Miracles

I got a call August 14th that my son Ray had a massive stroke. I got on the  plane the next day and flew to Grand Rapids. He had liver and kidney failure and a whole in his heart. His body turned septic. They put him on life support.  I was blind to the idea that I was there to make a  life and death decision. Pastor Wally and his church family came up and prayed for him and with me.. I did not leave the hospital or his side for the first week.
Ray started to slowly started to improve. His liver and kidneys were still in failure and they started dialysis. His heart was working at 15% . The ICU  continue to work hard to keep him alive. Heather and Amiee stayed with me. We never left him alone and continued to pray.  One day he opened his eyes! The next day they removed the ventaltor. Ray was breathing on his own! He woke up hungry and wanted grapes and grape juice. They said he could have ice chips after a CT-scan they had scheduled.  He went from ice chips to  popsicles.
They slowly started removing the IVs. That is when I knew Ray was going to make it!  Soon he was out ICU. They did a stress test on Ray's heart. The results, his heart is working at 25%. His liver and kidneys counts are rising. It's  been three days since he's had dialysis. The doctors call his recovery a miracle. I praise God and thank him for  answering our prayers.
 If you would like to read more about Ray's recovery I have made a Facebook page with rates update
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1646898265624114
Ray will be moved to Mary Freebed for two weeks of acute physical therapy.
Thank you God for hearing our prayers. I know your healing hands have touched Ray's life.

Life Style Changes

I've been thinking about it for a long time.  I was the last dinosaur standing who still smoked cigarettes.  Friday January 22, 2016 I decided I was done.

I got up the next morning determined I was going to quit. I was going smoke-free.  I made a sign and put it on the home screen of my iPhone. We tossed the cigarettes and ash trays into the trash.

I looked at this sign every time I thought about smoking the first few days.  One of the tools I used was tapping. A technique I learned in a book called   "The Tapping Solution" by Nick Ortner. What is tapping and how can you use it? Read here for an explanation.

I spent some time soul searching for the reasons why I was so addicted to smoking.  I came up with two very true but sad reasons why they were a crutch in my life. Sometimes the truth hurts as much as the reasons why.

I smoked because I was lonely. I smoked to be social.

I survived the first day and made myself another banner.

I knew this was going to be tuff.  It wasn't my first attempt at quitting. This time I was going cold turkey with no aids. I knew after the first 3 days it would be hard.  This is when the nicotine has completely left your body.  Your cravings increase along with other side effects such as being nauseated having headaches and being irritable. Two of my biggest withdrawal symptoms are trouble sleeping and increased appetite. On day six I bought Nicorette(R) mini lozenges. I gained 6 lbs. the first week and needed some help.

It's not over yet.  I have another week to go before I can say I have really  quit smoking and the rest of my life to prove it.

If you decide it's your turn to quit make a plan. Here are some links to help you on your way to living a smoke free life.

quitsmoking.org

healthline.com

Check for apps on your mobile devices to help keep you on track.

I am using a free app from the apple store called LIVESTRONG.

If I can do this so can you!

Thanks for stopping by.

I wish you well.

AKS Jewelry Show

This past week I received approval to teach the Checkmate Trendsetter designs with the new Checkmate beads. I joined the AKS Jewelry Show this weekend and offered two classes with designs by Nicole Starman and Eileen Barker. 

   Chainon by Eileen Barker

        Silver Star by Nicole Starman

I shared the tips and tricks I use with beading. I explained how to hold the beadwork as you bead. I see so many beaders trying to twist their hand as they as they add the next bead.  I demonstrated how to turn the beadwork in your hand to add the next bead. I also demonstrated how to pull your thread for better tension.  Some one needed help seeing how bead crochet worked. I explained about the position of the beads being in horizontal position when you pass the crochet hook under the bead. I demonstrated doing a slip stitch and the bead turning in a vertical position. 

I had a great time sharing my bead knowledge. I was so happy talking about beads for 3 days!

The AKS Jewelry show puts on a great event with a variety of beads, stones crystal, findings, classes and finished jewelry. The next show is Septmeber 11th, 12th, and 13th. I hope to see you you there!

