Movies IMHO

In this age of constant movie remakes (very sad, since some of the ORIGINALS are pretty darn recent themselves), it's nice to find SOME movies that are new AND great-

I've been a fan of the most excellent "Harry Potter" series of books and the movies, then was blindsided by the "Twilight" saga only last year, after the first movie came out. Instantly, the written saga sucked me in - and now there's a "New Moon" on the rise!

However, I must say that I liked the music from "Twilight" much better - and the ballgame scene with Muse's "Super Massive Black Hole" and fantastic choreography and cinematography was PAST superb! Wish "New Moon" had something cool like that, but the movie was great, the effects were pretty good, and the acting was good, if sometimes overwhelmed by the obvious beefcake and special effects.

Question: why not at least TRY to make it a date flick, by having SOME females in scanty gear? Right now, what fellow would even THINK of taking his girlfriend to see it, with nothing BUT half-clad young studs and no hope of a girl to ogle? Seriously, people... :P

But I loved the flick and will probably see it again! (before buying it, of course; after a LONNNNG wait until it's released /sigh)



And still waiting impatiently for "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" to be released on DVD. Thank heavens, "Star Trek" finally came out. THAT was also a killer flick!



Looking forward to seeing "The Blind Side", after word of mouth from several people who saw it at the premiere. They could not say enough how GREAT that movie (starring Sandra Bullock) is- Since Sandra Bullock also seriously rocks, that's good enough for ME.

Mourning and Moving On

As the Wheel of the Year turns, coming closer to Hallowe'en/Samhain and Christmas/Yule, many people remember those they have lost, whether long ago or recently.

This time of the year is often sadder for the lack of those gone ahead. However, we can (and MUST) intentionally remember the holidays when we HAD those we've lost. Recall those times that were funny and joyous - or just there.


A very kind person has a blog specifically for the grieving process: Modern Mourner. She very kindly blogged on one of my rings (my own favorite), "Time Passes". The ring she chose is actually Time Passes II, made for a more industrial, heavy duty look. I like this phrase, from "New Moon" of Twilight saga by Stephenie Meyer, because it reminds us that the raw, killing pain of our grief, whether it's loss of a loved one or any other pain, WILL diminish.

We just need to SURVIVE, until we can breathe and see and remember that there can still be sunshine. After all, without the night, one cannot appreciate the sunrise.

So hang in there!

Action, personal drama, romance/sex, humor, attitude...what's NOT to love?



Yes, yes, I'm a "Star Trek" fan, from way back...but this movie is bloody INCREDIBLE! My favorite of the movies has pretty much stayed at (like most people) the EVEN numbered movies, particularly "The Wrath of Khan" and the "Next Generation" movies.



THIS movie had the theatre - including my friend who was "enduring" the movie out of friendship - wrapped up from start to finish! My friend (who got us the premiere tickets) has NEVER liked ANY of the "Star Trek" franchise. And, indeed, DISliked it, because people (like me) were avid "Star Trek" fans and she didn't "get it".

This movie's casting and chemistry showed her why- The entire cast was spot-on, pretty much. Quinto, as Spock, was an eerie perfect doppelganger, even to the early series periodic emotional displays. Chris Pine, as Kirk, is as spontaneous and stubborn ... and creative ... as Kirk as ever been. Pegg's Scotty, Cho's Sulu, Saldana's Uhura, Urban's McCoy, Ryder's Amanda and Cross' Sarek were all perfect! Perfection squared, even...



So, even if you don't like "Star Trek", but DO like a great action flick - go SEE this movie!

Seek and Ye Shall WIN!

You have GOT to play this game-!!!

On Etsy, the MSIA (Metalsmiths in Action) team is having a competition with some KILLER prizes: great jewelry, hand crafted from sterling silver!

You don't have to do anything but look through various MSIA team members' shops to find THREE images that are hidden. Once you find them, you submit your list of where the images are hidden. The correct answers submitted win, win win until the last prize has been awarded!

Click HERE to see the terrific prizes!

Like Corybethy's lovely Sleeping Beauty Turquoise pendant...

Here's MY contribution, from BrighidsForge: Tranquility Chain, with hand wrapped chain links, wonderful dark teal cuprite and dark purple amethyst and handmade sterling silver beads.

The game's not hard and you might win such great prizes as Kellirene's great GarnetBerry Necklace.

Or SilverLakeStudio's lovely Hammered Heart...

VOTE!! just VOTE!

This election is one that brings many questions, concerns, party lines, opportunities for both good and bad - no matter WHICH person or party or issue you vote for. I'm not promoting either party or candidate; I simply want Americans of all flavors to exercise their right to vote!

If you don't make your opinion known - by VOTING - you may as well not have an opinion. Nor a voice. Check out this video, with some famous folks saying the same thing: "Don't Vote" campaign

America is not perfect - NO country is, despite how much we love our respective countries. But we can each try to make it better, by making considered decisions on putting them on the line on November 4th.

I love America. I love it for what it has been, what it could be, for the opportunities it gives us. There are horrible events and periods in the past, which we, today, cannot change. Just accept and go on, looking to the future.



If you don't vote, you can't gripe about the results-!

Great site for Jewelers!

You have GOT to check out Ganoksin! It seems to be a wonderful site for jewelers and smiths of all flavors! Videos, articles, blogs, tips and forums (fora? LOL)

I've already watched a few of the videos - I enjoyed the one on carving the wax for the model....What's YOUR favorite?

I'll be posting this on Etsy, as well, on the Team MSIA thread (MSIA = MetalSmiths in Action

Relaxation ?!

O Constant Reader, what do YOU do to relax? You know, "relax", as in NOT working job #1, #2, doing the mom-chauffeur thing, the work "Mixer" thing... Something YOU want to do WHEN YOU want to do it. And for as LONG AS you want to...


For myself...There are THREE things that totally relax me...Four, if you count going on a cruise.



(1) Just laying in bed, reading or watching a DVD, with the cats piled on me, hot jasmine tea, lit scented candles and the alarm clock NOT set.
This is important, since I work 64 hours a week in regular jobs (NOT involving Etsy) to support my house, my kitties and my jewelry tool and equipment upgrade project.


(2) Spending time with my instructor and classmates in the studio... I can learn from their projects and vice versa. Too bad they kick us out at 10:00 PM! (class is over at 9:30 PM)













(3) A day/week/year at the beach or in the mountains, with no cell phones, no schedule that HAS to be followed, someone watching my kitties ...I MUST have at least SOME equipment, tools and beads, though...In case I get a thought. MUST have a book or 10, as well....
















Lastly, if the aforementioned don't "do" it - there's the MOTORCYCLE: