Brief Updates

Back from vacation (I need another one!), our holiday was fabulous, finally over my neck and back thing and now fighting a cold/flu crud - but life is good!

Here's a brief post of some new creations of mine. Hopefully later in the week I will post some fun pics of the past week and my goals for 2009. Oh and tomorrow is my birthday - #48 on paper, 20 something in life! Mark treated me to an early surprise birthday present this past weekend: Broadway Musical of "A Christmas Carol" - it was AWESOME!

The pic above is of my new "Twist n Wrap" findings - available in different lengths, finishes and wire gauges. One of my customers uses these in her own jewelry and suggested that I make them. You know I ALWAYS listen to my customers! You can twist them around wrapped beads, wire, connectors, links, charms, etc. Your imagination is the limit.

I finally added a small version of my Organic Wrapped Clasp.

Above is a smaller version of my Retro Balloon Hoops.

Above is my Elongated Squoval in a hand brushed Antiqued Finish.

Although I always make hearts, below is my Trio of Hearts. I also sell them separately.

Okay, back to bed for me. Until later in the week, be well, be happy and enjoy!

Rocki

Ho Ho OUCH!

Ho Ho OUCH is right! I won't go into all the details, but due to severe strain in my neck, shoulders and upper back (don't even ask me to spell or pronounce the diagnosis), which has now extended to my left arm, I'm out of commission for about a week - sort of. I am able to finish up my existing orders (v e r y s l o w l y), but just cannot create anything new right now.

This is actually perfect timing. I've been needing a break as I've been going head strong for a few months now. I've even had little hints from my body, my friends and family that I needed to slow down or take a break, buuuuuuut.... So, now that the holidays are approaching, sales have slowed down and I want to spend time with my family, now is good as any.

With that said, I put myself on an early vacation in my Rocki's Supplies shop and am having a Ho Ho Ho Santa Red Sale in my Rock 'n Bead shop. At least those items are already created and all I have to do is package them up. I'm not closing up my supply shop, items can still be purchased, but I just cannot process anything until I return.

Have a great week everyone!

Your pain in the neck,

☮ Rocki

(p.s. isn't my new symbol ☮ uber cool?! My sweet friend/sis Sharon found it and send it to me)

You know you want some!

Mmmm. Big Fat Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Wow! Grammy's Snickerdoodles! Yum yum!

Heaven! Chocolate Dipped Marshmallows! Ooooooh!

Mummumum mum, smack, smack smack... Turtle Brownies!

Where on EARTH did I find these scrumptious, delectable treats? Why at my sister's new Etsy shop: Laura Lee's Tasty Treats of course!

Need I say anything else? I don't think so.

What are you waiting for? Milk?

As Laura says...
"Have a sweet day",
Rocki

Dear Santa

Santa baby, I know that you are REAL busy at this time of year, as always, but I have a few little requests. Well, actually it's my "wish list", if you please.

Dear Santa,

I've been a very good girl all year. Okay, except the few times when the "other woman" came out, but that only happens once or twice a year, so please give me a break. Besides, I have NO control over her.

This past year I've worked very hard to build my business PLUS try to keep up with the house stuff like cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, laundry, ironing, dog present patrol... okay, so I'm slacking in that department, but again, give me a break on this too.

Now that the holidays are approaching, quite quickly I might add, I find myself running out of time. So, below is all I ask for:

1. Peace on earth, loving kindness and compassion for all beings
2. More time
3. Chef (must cook a wheat/dairy free & vegan diets, plus whatever Mark wants)
4. Live in housekeeper (not too cute please, unless it's a guy ;)
5. Landscaper (my dad's too busy to pop over here)
6. More time
7. Assistant (must be familiar with all aspects of Etsy & Excel Spreadsheets)
8. Massage Therapist (see #2)
9. More time
10. Another me (so I can work faster than I already do)
11. Sleep through the night (every night please)
12. Personal shopper (I wasn't born with the shopping gene)

Santa baby, I will be on my very best behavior if you could fill this tiny little list. Oh, and in case I didn't mention it, more time would be very nice.

Thank you!
Love,
Rocki

Ommmmmmmm

Just a quick note to wish everyone peace and happiness as I have another very busy schedule this week. Hope to visit some blogs later in the week.

Found the below piece of art on the web. It is very peaceful and relaxing to me - exactly where my mind will be while working this week.

