Wash Away the Year and Celebrate the Happy!

Flat and fabulous - a few months ago, but I love this dress!
8/30/13 - 1 year of being cancer free since my bilateral mastectomy surgery!

This is a follow-up to my FUNNY How Time Flies post a couple weeks ago.  You can read that if you want to be up to date.  And if you're totally new to my blog, you can click on the Breast Cancer Survivor! tab at the top.

As mentioned, we are going to Sedona to celebrate my 1 year 'cancerversary' of being cancer free!  Take THAT breast cancer!  It's actually OUR celebration because Mark, as always, has been right there with and for me the entire time.  And what better place to celebrate than Sedona.  Well, okay a secluded island would be totally awesome, but we're perfectly fine with Sedona - our Happy Place.

Sedona Motel

We don't do fancy, expensive or elaborate.  We love simplicity.  We'll be staying at the Sedona Motel, which has been described by many as a "throw back to the 60's/70's style drive-up motels."  In speaking with Bill, the owner, when making the reservations, I knew right then that this was going to be a nice place to stay.  He seemed quite laid back, relaxed and friendly.  According to the online reviews, he's exactly like that in person.

The view from the motel is beautiful, judging by their photos which I have no doubt.  In fact, there isn't a view in Sedona that is not beautiful.  Red happy rocks and earthy scenery everywhere.  You'll see more of that when we return because oh yes, there will be pictures to share.

Rain is forecast on and off over next few days in Sedona as well as here in the valley, which will be absolutely perfect.  Rain is cleansing. Refreshing.  Hydrating.  Nourishing.  Healing.  What better way to wash away all the negative crud of this past year.

Okay, I can't deny that it will also be nice to simply be in cooler weather, with or without the rain.  Sedona is about 2-2 1/2 hours north of us.  We're looking forward to the enjoyable drive.

 

 

Rocki & Bullwinkle - let the adventures continue

 

This post isn't about the sad and ugly side of breast cancer and what it does to you and everyone around you.  Nor is about what I personally did and didn't have to go through.  This is a celebration!  With the one I love.  My best friend in the entire universe.  The absolute love of my life.  My soul mate and partner throughout eternity and beyond.

 

It's a time to be happy, as always, but happier.  A time to let go of any negativity that is clinging to us.  And, not that we haven't done it a million times already, a time to reflect on what truly is important. 

 

We're going to our Happy Place.  To breath in the rain cleansed air with every fiber of our being and breath out all the bad.  We're simply going to celebrate what is. 

 

Peace,

Rocki

Happy Pink Peace Buddha

Happy Pink Buddha - Peace!

Just a quick share of my new pink peace luv'n Buddha!  I spotted this adorable happy Buddha at Ross this past weekend and knew right away that he was coming home with me.

He's happily blessing our backyard by the pool.  Now he's in my studio where I can see his happy peace luv'n face while I work.

Peace,
Rocki

Happy Dance!

Four More Years!!!

I think this sums up how I feel on this AWEsome day!

 

Peace,

Rocki

My Sasha Girl

I know I've posted many pictures of all of my kids, both 2 and 4 legged, but I went down memory lane last night after posting a pic on Pinterest of the tiniest little pup.  It reminded me of how itsy bitsy Sasha was when we brought her home at 8 weeks old so thought I would share and post these as well. 

 Sasha always had (still does) to rest her chin on one of her million toys.  She's not spoiled, truly she's not.

We fell instantly in love with her, as with all our kids, but couldn't get over how tiny she was.  We even put a cat collar with a bell on her so that we could hear her - didn't want to step on her!

Here is my happy Sasha girl now.  I just love her smile - melts my heart.  Oh and if you are wondering, she is a Yorkie Maltese.

Happy Friday Everyone!

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)

Happiness to Me

I can honestly say that I am truly happy with my life, but of course there is always more room for happiness.

What is it that makes me so happy? Well, not to sound like a cliche', but it's not money. Money truly does not buy me happiness. In fact, sometimes the more you have them more problems it can create.

For instance, I had an acquaintance recently ask me why don't I hire someone to help in the studio so I could take on more work and make more money. Um... more work? No. I value my personal time and already work very long hours. More money? No. Uncle Sam gets enough of it already. Besides that is not why I'm working, I work because I thoroughly enjoy it - plus I'm not materialistic.

