A Day at the Zoo

Last weekend some members form the SF Etsy team got together for a little "behind the scenes" meeting with five lovely creatures: a porcupine, an owl, a frog, a snake, and a parrot. We were there to sketch and take photos of these animals for inspiration for art work for a 2013 calendar that will be available through Weave. I'll post more info about my piece here once it's completed!

(that's me in the front row, with the peach colored shirt on, and Jeff to the right of me, right behind the owl, Archimedes)

That's Archimedes, the Great Horned Owl above, and a quick sketch of mine of the porcupine, Sassafras, below. 

After we finished up with our visit with the animals, Jeff and I walked around the zoo, enjoying the mild weather and all of the amazing animals. We were also privy to a pretty amazing sunset. 

getting goofy with one of the "photo ops"

I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend (both this one and the last!) I'm currently hanging with the family and trying to wrap up a few lose-work-ends before my work week starts. Oh, also, in other non-essential news, I made the best brownies this weekend. Try this recipe if you like fudgey brownies. They were delightful! They were for my dad's birthday. Happy birthday dad! 

Birds Birds Birds

Two new pair of earrings, inspired by our feathered friends, now available in my Etsy shop.

Bluebird Brownbird - Leather, Brass, Lapis Earrings

~Marsh Hawks~
In the morning they glide
just above the rough plush
of the marshlands,
as though on leashes,
long-tailed and with
yard-wide wings
tipped upward, like
dark Vs; then they suddenly fall
in response to their wish,
which is always the same--
to succeed again and again.
-Mary Oliver (from her collection titled Dream Work)

And guess what? This May, the 4th to be exact, Tangleweeds on Etsy will be turning three years old! A celebration is definitely to be had. Use the coupon code "birthday" to receive 35% off your entire purchase from my Etsy shop through the rest of the month of April and on into May.

Peregrin Falcons - Leather, Brass, Steel and Labradorite Earrings

These beauties are going to be hard for me to part with. I'm kind of in love with them. . . Also, of note, I have a VERY limited supply of these two leathers. I'll only be making a few pairs of each of these before they're gone for good! 

Rainy Day

I woke this morning to the rain. Lovely rain. Usually I know when rain is coming. I smell it and feel it in my bones. But not this time. I think I've been too caught up in my head, thoughts running in rapid bunny-like circles to be aware of what is right underfoot, under nose.

My birthday is tomorrow. I'm turning 31. I'm in no way "freaked out" about heading further into my thirties. Last year I was like "bring it on!" Turning 30 seemed to mark a turning point, a moment when I could fully embrace being a responsible adult (i.e boring to some.) I put A LOT of energy into planning and having a birthday party last year. And it was worth it. Many great friends came, and Jeff and I had the opportunity to open our relatively new home (we had just moved in together six months previous) to those we care about.

This year I'm feeling considerably lack-luster about the whole birthday thing. Looking at my feelings from a few different angles, I'm realizing this: I think last year was a chance to have a sort of "let's do this!" hurrah. As in, "I'm ready world, to work extra hard on my dreams. I'm ready to make sacrifices and get up early and not go out as much and scrimp and save my money and do everything I can to make my handmade jewelry business a reality." This time around I think the thoughts are a bit heavier, a bit more realistic. There is a realization of what all of this hard work means. It's not all glamorous craft shows (those of you who sell at craft fairs know I kid) and fascinating interviews with fellow crafty folks. In response to the constant hub-bub of my daily life I find myself seeking out a more quiet, reflective birthday this year.

I had a conversation  with a fellow jewelry artist at this most recent First Friday. She asked me if I had reached the point (in my business and life) where I had found some balance. I laughed and said that I was still struggling to find it. And I am. With this year's birthday comes a lot of thoughts on balance and sustainability, and no, I'm not talking about from an environmental perspective. I'm taking about from a body perspective. My job never ends. There is always more to do in one day than I can ever possibly fit into one day. Finding balance with a career and dream like mine all comes down to accepting that you will never be "done" at the end of the day. And you have to step away and take care of yourself and yours and know that you've done enough, ready to get back on the horse (so to speak) tomorrow. 

