From Twitter 07-30-2010

14:55:20: Meat loaf, fresh cooked green beans, mashed potatoes and coconut cream pie for lunch today at Classic Cafe. What about you?
14:56:30: RT @OnFire4Handmade: RT @GlassRiverJewel: #FollowFriday @mattsmom15 @vabeachquilter @OnFire4Handmade @TheGiftShopHM @JOYfulDsign
14:56:41: RT @OnFire4Handmade: RT @SisterJewelry: #FollowFriday @OliveEweDesigns @vibatv @mygemi28 @OnFire4Handmade @MyHelpingHands @iGotNewBeats
14:56:52: RT @OnFire4Handmade: RT @Less10ShopsonAF: #FF @JudysDesigns @BernaVig @PinkGlassPalace @ttotshop @NeedlesAndKims @ByTheWay2 @saleawayscabana
17:10:04: Artfire spotlight shop: Designed by Audrey: a gorgeous collection of handmade jewelry: http://ow.ly/2hsYH
19:00:32: Featured Shop: Jewelz_Creatives: a fabulous assortment of catnip toys for the cat lover: http://ow.ly/2glvY

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 07-29-2010

17:10:04: Artfire spotlight shop: Designed by Audrey: a gorgeous collection of handmade jewelry: http://ow.ly/2hsXv
19:00:23: Featured Shop: Jewelz_Creatives: a fabulous assortment of catnip toys for the cat lover: http://ow.ly/2glvG

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 07-28-2010

17:10:04: Artfire spotlight shop: Designed by Audrey: a gorgeous collection of handmade jewelry: http://ow.ly/2hsUm
19:00:23: Featured Shop: Jewelz_Creatives: a fabulous assortment of catnip toys for the cat lover: http://ow.ly/2glvn

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 07-27-2010

19:00:21: Featured Shop: Jewelz_Creatives: a fabulous assortment of catnip toys for the cat lover: http://ow.ly/2glv8
19:50:03: Spotlight shop: spiral. A fabulous variety of items for sale and a coupon for $5 off during Xmas in July. http://ow.ly/2datg #artfire

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

Artfire: 3 new pens in my shop

I managed to get three new pens turned over the weekend for my Artfire shop. 

Artfire: Featured Shop: Jewelz_Creatives

This week's featured shop is Jewelz_Creatives.  She's got a great selection of handmade catnip toys for your favorite addict.

http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--90000--72593_product_903017943_thumb_large.jpg
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=1543227

Tue
http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--90000--72593_product_10230125_thumb_large.jpg
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=1629031

Wed
http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--90000--72593_product_361382384_thumb_large.jpg
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=1648807

From Twitter 07-26-2010

18:55:05: Featured Shop: Jewelz_Creatives: a fabulous assortment of catnip toys for the cat lover: http://ow.ly/2gluM
19:50:04: Spotlight shop: spiral. A fabulous variety of items for sale and a coupon for $5 off during Xmas in July. http://ow.ly/2dat1 #artfire

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

Lunching out: Valdo's Seafood House

What I had:

Fried Combination platter (Shrimp and fish).  Iced Tea.

What it cost:

$13

Reactions

The fried fish and shrimp were pretty good.  A nice light batter on the fish, and a good crunchy one on the shrimp.  The fries tasted frozen and weren't that great.  The cole slaw was interesting.  It had a bit of fruity flavor along with the cabbage.  The bread, served as a whole round on the side, was just okay.

Overall, this is worth going back to.

Weekend update

Friday

Aikido

Saturday

Bike ride 5.7 mi with K.  We encountered several groups of bike riders along our route.  All of them going in the opposite direction.
Blueberry muffins
Aikido
Durango's
D&D

Sunday

Banana's Foster French Toast:  failed at the recipe.  Used a mixer instead of a fork to combine some ingredients and it came out as too much of a liquid.  Discovered our rum no longer has any alcohol in it: it wouldn't flambe.

Mowed and edge my part of the lawn.  My eyes have developed a reaction to the dust of grass, I think.

