...on hearing back from Fire Mountain Gems! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

Also, glad your issue was addressed. I totally understand why you'd feel that way. SF's always so quick to address problems. It's great. :)

ambs

for being a finalist at Fire Mountain Gems!

To answer your question about blogs & self promotion, most blogs (not only the Silkfair ones) of online sellers are mostly about promoting their business. On one hand, it's a good thing (if you don't do it, there are little to none doing for you anyway). On the other hand, all these blogs lose a lot on the personal touch and building a connection with the readers.

Personal touch is the most important reason why I like your blog so much. I read your lines and see when you're pissed off, when you're happy, when you're concerned, when you're content. I know you're a human being, just like me and this counts a lot in my book.

...thanks so much!

I started the blog because, a) I needed an outlet to tell everyone once in a while something I've learned about PC, b) I wanted (needed?!?) a place to just gab about anything I wanted, and c) I needed a place to just gab about anything I wanted...you can tell I don't get out much???

I have a great tendency to just say what's on my mind...unfortunately (for others, I guess) I don't edit the way others think I should, and that winds me up in the dog house more often than not. I do try to be relevant...just 'cause something inane pisses me off, I don't sit down and start banging away on the keyboard!!!...I hope. However, if something inane makes me happy, everyone hears about it!!!

At any rate, I greatly appreciate the few who do read me, respond to me, and then keep on reading. I have an outlet here for personal and creative reasons, and my husband and dogs get to live another day because of it!!!

OBTW...I've tried and have never been able to really promote myself. I was born without the gene, so I'm thankful my livliehood and welfare don't depend on it...they would have buried me long ago, if so!!!
Cheers!

Sorry to hear about your friend!
You are right, heart attacks and strokes come on sudden and overweight/obese people are prone to having one. And you know the thing, after a 1st there's always a deadly second/third one. It sucks to say this, but these 2 (heart attacks & strokes) make more victims than cancer does.

I hope your friend is doing alright. My aunt had a heart attack in March. She had some other health issues, but nothing related to her heart, so it was completely out of the blue. Really puts things into perspective. I always try to be healthier, but those GD fries get me sometimes. My best friend is getting married next June though, so it'll kick my butt about getting into shape.

And hey, as long as you can have the wine, what else matters? :P

You're right...once the ole ticker gives you the wake up call, there's no ignoring the often inevitable. All the more reason to become slightly (if not completely!) fanatical about lifestyles. The good thing with my friend is that she's a nurse...was also probably the bad thing, too. Just because you work in the health professions doesn't always mean you're going to watch your health...it DOES however really hit home when your health is at stake. Hopefully, she'll "live long and prosper!"

My aunt was in the health field too and her husband is a vitamin/vegetarian/health food fanatic. Funny how it works out, isn't it? It sounds like your friend is good. My aunt is still going through the recovery process, has a long road ahead of her, but she's determined to stick around.

Yes, yes...I (seriously) daydream about a plate full of spicy curly fries sometimes! Even just a plate full of Mickey D's fries is tempting. I've pretty much cut red meat out of my diet - although a really good T-bone still gets me - fried foods of any kind are a thing of the past, and all my bread is low calorie and waaaaay high in fiber. Still, I am a girl of the 60s...and, hell, we were supposed to live forever, right????
O.K., O.K...so I have a couple of glasses of red wine in the evening....
Cheers!
Julie

I love steaks. I try to limit myself to one a month. I'm more of a chicken person myself. Even when it comes to burgers, I use ground chicken or turkey. It's cheaper than ground beef and healthier too.

Oh, and I'll confess, I give into the Mickey D's fries, but to be fair I haven't had any in over two weeks, and wine is always good.

Inspiration always comes from the best of places. It sounds like a great read for anyone who loves this craft - love that she shared her techniques and they inspired you. I've never tried making my own beads or anything close to that crafty, so I'm a little jealous of your talent. :)

Thanks so much!...my talent is in my constantly trying new things...I'm not always good at it, but I will try anything! I started making my own beads because I just couldn't afford to buy anymore...so I guess my not having money turned out to be a good thing...???
Anyway, I thank you too much for your comments!
Julie

That says necessity is the best teacher one can have. (or something like this) I don't remember it very well, my grandma used to tell me this every time I whined about needing something...

Ebony & chocolate merging beautifully in your photo up there.

And there is great wisdom in age!!! Grandmas always seem to know exactly what to say at any given time!
Thanks so much!
J