Here's to turning 31. Here's to slowing the wheels down for a bit and enjoying the moment as it unfolds. 

And to a yummy dinner out with Jeff!

Early Birthday Fun

My birthday is still nearly two months away (April 11th) but I'm already thinking about what I want to do. . . and what I want to wear. This year I'm itching to don a 50s-era dress, something floral or lacey, something sugary-sweet. 

The color of this one is so so perfect! And all-over lace is something I just can't resist.

 icy blue lace party dress found at Female Hysteria

I love the drapey top to this one, and the painterly flowers.

floral chiffon wiggle dress found at Croatia Vintage

And this one! I feel like this one would be perfect for a disco-themed birthday bash. I love the sparkle and the gathered skirt.

Mint Green Princess Party Dress found at Southern Charms Ya'll

What are your birthday plans?

Calistoga get-away

As promised, I have many photos to share from Jeff's and my trip to Calistoga last week. We stayed at Indian Springs, a resort-spa, for four days and three nights. It was delightful and just what I needed!

We spent a lot of time poolside, lazing about, reading, eating delicious lunches with the random smattering of tasty goodies we picked up from the local grocery store.

Jeff's reads

My reads

Oh, and of course we spent a lot of time in the pool! Naturally occurring geysers keep the mineral pool heated to 102 degrees.



We also traipsed around town, trying out different restaurants (when we weren't barbecuing) and slurping up delicious smoothies at the Calistoga Roastery.

On our last night there, we went out for an amazing dinner at the Martini House in St. Helena. But we had time to kill so we stopped and had some snacks and beer at the Silverado Brewery. They had a pretty tasty ESB.



On the way back we took our time, stopped at a winery, had lunch at another winery, and enjoyed the lovely back roads of the Napa valley area.

I'm still feeling refreshed from the getaway. And I'm looking into The National Holistic Institute for affordable massage options for a semi-regular basis. Trying to maintain that balance I'm always striving for.

Birthday Festivities

I am a very lucky woman. Having just returned from four days and three nights at a resort-spa in Calistoga, I feel quite relaxed and refreshed. I'm excited to get back to work, but also want to strive to maintain more of a life balance than I had before. Including frequent massages! The trip was my BIG birthday gift from Jeff. Pictures from the trip will be going up in the next few days, both here and on my Flickr page.

Besides the ridiculously indulgent gift from Jeff, I also received these gorgeous flowers from the coffee shop I work at:

And! The night before my birthday Jeff and I and some friends saw the Bonnie "Prince" Billy show at the New Parish in Oakland. I wore a decidedly "Jeannine" outfit: patterns, and florals, and textures galore. The show was lovely and intimate. They played acoustic and sans a P.A. system. The whole crowd was hushed and attentive.



The day of my birthday (April 11th), Jeff and I took the kids to the city to see the Cartier Exhibit at the Legion of Honor. It was truly amazing. And they even extended the exhibit through May 8th (or is it 9th?) so I may go back again.

We finsihed the day off with cake, baked by Sera. Chocolate cake with chocolate icing. It doesn't get much better than that!

the cake baker presents. . .
thinking about what to wish for. . .

whew!

So yes, in short, I'm kind of spoiled. And I still have one more birthday bash to celebrate with my sister!

My Birthday! And a Free Gift!

You ever have one of those days where you just feel out of sorts, like something is just slightly off kilter about either you, the universe or both? Well, today is one of those days for me.

And while it seems like it might be working a bit in reverse, I'm going to offer a special little gift with any purchases made in my Etsy shop, from now until the 12th, just because my birthday is this Saturday!

You'll get a free pair of these:
if you enter the code "Tangleweeds" in the message section of your Etsy order at checkout.

There's lots of new work going in my shop this month too, so you have lots to choose from. Like these:

and this:
and this:

And so many more! So stop by the Shop if these pieces fancy you!