In the shop to turn some pens.  Managed 3 successes out of 6 tries.  3 blowouts on attempts at El Grande styles of pens.  One blowout each in : Figured Mesquite, Box Elder Burl and Amboyna Burl.

Pizza for dinner
Tried to rest my eyes.  Went to sleep with a cool compress over them.

Aikido Saturday Afternoon - 07/24/10

Aikidokas: Tim, Brad, Troy, Dan, and Brent.

Ukemi: I got  a partial warm-up set in.  The bike bruise is still making its presence felt.  I mainly help Brent work on his rolls.  He had some moments of discovery, but I'm still struggling with how to help him roll better.

The Walk: Twice. 

Releases: Worked with Dan and Brent.  I'd tori for both of them, then uke for both of them and then have them uke for each other.  We got through the 4th release.

Techniques:

I had both Dan and Brent run through the punch the dummy drill for a little bit.  Dan did ok.  Brent still needs a little more intent.

The three of us did a little sideline learning as Troy was working on Ushiro-ate.  He did fairly well.  Then I jumped in and uked for him.  On one repitition, he did not deflect me quite enough and my palm glanced off the top of his forehead.  Thet's the first time, that I can recall, that I've hit someone with an attach on Ushiro.  I'm glad he deflected my hand partially, or he would have had a bloody nose.

Aftermath: None of note.

Aikido Friday Night - 07/23/10

Aikidokas: Tim, Troy and Dan.

Ukemi: I got  full warm-up set in, no big falls.  The bike bruise is still making its presence felt.

The Walk: Twice. 

Releases: Worked with Dan.

Techniques:

Troy went through 1-5, right-sided.  Working with someone my size threw him off a bit.  He did manage to adjust for most of the techniques.  We need to get him some work on left-sided in order to get ready for his belt demonstration.

Aftermath: None of note.

From Twitter 07-25-2010

19:50:02: Spotlight shop: spiral. A fabulous variety of items for sale and a coupon for $5 off during Xmas in July. http://ow.ly/2dasV #artfire
20:05:03: Featured Shop: Designed by Audrey. A wide variety of jewelry: bracelets, earrings, necklaces and bookmarks. http://ow.ly/2daE4

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 07-24-2010

08:37:18: Grape jelly is gelling. My apologies to the folks hoping for an alcoholic jamboree!
08:38:24: Another bike ride this morning. We got passed by several biking clubs going the opposite directions a high rates of speed.
13:26:58: Last day for my Christmas in July Sale. Coupon Code : JICODT. Come see my pens! Wands will be added soon! http://ow.ly/2g58A
18:35:02: Christmas in July Sale in my artfire shop: http://ow.ly/28YbB . Use coupon code JICODT at checkout for 15% off. Valid 7/12-7/25 #artfire
19:50:02: Spotlight shop: spiral. A fabulous variety of items for sale and a coupon for $5 off during Xmas in July. http://ow.ly/2dasH #artfire
20:05:03: Featured Shop: Designed by Audrey. A wide variety of jewelry: bracelets, earrings, necklaces and bookmarks. http://ow.ly/2daDJ

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 07-23-2010

18:35:03: Christmas in July Sale in my artfire shop: http://ow.ly/28Ybu . Use coupon code JICODT at checkout for 15% off. Valid 7/12-7/25 #artfire
19:45:06: Guild featured shop: spiral a fabulous variety of items for sale and a coupon for $5 off during Xmas in July. http://ow.ly/2daoJ #artfire
19:50:02: Spotlight shop: spiral. A fabulous variety of items for sale and a coupon for $5 off during Xmas in July. http://ow.ly/2dasA #artfire
20:05:05: Featured Shop: Designed by Audrey. A wide variety of jewelry: bracelets, earrings, necklaces and bookmarks. http://ow.ly/2daDt

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 07-22-2010

18:35:03: Christmas in July Sale in my artfire shop: http://ow.ly/28Ybd . Use coupon code JICODT at checkout for 15% off. Valid 7/12-7/25 #artfire
19:50:04: Spotlight shop: spiral. A fabulous variety of items for sale and a coupon for $5 off during Xmas in July. http://ow.ly/2dasr #artfire
20:05:03: Featured Shop: Designed by Audrey. A wide variety of jewelry: bracelets, earrings, necklaces and bookmarks. http://ow.ly/2daD3 #artfire
20:41:21: 12 jars of grape jelly made from homegrown grapes. Now we wait to see if they will gel or stay a liquid concoction.

