I know it's been a while....it's been a different couple of weeks filled with both fun and sadness. Once again, thanks to everyone who visited the Long Beach SCUBA show! It really was a great show. Just after that crazy weekend, Roger and I took off for Ireland. He had to work a few days in Dublin, but we we went early and drove to the west coast of the country...and what a GORGEOUS country it is! We went diving one day in Dingle and also got to see Fungi the dolphin, who lives in Dingle Bay and greets every single boat going in and out of the harbor. The food was very good and the Guinness is wonderful...unlike any beer I've ever had. One day in Dublin, my friend Leslie and I ventured out in the rental car (while the boys were working) to a Dublin coastal town called Dun Laoghaire. We had a nice lunch (including a glass of Guinness) then checked out the houses along the coast...stumbling upon this beautiful gate that is the entrance to Bono's home. (coincidence?? hmmm) It was quite the experience driving in Dublin, but we made it down to the coast and back in one piece. That night we had a tour of the Guinness factory followed by dinner. Before heading home, Roger and I went back to the west coast and visited the Cliffs of Moher which was truly the most spectacular coast line I have ever seen. I love tropical...but I really did leave a little piece of my heart in Ireland....and one day, I'll go back again!

The sadness is about my Grandmom. She is the last existing grandparent I have left...and not for long. She is 97 and the strongest woman I have ever known. My sister, Lisa and I flew to Maryland to be with her. I have such fond memories of visiting her when I was small. I used to love that she put Velveta cheese in mac & cheese. And she has always made the best lemon bars ever! I have her recipe...but it's just not the same when I make them. Lisa and I always looked forward to going to Grandmom's house for visits....she will be greatly missed.

My next show will be the Bead Society of San Diego's 7th annual Bead Bazaar in San Diego on August 4th & 5th. I will be very busy in the month of July restocking my bead inventory! I will have lots of the usual, like my fish and shell beads...along with a few new fun bead designs. Make your plans to stop by, it's a great bead show!
The second weekend of August I will be in Sonoma teaching. I have two classes, the first day I teach shells, turtles and dolphins and the second day is all about fish! Check out the Bead Unique "U" for more info. I will not have a booth at the bead show due to timing with the San Diego show...but I will definitely have beads with me!

By far, this was the busiest show I have ever had! And I wasn't the only one...the vendor "buzz" going around was the same...this had to be a record attendance. Thank you to everyone that came by to see me, both new and return Jujee Bead fans. I had a wonderful time talking with everyone and I appreciate your business! Roger managed to grab this shot of Kathi and me on Saturday during a rare moment when there wasn't a crowd around the table...and I was so busy, I forgot to have more pics taken. Oh well...there is always next year...and I will definitely be back for SCUBA 2008!

One of my goals for this show was to gather email addresses for those who would want to receive occasional Jujee Beads news. Well, I think we got the first three customers to sign the list and then it was just too busy. If you are interested in joining my email list, send me an email and just say "put me on the list!". I promise not to bombard you with emails, just an occasional "what's new" type of thing.

Roger and I will taking some quiet time for the next week or so....I don't know how often I will be checking email while we are gone, so please be patient for my response. I look forward to getting back in the swing when I return, with an entirely fresh inspiration....and will tell you all about our travels at that time!