New Fall Jewelry

Love Fall Colors!

And ocean treasures, too!

Summer has ended

After a so-so summer of tending bar in Ocean City, I am in the final stretch before the hotel and bar shut down for the season. Bar patrons at this point are mostly locals, senior citizens and empty nesters. Last night's patrons were no exception.

A local, I will call him Tim, comes in near closing time (of course) and wants to partake in our $2 can beer special. To look at Tim you'd think he was some drunk street walker. Black eye, ratty clothes, thin, gaunt looking. But when he opened his mouth, pearls of wisdom came tumbling out. He spoke of elegant places in his past (Paris, the Virgin Islands), of meeting celebrities like Alice Cooper and Barbara Striesand, and showed a real sensitivity toward his fellow man. He talked of all the jobs he has held, from a corporate analyst to a car wash guy (how he met Barbara Striesand). He told of his passion for fishing - which is why he was in ratty clothes, and how he got his black eye (slipped and fell on the dock).

We were watching the news and there was a clip about racial profiling and the problems that had arisen within Baltimore City. Tim begins telling this story about working as a carpenter, in New York City, fixing up old apartments. Tim says working for this bigoted contractor was a challenge. The contractor was spouting ugly remarks about the owner of the building, who was from Iraq. "I don't think you should assume things about people based on how they look," Tim remarks. (Didn't I just do that with him?)

Later, Tim meets up with the owner of the building. The owner is complimenting Tim on his work, they exchange pleasantries and find they both like fishing. "So, how long you been in the US?" Tim asks. The owner replies he was thirteen when his parents moved to the US, in very clear, unaffected English. He added that his much of his extended family was still in Iraq and they would return for visits. Tim asks, "So what's the fishing like in Iraq?" The owner stopped and looked at Tim right in the eyes and said, "My entire life in the US has been filled with answering questions from caucasians about my father's country. How can we live like that, all the killing and bombings and how awful and hateful all Iranians are. No one has ever asked me about Iraq in a kind, non-judgmental conversation." The owner of the building hired Tim as a carpenter for the other apartments and are still fishing buddies years later.

Lesson one - don't judge people by the cover. The clothes they wear may be for a reason - like Tim - he was just out fishing.

Lesson two - don't assume racial profiling is accurate. The apartment owner considered himself American - "my father's country".

Lesson three - Being kind has it's rewards. Tim received months of good paying work from one kind comment.

Tim left every dollar he had on him at the bar. I closed the bar with another lesson in humility.

Random acts of kindness are where it's at.

Susan

Keeping your mouth shut!

Working with the public offers numerous opportunities to say the wrong thing at the wrong time. Some instances are provoked by rude comments or nasty behavior. Others are merely things said that are taken the wrong way. Sometimes you can soothe the situation with apologies or explanations. Sometimes you just have to admit you are wrong. Yesterday was one of the times I was in the wrong.

An 8 year old girl was looking over my jewelry display and she saw a necklace priced at $25.00. She exclaimed loudly and with disdain, "Twenty-five dollars!" I asked her how long did she think it took me to make the necklace. I told her that the 10 hours it takes to create a cabochon was well worth $25. The girl was hurt by my response and went cowering into her mothers fold.

Rightfully, the mother returned with out her child and berated me for chastising her young daughter, continually reminding me she was only 8 years old. I was stubborn and rude and refused to apologize, even though the woman never asked that of me.

I wish I could apologize to them. The mom said I was insecure. I think she was right. I was wrong. In retrospect, I should have made a joke of the child's response, or just kept my mouth shut.

Even at 52, a person has lessons to learn.

Getting rich a dozen dollars at a time

This summer's bar tending gig has not been the best. I love the location and the staff, but I am struggling to make a living. The bar is located right on the board walk of Ocean City. It's clean, has a great view, a lovely deck out side, ice cold beer. I only lack customers. Last night I sold $125. I am sooo amazed at this.

On the upside, I had a couple get engaged in the bar. That was cool. They were very nice and generous. They felt bad for me being all alone, so they came back into the bar and played cards with me.

I am seriously considering returning to the day job. The east coast hasn't been very good to me and I am slowly getting poorer and poorer. Searching for an accounting job and looking into the market in South Dakota or Portland, OR. At least there I have friends.

Things not to tell bar tenders

Working as a bar tender you hear a lot of stuff. People tell you things that are so personal and really should be left to a therapist or man of the cloth.