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 07-21-2010

18:35:04: Christmas in July Sale in my artfire shop: http://ow.ly/28Yb0 . Use coupon code JICODT at checkout for 15% off. Valid 7/12-7/25 #artfire
19:50:03: Spotlight shop: spiral. A fabulous variety of items for sale and a coupon for $5 off during Xmas in July. http://ow.ly/2darY #artfire
20:05:06: Featured Shop: Designed by Audrey. A wide variety of jewelry: bracelets, earrings, necklaces and bookmarks. http://ow.ly/2daCu

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

Weekend update

Friday

Aikido

Saturday

Blueberry muffins
Bike ride with K.
Aborted aikido class - no students
Grilled out dinner with the in-laws
Took the aquarium, sand and light hood over to KF's
Stopped by Durango's for snacks and drinks
Saw Sorcerer's Apprentice in the theatre

Sunday

French Toast for breakfast
Long nap
Mowed the lawn
Did some pen turning

From Twitter 07-20-2010

01:00:09: onpensandneedles is this week's Spotlight. 15% off purchase over $10 with coupon OPN for Xmas in July http://ow.ly/2avd9 #artfire #tdocij
18:35:04: Christmas in July Sale in my artfire shop: http://ow.ly/28YaT . Use coupon code JICODT at checkout for 15% off. Valid 7/12-7/25 #artfire
20:05:05: Featured Shop: Designed by Audrey. A wide variety of jewelry: bracelets, earrings, necklaces and bookmarks. http://ow.ly/2daC2 #artfire

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 07-19-2010

18:35:04: Christmas in July Sale in my artfire shop: http://ow.ly/28YaH . Use coupon code JICODT at checkout for 15% off. Valid 7/12-7/25 #artfire
19:10:05: onpensandneedles is this week's Spotlight. 15% off purchase over $10 with coupon OPN for Xmas in July http://ow.ly/2avck #artfire #tdocij
20:05:04: Featured Shop: Designed by Audrey. A wide variety of jewelry: bracelets, earrings, necklaces and bookmarks. http://ow.ly/2daBF #artfire

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 07-18-2010

18:35:02: Christmas in July Sale in my artfire shop: http://ow.ly/28Yaw . Use coupon code JICODT at checkout for 15% off. Valid 7/12-7/25 #artfire
19:10:13: onpensandneedles is this week's Spotlight. 15% off purchase over $10 with coupon OPN for Xmas in July http://ow.ly/2avbZ #artfire #tdocij
19:24:53: 3 pens attempted on turning today. 1 failed early. I failed on assembly of one of the remaining two. The one success turned out nicely.

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

Artfire: Featured Shop: Designed by Audrey

A nice collection of jewelry: bracelets, earrings, and necklaces.  She's also got bookmarks and keychains.

Check her out here.

Aikido Saturday Afternoon - 07/17/10

Aikidokas:  Tim and I.  So, we called the class due off.

Lunching out: Alpine Brauhaus

I've eaten lunch at Alpine twice over the past two weeks.  They've been open about 10 days at this point.

This first week I had the weinerschnitzel, and it's just like I remember from the last time they were open, about 2 years ago.


This past Friday, K. joined me for lunch.  She had the Hungarian Goulash and I had the Bratwurst.  K said the Goulash was a little different from what it used to be, but enjoyed it.  The Bratwurst was good, as were the red cabbage, sauerkraut and potato salad.

We got out of there for about $20 without tip.

We'll be going back.

