djames designs

2009-06-22T15:28:00.001-07:00

"Our truest life is when we are in dreams awake. "
Henry David Thoreau

It was such a magnificent day on the coast today. I took full advantage of it by riding my bike along the coastal trail.

Took some pics along the way to share with you...

This is where the trail begins.

Surf's Up

not too far off the beaten path

a birds view

view from a bridge

wild berries are almost ripe for the picking

a wide angle view

perched and enjoying the view

Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-16T15:51:00.000-07:00

do you ever feel that sometimes...words are not enough?

***

A Bittersweet Milestone ~

2009-06-16T14:18:00.000-07:00

High School Graduation 2009What a handsome graduate if I do say so myself!
After much hard work and dedication
Half Moon Bay Class of 2009

Johno and Danielle
My joy, my hope, my pride...

Johno's graduation was a bittersweet mixture of emotions...

Brimming with gladness to see him recognized for his hard work and dedication,
the joy of witnessing an official acknowledgment
of a job well done.
But as he walked down that aisle to receive his diploma I found myself struck with a
huge sense of loss, walking away from me
and towards his bright future was the last vestiges of my little boy.

2009-05-30T22:42:00.000-07:00

Today was cloaked in a fine foggy mist.

It weighed heavy on my limbs.

Gray whispering days is the language of the northern coast in spring.

Even with shadow of light there is beauty to behold.

Words to Live by...

2009-05-20T14:58:00.000-07:00

Dance as though no one is watching you.
Love as though you have never been hurt before,
Sing as though no one can hear you,
Live as though heaven is on earth
~Souza

Budding Young Artists

2009-05-17T14:48:00.000-07:00

Zoe Galle Mosaic in the style of Chuck Close

Happy Sunday Mes Amis -
I hope this day finds you gloriously happy and filled with peace.

It was a fabulous weekend here on the coast. This sleepy little town was abuzz with activity and action. Good for the economy, good for the locals, good for the soul...

The highlight for me was Friday night, when I had the good fortune of attending the Half Moon Bay High art show with my son Johno.
As it turned out, unbeknownst to either of us his mask was selected for the exhibit. (Yes I'm proud)
It was a juried show and the pieces on display were amazing.
It's hard to wrap one's head around the fact that these young teens who've had such a limited amount of life experience, and yet they possess an artistic maturity that allows the vulnerability of who they are to emerge and flow forth so freely. To witness the maturity of work from their youthful hands, was akin to witnessing their young souls commune with God.

Sarah Knight "Best of Show"

"Clash of Colors"

This is Johno's mask which I'm sure was heavily influenced by his overly active obsession with the online game World of Warcraft.
I must admit when I first saw it I was taken back a bit. Maybe even a little horrified by the fact that it was created by my son. I recognize the artistic creativity in it, but wondered what it means. My son always says I'm way too analytical and "I think too much" but,
the more I studied it though and looked for the meaning in it the less anxious I became, until I finally asked him what his mask represented to him, and here's what he said "It's a mask of conflict. It represents the internal struggle between staying rooted where he is and has always been or choosing to leave that life behind and move forward. The clash of colors represents the futility of war based upon differences of color and territory. Johno will be graduating from high school in 2 weeks, a pivotal time fraught with internal struggle.

Giveaway Goodness

2009-05-14T19:57:00.000-07:00

In the past I haven't been very inspired to participate in many giveaways, but this giveaway being offered by Fab Fibers is definitely worth winning. This fabulously colorful series is entitled Calypso and was Created by Carolyn Driver of Blue Heeler Glass. A random drawing will be held May 22nd. For entry details Visit Fab Fibers

2009-05-14T12:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a raw and tender day, a day of feeling overwhelmed and just plain tired. We all have those days, yet some of us are reluctant to expose ourselves when we're in such a state.
Anyway...
I feel much better today in fact...
I Feel Good (Chuck Barry singing in the background)
I Feel so Good I signed up for a membership to our local gym or rather our local Health and Fitness facility. In addition to the the monotonous cardio machines and tortuous weight machines, they offer yoga, pilates and power pump classes. All intended to keep one inspired
to sweat on a daily basis. I bet there's a membership explosion happening all across the US now as millions of Americans contemplate the thought of sliding shorts and bathing suits over their winter thighs. Eeck... I know the weight that I've added over the last several months is a burden I no longer wish to lug around or display to the public. If I were less self conscious I'd post a before picture of myself as my journey begins... but alas am too self conscious.

