"I know you have had some difficulties this year, and maybe some self doubt, and all that comes with living. It's almost Thanksgiving, and it's the time of year I try really hard to tell people thanks for helping/loving/inspiring me, and I want you to know how much you mean to me through your blog. I love your photographs and gentle words, and well, just, thank you. I look at the faces of the people who are holding and wearing the products of their class with you. There is pride, happiness, shyness, glee in some instances. I think you must be pretty powerful to help people find those things in themselves. I admire that, and want to be able to bring that to others too. I agree with Janet Roell's post above, "Thanks for being so generous with what you know and who you are." It says it all."
"Stories are light. Light is precious in a world so dark...Tell a story... make some light." from the book, The Tale of Despereaux. We have had rain here in Wisconsin, more than we are used to. There is something magical about how after such gray, I love gray, when the light lays long on the table and shows us what was always there we smile so wide. I, being a light lover and seeker, stand for this post and bow my little head. Thanks dear one. Blessings.
"dearest nina-I was at squam both this year and last and although our paths never quite crossed, one of my favorite memories was from this past Sunday morning; breakfast was over, we were all saying our goodbyes and you were getting into a car, preparing to leave. Someone called out "Good-bye Nina!" and you popped back out of the car and blew kisses in our direction, calling back to us "I love you all!" My heart broke so deeply for you when I read of what was waiting for you when you returned home... I have read your blog for a long time, always encouraged by your abilities to "overcome". Many times I have remembered your words and actions and have said to myself "Nina can do it... so can I". And now, in this time of hurt, you have once again given of yourself. "Forget the shattered shards and forge ahead". Nina, you are a gift to us all. love and hugs, gretchen"
"Ever since I was a child I would feel something was wrong, but unable to verbalize it, it just gets quashed and forgotten. Reading your words is so exciting and illuminating for me. It is exhilarating to read a description of yours and think, "a-ha, that's just what I've been feeling!" Or possibly it's not what I was feeling, but your way of describing something is freeing to the soul. The proverbial light bulb goes off because of YOU.
Since I've gotten into my 40's I now realize I need to explore these feelings that filter up every now and then, and reading your blog does help bring some of these things into clearer view for me. Seeing how you bring into focus both joy and sadness, helps me learn to do the same thing with my feelings. It's a little less like grabbing at straw after reading your blog. Thank you, Nina. :) You are a great teacher of many things, and for me it's illuminating emotions, putting them into words so they can be looked at, and studied a bit, and understood a little more."
When in doubt, make a fool of yourself. There is a microscopically thin line between being brilliantly creative and acting like the most gigantic idiot on earth. So what the hell, leap. ~ Cynthia Heimel
All growth is a leap in the dark, a spontaneous unpremeditated act without benefit of experience.
~ Henry Miller
Sometimes you just have to take the leap and build your wings on the way down. ~ Kobi Yamada
Sometimes your only available transportation is a leap of faith. ~ Margaret Shepard
Living is a form of not being sure, not knowing what next or how. The moment you know how, you begin to die a little. The artist never entirely knows. We guess. We may be wrong but we take leap after leap in the dark. ~ Agnes De Mille
And, of course, there's...
Leap, and the net will appear
Oh! Miss Nina! I was temporarily struck dumb at the ethereal beauty of this post. I am so nearly close to tears. You have the power to enrapture us with your words, letting them entwine our beings. Today I told my network group that Words Have Power {I, too, am fond of weaving words and quotes into my work}. And the snippets from Shakespeare tear through my heart like the stars shooting through the midnight sky. But the words that mean the most to me of yours seem so vastly out of reach with my own experience and that is why my eyes brim over at the thought...you most certainly do have the best job in the world, my dear....and although I don't, I can't {oh how I long for it!}...I can but dream {and plot and plan}. You so eloquently bring that dream {for us all} to life. And if one can make it happen perhaps that is the hope perching on my shoulder, goading me on. I am ever so glad that you do what you do and especially that you dare to bare your soul and your art for all of us to witness. Truly uplifting and inspiring.