Lunching out: The Egg and I

I ate out at the Egg and I on Bay Area a couple of weeks ago for lunch.  I had a French Toast platter with bacon, eggs and hash browns.  The French toast seemed like it might have been actually prepared on site.  Everything else was pretty good.  I think I managed to get out of there for less than $10.

The decor was an attempt at country charm, but ended up being pretty sterile.

I think I'd end up going to Jimmy's Egg instead of here, just because of the distance to get to esach one.  However, when our offices move, I'd probably end up going to the Egg and I as it will be closer.

From Twitter 07-17-2010

07:40:06: Another 5 mile bike today, this time with my wife. No falls, so my bike bruise stays unexacerbated.
07:40:50: Blueberry muffins mixed and in the oven. 30 minutes until berrylicious goodness is on the table.
18:35:02: Christmas in July Sale in my artfire shop: http://ow.ly/28Yai . Use coupon code JICODT at checkout for 15% off. Valid 7/12-7/25 #artfire
19:10:03: onpensandneedles is this week's Spotlight. 15% off purchase over $10 with coupon OPN for Xmas in July http://ow.ly/2avbK #artfire #tdocij
19:49:40: 6 attempted pens/pencils. 2 successful. A Cabrara pen and a Slimline pen ready for their pictures.
20:40:03: Artfire Featured Shop this week: Spiral. Gorgeous jewelry! Check her out at: http://ow.ly/29XDM

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

Aikido Friday Night - 07/16/10

Aikidokas: Tim, Trey, Brad, Sal, and Troy.  Tim was kind of on the sidelines watching, sometimes on the mat instructing.

Ukemi: I got  full warm-up set in, no big falls.  The bike bruise is noticeable if I'm just a little off.

The Walk: Twice. 

Releases: Worked with Troy and Sal.

Techniques:

I worked with Brad.  We spent the night on right-sided Hiki taoshi.  Started out with just the first off-balance and ended with the complete technique including the arm bar.  It went pretty well.  Next up is the left side for this technique and then Ude hineri.  I think that might be a bit of a challenge.

Trey wanted me to uke, at the end of class, for some Waki gatame variants.

Aftermath: The bike bruise got a little aggravated.  And I had a splitting headache at the end of class.

From Twitter 07-16-2010

18:35:04: Christmas in July Sale in my artfire shop: http://ow.ly/28Yab . Use coupon code JICODT at checkout for 15% off. Valid 7/12-7/25 #artfire
18:35:05: Christmas in July Sale in my artfire shop: http://ow.ly/28Y9Z . Use coupon code JICODT at checkout for 15% off. Valid 7/12-7/25 #artfire
20:40:03: Artfire Featured Shop this week: Spiral. Gorgeous jewelry! Check her out at: http://ow.ly/29XDe

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 07-15-2010

18:35:03: Christmas in July Sale in my artfire shop: http://ow.ly/28Y9M . Use coupon code JICODT at checkout for 15% off. Valid 7/12-7/25 #artfire
19:10:05: onpensandneedles is this week's Spotlight. 15% off purchase over $10 with coupon OPN for Xmas in July http://ow.ly/2avbv #artfire #tdocij
20:40:02: Artfire Featured Shop this week: Spiral. Gorgeous jewelry! Check her out at: http://ow.ly/29XCK

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

Life with dogs

We've had a couple of sympathy inducing incidents with the boys over the past couple of days.

One

Tuesday night, Ella (our newest kitten) was lying on the floor of the family room, situated such that she was within threatening distance of any trying to leave the room to go elsewhere.  Tank wanted to leave the room to go to the front of the house to wait for K. to come home from work.  I spotted him, after a little bit, near Ella but out of reach.  He didn't move, and he looked at me when I got up, so I went over and stood next to Ella so that she would have to go through me to swipe at Tank when he walked by.  Tank quickly walked by me, out of the room, and into the front of the house.

Two

Yesterday, I got home from work and discovered Tank trapped in the closet of our bedroom.  I, at first, thought that K. had accidentally left him in there.  We discussed it later in the day and realized that we'd lost power in the house sometime during the day.  Losing power sets off the beeper on the UPS on my computer.

