My girls

I enjoyed the sunny and almost 80 degree clear day today with my horses. It was so nice out, I gave Mazzy a bath. Mazzy lost her first tooth this past week. Between the age of 2-5 yrs and 4-5 yrs the normal horse will shed all its baby teeth (24) to be replaced by permanent ones. From the age of 1 year and upwards, the young horse will also get 12 new additional cheek teeth, possibly also 4 canine teeth (mostly in stallions and geldings) and from 0-4 wolf teeth.

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NO VETERINARY TAX IN CALIFORNIA

Sorry for another political post, but this one I feel really strongly about. In efforts to balance the state budget deficit, the governor's office is proposing a 9 to 10 percent sales tax on a list of things they consider luxury items which includes veterinary service and meds. This is really reprehensible at a time when so much is being done to heighten awareness regarding caring for animals. If the sales tax does pass it could go into effect next month.

Veterinarians, whose training and licensing is a rigorous as that of MDs will now have their care taxed as though they were dispensing canned goods. And the cost of surgeries, neutering, etc is high - an additional 9% will discourage many from giving pet care. This is morally WRONG; PLEASE HELP DEFEAT THE EFFORT BY PHONING.

THANK YOU SO MUCH for defending those who can't speak for themselves and for those who care for them.

PLEASE TAKE A FEW SECONDS TO DO THIS. IT IS COMPLETELY AUTOMATED. IT ONLY TAKES 5 SECONDS - YOU CAN PUNCH THE NUMBERS ONE AFTER THE OTHER. SAY NO TO TAXES ON OUR VET SERVICES.

916-445-2841: 1 5 1 2

PLEASE CALL THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE AND MAKE IT KNOWN THAT BALANCING THE BUDGET AT THE EXPENSE OF OUR PETS' HEALTH IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.

CALL 916-445-2841

PRESS 1 for English

PRESS 5 for the Veterinary tax proposal
it will ask you to press 1 if you are calling about the veterinary tax proposal so PRESS 1
THEN PRESS 2 to oppose the tax

you can alos sign the petition: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/no-veterinary-tax-in-california

California Veterinary Medical Association Fact Sheet

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BLOGGERS UNITE - WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY - CPSIA BLOG-IN

The following post concerns the CPSIA or the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. To show how real this is, Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying close attention to it.

But how will these new laws affect you? Here are a few examples:
To the Parents of Young Students:Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader:Due to the new law, children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves. There is no exemption for them. Here is an article from the American Library Association.

To the Lover of All Things Handmade:Due to the new law, that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. But then it won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist:Due to the new law, we're due to find items in non-compliance dumped into already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the big box stores as well. They can't sell it and they can't even give them away. If they are caught, it is a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper:Due to the new law, you will now need to spend the money for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.

To the Entrepreneur:Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue making and/or selling them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. In a time when unemployment is reaching record highs, this doesn't bode well for the economy.

To the Antique Toy Collector:Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” Read about this in an article from The Wall Street Journal.

To the American Economy:Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

To the Worldwide Economy:Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.

If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes

And for those of you prepared for an intellectual workout, The CPSIA

Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react. You can find out how to contact your representative here and your senator here.

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Artfire Update

Artfire Update:
Some of the referrals are not being credited when the person writes the shop name into the form and we are to contact admin. with our referrals. If you have signed up using Five O'Clock Somewhere as a referral...Please, contact me with your Artfire Shop name (so, I can contact Artfire admin....I have 0 showing right now) Please use my direct link to sign up:

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=sevenforlife&afuid=3626

If you have not taken advantage of the $7.00 unlimited verified Artfire, please do. They have extended the offer until the rest of the accounts are sold out (today at 3,323 left) and the price goes up to $20. It is really growing into a wonderful art community with features like both real time and Google stats, your own sub-domain name, worldwide currency conversions, market hub, craft guilds, artifact recognition awards and increased search exposure.

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More New Work

Well, I am back to work. I am grateful to be employed, but I sure did like the free time to ride, create and get all the stuff I can never get to done. I was so fortunate to have unseasonably warm sunny weather to enjoy during my few weeks off, it is now back to winter "cold" and rainy.

Here are some more of my recent creations.

Twilight Bracelet Labradorite and Apatite

Sunshiny Days Citrine Earrings

Sunshiny Days Citrine Bracelet

When It Rains Earrings

Inner Circle Necklace

Whisper Sage Prehnite Earrings

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First Month of Copper Cauldron Soaps

Yum, yum, yum! I received my first month of soaps from the Copper Cauldron (The Copper Cauldron's Six Month Soap Subscription) What a treat! Fabulous, luscious, fragrant, and they lather up so nicely.