"I was directed to your blog as I too just lost my beloved dog companion. I echo your words and feelings of loss and in the amazing consolation of strangers in the blog world. We do what we have to do in this life, right or wrong. I was with my dog when he died and watched his life leave his eyes. He was at that moment alone by my side in a natural moment of his life. We are left never really alone although very conscious of the empty spaces that can never be filled with anything but sweet memory."
"Nina,
Someone may have already sent this to you. Last year around this time our Sasha almost 15 left us - the evening skies of the day she left we saw a shooting star - we all knew it was Sasha letting us know all was well & it was her time to be free! Tears come even now as I write this. Someone sent me this poem which helped through the morning so I pass it on to you. Asilomar - a magical place to spend time and heal your soul.
blessings of love,
Robin
Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown... "
I have started this note so many times and then for whatever reason, never hit
the "send" but this morning after running your blog - I just sit here feeling
"ah" and just so loving the visit that I just had to let you know what your blog
( you) mean to me.
I start my morning out with coffee mug in hand and head to my little room that I
like to call "my studio" and there I write morning pages, and then do some work
in my art journal - then I'm awake enough to visit with you.
Finding your blog and meeting you has meant so much to me. I always leave filled
to the brim with happiness, inspired and a deep appreciation. I wish I could
find the words, like you do, to express what I feel. I feel in my heart I have
met a kindred spirit and friend.
I just had to let you know what visiting with you means to me, and this morning
I would be happy just walking in your yard...
Enjoy your day, give Aspen a pat for me, and now I will have a much better day,
knowing that I have spoken to you. Thank you for being there.....
"I check in on your lovely blog as often as I can, but did not expect the heartfelt connection I found today. My oldest daughter has not left yet, but as she prepares to go off to college next year, I feel the panic, sadness, gut wrenching turmoil in the pit of my stomach and painful heartache of the thought of her leaving. I am at the same time so proud of her - her accomplishments and the person she is becoming. I am excited and feel anxious with anticipation of who she will become once out there flying with her own wings and navigating her own course. I sobbed and sobbed as I read your words, tears just flowed down my cheeks (at work!) Thank you for sharing so purely. I felt your words penetrate my heart. I am encouraged that you and others have gone through it, are surviving, still have so much beauty and love within, and are sharing that love and beauty with others. Thank you so much."
"I completely agree with you about the allure of words on jewelry. I don't know of anyone who creates more beautiful objects that epitomize this concept. I come back to your blog day after day knowing I will see something amazingly beautiful. Thank you so much for bringing so much beauty into our world."
"I'm wearing these [cloud song] earrings today. I usually don't dress that creatively for work, more prosaically, with simple non-danglies. So I just discovered I can see them in my peripheral vision as I walk. I like that. I should wear more danglies. Life lately has been too much practicality: forms to fill out, official documents to decipher, task lists to update, errands to run, get a Plan B, Plan C, even a Plan D. ... These are challenging times indeed. I'm hoping to carve out a few hours this weekend at my studio table, playing with my collections. I haven't even had many moments lately to peruse your lovely Web site and drink in its charm. But when I do dip in, I always emerge refreshed. So this is just to say thanks ever so much for being there. You have no idea of how many lives you brighten!"
"Dear Nina- Upon seeing your work in Somerset (blog issue), and reading your words (I envy your poetic verbage & expression), I soon went to your blog and became a fan. When time allows (or is stolen by me), I often return there because I passionately admire your artistic style and feel as though I have taken a delightful journey into an enchanting, charming, ethereal world familiar from my childhood after reading your entries which are so beautifully enhanced with your photography. You should know that you are a giver. We come away with gifts from time spent with you. After reading your glowing affirmations about your sister Ellen's eggs, the third time I visited her Etsy shop I decided I must have one of the robin's eggs, I just MUST, so I ordered one - and a good thing too, for it was the last one. They put me in touch with the past when I was a little girl, entering into deep places that the soft, sky-blue beauty of a found robin's egg could draw me to. Nature displays the holy beauty of God if we will just take the time to perceive it and touch it. I, too, am a woman in her 50s who also has two grown sons -- and I also love and live in the "woods" (well, if you can call 2-3 acres of wooded land in the country "The Woods"). I loved reading about your father, your mother, your visit back home with them, and your love for your sister Ellen. I hope that you will share about your sons in future postings. And pleeeeeease don't think we will ever tire of seeing and hearing about the dog! LOVE that dog! After omitting paragraphs for the sake of saving space in this entry, I will close with trying to convince you that your heart, your art, your photography, your words, your openness and all that you share with the world is a worthy gift to us. You are a beautiful person, and I thank you."
