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Wednesday ~ January 2nd

                      Photo courtesy of Sensitive Light

Happy New Year!  Wishing you all the best this year.  I'm hoping for a fantastic year myself ~ lots of new discoveries & activities are on the horizon. 

I drew the name for the last riddle contest ~ check out who won & what the answer was here.  I won't be adding a new contest this month because I'm going to be gone for a portion, sorry about that, I'll resume the contests at a later date.

I'm off to make beads, have a wonderful week!

Monday ~ January 7th

It's been a slow start for The Bead Tree this year.  To be honest, I had full intentions of making a gazillion beads during the holidays, but it just didn't pan out that way.

Instead, I went on a cleaning rampage, no surface or cupboard was safe!  But it's paid off ~ the stove is spotless (inside & out), the garbage cans are washed, the fish are swimming in clean water, the out of date condiments have left the fridge & out of date clothes, the closet, the floors are shining the bathrooms are twinkling & I have several bags full of items for Goodwill.

And now that everything is polished & put back into it's proper place, my home, which is also my work space, is sparkly & serviceable & I'm ready to start a productive year with no domestic distractions. 

My Yoga teacher said this morning that 2008 is ruled by some Goddess of Peace, I can't remember her name, but it was a nice thing to hear.  Here's to feeling comfortable in our own space & finding peace.

I am off to buy a new camera!  I've decided on the Canon Rebel XTi.  I hope there's at least one left in town, it seems many others have discovered the excellent quality of this camera.

Oh by the way, we looked at guinea pigs, & despite hearing some bad things about them (they stink, squeal, poop all the time), it was almost impossible to resist buying one.  Seriously, I can't believe how cute they are, but I've decided to wait until we give up the aquarium first (which might be the next time we have to clean it out).

My friend, Tricia has started her own business called Belo Sol ~ way to go Tricia!  She sells fashionable Brazilian swimwear & fitness wear & here's the kicker, she actually comes to your home, instead of you having to go to an awful change room at a store.  Check out her website to get more information.

That's the latest around here, we are gearing up for the weekend, Chris & I have a lot of fun activities planned.  Happy Thursday to you.   

Sunday ~ January 13th

All Luxor bead sets now on ebay ~ click on photo to view.

Howdy & happy Sunday!  I just listed some beads on eBay, by the time I'm done today there should be 9 sets up for the taking.  I made the sets with a smaller amount of beads & listed them for only 3 days so I hope everyone that wanted some will get a chance to grab their favorite set(s).  I also added one special heart onto each strand.  You can turn that into a nice pendant if you like.  Here's what my mom made with some of the Luxor beads (Hi Mom!):

The pendant has a lot swarovski crystal dangles that we like to call "frou-frou".  It hangs beautifully on the sterling silver chain & is $75 (SOLD, thank you).  The Luxor bracelet is stunning in person & wonderful to wear.  It's 8 1/4 inches & $200 (SOLD, thank you). 

Tuesday ~ January 15th

            ManuLife Place

Chris & I noodled around downtown on the weekend.  We went for Dim sum, to the library in search of Medieval & Classical music, we went for a drink at our favorite lounge at the Hotel MacDonald & we took pictures of buildings with the canon.  This is a shot of ManuLife Place, which was built in 1983 & was my very favorite building as a kid (no surprise being made entirely out of glass).  I don't know if it would hold up now if I went on an architectural tour of the city, perhaps that's something we'll do this year.  It's fun to rediscover your surroundings & having this new camera is pushing me to do that. 

Thursday ~ January 17th

This was me downtown on the weekend.  I printed off some secret fortunes like "Have a magical day" & "You are special" & planted them in books in the library, in menus at the lounge & in newspapers ~ sneaky fun! 

I've posted the prize for last month's riddle contest here, Fiona chose Hip Harem beads for her collection, go check them out.

As I mentioned yesterday, I'm going to Puerto Valletta, Mexico on Monday.  We are taking a PMC class with Gordon Uyehara & Louise Duhamel.  We're staying on for another 10 days afterwards for a little R & R.  If you've ever been to Puerto Valletta & have any recommendations (restaurants, activities, nearby villages worth visiting... etc.), I would love to hear from you!  Email me at carrie@beadtree.net & give me your thoughts.  Thanks!

Sunday ~ January 20th

                     The Malecon ~ Puerto Vallerta, January 2006

I'm busy packing & getting ready for my trip.  I'll be back in 3 weeks with stories & photos & hopefully I'll be filled with bead inspiration.

I just wanted to mention that I have not sent out any "Second Chance" offers on my auctions, so if you receive an email about that, it's a fake.

Hasta luego amigas!