Happy New Year!

From Me To You,...
 
May 2013 Be Your Best Year Yet!
 
 
 

 
 
 
Peace, Love, Health and Happiness!
 
Cheers,
 
~Shel~
 
 

May Your Holidays Be Bright!



 
 
Wishing you Peace, Love and Joy During the Holiday Season!
 
 
 
Cheers,
~Shel~
 
 

Laughter Really Is,.....

It's been a hard week for me since the tragedy last Friday at Sandy Hook Elementary.  I know it really affected a lot of people all over the world. 
 
I haven't been able to watch any of the news reports on the victims, their families or any of the 'goings on' since a couple of days afterwards. The hubby's a heart attack survivor with a defib in his chest, so he can't watch either - it hurts his heart and that's not a good thing.  

Plus, we've got a teenage son whose own high school was on the news this week with word spreading of a possible threat to the school and/or students (they beefed up police patrol/security and every one's assured us things will be fine) and so tuning out most of the media do-da has been a priority.
 
I did make an effort - socially - to do a few FB posts, to comment on people's blogs and their FB posts and things like that, but it just felt so trivial.
 
I realized as I went about finishing up my Christmas card writing and packaging up things to mail off to family who live out of state, that I was completely engulfed in a total 'funk' if you will, of doom, gloom and sadness. Not to say that it wasn't appropriate given all the beautiful lives that were taken recently, but being depressed and 'out of it' wasn't helping anyone, especially my family and those I care about.

And, as the fates would have it, as I pushed forward and was editing some pics to get my next blog post ready, the photos I was working on brought back some wonderful memories and an excellent reminder.

It reminded me that even in the wake of change, whether that change is something we find negative, neutral or strange, hard to grasp, or what ever, laughter and humor are the best way to recover and carry on.
 
To 'adjust our sails', as I like to think of it.

I'm talking humor that makes you roll with laughter - true, tickle your belly, gasp for air, laughter!!

Like what you see here.
 
Jen, Denise, Shelly and Kathy
Creative U Holiday Party - December 2012
 
It's pretty obvious that Jen and I are on our own little "planet" in the photos here,...well, Kathy eventually gets our humor a bit, too, but Denise is the only one even remotely concerned that my hubby's standing around, some what patiently, trying to snap a good pic of us (at our request!),...to no avail! LOL!!

This was a fun night filled with tons of laughter, great moments and wonderful energy!

These photos represent some change as well. This was the Creative U Holiday Party and Gift Exchange (Jen's holding one of Mike's 'Stash Sticks' from the White Elephant Swap) last week and it's the last one we're having because Kathy has announced that she's closing Creative U as of December 31st, 2012.   :-(

So, no more fun classes, no more laughter in the studio, no more exploding kilns (unless Jen comes to my house and has fun with mine!), no more yummy chocolate breaks in the middle of teaching class,...it's the end of an amazingly creative and fun place.
 
But, where there's laughter among friends and creative spirits, memories to share, hugs to give and love to bind,....there's always more adventures on the horizon!

Thinking of the fun times refreshed my spirit and reminded me that it's okay to go on and not feel guilty for things I'm blessed to have in my life,...like my child, my husband and my wonderful family and friends. And that sending love and prayers out to those who are hurting is needed, but to laugh is to heal. I believe it's also a way to honor those who've gone before us, for I think they'd want us to be happy and laugh instead of cry!
 
So I wish you all much love and laughter,.....healing laughter that tickles your tummy and immerses you in those wonderfully fun moments you will cherish for a life time!
 
Until Next Time,
Peace, Love and Letting Laughter Heal Your Soul!
Cheers,
~Shel~


Thoughts and Prayers

Sending out prayers to all who are affected by the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut.
 
We're hugging each other a bit tighter tonight; thankful for all those in our life.
 
May love and light comfort everyone who is grieving.
 
Until Next Time,
Peace and Love
 
 
~Shelly, Mike and Logan~

Extremely Fortunate


The 12th Annual Christmas Pudding
 

Each year Alice Cooper and his wife Sheryl host the Annual Christmas Pudding - the Valley's premier holiday event - with proceeds benefiting their Solid Rock Foundation which helps kids in the Phoenix area.

