Monday, July 28, 2014

The Lake Of Dreams and Decisions Of Our Ancestors

I recently finished reading The Lake Of Dreams by Kim Edwards. Like in the Memory Keeper's Daughter, Kim gave me much to morally wrestle with as I finished the book. Admittedly, it took a few pages for me to get into this book but once I did, I just couldn't put it down! I was sorry to have the book end, but must say, I was very pleased with the creative way Kim handled a sticky situation.

Briefly, the book is about Lucy Jarrett who is living in Japan with her boyfriend, Yoshi, when she learns that her widowed mother has broken her arm. Being unemployed, Lucy decides to travel to the Lake of Dreams in upstate NY to help her mother. During her visit Lucy makes a discovery about her ancestry. She becomes obsessed with finding all of the pieces connected to this discovery and in the process stirs up a lot of old memories and feelings.

This book got me thinking about my own family history and how different life would have been or had not have happened at all had my ancestors, as well as my husband's, made different decisions.

My mother's family is from a small town in Italy named Sora. My father's family is from Cosenza, Italy. Worlds apart for two struggling families. In the early 1900s my mother's and father's parents decided to emigrate to the United States and settle in Schenectady, NY. 20+ years after my parents were born they both attended a dance where they met and married a few months later.

So I started thinking...what if my grandparents decided to stay in Italy? What it my parents had not gone to that dance? What if...

My husband's family has a similar story. His father's grandparents emigrated from Ireland and Lithuania. His father served in the US Army during WWII and was stationed in England where he attended a USO dance. A pretty young lady was dancing with another soldier. His father cut in and the rest is history. They were married and settled in Schenectady, NY where his father grew up.

Again, I ask...what if his great-grandparents had decided to stay in Europe? What if his father was stationed somewhere else during the war? What if he hadn't cut in during that dance? What if...

It struck me how much every decision we make effects not only ourselves but so many people around us whom we haven't even met yet. The decisions we make are like throwing a stone into a lake and watching the water ripple. We don't know how many people we will effect by our decisions.

An overwhelming thought, so much responsibility on our shoulders, I know!!!

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Remember the dark skies beads and denim blue yarn I talked about last week? Well, the finished designs are now in my Etsy shop! I just love this color combination. It is so soothing to look at! Sure to draw the attention of those around you. these items are perfect for a formal occasion or to dress up jeans and a t-shirt. Click on the links below each picture to view each listing. 

This necklet measures 23" long and can also be worn as a wrap bracelet as shown in the picture below. 
It is also available in a 32" length.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/197414862/denim-blue-beaded-necklet-wear-as-a?ref=shop_home_active_3


 These scarves are available in the waterfall and cowl styles as shown. 
They are also available in infinity and traditional open ended styles.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/197423863/denim-blue-choose-your-style-scarf?ref=shop_home_active_1

Single, wrap, and cuff or stack bracelets are available!
They are so comfortable to wear because their are so light and airy.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/197416340/denim-blue-knitted-beaded-bracelet-comes?ref=shop_home_active_4

 Never lose your eyeglasses or sunglasses again with this beautiful denim blue eyeglass holder!
https://www.etsy.com/listing/197425529/denim-blue-beaded-eyeglass-holder?ref=shop_home_active_2

Like the color but don't see a style you would like? Send an email and I will create a design just for you!

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Our next show is in Round Lake, NY on August 9 & 10. Not having done this one before I understand that it is a tremendous show with crafters lining the main street. Can't wait to see the transformation from sleepy village to crafter's paradise!!! More details to follow next week...

Until Next Time...

Diane

Monday, July 21, 2014

Reflections On The Past Week

Things change. I think we can all agree on that. Some changes are more difficult to handle than others...

After much discussion over the past few months my husband and I disconnected our landline last week. Not earth shattering news to many of you, I'm sure. To us it was strange. Very strange...We had had that same phone number for most of our married life - 37 years to be exact! So to get rid of it seemed like we were getting rid of a part of us, a part of our marriage. Silly, I know.

I must say, that although I still reach for that phone when I want to make a local call, and check the answering machine that is no longer there each time I enter the house, I am not missing the landline. The majority of the calls were from solicitors, so I must say we can now eat our dinner without interruption from charities looking for money, enjoy our favorite TV shows without calls telling us we have a virus on our computer, or that our Medic Alert order is ready to ship, and sleep soundly without wrong numbers waking us in the middle of the night. The house is so peaceful!

We should have done this sooner. Oops, I probably shouldn't have said that. My husband has been after me for over a year to disconnect the phone. But...I had to notify people and that took time... ;)

On another note...

On Saturday, my husband and I hosted a family reunion. This has been going on for over 50 years and is an event that is usually attended by 40 or more. This year was no different. The difference; however, was the actual people who were in attendance. Things are changing, people are aging, the generation who originated this reunion is reducing in number but the younger generations are increasing and joining us. Ahhh, the cycle of life.