Om Mani Padme Hum

Peace, Love & Happiness,

Rocki

My very sweet friend Sharon, ManaMoon, lovingly known as "Sis" to me, awarded little ol' me with this very cool award. I'm very thankful for her friendship and for this award! Thank you Sis! Oh, and apparently I received another award, but I'll have to post that later this week :)

It's hard to select who to pass this on to as I love all the blogs I visit, but rules are rules. If your name is not on here, it's simply because I used up all 10 blogs, not because I don't think your blog is cool.

So, for the Butterfly Award the rules are:
1. Post a copy on your blog
2. Mention who gave you the award
3. Pass the award on to 10 others
4. Leave a message on their blog letting them know the honor has been bestowed upon them.It's now my honor to pass this award on to "the coolest" blogs I've ever known:

Heart of a Cowgirl
A Blond and a Torch
Rainbows and Sunshine
Grizzly Mountain Arts
Random Musings
Soul Reader
Healthnut Wannabee Mom
What I made today
The Mum and the Rose
Birds and Bees

I need to get to work, but I will notify all the above this afternoon :)

Psst... check out my brand new custom banner made by the lovely Mana Moon Studios! Check out my shop to see more, plus the avatar which I'll be changing out from time to time with the others she made me!

Okay, time to make the donuts!

Happy Hump Day!

Rocki

Tidbits

It's that busy time of year again and right now all I have time to blog about right now is a few tidbits:

I had another ortho adjustment yesterday. Still have to wear the lovely biteblock, but that's okay. It's just that it's a bit difficult to eat and I sound like Marlon Brando in The GodFather.

We're getting a new living room couch, loveseat and recliner delivered this week (pictures will be posted later this week). This is our gift to each other this year, so there won't be any presents for us to unwrap under the adorable artificial 3' tree we bought. This is perfectly fine with us as we are perfectly content with what we have and now only need to get the kids their gifts.

This weekend was crazy busy for me, but very rewarding. I'm so very thankful to my customers! I'll be in my studio the rest of this week and the next and the next...

We watched the movie "Pay if Forward" the other night. We hadn't seen it before and even though it was a very good movie, I don't think I'll ever watch it again. If you have not seen it, then I won't say much more other than - tissues!

I need to get my day started. Oh! If you haven't seen Wall-E yet, you MUST! It is the cutest movie ever! It's funny how a movie like this can have such powerful messages. EEEEEEva ;)

Enjoy your week!

Rocki

Black Friday & Cyber Monday Specials!

Muy Caliente - Hot Cherry Pepper Coral and Turquoise Nugget Necklace

I'm having specials in both of my shops for Black Friday & Cyber Monday - all 4 days! So what are the specials?

Rocki's Rock 'n Beads: 20% off my entire shop or 25% any item with the color RED in it! Ahem... like the hot piece above (read the description and you'll see why I call it Muy Caliente!

Rocki's Supplies: Free Shipping! Sorry, due to the International mailing process this is for US only. BUT for my International customers you will receive a very nice bonus gift instead!

Oxidized Wild West - Artisan Handcrafted Sterling Silver Ear Wires

Above is another new addition to my Etsy supply shop. I've actually added a couple other new ones, but just haven't been able to post them. I'll be introducing another new item next week.

I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday festivities. Enjoy your weekend and I'll see you all next week!

☼ Rocki

Go Elf Yourself!

It's been a rather busy few weeks and I just want to pay a note of thanks before we head out for our holiday vacation:

Many thanks to:
My boys, Jeremy & Jason - for being the BEST kids ever! You made it VERY easy being your mom while growing up and still today. You both are loved unconditionally and I'm so very proud of you guys!

Mark - my soul mate, best friend, life long partner, husband and more. You stand by me during my ups and downs, sickness and good health, encourage me beyond my wildest dreams. I love you with all my heart - you are the love of my life.

Dad - you taught me good morals, such as to believe in myself and in all people just the way they are no matter the color of skin, religion, their beliefs, and so forth. You've worked so hard raising all us kids and it's time for you to take a break. I love you Dad!

Siblings - Laura, Chris & David - we've had some crazy times growing up, but hey, show me a family that ISN'T dysfunctional in some sort of way! Thanks for making my life, well, very entertaining! Love you guys!

Lauren, my "daughter-in-law" - Jas & Lauren have been together so long that I consider her my DIL. She is the sweetest & kindest person I know, works very hard for what she wants and just love her to pieces!

My 'adopted' family, Sharon, D & Joshie - I'm so happy that our lives have connected and I look forward to many years of growing closer together - as long as you don't mind my crazy family! ;) Love you guys!

To ALL my friends, fellow bloggers, fellow etsians and to those I meet, I thank you all. Each and everyone of you have touched my life in some way or another and I appreciate you all.