This Spring, the Rock Teen Center opened in Phoenix and the Solid Rock Foundation provides programs, classes and resources such as dance, music and various vocational opportunities in the sound, lighting, and staging industry.  (Good Stuff, Good Stuff!)
 
I'm extremely fortunate to be attending Alice Cooper's 12th Annual Christmas Pudding Holiday Event this weekend with one of my BFF's, the lovely and ever-talented, Lea Haben, founder of SmartFem.com - The Intelligent Guide For Women On The Go.
 
 
 
 
I'm excited to attend such an awesome event; one that I've followed for several years now, seeing highlights on the local news stations and hearing of the wonderful talent that's always present and the good they do during this event each year.
 
Since I'm not sure if I'm technically allowed to post pics of the amazingly handsome Johnny Depp (who will be there, playing on stage with Alice and his band!! OMG, OMG!!) on my personal blog (I guess FB and Pinterest are okay to post on so go over there to drool, okay?!) I'll have to leave you with a pic of the outfit I'm planning on putting together,....
 
 
 
So, what about jewelry? Any ideas other than what I've got there - you know, something I could whip up quickly in the next day or so?  Please leave me your comments and share your thoughts on this.
 
Also, I was reminded by my brother-in-law this past week that although the holidays are supposed to be a time of 'good cheer', many times this is not the case for people.  Some folks find it a sad time because they've lost a loved one, or are far away from their friends and family, or have fallen on hard times and need a helping hand.  
 
I'm interested to see what events your city has going on that help to benefit troubled teens, or families and children in need,...not just during the holidays, but all through the year. 
 
We're quite fortunate here in Phoenix to have several great people like Alice and Sheryl Cooper in town,..people who help year round with giving people a helping hand or a needed job, some food, clothing or just a place to go to get out of the heat/cold or rain.
 
So, while I'm drooling over Johnny Depp this Saturday night, I will also be feeling a sense of extreme gratitude for all the Solid Rock Foundation has done and continues to do on a day to day basis!
 
 
 
 
Until Next Time,
Peace, Love and Solid Rock!
Cheers,
~Shel~

Trends

 
 
Had so much fun hanging with Mike's sister and hubby yesterday, sharing travel stories, laughing and drinking the most yummy Prickly Pear Margaritas on the planet!
 
Sara was trying to pin us down on a date for a Hawaiian vacation with them. Her and Roger are a blast to hang out with, but I'm just curious,...do you see a trend here?
 
 
 
Yeah, me too! LOL!
 
 
 
Now I'm off to go hang with my sis for the day,
listen to my nephew play some great tunes 
and get heckled by my bro-in-law.
 
This is why family is so much fun!
 
Have a fantastic Sunday everyone!
 
Until Next Time,
Peace, Love and Fun Family Times!
Cheers,
~Shel~

And The Winner Is,....

Random number selector chose #15 and that's Linda Y!
 
Congrats! 
 
 
 
 
Email me your address and I'll get these cuties popped in the mail to you this coming week!! 
 
I hope everyone enjoyed shopping all the great handmade goodness over at the Artisan Whimsy site this past week - I know I did!
 
 
 
Today I'm pricing all my jewelry and boxing it up to take down to my sister's house for our Holiday Jewelry Boutique we're having on Sunday from 11:00a.m. to 3:00p.m. If you're in or around central Arizona, please stop by. 
 
MiShel Designs - Sneak Peak Jewelry Pics!
 
 
This afternoon we get to meet up with Mike's sister and her hubby. They're connecting through Phoenix on their way back home from vacation and have quite a long layover, so we're taking them out to eat. We can't wait to see them!
 
Siblings will be Siblings!
Summer 2011 - Kansas. 
 
 
It's going to be a very full and fun filled weekend - I just love it!
 
What do you have going on this weekend?  Holiday Parties?
 
Decorating? (I still have that to do!)
 
photo credit: Marsha Hindman

Of course, my sister's house is all decorated so it will look fantastic for the show tomorrow!! 
(I swear, she really is wonder woman!)
 
Until Next Time,
Peace, Love and Fun Weekends!!
Cheers,
~Shel~