Tank hates/is frightened by beepers.

We think the power went off, he scurried into the closet in order to get away from the horrible beeping noise, barely squeezing through the gap in the door (it's a pocket door so it doesn't swing open when pushed).  Then, after the beeping had stopped, he was not panicked enough to attempt to squeeze his way out again.

Three

Jack is frightened by remote controls.  When we're sitting down watching TV, he makes certain that there are no remotes nearby when he comes and sits next to you.  He'll get up and walk to you, but he won't curl up until you've moved the remote.

Last night, he was sitting on the couch with the remote a reasonable distance away.  Somehow the cover we have on the couch moved and disturbed the position of the remote.  It slowly slid down the arm of the couch, getting far too close for Jack's comfort.  He promptly stood up, did a 360 spin and did a giant leap to the back of the couch.  He stood there, staring at the remote until we came and rescued him.

From Twitter 07-14-2010

18:35:09: Christmas in July Sale in my artfire shop: http://ow.ly/28Y9v . Use coupon code JICODT at checkout for 15% off. Valid 7/12-7/25 #artfire
19:10:05: onpensandneedles is this week's Spotlight. 15% off purchase over $10 with coupon OPN for Xmas in July http://ow.ly/2avak #artfire #tdocij
20:40:09: Artfire Featured Shop this week: Spiral. Gorgeous jewelry! Check her out at: http://ow.ly/29XCr
20:41:45: It's pretty sad when your dog wants you to be a bodyguard so he can walk past one of the cats. The poor guy.

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 07-13-2010

10:10:29: Artfire: Spotlight shop: Swirl Jewels. A gorgeous Kingman turquoise bracelet with a dragonfly clasp: http://ow.ly/26POE
18:35:05: Christmas in July Sale in my artfire shop: http://ow.ly/28Y9o . Use coupon code JICODT at checkout for 15% off. Valid 7/12-7/25 #artfire
19:54:48: Two new artists for the Art Show: Rocky Kelley and Ashen Gray! #armadillocon
20:40:03: Artfire Featured Shop this week: Spiral. Gorgeous jewelry! Check her out at: http://ow.ly/29XC4

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 07-12-2010

10:10:13: Artfire: Spotlight shop: Swirl Jewels. A gorgeous Kingman turquoise bracelet with a dragonfly clasp: http://ow.ly/26PO4
18:35:05: Christmas in July Sale in my artfire shop: http://ow.ly/28Y99 . Use coupon code JICODT at checkout for 15% off. Valid 7/12-7/25 #artfire
20:40:04: Artfire Featured Shop this week: Spiral. Gorgeous jewelry! Check her out at: http://ow.ly/29XBw

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

Artfire: Christmas in July 7/12-7/24

Yes, it's a long way from December.  However, it will be upon us before we know it.  Artfire, the handmade craft site of which I am a member, is encouragin everyone to think about it now, so you won't be rushed later on.

There are a number of shop that are having sales, special deals, etc. for the next two weeks.  My shop is having a 15% off sale when you use the coupon JICODT at checkout.

To see all of the items involved in this event, click here.  Here are a couple of items featured during Twelve Days of Christmas in July:

Artfire: Featured Shop: Spiral

This week's featured shop on Artfire is Spiral.  She does some really nice wound jewelry.

Weekend update

Friday

Aikido

Saturday

Blueberry muffins
Worked on the bike: made a rail for the back on which to place 3 taillights for visibility

Took a bike ride with helmet, shoes, light rail, etc.  I had my first wreck on the bike.  I was coming to a stop sign and could not get my feet out of the pedals.  With no momentum and no way to place my feet down, I fell over.  I landed firmly on my butt.  Luckily, nothing else was damaged.  I think the handle bar got a little scratch, but that's it.  It did take me a few minutes to get back up on the bike again.