So, now you all are probably wondering why I titled this post "Go Elf Yourself", right? Click on the link below and you'll find out why. Oh, and yes that is me in all my tinsel teeth glory!

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/7Ry5pOKGpHtcu0cB

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Love & Peace,
Rocki

Behold Becky's Beautiful Beads

I'm a firm believer that things happen for a reason - whether it be good, bad or indifferent. In this case, meeting Becky Mason on Etsy was a VERY good thing. More on this later.

Above is one of the most gorgeous lampwork beads I have ever seen. It is called "SEA TURTLE SANCTUARY" and this is what brought me to Becky. I found it in a Treasury that my good friend Sharon had made. I was immediately drawn to it - like the Mona Lisa in the Louvre. I couldn't take my eyes off of it. I found myself drawn to her shop and immediately hearted it. Even Mark was in awe of her amazing talent. After reading her Profile, I sent her a message of how much I admire her work. Becky replied... more on this later.

Oh, the Sea Turtle Sanctuary bead has since sold, but you must check it out to see the rest of the details of this beautiful piece of art.

Above is Becky's "PREHISTORIC OCEANIC HISTORY - 3 - a handmade lampwork focal bead with fish bones and barnacles" and I am in LOVE with it!

Becky Mason is Lampwork Artist & Jewelry Designer and comes from a very talented family. She was selling on Ebay for about 5 years until Diane, her talented Lampwork Artist sister who already had an Etsy shop, suggested that Becky set up her own Etsy shop as well. I suggest you read Becky's Profile to find out more about this very talented artist. It is very impressive and will make you that much more of a fan.

This lovely piece is titled "WILD MUSE" and a must see! I just can't explain enough how truly amazed I am by Becky's talented hands. She simply amazes me. Truly she does. In fact, it would be a lot easier for you to just run on over to her shop, or her website to see for yourself. Also check out her sold items - WOW!

Oh. About the "more later part". I'll make this short because this blog feature isn't about me, but I wanted to tell you how my new addition came about. Becky wanted longer & heavier gauge headpins and strongly suggested I make them for my shop as well. So I did.

Like they say: "if you build it, they will come." Bada Boom, Bada Bang! Thank you Becky, you ROCK!

Happy Creating Monday!

Rocki

Happy Anniversary to US!

Today, Mark & I celebrate our 14th wedding Anniversary! I was would have had some old pics of us, including our little wedding picture, but my main PC was on the blink yesterday. I may follow up with those later on. The above pic, in all our glory, is one of my favorites. It was after my first official group ride (Memorial Day Ride). Even though we were all hot and sweaty (from the ride!) and exhausted, there's just something about this picture that I love. Maybe because it screams "we're in love".

If I explain how deeply in love we STILL are, how we met, how we became best friends first & still are today, how we worked together at 2 different offices, the way we got married, how we still hold hands everywhere we go, how we always say "I love you" throughout the day, and many other details of our lives, this blog would turn into a novel. So I will just tell you a few tidbits that you may or may not know about us.

The pic above was from one of our Anniversaries. It was Mark's turn to make the plans. Every year we took turns planning our Anniversary gift, whether it be a simple dinner & movie or a trip near or far, we always kept it a surprise until that day. This trip was a train ride up to the Grand Canyon for the weekend. It was SO much fun, but it was SOOOO cold & snowy. Good snuggle weather.

We've had many adventures and have many more yet to come. When we both started riding, it was a whole other world. We met a lot of people, made some good friends and have TONS of photos! The pic above was from our very first Toy Run and that was a blast!

Did you know that between the two of us we have 4 boys with the same names and 2 share the same middle name? Yep. Two Jeremy's & 2 Jason's. If we had girls with our ex's, mine was going to be Jessica Mae & Mark's Jessica Lynn. So since we couldn't have kids of our own, we named our first little 4 legged girl "Maelyn". We have LOTS in common and were destined to be together. We are true soul mates and will always find each other life after life.

Awe, the Laughlin Run! Fun times! I can honestly say that besides being with my boys & family, being with Mark truly completes me. We enjoy each other's company whether it's just sitting on the porch enjoying the weather, plopped on the couch watching a movie or doing some other activity. Mark is my best friend, my rock, sounding board, partner, husband, soul mate and the love of my life.

It's been 14 years since we said "I do". We tell each other this all the time, but there are days when it feels like it was just yesterday when we got married, yet it also feels like we've been together forever.

I love you honey. Always have. Always will. In this life and the next, and the next...

Happy Anniversary!

Rocki - your wife :)

Did someone say... COOKIE?!

