Another Beautiful Day

While out for my jog, I saw some kids hanging around a campfire by the river. They looked like they were having lots of fun. One of the kids was running around without his shirt.

I snapped a picture of the last car on this train.

It was nice to take a break along the river.

Here's a picture of the Luzerne County Courthouse.

It was peaceful along the river today.

The night's starting to creep in.

Home to Julius napping in my chair.

What's New at Home Again

When you enter Home Again, you immediately experience that down-home, country-good feeling. Owner Mary Homza is a natural at decorating. She does a fantastic job at staging all of the furniture, home decor items, and accessories. Every time you enter the store, you're guaranteed to find something new.

This jolly, old soul caught my eye.

I love how Mary decorated this table in coordinating blues. The framed art prints are by Christine Altmann.

This lovely table was painted by Christine Crake Urban of Harveys Lake.

These candlestick holders were also designed and painted by Christine Urban Crake.

I love the way Mary put together this little corner of the store.

Last but not least is this handmade miniature bed. I couldn't resist taking a photo of this because I love the way Mary placed the stuffed cat on the bed. I'd consider buying this bed for Julius and Chiseler, but they're so used to sleeping on my furniture that they wouldn't even give this lovely, little bed a second look.

If you're in the area, be sure to stop by Home Again, which is located at 69 Main Street in Luzerne. Mary gets new merchandise in all the time. As a matter of fact, you just might see some of my hand-painted ornaments in her store next week.

Christmas 2009 ATC Swap

My good friend Sandra set up a Christmas artist trading card swap. If you're interested in participating, please visit Sandra's blog. All the trading information is available on her blog.

Beads and Bag from Africa

What a nice surprise! I received some wonderful gifts from a loved one in the mail today.

While visiting Rwanda, which is a country in the east-central part of Africa, he bought this lovely handbag for me. This bag is beautiful. As a surface and textile designer, I can really appreciate the wonderful pattern.

Here's the bracelet, which features brightly-colored clay beads on stretchy cord. This picture shows a wonderful closeup of the handbag's pattern.


This label is proudly displayed on the outside of one of the handbag's shoulder straps. I found the Web site for the organization that makes these handbags online today. The organization is called Ineza We- Actx. Be sure to check it out as they're doing a wonderful service for the women in Rwanda. Visit www.we-actx.org to learn more.

If you own a store and you're looking to carry unique, handcrafted items, consider these products. They're well made and more beautiful in person. Better yet, they support a good cause.

An Afternoon Walk Along The River

I took this photo while walking toward Wilkes-Barre along the river. Although you wouldn't know it from this photo, there were so many people out enjoying today's warm weather.

What a majestic tree.

Wow! The Susquehanna River actually looks blue today.

Here's our lovely downtown.

I love the rustic colors in this photo.

Here's a brighter version taken from the boat launch along the Susquehanna River.

Northeast Bead Extravaganza

After my jewelry-making workshop this morning, my friend and fellow artist Lynn Catnes stopped by Arts YOUniverse to pick me up for the Northeast Bead Extravaganza at the Genetti Hotel on Market Street in Wilkes-Barre. I ran into so many friends, students, and jewelry-making enthusiasts today. It was like homecoming. I even met a wonderful, young lady who is a pre-med student at Wilkes University, and she's a member of the ROTC. Thank you for your service to our country.

The folks at the Northeast Bead Extravaganza did a wonderful job putting together this event. If you didn't get there today, I highly recommend that you take a trip to visit the bead show tomorrow, which is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The vendors are topnotch.

Here's a peek at some of what we enjoyed at the show today.


First, let's give a round of applause to Suzy Porreca and Ivo DiPalma of Veni Vidi Beadi for putting on this fantastic show. Suzy was kind of enough to pose for this beautiful picture. Thanks, Suzy!

Suzy mentioned that they may have jewelry-making workshops at the show next year. Hmmm...perhaps I'll get a chance to teach at a future event.


I scored these fabulous dichroic glass tabs from Marcia Moore of Marcia Moore Designs. I can't wait to use them in my next jewelry project.


Here's a lovely picture of Marcia.

Then Lynn and I had a chance to stop by Talisman Beads to check out the new additions to their line of beads called "pewties." They added so many new beads to this line. I love this line of beads because they're so versatile. Here's a peek at some of what I picked up today.

