Checking In. . .

So I'm checking in - you may have noticed that it's almost 2 weeks since I updated my blog - and around the same amount of time since I had any beads for sale on eBay. It's not that I've been super busy with Christmas shopping or anything of that nature actually. There's a few reasons why I haven't been around. The first one is that I've been spending a lot of extra hours working in my medical transcription job, and I've found myself so tired after 8-9 hours of solid typing that I haven't even felt the slightest urge to make beads. The second reason is that for the first time in almost 6 years, I've actually been enjoying some "me" time on the weekends, instead of worrying about what beads to make. The third reason, and this probably goes a long way to explaining why I'm so tired and also why I'm just enjoying a little R&R, is that the anti-depressant I'm now taking is finally starting to kick in and do its job - for the first time in a LONG time I am not stressed 24/7. Although I haven't completely lost the urge to make beads, I'm not finding myself constantly pressured to fire up the torch. I feel free for the first time in years. It's a wonderful feeling, and I'm really enjoying it, and I'm sure that when my muse returns from her "vacation", she's going to be ready to melt glass and just enjoy the process.

Oh, and speaking of beads. I received my copy of "Creating Lampwork Beads for Jewelry" this week. Karen Leonardo, and all the other lampworkers and jewelry designers, did a fabulous job and the book is just amazing. I am so honoured to have my bead and tutorial published alongside some of the most talented beadmakers of our time. In case you're interested, my tutorial is on pages 55 through to 63. The book already has received 6 positive reviews on Amazon, and I'm sure more are to come. If you're looking for a great Christmas present for a friend obsessed with lampwork beads, or for yourself, you should seriously consider buying it.

And on that note, I'll sign off for now. Oh, and in case you're wondering when I'll have new beads for sale - I may be spending a few hours in the studio tomorrow. No promises, but check back Monday. If not this week, then I promise to have at least one new set up on eBay before Christmas. In the meantime, look after yourself, and thanks for checking in. Sue