catch up!

I have been away on the mainland for my niece's graduation party - and of course am hopelessly behind in my answering emails and blogging! Jennifer is now Dr. Rasmussen, MD...her specialty is neurology and she will be doing her residency in San Antonio, Texas. (which is coincidentally -hah!- where her mother and dad live). My sister Marianne and brother-in-law Frank gave her a fabulous party in Las Vegas. Lots and lots of family and friends came, including my son Vincent, and we had a blast! here are a few photos:

Queen Marianne and Princess Izzy

Frank and Izzy's mom, Brittany

Vincent and his Godchild, Maggie ( Jennifer and Jim's baby)

Great grandpa (my dad) and Izzy.

My aunts and uncles and the honoree Jennifer

The babies playing with Las Vegas in the background....
Art wise, I have been working mostly on gifts for family and an upcoming niece's wedding, and a few new necklaces.....I will post some pics as soon as something is finished...too much to do!
Healing Tree Doll beginnings...so much for finishing a gift for Jen!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO ME!

...just look at the blues in that ocean!
May 17th was my 22nd Wedding Anniversary. My dear husband Lance brought me my favorite breakfast (poached eggs on toast) in bed and lots and lots of awesome presents! After i was up and dressed we spent the morning at the beach....a gorgeous day at Kealia. Then we came home and I worked on projects and we watched a movie and then he made a marvelous dinner of steak and lobster. It was a fantabulous, perfect day. I sure do LOVE MY MAN!
Lance and I...

a natural rocking chair....

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

This was my wonderful dinner last night - pre mothers day. Blackened local opah fish with sauteed peppers, onions and mushrooms. yummy.

this morning my dear husband gave me breakfast in bed - poached eggs on toast with fresh strawberries, pineapple and oranges in orange/raspberry sauce. my favorite!
...and here are 18 roses!
I had wonderful chats with both of my boys and with grand baby Hana....and it helped that today was a beautiful day (weatherwise) on Kauai.

"My best Friend" Photo Ragdolls

I have put the jewelry making aside and am trying to catch up and complete started but neglected projects.
I finally finished the "My Best Friend" photo ragdolls i promised my grand nieces for Christmas. Hah! Each grandniece gets a doll of her "best friend" (her cousin) along with a tiny doll of Grandma Marianne. (well almost done, the mini grandma dolls still need their hair) On the back of each doll is Grandpa Frank on Dallas Cowboy fleece.

Maggie is on the right, Izzy is on the left

The backs- Grandpa Frank

LOOK WHAT CAME IN THE MAIL!

Recently I traded Dot Christian from Australia some bird beads for a Dotee Bird and egg. Woohoo! am i one happy camper! Dot is famous for her Dotee Dolls, and although I've seen imitations, I had never seen an original before.
I HAD NO IDEA how detailed and fantastic they are! Just look!

That is all teeny tiny hand embroidery and beading. Look at the close up of the egg below:

...and this is from the birds body. those little flowers are each sewn on, and they are itsy bitsy. The whole bird is only about 5 inches across!

aren't those baby stars (in the right corner) just wonderful?
BUT WAIT...there was more - Dot also sent me, as an EXTRA - a DOTEE DOLL!

Isn't she gorgeous?
LOOK AT THE HAND SEWN DETAILS!

Dot also sent me some beautiful postcards with pictures of some of her other artwork.
I am so thrilled and delighted!