Endings and Beginnings

I would be lying if I said I was sad to see this month end. And I'm looking forward to a brand new year. Here's to new beginnings...................

I've got some big plans for 2010. Updating my website is a big one. Maybe add a shopping cart and other bells and whistles to make navigation easier. It's also time I concentrated on
some new designs, both in the bead department and in the jewelry department. I need to freshen things up and add some more fun!

Teaching is an idea I've been toying with for some time. I've been asked many times if I would be willing so I think I may start thinking about a curriculum and a place to actually do the
teaching.

Oh, and I may go back to doing shows again. I miss the interaction with the public and that chance to see first hand what my customers like and don't like about my art.

We also have the winter Olympics coming up in Vancouver BC in February. Camano Island is only a couple hours away from the events and our community of artists here on the island are hoping to snag some of those folks visiting the Vancouver area. I'll keep you posted in case you are one of those travelling that way. We have lots to offer.

I've been working very hard the last few days making lots of beads. I'll be updating my Etsy store and I also have a large set to offer up for auction on eBay starting Monday, (12/28/09), at 7 pm Pacific time. It's called "Aitutaki". 33 stunning beads with 3 focals and lots of different shapes and sizes. Classic Hippkitty beads! Aitutaki is one of the Cook Islands in the South Pacific. Lush and mossy greens, earthy browns and watery, shimmering, turquoise, aqua and teal.

Merry Christmas!

I've been away for a few days and I was just trying to get caught up with all the Christmas hustle and bustle. With all that's been going on Christmas really snuck up on me. Gifts to wrap, cookies to make, cards to give, carols to sing, family to hug. You get the picture............

Toby and Jodie are both out of the hospital and their burns are healing nicely. They now have a home in a neighboring small town and are beginning to fill it with furniture and household items donated by friends, family, and community.
I'll say again, thanks to all for your thoughts, prayers, and donations. We have been overwhelmed with kindness and gererousity. I'm still receivng calls and emails for physical donations. We have been overwhelmed and will be sorting for months.

Please, if you still have things to donate, remember, there are others in need. Because of the news coverage in our area about the fire and also the convenience of the internet and sites like Facebook and personal blogs, we were able to reach a huge number of people that have come forward to help. Others may not be so fortunate.

Pass it on............

Family Fire Update

Jodie was released from the hospital and continues to improve. Her voice is kinda squeaky from the damage to her lungs. She did an interview with KOMO4 news that was televised last night. (You can see the video here but you have to look for it's title ""Viewers help Everett fire victims start from scratch". http://www.komonews.com/video I'm sure it evoked a few tears here and there. It sure did me. The reporter presented her a check for the donations they had collected thus far. Thanks KOMO4 news!!!!!!!!!!!! And thanks to all that have donated!!!!

Toby is still at Harborview and probably will be thru Christmas. Do you know what this does to a mother's heart? Burn recovery is a slow and painful process but he is also improving. Your thoughts and prayers are very much appreciated.

If you would like to donate cash to help here is how:https://paytrace.com/cart/donate.pay?ID=1528&MID=27250021602801&PID=DonationYou will have to click "if other" and then type in "Wall/Spencer family" or "Everett fire family" something like that so they know where you would like your donation to go.
Or any Wells Fargo bank nationwide. "Wall/Spencer Donation" acct.

Family Update

Out of the ashes............. Slowly, slowly, we are starting to rebuild the lives of my son and his family. Toby and Jodie are still in the burn center at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Toby has burns to 20% of his body, (his entire back and shoulders), Jodie has a broken foot and her lungs were burned from breathing smoke and flames. Both of them will be fine but burn recovery is a slow process. Since there is no insurance, either medical or for their home, they are in a very bad way. But, with the help of family, friends, and the community, it will be okay. When a tragedy of this magnitude strikes it really hits a cord with people because it could happen to any one of us. The day that the fire happened all the local news channels were there so it created lots of interest and of course people wanted to help...and they have. Unfortunately though, a story like this is forgotten rather quickly and you have to try and think of new ways to get attention and help for your family. It's been a challenge and will remain a challenge for some time. It's always been hard for me to ask for help. Well, I guess that's what I'm doing right now, asking for your help. We are of course still pleading for cash donations. Either here or at any Wells Fargo bank nationwide. "Wall/Spencer Donation" acct. And our local news has set up this donation link through their "Problem Solvers" program:
https://paytrace.com/cart/donate.pay?ID=1528&MID=27250021602801&PID=Donation

You will have to click "if other" and then type in "Wall/Spencer family" or "Everett fire family" something like that so they know where you would like your donation to go.

Donation Link Updates...

Hi everyone. I need to let people know that the links we have set up for donations need a little explaining because people seem to be having trouble donating.
The KOMO4 News link: ( https://paytrace.com/cart/donate.pay?ID=1528&MID=27250021602801&PID=Donation ), looks a little intimidating and complicated but if you just will click on "Other" and type something like "Everett family fire victims" or "Wall family fire" then they will know which fund that you would like to donate to. As far as the Wells Fargo bank donations, it seems there was a mistake made when the account was set up and the correct info is not where it's supposed to be and will not be straighted out until Monday. People seem to forget a story like this rather quickly and so if you tried to donate and had a problem, please, please, please, try again. The funds are badly needed.
Both Toby and Jodie are still in the hospital and they will be there for some time. They are both improving more every day but burns take time to heal.
We are working on household type donations and a place to actually put them. All this takes time and organization. First things first. I hope what I have posted makes sense. I haven't had much sleep the last couple days.

If you would like to help.....

I just got home from the hospital and Toby and Jodie are improving. Toby has been moved from the ICU and his burns are healing nicely. Jodie is still sedated and on a ventilator, (her lungs are burned). They will both be fine in time. They just need some time to heal.

Our local news has a link set up for donations if you would like to help:
https://paytrace.com/cart/donate.pay?ID=1528&MID=27250021602801&PID=Donation
You may also donate to any Wells Fargo bank. There is a fund set up for the Wall/Spencer family.
We are only set up for cash donations at this time. Clothing is being taken care of for the short term and we don't have a place set up for household items yet. I will keep you updated. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers for our family. The community support has been AMAZING!!!

My son's home burned down yesterday....

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/78314332.html?tab=video


There are no pieces left to pick up. Nothing left of their home but they made it out alive. My son and daughter-in-law are both in the hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries. My 2 teenage grandchildren are fine and staying with other family members. Out of 5 pets, one dog perished and one cat is missing. 3 pets were saved.


There have been so many offers of help but we need to get organized first. I'll be leaving shortly for the hospital to meet with the rest of the family to try and start the recovery process. I may, at some point soon, ask for your help. We could use your thoughts and prayers now.....

A little Christmas Spirit....

You can find "Shady Lady" in my Etsy store.

Thanksgiving has come and gone and Christmas is approaching at a high rate of speed. Other than a few odds and ends I think I'm done shopping. A first for me to have finished so early. And it's because I bought mostly online. So much easier than fighting the cr"owds but the downside is.....it doesn't feel like the holidays.... I put my tree up on Saturday and that helped a little but today I think I'll venture out and try and conjure a little Christmas spirit.