Duct Tape The Snake !

This is "Duct Tape." He is my new pet snake. I saved his life today. He owes me one.

This morning when I woke up it was so hot. I stumbled to the dining room to turn on the air conditioner. My eyes are getting bad and I need a new pair of glasses. As I was reaching up to turn the on air, I noticed the duct tape near the top of the air conditioner had fallen down. Then suddenly I realized it had not fallen, a snake had pushed it down and was resting on the top of my air conditioner. I screamed like a little girl. Don't get me wrong, I like snakes. I think they are beautiful and misunderstood.



I decided to use my trusty broom pole and simply push him out the window. Poor guy. He was stuck to the duct tape and I could not just throw him out to bake in the sun. It is all about karma. I took down the duct tape snake and all. They had become bonded together as one. Poor little fellow was wiggling and trying to set himself free, but that Dollar General Store duct tape is some mighty sticky stuff!


After I made him promise three times that he would not bite me, I proceeded to peel him off the duct tape. Let's just say what happened after that could best be described him having a love hate relationship with me. It looked very grim at times but in the end he escaped unscathed.

Just saying...hard work pays off!

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Life Comes Full Circle Again - The Orange Butterfly

Butterflies are one of the most fascinating creatures on Earth. Acknowledging their metamorphosis brings comfort when pondering Life and Death.

One of the most fascinating stories I have ever read is by Elizabeth Kubler Ross. Her story is not about butterflies. It is about children drawing pictures of butterflies. There were many on the walls in concentration camps. It is a fascinating story and I encourage everyone to read it.

Today I received an email from Tara. She is requesting a custom beaded butterfly in memory of her sister.

I started making this butterfly shortly after my dad passed away. I miss him. I need to bead.When I found the butterfly resting peacefully in the tin, it brought a sense of comfort over me. I left her there so many years ago and she has been waiting quietly for me to return.
Soon she will fly.

When her wings are finished I will say good bye.

All Donations Are Appreciated! Comic Relief

Why didn't someone tell me I would have to pawn the title to my van to to pay for all the ink I'll need to finish my degree? Now I know why college students are so skinny and bug-eyed. You can't afford to buy food because you must spend a fortune on ink cartridges. Even if there is a little money left over to buy food, you buy energy drinks to keep you awake so you can finish your assignments on time! Good grief I need a drink. I'm not talking about the energy kind. I need something stronger.

All kidding aside, I am having a blast with my online classes. Who knew? I don't know everything. I feel like the guy in the commercial who has been surfing the internet and looks up and says, "I'm finished." I feel like I have read the entire internet! Thank goodness the University of Phoenix is patient with me. So far so good. I highly recommend UoP for online college. I need to learn how to be patient with them, because I want everything yesterday.

I will get some bead work done tonight. First I need to finish reading 8974 more pages of required reading, make 7 Power Point presentations, write 18 papers, drink one more energy drink and eat some pizza rolls.

Back to beading as promised.

Stained Glass Long Needle Case Pattern

Here's the rough draft of a long needle case pattern I am working on.

So far there are only 3 colors. I hope to mix it up a bit and have maybe 7 colors by the time I get it finished. I forgot how fun it is to design needle cases. Awww, the process. Such fun.

I have printed and bound two of my books. I am still working on the finishing touches. I hope to offer them at craft shows, bead stores and on my website soon.

Business has been booming. I look forward to a wonderful Fall and Winter.

Why did I weep?

Why did I weep for a child I never met? The answer is simple. I am selfish. I wanted Justice for Caylee. Like so many others I am shocked at the verdict. I stand by what I believe happened to Caylee and why. Watching the trial reinforced my belief. I have no reasonable doubt.

How could this have happened? It's the American way. Is everybody happy now? I for one am not happy. Would things have turned out differently had a professional jury judged her? I believe they would have. I believe that it is time the United States considers making changes in the jury selection process. The thought of professional jurors sounds like a good idea, but nothing is perfect. I am sure they have their own issues too.