Japanese Yuzu, "a wonderful floral citrus scent of tart grapefruit, overtones of Mandarin, slight notes of a spring blossom filled breeze. A gorgeous bar of citrus yellow and a juicy pink." Love this one, highly recommend! Jamaican Rosewood "This is not your typical rose scent...tropical orchids, white oleander, fresh rose, flowering herbs, and an underlying scent of woody cedar. A delicate pink and white bar with a smathering of dried rose petals on top." This soap is amazing!!!Sun Ripened Raspberry "A delightful scent that begins with top notes of ripened raspberries, red delicious apples, and oranges. Rounded out by notes of ylang ylang, rose, greenery, tagette and a touch of vanilla. Delicious, good enough to eat! Now go on over and see the Goodwitch!

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Still enjoying my time off

I've been getting up early (the same time I would normally for work) in order not to get too out of sync from my work hours. I have been heading off to go ride at about 8:30 each morning. What a fantastic way to start each day! In addition to my own, I've been riding a few extra horses. Yesterday I rode six horses, and loved every minute of it! Today I started my day as I have been, went to the barn and rode. Kylie has been super, giving me something to look forward to everyday.

Today after riding, Chad, the dogs, and I took a drive down to Malibu for lunch at Neptune's Net (outdoor seafood dining with an ocean view). Afterwards, the dogs got to enjoy some fun on the beach.

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New Work

Denim Lapis and Sterling Silver Western Charm Bracelet

Sterling and Serpentine Equestrian Charm Bracelet

Teal Paisley Bracelet

Intrigued - Labradorite Necklace

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Mammoth Trip

We just got back from a few days snowboarding in Mammouth. The weather was beautiful, sunny and in the fifties. Perfect spring conditions.

View of the main lodge from the Gondola:This is me:Chad and I with the "Mammoth"Me again, Day2:My favorite part of snowboarding....enjoying a beer at the lodge:

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Etsy Bloggers Featured Member for January : Roseworks Jewelry

The fabulous etsyblogger for January is Ruthie of http://roseworksjewelry.etsy.com/ One of her beautiful pieces is shown above. She has a variety of jewelry in her shop, ranging from hemp to fine crystals. Please take a moment to visit her shop on Etsy or her great blog at http://roseworksjewelry.blogspot.com/ to see more of her lovely work.

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Update - January 10th

This past week I got to ride Kylie every day, something I said I would love to be able to do if I didn't have to work. I've made some new jewels and started on my project list.

Here a few of my latest creations:

Cool Breeze Prasiolite (Green Amethyst) Earrings $35Hi-Ho Silver Necklace - Fine Silver Pendant $58Your Lucky Day- Labradorite & Amazonite Bracelet $48Starry Night Labradorite Earrings $32

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New Year's Resolutions

1) My biggest resolution is to get more organized. I always feel like I have so many things started and going at the same time. I cannot leave the house without a list or I cannot function (and there are always things on the list that go for days, and sometimes weeks without getting done). I am fortunate to have this time off of work to get organized, and that is just what I have been doing in between riding my horse everyday (my dream) and a few fun outings :-). It's that darn pile of mail that builds up on me when I am at work everyday, and it always gets away from me!

2) Create more! I hope to add a new item in my shop at least weekly.

3) Stay eating healthy and exercise more (since I know once I get back to work, the luxury of riding everyday for exercise will go away - boo hoo). I really got into gear last year and feel great, I just need to keep it up.

4) Get my horse Mazzy started. She is coming three this year and I can't wait to see what she becomes!

What are your goals for 2009?

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Happy New Year!!!

I wish everyone a happy, healthy & prosperous 2009!!!

On New Year's Eve we went on our annual cruise down the 5-1/2 mile Rose Parade route on motorbikes so that we can fit in between the cars. The cars are crawling along bumper to bumper with people doing the same thing. The most interesting part for me is checking out all of the people camped out along the parade route before the first dawn of 2009, eagerly awaiting the floral floats that will proceed down Colorado Boulevard escorted by marching bands and horses. Lots of chairs, fire pits, tarps, etc. Just seems so strange to me to want to camp out on a city street, but thousands do it every year. More than a million people will descend on the city for the parade and to see No. 5 USC battle No. 6 Penn State in the annual Rose Bowl game that follows it.

We also went by the Rose Bowl and checked out some of the floats. They are all so amazing (looking and smelling) all decked out in flowers.

We dropped off the motorcycle for a safer mode of transportation, and rode our bicycles back down to the parade route to start our celebration. A group of friends had RVs parked and had been partying all day. We joined right in their fun.

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