Synchronicity has always played a major part in the performance of my life and this month, my birth month is no exception. I'm rarely in front of the TV at 5PM especially on weeknights, but due to yesterday's emotional frailty I happen to be watching TV when a new show (i think its new anyway) came on called...
"Cooking Yourself Thin" Do you see some synchronicity surfacing here? A good show, very motivating with some really great tips for cooking light. I'm sure it'll help me keep motivated and magically help me "lose some weight" You might want to check it out. It's on lifetime channel every weeknight at 5pm.
I'm going to try this Herb Roasted Chicken recipe tonight, I looks yummy.

I'll tell you tomorrow how it turns out tomorrow.For the roasted chicken

1 3 1/2-to-4-pound whole chicken
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
Rosemary stems
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon, sliced

For the roasted root vegetables
1/4 pound golden beets, peeled and stems trimmed
1/4 pound red beets, peeled and stems trimmed
1/4 pound whole baby carrots, peeled and stems trimmed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon white truffle oil (I think I'll make a substitution here)
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon fresh thyme

1. Preheat the oven to 475 degrees.

2. Wash the chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Season the cavity with salt and season the outside of the chicken with salt and pepper.

3. In a bowl, mix together the garlic, thyme, sage, rosemary and olive oil. Rub into the cavity of the chicken as well as the outside.

4. Place the rosemary stems inside the cavity and squeeze the lemon juice inside as well. Leave the slices inside and place the chicken in a roasting pan. Cook in the oven at 475 degrees for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until the chicken is golden brown and the juices run clear. Remove from the oven and let sit for 10 minutes before carving.

5. To make the roasted root vegetables: Place the vegetables in a large mixing bowl and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with the olive oil and an optional drizzle of white truffle oil, and place in a roasting pan or on a baking sheet. Sprinkle the fresh herbs over the vegetables and roast in the oven for 45 minutes, turning once halfway through the cooking time. Serve with the roast chicken.

2009-05-11T16:20:00.000-07:00

Well I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.
And mom's I hope you were honored...

in the manner which you find most pleasing.

Look at these beautiful roses. Delivered to my doorstep Saturday afternoon from my number one thoughtful daughter and son-in law. What a lucky mom I am.

And if that wasn't enough for me to feel loved and cherished. I received these today from...
a secret admirer. (and it will remain a secret)

I spent the day yesterday luxuriating in the sun with a delicious book titled "Garden Spells".
Magical realism, a subject matter right up my alley. I gobbled it up like candy,
devouring it cover to cover.

If you enjoy that type of book, do indulge. I recommend it highly.
In fact I liked one of the characters so much I named a couple of my pieces after her.

Evanelle's Magnesite Bracelet

which I posted in my shop today. I have another on the bench that I'll be posting tomorrow.
I think you'll see the influence of Evanelle and her sister Claire in my work over the course of the next few days. Do stay tuned...

2009-05-07T15:10:00.000-07:00

On the surface it may appear that I've been neglecting my blog
but the truth of it is...
I've been having a rather lively inner dialogue with myself about my blog.
Trying to figure out what value it has and what it (I) have to offer a loyal readership.
(so maybe I am a tad over-analytical)
The gist of it is ... I just couldn't reconcile with the fact that I just don't think my life is all that interesting. Not interesting enough to warrant reading about every day.
So it's taken me some time to identify, and come to terms with, what my "value add" is.
Hallelujah! I've reconciled with that.
Long story short, I won't be writing about myself every day.
I'll spare you the gory details, but suffice it to say I'm now firmly grounded but fully ready to fly!

This week has been a whirlwind. I'm very excited to now be a featured jewelry artisan in a second local Bay Area gallery!! I spent this last week preparing for my introduction (tomorrow) into the newest addition, Luna Sea Gallery, this darling little eclectic gallery in the coastal town of Pescadero, California. Owned by a very smart women with a keen sense of style and exceptionally good taste! Luna Sea Gallery

The small redwood-framed house is over 100 years old and was originally the childhood home of Gordon Moore, co-founder of Silicon valley's Intel Corporation.
Founded in 1866, Pescadero, today is a great ecotourism destination. An agricultural area known for its awesome artichokes, u pick ollalieberries, kiwi, strawberries and locally made goat cheese and heavens-to-murgatroyd let's not forget that freshly baked garlic artichoke bread. Surrounded by beautiful beaches and parks, bird refuges, a couple of winerys and even their own local goat cheese farm, with edible flowers and tours of the cheese making facilities... As well as the infamous Duarte's Tavern and Restaurant.

Pescadero Marsh

Pescadero Coastline

The Perpetual Beginner...

2009-03-16T15:58:00.000-07:00

Well my sweets I hope you all had a lovely weekend.