I have been scratching my head trying to make sense of what happened. I've realized that if I don't stop, they will soon be a hole in my head. It is over. Caylee is gone. Nothing can bring her back. There will be no Justice for Caylee, in a court of Law, on this Earth. Sad but true. It is what it is. Not guilty is not the same thing as innocent.

I followed the case initially because I like to solve crimes. I waited three years to see Justice served. It was not. Instead I witnessed more crimes committed. That is not what I was expecting. At the same time, I am not surprised.

Everyone does grieve in their own way. I am no exception. Everyone does it at their own pace too. Caylee. She was an innocent child that fell victim to a horrible situation. I pray that she is resting in Peace.

I believe in Karma. I believe that every dog has it's day. I know that psychopaths self destruct. Nature will take it's course. I know that God has a plan.

Many of you know that bead work is my therapy. I have not had therapy in a while and I need some. No matter what new things I try, I always go back to beading. I am returning to college in a few weeks. I love new adventures. Don't worry, I won't be gone long because I always go back to beading.

Until We Bead Again, Beth

Preparing for closing arguments.

Caylee Marie Anthony has touched many lives. Mine is no exception. I was living in Maine when her remains were discovered. I have done a great deal of research on this case. Forensic analysis on my computer would be impressive. I'm sure many others can say the same.

In the beginning, I quickly came to the conclusion that her mother no longer wanted her. Motive was simple. Would things have turned out differently if Caylee had been adopted by someone outside of the Anthony family? I believe they would have. Unfortunately we will never know.

Is there Justice for Caylee? I'm not sure what Justice for Caylee would be. I have strong feelings about whether or not punishment for crimes against children is ever just. Children are vulnerable and dependent on others. Crimes have been committed against children that could not even cry for help. An adult can not go back in time and place themselves at an earlier stage of growth and development. They can remember working through stages but once they have passed through them they can not unlearn them. When an adult is sentenced to death or life in prison they may be in shock, but they get it. A child doesn't even know what death or life without parole means.

Jeff Ashton and Linda Drane Burdick are Caylee's only hope at Justice. I pray that they have the strength they need to continue their fight for Caylee. I pray the jury agrees with my verdict. Guilty of first degree premeditated murder. I trust Judge Perry will give the appropriate sentence.

Many people have given their opinions on this case. Some have been experts and some have been people like me who want justice for victims and want to learn more about human behavior. While doing research I came across a blog written by Peter and Heather Hyatt. Their blog is about Statement Analysis. I encourage everyone to read their blog. The talking heads are entertaining at times but Peter and Heather get to the truth. Their blog is where I go to sort it all out and make sense of it all.

I, like so many who never met Caylee, need closure. I console myself. I believe that Caylee is resting in Peace. I accept that true Justice for the crimes against her may never be served on this Earth.

Jack of all trades, master of none.

I only made one post on my blog the whole month of June. Unbelievable! What in the world has kept me so busy? There have been many changes in my personal and professional life. So many that I have a hard time recalling all the details.

My children are growing up! I am so proud of them. They are smart, kind and considerate. Their hearts are pure and they have good intentions. They are resourceful and I know that if something happened to me they have the skills they need to take care of themselves. Mission accomplished.

My son is working as a plumber and finally the toilet doesn't leak anymore! He is a very talented musician. His band will be playing in some local shows this month. I will be the proud mom in the audience with tears in her eyes.

My daughter plans to attend Kennesaw next year. She plans to teach English as a second language and travel the world. My gypsy ways have rubbed off on her. She is adventurous and welcomes a challenge.

I've come to a point in my life where I can either slow down and semi retire or take on a whole new challenge. After much debate and soul searching with the support of my children, I have decided to return to college. I have often times considered myself "a jack of all trades, a master of none." There are only a few things in life I have done longer than nursing. I look forward to the day I hold my Master's Degree.