Gilmer Get Away

It is that time of the year time for the Gilmer get away. The Beadtrekers are on the move. Who are the Beadtrekers? Friends, traveling north, south, east and west to met some where along the way to visit and bead together. Last year we logged 15,000 miles getting together to bead. This is our fifth year to met in Gilmer as one of our friends travels from west to east. What do we do when we get together. We bead, laugh, eat and sleep when we want. No TV or radio to distract us only the sounds of talking and laughter. We test new bead ideas and pass them along later in the year at bead retreats or as classes in our area. See you in 10 days with news of yet another bead adventure.

The Invisible Join

I have been bead crocheting for about five years. I have tried my hardest to learn the invisible join to close a crocheted bracelet. Give me a bead and I could close that puppy!! I could just never get those beads to line up for me. Tonight I didn't have a choice. All those beads in my closet and not one matched this bracelet. I have been told if you hold your tongue just right it sometimes helps to make it work. I choose to grit my teeth and do it. The first attemp was one bead off. I took it out and tried again. Happy Days it worked!! The big question is will I be able to do it again on another bracelet. I feel like the old dog who just learned a new trick.

Strawberry Fields Forever

In memory of Miki Robinson. In our life time we are lucky if we have 1 true friend. We are blessed if we have 2,3 or 4 close friends. In this life time I have been very blessed. I have traveled the country making friends. The bond which binds us is a passion for beads and a creative streak which brings us together. These long distant friendships are mantained through mailing list, emails and phone calls. On April 25th, 2005 my friend Miki Robinson passed away. They say "Time heals the pain". My conclusion is that time doesn't heal the pain. It brings an acceptance. I miss Miki and I think about her often. She will live forever in the hearts of those who's life she touch. Writing about Miki and her boys was a very hard thing for me to do. I can't imagine what it would be like to be almost grown up but still needing the and guidance of your Mom and Dad and not having either. I pray that God will watch over her boys and help her other grown son and daughters. If you would like to make a donation to help take care of Miki's family please stop by and visit Miki's memorial page or stop by Beads Buy the Kit and purchase a kit for a bracelet that Miki Designed. Look under "beads goods". All donations go directly to Miki's family.