This week I had a preacher tell me he was struggling with his marriage. "I love her, but. Well I have a real issue with her weight." Seriously? How can a man of God have an issue with the way his wife of 25 years looks and not be able to resolve his feelings? And why are you telling a stranger IN A BAR this information? I am so shocked by this.

I also had a 30 year old woman who was in the process of a divorce. She wanted my advice on how to handle the divorce process. She abandoned her husband and children and is ticked off that the courts awarded custody to the Dad. Really? And here you are in a bar when you are supposed to be meeting up with your daughter to develop a friendship. Then she tells me she ditched her 15 year old daughter for a day and met up with a guy she met on Craig's list to go for a motorcycle ride. Eye-yay-ya!

Then there was a couple who sat out at the pool bar all day sipping Rum Runners. They were all smiley and giggly when they left. Later, he was in the main bar alone. He and his gal had a spat. He's telling me how they were trying to have an intimate moment, when her kids interrupted them. The girlfriend/fiance gets all ticked off and takes the kids out for supper. He's in the bar hoping he's still engaged. He wasn't for long. Heard the next day that the girlfriend came in and gave him the ring back.

Then there is the 60 year old hillbilly who is in town "slutting around" and would I be interested in joining him at the hot rod car show. Maybe not.

Or the married man who I have been serving beers to for 5 years now, who tells you about an affair he had last night, while his wife was taking the kids back home.

I'm telling you, a bar is like a confessional. Unfortunately, I am not a priest and cannot absolve you of your sins. But let me pour you a beer and smile and pretend I really care.

Bottoms up!

Happy 4th!

May everyone have a grand 4th, safe and fun filled.

I am working every day, some days two jobs and still not making ends meet. I guess it will be time to quit tending bar and selling jewelry and go back to being an accountant. A regular day job once again. Not that I found that to be a way to get ahead, either. But I could at least count on a steady check. I am so tired of scraping to get by.

I am grateful that I live in a country where I can make these choices. I just wish I was one of the lucky ones with money. A trustafarian or married to a wealthy generous man. But I'm not.

I'd feel bad about writing such negative thoughts on a blog that is supposed to be generating business and communications, but no one reads this anyway! LOL!

So happy 4th. Woo Hoo!

Carole King and James Taylor

On Wednesday night I was at the Verizon Center in Washington DC, attending a concert of a lifetime.

Carole King is my all time favorite female vocalist and song writer. My "Tapestry" album is warped from over play (yes, album). I am on my second CD of the same recording. I know every word to every song. And I was still blown away at being in her presence - even from my section O, seat 8 position. Carole is not known so much as a vocalist, but renowned as a song writer. Her songs have been recorded by everyone from Blood, Sweat and Tears to the Sherill's, and of course, James Taylor. She looked great, rocked with the best of them - jumping up and down on stage and thoroughly entertaining us all. I cried during "So Far Away," remembering how as a 16 year old, I yearned to be anywhere but where I was. There is a part of me that still feels that way. I cried during "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow," recalling lost loves of my life. I laughed to see the photos on the Jumbo Tron of Carole in the 70's and JT as the young strapping buck we all fell in love with. Then I cried again knowing my youth has long passed, too.

James Taylor was superb. I will admit that Carole was the reason I went to the concert and JT was an added bonus. I had no idea how much he would move me with his songs and his still strong smooth as silk voice. What a consummate performer. I have old recordings of JT and I swear his voice is getting batter with age. He may have lost his hair, but that takes nothing away from his good looks.

Watching the original band members from the 70's playing together was like watching a well oiled machine at work. They knew the signs of each other, the overlaps of leads, the changes and nuances of each other. It brought back memories from my days as a "band groupie" with an old lover of mine. I cried at the loss of those wonderful moments and the pleasure of having experienced them.

And like my youth, I wish I could hold on to that moment, stay in that moment a little bit longer. Oh, those were some special times, the 70's. Thanks Carole King and James Taylor for bringing the memories to life once more. Even for just a few hours. I was young and full of life and ideas and energy. I walked out of that concert sure I looked like I did in 1972. I've been avoiding mirrors ever since. I'd like to hold on to this feeling a little longer.

I strongly recommend seeing the concert live, on PBS or buy the CD/DVD combo. It's like a dip in the Fountain of Youth.

Peace!

Susan

Summer, summer, summer

The beach is a hoppin'!