"i am not an artist such as you, but i have been a student in one of your classes. you have the abillity to inspire and motivate because you let it be fun; because you make it look easy; because there really is no right or wrong, good or bad; because you allow us to feel and respond based on our own individual experiences... what you're really teaching is how to step outside the box and be comfortable there; how to use the skills you've taught us and apply them to what we want to do. i see it as much the same as when teachers teach writing skills...we teach the skill; the process...but each individual chooses his or her own words. i guess what i'm trying to say is that one of the first lessons i learned from you was that art is based on your own individuality...we begin with a blank canvas, so to speak, and with each experience and personal preference, the art is born. it may change, but the root of it remains the same. it's ok for you to be a part of that, but the bulk of what each person's art is depends on what's inside of them. it's ok for us to use the skills and the process, i think, but we have to put our own words to it...use our own canvas...have our own style of expression. i suppose it is sad when one who calls themself an artist has to rely on the ideas and style of others rather than what's inside of them. that tells me there is fear inside and they haven't yet learned what you teach...that it's ok to step outside the box and let your own art speak for what's inside you. you do that masterfully...you show us, through what you do, an outside expression of what is inside of you...and no one else has what is inside of you."
"I have spent the past two evenings reading your blog. Just felt like I wanted to talk to you for a moment. I so enjoyed my time in your world which you share so sweetly. Although I am not nearly as positive, open, kind and loving as you are, I do feel a definite comradeship in your love of solitude, nature and reflection. Although I get somewhat nauseated by some of the overly sweet, la-la, life is great type blogs, your positivity and sweetness are very endearing - and your frankness about the sad things is touching. I got as far as your October time with your folks and your comment about wondering why you share these things about your daddy...and I just wanted to send you a hug. Virtual hug from a stranger who wants to thank you for that sharing and try to take away some of that pain. And another big virtual hug for your precious puppy.
Also love your art. Have seen your things in some of my magazines and books which is where I found your site a long time ago but never went in to read. I piddle around with altered books, jewelry and other such things - that artistic outlet is the best part of my life. And the only time I am ever REALLY happy and at peace with my life is when I am outside, in nature, talking to trees and birds. My best conversations and relationships are with trees...and dead poets, too."
"quietly she tinkers.
indeed.
but the song of her tinkering ways
is clear and pure
and resonates...loudly,
deeply
and surely it hovers by hope
perching there
in the soul.
beautiful.
your work is, too..."
"oh i do love white camellias
such pure white against those magnificent
shiny leaves
love is pure like that
the love of years
in your fathers hands
such tender photos
you are so lucky to have the presence of
mind to capture these moments as they unfold
and then you share
thank you so much
for the time you take with us out here
i know there is an interconnectedness
between us all
you continually prove it"
"I am proud of you for protecting your integrity. You will find better
venues. People will come to you. You have to always
take care of yourself--your psyche is important. Not to be violated.
I know that you did the right thing. It had to be difficult, but it
was an important forward moving change that will serve you well."
"may all truth and love reside within you and become an invisible blanket of protection when any negativity tries to enter your church of kindness"
"I think you have almost reached the Third Noble Truth of Buddhism; cultivating a mind so spacious that you are going beyond what things seem to be into what you truly see. When you care about things, you see with a responsive and involved eye. Do you know how little you have struggled this week? I can see this in the eye of your camera.
Why is it that people are bored when rain becomes a mirror to see into and words in books shimmer?"
"Nina, I always read your blog as it seems a good way to hear your voice and learn from you. I wanted to tell you that your photos are as stunningly beautiful as your jewelry and your words. You have the true eye of an artist."