Aikido
Dinner at Durango's
D&D  Well, we were supposed to, but the quorum vanished, so we didn't play

Sunday

Up at 5:30 am to go blueberry picking.  We managed 22 lbs in about 1.5 hours.  Then up to Conroe to get peaches.
Nap
Worked on preparing blanks for turning them into pens.
Grilled out T-Bones for dinner.
Started reading Julie & Julia.

Aikido Saturday Afternoon - 07/10/10

Aikidokas: Tim, Trey, Brad, and Troy.  We also had a visitor watching for a bit of the session.

Ukemi: I got to do a full warm-up, as none of the folks needing constant supervision were on the mat this afternoon.

The Walk: Twice. 

Releases: Worked with Brad

Techniques:

I worked with Brad on: Oshi-taoshi,  Ude-gaeshi, and Hiki-taoshi.  He did really well on #6 and #7.  We spent some time working on the footwork on #7 to be able to keep up with me as I'm falling.  We want to make certain that tori keeps up with the falling uke and maintains his balance in the process. A failure on either of those two aspects could mean an issue with uke's arm.

We worked on the entry for #8.  It's the first outside butterfly in Ju Nana.  Actually, the first *any* butterfly in Ju Nana.  And it takes a bit of getting used to.

Aftermath: As a result of my fall off my bike earlier in the day, my butt was sore.  It made taking back falls an experience in pain.

Aikido Friday Night - 07/09/10

Aikidokas: Tim, Sal, Troy and Dan.  Tim was kind of on the sidelines watching, sometimes on the mat instructing..

Ukemi: I spent a bunch of time with Dan on his rolls.  I got a light bit of ukemi warm-up in.

The Walk: Twice. 

Releases: Worked with Dan while Tim worked with Troy and Sal.

Techniques:

I worked with Dan.  First with the Strike-the-Dummy drill and then exploring the entry for Shomen-ate.

Aftermath: None of note. 

From Twitter 07-11-2010

10:10:05: Artfire: Spotlight shop: Swirl Jewels. A gorgeous Kingman turquoise bracelet with a dragonfly clasp: http://ow.ly/26PNR
10:20:03: Artfire: Featured Shop: I'm featuring: On Pens and Needles: fabric work and woodturning: check them out here: http://ow.ly/26PSR
10:20:03: My item of the week: bottle stopper turned out of Madrone Burl. Help it find a home! http://ow.ly/26PVu
18:35:02: Christmas in July Sale in my artfire shop: http://ow.ly/28Y8W . Use coupon code JICODT at checkout for 15% off. Valid 7/12-7/25 #artfire

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 07-10-2010

10:10:08: Artfire: Spotlight shop: Swirl Jewels. A gorgeous Kingman turquoise bracelet with a dragonfly clasp: http://ow.ly/26PNC
10:20:05: My item of the week: bottle stopper turned out of Madrone Burl. Help it find a home! http://ow.ly/26PVm
10:20:05: Artfire: Featured Shop: I'm featuring: On Pens and Needles: fabric work and woodturning: check them out here: http://ow.ly/26PTp
18:35:04: Christmas in July Sale in my artfire shop: http://ow.ly/28Y8I . Use coupon code JICODT at checkout for 15% off. Valid 7/12-7/25 #artfire

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 07-09-2010

10:10:12: Artfire: Spotlight shop: Swirl Jewels. A gorgeous Kingman turquoise bracelet with a dragonfly clasp: http://ow.ly/26PNo
10:15:21: Artfire: Featured Shop: I'm featuring: On Pens and Needles: fabric work and woodturning: check them out here: http://ow.ly/26PSH
10:20:11: My item of the week: bottle stopper turned out of Madrone Burl. Help it find a home! http://ow.ly/26PV3
13:20:54: Alpine Brauhaus has reopened after being closed for a number of years.German food available locally again! #webster #houston
18:35:03: Christmas in July Sale in my artfire shop: http://ow.ly/28Y8k . Use coupon code JICODT at checkout for 15% off. Valid 7/12-7/25 #artfire

