Thursday, April 28, 2011

Good-bye Steve Carell




I just watched Steve Carell's last episode on The Office, and yes, I'm in tears.  I'll really, really miss his character Michael Scott.  It's dorky, but through the bizarre power of emotional transference and because I don't work in an office anymore, but just for myself at home, this cast became my co-workers.  I was able to feel like a part of that 8-5 world that I've been absent from for 2 years (and really for years before that because of health issues I was battling.)  I know the show will try to go on, and it'll probably be fine, but it's truly not going to be the same.  Now I'll be sad every time I catch a re-run where Michael Scott rolls his eyes at Toby Flenderson for having the gall to be alive, or flaunts his bro-mance with the hot temp, Ryan, or somehow manages to bring humanity out in Dwight, the cat killer (lest we forget.) 

So, good-bye Michael Scott, and I'm only a little less saddened because Jim told you what a fabulous boss you turned out to be in your last episode, and really, he was speaking for everyone watching.  I don't know how Carell managed to turn a complete idiot into a hero, but he did.  Good for you, Steve Carell, and good for us.  You gave us 7 seasons of absolute must-see-tv.  Thank you.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Spring Cleaning My Studio

One of the things I enjoy most about being a jewelry artist is the few times a year I have time to get my 'OCD on' and reorganize my studio.  It's been a year now since I started making hand-stamped jewelry, and in that year, my studio has been revamped about three times because I'm using different tools and materials and what works for beading does not work for hammering.  LOL.  So, this weekend, I took yet another crack and reorganizing because my studio is basically 40% of my one bedroom apartment.  So, a friend of mine came over on Saturday and we rearranged the furniture yet again (much like deck chairs on the Titanic when you're in a tiny space) and I think this will work.  I bought a new media tower, put it together and then put it to use!


Can you tell I'm having a hard-core love affair with my labeler?

I'm now at the point where I wouldn't be horribly embarrassed if someone came over because I've freed my nightmare sofa from my work space, hence, why you can't see it in these pictures.  And believe me, that's a feat when you see what a gargantuan sofa I have.  (Yes, I have sacrificed my fireplace.  I used it once last winter here in NC.)

Please excuse the crookedness, lol.  I went to sleep early last night after all this organizing and basically slept through the rest of my area getting pummeled by tornadoes.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

~Lori

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Personalized Gifts for Mom on Mother's Day

Mother's Day is less than a month away; are you ready? Sunday, May 8, 2011 will be here before you know it! Here are some ideas that she'll love! And don't forget grandma either!


available in lots of varieties (disc amounts and metal types)


available in 2 tag and 1 tag as well



There are tons and tons of other ideas in my shop. Have questions? Please ask!

~Lori

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Thoughts on Digesting 6 Seasons of The L Word

I've spent the last month marathon-ing the entire season of The L Word, and have made a few observations about the series.  Figured I put them here because if I put them anywhere else, I'll forget where that place is, lol.  So, in no particular order... (spoilers will abound...)

First, (and this is not just the fault of The L Word, but every dramatic series of yet), when you watch a show in one whole gulp, you realize how every single episode is composed of everyone running into each other at the same restaurant and then pardoning themselves because they have to do X to get ready for a party/fundraiser/event. I need another refill of something strong to get through that tired plot device.  I realize that the easiest and often most logical way to get all your friends in one place is to throw a shin dig.  But, omg, exhausting.

2ndly, major kudos to The L Word for being heavy on brunettes!  I'm a brunette and a brunette-lover myself, so I appreciated that greatly.  In fact, I appreciated it so much that I started to truly wonder if there are really that many brunettes in L.A. where the show is set.  I kind of doubt it.  And the blondes that were in the show weren't bleach blondes, so that was another plus.  Nice and easy!

3rdly, because I watched it all at once, I was immediately able to dissect who was stealing whose jewelry.  I often found myself tiring of the constant hashing-out-of-emotions (however true to form) which allowed my attention to wander to Bette and Tina, who in the middle of a quite infamous split, were actually sharing necklaces.  Yeah, I think not.

4thly, I found the sex believable, and I only rolled my eyes a few times.  This is a feat for lesbian sex because it can be varied and boring at the same time.  If you don't understand what I mean, you're probably not a lesbian.  I thought the portrayals were genuine, and I (almost) bought Cybil Shepherd as a lez.

5thly, a real pat on the back to the writers who created the Jenny Schechter character and didn't slit her throat in the first episode.  I don't know who actually killed her or if she killed herself, but if I think about too long, I'll confess to it myself.  It wasn't for a lack of trying through my television screen.  You kind of have to hand it to writers who decide to put 98% of their plot devices into one character.  That takes balls...or apathy. 

Finally, a big hug to Olivia Windbiel who played Bette and Tina's daughter, Angie.  She was absolutely adorable and a scene stealer.  Talk about perfect casting!

That's all for now! If you have thoughts on The L Word, feel free to comment!
~Lori