DIY Flagstone Walk Path - Recycled

Here's is my DIY project that I did on Saturday morning. I've wanted to do this for some time now and when I told Mark that I wanted to put in a walk path from the sidewalk up to our front door walk way he said, and I quote: "go for it!" Well, I did!  I knew I would need his muscles for some things, but I wanted to do most of it myself... and I did!  For those of you who do not know me personally, this was a HUGE accomplishment and I'm ever so grateful to be this healthy again!

I forgot to take a before pic, so just imagine the above without the path dug.  Yep, I dug the path way all by myself...well, all but the last 1/4 section as I needed to save my strength for the rest of the work.  Mark came out to dig the remaining little section - he's such a good guy!

Not that I'm a weakling, but I'm not able to lift heavy of things.  Mark was sweet enough again to come outside and pour the sand for me.  He also carried out the Flagstone from the side yard - which we've had for years.  We took up part of our side yard walk way last year and kept the Flagstone for future use. 

Because I wanted to do as much of this project as possible, Mark simply put the tile on top of the mound of sand so that I could adjust and finish from there.  I just love this guy!

Almost done!  I fixed the sand under each tile to make sure it sat flat and didn't rock.  To adjust the level I simply added or removed sand as needed.  This took a bit of time, but at least I was entertained by the Black Eyed Peas (so were our neighbors) and the weather was perfect!

Ta'da!  Once the tiles were all in place I filled up the vacant areas with the surrounding granite.  The left over granite was raked into the yard (thank you honey!) 

I can't tell you enough of how excited I was to have been able to do this!  I swear, I probably looked out the front door at it a zillion times - so far!  Oh yes, the cost of the project...are you ready?  $5.00 - actually a tad under.  Since we recycled our Flagstone, all we had to purchase was two bags of sand.

Have rock'n good day!
Rocki

Organization

Came across a cool idea (probably not new, but new to me) while on Pinterest and just had to try it.  I've wanted to extend my kitchen pantry for some time now, but there simply is no extra room to do that.  Well, as you can see above I purchased an over-the-door shoe organizer that I taped to the outside door of my pantry just to show what it is.  I should have taken a before pic of inside, but didn't think about it.  My pantry wasn't a mess (I'm one of those 'labels to the front' people), but just very full and had to stack packages on top of packages.

I can NOT believe the results:   

Ta'da!  I was (and still) so freakin' excited about my 'new' pantry that I keep opening the door to look at it (yes, I amuse easily)!  Seriously though, for less than $15 dollars I extended my kitchen pantry and it is more organized than it was before.  I just love it!

I think I'm going to buy some more shoe organizers... I just know there are more things to organize around here.

Happy Organized Monday!
Rocki

Smile Jar

Smile Jar. Many uses for this cool idea: Throughout the year jot down memories that make you smile, laugh or touches your heart. If you’re having a bad day, reach into the jar, pull out a note and smile!  It would also make a fun gift for your spouse, loved one, kids...

Happy Smiling Friday!
Rocki

(Found the jar on Pinterest, but here’s the direct link to where it originated inchmark)

Valentine's Day Water Heart!

I was brushing my teeth this morning, looked down and there was a water shaped heart!  I always see shapes in water drops...well, that's another story in itself.  Anyway, so I grabbed my Droid and snapped a pic before it went away. What makes this even more exciting (yes, water drops excite me) is what is today people?  VALENTINE'S DAY!

Okay, time to hit the studio, but just had to share this first.

♥ Rocki

Mobile Social Media Disconnect Challenge

(picture courtesy of Blomberg.com)

Cell Phone Technology is fantastic, but lately I've been overwhelmed by it.  I mean come on, there is practically anything you can imagine for smartphones - with more on the way.  I'm not saying this is a bad thing, to be perfectly honest I love my smartphone!  It's like having my desk top computer in the palm of my hands - which is very convenient.

