AUGUST OTTBS CHALLENGE

Well, this months challenge was a challenge. Of sorts. Trying to finish my OBS challenge & with the fires here in Oklahoma & my son & his family home in the path, I didn't think I could get it done. I had something else in mind to make, however, I was running short on time.

So I took my challenge a twist off of  Deborah Roberti's Twila Curve Bracelets. It is easy and fast. Thanks Deborah.

ROLLER COASTER RIDE

I can't believe it's been a month since my last post. I've been on such a roller coaster ride lately, I'm just glad I know my head still attached to my body.

We had fires here in Oklahoma & my son was part of it (weekend of August 3rd.). He and his family had to leave home on Friday & didn't get to back home till Tuesday. The in between times tho, just had you going up and down. First fire heading to their home, then the wind changes & home safe, the wind changes again. This went on all weekend long. They got to walk property on Sunday cause fire got within 1/4 mile & fire department & my son was checking for hot spots. But they still could not stay due to the uncertainty of the fire. They finally got to sleep in their own beds Tuesday evening. Said it smelled like smoke, but was very happy to be home. They have been very fortunate. I am so happy things are looking good for them. They worked so hard the last 9 years to get to this point. Today they have been married for 9 years. Happy Anniversary Frank & Tina!

Now then on to my OBS challenge project. After several attempts & ripping out at least half dozen times this is what I will be putting in. Called "Su-da-li" (pronounced Sue-dah-lee). Cherokee word for Six. That is my entry number for the challange

My earrings on the other hand are not what I really wanted. Don't know if there will be any. Still got couple more weeks to get it figured out.

MY JULY OTTBS PROJECT

My July OTTBS project is finally done. I chose to do the "Tapestry Amulet Bag" by Janie Warnick that I found in the "Beadwork Creates Beaded Bags" edited by Jean Campbell. (I don't know what it is that I just prefer to work with seed beads. I call it my tranquilzer pills. Just give me my tray of beads & sit me in front of the TV & I'm a happy camper.) I got this book not too long ago & had my eye on that bag ever since. Then when this challenge came up, I wanted to do the bag. The tassel fringe she has on it wasn't my cup of tea, so i just did my regular fringe that I like to do so much.

Now I'm off to finish my OBS Bead Blast challenge. (Yes, I'm working with seed beads.)

HAPPY BEADING.

LORI'S (FIVE) BEAD AND BUTTON GIVEAWAYS

Lori & Bead & Button have teamed up to have not 1, not 2, not 3 not even 4, but 5 giveaways. To learn more, click here.

WHAT INDEPENDENCE MEANS TO ME

Does it mean a day off work? Day at the lake? BBQing? Being with family and friends? It can IF:

You are thankful for your freedom. Freedom isn't cheap. Ask a family member of a fallen soldier. You say I am against the war. You can thank a soldier for your freedom. Freedom of speech. For freedom of religion.

Have you shook a hand of a soldier (past or present) and tell them thank you for your service.

Let me introduce my son Richard:

He has been apart of the Oklahoma National Guard 45th for 17 years now. He has help with service for Oklahoma in many different ways. He was part of the group that went to New Orleans when Katrina hit.

He has now served three tours over seas. Twice to Afghanistan and once to Iraq. I am so PROUD of my son and Thank him and his buddies for all they done for my freedom.

Thank you to all past and present Soldiers. WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam. I don't want to leave any one out.

I want to say HAPPY INDEPEDENCE DAY to us all, and close with this:

Ball Cap Finished

Well, I finally finished it. Since I've never done this before. I stitch right on the bill of the cap. Took longer than expected to get it done, considering the number of times I had to rip out, because I didn't like the way it was laying. It was towards the end when the light came on and I finally figured it out. Don't know if it will be any easier if I try doing it the loom way & attach it. Or even a peyote and attached.

Over all, I'm happy on how it turned out. I think I could make some of these for Christmas presents.

June's Mini Trip

About 13 members of the Oklahoma Bead Society took a mini trip to Chouteau, OK Saturday, where we stop at Beads by Becky. Of course with that many ladies in a bead shop, It was almost like gitty schools girls.

Afterwards we went to a small buffet called the Dutch Pantry. We hit it at lunch time. Now you have to know that Chouteau is a small town. We waited about 30 minutes to get thru the line. There was no other restraut in town.

After lunch, we went to another beaders home in Locust Grove. She lives in a rural area, but it was absolutely beautiful. Even Rosa's home was a home. It was very inviting, warming, and beautiful. We had a awesome fellowship.

Now back to the bead store. I was looking for other beads for my bead challenge. I think I found what I was looking for, however, the finishing touches has yet jump out at me yet. I will be doing a bead embroidary around the larger bead. I have it sketch out, but wil it come out, only time will tell. This is the first time, that I have done anything like this. I am having to really come out of my box.

I'm Praying that it will.