I have extended family vacationing here in Ocean City, MD. They were enjoying the sun and surf yesterday. After selling my jewelry poolside at the Holiday Inn of 67th street, I joined them for the last rays of the evening. My cousin, Kevin is an avid fisherman. He has entertained us for years with his rod and reel, not to mention his positive attitude and wit. His son, Kev, Jr. is also into fishing. He caught a shark the other day and it was quite tasty.

It's fun to be around the family and hear all the stories from earlier gathering and the new ones, too. I mention this often, but that's because it's important to me. Respect and enjoy your family. It's really all we have. No one loves us quite like the family.

I'm tending bar tonight at the Skip Jack Grill on 14th and Boardwalk. I'm hoping for heavy traffic and good tips. If you are out and about, join me! Mention my blog and the first drink is on me!

Peace!

Susan

Back to reality . . .

The last week has been spent enjoying my son Evan's company. He flew in from Portland, OR for a family reunion. We had a blast soaking up the beach, the sun, a few cocktails and the love we share with one another. That's my excuse for not writing lately.

Spending time with Evan, his girlfriend and my nephews and their girlfriends was good fun. It also made me painfully aware of my age. The six of them are so beautiful, full of life, and energy! It was hard to keep up with them! Seems like I was always the first one in bed! I was glad when my sister arrived - I needed support of my generation. My Mom tagged along once in awhile. It was great fun gathering around the dining room table to play cards and eat steamed blue crab - not at the same time, mind you.

Enjoying family time is important. Vital even. A time to gauge the important things and let petty arguments and disagreements go by the way side. Every family has them. Someone doesn't do things your way or they have the audacity to tell you that you are WRONG! So what! Get over it. Grab a hold of your loved ones, give them a big squeeze, smooch them and tell them you love them. In the end - family is all we really have. No one will love you like your family.

I am very lucky. I love you all: Evan, Hallie, Minique, Corey, Matt, Alley, Heath, Elizabeth, Catherine, Samantha, Jack, Mom, Aunt Dot, Cousins, Sean, Kevin, and Shannon (and all your spouses and kids too!) and others left out unintentionally. A big old hug to all of you!

Peace~

Susan

Unexpected Events

These are my babies, Evan and Hallie. I love them very much.

Early this morning, around 1 a.m., I had an allergic reaction to something. I have been plagued by this most of my life. I take a deep breath outside and suck in some unknown particle and WHAM! My face swells up and I look a bit like Shrek. Or I eat a hamburger, with a soy filler, and I get the giant fat lip. Last nights reaction was just as fast and seemingly unwarranted.

I was awakened by a nauseating feeling in my throat and neck. I got up and was trying to look at my throat, in the blinding glare of the bathroom light. Squinting hard, I couldn't tell what the heck was going on. Then, my neck, chest, arms, and trunk of my body started breaking out in hives. I turned brilliant red. My throat began closing, tongue swelling blocking air and making it difficult to speak. I tried to take a Benedryl to calm the symptoms, but my body violently rejected this.

I live with my Mom, and I felt terrible waking her up to take me to the emergency room. On retrospect, I'll opt for an ambulance if this occurs again. Anyway, Mom gets up and drives me to the hospital. My care was very good. After a couple of shots and a few hours resting, I was released and sent home to sleep off the drugs. This morning, I am clear of rashes and swelling.

As traumatic as this experience sounds, it was nothing compared to what I heard while in the hospital.

This is Senior Week (more like month) in Ocean City. High School seniors swarm to the beaches for a week of sun and fun, celebrating the completion of their high school education. They come in droves! There are always sad stories associated with this visitation by young adults. This year will prove no different.

There are drug busts, the underaged attempting to get into bars with false ID's, jaywalking, jumping off of beach house balconies, usual childish pranks. And there are deaths.

There were 4 young adults in emergency care when I arrived at the hospital. At least one did not live. I know this because I could see and hear the arrival of parents and family. And the horrifying muffled sounds of a doctors voice, followed by skin crawling, hair raising, "nooooo," accompanied by heart wrenching sobs.

What a sad end to a young life.

Parents let your children read this and remind them that accidents happen. Don't tempt fate. Be conservative and stay alive. That Mothers cry remains with me now. She was devastated. The Father was stoically silent, eyes reddened, willing himself to remain strong for the family. Hearts broken.

So while I re-cooperate from this allergic reaction today I give thanks for all I have. For the fact that my children, ages 25 and 27, made it through the teen years. For the home I have with my Mom. For my family and their support. And for the ability to breathe.