Visit http://aksshow.com for more information.

Long Distance Mom

Today was the 18th year that I haven't seen my Mom or kids on Mother's Day.
Happy Mother's Day Mom!
I try not to dwell on the sadness I feel living so far away from my family.
It isn't easy being a long distance Mom. 17 months is a long time to go without seeing them. Thank goodness for phone calls and long distance wishes for a Happy Mother's Day.
I love you Ray, Jennifer, Amiee and Ray.  I am so proud of you all.  My heart swells with pride when I talk about you and I am always talking about all of you!!

Ray, Jennifer, Amiee and Heather.  

Art wrote me a note for Mother's Day.  

Just a note of appreciation and undying love and respect to the best wife and mother of all time.

You have filled an empty spot in both my heart and my soul. I marvel at the care and love you display under sometimes adverse circumstances.

You never fail to put all of us first. For this, I shall always look in awe and continue to wonder

“How?”.

 I can only say Thank You for being the love of my life!

Yes I cried.

It was also Art's birthday today.  He doesn't like me to fuss or made a big deal so I filled his day with things that make him happy. We went to the bakery for doughnuts.  His favorite. Chocolate fried cakes. It was a quiet day at home spending time together 

For these blessings I am thankful.

Give-A-way

I recently listed the Passion Flower Pendant instructions in my shop. The color numbers for the seed beads and amounts used for the Purple Passion Flower are listed in the supply list.

 

Each bead store has their own unique numbering system.  I have listed the color names for the seed beads used for the Raspberry and Spearmint Lunasoft cabochons. 

In honor of Mother's Day I want to make someone's day special.by gifting a set of Passion Flower instructions. You don't have to be a Mom to enter. 

How to enter: Leave a comment on this blog about your favorite color.  

Drawing: May 10th 

I will use the  number generator  www.random.org to pick the winner.

Thanks for stopping by!

Beverly

I used the  number generator  www.random.org to pick the winner. 

Congratulations Number 7 you are the winner pamelaric!

Learning New Things

I recently bought a new laptop. It’s an ASUS 2 in 1 laptop. The old operating system could not handle the new version of Microsoft Office that I use to illustrate my bead instructions. My old computer was so old it was running Windows XP.

It did not take me long to learn this was the right machine for me.  Being an Apple girl I was always trying to swipe the screen to switch between windows and apps on the older laptops.  It was small learning curve switching from the desktop to tiles and apps. I am learning my way around the Windows 8.1 and loving every minute of it. My true love will always be an Apple device.  It’s nice to know I can work with both systems to get my work done.
This is my first post using Windows Live Writer.  Let’s hope this means there will be more blog post in my future.

Apartment Living with Prejudice

It doesn't matter whether you like me or not. It's not part of your job description. Being hateful towards me accomplishes nothing. Carrying a vendetta for a year is ridiculous. Especially when you asked me to do something unethical and I declined.

Your job is to make sure we abide by the terms of our lease and pay our rent on time. 

Watching my every move from your apartment accomplishes nothing. Your hatred towards me is wasted. I do not care.

You represent a property rental corporation with a big name. The games you play put them to shame. It doesn't do much for their name or reputation.

When I asked a simple question you turned it into an accusation and try to ruin my good name. Shame on you.

Purple Glory

This is the second project I made using Czechmates Triangle and Lentil beads.  I don't know what took me so long to pull these beautiful beads out and give them a try.

The pattern Golden Glory Bracelet is by Nicole Starman. The pattern is free and you can download it on the Bead & Button website.

Classe for Bead Cruise 2015

Where in the world is Beverly?

My favorite saying is "I've been hanging out like a toad at home." Contemplating life. In that time I finished my Bead Cruise projects for Bead Cruise 2015. Can you believe next year will be our 10th anniversary! It sold out within the first two weeks! Heather does such an awesome job hosting this event. 

These are the classes I will be teaching.

Let the Starfish be your guide as you capture a ceramic cabochon by Suburban Girl Studios. You will create a bead embroidered bezel with tiny crystals that sparkle within the netting accented with a starfish. A Twisted Herringbone rope with a starfish clasp completes the design. 

