Bead Soup Blog Hop!

Hi everyone!!! Welcome back to my blog. This is the first time in a good long while I am posting a bead related update. I decided to once again participate in the bead soup blog hop. I was paired up with the wonderful and very sweet Valerie Norton on Hot Art for the second time! We both decided to keep each other even though we had been paired up once in the past. I have to say, Valerie completely spoiled me with the soup she sent. Here is a quick look:

She sent so much, there will be many more pieces coming from this beautiful soup. I even got chocolates and some great smelling hand lotion. Thank you so much Valerie!

Anyway, on to the creations, which is what you are really here for.

I call this piece Fly Free

I used the leaf pendant Valerie sent along with the temporarily strung strand of beads she sent. I loved the color combination so much, that I restrung it just as is. My sister Kim and I made the collage and I glued it to the leaf pendant. The 9 represents my favorite and lucky number, and the word Free was added to represent my new found freedom after divorce. Added a little wire worked drop to the end for interest.

The next piece I made is called Beaches and Cream

 I absolutely loved this Golem pendant Valerie sent, the colors are so peaceful and serene. I loved the beachy colors on the cream background (hence the name) and I added bone heishi beads making a chain using them and jump rings. Then I wire worked drops onto the chain, wove the ribbon Valerie sent through the antique brass chain sewing the ends. I loved the clasp so much, I put it nearer the front so it could be seen. I also added a Vintaj hummingbird to the pendant to tie it all together.

Last but not least, a matching pair of earrings. I used the lampwork beads she send, AB bead caps and made simple earrings.I plan to make many more pieces because I have a lot of leftover soup ingredients!! I had so much fun. Thanks again Valerie and Lori Anderson for making this possible.

To see the rest of the participants, go here:
http://lorianderson-beadsoupblogparty.blogspot.com/2014/05/8th-bead-soup-blog-party-participant.html

Pretty Things - Bead Soup Blog Party: 8th Bead Soup Blog Party Participant Link List

lorianderson-beadsoupblogparty.blogspot.com

Finally, an update!!

As many of you know, my true passion is Photography, particularly bird photography. I keep an app on my Kindle called Audubon Birds, which is a way to record the species I have seen. It is called a "Lifelist". I have been able to add several species over the past couple of months. I have my own personal rule. In order to add a bird to my lifelist, I must have a picture that clearly shows the bird so I can make an undeniable identification. Here are some of the birds I have been fortunate enough to add:

The beautiful Snowy Owl. Shooting (with my camera) this bird was a dream come true for me. To get the thrill of watching it hunt was breath taking.

American Black Duck

 Greater Scaup

White Winged Scoter

And lastly, although not a life list bird, I leave you with an image of Spring. Enjoy your week.

Eastern Bluebird. This beauty was kind enough to sit still for me when I went shooting on my Birthday. Best gift ever!

Day of the Eagle

I went back to back days, trying to find a hot spot for Bald Eagles. I had heard there were several along the Rock River between Beloit and Newville, so I headed out to see if I could find them. I did. The first day was so magical, I decided to go the next day as well.  Its been so cold here in Wisconsin, that the Eagles are showing up near dams and areas of open water, which are few and far between. Much of the river is frozen solid, so looking for them right now is a little easier. I saw 2 adult and 6 juvenile Eagles on one day! On to the pictures.

Welcome home BRIMLEY

I once again added to the menagerie!! I have always wanted a Flowered Shar Pei, so when I saw the picture of the little blue mini flowered Shar Pei puppy, I fired off an e-mail to the breeder and we exchanged several messages. Long story short, I added the puppy to my family. I decided on the name Brimley after a great friend suggested he looked like Wilford Brimley and I should name him Wilford. I didnt really like that, but loved Brimley. My friend Molly and I took a long trip to Iowa to pick him up, and he has meshed perfectly with my family.

 Meeting for the first time.

 Jax on the right, Brimley on the left, and Pyper in the back.

Holy Smokes! Where did 3 months go??

I cant believe I havent posted since October. I guess time really got away from me. I have been super busy lately. A friend and I started a photography business, and I have been spending a lot of time working on that. I am still out and about, taking nature shots. That is my main passion, but it doesnt pay the bills. I am planning on making a better effort to keep up with my blog this year (since I cant make any less of an effort)!! Anyway, on to the shots.

 Birch Tree

 Cedar Waxwing

 Sandhill Crane

 Montery Bridge at Sunset

 Raccoon

Happy Halloween!!!

What another update already?? Yes!! I have still been doing a lot of photography. The Fall season colors are winding down now. Still some really pretty trees, but its rainy and gray and getting chilly. I guess you just have to work with what Mother Nature gives you!! On to the pictures.

Its Fall!!

Fall is in full swing here in Wisconsin. We even had a bit of snow flurries yesterday afternoon. The colors are just beautiful here. My friend Molly and I have been doing a lot of hiking and camera shooting the past few months.
On a personal note, lots has changed in my life. I have recently filed for divorce and moved out on my own. My friend Molly and I are starting a Photography business and have been doing a lot of sessions lately. Life is good, and I am happy for the first time in a long while. Ending a marriage is never easy, and not to be taken lightly, but in my case, it needed to be done.
Anyway, Here are some of my recent shots. Enjoy!