So what's the problem?  Well, I've become one of those people that can't leave the room without my Droid (Droid X to be exact) and when I do, I break-out in a cold sweat while running around looking for it.  With all the social media and other apps I have, it's amazing that I actually HAVE a life: Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Etsy, ArtFire, Words, Birds (darn those birds!), News and other networking sights.  Sheesh, I need a break!

The Droid isn't exactly glued to my hands, but it is always near by - within reach that is.  In the car as a passenger it's typically in my hands or in the door cubbyhole (no, I don't text and drive, major pet peeve - I don't even like talking and driving, so I do that very little).  While out and about it's in my pocket and every once in a while I take it out to make sure it's okay.  I'll even admit that we have our phones at the dinner table.  What's next, the bedroom?

(I feel like I just confessed  my sins and I'm not even Catholic, etc.). 

So yesterday it got me thinking that I need to disconnect from all Social Media outlets via my Droid.  First I thought for 1 day.  Go ahead and laugh, I know, that's a long time.  Then I thought for 1 week, but I had to reach for the smelling salts before I passed out.  This morning when I woke up at 5:30 I decided that starting now through Monday (3 whole days people) I'm not going to use my Droid for anything except phone calls and texts - everything else can wait until I get to my PC. 

What?  Who will know if I cheat or not?  I will, I have a conscious - and Jiminy Cricket by my side. I have good self-restraint (except with my Droid I guess).  I can make a dark chocolate bar last 2 weeks - ask Mark. 

That's pretty much it.  My 3 day Mobile Social Media Disconnect Challenge.  I'll post my results on Tuesday.  Join me if you want to feel the freedom - or the bends.

Peace,
Rocki

It's just little ol' me

Sometimes I say to myself: "you know Rocki, you really need to start blogging again" and then there's times that I actually answer myself - but we won't go there.

Since my studio work is done for the day I thought what better time to blog than now.  You know what the say, there's no time like the present.  But what to blog about?  Sometimes I wonder if what I have to say is even all that interesting to others, plus I'm definitely not a professional blogger.  Guess since it's my blog I can talk about whatever floats my boat... oh I love boating!  Whenever we visit my brother in Florida, who is on his way back home to AZ tomorrow, we would go boating all the time and... oops... I pitched, as my hubby likes to call it.

I know!  I'll just be me.  Scary thought, but I'm going with it.  As once before, I'll be blogging about anything that enters my little brain - from my humble little life to infinity and beyond!  Oh and I don't blog just about my work because there's much more to life than work.  I don't live the high life, but it's an enjoyable one that I would be happy to share with you.

Peace and Happiness,

Rocki

p.s. Yes, that is me up there with my Dad, who is going on 71 years young and could out dance any one of us!

Positively I can!

We all do it from time to time. You know, let negative thoughts take us over. When that happens, take a deep long breath, exhale slowly, smile and simply tell yourself:

May your days be filled with happy POSITIVE thoughts of all the things you CAN do!

Peace to you,

Rocki

Aquatic Swirls vs Fish Hoops

I designed a pair of new hoop earring the other day and just love how they turned out!

True short story:

I always show Mark, who lovingly refers to my metalwork as "car parts", my new creations. Even though he claims to have no idea about jewelry, I enjoy hearing his perspective. Plus he likes to help name them.

Anyway, when Mark arrived home from work and got settled in (sort of), I showed him my new earrings. He said, and I quote: "hey, they look like fish!"

Okay. So I took another look at them and sure enough, yes, they do. However, we were NOT going to name them "Fish Hoops" - sick and wrong dude!

I took photos to post in my Rocki's Artisan Metal shop and, as always, showed Mark. He said, and I quote: "Looks like a fish on a hook."

Okay. You got me. So it does. But I'm still not naming them Fish Hoops.

Aquatic Swirls - I do not recommend putting them in water.