Breathe deeply. Give thanks and praises. Play smart. Life is a gift. Don't toss it away lightly for a moments thrill.

Excellent Summer Entertainment

Working in Ocean City, MD, right on the Atlantic Ocean, I have a fantastic view as I work. The waves crashing in, the families and friends gathering on the beach, the sun, the sky. Tending bar at the Skip Jack Grille is great summer employment.

Not only do I work at the Skip Jack, I also work at Phillips by the Sea - again on the boardwalk - same great view - as a bar tender and I sell my jewelry 3 days a week at the Holiday Inn Pool Bar, on 67th St. So I am busy. I don't go out much or get to take in much of the summer entertainment. This past weekend, I was able to work at the Skip Jack and get in on some of the greatest entertainment I have seen in a long time.

Ocean City hosts an Air Show. Based on what my bar patrons were telling me this weekend, these air shows are all over the US. We had the Blue Angels, Air Force Thunderbirds, Navy Paratroopers, the Navy Seals, a dozen different dare devil flyers and a few other groups who's names I don't recall. Don't that lower the entertainment value!

I'm telling you, it was so cool to see those jets flying at 500+ MPH, zooming down the beaches, meeting right in front of my bar, barely missing each other, rolling away, turning upside down - the crowd was full of oohs, and aahs as well as cheers and applause. The show started with a Navy Seal, jumping out of a plane, unfurling a huge American Flag behind him, all the while the National Anthem is being sung. The beach and boardwalk crowds stopping to take off their caps and stand, then busting out in a cheer when the Seal landed safely!

There were other patriotic moments. Jets flying in formation in honor of veterans and in honor of v-day, making a vapor trail in the shape of a heart. Or when the Angels came on with their vapor trails puffing out to form "God Bless USA". Lots of good music to go with the moments. Plenty of positive crowd response. Even a tear or two.

Speed and loud engine noises were thrilling as well. My favorite: the big Angel jet flew real slow in front of the bar. Slow and low, big plume of vapor, nose high, tail low (very difficult to keep a plane that heavy in the air at that speed and angle), all to the rock song "Low Rider". Very Cool.

So, I have still worked every Air Show since moving to OC. But this year, I got to really see some of the action. It is sooo worth the effort. You have to get in to your spot by 10:30 am. Show started at noon. Traffic is terrible leaving the event. But, next year: Make the effort. Think about coming to 14th St and the boardwalk. The Skip Jack Grille will be serving up some great cold beer, those fruity slushy drinks and a great burger.

I know I will be there - with any luck I'll be working the Skip Jack. If not - I'll be watching from there. Excellent Summer Entertainment!

Working for a living

Work, Work! Just like the old Huey Lewis song.

I feel a bit stretched out these days. In order to avoid winter weather, I travel to Florida in the winter and spend my summers in Ocean City, MD. Each season, I reinvent myself, changing bar tending jobs, homes and social groups. This is my re-adjusting time period here in Ocean City. The tourist season is not in full swing yet, so one bar job doesn't cut it - I have two. Plus selling my jewelry at the beach 3 days a week. Whew, even writing about is exhausting.

I have several cool projects in the making. Clam shells from Assateague Beach, a wedding pendant, and a 40th birthday gift. All these starts are sitting in my bead room awaiting my return. Maybe in a week or so. After I settle into a routine with work. And my home remodeling job is done. And my company leaves. Yeah, that's when I can return to my projects!

I will not hurry away the next week, though. My son will be here to visit next Tuesday, from Portland Oregon. Now that is something to look forward too!

For today, I must run and get ready for bar job #1! If I'm real clever, I can bead a bit later tonight!

Have a great day!

Peace!

Susan

After the Holiday

It was a jamming weekend here in Ocean City! The Holiday visitors at the beach were happy to soak up the sun, beach and surf! We had speed boat races near my place of employment, the Skip Jack Bar and Grill, so I was one busy bar tender! Later that evening, my Mom and I watched a PBS telecast from Washing DC that was very moving. It really focused on the veterans and their sacrifices for us. There were all kinds of local celebrations at memorial sites and VFW's.

In my youth, while living in Kansas, I experienced the tradition of "decorating the graves" of family members. I thought my husband's family was weird, as my family had never done that. At 19, you think a lot of stuff. I grew to respect the tradition and understand the importance of remembering your loved ones.