"For me visiting your blog is like going to a friend's house for a cup of tea and conversation- I've seen her driveway, house, foyer, kitchen, face so often but in all of that is love, friendship, and inspiration. Its about you! It is a virtual cup of tea with a friend."
"Congratulations on this momentous occasion in your country's history. This change that has occurred in the minds of your people is noted around the world. The greatest men in your history had the qualities that this man has ~ his mysticism, charisma, stillness, and idealisim is what I personally see. He makes me believe in his sincerity. With a positive outlook, unified effort, and shared vision you can do anything as a people. It is these American qualities that allow each of you to do good, to do the right thing, ~ and what makes you a great nation ~ not a win-at-all-costs mentality, not power held over weaker nations, not greed or arrogance, but strength in unity and a common dream."
"You really made me reflect on my life. I don't want to disappear either, and I often wonder why I was put on this earth. Am I just here to take up space for awhile?? There has to be more that this! Of course with my Baptist upbringing....I don't worry about when my life is over, but what about this one chance that I have.......I don't think that I will age gracefully, I am sure that I will fight it to the end. I have too many things that I want to do.... I still have a long list of places that I want to travel to. How I wish I hadn't wasted so many precious moments. Do you think that we ever have enough time during our life......I wanted to see our children grow, get married, and have a family....but now I want to see my grandchildren grow up and I wonder what they will do with their lives....will I ever have enough time ????Thank you for making me rethink what I will do with the rest of my life.....
Nina, I also want to thank you so much for your sharing your teaching talent with me, please don't ever quit teaching. I loved your class, and could hardly wait to get home so that I can start something else. I know that I wasn't very productive in your class, not your fault.....I just get so overstimulated, I need to ponder what to do next. When my husband was driving us home ( it's about 16 hours) I was rethinking my necklace and I found a wonderful piece of sliced jade. I am going to rework this piece, it needs to reflect what I learned from you.....after all this is what I will leave behind so that my children and grandchildren can remember me, I don't want to disappear!!!"
"Most people have a hard time seeing the blessings in what is right next to them, the grass is always greener syndrome. My father grew roses when I was growing up, so we always had bouquets of them in our house. To me they always seemed like a mundane thing--can you imagine, a rose, an everyday flower! Now that I am grown, moved away, now that my dad has died and the rose bushes are all gone do I understand the wonder of them. It is rare the person who appreciates the here, the now. That is why I love your blog so much. You are a constant reminder to me to appreciate what is all around me right now."
I have spent a very long time being professional and efficient, so my writing tends to say that which needs to be said in a very sparse way. I really enjoy that your writing reflects your heart and soul.
I hope it doesn't sound sycophantic to say that whilst some people don't really measure up when you meet them, that's not the case with you. I first did a class with you in Freemantle and then started reading your blog. The blog measures up to you!
I think leaving ourselves open to new ideas, nature and people also leaves us vulnerable and open to self doubt at times. The good thing is that it doesn't take much to give us a shot in the arm, so we can bounce back.
"i'm turning forty in six months, which is kind of a shock to me. i am looking at your poetic, beautiful jewelry and reading your inspiring, thoughtful posts and screwing up my courage to step into my power to do all that i want to do.
this email is to tell you hello, and to let you know that you are 100% right to tell your blog audience what is right and what is wrong regardless of their reaction. there will always be small, mean people who will attack you no matter what. it is hard to callous yourself to them, but please try. know that there are people who appreciate you and your art. you are a very special person and you deserve all the joy and respect in the world."
"I love your blog, your jewelry, and how you write about your reality. Not just fluff. You let us "see" you, and that makes us feel like we live next door. Thank you.. xo"
"you and the way you view the world is what i have felt we have lost...the ritual, the story telling around the fire/at the dinner table/on the front porch, being in the wild, honoring the past (and present)...i think if we all took it to a deeper level than the surface we stay on so often, we would see what attracts us all to you and each other is not your art (although that is precious)...it is our Souls wanting to talk...thanks for listening to me!!"