Surround a Lunasoft cabochon with a peyote bezel. Ruffle accents with crystals and pearl nestle inside of the folds.  A brass chain completes the design .

Wear one, wear two or dress them up with another bracelet.  You will love these bangles made with Cubic Right Angle Weave. Swarovski pearls and crystal complete the design.

For more information about the Bead Cruise and to get up dates for 2016 visit www.beadcruise.com

Vacation Sale

Now until I come back from vacation use code FALLSALE25 for 25% off all beading patterns and instructions in my etsy shop. All the Patterns are digital and available for instant download.

Thanks for stopping by!

Family Time and Birthdays

I am happy and sappy so I am going to let you know: My heart is always in Michigan with family. Rosanne had a birthday party for me over Labor Day. Thank you Rosanne!
I was so thankful not to share turning a year older with a hurricane!

Rosanne made home-made Margarita Pizzas with fresh basil, tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. Yumm!

There was cake and ice cream
and presents!

The best birthday party ever surrounded by my Son and Daughters.

And sister Susie.

Plus all of my grandchildren

And my sweet Momma too!

My Birthday was a day
I will always Treasure.

She Let Go

Photo by Flower Story 

She Let go 

Written by Ernest Holmes

She let go.

She let go. Without a thought or a word, she let go.

She let go of the fear.

She let go of the judgments.

She let go of the confluence of opinions swarming around her head.

She let go of the committee of indecision within her.

She let go of all the ‘right’ reasons.

Wholly and completely, without hesitation or worry, she just let go.

She didn’t ask anyone for advice.

She didn’t read a book on how to let go.

She didn’t search the scriptures.

She just let go.

She let go of all of the memories that held her back.

She let go of all of the anxiety that kept her from moving forward.

She let go of the planning and all of the calculations about how to do
it just right.

She didn’t promise to let go.

She didn’t journal about it.

She didn’t write the projected date in her Day-Timer.

She made no public announcement and put no ad in the paper.

She didn’t check the weather report or read her daily horoscope.

She just let go.

She didn’t analyze whether she should let go.

She didn’t call her friends to discuss the matter.

She didn’t do a five-step Spiritual Mind Treatment.

She didn’t call the prayer line.

She didn’t utter one word.

She just let go.

No one was around when it happened.

There was no applause or congratulations.

No one thanked her or praised her.

No one noticed a thing.

Like a leaf falling from a tree, she just let go.

There was no effort.

There was no struggle.

It wasn’t good and it wasn’t bad.

It was what it was, and it is just that.

In the space of letting go, she let it all be.

A small smile came over her face.

A light breeze blew through her. And the sun and the moon shone
forevermore…”

- Ernest Holmes.

The New Shape In Beads

There is a flood of new bead shapes arriving to inspire the bead world.
They are like super hero's with names like Super Duo's, Bead Studs, Spikes, Rizo's, Pyramids, Peanuts, Long Drops, Long Magatamas, Bricks and 2-Hole Lentils. They have inspired designer to create new and exciting patterns. The shapes of these beads add a new diminsion to flat bead work.

I have been most inspired by the new Miyuki long drops. I love the matte and permanent galvanized colors. I am looking forward to using these in a bead crocheted rope.

Here are a few examples of the different shape beads. 

(These photos do not depict the actual size of the beads)

Now you need a great design to create something with your new shapes of beads.  Let me introduce you to Linda Roberts of BeadsforEver. I love her clever use of Rizos and SuperDuos in these Tri-Dangle earrings. You can purchase the tutorial here. Stop by BeadsforEver on Etsy and to see more of Linda's designs.

Resourses for the new shapes in beads can be purchased from the following online shops.

Bellomodo

Whimbeads

*Disclaimer: no monetary gain was made from listing these resourses* 

Saturday's Date Day

We had a date Saturday morning at Morning Call for Beignets and Lattes.

It's more than coffee and a doughnut.  It's a community.

We should go more often. We save it for a special treat
when company comes to visit.  We were special that day!

Before You Speak

This Sufi Saying is similar to one I used raising my children. Think before you speak. If it is something mean and will hurt someone's feelings keep it to yourself. I am proud of the adults my children have grown up to be.

