Devine Designs Jewelry

Alright, I'm here. I hate to let too much time go by without posting some kind of update; whether it be a personal one, informative, or jewelry shop update. So, it's Friday, and I'm tired. (hey, what's new with that? I've been tired for the last 6 weeks!) Yesterday was my last (long) day at my temp job as a cooking assistant. I am excited about starting my new job next week at the cat hospital. Not sure about my schedule yet, as all the details have not been worked out, but I think I will be working a good part time schedule that should fit my needs and allow me time to create jewelry. Next Saturday, Oct. 24th I will be doing my very first outdoor Arts and Crafts show at the Unity Church in Palm Harbor. If you are local, please stop by, check out my booth and say Hi! You can see my show schedule in the side bar (see calendar). I hoped to get something done today, anything, one thing at least, but didn't. I felt the need to nurture myself, take care of me, and re...

George Foreman writes about his personal views on starting your own business and what it takes to make it in today’s world. He uses references from his boxing career to relate important points of his message. Simple life points, good values, and hard work are the essentials. What a good read I found this to be. Foreman writes from his heart and personal experiences. The basis of what he writes should really be considered core values of living and great examples of how to get along with others. Most of his “life points” could be applied in any aspect of one’s life, not just if you are an entrepreneur on your way to starting a business. The book is written in easy to read language and format, nothing that you would need a business or scientific degree to understand. Many of the topics are inspiring and uplifting. Such topics include: Be able to laugh at yourself, Don’t give up, recognize what an opportunity can be, make the most of what you have, as well as many others. Foreman uses hims...

"What is your favorite childhood memory of Halloween?", this blog carnival wants to know. When I first read what the group had for topics this time, I almost shudder. You see, I don't think that I have a favorite childhood memory of Halloween. What first entered my mind when I looked back into the dark recesses of my mind, was not a fond memory, but a rather negative one. I was thinking about Halloween costumes and dressing up in them, and what your parents may have aloud you to wear, or not wear, as the case may be. I remember a Halloween, a long time ago; I was probably in kindergarten or first grade. And I don't really remember wearing the costume, buying it or anything, but what I do remember is a photo taken of me in the costume. I was a flower. I think a daisy. Not a fancy costume, but rather a paper bag cut out costume. (Don't expect to see any photos here!) And my face in the center of the flower. I remember the other kids in their "fancy" costum...

When I started this temp job, I saw it as an opportunity to do something different, learn a new skill, try a different profession that I had some interest in, and get out of the house to bring home a paycheck. I thought I would have this great epiphany; like this job was meant to be, and that there was some greater lesson the universe had in store for me. I thought that I could learn to accept others as they are, and maybe learn some "grand" message about people. Did I learn any great thing about working with others? Not really. I have to say, that going into this, and being one of only 2 Caucasian, English speaking people, ( the other one being my boss), I was really hoping for some "cultural experience", working among people of various cultural and ethnic backgrounds. What I came to conclude is this: all people are alike in many aspects. We're all human, have faults, values and differences. Some who I thought to become a "teachers" to me, turned out ...

So glad my work week is over. Finally cooler, fall like weather here in Florida. I'm in the process of finalizing things with the temp job and starting the new job. There's a new poll for you to take part in. See the side bar. In my Etsy shop I'm continuing to offer FREE SHIPPING to anywhere, and the October Birthstone Special is 10% off any item with tourmaline or jasper gemstones. Here's a couple of earrings to be added in my shop today. And now I'm off to complete my chores for the day! Call doctors, grocery shop, another doctor's appointment, color hair, clean, collapse?

This temp job is kicking my butt! It is soooo hard to return to work after being off 10 months! Not to mention that I'm over 40, and out of shape. But, I'm getting a culinary experience and education at that. I thought about going to culinary school, or look into catering as a profession last year, so I would apply for work such as this. Well, I found out that culinary school would cost about $10,000. and I already did the college thing, the loan thing, the debt thing. But what I'm doing now is basically getting a free education with on the job training. So the money really sucks, or should I say almost void; but I am enjoying what I'm doing. The first week, I thought I would die! I haven't worked full time in like 8 years! I have always stood on my feet in previous jobs, but let me tell you, my feet hurt so much, I could hardly walk! And I thought I wouldn't be lifting things, but baking trays, boxes of frozen food, etc-----hey this stuff is heavy, so now my ba...

We were asked this month to talk about our studio space where we create, and what we like or wish we could improve or have. My space is kind of small, I mean I use an office corner/dining room space. I have an L shaped desk which is multi-functional, as it is used as my work bench, office, computer and printer space. As you can see, my chests and tools which overlook into the kitchen; on that counter I have my tumbler, dapping tools, etc. To the right of this photo is table top work space and my computer area. As you can see, one of our cats has decided to get comfortable on top of the printer! But, my work space does tend to spill over into the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room. Like I said, I use table space in the kitchen for tumbling, and oxidizing, the bathroom for rinsing, (I was warned about spilling steel shot down the kitchen sink and ruining the garbage disposal, so I decided on the bathroom for this task. Then I sometimes have to use the laundry room. This is where all the...