I am grateful all my family is safe and sound after traveling to and from celebrations. I am grateful to live in a country where we can enjoy that freedom of travel. I am very grateful for all the veterans of war who fought for all our rights and freedoms of the US. Saying "Thanks" is small potatoes for the sacrifices made by soldiers. Saying prayers for these men and women is a nightly responsibility for all Americans.

So, Thanks. And Amen!

Summer Jewelry

Whew! Just finished making dozens of anklets. These are very popular items and sell quickly. And why not? They are fun, colorful, whimsical, flirty and just down right cute! Wear one or several! One for each swim suit! Got a color in mind? Measure your ankle and drop me a line! I'll be happy to send one your way!

Ohhh, I love you too!

When I walk in the house, no matter how long I've been gone, you great me with exuberance. You are thrilled to see me again and relay your happiness with such joyful abandon.

Whenever I suggest a ride or a walk, you are overjoyed at the prospect of hanging out with me. You don't questions which path I choose or the pace I set, you are just pleased to be a part of the adventure.

If I lay down for a nap, you happily agree it's time to rest. You tolerate snuggling with me, even if it's hot. You never complain if I stick my cold feet on your warm body.

If I prepare the same meal for you today as yesterday, you don't mind. You wolf down whatever I set in front of you. Left overs, scraps, it doesn't matter. You love my cooking!

When I am sad, you instinctively know I need cheering up. You are gentle and persistent in your nurturing, bearing the widest grin to make me smile.

You are my best friend. My bosom pal. My constant companion.
You are my dog. My schnauzer. My Buddy.

Don't Forget the Sister!

For the past month or so I have been trying to get my sister to check out my etsy.com page. Not that she doesn't know what my jewelry looks like. I was just wanting her opinion and critique. Sisters are always good for critique! :) So this morning she tells me, "I finally went to your etsy site, but it was really your blog."

I am thrilled she read my blog - still waiting to see what she thinks of the etsy page - but, after reading my blog, she was not a happy camper. Why? Because I neglected to mention her in the sand castle blog of yesterday. It was not intentional.

My little sister had many jobs when we would gather at the beach for family reunions. Most notably, she was in charge of bringing puzzles. We have built dozens of puzzles over the years. Dragons, country stores, ocean scenes, shaped puzzles, puzzles with all the same size pieces - we've done it all.

It was also my sisters sand tools we used to build the castles. She had the youngest kids in the group, so she was still bringing shovels and such, long after my kids were done with that phase. It was also with her help, that I gathered and placed all the shells and beach finds on our sand creations. Building the "city" around the main design, was mostly her job, too. I could always count on her help. And we really enjoyed playing in the sand together.

Whenever you have family gathering in a condo for a week, you have unpleasant chores as well as the grand memories. Sometimes the chores and grand memories are one. So while Mom was cleaning and my brother was cooking, my sister and I volunteered to do laundry. It was not a hard task. It meant gathering and sorting the laundry everyday. We'd haul it down to the laundry room, 4 flights below the condo. Then every 30 minutes or so, we'd return to the laundry room to switch clothes from the washer to the dryer and haul dry ones back up to the condo. We considered the running up and down the steps as part of our aerobics for the week. It was an opportunity to get away from everyone - especially the young children. We secretly LOVED doing the laundry!

This year, we are not gathering. The condo we have had for the last 10 years or so, is no longer being rented. While a few relatives will gather at my Mom's house, it won't be the same as the past years. Kids are growing up, moving to far away places, jobs, girlfriends and boyfriends, they all play into vacation time, and it's gotten hard to gather everyone. I hold the memories of 129th St. condo near and dear to my heart.

Just like I hold my sister near and dear to my heart. We won't have the laundry room to run away to, but we could still build a sand castle together. Bring a puzzle and the sand toys. Maybe in the evening we could visit my site at etsy.com.

Have a great day!

Peace!

Still awaiting fame . . .

When my family would gather in Ocean City, MD for our annual family reunions, we all had our designated chores. My brother, the chef (for real) obviously, was relegated to cooking, while my Mom, did cleaning and pancakes for breakfast. I have always been handy with the camera, so I took the photos. I also was in charge of designing and building the sand castles.

My castles weren't of the caliber you see on some of the forwarded e-mails I have received from major competitions around the country. I didn't have any rising castles out of the sand with dragons swirling about them. But, mine were still cool. I put a lot of detail in them, using straight edges to cut walls and buildings, shells to decorate windows, path ways, and even draw bridges. I created dolphins swimming in the sea, turtles, laying eggs, dragons coming out of the sand and plenty of geometrical designs.