It was raining here in sunny northern CA this weekend, which was OK with me since I went to the Gem Fair in Pleasanton, CA and was indoors most of the day anyway.
I hadn't been to any gems shows since November, an unusually long stretch for me. I was beginning to have Gem show withdrawals.
I went with the intention of buying some metalsmithing tools, a Foredom flex shaft, Pepe disc cutter and dapping block and maybe some designs stamps. I'd like to begin working more with raw metals and incorporate stones into some organic metal designs. I've found myself bored of late; working with the same medium and materials has left mefeeling uninspired and very hoo-hum. So I know it's time to change direction a bit.

For me... It’s a never ending pursuit to evolve my skills and knowledge in order to stay passionate about my designs. Once I feel fully versed in something it's time to move on otherwise it begins to feel monotonous and mundane. .

The drawback is I never feel quite the expert at things because

I'm always en route to learn something new.

So I am the perpetual beginner...

I was disappointed to find that there were no tool vendors at the show, which means I'll be forced to buy online and delay my need for immediate gratification.. and pay for shipping (one of my pet peeves) But of course I couldn't leave without any purchases. Not after driving an hour to get there. That would be a waste and since I am a conscientious energy user and all I couldn't allow that...

So I did my part to boost the economy, maximize my energy usage and bought some semi precious gemstones.

I felt motivated to clean my work space a bit since it was totally out of control and thought it a good time to take a picture and show my work space. I'm always fascinated to see to see other peoples work spaces so I thought I'd offer mine up....

2009-03-04T12:07:00.000-08:00

Things are beginning to settle down a bit here on the home front.
My foot surgery went well and
I am so ecstatic that it's behind me now.
It'll be a slow healing process but I'm so looking forward to being able to go for hikes again.
I know this sounds cliche, but it is so spot on.
I took my mobility for granted until I lost it.
Why does it so often take loss to fully appreciate what we have.
I know from experience that it's possible to travel along our enlightened path,
the path that leads to our highest self
without calling upon struggle and suffering to show us the way.
Such an important realization and yet I so often forget.

The good news....My camera just arrived freshly repaired from the Canon factory.
They even repaired it under warranty. Yipee! I was somewhat skeptical about the whole warranty thing. It's so vague and sketchy.
There's lots of non-warranty wiggle room, but I'm pleased to report that Canon stood behind their product and handled the whole process quite professionally.

Since the balcony is the extent to which I can travel.
I took a shot of today's view from my balcony

2009-02-24T12:20:00.000-08:00

This week is not turning out to be quite as wondrous as I had hoped.
I am so bummed. My camera broke yesterday.
I've become quite attached to it.
Of course I need it to take pics of my jewelry.
But I've also gotten in the habit of
just carrying it around to shoot at whatever amazing thing
happens to cross my path.
Beyond that I'm meeting with an accountant about my taxes,
and I must admit I am Not
a very good bookkeeper so I procrastinate to the umpteenth degree.
Oh , yes and then there's the dreaded the foot surgery
I'm having on Friday...One that will keep me off my foot for 6 weeks. Yikes.
The higher powers way of saying slow down? Perhaps.

Sadie is a little worried about the challenges we face this week too.
She's on her guard watching over me as she does so vigilantly.
We will prevail . That's for sure .
Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't want to mislead you.
I do have so much in my life to be exceedingly thankful for.

Here's just one of them. My son Johno.

and then there's these two. My superhero's...

Monday Treasuries

2009-02-23T09:33:00.001-08:00

Happy, Happy Monday all.
Normally Monday's start out sort of slow for me,

but not today.

Today ~ I came out of the Monday gate with a bang.
I've been featured in not "one" but "two" treasuries this morning.
That's a first for me and it's ever so exciting!!!!!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=41927

That's me, second row middle.

Thank you OhFaro for including me. You can find her beautiful shop here...
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5341247

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=42068
That's me, second row last one on the right.

Thank you, Katheryn for including me.
You can find her most delicious flavored coffee here...
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5952040

2009-02-20T10:19:00.001-08:00

It's Friday and it looks as though it's going to be a beautiful day here on the coast. There's evidence that spring is peaking its delicious head up from the thaw. I saw these wild periwinkle lupine growing on the side of Hwy 1, and had to pull over to take a picture so I could show you just how close spring is looming.

I hope to finish my work early so I can enjoy it and take a bike ride.
Maybe I'll hit the bluffs.

Wild Lupine

These are blooming right outside my front door.

I think they are a type of Daisy? Hmm not really sure.

I am reminded of how much beauty surrounds me if only
I would remember more often to look up and breathe it in.

