I grew up with dogs.  Great big ones like Samoyeds and Doberman Pinschers, and later, Brittany Spaniels and my absolute favorite, German Wirehair Pointers.  I haven't had a dog of my own in years--my schedule doesn't allow for it, and I wouldn't want to have one while living in an apartment.  So instead, I get my fix through pet-sitting, and I LOVE IT.  

This weekend I've been looking after some English Pointers who are both crazy and adorable...one is still very much a puppy, and the other is older.  I love all their quirks--like how the younger girl wants to hold the leash in her mouth, and how the older girl just goes nuts every time we see another human being.  Dogs, in my eyes, are like kids...they might be naughty once in a while, but it's almost like they can't help it.  And then their innocence just melts my heart :)

It was freezing this weekend, so going for walks wasn't exactly what I looked forward to (especially at 7 am!), but it's part of having and taking care of the pups.  And, once you're out the door, it's really not that bad.  This morning, the cat even followed us on our walk!  Too cute.  He also makes an excellent cuddle buddy :)

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend!

Before I met my fiance, I truly had never imagined myself getting married.  The idea of my future contained me, and possibly some other blurry figure, but mostly me.  I can remember distinctly the first time Dave and I talked about weddings.  It was just a few months into our relationship (we had a slow courtship), and he had recently moved rooms in his house.  He was now set up in this big room with screaming green walls.  I can't even remember what brought up the topic of weddings, but I remember asking him what he would want his wedding to be like, and he replied that it would be a huge wedding in a church (eek!).  

For the past 5 years, we have shared our ideas about our ideal wedding...some of them have changed, some have stayed the same.  For the past 5 years, I have planned, dreamed, imagined, constructed, and deconstructed our wedding day.  I have researched all the different aspects, analyzing, doing cost-comparisons, trashing ideas.  Why?  Because I never thought it would happen and hell, it's fun to plan your dream wedding! 

People keep telling me not to stress out, that everything will turn out great.  Personally, I know from experience of setting up events that things don't turn out great without some work put into them.  But, I appreciate the sentiments.

One of the most surprising and lovely things about the whole journey so far is the amount of love and support we have received.  It's absolutely amazing.  I cannot express how much my heart swells each time someone offers to help, or how excited I am that all these people we love are coming to celebrate our love and commitment together.  At the same time, each time there is a disappointment, it hurts far more than it should.  I know it's because of expectations and hopes, but it feels like being let down each time.  I think I'm doing a good job of rolling with it when these things happen, and I know the big day will be a blast.

I love you all...each and every one!

My two cats, Sammy (the Siamese) and Amber (the Tortoiseshell, aka my Halloween Cat), who bring love and laughter into my life every single day.

My future husband, David Woody, who loves every bit of me to, well...bits.

Family and friends who have supported me every step of the way.

 

Ring A Week no. 4

RAW 4/52
Sterling Silver
Ocean Jasper

Airy, like sea foam that swirls around your feet...

Grounded, like the coral beneath....

She will guide you around obstacles and remind you of the light that the ocean reflects.

(No.'s 5 & 6 are on their way...)

This month, I am happily participating in EtsyMetal's Blog Carnival.  What is a blog carnival, you ask?  It is when a group of members from a group, like EtsyMetal, write on a certain topic.

All in all, metalsmithing is the thing that brings true joy into my life.  I excel at it in many ways, and I always strive to learn more.  I'm sure if I put the time and energy into other artistic pursuits, I'd be just as good, but they simply don't interest me as much.

Ahhh....sweet, sweet silence at last...

Today, my lovely fiance is going to Hood River, so it will be me and the two cats for a whole  

twenty-four hours.  

Normally, I might be sad, but ahead of me I see...

music

studio time

lovely books and tv shows that only I like

walks in the forest nearby

relaxation.

The only thing that would make it better is if there were a cabin involved.

What will you be doing?

The winner of the Valentine's Giveaway is.........Jill!!!  

Thank you all so much for your support!  I hope you all have a wonderful February, filled with love and hearts.  Keep an eye out for more luscious goodies soon!