Happy Halloween

My kids all dressed up for Halloween.

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Haunt-a-Dena

After handing out some candy on Halloween night we made our annual trek over to the most elaborately decorated house you can imagine, it must take them weeks to set it up. It is the "Haunted Yard" at 1640 Braeburn in Altadena. Each year it sets new standards in wretched excess (this is definitely NOT for small children!). They completely deck out their entire yard, complete with a maze of terror with LOTS of scary people jumping out at you. There are tons of people that flock to check this out.

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More New Earrings

I'm trying to gear up for my jewelry boutique on Dec 6th, so I am making lots of new stuff. Here is a sneak peak.
Hypnotic Earrings - Kyanite, Apatite and sterling cascading on french earwires $33


Loosly Linked Earrings - Pearls and sterling rings on hand-forged sterling earwires $32


Dark Waters Earrings - Dark Blue Labradorite Rondelles on hand forged sterling earwires $25

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Wordless Wednesday

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Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights

Last night a group of 18 of us went to Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights. It was a blast. There were all sorts of scare zones, mazes (nightmare on Elm St, Texas Chainsaw massacre, Friday the 13th, House of Horrors) shows, and rides (Jurassic Park In The Dark, Revenge Of The Mummy, The Simpsons Ride). We had a VIP experience package, which included front of the line passes and our own personal tour guide for the whole night. It was the way to go. Most lines were 55 minutes or more, and we never waited for than 5 minutes....fantastic! We also got a private terror tram ride through the back lots of the studio. The tram dumps you off on a path through the Friday the 13th campground; Norman and Mother Bates await you at the Psycho house and multiple Freddy Krugers leap out from the War of the Worlds crash set. The dead and dying abound. The mazes were disgusting and gruesome (not for the feint of heart), but incredibly well done. The costumes were elaborate, and there were literally thousand of creepy characters trying to startle you and chase you with chainsaws. I learned quickly that if you don't want the scary chainsaw clowns to chase you, don't run! The funny thing is I HATE slasher movies, blood, gore and things jumping out at me, but I had a good time.Our group going on Jurassic Park In The Dark ride....you do get wet!

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Saturday morning I rode Murphy, a horse that used to compete in the high jumper divisions, but was donated to my barn into the rehab program. I think he had pulled a bunch of muscles, but is now totally recovered and a ton of fun to jump! The picture is from him at a horse show...cute isn't he? I then got to ride Kylie, and she feels great. Two more weeks until we can start jumping.

Chad and I then took the dogs out to visit with Mazzy. They had fun running around in lemon groves. When we got there Mazzy had just finished rolling in the dirt after standing under the irrigation sprinklers....she was a muddy mess. Luckily it was in the 80's, so I gave her a bath and she looked stunning again.In the evening we went to a dinner party at a friend's house in Redondo Beach and then out for some drinks and dancing. It was a fun group - Steve, Kiki, Marvin, Sheryl, Kimo, Trey, 2 Brittneys, Garrett, Lori, Chad and myself) Steve cooked for us all and it was fabulous - jambalaya! Last night was a late night, and I am feeling a bit unmotivated this morning.

I also made some new earrings, but I just couldn't get the photos to come out too good. It is really hard to photograph sparkly gemstones. Hopefully I will get some better photos and put them up on me website soon.

With a Twist Earrings: Green Amethyst Twist Faceted Briolettes on Sterling Earwires:

Faceted Citrine Briolettes on Sterling Earwires:
Pink Topaz Faceted Pear Briolettes and Sterling Earrings:
Stormy Skies - Labradorite and Sterling Earrrings:
Serene Earrings - London Blue Topaz Briolettes on Sterling Earwires:

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Fridays, best day of the work week!

Oh how I love Fridays! I work late during the week as a negotiation to get off early on Fridays to go ride my horse. It is something I start looking forward to on Mondays (how sad). Today was the first time I was able to ride my horse, Kylie is six weeks due to being layed up for a minor procedure. I am grateful to have had other nice horses to ride and jump and keep myself in shape while she was out of commission, but I tell you its like putting on those comfortable pair of jeans, we just fit together.

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The Value of a Smile

Happy Friday Everyone!

The Value of a Smile
by Author Unknown

A smile cost nothing, but gives much.

It enriches those who receive,
without making poorer those who give.
It takes but a moment,
but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever.

None is so rich or mighty that he can
get along without it, and none is so
poor but that he can be made rich by it.

A smile creates happiness in the home,
fosters good will in business,
and is the countersign of friendship.
It brings rest to the weary,
cheer to the discouraged,
sunshine to the sad,
and is nature's best antidote for trouble.