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 07-08-2010

10:10:12: Artfire: Spotlight shop: Swirl Jewels. A gorgeous Kingman turquoise bracelet with a dragonfly clasp: http://ow.ly/26PMN
10:15:10: Artfire: Featured Shop: I'm featuring: On Pens and Needles: fabric work and woodturning: check them out here: http://ow.ly/26PSw
18:25:50: RT @ZahnerPhoto @AFPounce http://zahnerphoto.artfire.com/ #AFPOUNCE
18:26:59: Featured artists for @TDOCIJ sale on @artfire @dianesdangles @gingerbellsgifts @flameflycreations @grammieskraftykabana http://bit.ly/9XVNLb
18:30:02: Christmas in July Sale in my artfire shop: http://ow.ly/28Y56 . Use coupon code JICODT at checkout for 15% off. Valid 7/12-7/25 #artfire

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

My first craft fair

A couple of weeks ago, I bit the bullet and paid for booth space for a craft fair this past weekend.  The site of the fair was Friendswood's 4th of July celebration, but on the 5th of July, as the 4th was a Sunday.  I chose this event because it was very close to home, reasonably priced, and I had decent hopes of a crowd that would have some spending cash.

It was supposed to be in the park, under trees and away from cement.  However, massive rains flooded the park.  They had to play it safe in the event that it did not dry in time and moved it to a nearby parking lot.

I borrowed a pop-up shelter from work to use to keep us out of the sun's rays and packed it in the truck for set-up.

We got up at 5:45 Monday morning, grabbed breakfast, and got the last few items packed into the truck.  We made it to the site around 7:30 after a short 2 mile drive.  We were early compared to most vendors, and I expected we would be, but it made for a leisurely set up.  We were able to get our area set up and then help a number of other vendors get their shelters set up as well.

Crowds were sparse until after the parade ended, around 10:45.  Actually, crowds were sparse all day.  We had two sales, before noon, and that's it. 

The heat really picked up around 1 pm and K and I partially dozed during parts of the afternoon because of it.  We were under the shade of the shelter all day, but I still managed to pick up a decent sunburn.  No pain, and it's pretty much faded into tan already, but it was still amazing.

The band shut down around 3 pm, and then vendors did not wait much longer.  No one else was still around.

We got everything packed up in about 20 minutes, helped a couple of folks take down their shelters and then headed home.  A quick, cool shower revived me a little.

We might do this again next year, since the fireworks and parade will be on the same day, and that will get more folks out to check out the vendors, I hope.

We did not make back the cost of the booth, but a number of folks took business cards.  I hope they take a look at my artfire site and decide there's something without which they can not survive.

From Twitter 07-07-2010

10:15:08: Artfire: Featured Shop: I'm featuring: On Pens and Needles: fabric work and woodturning: check them out here: http://ow.ly/26PSj
10:20:12: My item of the week: bottle stopper turned out of Madrone Burl. Help it find a home! http://ow.ly/26PUZ

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 07-06-2010

08:40:10: Artfire: Spotlight shop: Designed by Audrey: Crystal teardrop earrings: http://ow.ly/23O3j
10:15:05: Artfire: Featured Shop: I'm featuring: On Pens and Needles: fabric work and woodturning: check them out here: http://ow.ly/26PS9
10:20:07: My item of the week: bottle stopper turned out of Madrone Burl. Help it find a home! http://ow.ly/26PUN

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

Artfire: Featured Shop: Guild Free for All

This week we're having a guild "free for all". An item was chosen from some of our shops to be shared with you this week.



Each picture has a number and the coordinating shop, with a working link, is posted below.

1.  On Pens and Needles

2.  Swirl Jewels

3.  Haunted Willow

4.  Always Daddy's Girl

5.  Spiral

6.  Mad Moravian  (that's me!)

7.  VaBeachQuilter

8.  Jewelz Creatives

9.  Designed by Audrey

Check out this month's free giveaway at vabeachquilter's blog!

