Barry Manilow at the Paris Hotel!

Went to see Barry Manilow at the Paris last weekend as a last minute call from a friend who got tickets on House seats. The tickets were for the 5th row! (Thanks House seats!) And the seats were awesome! Barry became popular when I was just starting out as a teenager, so it was fun to sing along with him. Imagine that, singing with Barry Manilow live!!!

The show was really classy with some special touches on the costumes and stage props.  In the 5th row, it was like magic being so up close to him. I thoroughly enjoyed the show and highly recommend you go see him at the Paris Hotel.  Thanks Colleen for asking me along with your friends. Ardith and Sally were fun ladies to hang out with.

Faux Bone Leather Bracelet!

Another new class for me......cutting faux bone and attaching to leather. Took me about 2 hours to cut the music note because I had to pick out the hardest focal piece.  Why???

The stamping, coloring, and riveting the leather were refreshers for me which I needed.  I like working with the leather, but I have to say, I don't think faux bone is for me. Learning new techniques is the way to stepping outside your comfort zone, so I'm glad I did it.  The company of my friends is also a benefit of the classes and I met a new lady, Carol.  Thanks Colleen for another fun class.

Leather key chains

Recently I took a leather key chain class and loved working with leather.  Leather classes are ones I haven't taken a lot of, but after this class, it was a nice change.  To step out of the box and try something different can be fun as well as a little intimidating.  I learned a lot about working with leather and teacher, Colleen, always makes our classes fun........in many ways!  I made 3 key chains in class (imagine that....I finished a project in class), and 2 of them are pictured here.  The 3rd one was a birthday gift to my brother.  It was of an eagle with his initials on it.  I think they all turned out pretty good.  Super fun and super gift ideas.  You can make great gifts for guys with this leather key chain. Thanks Colleen for another fun class!

the new Nook....go get one!

the new Nook

comparison of the new Nook & a regular paperback

This week I was in Barnes & Noble to look at the new Nook.  I got sold on it while talking to another lady there who was also looking to buy one. She said she had been looking around for an e-reader for the last year.  I had been debating for a while between the Nook and the Kindle.....but I have to say, the new Nook is the one to go for because.....
 - it's smaller and lighter
 - extra long battery life keeps you unplugged for weeks
 - has the e-ink pearl display
 - you can share ebooks with friends
 - access to magazines and newspapers
 - sample books before you buy
 - customer service is a real person you can go to at B&N stores

So start your summer reading with the new Nook.  You won't be disappointed!

Happy Birthday Neil!

Today is my brother's birthday.  He is my younger brother.  He lives in the Phoenix area and has for about the last 10 years. So we haven't seen each other regularly, but with Skype it helps a lot.  I wish him much happiness, laughter, and peace.  Enjoy your day Neil.  Happy Birthday!!!

Copper Cuff class......fun, fun, fun!

Made a copper cuff today and I might say myself it turned out pretty good.  I never took a copper cuff class before, so it was fun to learn about the process. Not too bad for my first time.  It was a small class of 3 ladies and it was lots of fun.  As I look at my new cuff more and more, I really, really love it.  I'm going to show it off tomorrow at work.  Thanks Colleen for another fun class!  Good seeing you Winston and nice to meet a new student, Sharon.

Brendan's on to high school!

Two days ago my nephew, Brendan, graduated (using this word as I gotta make him feel grown up) from middle school (so to say.....in Phoenix they attend K thru 8th grade).  It was a momentous time since he's been at that school for many years. He got to spend the day with both his parents.  I know that meant a lot to him. Now on to high school in the fall and making that big leap into young adulthood.......Whoo hoo!  (Ah yes, can we remember our freshman year in high school????)  Congratulations Bren!