Yet it cannot be bought, begged,
borrowed, or stolen,
for it is something that is of no value to
anyone until it is given away.

Some people are too tired to give you a smile.
Give them one of yours,
as none needs a smile so much as he
who has no more to give.

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Tagged!

Well, I've been tagged by http://kaysk9s.blogspot.com/ and I'm supposed to share 7 facts about myself that are probably not known by many.

THE RULES:
1. Link to the person's blog who tagged you.
2. Post these rules on your blog.
3. List seven random and/or weird facts about yourself.
4. Tag seven random [?] people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
5. Let each person know that they have been tagged by posting a comment on their blog.

7 Random Things About Me...
1. I hate scary movies
2. My dream job would be to have a horse rescue
3. I hate to be late for anything.
4. I worked as a hairdressers assistant in high school, coloring and perming hair (with absolutely no training)
5. I can only sleep on my stomach
6. I still have my wisdom teeth
7. I don't have cable tv

Now it's my turn to tag 7 other blogs, so here goes:
http://ofhorsesandmen.blogspot.com/
http://www.mcfarlanddesigns.com/

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New Jewelry Designs

I've been busy the past couple of days making lots of pretty things. I will eventually get these posted on my website with more photos.

Blowing Bubbles Bracelet - Blue Peruvian Opal, Amethyst, Apatite & Sterling Silver with an cool sterling silver vintage irridized bubble clasp $65

At the Stables Bracelet - Micro faceeted Black Onyx, Carnelian and Sterling Silver with a Vintage Horse Head Clasp set in sterling. $85

When in Rome Bracelet - Grey and White Square Coin pearls with Sterling Silver and a Roman Coin Toggle Clasp $48

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Fun day of bike riding, shopping, and eating

What a fun day Chad and I had on Sunday. We loaded up our beach cruiser bikes and headed down to Santa Monica for a ride along the beach bike path. We rode from Santa Monica to Venice a few miles down, and a few back. There is so much going on down there...boardwalk shops, artists and performers, lots of transients, tarot card readers, it is a virtual carnival on the beach running year round with free admission. (Interesting fact: Venice was the birthplace of the Doors. Before their fame and fortune as one of the top rock bands of their time, the Doors played for the Venice locals.)We then headed up the bluffs to the 3rd Street Promenade for some retail therapy. After a little shopping we took the recommendation of a friend to try Anisette, a new french brasserie. The food was phenomenal, really exceptional, melt-in-your-mouth good, but expensive. The atmosphere was very cool. You instantly feel transported to a place where you are chic just the way you are. I love the shelves of liquor and champagne that soar to the two story ceiling. We had the Pate Maison, which was whipped and served in a jar with gelled currants to top it off and then had Duck Confit, which was amazing. I had the Farmer's Market Bloody Mary, which might very well have been the best bloody mary I've ever had! Chad had Paulaner Oktoberfest and loved it.On the way home we stopped at the bead shop Semi Precious. I bought a bunch a beautiful stones that I cannot wait to use. It is a tiny little shop on Montana in Santa Monica, with a nice selection of high quality stones. The stones I bought ranged from about $6-$12 each which is pretty pricey, but I couldn't resist them. I got some beautiful firey labradorite, moonstone, pink amethyst, citrine, smoky quartz.

(me, Chad, Ave & Tony)

For dinner we met up with the Bagan's and went to Mike & Anne's in South Pasadena. We sat outside on the patio, it is a quaint restaurant in a quaint town. Chad and I shared the romaine hearts, and I had the Miso-Sake Braised Black Cod (Edamame, Asparagus, Basil, Scallions), it was light and tasty. Chad had the Free Range Chicken Breast (Fingerling Potatoes, Green Beans, Nueske Bacon, And Red Wine Chicken Jus) and loved it. The food was good, the service was attentive and prompt. I would go back.

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Ghosting it forward

My new friend, Trainwreck of Cowboys, Kids and Sunsets, ghosted me! I am so grateful to have discovered her blog. She is an super talented, outstanding artist!​ Her photos are breathtakingly beautiful. Check out more of her artwork at Gillespie Galleries. To top it off she is entertaining and sweet!

These are the instructions:
The idea is a combination of "Pay It Forward" and "Ghosting". (Pay It Forward is a book and movie with an idea of doing three good things to three other people and then asking them to do the same and Pay It Forward) In Ghosting, you slip over to your neighbors home, and leave them a sweet something (fresh baked goodies, chocolates, a flower, or just a nice note,) on their doorstep.Hence, Ghosting It Forward was born.

In your little gift for your neighbor, you also leave a polite request to pass a sweet treat along to three other neighbors. The idea of Ghosting It Forward was launched on October 16 of this year. The goal? To involve as many people as possible, to spread some cheer and fun. Creator Steve Kantor would LOVE to see loads of people involved in this by Halloween.

