Well, the big reunion came and went last night.  As you can see from the picture, we didn’t have any fun at all.  It was great to catch up.  I’m always a bit nervous at these sort of things, but everyone was so happy to see each other, the anxiety melted away (along with a couple drinks, LOL).  Thank you to our fab photographer classmate, Nicole Howard for taking the pictures.  And thanks everyone for coming!  See you all in 5 years!  XO, c

Hello!  Well.  Here we are!  Safe and sound!  I’m sooooo sorry for falling off the planet the last week.  Good gravy, we’ve been running around!  We made it into town Sunday afternoon.  It was crazy getting out of China with our dog.  We had to have two men escort us to the airport to make sure Rocker didn’t touch Hong Kong soil.  We were then escorted onto the plane (United was fabulous btw) and we tucked Rocker down under the seat.  He was in his little Sherpa bag from 8:30am EST to 4:30pm EST!!!  And he didn’t make one mess or a peep!  I was so proud of him.  I don’t want to sound crazy, but it’s like he “knew”–we all had to just suck it up and do it!  Then we made it to America and the quarentine people stamped our papers and we were free to leave.  Snap!  Just like that he’s Chinese-American.  He still can’t get over the idea of ‘back yards’ after living in our high rise apartment.  In the two days I had before leaving for CHA in Chicago, I rented an apartment, bought a car, and got a cell phone.  CHA was great!  Lots of neat people to tell you about.  The past two days I’ve been unpacking my suitcases.  Lots and lots of organizing (the absolute worse thing about moving).  Other than that, we’ve been enjoying walks on the river walk and getting settled back into America.  Life is sweet.  Lots of work to do, but it’s great to be home!  Thank you everyone for all your positive thoughts and prayers for our safe trip home with Rocky.  It worked!  Hugs to you all!  Stay tuned for pictures of the tractor show going on down the street.  We were walking through the park looking at all these old machines—then Butch said, I wonder what our Chinese friends would think of all this.  A whole new perspective begins….

The hours are turning into minutes as I type!  Time is flying and before long our little family will be on a plane to America—-and que Neil Diamond, Coming to America.  The movers came this morning and hauled off 39 boxes….of what I don’t really know.  It’s all a blur, I just know it seemed like every second box read “handcraft supplies.”  I took a cute little picture of Rocker in front of all the boxes, I’ll show you later.  Well, stuff to go in my suitcases is still scattered about, so I’m hopping to.  Just wanted to say, bye.  Can’t wait to see you in the homeland!  XO, C

P.S. Image from Marie Claire- Idees’.  One of my favorite magazines–even though I can’t read a word of it!

A couple of days ago, I stopped and did a search for coffee machines.  I wanted to order it now, so it would be there for me when I got home.  I know I have a mountain of things to do before I leave Monday morning, but I’m a junkie and we need our fixes wherever and whenever.  The Senseo website came up in my search and although I’d never seen one, Adam Curry talked about his all the time on his pod-casting show (used to anyway and he may still) and he was in love with his.  As it turns out, Senseo is doing a promotion with survey.  I thought if you fill out the survey you might have a chance to be entered into a raffle to win a fancy schmancy coffee machine and goodies worth over $70 smackers.  If you win, they ask that you pay the $15 in shipping. Thinking I’m the luckiest person alive, I went for it.  I filled out the survey and little did I know that I simply just qualified to get one of their machines….for free!  Also being the realistic person that I am, I thought, no way!  That simple?  What’s the catch?  Seriously.  They said it could take 4-6 weeks to get.  I didn’t want to tell you kids before I actually knew if it was legit.  How many stories have you heard with those confusing scratch off lotto tickets—people think they’ve won, tell everyone they know in 10 minutes only to find out, no, indeed they didn’t win.  Being the dweeb that I am, I called the hotline to ask: “is this for real?”  The chipper lady at Sarah Lee/Senseo confirmed.  I hung up the computer (this is how I call America) and thought, I’m a winner….in 4 to 6 weeks!  The next morning I got a tracking number for the Senseo via email, it’s currently somewhere in Tennessee.  Lord, I felt and feel like the old man in A Christmas Story,  “it’s a major award!!”  Free Senseo coffee at my house!  Give me a shout and I’ll make you a cup….apparently the machine is very fast.  Does anyone have one?  At the end of the survey, they asked me for a list of emails of people who might like to do the survey—so here’s the link to it.

I’ve been going through magazines, picking out which ones to take back with me.  I came across this yummy bunch of beads—I think they’re from Italy.  I especially like the scrunchy one where the fabric has text on it.   Rocker is sitting next to me in his Sherpa bag here on the floor.  He’s being so patient…anything for a treat is his motto at this point.  I heard yesterday that his paperwork is ready, so I have to go out and get it next.  Fingers crossed. 

About.com Jewelry Making
Bronze metal clay is one the way! This new medium is the talk of the metal clay community right now.

Art Bead Scene
Whooo is the star of this week’s The Trendy Bead?

Barbe Saint John
Steampunk? Learn a little more about gears and brass.