So what does make me happy? Here is where I find my happiness:

- being healthy. I've come a long way over the past few years and am thrilled to be where I'm at today!

- my boys. I love them dearly and watching them grow up and become the respected men they are today makes me proud to be there mom.

- my hubby. Mark is the love of my life, best friend, soul mate, rock and my life after life partner. I'd be lost without him.

- Buddha. I enjoy this path that I'm on and am inspired in every way and every day.

- my family. As dysfunctional as we may be, we have fun times when we get together.

- my 'kids'. Yogi, Maelyn & Sasha - my little fur babies who make me smile, laugh and love to cuddle up with.

- the sun. Feeling the sun on my face and the warmth on my skin puts a huge smile on my face.

- water. I'm an earth and water gal and need to be near water. I also drink several gallons a day

- okay, maybe not "several", but close.

- sitting on the beach, walking the beach, in a boat, on a boat, in the water, on the water... well, you get the idea.

- sight seeing. I enjoy visiting new places, taking pictures and just enjoy nature as it is.

- dark chocolate. I must have at least one tiny square a day - keeps the doctors away :)

- dreaming. Dreaming of possibly moving to Florida where my brother lives. Not that the "grass is greener..." but this is something we're pondering.

This is just a small list of what makes me happy. What makes you happy?
Peace,
Rocki

Happy Birthday to my baby boy!

Jason, my youngest son turned 29 yesterday. Wow. Where on EARTH does time go?! It truly does feel like yesterday when he was just a little bundle wrapped in my arms. Now he's a big bundle, still wrapped in my arms.

The picture above is on Jason's MySpace with the caption "Hello Ladies" - he's so shy. He's actually a very good guy. Very helpful, opens doors for others and most who meet or know him say he's like the guy next door. He's always been there for me. When I was very sick years ago, he would take me to my doctor appointments and practically carry me - literally. The night my mom died at the mere age of 53, we were at Jason's Band Banquet where he won an award. It was such a special night for him. When we arrived home to many messages left by my dad and heard the unexpected news, Jason, at 17 years of age, was right there for me, picked me up off the floor, carried me to my room and comforted me right along side with Mark.

He's also my little comedian. Well, not so little, he works out and has been given several nick-name at work, such as "Buff, "Hulk", "Superman" and so on. But let me tell you, he can make you laugh in a heartbeat! He's in the process of becoming a Fire Fighter. He'll be taking an EMT course soon and will go from there. No matter what he does in life, I'm proud of him and always will be.

Jas works at Trader Joe's and has ever since he graduated from high school. He has a great deal of customers that know him well and many ask for him. In high school he and Jeremy worked at Dairy Queen, so he's pretty much worked ever since school. Like mother like son.

We celebrated his birthday yesterday at his choice of restaurants: Mimi's Cafe. He even got a special birthday pie and special birthday wishes. No singing though, bet he would have loved that.

There's is so much I would like to say about my baby boy, but I don't want to embarrass him with all the mushy stuff. He knows already because I tell him all the time. We're very close, he's my buddy and protector. My nick-name for him is "Bud." However, I will mention that every single school picture, he sports bumps, bruises, cuts, scrapes or a broken arm. He makes jokes about it of course and it is funny to look at them, but in every picture, he has that adorable smile.

I know most of you know this already, but I've been very blessed with my boys as both Jason & Jeremy make it easy to be their mom. I never had any problems with raising them, they were model students and... well, I just couldn't be more proud of them and who they are. I love them to pieces.

Happy Birthday Bud, I love you!

Mom

Jeremy's home!

My favorite pic of me & Jeremy!

Obviously I haven't blogged all week, for a couple reasons actually. I'm back in the studio and my oldest son is home - Jeremy!

