My first run since the hop-eration!

Well I did it! My first run since my knee hop-eration. Must have been about four months I guess since the last one and it was more of a plod than a run but a start none the less. My knee actually felt okay but I had a really bad kind of stitch pain in my lower back on the left side. My spine must be out of whack from having a bad knee for such a long time. But I ran (plodded) through the pain and managed 45 minutes. Not bad!!! I've also made some more felted heart brooches which I'm rather pleased with. So not a bad week all in all. You can see them here: www.facebook.com/renee.clothier or www.etsy.com/shop/RenJewels.

Breast lumps and keeping busy.

Have just had my annual mammogram (I have them every year because I'm prone to cysts) and I still have lots of cysts but there's also a lump that looks a bit different. So I have to have a biopsy, which I've also had before so I'm keeping positive and keeping busy. This is one of those times when been a crafty craft maker is a good diversion technique. Here's the latest offerings, again using recycled copper that my brother in law gives me from his spouting jobs.

Latest installment!

YAY, my latest jewellery making installment. Am really pleased with how these turned out and they were much quicker than anything I've done before. Must be getting the hang of this jewellery making mallarky!!! It also helps to make multiple items along the same theme.

I've just had a lovley lunch with one of my bestest friends from old school days (that was some time ago now!) who has just come back to New Zealand to live after being in Dubai for three years. I didn't know she was back for good, thought it was a fleeting visit, so that made my day! I'm so lucky that most of my friends from school still keep in contact even though some of them are very far away. They are like family to me now and my life is so much richer for them being in it. Attached is a photo of five of us at our combined 40th party (it was dress-ups, we don't normally look like that!). We had a combined one because we had also had a combined 21st so it was kind of like a reunion. Twas a grand affair. Anyway, I digress...I had worn a brooch out to lunch today that I had made at jewellery making classes and I had so many good comments about it I thought I'd blog it (again!), so that's the other photo.

I love Wednesdays!

Who would have thought Wednesday nights would make me so happy. I am finally doing something I've dreamed about for years and it's like salve for the soul. I am doing jewellery making nightclasses with a retired jeweller and I love it. These are photos of my latest creation. A silver and copper brooch (and I even made the brooch pin from scratch!) Not only am I making jewellery but I get to hang out with one of my dearest friends who is also doing it with me. It's official...Wednesday nights are my favourite time of the week! If you want to visit me to see what other crafty things I've been up to (felting is my other crafty love) call by http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5544405

Random Acts of Kindness Day

2 Hearts
Originally uploaded by Jewels By Renee

September 1st is Random Acts of Kindness day and whilst my students didn't think it was as cool as Talk like a Pirate day I tried to get them to think about their actions and the effect they have on others. I also explained that sometimes it is nice to do something kind to someone else, for the only reward being that you made someone else feel good. Hopefully they will remember this sometimes in their lives and will pay it forward and make the world a better place to be!!! This is an example of my heart work and if you want to see more visit me at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5544405

Seed bead heart brooches with a silk backing. A lovely tribute to Random Acts of Kindness Day (September 1st).