Peace & Luv,

Rocki

Rocki's Artisan Metalwork - II

Just a quickie note to say that I FINally opened my second shop on Etsy: www.RockisArtisanMetal.etsy.com (there wasn't enough room for my entire biz name :(

I had decided some time ago to separate my handmade supply findings from my handmade jewelry and now is as good as time as any I say. It's a chore though. In between everything else I've got going, every day I'll be adding to my new shop.

That's it for now. Off to spend the weekend celebrating our 16th wedding anniversary. Wow, 16 years? I swear at times it still feels brand new and other times like we've been married forever - in a good way.

Happy Friday all!
Rocki

Awesome Florida Bird...

These pictures are from our Florida trip last December. We visited again just this past August and I took more pictures. I have many cool shots that I would like to post - when I have time.

Anyway, just a real quickie here... I took these pictures when we were boating through the channel where my brother lives. I'm no photographer by any means. I took the above pic and then a couple moments later clicked again...

and got this AWESOME shot! It may be just me, but I really love how this picture came out- so cool!

Have great day!

Peace,

Rocki

Friday Funny

Bobbitt Family Update:

In a recent news broadcast, it was announced that Lorena Bobbitt's sister Louella was arrested for an alleged attempt to perform the same act on her husband as her famous sister had done several years ago. Sources reveal the sister was not as accurate as Lorena.

She allegedly missed the target and stabbed her husband in the upper thigh causing severe muscle and tendon damage. The husband is reported to be in serious, but stable condition.

Louella has been charged with...

?

WAIT FOR IT...

?

WAIT FOR IT...

?

WAIT FOR IT...

A Misdewiener!

ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

Come on, you know darn well you're going to pass this one!

(hubby sent this to me today, had to share)

Happy Friday!

Rocki

So who is Rocki anyway?

Good question! H'm, where to begin... I'm a lot of things actually, but I'll try to stay on point.

- I will never ever grow up. I'll be 50 (on paper) in December, but still feel 20 something. Okay, so maybe my body doesn't sometimes - LOL!

- Simple, casual, warped sense of humor, determined, committed, loves people, quiet, talkative, clumsy, never wear make-up of any kind, and about once a year (or so) the "other woman" comes out. "Other woman" you ask? You know, that bitch in all of us that just lets everything out all at once.

- Faithful. I resonate with the 60's/70's and a peaceful life. My kids still call me their "hippie mom". The the path that I follow in life represents peace and compassion. I'm not perfect, but I believe in my practice with all my heart.

I'm a very proud mom to my sons Jeremy & Jason. When I gave them life, they gave me mine. Our relationships are based on love, respect, trust, honesty and open communication. Although I'm their mom first, but they are my buddies who I have no problem confiding in. I love them more than life itself.

There wasn't a "how to be a mom" handbook when I had my boys. So I did my best and to be perfectly honest, I never had any problems raising them and have no complaints - they were and are awesome guys! Of course, I made mistakes along the way and wish I could have done some things differently, but we all learn from our mistakes. We grow stronger from them. I love you both, with all my heart!

I'm a wife, soul mate, life partner and friend to the most loving & caring guy: Mark. Wow, how to sum up our relationship...

- he is my best friend and the love of my life. I can't imagine life without him. We enjoy each others company and are still joined at the hip. We love quiet evenings instead of night life. He's always been there for me and always will, as I for him. That saying "in sickness and in health" he took literally, and I thank him for that.

- We've been on many trips so far in our 16+ years together and look forward to many many more. The pic above we were heading out for the Laughlin Run (before I got my OWN bike). We no longer ride, but we still take many trips.

I'm a daughter, sister, friend and then some. Our family is not the Walton's by any means, but that's what makes like fun and, well, interesting. We're more like a zoo family - a big variety of people, lifestyles, opinions, emotions, etc. Despite our irregularities, we are a loving crazy bunch.

Last but not least, I'm an artist that did not know existed until the worst of times. Good things come from bad situations.

