New Etsy Team Member

Today has been the busiest sitting around day I've had in a long while.  I finally got around to taking care of becoming an active member of the JET team on Etsy.  It's been fun and its kept me quite busy. The group has helped me gain a few blog followers and FB fans too. I am looking forward to making some new friends on the team, and helping and learning.

My car is still in the shop and this is really not such a bad thing - its helped me stay at home today and get things done.  The kids are gone and the house has returned to its quiet calm.  Other than the snoring of a basset hound you could hear a pin drop.

Still nothing new from the attorney.  I am looking forward to going to New York, but since this craziness has re-emerged, I keep pairing New York with all the negative and scary feelings of the abuse and polarization.  I need to figure out how to stop doing this because I miss New York terribly, and I don't ever want to feel fear when there. Maybe I just need to make some new, positive memories during my coming visit.  I know this isn't going to be an easy task as the primary purpose for the visit will be to rehash everything that happened. Somehow I will get through it.  My wife will be there with me, and things are so very different now.

I've been on the computer long enough today. The shower and the to-do list are both calling my name. Time to break away from the warmth of the computer screen and be a bit productive in some other arenas.

The Elusive Good Nights' Sleep

Got a lot done this weekend.  And we did get to see The Hobbit on Saturday.  We really enjoyed it - I am looking forward to the second movie. Unfortunately, on Saturday night I woke up in the middle of the night from a nightmare, and could not go back to sleep.  It involved me shooting a gun at people, and it scared the crap out of me because I have never had a dream like that. I do not own a gun nor do I like guns.  Maybe it was some weird underlying anger or something.  Either way it was disturbing.  I tried to think of positive happy things, and that wouldn't work either, so I just got up and had some coffee and a muffin.  I spent the rest of the day in an exhausted fog.

No jewelry making this weekend, but my daughter and I did make some really yummy cookies-n-cream cupcakes.  Here's a pic. The icing was amazing.  I just used a fairly standard butter cream icing recipe and blended crushed double stuffed oreos into it. The cake needed a bit more flavor though so I need to tweak that recipe before I make it again.  They are really yummy though.

I am still quite tired and just pushing through the day with the hopes of getting another good nights' sleep.  My chihuahua Fiona has a favorite place; on my wife's shoulder.  It's hilarious really.  She gets herself all comfortable and perched up there everyday, and everyday my wife bitches and moans about her choice of resting places.  They both fell asleep in just that position the other day.  It was really sweet so I had to take a picture.

Our friend Yvonne came over on Sunday and spent the night.  We took her to dinner to the only kosher Israeli restaurant in the Dallas area: Natalie's Kitchen.  Their felafel and shwarma are both just amazing. Our other friends met us there too, and we all had a really nice evening.  Every time we go to this restaurant we purchase my favorite Israeli candy bar, Pesek Zman.  We always buy quite a few but it never seems like enough!

Yvonne stayed over last night and helped me out big time by following me to the mechanic so that I wouldn't have to wait there while they fixed my car.  I love my car and she's still in the shop right now.  I hope to have her back tomorrow.  For 90+% of my driving life I have driven kid friendly vehicles - which is understandable given my circumstances.  But now that most of them are grown, and the two youngest don't travel too many places with me, I finally got a fun car.  Now I drive a Mini Cooper. I've named her Maxine, just for the irony of it.  She's a little sick right now, but they are going to make her all better.

It might be time for a nap, or in the very least a solid few moments of rest.  Tomorrow is a new day and back to the week's routine.

Babies become Teenagers... I Have to Remember That!

Well, both teenagers have made weekend plans (which do not include us). We haven't seen The Hobbit yet, so possibly tomorrow (they both saw it already - LOL).  Yesterday wound up being very busy.  I helped my friend with her new baby.  She's a first time mom and just learning the ropes.  I love caring for babies, so it was the perfect opportunity.  He's a bit colicky and she's just exhausted.  I told her to call me whenever she needs me.  I had him passed out after a bit, and I answered her questions as best I could. I'm hoping to help her out at least once a week.

Sleeping happy baby in my arms - just yummy!

That being said, I never posted the jewelry on Etsy.  I made one piece this morning.  It has this really cool vintage look to it.  I almost never work in gold.  I definitely prefer silver, or brass, or copper, but when I saw this pendant I kinda saw the whole piece come together in my mind.


Still nothing from the attorney.  Having been a paralegal for many years, this is more or less what I expect from a law firm. I'm sure if they were ready to file a petition or complaint, they would have me review it first. I will call them today to be certain they received the original signature pages I sent them.  I am still very anxious about the whole thing. This man tormented me for years - spreading lies, stalking me, making late night scary phone calls, having his minions spy on me, ostracizing me from much of the Jewish community.  Who knows what he's capable of now? He's older, has a bigger following and has more money.  I think once the petition is served I may call my local police department and tell them what is going on.  A restraining order might be necessary for my own peace of mind.  I am sure I am just being paranoid and over reacting, but the young girl in me remains petrified.