human beings are members of a whole
in creation of one Essence and Soul -
If one member is afflicted with pain,
Other members uneasy will remain -
If you have no sympathy for human pain
The name of human you cannot retain --Saadi
-it would be more helpful if we sat with our reactions when others are speaking their truth in their personal journals and simply listen with compassion...i have learned a lesson from all of this...thank you Nina for being honest with your pain...it serves those of us who want to be better humans...xo
i just wanted to tell you how much you inspire me to be a better person. every day when i read your blog, i think, oh, i am going to be more like that: more observant, more loving, more 'living with my eyes wide open', more crafted in my writing. and while i still feel like i am mostly not achieving that, i know that if i keep reading and being inspired, it will slowly seep into me. so thank you.
from accomplished artist Judy Wise (thank you judy xo): "IMO you and Teesha pioneered
the "look" of the mixed media/journal/collage thing that is strongly
influencing advertising, graphic arts, and fine arts in this country,
providing jobs for many teachers of art and enriching the lives of
housewives and square pegs. I thought of this when Rauchenberg passed;
he was a "real person" just as yourself who had a huge influence on the
culture.
I know you have had your heart broken at times by the copiers but there
is another side to it. Original good ideas will always find their way
into the culture through co-option and adaptation (and stealing). Think
about it."
from Belgium: "While I'm mailing you now, I want to say that I admire your work a lot. I discovered you in "true colors" and through some articles in the magazines of Stampington.
I love the "Nina-knot" and your work is really recognizable and an own style. But I guess I'm not the only one who told you this...."
"Coming here is like going back home and visiting with loved ones-those who take us as we are-vulnerabilites, faults and all. Words leave you effortlessly and enter us for what they are-honest, unpretentious, alive, and vulnerable. The end result is for us like savoring our mother's favorite dish after being sick-we feel comforted, understood, cared for."
"your jewelry is turning into a divine light...."
"It is wonderful to share the ineffable qualities that arise from the experiences of one who has walked from the outer periphery of this beautiful life straight to the center, the pulsing heart of existence."
BEAUTIFUL...just beautiful. This art leaves me breathless. When I first read of an "alchemist", as a child, I was aching to meet one and converse and watch the magic happen. And now I have, Nina. Your work is extraordinary."
Walter has grown! He is so adorable! Your new jewelry pieces are gorgeous. What a wonderful place you have to work on your creations outside - I think it does bring something special to a piece when it is created outside "in nature". I hope that makes sense.
Have a wonderful Fourth of July!
Posted by: Susan | July 03, 2009 at 05:15 PM
Walter is growing like a weed and is absolutely precious!!! There is nothing in all the world like a puppy...with all the trips out to pottie, all the household items that are chewed... the general disruption of life as you once knew it... it's all worth it in the end. I hope you and the cutie have a very happy 4th!
Jane
Posted by: Jane Bradley | July 03, 2009 at 05:20 PM
sweet life...thank you for helping me see with my eyes closed and hear with my heart. "summertime, and the livin' is easy"....cheers! sipping one for you...on the porch, in the shade of "the green airy canopy"....sweet life indeed......xoxo
Posted by: Tina in McLeansville | July 03, 2009 at 05:24 PM
*hug*
Posted by: Paula | July 03, 2009 at 05:25 PM
puppies and boys,they do grow-up on you! my nick turned 16 just a couple of weeks ago. *sigh*
walter is a darling and i'm so glad he's found such a wonderful home with you.
Posted by: sabrina | July 03, 2009 at 06:28 PM
Yesterday my niece's fingernails were painted green - her toenails blue. Ahhhh, July, I thought - summer. It it here.
Posted by: Debi | July 03, 2009 at 06:32 PM
Summer has never been my favorite season - a bit too blowzy, too ripe and full for my taste -- but you have given it a new meaning and I intend to use your words to fill my spirit with the summer that is surrounding me. Thank you dear Nina.
Posted by: Penny | July 03, 2009 at 06:48 PM
As I read your lyrical words and looked at Walter full of joie de vivre, I glanced up and looked out side. Green sprouts everywhere in my garden. The early morning sun making all so bright and luscious... then you spoke of green-ness too, and I smiled. What is it about this colour, so many vaiables (reminds me of a poem by Robert Frost - I think).
Am off to walk with my hound soon and halfway we stop for breakfast at a little cafe, want to come 'walkies' too?