Without going into all the boring details, I worked the crazy hectic corporate life for years until one day the rug was pulled out beneath me and ended up sick (not life threatening, but life altering). It took years, but I fought my way back to normalcy (whatever "normal" is anyway) and in doing so, discovered that I had a hidden talent. I'm self-taught and am currently teaching myself another metalwork that I'm really excited about!

There's a lot more about me, but I'll end this now. I'm not perfect by any means and don't claim to be, but I put my full heart and soul into everything I do, both personally and professionally. I love my life and everyone in it. I enjoy the fact that I own and operate my metalworking business by myself in which I have 2 online shops and sell locally as well.

My main motto is: Never give up! Hence my name "Rocki" that was given to me years ago by another.

Peace & Love,

Rocki

www.RockisArtisanMetalwork.ArtFire.com

www.RockisSupplies.Etsy.com

Wonder Woman?

I'm not Wonder Woman, I don't have a magic tiera, special bracelets or golden lasso of truth. Nor have I found that "extra time" that we all look for, but I'm going to get back on the blog wagon once again darn it all. It's not that I don't have anything to say, because I most certainly do. It's that elusive time thing.

Oh and my handmade heart pendant necklace above can be found in my ArtFire Studio.

Anyway, this post will be short and sweet as Mark is on his way home from night school and we'll be watching the last disc of Rome. So exciting! Love love love this show! We don't watch T.V. so if there is something good out there that we find out about, we'll watch it on Netflix or rent it. Or of course like with Dexter we buy the DVD's - LOVE the Dexter!

Speaking of short and sweet... the teensie weensie micro hoop above can also be found in my ArtFire Studio.

I, Rocki, hereby solemnly swear that I will blog at least once per week. Oh and my posts are not always about my metalwork. I love variety, so you will see anything and everything. I don't follow any rules about what to or not to blog about. I'm me and that is what you shall see.

Lastly, my earrings above... yes, you know what's coming, say it with me now: can be found in my ArtFire Studio. Very good, well done!

Okay, the timer is going off for me to take another batch out of the tumbler and then soon it will be time to watch Rome!

"No one can resist the golden lasso. It binds all who are encircled and compels them to tell... the truth!" - Wonder Woman

Rocki

Long time no blog

Short and sweet...

I've been enjoying my summer, how about you? In between working and such I've been swimming laps just about daily, bicycling (stopped last month though - too hot!), enjoying time with my honey and now on my biggie vacation in Florida - with my dad who'll be celebrating his 69th birthday! Go dad!

Okay, I said short and sweet. Hope to blog more when I return.

Oh - so you're probably wondering what the heck does the photo have to do with this post. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I just think that little guy is so cute! That is Mark's finger pointing at the little critter when we went to the Wildlife Zoo a few months ago. Okay, so they are both cute :)

Chow for now.
Rocki

Daughtry - VIP Part 2

The concert! I do apologize for the quality of the pics, but as mentioned previously I forgot my camera (too much excitement!) So these are all taken with my Droid - and shaking, er...rocking hands.

On the catwalk. We had floor seats and were in row 21 - AWEsome seats. Seats? Funny, but I don't recall ever sitting!

My man Steely! Totally rocks the guitar :)

Daughtry gettin' down and the crowd was screaming big time! I woke up the next morning with a very raspy voice. Not sure why exactly ;)

Throughout the concert there was some pretty cool & colorful flashing light effects that I wish I could have picked up more, but you get the idea.

Far part of the stage with more cool lights.

I did take a few pics of Cavo & Lifehouse when they were on, but they didn't turn out so well. Both of those bands rocked the house! Daughtry put on an EXCELLENT concert all around. Performance, singing, sound, looks... everything was right on!

Well, that's it. Concert is over. We had a total blast and yes, still smiling from meeting the guys and getting hugs! I have a TON of pics, but don't worry, this will be the last Daughtry post... for now ;)

Thanks Daughtry, you guys rock!