Later this afternoon I am going to be a teenage taxi service.  We should have a nice quiet evening though, and now that I am feeling somewhat better I am looking forward to enjoying my weekend.  I'm still a bit congested, but most of my energy has returned and the coughing is just about gone.  This darn thing has lasted almost 3 weeks.

Looks like I will be making some more cupcakes this weekend with my daughter.  She wants to bring them for her friend's birthday.  I enjoy baking with her and that will be our quality time.  We will be making cookies and cream cupcakes.  They are really yummy. I'll post the recipe here with a photo after we make them.

My links:

Etsy:              http://www.etsy.com/shop/BodyElectricJewelry
FB:                https://www.facebook.com/BeadedJewelrybyBodyElectric

Twitter:          https://twitter.com/BodyElectricJwl

Pinterest:         http://pinterest.com/bodyelectricjwl/

 

Images and jewelry designs may not be reproduced, copied, duplicated, printed or otherwise used without the expressed written consent of Body Electric Jewelry or agents. All photos, text and designs are the property of Body Electric Jewelry. Photos may be used for personal enjoyment or archive purposes but photos, text and jewelry designs may not be used in any manner for financial gain or commerce by anyone other than Body Electric Jewelry.

Life Happens

Change is hard.  I try to embrace it, but my anxiety takes over with all the "what ifs".  My wife may be starting a job with a very new company in the very very near future.  This wouldn't be so terrifying if I was able to work too, or if my jewelry business brought in a decent income, but for now she is the main bread winner and the risk is scary. That combined with the potential lawsuit feels kinda overwhelming - quite a bit of change all at once. I need some time post illness to ground myself in a routine - that would help quite a bit with new transitions. But of course you can't plan change it just seems to happen.

I made two pieces yesterday, one in turquoise and silver, and the other in red, black and white.  A more natural stone one, and a blingy one. I'll be posting them both on Etsy later today.

My head is kinda spinning and I am trying to navigate my way through everything going on in my life right now.  I think I need to make a list so that I can feel some sense of control (albeit imaginary). Honestly I don't even feel capable of making a list. I hate when my brain moves so quickly that I can't focus or relax or think.  If this lasts too long I'll wind up with an anxiety attack. Probably need to take my Valium and relax for a bit.  Then if that does its job I can try my hand at list making.

If my wife takes this new job she will be able to work from home quite a bit and that is a major plus. Having her around makes me happy and alleviates the loneliness I feel often at home by myself.

Today I pick the kids up for the weekend.  I am looking forward to seeing them. It's hard to make plans to do stuff when you have teenagers - they don't want to do very much (other than with their friends of course). It would be fun to do something with them - but my two youngest are a boy and a girl, 15 and 13 - they can barely agree on dinner let alone a family activity.  We might be able to agree on a board game.  That's quality time and free - I like that combination.

Who knows what tomorrow will bring. I have to take deep breaths, pet my puppies and take some Valium.

My links:

Etsy:              http://www.etsy.com/shop/BodyElectricJewelry
FB:                https://www.facebook.com/BeadedJewelrybyBodyElectric

Twitter:          https://twitter.com/BodyElectricJwl

Pinterest:         http://pinterest.com/bodyelectricjwl/

 

Images and jewelry designs may not be reproduced, copied, duplicated, printed or otherwise used without the expressed written consent of Body Electric Jewelry or agents. All photos, text and designs are the property of Body Electric Jewelry. Photos may be used for personal enjoyment or archive purposes but photos, text and jewelry designs may not be used in any manner for financial gain or commerce by anyone other than Body Electric Jewelry.

It's Sparkly!

As the day went on I felt quite a bit better.  I hope things keep going in this direction.  I made two new pieces.  The first one I did in honor of our snowy day.  It's on the dressy side and could almost be worn as wedding jewelry.  I made matching earrings as well.  I'll be posting this set on Etsy later today.

The second set has a necklace, bracelet and earrings. It's also kinda dressy.  I just love the colors in this set:  The turquoise and greens and silver. 

Both of these pieces shimmer and shine.  I usually stick with earthy tones and natural stones when I can, but the sparkle and color helped pick my mood up.

My anxiety has been up and down.  I really do think the addition of the anti-psychotic almost two months ago now has made a big difference.  I am not constantly anxious all day everyday and my moods are not as erratic.  I am very thankful to have a psychiatrist who listens to me and is willing to keep trying different things until we get it right.  It took me quite a long time to find a doctor who listens and responds the way he does.  He's not a therapist and I don't really discuss too much of daily living and emotional issues with him - I have a therapist for that; but he listens to what I can describe regarding my level of anxiety, my OCD behaviors, and my mood cycles. (All of which have seemed to improve a bit.)