BeadStyle Magazine
Cathy Jakicic talks about Tammy Powley’s new book and her gracious gift of a free project download for the BeadStyle.com community.

Jewelry & Beading
Here’s what to do with an ugly old elastic bracelet that never gets worn anymore!

Katie’s Beading Blog
The Triple Take girls are at it again! Get a sneak peek at Katie’s twinkle toes ballet flats for the August issue of Simply Beads.

Naughty Secretary Club
Jen gets asked to go see Loretta Lynn the First Lady of Country in concert and whips herself up the perfect accessory! Learn how to make your own mini cowgirl hat headband!

Savvy Crafter
Stars and Stripes Charm Bracelet! Happy Fourth everyone!

Snap out of it, Jean! There’s beading to be done!
I was so delighted with how my interview with the fantastic Melissa J. Lee turned out! Come see!

Strands of Beads
Melissa shows off her favorite recycled tools.

Well.  The day has come.  We’ve decided to move Rocker home to America.  This is something we’ve looked forward to ever since the day we adopted him, so we are glad to finally be executing.  We’ve been practicing for the plane ride with his Sherpa bag here and things are going pretty well.  Today we are going to see the health off!cials for a check up and more paper work.  There’s a lot of stuff that has to be done to get a little dog over to America.  Special border crossing cars, vaccinations, certificates, carrying crates, diet plan for flight day…..I’m tellin’ ya.  Don’t think I haven’t thought about tucking him into an over-sized purse, either.  So Rocky and me will be shacking up back in the States for awhile and Butchy will be here.  Now, the first thing most people wonder, when you hear about husband and wife living on opposite sides of the planet is: is everything ok between you two?  Yes, it is.  But, there are a couple of big reasons for me and Rock to come home now vs. later: 1.  Rocker needs a check up from a vet because he has a small spot on him that we and the vets back home are a little concerned about.  2.  Things in this country have gotten more than complicated with V!sas and a bunch of other stuff.  I’ll be coming back to Ch!na a couple of times before the end of the year to see Butch and to go on some big trips we had planned.  It makes me think of that line from the movie “Dan in Real Life” where he talks about life and our plans and in the end, we should just “plan to be surprised.” 

It would be a lie to tell you I’m not a little scared about this transition back to the States, especially with Butch still here.  But, in the same breath I’ll tell you how thrilled and excited I am about….well, the list is too long.  Now Rocker on the other hand, is not so thrilled about this little box he has to hang out in for the 14 hour plane ride.  We’ve lured him with stories about the vast green fields of Indiana, ginormous pet stores filled with plush toys and treats, long walks down calm, hornless streets (he hates horns and loud trucks) and doggie parks.  He was interested, but not convinced.  No, the deal wasn’t cinched until we told him Grandpa would be there….

We hop a plane one week from today (or Sunday at midnight EST).  Will you please keep us in your thoughts? In the mean time, I’ll still be around working on my book projects, CHA stuff, packing….and training Rocker to love his box.  Will I miss this place?  Yes, we’ve lived here nearly 3 years so I’ve grown fond of a few things….like cheap beads!  But, I’m ready to be closer to my family and get to know my hilarious 4 year old nephew.  Thank you for reading this blog and checking in on us.  I’m just so thankful for the support and friendships I’ve made through this and staying connected with you all.  XOXO, Candie  

 The other night I was a little trigger happy with my camera, snapping pictures of this and that, including my stack of bracelets on my wrist from the night.  I really like wearing my jewelry in layers, pins, necklaces, and bracelets, mmm-hem, and now big rings (one on my index and one on my ring finger).  I only have single pierced ears, but lots of folks look great wearing their earrings stacked up.  If you choose this route of layering your gems, I warn you now, it takes work to assemble the combos.  Give yourself an extra 5 to make it happen in the morning!  And now for some links…

Strands of Beads
Melissa discusses beautiful presentation boxes made from origami.

Katie’s Beading Blog
Multiple strand necklaces are always in style. Read Katie’s blog for tips.

Jewelry & Beading
Just having returned from Italy, Cyndi was inspired by all the suppliers of beautiful Murano beads.

Linda at BeadStyle Magazine
Linda created a necklace for the Ornament Thursday blog group and wanted to share it with everyone!

Jennifer Jangles Blog
Eye Candy, a few new designs from Jennifer Jangles

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie reflects and gives thanks to everyone who helped her out at the Bead & Button Show

Art Bead Scene
Polyester Makes a Comeback in a surprising new way!

About.com Jewelry Making
Think outside the jewelry box and consider other crafting techniques for making jewelry! Crochet is just one example.

Snap out of it , Jean! There’s beading to be done!
Jean interviews the fabulous Margot Potter for Art Bead Scene!

Savvy Crafter
Rockin’ Riveted Ring over on Candie’s blog!

In case you forgot what we looked like.  I was making photo charms this week and messing around with photoshop tinting.  No idea what I’m doing, but I’m having fun with it.

P.S.  Sometimes I get asked where to buy good metalworking tools, this is one site I really like and they have a nice newsletter with tips too—Contenti.  Rio Grande is also a good option.