How I miss the older generation, our parents, aunts, and uncles and wish that I had paid closer attention to their stories, the family recipes, and just spent more time with them. Many of their stories, as they, are gone forever...

While hosting is a lot of work, and we don't get much of a chance to sit and visit, we are happy to host when the opportunity arises. This reunion keeps the family connected, helps us understand and appreciate our family history and traditions, and gives us that security that each and every one of us needs. We may not see each other often but we know, if ever there is a time when we need each other, we will be there!

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I went shopping with a friend last week and picked up some new yearn and beads. It's amazing what fresh eyes can see and how they can offer new ideas. Over the next few weeks I will be unveiling some items in this new color. Here's a sneak preview...

Denim yarn with Dark Skies glass beads. A perfect way to dress up jeans and a t-shirt!

Cowl scarf in progress...

Necklet and bracelets
The beads are so subtle that they are sure to add that mysterious touch to these pieces!

These are not yet available in my shop, but send me a message and I will create a piece just for you.

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Our next stop is the Round Lake Arts and Crafts Festival on August 9 & 10. This event benefits the Women's Round Lake Improvement Society. More details as we get closer to this event.

Until Next Time...

Diane

Monday, July 14, 2014

Shaker Heritage Society Craft Fair


My husband and I have the pleasure of participating in the annual Shaker Heritage Society Craft Fair this past weekend. Once we found ways to get around the bugs, humidity, direct sun, and wind we had a very enjoyable time and met some wonderful crafters and customers!

Two crafters stuck out in my mind to profile in this week's blog.

The Lady's Got Glass - Cheryl Gutmaker
All I can say is I wish I were just starting to outfit my home because I would have purchased many of her pieces. Gorgeous, stunning, beautiful all describe her work but don't do them justice! There were so much more!!!

Cheryl specializes in functional and whimsical pieces. All are handmade and are a combination of any of these - blown, fused, lampworked, or stained glass.  Each piece is unique. All dishes are food safe and can be handwashed in mmild soap and water.

You can view Cheryl's work at www.theladysgotglass.com.

Higgins Handicrafts - Timothy Higgins
We had the pleasure of having Tim as our neighbor all weekend. He is very friendly and enjoyable to talk to. It is obvious from listening to Tim talk about his work that he loves what he does and is very knowledgeable about all of the exotic woods he uses.

Tim exhibited many of his turned wooden pens, patterned cutting boards and his new free form boxes which he makes on a band saw. So cute and very practical too this the velvet lined drawer! 

You can view Tim's work at www.facebook.com/Higgins Handcrafts

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Next stop...

Round Lake Arts and Craft Festival. This show is held throughout the village of Round Lake and benefits the Woman's Round Lake Improvement Society. This is a two day show.
Saturday, August 9 - 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday, August 10 - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Speculator Craft Fair to benefit Hamilton County Twigs who are raising money for 3 local ambulance corps, Helping Hands Caregivers, and Health Care Related Scholarship.
Thursday, August 14 - 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

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Our necklaces are perfect for accenting an outfit or dressing up a pair of jeans! They are light and airy, come in 2 lengths, 18" & 22", and have a 6" extension chain and alligator clasp. Choose from a variety of colors or the tried and true black or brown! Whatever you choose, it is sure to make a statement!!!


https://www.etsy.com/listing/103396421/stunning-olive-green-beaded-rope?ref=shop_home_active_18

https://www.etsy.com/listing/155839956/fiesta-rainbow-beaded-rope-necklace?ref=shop_home_active_21

https://www.etsy.com/listing/108013893/pink-knitted-beaded-rope-necklace?ref=shop_home_active_9

https://www.etsy.com/listing/123633821/purple-knitted-rope-necklace-adorned?ref=shop_home_active_8



https://www.etsy.com/listing/104069094/brown-knitted-beaded-rope-necklace-comes?ref=shop_home_active_19


Why not add a matching bracelet?

https://www.etsy.com/listing/159146082/stunning-olive-green-knitted-beaded?ref=shop_home_active_8


https://www.etsy.com/listing/154807971/pink-beaded-bracelet-made-with-nylon?ref=shop_home_active_17

https://www.etsy.com/listing/129362578/purple-beaded-knitted-nylon-bracelet?ref=shop_home_active_2

https://www.etsy.com/listing/159148088/design-your-own-fiesta-rainbow-beaded?ref=shop_home_active_10
https://www.etsy.com/listing/154732090/brown-and-gold-beaded-bracelet-variety?ref=shop_home_active_16


Looking forward to seeing you at the next show!