Mark & I picked Jeremy up at the airport Thursday evening and we are enjoying his visit. He's home for about 1 1/2 weeks :) Yesterday, Jason took us to lunch at PF Chang's (YUM!), then we strolled through the mall and then hit Starbucks - Jeremy's treat. What more could a mom ask for? Lunch AND Starbucks! We accidentally (or WAS it?) left the Starbucks evidence in the garage. Mark discovered it when he got home and was a bit jealous. In fact, I do believe there were tears welling up in his eyes. Sing it with me now: "poor Mark" :(

Next week we'll be going to Corbin's high school graduation - one of my nephews, Laura's oldest son. I do believe our entire family will be there so hopefully we can get some pictures of the clan in action.

I'm just so happy Jeremy is home as he wasn't able to come home for the holidays due to work & school. I'm looking forward to spending time with him as it has been 1 year since he was home last. Way too long!

Well, that's it for now. Just wanted to do a quick post to say hello, have a great weekend and see you soon :)

Peace,
Rocki

p.s. For those who have asked about my wrists, I'm healing every day and have made adjustments in many areas - from how I work with my hands to how I schedule, etc. I'm not sure if I want to return to the docs as I'm sick of them right now, so I'm healing them on my own. Thank you all!

A fun start to my weekend!

See that huge happy smile on the cute clown? Mine is like that right now. In fact, it may be permanent - or at least for a few days. Sure makes it hard to sip coffee like this.

This morning I woke up to my 2000th sale! Wow! I'm deeply touched and over joyed with how well my shop is doing. Although it keeps me quite busy, to say the least, I truly love what I do with all my heart.

That's not all. I also received a message that I was in a fun and awesome Treasury titled: "I love balls" - you've got to see it! I would post a pic of it, but I've never figured out how to do a screen shot - even though I've been told a million times, it doesn't work for me - doh!

I'm also excited about adding more 14k Gold Filled findings, like my new clasps below that I offer with and without the eye link (I'll have more styles added soon!)

That's all for now as I need to go get a napkin to clean up my coffee dribbles.

Hope you all enjoy the weekend!

Rocki

Beautiful Day

I found the above picture for a friend, just something to brighten her day. When I came across it, all I could think about was fresh air, peace, happiness, relaxation and Kauai.

Yes, Kauai. Mark & I took a much needed vacation in 2007 to Hawaii. It was my first time there, but not for Mark. Being in the Navy he traveled there a lot and this was one of his many ports. Anyway, with the extremely busy weeks I've been having and wondering how I'll get through the day sometimes, just looking at this simple picture brings peace to me and positive thoughts to a racing mind. A bit of fresh air actually. So with that, I leave you with a few quotes:

"The brain is like a muscle. When we think well, we feel good. Understanding is
a kind of ecstasy."
- Carl Sagan... Broca's Brain

"Love What You Do. Do What You Love."
-Wayne Dyer...Secrets to Manifesting Your Destiny

"I wish I could make a happier world -harmonious, friendly and peaceful."
His Holiness the Dali Lama...Tying Rocks to Clouds

"The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up."
Mark Twain

"When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy."
Rumi - a 13th century Persian poet

"Happiness held is the seed; happiness shared is the flower."
Author Unknown

Last but not least:
"Well," said Pooh, "what I like best," and then he had to stop and think. Because although Eating Honey was a very good thing to do. There was a moment just before you began to eat it which was better than when you were, but he didn't know what it was called.
A.A. Milne

Peace, Happiness & love,
Rocki

Ahooooooooh?

Did you ever watch the TV show "Home Improvement" with Tim Allen? Ahoooooooh? I actually liked Al the best. Anyway, remember how terribly excited he would get over new tools? He would get this look of a mad man, a happy mad man, and make that funny sound that for the life of me I can't think how to spell it out right now, but it went something like "ooooh ooooh ooooh".

Well, I'm Tim at this moment - right down to the ooooh ooooh ooooh! It's bye-bye Dremel, helloooooooo Foredom Flex Shaft!! Yep. I'm a big girl now!

For those of you who are not familiar with a flex shaft, it is... well, like a Dremel on steroids! Basically it is a must have tool/machine for metalsmiths/jewelers (and other skills) that makes you more productive, proficient and... oooh oooh oooh, a big girl!

So today I'm giving Mark back his Dremel, rearranging my studio and setting up my new toy! You know where I'll be all day. Gosh, I'm just so darn happy that I could drill... or file... or buff... or sand... or...