Here are The Rules:

1) Have a Ghostly Image to pass along

2) Tag three people on your blog, with links to their blogs. Tell about what great folks they are, or offer to send them a Ghostly Treat.

3) Include a link to Ghosting It Forward in your blog.


Now, I am going to choose three of you to "Ghost", and ask that you too, please pass it along for some Halloween fun!

I tag:

AllHorseStuff: Super sweet fellow equestrian and true horse lover with lots of awesome pics and videos of her adventures with her horse.

Jana - Anyplace Farm: With a lifetime of experience as a trainer, rider, groom, her blog entries are interesting and insightful. I especially enjoyed the copious notes that she wrote about the George Morris clinic.

Strawberry Lane: A wonderful horse mom who saved a starving horse. She has done a fantastic job to change this horse's life around. I can't wait to see more of his progress.


Please Ghost three others, and have some fun with this! Spread the Joy! Make someone SMILE!

Positively Impacting People with Something Positive

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Lots of riding today and teaching Mazzy to tie.

I went out to the barn this morning and rode FIVE horses (more than my usual, which is just one)! It was fun, but I am quite tired now. I then went out to see Mazzy, and tried to teach her to tie, and like it. She didn't like it. She is good on the cross ties, but doesn't like to stand tied. She usually sits back and snaps her leather halter (has done this several times). Interestingly, she doesn't run away, she just doesn't want to be tied. So today, I asked cowboy Bill for some help. He is a wealth of knowledge. He put a rope around her neck which then went through the ring under her chin and then attached to a blocker tie ring. The Blocker Tie Ring works based on the horse’s natural tendency to feel trapped and claustrophobic when tied tight. Unlike other tying options, when the horse pulls hard enough on the Blocker Tie Ring, they can pull some slack in the lead rope releasing pressure and the source of pain and panic. This meathod was far better than the stationary method, which causes her to break her halter. I sometimes forget she is only two because normally she behaves so well, but today she was a terrible two-year-old and tried ever trick she could think of to not stand still including, putting her legs over the poles on the sides, pawing, climbing the wall, pulling back, raming the wall, turning around, getting on her knees, backing into the sides, chewing on the rope and wood etc. She eventually gave in and decided to stand properly. I then took her for a nice walk and gave her lots of treats. I think this is something we are going to be working alot on. There is a little explaination video on how the blocker tie ring works (click here). I've never seen one before, but I think it is a fantastic idea!
Okay, I am on my way to go visit Chad at the firehouse....

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Andalusia Necklace

Beautiful Periwinkle Blue Chalcedony and Sterling Silver Necklace. Length is 16", finished off with a sterling silver toggle clasp $68 (will be adding to Five O'Clock Somewhere website soon). I will take better pictures this weekend.

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Looking forward to seeing Mazzy this weekend

Just a couple of years ago she was so tiny!And now look at how big she has grown!

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Goddesses Don't Buy Green Bananas

I just found out about an amazing book! Lesley Daley (fellow equestrian) is the creator of the self-published inspirational book Goddesses Don't Buy Green Bananas, the book that shows the strength and love that the trials of cancer bring forward. It is a collection of Daley's black & white photography of women surviving through cancer and their inspirational stories - a book that Lesley Daley (author/photographer) wished was available when her thirty-five year old husband was diagnosed with cancer. Driven by her own desperate need to find "comfort" with cancer, she produced this book.

Goddesses Don't Buy Green Bananas is a visual journey and a photographic celebration of hope.

Goddesses don't have time to wait for green bananas to ripen - The green bananas are a metaphor for, "live each day, and don't wait around." It's not about dying; it's about living.

It seems like everyone has been affected by cancer in some way, themselves, their loved ones, people they work with. Unfortunately I can relate, cancer took my mother away from me when she was 57.

"Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it." -Helen Keller

The book can be purchased for only $35 + tax and $5 shipping.

Lesley also has a portrait business : photolesley.com. She does beautiful portraits of pregnant women, babies, families and dogs. She recently has started creating black and white portraits of horses.

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Chad was on the News last night

I don't know how long this link will stay up,and I don't know how to save the clip. Chad is about halfway through the clip.

link:
Firefighters: heroes on the front line

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/video?id=6450151

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Sesnon Wild Fire, Southern California

Photo: The New York Times

It's fire season again! My husband, Chad was deployed yesterday on a strike team to the Sesnon Fire in Porter Ranch. I know it is his job, but can't help but worry. The crew spent the night on structure protection, watching a street of houses in case the fire came that way. It is very windy (60 to 80 miles per hour) so the fire is still out of control. There have been at least 18 houses destroyed last I heard on the news, and 5,000 acres burned. There are over 800 firefighters that worked through the night to protect peoples homes, lets keep them in our thoughts and pray for thier safe return. Unfortunately, this is not the only fire burning in the area. It is so sad for the people who have to evacuate and wonder if thier homes will be thier when they return.

