Showing posts with label Carefree Arizona. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Carefree Arizona. Show all posts

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~


Get To Class!

Yes, it's about time for school to start.
At least it is here in AZ - August 3rd for some folks.
Seems a tad bit too early doesn't?  

Anyhoo,....while the kiddos will be hearing "Get to Class!" you can get to class too - at Creative U

Creative Fun!


Time to take advantage of the great prices they have on their super creative classes and learn a new technique or perfect an old one!

So True,...So True!


The instructors have a way of sharing their knowledge in a fun and exciting atmosphere that is sparked with energy yet comfortable and relaxed at the same time - it's a very cool place!

Jen, Denise and Lasso at Creative U


Seriously, you can walk into Creative U and not know a soul and walk out feeling like you just had a great afternoon with your best friends! 


Why not get your feet wet and join me for a fun class on Saturday, August 18th from 2:00p.m. to 5:00p.m. while we smack some metal around, create our own button clasps and tie some cool knots together to create a multi-strand beaded bracelet that is easy and stylish!?!

Knot Your Mom's Beaded Bracelet Class - Creative U - Carefree, Arizona
Saturday, August 18th, 2:00p.m. - 5:00p.m.
Instructor:  Michellle (Shelly) Buettner


Hop on over to the Creative U website by clicking the link here to find out more and sign up.  You'll be very glad you did! 

You can create a bracelet similar to this one!


And, check out all the other great classes coming in August - you won't want to miss these, either!

Knot Your Mom's Beaded Bracelet Class - Creative U


Kathy, Jen and Denise are super and if you have any questions - just call 'em up and chat! 

Shelly Buettner and Jen Hanscom - Creative U - May 2012


Oh, and don't forget to say hello to Lasso!

Lasso says "hi"


Until Next Time,

Peace, Love and Having Fun at Creative U!
  
Cheers,
~Shel~ 

BTW,...

There's a few things on my bead table this Wednesday.

Easy Beading - Volume 8


Kalmbach's Easy Beading Volume 8 arrived on my beading table this week. I've got a pair of Keshi Pearl Dangle Earrings on pages 236-237.  I was very excited to learn this!!

Keshi Pearl Dangle Earrings
by Michelle Buettner


You should see all the very cool projects in this book - oh my!  It's eye-candy central and the various designs are just delish!

Fanciful Devices - Etsy - Tutorial

Then, this past weekend, I got the opportunity to play with the tutorial I ordered from Fanciful Devices over on Etsy. Her Tribal Gypsy Bangle Tutorial.  Wow - how fun are these?!!

My attempt at 'Tribal'


Trust me when I tell you they're addicting to create - seriously!!

My White Pearls Bangles with a little Hootie!


On another note, tomorrow's the last day of school for our son.  Summer will officially be here and I'm so grateful for that.  I'd prefer it not be 114 degrees for the next 4 months, but the rest of the year really rocks when it comes to weather, so I'm not going to complain.  I will tell you that I'm extremely grateful for air-conditioning that works though!!


Arizona Desert


What are your plans for the summer - got anything special going on? Are you traveling, seeing family and friends, hanging out, having BBQ's and enjoying the season? 

Family BBQ at the Cabin


How about your creative side?  Are you crafting, beading, smacking some metal around and playing with fun stuff this summer? 

Painting at Creative U!!

I'm hoping to be teaching a couple of classes over the summer when I'm here in the Valley. 

Words on the Wall at Creative U.
So True,....So True!!

I also want to play with some new materials and create a few fun, new designs.

Front Porch of the Cabin


I'm also going to be visiting with my sister in the mountains at her cabin.

Moon over the Cabin


 I love it up there!  It's so beautiful.
There's inspiration everywhere you look!

Wild Flowers in the Meadow

I hope you're planning on having a wonderful summer, full of creativity, family, friends and all the things you love!

Linking up today with Bead Table Wednesday
over on Flickr - won't you join in the fun?!


Until Next Time,
Peace, Love and Let the Summer Fun Begin!
Cheers,
~Shel~