This past weekend was truly enjoyable! It started out on Friday afternoon when my son Jason stopped by. We played Wii and had a blast. It was a lot of fun and I really enjoyed his visit!

Saturday I only worked a few hours in the morning and then Mark & I were off and about the rest of the day. We had a fabulous day.

Sunday I was craving chocolate chip cookies - homemade. You know, soft, warm and oozing with chocolate chips right out of the oven kind of cookie. Even though I have to make them a little different due to wheat & dairy allergies, they still come out just like a chocolate chip cookie should.

Well, I didn't get around to making them until late afternoon when Mark reminded me about the cookies. It was only a fleeting thought of not making them due to how late it was. I must admit that I made them in record time!

The aroma of the baking cookies filled the house with memories of baking cookies with my boys when they were little. We would all grab a spoon at the end and scrape the bowl clean!

Mark could hardly wait to have one. That's not true. It was me. As soon as the first batch came out, I was all over those cookies!

I would offer you all one, but right after this photo I stuffed them all into a container and hid them. Not really. I let Mark keep the half eaten one in his hand.

May the cookie not crumble in your milk,

Rocki

Yum!

The weather is getting cooler now. Okay, so maybe 70 plus degrees isn't THAT much cooler, but here in Arizona it is.

So the other day I was in Trader Joe's... oh my son Jason & Lauren ( basically my 'daughter-in-law') work at TJ's . Jas has been there for over 10 years and is working on becoming a Fire Fighter. My son Jeremy works at Starbucks (over 8 years now) and is working on becoming an American Sign Language Interpreter. I have it made ;)

Anyway, I was picking up some groceries and spotted a box of Sweet Potato Bisque. I've seen it many times before, but never bought any. Let me tell you, this is to die for!

We had the bisque a couple nights with our meal and at one point Mark asked if we should just get a straw. I actually thought about it, but wanted to savor each and every spoonful.

If you want a yummy bisque to have with you meal or just by itself with maybe a little cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg, I highly recommend this one. Plus, I can have it because it is wheat/dairy free!

Oh, I'm sure they sell straws there too.

Enjoy!

Rocki

Elated & Outraged!

This morning I'm mixed with the overwhelming joy of our new President Obama, and the gut wrenching outrage of the Arizona Proposition 102 passing!
Yesterday it was all about the Polls. I've never watched the Polls before. In fact it was usually movie time or some other activity to stay away from the T.V. stations. But not yesterday. We even ate dinner in front of the T.V., hoping and awaiting news of Barack Obama becoming our President. We even stayed up and watched his acceptance speech.

I've never voted before either. I know. I hear the gasping sounds already. I'm just not very political as it does not interest me. However, this year was different. Could my one little vote really make that much of a difference. Yes it can. Will others like me stand up and vote? Yes they will. I even wondered if I should do it or not, but then kept hearing "Yes we can." I voted. I voted for Obama and it felt good.

So why am I so outraged about Prop 102 passing? This is what is about: "This initiative would amend the Constitution to define marriage as only a union between one man and one woman. Supporters say a constitutional provision would protect the sanctity of marriage by preventing judges from overturning the existing state law prohibiting same-sex marriages."

Nobody has the right to say who you can marry, date or have sex with. Who's business is it anyway? Is it really going to hurt you (those opposed) to see two people of the same sex married? Is it going to ruin your day? If so, you need to get a life. You also need to take a long hard look in the mirror and realize that you're a human being just like EVERYONE else is and we ALL have the same rights.

A family is NOT just a "wife, husband & child" as all the commercials to promote this ridiculous Proposition exclaims. A family is a group of people, large or small, living together, raising one or more children with love, guidance, peace and happiness. Who are those to judge what a family is? This just sickens me to no end and I'm ashamed of those ignorant Arizona voters who passed this. All I can say to you is Karma.

My dad taught us that everyone is equal and I taught my boys the same. I have friends from all walks of life. I've had gay friends all my life, past and present, and one of my very best friends is my son Jeremy (my son Jason is my friend too, not meaning to exclude him). I don't introduce my boys as "this is my straight son & this is my gay son" - these are my boys and I'm very proud of them both! I only state this because the other day when I was talking with Jeremy about this, I was fuming. It takes a lot to get me angry, but this one got me. I told him that I may blog about this, he said go for it!

If and when the time comes, I want my son to be able to marry without fear, prejudice, ignorant laws and so forth. Jeremy and all the GLBT community deserve the SAME rights as everyone else. "We the People" need to stand up and make this happen. I will be doing my part to see this through. Will you?