Posted by: hhb | July 03, 2009 at 07:03 PM
I can't believe how Walter is growing; soon his puppy-ness will be gone and he'll be all dog.
Spring is my favorite, but I'll take summer and autumn too (anything but winter with its slip-and-slide driving). This piece has the carefree quality of summer and it is clear to see the influence of working en plein air--beauty surrounds your silver garden gate.
Posted by: Star | July 03, 2009 at 07:41 PM
Of course that is a really lovely piece but all I could think as I looked at the beautiful tray of jewels is how many times I would drop something through the slots of that table!!! lolololololol
Happy 4th! Smiles, Andra
Posted by: andra | July 03, 2009 at 08:13 PM
Nina please don't apologise for sharing Walter photo's, it seems these days I pop over to see what he is doing as much as I want to see what you are doing. And he is looking so adorable, I love that last photo where he seems to smile at us.
Posted by: Julie H | July 03, 2009 at 09:57 PM
What a happy little guy ! He knows he's home now, doesnt he?
Posted by: Liza | July 03, 2009 at 10:31 PM
Sweet puppy, sweet Nina. Your words have taken me to a peaceful green place...
the new necklace completely took my breath away.
May the birds sing to you all day!
Posted by: Renate | July 04, 2009 at 12:51 AM
The miracles of nature are powerful...
More than ever before i have felt the connection with the ferns... fern forest is beginning when i step away from my parents yard. oh, those shapes and the utterly beautiful spring like color of green! i often go there and just admire the beauty and feel like i would be in a fern faery forest.
Delila
Posted by: delila | July 04, 2009 at 01:13 AM
Her name was Rima, the bird girl and she wore a smock of spider webs and talked to birds....
I loved this book and the idea that someone could be so close to Nature that they became a part of it. I wanted that. I wanted to learn the speech of birds and communicate with them. Now I know that I can and I only have to look into their hearts and listen. You are finally listening to Walter.
Posted by: Farmlady | July 04, 2009 at 01:44 AM
I've been having the same thoughts lately about how
time rushes through our senses. As a child
summer seemed to stretch forever. Now one Monday follows another so fast I get the suspicion
someone is stealing my days. I think getting older is part of my perception change. At 56 the winters get longer it seems...but the joys of winter increase as
well.
It's a consolation to hear your savoring of
each moment and seeing that dog/puppy grow
into confidence and his big paws. And to see what
magic is growing in your hands under green
canopies. Each season has gifts but summer's
are the sweetest.
Posted by: Patty | July 04, 2009 at 08:57 AM
There cannot possibly be too many photos or stories of Walter...........he is as much you as your jewelry and your mountains/observations of nature and life's small moments......... and your love of words.
I visit to soak everything in......but am extra partial to Walter (and Aspen) as I live with an 11 year old springer who fills my life with joy....and has since she came to live with me at 7 weeks of age.
Keep on sharing it all. Please?
Veronica in Ontario, Canada
Posted by: Veronica | July 04, 2009 at 10:07 AM
your post makes me want to go out in the woods and pick a big bucket full of berries to bring home for my mom to quickly turn into a homemade pie. x
Posted by: julie | July 04, 2009 at 10:12 AM
Cheers to summer, to Walter, to your beautiful creations, and to you sweet Nina!!! I will think of you while on my deck these summer evenings, and I will cherish the rest of my summer and wear its green robe proudly!! You always inspire me to embrace nature!!
Posted by: Emily | July 04, 2009 at 10:46 AM
Love this post Nina...and Walter is so adorable...just love his "speckled" feet! Been away for a bit...my youngest son just got married so life is settling back down...was sad a bit but better now...you know...it's like xmas...all that work and then it's over! New beginnings now for everyone all around. Love you necklace, the deck and the photo of the sivler tray would make a wonderful banner! Hope you have a wonderful weekend, fondly, Roberta
Posted by: Roberta | July 04, 2009 at 10:49 AM
We love many of the same books. I also remember reading Green Mansions as a girl. Your fresh, green outdoor world now is my outdoor world in spring and autumn. Summer in southeast Texas this year is scorching, stifling -- a water-hose battle to keep my beloved plants and landscaping alive. Thanks for the photos -- they're never too many!
