Back to Reality...and Loving it!

Hello All! I'm back. I can't wait to delve into my designs again and get some fresh new pieces out there. It has been a long time and, although I can't say I am refreshed, I am at least inspired and looking forward to creating.

My precious Mom & Dad were kind enough to tumble some antique glass pieces for me and I have some great new gemstones in stock to work with.

I also plan to revive my line of organic lip balms - perfect for this blustery weather.

See you all soon.

Love,

Julie

Need Jewelry?

Although I will not be taking custom orders or creating any new designs over the next 2 months, I wanted to let everyone know that OnStage is packed to the brim with my inventory. If you want anything, feel free to stop over there. I was in there yesterday and they have quite a few items left, including the fun little bubble vases.

OnStage accepts credit cards. For salon hours, please feel free to call them at 717-737-1190. In addition, feel free to browse my photo inventory at:

http://elainergates.zenfolio.com/p522722088/h11108d67#h11108d67 (no password required)

http://elainergates.zenfolio.com/p774103623/ (password: starfish)

Enjoy!

I made it!!!!

Well, everyone, it's official. I have graduated from law school. I just got confirmation from my professors that the exams were a success. I can breathe a sigh of relief for the next week and then, starting January 5, 2009, bar prep classes begin.

Wish me luck!

Julie

Thanks to All!

Well, the designer night has drawn to a close. Many thanks to my bud, Courtney, who despite her cold, trekked to the salon and helped me throw a last-minute display together. She's a trooper!

Thanks to all who came. It was great to see you and I hope you all enjoy your purchases.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Sweet December

Well, folks, it's over! I've taken my last exam and I think I survived it pretty well. Thanks to all my pals who gave support and words of wisdom over the past few weeks.

I am looking forward to the Designer Night coming up this Thursday at OnStage. You do not want to miss it! Prices have been slashed and fabulous jewelry and ceramic vases will be moving fast!

Included with my signature genuine OBX sea glass pendants will be a new twist - hand tumbled glass (courtesy of my chief glass tumbler - a.k.a Dad). This tumbled glass comes from antique bottles my parents had lying about. My Dad and I broke them up with a hammer and my Dad tumbled it in a tumbler until it was frosty and smooth - just like the real sea glass. This glass is available in 3 colors (so far) - red, cobalt blue and aqua. These are rare colors to find in genuine sea glass and demand is high. I refuse to part with any more of my personal collection of these colors, so this was the logical alternative.



I hope to see you all there. If not, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year!

Love,

Julie

THANKSgiving

Hello all! Can I just say I can't believe Thanksgiving is over and the rush of the holiday season is upon us in full force?

I am thankful to have such supportive and loving friends and family. As I enter my last week of school, I will take comfort in knowing my support system is out there.

This week is my final week of classes and will end in a "December Grad Reception" at school on Thursday night for the 12 of us who graduate in December. My fellow glutton for punishment (a.k.a. law school survivor), Christina, will stand in as my date for the reception. Christina is a lucky gal, having graduated this May and already passed the bar! She is going to be my pillar of strength in the next few months.

The following week will be my very last law school exams -- there are 2 of them, the last one being on FRIDAY night from 6-9pm. Let me just say I will breathe a huge sigh of relief at 9:05 pm on Friday, December 12.

The week after that will be the last "Designer Night" of the year at Onstage (Dec. 18 - 6:30-9pm). My jewelry is being featured as well as some fun ceramic vases (thanks to my Mom's handy kiln) and another designer, Sharon, will be there with her handmade boiled wool handbags. It will be a really fun night, so be sure to stop by!

I am so excited to celebrate with you all. See you soon!

Disappearing Act

In December, I will be winding down my last semester of school. I still can't believe I am graduating! This has been an arduous experience juggling full-time work and full-time school these past 3 1/2 years.

I am writing this post to let you all know you won't be hearing much from me over the weeks to come. After classes end on December 4, I will begin the tedious task of studying for my last exams. I will be off work during the week of December 8 and will take my last exam on a Friday night - December 12.

Exam preparation for me includes creating a voluminous outline (80+ pages) from my lecture notes, memorizing the outline, then condensing the outline to less than 14 pages. From there, I will spend 16+ hours a day pouring over the outlines, memorizing and learning as much as possible about the topic. Also, I'm doing a lot of panicking over the sheer volume of information. There is little time for eating, sleep or sanity during this process. I am in constant contact with my best school buds to talk through a difficult concept or to simply talk each other off a ledge.

Once the exams are over, I have a nice little break before I must begin the even bigger process of studying for the bar exam. During this break, I have a whole lot of living to do! I've got the designer night at OnStage on 12/18/2008 and then there's Christmas and New Years. I'll be designing up a storm during this time - after all, I've got orders to fill.

Trust me, I would much rather be musing about new jewelry designs for all of you in the next few weeks than tackling the task at hand. I draw the strength to enter this process again from the fact this is my last semester. Although I have to wait until May to walk with my graduating class, this chapter of my life will be complete.

I appreciate everyone who will be keeping me in their prayers during the next few weeks. Take care!

Love,

Julie