♥Rocki

Daughtry - VIP part 1

Not quite sure where to start on this most memorable day/evening except to say it ROCKED! Since pictures speak a thousands words, I'll try and let them do most of the talking, but will give some highlights.

Nope, we didn't win tickets to the concert or VIP backstage passes. We purchased our tickets when they went on sale - couldn't miss Daughtry! When we found out that we could get VIP passes to meet & greet with the band, etc., it took less than a nanosecond to say YES!

Oh and above is little ol' me with the guys - very down to earth and so humble. Yes, I was majorly star struck and I think I blinded everyone with my braces as I smiled ALL day and ALL night long!

This is during the soundcheck where we got to sit in on. Yes, we were right at the stage! Oh and they sound just as good in soundcheck :)

Since we had 2 tickets we were able to have 2 pictures taken. I went first. I was so dazed by it all that after the pic was taken I started to walk away and TOTALLY forgot about Mark! LOL! I just had to go stand by Josh Steely on the end. Not like I know him personally, but there was just something about him that was so calming. He commented on my Buddha necklace and I was so star struck that I didn't notice his gorgeous Buddha tattoos until yesterday when we were checking out the previous VIP concert pictures!

Another soundcheck pic and this is Josh Steely. Yep, he sounds as good as he looks :)

Still have that same big glowing smile on my face - it's still there in fact! This was after all the VIP treatment with lots of goodies to take home.

Afterwards we ate dinner at Margaritaville before heading back in for the concert. Nope, we didn't have Margarita's - we don't drink. But after many years, I DID have my first true hamburger with a bun! Being allergic to wheat & dairy I never get to have a bun with a burger unless at home and then it is with my special bread - totally NOT the same. Anyway, Margaritaville has a gluten-free menu and the bun was soft and yummy!

I have more pictures to share of the concert, but I'll do that either this weekend or Monday. Wait to you see where our seats were :) Oh and since I forgot my camera, the pics are all taken with my Droid, but they turned out okay.

Daughtry - you guys are #1 in my book - stay just like you are!

♥ Rocki

(5/1 update: I've been asked if I added pink to my hair for the concert - nope, this is me! I've had variations of this style going on a year now and it has become my signature style ;)

Jason Leaves For Seattle

WARNING: MUSHY MOM POST

This is a hard day for me. No, several months ago while at a restaurant when Jas, my Bud, said that he had something to tell me - THAT was a hard day. He put in for a work transfer to Portland as there was better schooling opportunity for him there to become a Fire Fighter. I'm extremely proud of him, as I am in both of my boys, but THAT was a hard day.

Scratch that.

Portland wasn't going to happen, so he changed the transfer to Seattle - another good opportunity for him to reach his goal. Figured it would be a few months or so. Well, this past Thursday Jason was notified that the transfer was approved - but that he needs to be there sooner than later - in other words leave on Monday - as in today. Another hard day.

I'm very close to both my boys, they are my sons and my friends. Jeremy, my oldest, lives in Portland, Oregon - he moved there about 8 years ago (yes, THAT was a hard day too - or was it when he left for NAU prior to that - I'm a mom, what can I say). I'm happy that they will be closer so that they can see each other more often. I guess now we have a new place to visit. I've never been to Seattle before.

Jason is my comedian, my buddy, my body guard. He's friendly, outgoing, courteous and helpful - for starters. He has always been there to help me. When I was very sick for a long time, he would take me to doctors and practically carry me in without giving it a second thought. He makes me laugh too. Especially when I think about the pickle & the ketchup incident at CoCo's. Oh and he always hated cleaning his room. I think he still does ;)

This is me and my guys at Disneyland many moons ago. Jason, on the right, was a tad grumpy as it had been a very long day and he was ready to leave. Definitely nap time. Jas has always been a happy guy with a big smile on his face, so this picture makes me giggle.