Happiness, Peace & Love to ALL,

Rocki

More New Additions...

I planned on blogging about something else this morning, but got a late start and am running out of time, so thought I would just share some more new additions that I have added to my shop.

Above are my new Oxidized Brass Long Ovals. I've been trying different methods of oxidizing Brass and I think I've found my favorite one :)


These little hotties I call "Sexy French". What can I say? That's the first thing that came to my mind.

I know, nothing exciting about headpins, but I'm slowly adding a variety of gauges and below, obviously, are my 20 gauge headpins for larger beads.


Well that's it. Just another quickie and now I'm off to get some orders filled. I'll be back later on to visit all my buddies blogs :)

(added note: Hop on over to my buddy's blog "Heart of a Cowgirl" to read the awesome feature she did of me this morning - plus look around, her blog rocks! Thank you B!)

Happiness to all,
Rocki

From our family to yours...

Happy Halloween!

I hope everyone has a safe & enjoyable Halloween. We'll be sitting out side watching all the kids go through our neighbors haunted house that they set up and passing out candy to all the little goblins.

Before I go for the weekend, I leave you with some Halloween humor:

- How do you tell twin witches apart?

Actually, you can't tell which witch is which.

- What did 3 vampires order at the bar?

Two bloods and a blood light.

- What is a vampires favorite ice cream?

Veinella.

- Did you hear about the new Dracula doll?

Wind it up and it bites Barbie on the neck.

- What kind of pants do ghosts wear?

Boojeans.

- What do you get when you goose a ghost?

A handful of sheet!

- What did one ghost whisper to the other ghost?

I see people.

Haaaaaaappy Halloweeeeeeen!

Rocki

Did someone say... Brass?

Brass Hammered Baby Elfin Ear Wires above and Small Hoops below.

More to come soon, including Oxidized & Red Brass Ear Wires.

Nighty night all,

Rocki

Just a quickie...

Yes, I said a quickie - as in a post (yes, I hear those of you saying, "Rocki? A quickie without getting wordy? Riiiiiiiight"). I'm just too exited to wait and want to share my newest additions like the ones above: Oxidized Fine Silver Headpins! I've been working on getting these oxidized just right (as I like them to be anyway) and am quite pleased with how they turned out - even more so with the photos (not my favorite thing to do (folds arms and shakes head no-no-no-no...)

I'll be adding the above later tonight or tomorrow morning. These are my Long Ovals that I already offer in my shop in Sterling Silver, but now they are also available in 14K Gold Filled!

Alas, my Elongated Squovals are now also available in 14K Gold Filled - per Laura's request. Yes Laura, I finally did it (happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you... :)

Well, that's it. My quickie post. Now I'm off to make supper then watch the new Journey to the Center of the Earth - in 3-D!

Happiness to all,

♥ Rocki

Heart of a Cowgirl

"Cowgirl is an attitude, really. A pioneer spirit, a special American brand of courage. The cowgirl faces life head on, lives by her own lights, and makes no excuses. Cowgirls take stands. They speak up. They defend the things they hold dear. A cowgirl might be a rancher, or a barrel racer, or a bull rider, or an actress. But she's just as likely to be a checker at the local Winn Dixie, a full-time mother, a banker, an attorney, or an astronaut."- Dale Evans Rogers, Los Angeles, 1992

I took that quote off of Bridget's blog, but she also has it in her Etsy Profile in which she she states it: "sums up the creative force behind my jewelry designs."

Bridget is a cowgirl and creates from that heart. I can relate to how she feels about being a cowgirl as I lived the cowgirl life many years ago. I breathed, ate and slept the cowgirl life. Went to rodeo's, dated cowboys & rodeo clowns (that was a trip) rode horses and was even on a Country & Western dance team called "Hooked on Country". It was hard putting away my boots, but it was harder trying to walk two different paths. I realized my true direction and followed it. That is what you need to do. Follow your heart, be who you truly are and create with that force. This is exactly what Bridget does.

Whenever I do blog features I like to give the title a fitting name for the shop and/or person that I'm spotlighting. However in this case, the name of Bridget's Etsy shop & blog (which feels just like home) is absolutely perfect: Heart of a Cowgirl.

I could go on and on about how very talented Bridget is, how she truly creates from the cowgirl heart - which you can see in all her pieces from jewelry to leather work - or tell you about all her animals that surround her loving home, but this blog post would turn into a novel.

So please head on over to Bridget's Etsy shop to see her heartfelt creatioins and also to her blog to find out more about this Heart of a Cowgirl's life - you won't leave hungry.

Cowgirl up,

Rocki