Saying it out loud makes it real….

In 2004 I retired from my corporate job and had a bit of trouble finding what was next that made sense….I had beaded, I had taught beading, I just didn't know.   And then Susan asked if I would come teach, and then Carole and then Blanche and the second of my 'accidental' careers began.  I had taught for all three while entrenched in my corporate career and we go back a long way.  They believed in me when I was brand new and unsure and I love them all for that.

Lark Books called and asked if I would be interested in writing a book. Interweave's Beadwork magazine began their Designer of the Year series and asked if I would participate.  Bead and Button  Show accepted my classes, nominated me a top ten teacher and asked me to teach a Master Class in 2013.

I've traveled the world including Australia, England, Germany, and Japan.  I've met loads of really lovely beaders, on line and in real life.

I wrote two books and curated one, and contributed to a few others.  I've designed a lot of beadwork, learned illustrator to write directions, and put together a few kits.

I am fully engaged the rest of this year, but slowly….whispering…..I've been hinting at 'retirement' from this second accidental career.

I'm now saying it out loud.  I will not disappear from this wonderful bead world of ours, the one that has treated me so well and gained me so many friends.

I presume I will continue to design and I know that I will accept the odd engagement that really touches my fancy.  I have another video planned because I loved working with the Interweave team and I want to do it again.

I will continue to partner with friend Susan to bring you Beading by the Bay, and I would sure like to continue to teach for Bead and Button if they'll have me.  I have a couple of more European plans in store, and some far reaching, fun venues in the next couple of years.  There may be a cruise in my future as well.

But I want to balance all of that with hugging grand babies, spending time with my children, exploring this country and this world with the love of my life.  I'll bead of course and I'll knit, and I'm not sure what else.  I doubt I'll garden although I fantasize about it, I really don't like the dirt…..I'll read, I'll nap, I'll visit with dear friends.

I may bring artists into my studio, I'll for sure travel more in the airstream, I'll walk more beaches, hike more trails, enjoy more quiet time.  I'll cook more, and savor the recipes and I suspect I'll still bead.

I'll bring you new designs….I have a plan to revisit some older designs and make them better with new knowledge.  I hope that kits and at the least tutorials will be something I will share in the years to come.

I relish the rest of this year and all of the many bead friends I will spend time with.

And I relish what the future holds.