Nothing new from my attorney yet.  Patience is not my best virtue.  I am sure he has many other cases, and I am not on the top of his "to do" list everyday.  The waiting and wondering is hard.  I wonder if any questions I might have answered in that 16 page questionnaire could've changed his mind about representing me.  I worry because having a mental illness has such a stigma. Does my bipolar disorder or other diagnoses make me a less credible client? My erratic mood swings? Prior suicidal ideation?  I guess only time will tell... and LOL that goes back to my lack of patience.

My links:

Etsy:              http://www.etsy.com/shop/BodyElectricJewelry
FB:                https://www.facebook.com/BeadedJewelrybyBodyElectric

Twitter:          https://twitter.com/BodyElectricJwl

Pinterest:         http://pinterest.com/bodyelectricjwl/

 

Images and jewelry designs may not be reproduced, copied, duplicated, printed or otherwise used without the expressed written consent of Body Electric Jewelry or agents. All photos, text and designs are the property of Body Electric Jewelry. Photos may be used for personal enjoyment or archive purposes but photos, text and jewelry designs may not be used in any manner for financial gain or commerce by anyone other than Body Electric Jewelry.

Moody Monday... woops its Tuesday!

Woke up to a beautiful carpet of snow on our front lawn.  My wife got to go into work a bit late, and we had a nice relaxing morning.  Its really quite cold here - not what one expects in Texas.  We are not getting too much above freezing today, and the sky is just gray and dreary.  The basset hound has the right idea this morning.

Maybe its the weather, or just not being able to shake this upper respiratory infection - but I am feeling kinda down today.  I'm taking all my meds and trying to get healthy.  Haven't sold much recently with the exception of a few custom orders.  If I didn't love creating the things I create, I'm fairly certain I'd be ready to throw in the towel.  They are not kidding when they talk about the struggling artist. 

I will try and create a new piece of jewelry today I just need to find the motivation.  I have been enjoying the little bit of painting I've been doing.  I might offer the hand painted personalized onesies for sale in my Etsy shop. They are fun to make and I like the individuality of personalizing them. I bought a three pack of onesies so I decided to paint the last one for our other friend who just had a baby boy too. They did his room with a cowboy theme, so here is what I painted for Rylan:

Another lunch of chicken soup under my belt, cold medicine pumping though my veins and my trusty tissue box by my side.  I'll rest a bit longer and then I'll bead.  Maybe some colorful beads will lift my mood.








My links:

Etsy:              http://www.etsy.com/shop/BodyElectricJewelry
FB:                https://www.facebook.com/BeadedJewelrybyBodyElectric

Twitter:          https://twitter.com/BodyElectricJwl

Pinterest:         http://pinterest.com/bodyelectricjwl/

 

Images and jewelry designs may not be reproduced, copied, duplicated, printed or otherwise used without the expressed written consent of Body Electric Jewelry or agents. All photos, text and designs are the property of Body Electric Jewelry. Photos may be used for personal enjoyment or archive purposes but photos, text and jewelry designs may not be used in any manner for financial gain or commerce by anyone other than Body Electric Jewelry.

Just Another Sick Day

The cupcakes were really yummy, but the strawberry icing needed some work.  I got to enjoy baby Nathan and helped them out with some burping and soothing techniques. I can't believe it, but I am still sick.  It's been two weeks already - I am done with being sick.

I've been resting most of the day.  The only thing I did today was paint another onesie for the baby.  They showed us his adorable nursery which is done in a robot print so I mimicked the fabric and made this:

The next call I get from the attorney is likely to be making arrangements to meet in person.  I really do want the opportunity to go home, but under these circumstances its very bittersweet.  I haven't been home since 2003 I think.  It was '02 or '03 and it was in February, and it was very very cold. It'll be pretty funny if I go back again in February.  I guess we will see what happens.  I miss New York terribly.  I'd move back if I could afford the cost of living. There is something about New York City that invigorates me, wakes me up and gets me going.  There's an electricity in the air that doesn't exist anywhere else.

Maybe I'll feel better tomorrow. Another doctor visit may be in order if I don't feel any better soon. Its still in my chest and the sinus drainage is just horrible.  I'm gonna get a good nights' sleep and hope for a healthier tomorrow.

My links:

Etsy:              http://www.etsy.com/shop/BodyElectricJewelry
FB:                https://www.facebook.com/BeadedJewelrybyBodyElectric

Twitter:          https://twitter.com/BodyElectricJwl

Pinterest:         http://pinterest.com/bodyelectricjwl/

 

Images and jewelry designs may not be reproduced, copied, duplicated, printed or otherwise used without the expressed written consent of Body Electric Jewelry or agents. All photos, text and designs are the property of Body Electric Jewelry. Photos may be used for personal enjoyment or archive purposes but photos, text and jewelry designs may not be used in any manner for financial gain or commerce by anyone other than Body Electric Jewelry.