Lynn also picked up some wonderful beads from Leslie of Twisted Sistah Beads. Leslie has a great selection of Miyuki Beads. Be sure to check them out!

After all of this excitement, I think I need to take a break to sift through my beads.

Blue Sky

After this morning's jewelry-making workshop, I ventured outside of the studio to take some snapshots of the magnificent blue sky. This picture shows the top of the former United Methodist Church on Franklin Street, which is now home to Arts YOUniverse.


This picture features one of the spires on the old Irem Temple, which is located across the street from Arts YOUniverse. Love that blue sky!

"Go Fish" Necklace

One of my jewelry-making students made this wonderful necklace in this morning's jewelry workshop at Arts YOUniverse. The picture is a bit blurry because my little camera doesn't have a macro zoom. I think this student did a wonderful job on her necklace.

This necklace is based on my "Go Fish" bracelet (pictured below) that appeared in the July 2009 issue of Bead Trends magazine.

Vintage Renauld Sunglasses

These sunglasses are truly a work of art. John scored them for me today at a church sale. They're vintage Renauld. What a great eye!

Embracing My Lithuanian Heritage

My dad just stopped by to give me this beautiful chunk of farmer cheese. You know you're of Lithuanian descent when you actually know what this stuff is. I love to eat it plain, but it's best when used for making cheese pierogi. The cheese has a nice salty flavor.

If you don't have time to make cheese pierogi, do it the "American" way by making American pierogi as my mom calls it. Essentially, it's the quicker way to obtain the taste of cheese pierogi without all the hassle.

All you have to do is boil a box of elbow macaroni. Fry up lots of butter and onions in a separate pan. Rinse and dry your elbow macaroni, and then place some of the macaroni in a long baking dish. Spread the farmer cheese on top of the macaroni, and then pour the butter and onions over that. Repeat another layer or two in the baking dish. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, and bake in the oven at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes.

Last week, John's Auntie Carol made us potato pierogi "American style" with lasagna noodles and mashed potatoes. It's the same concept as the cheese pierogi but with mashed potatoes.

The key to making good Lithuanian or Polish food is using lots of butter and onions. Auntie Carol also made some red beet soup for me, and it was loaded with butter and onions. I added a spoonful of sour cream to the soup to thicken it up. That's the way my dad likes it too.

Dad gave me 3/4 of a pound of cheese. Let's see how long it lasts.

Halloween Art Swap

I was thrilled to receive these beautiful trades from my friend Sandra. The handcrafted ornament has such character, and I love the artist trading card because it's three-dimensional. ~Designs copyright Sandra Caldwell~

Here's a picture of the two items that I sent to Sandra for the trade. As you can see, we both had candy corn on our minds! ~Designs copyright Liz Revit~

Thank you, Sandra, for allowing me to use these pictures that you've taken and have also posted on your Web site.

The Stratford Diner Gets My Vote!

Save for the ridiculous, new hike in tolls ($8.75 from NEPA to South Jersey), it was a glorious morning.

I've always admired this quaint, little house.

When in South Jersey, a visit to the Stratford Diner is a must. They have the best Spanakopita (Greek spinach pie). I love the fact that you can order this luscious treat for breakfast. Yum! Their hot chocolate is also smooth and creamy, and they always serve it with whipped cream.

If you're into burgers, you won't be disappointed with this grilled delight. John always orders extra pickles, and I get to eat the coleslaw. We both love "real" food for breakfast.

Here's the Stratford Diner's address. They're open 24 hours. Be sure to check them out if you're in South Jersey. The service is great, the food is outstanding, and they're always pleasant.

Love the blue sky! As always, it's great to be back in The Garden State.

A Warm Autumn Day

After parking my car, I turned to see a wonderful, ominous sky behind me on Franklin Street.

Here's another interesting look at those dark clouds.

Looking east, it didn't look so bad. When I got into my studio, it started to pour. At least it's warm outside rather than cold and damp.

Halloween ATC & Ornament Swap

My good friend Sandra set up a Halloween artist trading card and ornament swap. When I receive my goodies in the mail, I'll be sure to post them. Now I have to get to work on my creations.

For future ATC swaps, be sure to stop by Sandra's blog.