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Featured on the Art Zoo Blog!

Today one of my bracelets is featured on the Art Zoo Blog, a blog that features all sorts of artwork by various artists. I'm honored!!!

The Equestrian Charm Bracelet is one of Five O'Clock Somewhere's signature pieces. The stones and charms may vary, and like all Five O'Clock Somewhere designs no two are identical. This bracelet is made with African Jade and Sterling Silver. The sterling charms include: hoofpick, boot, brush, helmet, saddle, pelham bit, stirrup, horseshoe, and crop. It is finished off with a sterling silver horseshoe toggle clasp. This bracelet can be purchased on my website, or in my Etsy Shop.

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Art's 40th Birthday Party

We went to help celebrate Art's birthday last night (Chad's captain). Art's brother-in-law made him an awesome beer cooler. He made it from a "confiscated" ice cream push cart (brother-in-law is a cop). He refurbished the whole thing into a Pasadena Fire Engine with lights sirens, temp gauges, drain. It was really unique. The theme of the party was gambling. We were all given $300 fake money to gamble with. There were real dealers and tables to play on. I just wasn't too motivated to gamble with fake money.

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I rode Mazzy today!!!

On her back for the 4th time! We just walked, but that is all I am planning on doing until she is older. It still amazes me how calm she is, and how she doesn't even care that I climb up the fence and get on her. Steering is still pretty non-existent, but that will get better as I do more long lining. I can't help but think how spectacular she would be if I worked with her more than once a week! I will eventually move her closer to me when she is old enough. Yes, I know I am not properly equipped (no helmet, jeans, no half chaps), but I really wasn't planning on getting on her today.

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Ai's Sushi / Fair Oaks Pharmacy

After a mentally exhausting day dealing with Kylie's vet appointment, we met the Bagan's for sushi in South Pasadena at Ai's. Since I have cut out most carbohydrates from my diet, I am running out of things I can or want to eat. Sashimi is one of the only things that really appeals to me right now, so I am always more than happy to have it. Chad and I have been to Ai's many times, and it has its pros and cons. The service is never very good, especially when they get busy which they do on the weekends. Everyone's food arrived about 20 minutes before mine, but that didn't really bother me last night, they gave me a free beer while waiting (yes I know that has carbs :-)). The sashimi was fresh and tasty and the company was enjoyable.
We then walked over to the Fair Oaks Pharmacy and Soda Fountain to browse the interesting gift store. They have a large selection of Retro Memorabilia and gag gifts (as you can see from the picture).

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Kylie's Diagnosis

Well, for once Kylie's diagnosis is positive. Yeah! Today she had x-rays of her hocks and fetlocks. No significant lesions found, which is super. The ultrasound of her suspensory ligament looked great. The reason these areas may have lit up on the nuclear scan was compensatory, due to her prior injury on the right front. There may be some slight remodeling of the bone there, but nothing to make her lame, and no arthritis there. The x-rays showed no "sharp" edges, which apparently are bad. Dr. Greenman was very happy with the x-rays. So she injected Kylie's sacroiliac joints, where the nuclear scan mainly lit up. The needle was really long, and scary looking, I didn't watch for that part. Apparently this joint is suseptable to osteoarthritis in jumping horses. Two weeks of hand walking and then back to flatwork.

I found an interesting article on injection of the Sacroiliac Joint Region:
http://www.ivis.org/proceedings/AAEP/2002/910102000257.pdf
Great article on Back Pain and the Sacroiliac Joint in Horses:
http://www.myhorse.com/health/preventative/back_pain_and_the_sacroiliac_joint_in_horses.aspx#top

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Hidden Knowl Farm

My best friend recently relocated to the Chicago area as a horse trainer at Hidden Knowl Farm in Wadsworth, IL. This place is gorgeous! A little different than what I am used to!

46 acres
100'x200' heated indoor
Treadmill & European Walker
All weather and grass paddocks
Trails
Clubhouse

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Anna Street Studio

I just got the cutest bag from my friend Jenn. Thanks Jenn, I love it! It is reversible too! What a nice surprise to get in the mail! Check out the Anna Street Studio website.

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New Creations from Five O'Clock Somewhere

I have updated my website with lots of new creations, take a look around. I offer free shipping for orders placed through my website.

Peaceful Ride Bracelet
Under the Sea Necklace

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