I just wrapped up an evening in the studio with Emily and Karmen, and now I am tucked IN BED.   It's good to be here, never mind the dirty dishes in the sink.   What makes it even better is that I have the next three days off.  What to do!!??  How to spend ALL THAT TIME?  It's giving me that giddy pay day feeling... when the measure of my imagination goes beyond what I really have.  For now, my feet are telling me that they'd rather not hit the floor any time soon.

On Friday, I went to the International Gem and Jewelry Show in search of new and interesting stones to use in my jewelry.  Raise your hand if you think trade shows and convention centers are slightly disturbing.  The experience is kinda like a cross between that of a dollar store and amusement park.  I made my rounds as quickly as possible (which, when there are hundreds of booths, isn't super fast), and narrowed my search down to about 4 vendors.  I ended up with a few purchases, including some fresh water pearls and rutilated quartz.  Once I had everything, I didn't bother sticking around for the nachos or Cindy's wire wrapping demo... I just hit the skybridge to the parking garage and headed home.

That evening, Emily, Karmen and I went to an opening at Urbanest to check Antonio Pasin's new pottery.  Then we went out for gelato afterwards... oh, wait - THEY had gelato and I didn't because my painting's not done yet.  Hmmm.... three whole days off...