Reacurring Injury and Adventures in Nowhere

So my thumb is at it again. It's been burting the past couple of days and does not feel like the usual muscle soreness from overuse. I have a large hard bump in the joint area (where the thumb connects to the hand) that feels more like bone than an irritated muscle knot. There's now joint popping and massive stiffness if I don't use my thumb which is usually while I'm sleeping. Our theory is possible Osteoarthritis since I fill all the symptoms but we won't know until I get in to see a doc. Unfortunetely, I won't be able to get in and get this all examined, x-rayed, etc until after we come back from the UK so I have to wait.

I'm thinking of getting some glucosamine and chondroitin and seeing if that helps (I hear they are good for joint and cartilage assistance)...along with more first aid waterproof tape. My thumb seems to do better when I tape it up and keep most of it imobilized.

So again, my jewelry projects are delayed however, I will be working on some beaded chokers while on the plane since they do not require a lot of heavy duty hand work. I only hope that we dont' hit a pocket of turbulance while the needle is precariously pointing at one of my fingers!

In other news, I had to go pick up my husband and his buddy at the bail out point in the Mt. Hood State Park area. We were to meet up back on one of the back roads (and I DO mean BACK ROADS) off of E. Lolo Pass Rd which is out at Rhodadendron, Oregon. I managed to find the turn and drove about 30 min without finding the next turn. I couldn't get a cell phone signal out there which meant the boys couldn't either so needless to say, it was REALLY stressful! I kept driving down the road and finally found NFD 1828. I was so excited to see it that I totally missed seeing the boys sitting there at the intersection where there was a little parking pull off. A little ways down the road, I realized that I had turned right instead of left and managed to turn out CRV around in the dinky road only to find another couple coming my way. They pulled up next to me and told me about my husband and his buddy at the intersection. I was so happy to hear that they were close by! Long story short (probably too late), I picked them up, we had lunch at BK in Sandy, Oregon, took his buddy back home and hubby and I went back home to rest. It was great to be back home.

So now that the excitement is over, I must prep for our 2 week excursion to Edinburgh and London! So much to plan, so little time!

Cheers,
Beka

Current Projects and a State of Chaos

Well, we're down to 10 days before we move! There's still lots to pack up, including my art desk, the computer, and everything for my ETSY shop. It has been really busy trying to get everything together, sign paperwork and pack and it has left little time for artistic creation. I am hoping that after we move and settle, I can get back into the swing of things and build up my shop.

That being said, I have a current pic from my art desk (well, from a small portion of my art desk) of what I'm working on currently. I'm going to try to finish it before we move but because I have been so busy lately, I am not 100% sure that is going to be possible. But there's nothing wrong with trying now is there?



I really enjoy the mix of the deep, warm wood with green and silver metal. There's something about that combination that really speaks to me. It will be a necklace with a matching pair of earrings and I am thinking I will sell it as a set.

I have also completed a pair of nice drop earrings that I think would be lovely for the summer.



I bought the bead caps at a little bead store in Eugene, OR when we were visiting my husband's parents for Mother's day. If you ever happen to be in Eugene, OR and love to make jewelry, be sure to check out Harlequin Beads. They have a great selection and friendly sales associates! I love popping in there when we have some spare time and are in the area. If you do make it there, make sure to sign up on their mailing list. You will receive postcards with special deals almost every month and the one they send for your birthday includes a special bonus!

Happy day to you folks!

Cheers,
~Beka

First and Last Thursdays on Alberta Street

Just a quick note here...my sister suggested that I set up at Portland's Last Thursdays on Alberta Street. I did some research and it looks like it could be a lot of fun. My sister lives nearby and said she would be willing to help me out with my table. I'm giving it some serious thought and I think it would be a good idea to get me out into the artsy community.

Art on Alberta

Anyone have any other info or advice on Last Thursdays or anything like it? I'd really appreciate the inside views, suggestions, etc.

Just a short one for now...time to go work with the kiddies!

Cheers,
Beka