Happy day everyone!

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 :)

Elfin Earwires Go Hollywood!

I don't usually blog twice in a row about my creations, but this is BIG time news for me!

My Elfin Earwires hit the big time! Okay, they are not ACTually going Hollywood, but close enough in my eyes! Although I can't disclose too much at this time, I am able to announce that my Elfin Earwires will be in a well known jewelry magazine!

That's right! In a MAGAZINE! I'm still tickled pink about it and have to slap my face a couple times a day just to keep it real.

So HOW did this happen, you ask? Well, again without going into too much detail (for now at least), one of my faithful customers and a very talented fellow Etsian submitted one of her fabulous creations using my Elfin Earwires to the magazine. She let me know that she submitted them and then when they were accepted to be featured! Not only will my earwires be holding the gorgeous creation made by Sue, but my shop name/link will be included in the feature!

Who is this AWEsome person, you ask? Sue Beads - creator of her Handmade Lampwork Beads! Oh and this isn't the first time Sue has had her creations in a magazine. Her Chinese Lantern Earrings that she designed was featured in the July 2008 Bead Style magazine.

You can also find Sue's other Etsy shop at BellaHannahJane and her blog at Sue Beads.

I cannot tell you how very exciting this is for me (and for Sue as well I'm sure). Mark is very happy for me too. In fact, last night he made a comment of how cool it is to be able to connect with people from all over the world, including Internationally, work so close together and end up in a magazine. Thank you Sue! Wow. Truly wow.

So there you have part of the nutshell. The rest will be disclosed as soon as we're able to do so.

Still slapping my face,

Rocki

Welcome Home & Happy Birthday Jeremy!

My oldest son, Jeremy, is home from Portland for a 2+ week long deserved vacation from school and work. We surprised him with a 30th birthday party... 5 months early!

Jeremy is going into his last year in the A.S.L. Interpretership program (American Sign Language) and works at Starbucks (thanks for our gifts Jeremy!) Due to the intensity of the program, he is now working very part-time (I think just enough to keep us supplied ;) and has very little free time for himself right now, but says that it is all worth it as he is doing what he loves.

Jason, my youngest son, has worked at Trader Joe's for years, school part-time and is working on becoming a fire fighter. We all feel that this is his true calling - plus he fits the look!

Both of my boys are my pride & joy, my buddies, pranksters, comedians, bodyguards, etc. They both work very hard for what they want in life and I'm immensely proud of all their accomplishments.

My boys & I have an open and honest relationship and are very close. Jason & Jeremy are very close as well (like twins actually), and always have been. I can honestly say that they made parenting very easy for me - despite all the jumping out of closets & grabbing my feet from under the bed scare tactics.

Mark & I are so happy to have Jeremy home (or is it the coffee he brought us? KIDDING!)

Oh! Back to why we celebrated Jeremy's 30th so early. sniff sniff... because due to school, etc., he won't be able to come home for the holidays or in January. I couldn't let his 30th go by without a bash! Yes, he'll still get birthday gifts from us in January :) I'm happy to say that we were able to pull of the surprise with help from Jason & Lauren by getting Jeremy home at the right time and everyone keeping their mouths zipped about it.

The day was perfect in every way and to top it all off, Mark surprised me with a bouquet of my favorite flower - the Sunflower!

Happiness to all,

Rocki

p.s. Check out my sister's new blog to see the photo of us both with bling-bling mouths. Oh, and there will be more party photos posted in my MySpace later this week.

Weekend of Happiness

This weekend was so full of happiness that I have a permanent smile on my face. When looking for a picture to post, I found the above which we should all truly take to heart.

So what was so special? I'll just list the main ones, otherwise this blog will turn into my first full length novel (and my friends know how I can ramble on):

1. Went to Danny's Pet Scan results doc appt. - miracles do happen! His lung cancer shrunk 90%!!! Even the doc was amazed. Danny is going to continue with chemo, but the doc changed the dosage due to the severe reactions it caused. Our 7 hour days will now be 3 hours due to the change. Yes, we were told that we still have to fight, he's not cured & there is no cure, and that his life span is short, but we're not going by that - we're just going to continue on with each day as it comes. Nobody can predict the future. We had a very nice celebration dinner right after we left the docs office. I'm still full!