Posted by: Linda Byrd | July 04, 2009 at 11:33 AM
Man oh man, nothing like a Springer's joker's smile.
Does he pucker and "wooo-wooo" too? I've often wondered if that's a boy thing. Hercules does it, but Sophia can't.
Nice pic's this post.
xoxS
Posted by: Susan S | July 04, 2009 at 11:34 AM
it's the fourth of july and I am taking a moment to look at your photos and read your poetry/prose and remember dogs and summers gone by. very sweet. happy to see the sprigs of grass have a home. i am teaching online and trying to develop my cyber'voice', you are an inspiration at that . . . thank you for teaching me so many things.
k.
Posted by: Karen Robison | July 04, 2009 at 05:42 PM
Nina---I don't know if I am just getting soft or reading your blog has inspired me of late but my husband and I are seriously entertaining the idea of getting another dog next week. Our dog died a year ago Easter and it has been a real struggle for the whole year without her. Oddest thing though: the dog we are looking at was born on the exact same day as our Misty! I think that it is a sign. I think she knows that we are ready to have another dog in our life and is encouraging us to go forward with it. I'll keep you posted. And your jewelry...OMG!!! Wonderful. Is this the kind of stuff you teach in your classes? If so, I am seriously saving for a class next time you come to Calif. This stuff speaks to me!
Posted by: Teri Mahl | July 04, 2009 at 05:49 PM
Our three year-old grandson, Golden Holden, has fallen in love with Walter T. He says to say "woof woof" to him!
(and boy oh boy, do I ever love those colorful necklaces....)
Posted by: Ann | July 04, 2009 at 06:05 PM
I have never made jewellery but I write and take photographs and I absolutely adore the life you have set up for yourself there in your beautiful mountains.
I come over to read you for all kinds of reasons but most powerfully attracting is the sense of well-being I find while I am here. I used to live lives similar to yours back home in New Zealand and I yearn for them here in the polluted Belgian city were I live now. Coming here helps me some.
Beautiful words, beautiful jewellery, as always. xo
Posted by: Di | July 05, 2009 at 03:51 AM
oh, thank you. thank you for your words that have become a sort of meditation for me. thank you for your beautiful images which i look forward to weekly. thank you for your brave honesty that is an endless inspiration.
from a fan way up in vermont!
Posted by: samantha aronson | July 05, 2009 at 09:27 AM
always amazing~~don't know what i love more... the tray with all the yummy findings- ready to be composed- or the finished piece!both stunning miss nina xo (lil'walter is looking good!love him up)
Posted by: connie | July 05, 2009 at 02:53 PM
Nina,
Green Mansions could not be more perfect for the name of your new piece or for a metaphor of your new romance! I too read the book and it was made into a movie staring Audrey Hepburn ~ an exotic romance set in the jungle of Venezuela, a traveler has an encounter with a forest dwelling girl named Rima. The traveler discovers and enchanted forest where he hears strange bird-like singing. He discovers Rima, the bird girl, who has the ability to communicate with birds in an unknown tongue, clad in a smock of spider webs. Let's hope your tale has a much happier ending than Rima's did!
Posted by: Sandy | July 05, 2009 at 09:31 PM
This post is sooo alive with growth and joy and pleasure. Walter is becoming such a handsome young pup. And he seems to be enjoying the camera lens a bit. A true star developing.:) This necklace is beautiful. I love the the blades of grass sealed in resin. They add so much to the piece. And the many shades of green. Nina, you truly work magic. Thanks for sharing.
Tess
Posted by: Teresa aka Tess | July 05, 2009 at 10:15 PM
walter's furry freckled toes make me smile from ear to ear.
Posted by: belvedere beads | July 06, 2009 at 01:42 PM
all ... so beautiful ... the poem evoked so much too.
love your little :mouseketter! :)
Posted by: mansuetude | July 06, 2009 at 05:51 PM
Hello Nina,
First time visiting...I love your work, and this necklace is fabulous!
~ Gabriela ~
Posted by: Gabriela | July 07, 2009 at 08:12 PM