Holiday Trip

We took a family trip to Texas and played in the sand and surf around Corpus Christi/Padre Island. We took a tour of the USS Lexington aircraft carrier that is at dock there, and of course made a pit stop at the local skateparks. The weather was lovely with temps in the 60's and, of course, since we were coming from New Mexico, the humidity was a sensual treat!

We were surprised that late December would be the "low season" for tourism in any place that had palm trees, but we found the beaches pleasantly empty of people. The boys considered the water warm enough to swim in and they had a blast in the surf. Finding crabs amongst the rocks of jetties was a favorite activity, too.

We spent three days at the coast, and three days inland at a rustic cabin in the beautiful Hill Country of Texas, where again we were gifted with isolation and mild weather. It wasn't the right time of year for insect collecting, but other wildlife, like deer, armadillos, skunks, fish and spiders, were abundant.

The Creativity Gene

My oldest son has taken to various creative hobbies from an early age. His current passion incorporates a lot of different skills. Check out this nice cleaver he just made. The long bullet sharing the hanging nail is a key fob he made, too.

Sock Monkey Hat a Must-Have

Promoting beautiful handmade sock monkey hats available from seller jessicambaiseku on etsy. They are made in my old stomping ground of Edmonton, Alberta, which makes them twice as cool. And the baby in the photo is perfectly adorable in that little ear flap hat, so let's say they're at least three times cool. (Several styles available in baby to adult sizes.)

Alternative Snowman

I'm making a new snowman bead for the Christmas spirit that doesn't conform to the red, green and white tradition. My new lampwork glass beads are fun and unique. Even though they are decked out in tu-tu's i still refer to them as snowMEN, because i believe in suspending judgement. If a person likes bright colors and cliché girlie wear, and it makes them feel good, then why not? These kids are also a little goth or punk, with their black and white hats and scarves. Tu-tu snowmen beads are a quirky holiday option that are available in my etsy shop now, and they will shortly be available as pre-made zipper pulls.