2. Jeremy, my oldest son, called to confirm his plans for his trip in 2 weeks! I can hardly wait as it feels like it's been forever since I've seen him and it was *only* last year. Way too long for me! He arrives on the 14th and is here until the end of the month :) Yes, there will be a blog about his visit :)

3. Mark bought me a laptop - my first ever! I didn't think I would really need one as I have my own PC in our office, but wow... this is cool (I'm typing on it right now while sitting on the couch having my morning coffee!) I'll be taking it to Danny's chemo appointments (he has his own :), trips, outings, etc. This rocks!

4. We celebrated my Dad's 67th birthday at Laura's house (67 on paper, 30 something in life). He knew about the party of course as he was doing a lot of the cooking as well. He LOVES to cook, BBQ, grill, bake, make his own BBQ sauce - you name it, he does it. He's an Arizonian Emerill - BAM! A surprise was in store for Dad. My Uncle Bob from California came down to surprise him. Dad was in the kitchen when Bob called his cell and talked to Dad like usual - then Bob walked in the house while still on the phone talking. Dad finally looked up (while still on the phone) to see Bob standing in front of him! BAM!

5. My supply shop is taking off faster than I expected and I am more than thrilled! With each sell I make, I feel so very blessed and am grateful for each and every one! My biggest seller, so far, are my Signature Elfin Earwires. In fact, I woke up this morning to a return customer's sell & convo that she is submitting an earring design to a magazine - using my earwires!

Blessings have been pouring over me these last few days - must be my good karma ripening.

I wish you all peace, love and much happiness.

☼ Rocki

Peaceful Surroundings

We recently had our patio extended by my brother-in-law, who also put in a lattice patio cover and replaced our bedroom window with an arcadia door. Then Mark & I, along with 2 of our nephews, removed the grass and installed granite. Oh, and of course added more rocks & small boulders that we've collected over the years. You know me and rocks - love'em all.

Our favorite place to relax is out on our bedroom patio (above). The view from our bedroom is absolutely gorgeous with the blooms of our Bougainvillea's and other blossoming plants, the pool and the sounds of the waterfall. Now with Kuan Yin overlooking our yard, it makes it even more peaceful and relaxing.

This is a view from our main patio. I can't express enough how peaceful it truly is, at least to us. We like the simple things really. We are humble and enjoy making the most of what we can with what we have. Being able to fix up our home is a good feeling, especially when we do it ourselves. We can sit back and truly enjoy what we have accomplished with our own two hands.

Kuan Yin is known as the Chinese Bodhisattva of Compassion, a female deity (also known by other names). In Mahayana Tibetan Buddhism, Avalokiteshvara (hard to pronounce at first, but trust me it gets easier) is recognized as the Bodhisattva of Compassion.

May everyone have compassion, love, peace and happiness.

☼ Rocki

With Loving Thanks!

I had another blog in mind for today, however after this morning I've changed my mind.

This morning I was working on another custom order when I received a couple emails along with corresponding Feedbacks in my shop. I had to stop working as I couldn't see clearly - my eyes were filled up with water... okay, tears. I wasn't boo-hooing mind you, but I was rather touched so very deeply that the emotions got the best of me.

My heart is so full of love and gratitude right now that it feels like it is about to burst. I'm not joking or padding this - I'm an emotional, touchy-feely type person anyway... or as my boys refer to call me their "flowerchild mom".

I put my whole heart into my creations and appreciate every single buyer! A few years ago I had no idea that I had this creative side in me. Just thinking of how Rocki's Rock 'n Beads was born is so very rewarding - it makes me feel whole again (maybe I'll blog about how this came about).

Thank you to all my buyers, friends and family. Actually, "thank you" just doesn't seem to be quite enough for all your kind words, your purchases, custom requests again and again and for the friendships I have made. I truly am happy when I hear that my buyers are happy - its such a good feeling! Please know that much love and gratitude goes into every piece I create. May this be felt every time you open your pretty little package :)

I'm going to try and finish that custom order... now where's the tissue box?

Much love, peace and happiness,

Rocki