming, but really need to watch my time in the sun. But we have been out on the bikes a few times (even with Tucker in his little bike trailer), and of course hiking. No wineries yet though! Boo. Not really on the Jenny Craig plan now, is it?
On the jewelry front, I am in the early stages of developing ideas for a Web site and blog refresh and will need to enlist the help of Don to get that accomplished when the time comes. One of my major hurdles with this is coming up with a graphic concept that represents Just Because Jewelry. I’m not a graphic designer, so I feel somewhat limited when it comes to conveying what I think I’d like to see. I know that once I figure it out though, things will come together quickly and this is what excites me and keeps me motivated.
Also, I’m planning several new pieces for the collection and they’re in the ‘on the board’ phase, meaning, the beads have been selected and are on the design board waiting for me to arrange them in the most pleasing manner possible. It may take a few days or weeks for that to happen, but getting the beads out is the first step.
Of course, I’ll keep y’all posted on my progress and not go so long between blog posts. Just a reminder, if you are on Facebook, I would be so happy if you would please stop by my Just Because Jewelry fan page and become a fan!
Until next time … have a beautiful day!!
Tags: activities, facebook, family, jewelry