As per usual, I was up in the middle of the night, finishing up the instructions for tonight’s class. That means there’s a nap in my future this afternoon before I go to teach. Afterward I’m going to catch Doyle Bramhall‘s show at the Continental Club with a friend.… Read More

You won’t believe this. First of all, I’ve been up all night with Winnie – he was heaving, trying to throw up the sock every hour or so all night and I was afraid it might get stuck in his throat and he’d choke, so I stayed up to monitor him each time.… Read More

Ah, as I sit and type, I’m listening to the dogs going nuts, barking greetings to Mr. UPS. He’s my hero time and time again. He visits my house as often as I do. Often he’s bringing me beady goodness. Sometimes he’s bringing clothing (I think that’s today’s package).… Read More

Do you guys ever look at the I Can Haz Cheezburger website? It’s my very favorite daily visit, and I’m finding myself talking like the cat captions.

After my panicked posting yesterday I was so grateful to get an email from a beady friend of mine reminding me that she’s available to help put together kits pretty much any ol’ time.… Read More

Was it only yesterday that I was proudly patting myself on the back for being so calm and organized? Ah, what a fool I was! I should have known better than to voice such a bold statement outloud for all to read.… Read More

Happy weekend! I remember the days a few years ago when I actually used to not only know what day of the week it is, but yearn mightily for those weekend ones. It’s an alternate universe in which I now reside where days of the week only count when I’m figuring out friends or family’s schedules, or whether the store or office I want to visit is likely to be open.… Read More

Good news here in Austin – you’ve got a new bead show to add to your calendars! The Bead Market, who regularly puts on excellent shows in the southwest, including San Antonio and Stafford (Houston), is adding an Austin gig. It’s going to be July 26 &27 at the Travis Co.… Read More

The GOOD news for the day is that I got a magical and healing massage which has, temporarily at least, cured the aches and pains. I also treated myself to a new set of luggage which has the new spinner wheels – they move in any direction.… Read More

Winston. I swear – that dog is smarter than I am.

He’s still getting used to the whole “Jill traveling” thing and he’s decided to show his feelings about it on two fronts. First, when I’m awake he attaches himself to me at all times.… Read More

I’m at the airport in Phoenix, waiting on my nonstop flight (oh, THANK YOU for the nonstop flight) back home. I have to say I’ve been fairly impressed with Phoenix, the little that I’ve seen. Basically the airport and downtown. One of the things that’s always driven me crazy about the Austin Convention Center is the lack of any meaningful development of entertainment for the convention attendees within immediate walking distance.… Read More

I’m very happy to report that this Phoenix trip is turning out to be as entertaining as I was hoping and expecting. Bead show folks are like traveling gypsies. We come together in one city or another across the country, friendships are renewed – it feels like your family – and we put our best and prettiest and brightest shiny things out for everyone to see.… Read More

I’m running off to the airport, late as usual, so just a quick note. Went to bed at 7:15am. Yeah. Great. Lot’s o’ sleep. When will I ever learn?? EVER??? But I got about 4 hours of sleep in and now the bags are in the car and I’m off to Phoenix.… Read More

I just got back from having dinner with an old friend that I haven’t seen in quite a while. It was nice to catch up – he’s always been self-employed and now that I am too, I can relate to the challenges of working for yourself in a much more personal way.… Read More

What are the odds? I swear I’m not making it up. I’ve admitted right here on my blog that I knew my driver’s license was expired and that I planned to get it renewed before I fly again on Thursday. So Sunday night I found where the nearest DPS office is, looked at their hours, and even printed out the forms I need to fill out.… Read More

Okay, so I’m really only shipping beads around the country today, not the world. But it’s been done before! I’ve got some orders that are getting mailed, and then the big boxes that go to Phoenix for next weekend. I had to make a run to Office Depot to pick up some sturdier ones than I used for the Miami shipment.… Read More

I’m not sure what’s come over me, but I feel like my energy level simply isn’t what it should be the last week. Both emotional and physical energy. It’s kinda like working underwater. I need to shake it off!

We had a lovely little class tonight and the baby beader in the group caught on super quick.… Read More