Beads and Byes

I know you can't really tell, but take my word for it: This car is covered with Swarovsky crystals.

I had a quick trip the annual Bead & Button show in Milwaukee because back in January, I had signed up for a class. I'm glad I made the trip because I love the bracelet I learned to make:

It isn't that hard, just basic off-loom weaving with leather and Delica beads. But I can't stop admiring the result.

I've already started making a second one:

But I don't think I'll be able to finish it until I get home from Copenhagen. We catch the bus to O'Hare at 5:30 tomorrow morning. I think I'm done packing, but I better make one more check!

I won't be sad to leave behind this weather: 90 degrees every day. And we don't have air conditioning! I actually don't mind most of the time -- but I don't do much cooking when it's this hot. In this weather, Nagi needs lots of extra naps. His favorite spot is my chair on the screened porch:

It's hard to imagine that just a few morning ago I needed that blanket for warmth!

I probably won't be blogging from Copenhagen because I'm not taking a tablet or computer. I hope you all have a great week!

The Way Life Should Be

I am sure I am not the only teacher -- or employee of any type -- who feels that real life only happens in the summer. School is just so overwhelming. This last week has been magical. I can take life at a reasonable pace and do the things that are important and that I love.

Today I had a refreshing bike ride in the cool morning air and ended up at my parents' community, where I had breakfast with them.

The bike path near my house.

I had time to restart the beaded collar in colors that I really like:

Twenty inches of this and I'll be done.

A friend wanted to try polymer clay, and I had a few hours to teach her. I made some beads for the first time in a couple years:

Do you see a lot of pink today?

I cooked a recipe that I've wanted to make for ages, the enchilada recipe from the Oh She Glows Cookbook -- a book I learned about from a blog friend, perhaps Nichole of Frontier Dreams? The filling features sweet potatoes, black beans, and spinach. Really amazing dish.

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Enchiladas

I spent time weeding the yard, decluttering the house, and even doing paperwork for school. But without the frantic pace and demands of school, it was all enjoyable. There is something terribly wrong with our modern life. Americans work more hours than any other people in the world, and we pay a terrible price for it, both physically and emotionally. I wish there were more jobs that allowed Americans to have a life!

I am grateful for summer break. Tomorrow Keith and I take our annual sojourn to Door County, the "thumb" of Wisconsin. The weather forecast calls for warm, sunny days. I hope your weekend is filled with blue skies and fun.