Sorry, this is nothing more than just a mushy mom needing to brag about her awesome son - future Fire Fighter - who she is going to miss very, very much! This past week has been rough - so much in such a short amount of time. Between being sick and then dealing with his sudden move, it's just plain hard. I've gone through more tissue boxes than you could imagine. Yes. I admit I cry. I'm human. I'm a mom. Who happens to love her boys more than life.

Well, I could go on writing, but I'll end this mushy mom post because I have a TON of work to do. Guess that will keep my mind occupied while he's traveling.

Enjoy your day,

Rocki

(a.k.a. Mom - I love you Bud!)

p.s. The picture at the top... Jas wrote that on there and gave it to me. He's also terribly shy, as you can tell ;)

Name That Cloud II

Are you ready to play another round of Name That Cloud? This fun cloud is another one that appeared to us on our Florida vacation in December. The answer is revealed at the end of this post, but don't scroll down yet, give it a little thought and see if you can guess what we thought it looked like at first glance.

In the early morning hours of one of our boating excersions, we came across LOTS of dolphins, like this one which was following it's baby. I took a ton of pictures of these two and all the other dolphins, really, I did! They were all around us and it was truly exciting to see them in their habitat like that!

So, any clues yet on the cloud?

While heading out of the channel where Chris & Tina live we spotted this little cutie. Okay, so not so cute but I was REAL excited to see a gator in the wild! The channel is about 2 boat wide, so yes, this gator was close. In fact, Chris tried to get as close to it as possible without scaring the little guy so I could take this pic, while leaning out the boat.

How are you doing with the cloud? Need a few hints again? Here we go...

- can be wild

- can be tamed

- loves snacks

- smart

- loveable

- cuddly

- short hair

- long hair

- no hair

- loves balls

- likes to chase cats

- thinks the mail person is tasty

- woof

Figure it out?

.

.

.

.

.

.

You got it! It's a little dog! Speaking of little dogs... I need to go feed my 'kids' now and then hit the studio.

Thanks for playing and see you soon!

Rocki

Name That Cloud

I've been meaning to post some pictures from our Florida trip in December, but... So I'll be posting a few of my favorites here and there.

Yep, that goofy gal is me driving my brothers boat while he co-captains. We had a total blast on that trip! It was the middle of December and we experienced rain, cold, sunshine and beautiful warm days. We'll be heading back there again in August for a whole week and I get to drive a BIGGER boat then!!

Okay, so now to the Name That Cloud. I love clouds, especially ones that resemble real life. Take a good look at the below picture and DO NOT scroll down yet. Can you make out what it looks like? Give it a few minutes and it will hit you.

So while we were visiting, we pretty much stayed in and on the water. So many beautiful places and beaches. Now that Chris has a bigger boat with cabin (and the all important bathroom!) we can travel even further into the ocean! Oh and he's going to teach me to drive that boat as well, that we have nick-named after me. He didn't actually name the boat "Rocki", but just for fun he did.

Oh yes... the cloud. Any clues yet? I have a couple other fun cloud pictures that I took on our trip, but will only post one of them because the other one is... well... let's just say it's on the nasty side! But we all got a good laugh out of THAT one!

As mentioned in my previous post, we're pondering moving to Florida. This is no joke, we are seriously looking into it as Mark & I are ready for a change. However, there are many factors right now that we have to consider first.

Cloud? Well? Any thoughts? I would love to say that the winner gets a pot of gold or "one meeeeeelion dollars" or a free shopping spree in my shop, but how would I know that you didn't cheat and take a peak at the below picture, hmmmm? ;) Okay... the moment of truth. Last chance before I disclose what it is! I'll give hints along the way as you slowly scroll down:

- animal

- large

- mammal

- hates mice

- loves peanuts

- grey (or gray, whichever you prefer ;)

- trunk

- zoo

Got it now?

Yep, it's an elephant! Come on, you can see it too, it's not pink! I'll post the other one next week - the clean one that is!

Happy Day!

Rocki