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Monday, May 17, 2010

Moving On

LIFE
Finally, moving on

Where can I begin to thank so many of you for leaving such amazing and comforting messages for me regarding the loss of my sweet Chester? I felt the love, believe me. I had a little tear, after reading each comment.

I have tried to thank each and every one of you, and if I missed you, please know the kind words were an amazing comfort to me. I'm coming up for air. Still shedding a few tears each day, but I know that will go on for a long time! After all, we were together 24/7! So many of you have mentioned your "workshop" pals, and you fear the loss of them one day. Just give them extra kisses from me, every single day, okay?

So, what's been going on in the last two weeks? I just haven't felt like sitting down and writing until now. But with wonderful friends that have been visiting, it has helped get me out and have some great fun. My friend Shelley from Montana visited for a week or so. What a joy it was in having her here. We went to Europe together two years ago, with Susan Lenart Kazmer. THAT was a blast. She was a great comfort during the awful trauma going on here with Chester. There must have been a reason she was here then!

And now Caitlin is here, a neighbor on the island (our WA home in the summer). I've known her since she was about 8 and is just graduating from college. She's spent the last four years at Annapolis. I'm so proud of her. So I bought this fun pin at the antique show in Alameda, CA weeks ago. Thought it might look good on a little etched box, and it does! She loves it.

And of course I had to make a little bag to hug it. I put a photo transfer picture of her on it, that is in sepia. Thanks again to Diane Cook and Colette Copeland for their inspiration on designing showcases for jewelry, published in Belle Armoire Jewelry, Winter 2010 issue. I loved what they did with felt, ribbons, and pictures. I've spent a small fortune gathering vintage laces and materials to make some for my specialty pieces.

I was reminded about not mentioning which sewing machine I bought, after seeking everyone's advice. Ended up with an electronic White D'Lite machine. I love it, lightweight, electronic, and has the floating foot dealy ma jig thingy. That's a technical term in sewing!

Anyone ever been to the Heart Castle in San Simeon, CA? If you can visit it, well worth while. We love taking visitors the 40 minutes from our house, up to a huge paradise on the hilltop in San Simeon. Built by William Randolph Hearst in the 30's, he spent about 11 million on it. Can't imagine what that would translate to in todays dollars!

Isn't she beautiful? When she started beading for me at about 11, I always said she was 11 going on 25! So now she's 21, and we went wine tasting together with WH, how fun was that?

This is the indoor pool at the castle. If you think that's amazing, the tiles that line the pool are covered with gold leaf! Ooooooh, so decadent! Would love to swim in this indoor pool. Just like the movie stars did in the 30's. Clark Gable, Errol Flynn, Carol Lambard....you get the idea.

This is a picture of Mr. Hearst's private library. Just amazing. He collected ancient art works from around the world. Spent about 26 years building and decorating this amazing place. His mother was a school teacher, had William at about 21, and took him on a year long European tour when we was a young boy. Inherited a silver fortune from his father, then made his own fortune in newspapers. Patty Hearst is his grand daughter. You remember her??

He knew how to enjoy LIFE.

15 comments:

Esther said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Esther said...

i'm happy that you feel better now!beautiful castel!! and this USN box is really stunning!!

Sueann said...

I love that medallion you used on the box. How perfect is that?
Glad you are feeling some better as well. It does take time. Still hugging you
SueAnn

Diane said...

Riki...your little boxes are so beautiful! What a treasure for Caitlin. Looks like you had the best time visiting the Hearst Castle. I definitely want to go there when I come to California, as my friend Nancy told me about it years ago.
I am glad you are movin' on. I KNOW it is so hard my friend....
Thank you for mentioning our Art of Presentation piece that was in BAJ. It was a fun collaboration.
Hugs.....

stregata said...

Love the little bag you made for the gorgeous box!! I have been making some bags myself - it is such fun!
Sending you more hugs to keep you going...

Charlene said...

Riki, I just left you a comment on the last post.... Sooooooooo sorry I didn't know. Go read it but, for now I am so glad Caitlin is there visiting. Yes, Hearst Castle is a must see!!!! I have been 3 times & still go every time I am near. Love your little bag you made. And I have to check out your sewing machine. As I told you mine is old & in a big heavy cabinet. HUGS SWEET FRIEND! Charlene

Narrative jewelry said...

Happy to see you are back dear Riki, with good news in your life.
Your litte bag is simply too cute, you really are a complete artist !

farmlady said...

Oh that little bag is sweet. Perfect for that beautiful box.., or jewelry.., or chocolate candy.., Oh dear, I lost myself for a minute. Sorry.
Glad time is starting to heal your heart. C.

Kateyed said...

Riki,
I am thinking that all of you on the internet are connecting. I found Diane (or maybe she found me!). Then I found you from Diane's site. I love Colette and I am taking a class from her at Silver Bella this fall. I just ordered one of her very cool paintings on her Etsy sites for my dear old friend, Donna.
Oh, my...we are not many points of separation! I am going to add both of you to my favorites. I am really trying to connect with other jewelers since I have not been able to get to any classes this year.
Thanks for stopping by our site...we are so new and just finding our way through this...especially me...Mrs.Old Lady, Techno-Challenged!!!
Suz
Katsui

The Joy of Nesting said...

Miss R,

It probably doesn't feel like you are progressing in a forward motion, but you are little sister. One moment at a time, one hour at a time, one day at a time, moving ever forward. Your are doing a great job, and all the right things to heal!! Remember to be patient with yourself, the day will come when you realized you made it through the day without shedding any tears. But until then when your heart feels the need to unburden it's self let it. And when you know that your load has gotten to heavy to carry alone remember that we are all right here and would be so honored if you ask us to help you carry your load for a bit!

You know Miss R I do believe your beautiful boxes have become a signature piece!! :) Each one so incredible,feminine, and mysterious with a hidden strength. It is very easy to see the little piece of soul you have slipped into each one!

Pattie ;)
Mazatlan Mx.

Cindy said...

Hello Riki
I'm afraid I know a bit too well some of what you've gone through of late as one of our dogs is not doing well at all and has kidney failure...the poor thing, after having Cushings Disease for some time. :-( I've had you and little Chester on my mind through it all.
Your friend graduated from USNA and is now a commissioned Ensign in the Navy!..what a special and amazing gift you created for her! She must have been really touched by it. And Hearst castle...my husband and I visited many years ago back when we lived in Monterey. Our paths may have crossed when I was a newlywed. :-) Thanks for sharing.

In the Light of the Moon said...

I'm so happy your feeling better.Time,if were lucky,is a gift.It helps us heal,it helps us to remember the happy times and appreciate the moments now.

Your box and bag are sooooo lovely..Im coming over next...ok.( : I want a lovely box and bag too!!I do do do.!!Ok I will stop!!
Really...your box is just amazing and it looks wonderful with the pin!! And I'm digging that transfer!!Big Hugs,Cat

Beatnheart said...

Hang in there Riki....Oh I can’t even imagine the pain you are going through..I treasure my darling kitties and they mean the world to me...Pets have a way of being so sweet and innocent and connecting to their humans on such a deep level. We love and cherish them so much...Your beloved pet was a lucky little chap to have someone care for him so deeply and you were fortunate to have him in your life as well.

Anne Lorys said...

Hi Riki!

Big hugs to you, I'm so glad to hear you're feeling better!

XO,
Anne

Lynn Stevens said...

Hey Riki,
Glad you hear you had some company, I'm sure it helped a little.
I have been to Hearst Castle and it was amazing! I have pictures of that same pool!
Love your sweet boxes, Something I need to try out too.
hugs and keep your chin up sweetie.
Lynn