Photograph by Beverly Herman
The saying by Sufi

Recovering

Time has gone by both fast and slow since surgery on May 17th. I am very limited with what I can do. I've made a comfortable nest on the recliner sofa. I am so looking forward to climbing the stairs and sleeping in my own bed. In the mean time I am stuck here in front the T.V. watching crazy programs my husband likes. I am not a big fan of watching the tube. So I have been sleeping a lot.

Wednesday I take my second trip down the stairs for a drive to the Doctor's office. There are 17 stitches below my toe and 3 more by my big toe. I know getting the stitches removed will relieve a lot of the discomfort. I took a before and after picture but promised my self I would not share it on social media. There are a few weak tummies out there I don't want to upset.

I have managed to do a little beading

I see a few more bangles in my future. The box of beads I brought down stairs is filled with seed beads and crystals. It's easy beading and there is enough there to keep me busy for awhile.

Thanks for stopping by.

I've Been in Bangle Mood

Love'N Those bangles is a bracelet with substance. It's made to make a statement. Created with bronze glass pearls and Ruby AB crystals. Tiny bronze embellishments sparkle with in the design. Dress it up or dress it down this bangle bracelet it is perfect for day time or a night on the town.

 

New listing in my Etsy Shop

Created with Jade glass pearls and crystals. Tiny bronze embellishments sparkle with in the design. Dress it up or dress it down this bangle bracelet will be your favorite all summer long.

New Listing in my Etsy Shop

Are you in Bangle Mood?

Winner Mother's Day Give Away

The number Generator picked #8.
Congratulations May Wong! I will be contacting you for your mailing address.

I loved reading all the comments.
I want to thank you all for stopping by and saying something kind on Mother's Day.

Happy Mother's Day Give-Away

I feel I am truly blessed to have such a great Mom. She is wise, kind and generous with a nurturing spirit. I can't wait to go home this summer and visit with her. Last year about this time we were traveling to the Bead & Button show. My Mom and I have taken lots of roads trips over the years. We travel well together and have the best time.

In honor of my Mom I am having a give-away. I love these crystal tennis bracelets so much.
I've made a lot of them.
I want to give one away.
This one is made with bronze seed beads and my favorite color of Swarvoski crystals Pacific Opal AB.
It will fit a 7 inch wrist comfortably.

All you have to do to enter is leave a comment saying something nice about any thing. It could be about your Mom, sister, brother, cousin, best friend, your pet, your day or even your car! I will draw a name tomorrow night May 13th. Make sure you leave a way for me to contact you in your comment.

Happy Mother's Day!

The give away is closed.  Thank you for leaving a comment.

Happy Feet

The last five years I have been wearing Yoga Sandals. I love these sandals. I could walk for hours in them. You might say they have been around the world and back with me. They have walked the sandy beaches of tropical islands and through airports traveling to Michigan.

I even had toe toe socks for every holiday and wore them during the winter months. I thought I had happy feet wearing wearing my Yoga sandals.

This past year I lost 35 lbs. I started walking more. My feet started to protest. It progressed to a point where the pain in my feet kept me awake at night. I knew it was time to find a foot doctor.

The Podiatrist confirmed my suspension. Years of having flat feet caused bunions on both of my feet. Not wearing proper shoes added to the condition. Surgery is scheduled for next Friday on the 17th. The right foot is first and than the left later on.

There will be no driving for 4 weeks. It's going to be an interesting experience as I live on the second floor in a townhouse. The doctor explained how to walk on my foot after surgery to get up stairs. Once I am in my house that where I be for the next three days.

I've traded in my Yoga sandals for a sturdy pair of shoes with arch supports. Oh lucky me! I know it's going to a bit of a haul but I am looking forward to having happy feet again.

I have been beading like crazy trying to keep my nervous energy under control. 18 bracelets in 6 weeks. 6 are class examples. One was donated as a door prize at the last bead show. Another one was a gift for a friend. A few are new projects for Bead Cruise 2014. I can't wait to share them in my next post.

Thanks for stopping by.