Weekend update

Friday

No aikido due to rain
Dinner with K, K, and A at Moreno's

Watched "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang"

Saturday

Installed bags on bike
Drained water from sump
Gave away live rock from tank
No aikido because of 4th of July weekend
In the shop to turn for a bit
In-laws grilled out Played cards with the in-laws

Sunday

Drained water from tank
Lunch with family at T-Bone Tom's
Baked Peach Pies
In-laws grilled out

Monday

Up too early to see up the the Friendswood 4th of July craft fair
Hours and hours in the heat not selling much

In-laws grilled out
Re-watched "Wanted"

From Twitter 07-05-2010

07:57:00: Booth set up. Still hours til parade's over and buyers appear.
08:40:04: Artfire: Spotlight shop: Designed by Audrey: Crystal teardrop earrings: http://ow.ly/23O2X
10:10:04: Artfire: Featured Shop: I'm featuring: On Pens and Needles: fabric work and woodturning: check them out here: http://ow.ly/26PR6
10:20:03: My item of the week: bottle stopper turned out of Madrone Burl. Help it find a home! http://ow.ly/26PUk
17:32:35: Craft fair over. Poorly attended. 105 degree heat index. Sunburn while under a shelter all day. Two sales.

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 07-04-2010

08:30:06: Featured shop: Designing Rose: Watercolors, necklaces, rings, anklets, and supplies. Check this out: http://ow.ly/23NVs
08:35:05: Artfire: Spotlight shop: Designed by Audrey: Crystal teardrop earrings: http://ow.ly/23O2H
09:49:03: You know it's a bad sign when your dog is afraid of the sound of tennis balls being batted back and forth. Fireworks are much worse.

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 07-03-2010

08:25:04: Featured shop: Designing Rose: Watercolors, necklaces, rings, anklets, and supplies. Check this out: http://ow.ly/23NVb
08:35:03: Artfire: Spotlight shop: Designed by Audrey: Crystal teardrop earrings: http://ow.ly/23O2o
08:45:14: Heavy rains cancelled aikido last night. No aikido today because of 4th of July weekend.
08:48:29: Blueberry muffins again for breakfast. I love blueberry season!
12:20:32: Sump emptied, tank mostly scraped. Live rock on its way to a new home. Now willing to give away the rest of the equipment.
12:21:14: New pedals, panniers, and mirror on bike. Rain falling. No chance to ride.l
12:58:41: Weather service says 1 to 2 inches of rain in the next hour. Wheee!

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 07-02-2010

07:59:20: Took a class on band saw boxes last night. First one turned out ok, but it needs more work. It won't be ready for Monday's craft show.
08:25:06: Featured shop: Designing Rose: Watercolors, necklaces, rings, anklets, and supplies. Check this out: http://ow.ly/23NUP
08:40:05: Artfire: Spotlight shop: Designed by Audrey: Crystal teardrop earrings: http://ow.ly/23O3Z
12:59:55: RT @PaperCakes: going to be having a 40% off everything in shop weekend :)
13:01:10: No aikido tomorrow, so maybe I can spend the day in the shop. After, I hope, sleeping late.
13:02:12: Another 1/2 inch of rain today. Of course, it has to rain as I'm heading out to lunch!

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 07-01-2010

07:33:01: Welcome to July and the second half of the year. Anyone done with their Christmas shopping yet?
08:25:06: Featured shop: Designing Rose: Watercolors, necklaces, rings, anklets, and supplies. Check this out: http://ow.ly/23NUp
08:35:03: Artfire: Spotlight shop: Designed by Audrey: Crystal teardrop earrings: http://ow.ly/23O28
16:32:01: Panniers for my bike arrived. Gotta get them installed and try out the entire setup on a bike ride on Saturday, if I can. Need to...

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 06-30-2010

08:25:07: Featured shop: Designing Rose: Watercolors, necklaces, rings, anklets, and supplies. Check this out: http://ow.ly/23NTO
08:35:04: Artfire: Spotlight shop: Designed by Audrey: Crystal teardrop earrings: http://ow.ly/23O1m
08:50:58: Alex is making his presence felt. We're several hundred miles away so we're just getting rain, nothing stormy. #hurricane

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com