Until Next Time...
Diane

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Keeping Our Personal History Alive

My husband and I had the privilege of celebrating our nation’s birthday with relatives. Over the course of the day we spoke about the fond memories and amusing quirks of our parents who are no longer with us, the real names of some of our aunts and uncles ( they didn’t know that my father’s real name was Gennaro), and the WWII experiences of those who had served. It was so heartwarming to hear the special place in which we each hold our deceased family members and fun to laugh and appreciate all that they have given us. I am not talking about material things, but the strength of character, morals, values, traditions, and love that each of us carries today because of them.

I learned that one of my uncles, who was so meek and extremely religious, was in the first wave of soldiers storming the beaches of Normandy. I never knew this and couldn’t help wondering how this kind man lived his life day after day after witnessing all of that bloodshed. I also wondered if his deep sense of religion and belief in God was deepened by that experience.

I left my cousin’s home feeling very blessed and appreciative of the past we all share. 

Four years ago I began a project with my father where we recorded his WWII experience in a book. At the age of 88 he began to write down what had gone on in 1943 when he was drafted into the army and the next 30 months of his life. His memory of that time was so sharp! We included pictures and other pieces of his collection to more vividly tell his story. As with my uncle, I wondered how my kind and caring father, who served in the Pacific Theater and on Iwo Jima could endure all that he endured and come back to be the wonderful husband and father that he was. I cherish that time I shared with him as he died 5 months after we gave him the printed copies of his memoirs.

That precious history of my father’s experiences of WWII would have gone to the grave with him had we not encouraged him to record those events. He, as many WWII veterans, were very quiet about those experiences. It was as if they thought it didn’t happen if they didn’t talk about it. It isn’t until recent years that these courageous men and women have begun telling their stories before they are lost forever.

Family history is so important to the identity of each and every one of us. We carry a little bit of that history with us at all times. I believe so strongly in sharing that history with our children and grandchildren because that is what is going to help them understand the beliefs, customs, and personalities of themselves and their relatives.

We all have a history worth sharing. I encourage each of you to begin telling that story. Perhaps it is in a journal where you chronicle your daily experiences, or it’s in a written history you keep on your computer. Whatever form you choose, please don’t wait as you never know when it will be too late.

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I found these green Russian serpentine and red bamboo coral beads in my stash last week and decided to complete some new designs with them. The beads are irregular chips and the stitch used is much tighter than what I have used in the past. They will make their debut at this weekend's show. 




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I'm so excited to be back in craft fair mode! This weekend we will be at the Shaker Heritage Society, 25 Meeting House Road, Albany, NY. The show runs 10:00 am - 4:00 pm each day. This is a handmade only show. Stop by to view the art that some very talented people create and maybe pick up something special for yourself!

Mention this blog and receive 15% off of your purchase at Cruisin' Creations!!!

Until Next Time...

Diane

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Life's Little Inconveniences

It is amazing how something as simple as living with a temporary boil water advisory can be so disruptive to our daily lives.

On Monday morning there was a water main break in our town. Over the course of the morning there were 3 more breaks causing a state of emergency and a boil water advisory. Many residents were without water. By Monday night the town had set up a site for residents to fill clean containers with water or get bottled water.

My husband and I were clueless to the fact that there was a problem. We noticed the water pressure was low when we showered that morning, but couldn't figure out why. I spent the morning drinking water from our tap. It wasn't until we received an automated call around noon that I found out that there had been several water main breaks and that we were to boil our water before using it.

My brain seemed to go into some type of survival mode. I immediately filled 2 large pots with water and boiled them for more than the required minute, you can never be too careful, and left them on the stove to cool. This water would be used for hand and dish washing and anything else we might need clean water for.

As I go about my day I don't think much about the contaminated water that is pouring from our taps but each time I go to wash my hands survival mode kicks in and I alter my routine.

We take such conveniences for granted. How many of our fellow citizens live in substandard housing without clean running water? How many people throughout this world have to walk miles each day to reach a water source? I have a new appreciation for such living conditions.

While this has been a minor inconvenience and we should be able to drink the water sometime Thursday, I can tell you it has made me realize how fortunate we are to live in a place where clean potable water flows freely from our taps.

Time to start stockpiling bottles of water! With these aging pipes I'm sure this is going to keep happening. After all, this is the second break in a short period of time.

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July Birthstone Necklace

Ruby red Swarovski crystals just pop on this crisp white yarn!

Click on this link to order your July birthstone necklace today!
https://www.etsy.com/listing/173955406/18-birthstone-necklaces-made-with?ref=shop_home_feat_2

New to my Etsy shop! Birthstone bracelets!!!

Order your July birthstone bracelet by clicking on this link!
https://www.etsy.com/listing/194695617/knitted-beaded-swarovski-crystal?ref=shop_home_feat_1
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Join us!

July 12 & 13 at the Shaker Heritage Society's Craft Fair, 25 Meeting House Rd, Albany, NY! The show runs from 10:00 - 4:00 both days.

This is a handmade only show! The talent and ingenuity of the crafters just blows me away every time!

Mention this post and receive 15% off of your purchase the day of the show.

Until Next time...

Diane