HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAUL

HAPPY DAY!!!!

One of my favorite pictures of Paul in Cambria, California (one of my all time favorite places).

Paul and Miss Sophie, having an earnest discussion.

Paul at the Grandest Canyon of them all.

I wanted to take a minute to wish my sweetheart a Happy Birthday. Paul is probably one of the nicest, sweetest, people in the world (I do not exaggerate). He's a bit of a science/computer nerd and a goof ball, which I like of course and he's really smart. My family has had a lot of loss in the last year and we wouldn't be able to get through it without Paul. We all love you Paul and we're glad that you are our goof ball.

ESTY TREASURY

My Dragonfly necklace was chosen for an Etsy treasury today. The treasury is called 'Jade is for Japan Aid'. Hopefully it will help the necklace sell faster. I will also be donating the proceeds from these matching charms to the Red Cross as well. Please check out the treasury here and the charms in my Etsy store here.

NECKLACE FOR JAPAN

Fine silver and jade necklace.

I've been watching all of the footage of the still unfolding tragedy in Japan with utter disbelief. Can you imagine if this happened to you and yours? I have trouble conceptualizing how awful it would be. I wish there was something that I could do. What I can do is make jewelry, so I thought I would offer this piece for sale on Etsy with the proceeds going to the Red Cross relief effort in Japan. I will also ship the necklace free of shipping fees with a little gift to show my appreciation. If you're interested in this piece please click on the link to my Etsy store here. Thank you!

I LOVE YOU DAD

My Dad, Cato Hoaglan

. . . When you finally reach your port may the

birds you have carved, scattered all over the

land or lining the shelves of your shop, be

convincing evidence of your arrival. Even so,

may the chips of the master continue to fall

profusely to the floor, sharp and crisp. When

the imprisoned bird has escaped the bonds of

his shapeless block and stands poised majestically

on his perch before you, may he speak to you in

unheard words of praise and adoration; may his

message stir your soul in grateful appreciation

of your will to excel and your determination to

carve and carve until the perfect day.

- an excerpt from: Creative Bird Carving, by William I. Tawes

I've been away from the blog for a while. My Dad has been ill and he passed away this week. I wish I could express to all of you what an incredible person he was. He, along with my Mom was an excellent woodcarver, a patient woodcarving teacher, an entertaining story teller and above all, a wonderful and caring father. I wish you could all have known him. You would most certainly have been richer.