One year, a young girl, maybe 6, watched as I made my castle. She was very impressed. She ran and got her Mom. Mom was impressed, too. Then the young girl looked at me with such sincerity and said,

"You should be famous!"

I'm still waiting to be famous. But I do believe the young girl was right. I should be famous.

Please check out my jewelry at:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/beadhappy4u

before I get famous and run out of stuff!

Have a great day!

Advice for the Blues

Etsy.com is a cool on-line shopping mall. You can find everything from furniture to clothing to jewelry and households. For the most part it's supposed to be handmade stuff.

That's where you can find my shop: beadhappy4u. I sell jewelry - unusual, boho flavor, one of a kind pieces made from shells, beads, vintage jewelry and products of the earth.

Anyway - they have these forums, on line chat room things, where you can post a question or concern and even a section for random thoughts. I have from time to time suffered with a case of the blues. I think everyone does, whether we admit it or not. My random thought posting was:

What do you do when you get a case of the blues?

I suggested eating tuna wasabi and drinking margaritas like I was doing. Other answers varied from stop feeling sorry for myself, dance, music, taking a walk, exercise to the point of sweating profusely, or going back to bed and staying there until you feel better.

The best answer: add pink and make purple.

I combined all the suggestions. So I did a little jig, put on Bob Marley, Legend, took my dog for a walk, ran part of the way to sweat and I actually went to bed early -11:30 p.m. - and strung beads for hair ties until 1 am.

I also added a little pink in my life and made purple out of my blues. I started the Assateague Clam shell Series of jewelry. These will be necklaces, pendants, bracelets, earrings . . . Some will be cabochons, with lots of beading around the shell. . . others will be wrapped in silver and gold . . some will have a simple bail attached.

Stay tuned for photos of my progress into the purple and out of the blues.

Susan

Trying new things

I have recently joined etsy.com and set up a shop, beadhappy4u, to show off my jewelry. Actually, I want to sell my jewelry. Since I have been a part of etsy, joining in February of 2010, I have sold 3 items. Yep. Three. In a blatant attempt to boost exposure, following the cyber space Gods' advise, I am blogging.

Trying new things baffles most humans. It is difficult to step outside your comfort zone. Yet we must do exactly that in order to grow and mature. At least that's what I keep reading. I'm not so sure. Somedays, I only want to crawl into my den of security and stagnate with my complacency. But I digress . . . I'm supposed to be growing here.

So by posting these random thoughts, people are going to read what I have written and come visit my jewelry store on etsy.com. I'm not really sure how that is going to work. I don't know that what I say or write is all that interesting, or that I have a particular whit that will attract readers. I do know that my jewelry is one-of-a-kind. I haven't seen anyone else do what I do with shells.

I know that when I set up my shop at the Venice, Florida Saturday Farmers Market, I sell. I have customers return to me year after year for new products. When I set up my shop at the pool bar of Holiday Inn, 67th Street, Ocean City, MD, people buy my stuff. They call me year after year, to buy more. And I have a group of dedicated patrons, via facebook and past customers.

But how do I get my jewelry to stand out among the thousands of jewelry makers in cyber space? I'm not sure. There is this thing called SEO's - sorting tags. Making sure you have the right words for the search engines of goggle-sphere to find you. This blogging stuff. And networking. AYIEEE! But what I really want to do is make my art!

My business name is really Don't Worry, Bead Happy. But there are others that hold that name, too, so I modified it to beadhappy4u. When I first began making jewelry, my best friends, Mary and Kim, insisted I come up with something catchy and memorable. Something beachy, since I work with shells. Something reggae, since I am enamored by that island beat. As we drank our margaritas around the kitchen table of truth, I jokingly said, "What, like "Don't Worry, Bead Happy"?" Later, my friend Kim, brought me my logo on a business card. The best part is the tag lines:

"products of the earth" and my title of "Queen Bead"

I think I should stop here. Something tells me not to write too much. I'll post more on the tag lines later. Then there are the bar stories I must relate (my day job is a night job of tending bar). And dog stories to share. Oh my life is so interesting, you will be riveted to my every word. Or so I hope.

Listen, in the meantime, you have a great day. Enjoy the day, capture every moment. Stop in and check out my jewelry. I have great graduation gifts and stuff to brighten your summer wardrobe.

Peace,

Susan