Speaking of work....
Here's what I listed today.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21310475
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21312733

2009-02-17T17:41:00.000-08:00

Just got back from an emergency run to pick up some ant traps. It would seem that the rain has caused the ants to want to make my home their home. I'm pretty easy going but when the entire swarm showed up and thought they would take over my kitchen well... I had to do something. After I laid the traps I watched to see if these little creatures would march into the traps like the package claimed. But they didn't seem to want anything to do with that. The invasion is beginning to wane but I'm wondering... if it’s more a case of them spreading word through the antvine that it’s time to move on. We have outlived our welcome. I wonder.
Anyway, I summoned up a few new pieces last night in my studio. Well it's really my garage but doesn't studio sound so much better? The pieces I created are actually more like some of my older pieces. By older I mean pre-etsy, pre obsession. I've been struggling a bit trying to squeeze myself into a mold. One that doesn't fit very well, the mold of consistency. It would seem that most of designers on Etsy (and elsewhere) have a particular style. And while I must admit I've tried to have a "particular" style I can't seem to stay with any single style. I'm too schizophrenic for that. My designs are often more in sync with a particular mood rather than a particular style. My tastes are wide ranging and my moods can be all over the map and that's what is reflected in my creative endeavors. Well wherever they come from I just hope someone likes them.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21187893

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=21185602

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21190161

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T09:29:00.000-08:00

I wish you a Happy Day Full of everything you Love!
and especially you Carla ~ Have a most Happy Birthday

Here is my newest Score In which I am well pleased

2009-02-13T15:23:00.000-08:00

Score! Check it out. I just found this cool toolbox at the local Goodwill for $26.00!
Brand new still in its original box, complete with felt lined drawers to store all my
precious gems and jewels.

I just love the hunt of a bargain,
consignment stores and the garage sale circuit.
Yep, the garage sale circuit is Serious business. If you want to get the "good stuff" one must become a strategist.
First there's the planning stage: I read through all the sales, either in the local newspaper or online, at Craig's list.
Next comes the mapping stage: I determine which garage sales have the items that I'm most interested in. I map out a route accordingly.
Route is determined by a formula:
formula = maximum travel efficiency X's quality of goods offered.
Then there is the execution stage: this requires getting out of bed at the crack of dawn Saturday morning and being at said location as early as possible. Before the hoard of other garage salers pick through all the best stuff. You know the early bird gets the worm and all.
Now you know one of my bargain strategy's, what's yours?

In Love with tool box? Does that make me a tool?

Know What's Weird?

2008-09-23T09:16:00.000-07:00

Day by day, nothing seems to change,
but pretty soon...everything's different. -
Calvin and Hobbes

Fall Flowers are being harvested here
on the Northern coast of California.
That means summer is officially over.
and Today is the second day of Fall.

Thoughts for Today

2008-09-22T12:46:00.001-07:00

Okay. Okay. My new resolution ...
I will... I will...
Be more diligent and consistent about posting on my blog daily or almost daily.
I've been thinking a lot about my blog lately and thinking perhaps
I should begin every entry with a new inspiring quote of the day the way I do in my shop.
Let's call it a blog breaker shall we?

Today I came across this quote and it spoke to me.
"The one thing I know for sure is that you cannot even begin to live your best life without being connected to your spirit." ~ Oprah
I must say, I rather admire Oprah. She is a modern day sage, a wise women.
If you think about it she's one of the few people that can be referred to by first name only and there is no mistaking who you are talking about. Kind of amazing really...

Speaking of inspiring...

The coast is alive with fall. the weather has be spectacular.
Just kick ass gorgeous with a capital "G" and people are turning out in
droves to capture its beauty.

Fabulous and Funky

2008-08-06T14:07:00.000-07:00

Funky

Fabulous

Is a blog star born?

2008-07-16T10:09:00.001-07:00

I am about to embark on the blogging train wagon and it has me somewhat perplexed.
Is blogging characteristically an extrovert activity?

Is a blog star born, or can anyone be successful at blogging.
And what makes a good blog anyway?

Is it a formula or a method or just luck?
It’s obvious …
A successful blogger must capture the interest of their reader you say.
But how can anyone have something interesting to say everyday?
It has me baffled…
Pssst. Here’s my secret
I have a favorite blog. I’ve been reading it pretty religiously for several weeks now.

I've even gone back and read her archived blogs.

Does that mean I have a blog crush?
This is all unbeknownst to her, the writer.
She has no idea who I am, yet I feel as though I know a lot about her.
Her likes, dislikes, frustrations, daily activities and more.
It feels strange; unequal in some weird way, maybe a bit voyeuristic.
Would it seem more appropriate if I emailed her to let her know,

hey I read about you every day?
I wonder if other people feel the same way?

Musings from the edge

2008-07-14T19:07:00.000-07:00

yes this is where i live.
the cozy coastal town of half moon bay
surfer haven for wave mavericks
mating ground of the snowy plover
home to fishers of the sea