OBX

OBX ~ a/k/a the Outer Banks of North Carolina, is my favorite place to visit in this world. I am absolutely in love with the scenery, the shops, the terrain, the people. It is truly a place to relax and soothe your weary soul. OBX is a quiet barrier island just south of Norfolk, Virginia. It is caught between the Currituck Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. There are lots of quaint restaurants, shops, art galleries and even wild ponies. It's not anything like the "commercial" beaches we all grew up going to. It is a whole different world of 2 lane winding road, craggly bayberry bushes, scrub pines, wild sea grasses, driftwood and gorgeous sand dunes.

In particular, my favorite place in OBX is Corolla (pronounced cuu-raw-la). I have stayed in the many towns in OBX, such as Corolla Light, Duck, Nags Head and Kitty Hawk; however, Corolla remains my favorite. Why, you might ask? It's the GLASS!!! Yes, those of you who know me know about my terrible addiction to collecting sea glass. I think I may need a 12-step program of some kind. (Hi, my name is Julie.... hi Julie)

I recently had the opportunity for a quick jaunt to OBX and even though the weather was cool and windy following a big storm, there was still glass to be found on my secret beach in Corolla. It was fun to bundle up and walk the beach each morning. I'm like a bird, craning my neck, fast walking searching for those glowing gems I so adore. People who observe me must wonder what I'm doing as I have a certain "technique" to looking for glass. I weave and bob, fast walk and slow walk - to the unwitting beach goer, I am sure I look like I am high on something.

When I spot a piece, I actually almost hurl myself to the ground with excitement (and I wonder why my body hurts after a long day of hunting). Also, when I am hunting with someone, it is a competition of sorts to see how much glass each person can find. I remain undefeated in this category simply because I am crazy enough to walk for 3 hours in one direction on the beach starting at 6am. Others have enough sense to realize they must also walk back an additional 3 hours to get home. Not me! I'm on a mission. I'm probably one of the only people in this world who actually loses weight while on vacation from all that walking!

Here is a pic of me yesterday sitting on the beach with some of my beautiful finds. It was about 68 degrees and very windy. Be it rain, sleet, snow or hail, nothing will stop me from getting my fix. I'm like the postal service.

I promptly went inside the cozy, ocean front rental yesterday afternoon, brewed a cup of hot tea, and turned one of these glowing green beauties into a pendant for myself. The piece I chose is thick and smooth and a beautiful kelly green color. Stunning! It's amazing how nature can turn trash into treasure. I wore this piece to dinner last night and I found I could not stop touching it. It has in indentation on the back where my thumb fits perfectly. Some chicks like diamonds, you can give me an old, weathered piece of glass any day!

During my visit, the waves were wicked high and the ocean was a milky olive green color. I actually saw some kids swimming in it on Thursday -- I thought they were crazy. I was freezing my tail off just walking on the dry sand that day. Kids are really amazing with their tolerance!

As I walked the beach, I saw flocks of chocolate brown pelicans flying low as they fished the waves. Also, there were these tiny birds called "Sanderlings" which are so darling. They are tiny round speckled balls of feather with long, but tiny, jointed legs. They walk so fast you can't really see their legs at all. One time, years ago, an older gentlemen I met on the beach told me Sanderlings were known as the "ball bearings of the beach" because they "roll" instead of walk. No matter what you call them, they are so cute. If I could catch one, I am pretty sure I would grit my teeth as I squeezed and petted the poor thing. (LOL, no seriously...)

It is Saturday night and I am back home in PA ~ wind-burned, tired and sad that I am so far away from the soothing sounds and sites of the Atlantic Ocean. One day I hope to own a home there, it's always been a goal of mine. Until then- I will have to settle for the occasional visit which never quite seems long enough. Wonder how I'll fall sleep tonight without the sound of the crashing waves to lull me?

Girls' Night "In"

This weekend I was invited to an event I have never heard of before - a girl's night "in". New pal Kris invited me and several of her friends and co-workers into her home. The invitation said sweats or PJs were madatory, telling me right off the bat that the evening would be fabulous.

I arrived at 7pm with a tote full of jewelry baubles and an appetizer dish in tow. I was welcomed at the door with a big hug from Kris and the "cabana boy" asking to take my coat. The spacious kitchen was aflutter with women. Everyone brought a delicious appetizer and Kris supplied the chocolate fountain with bits of angel food cake, animal crackers, pretzels, vanilla wafers, fresh strawberries and grapes for dipping. I'm pretty sure I heard angels singing when I spotted the fountain. It was delicious (my sugar coma today tells me for sure).

The cabana boy made sure no one went without a drink, food, directions to the hottub or massage rooms or anything else they needed. Two talented massage therapists were available throughout the evening for "pay by the minute" massages. It was wonderful.

Kris's home is fantastic - so cozy and comfortable. The layout and architectural details in that place are amazing! It's the kind of home where you aren't afraid to touch anything and feel at ease, yet it is beautiful.

I displayed my jewelry on the dining room table and the guests milled about, trying things on and snapping up some early Christmas presents. Many people just bought for themselves. Even the cabana boy called his wife to inquire what his girls might like. In all the commotion, I was able to snap these two photos after I set everything out -- but unfortuantely, the thought of photo documenting the evening did not cross my mind again until I was packing things up to leave.

The event drew an interesting mix of women, some already known to me; some who are new acquaintences. Among them were nurses, financial planners, college students and moms.

I left the evening behind with several orders for custom pieces and several new friends.

Thanks, Kris for a fun and relaxing evening!

Collector at Heart

There once was a little blonde haired girl who tortured her parents on every family outing by stopping to admire everything about nature. This little girl would stuff her pockets full of little treasures such as rocks, pine cones, shells and fallen bird eggs. Sometimes, to her dad's dismay, the car was actually bogged down with these treasures. This little girl eventually grew up but her love of nature remained strong.

It is nature in all it's God-created glory that serves as the inspiration for my jewelry designs. I am in awe of the beautiful gemstones and shells that exist in this world. My ultimate love is creating jewelry from sea glass found on the beach. For those of you new to the game, sea glass is just what you think - bits of broken glass from shipwrecks and other sources which have been tumbled in the waves and sand for decades. The finish on sea glass is pitted, frosty and smooth to the touch. Searching for glass is addicting. From the first moment I spot a glowing gem in the sand, until I have walked so far I don't even know where I am, my neck is craned in search of treasure.

I wanted to create this spot where people could go to see what's new (and old) in my jewelry designs. I've been working with a talented new photographer to get my work memorialized - she is responsible for the great photos posted here. You can check her out at http://www.elainegates.com/. Elaine is super cute and has such a creative eye. She's a true pleasure to work with.

I hope you enjoy the photos and the designs! More to come...