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The space shuttle Challenger

People don’t talk about the Challenger anymore – it’s not part of most people’s conscious lives. But it’s part of mine.

On January 28, 1986, the space shuttle Challenger exploded a couple minutes after takeoff. I’m not sure anymore of the exact number of seconds, though I’m thinking it was 80-some. We’ve found out why (a faulty O-ring, and an attitude of “it has to succeed, so shut up and cross your fingers”). And in the big picture, it’s one hiccup on the trail of human exploration.

But it’s personal to me, and it was a tragedy, and there were 7 wonderful people on board that shuttle. A divorced Jewish woman astronaut! A black guy! A Hawaiian oriental guy! It was a mixed-race, mixed-gender, wonderful crew – representatives of the real human race. They were beautiful, and heroic, and they died because we – their caretakers – were stupid.

And the world goes on. But today, I thank these people for their heroism and their lives and their sacrifices. I haven’t forgotten.

Dick Scobee
Michael Smith
Ronald McNair
Ellison Onizuka
Gregory Jarvis
Judith Resnick
Christa McAuliffe

Bless you all. Thank you. May you rest in peace. You are remembered.

Fuschia pink glass beads – eye candy!

I’m just showoing off these pretty glass beads 🙂

hot pink or fuschia pink glass beads

I recently got in the smallest size shown here, the 8mm round beads. They’re darling used alone if you want tiny bright earrings. And any of these glass gems can be used alone, as is, of course. But the combo is fun, isn’t it? They’d make dangly, vivid, sparkly earrings.

Sometimes you want to be noticed. Hot pink? Yeah, that works 🙂

DIY jewelry supplies – black enamel filigree charms

If you don’t feel like being all Valentine-y or just don’t like to wear red, why not go in a totally other direction? For example, these black enamel filigree charms are great with jewels, pearls, or beads added as a dangle – but they’re also terrific used As Is.

black enamel filigree charms for earring dangles or necklace focal pendant

Slip on an earwire, and these are ready to wear. Or fit a jump ring into one of those little openings around the edge of the charm, put the jump ring on a chain, and: black enamel necklace. Wear it anytime, anywhere.

Fine jewelry can be exquisitely detailed, intricately crafted, and expensive. “Fashion” jewelry – and hey, what’s wrong with fashion? – can be fun and affordable. Life is complicated enough already, you know? This is not rocket science. These black filigrees are $1.00 a pair. Make it easy on yourself – DO it yourself. These look good, they’re cheap, they’re fun.

Sometimes it really is that simple 🙂

Black patent vintage high heels

I was revisiting one of my favorite vintage boutiques on Etsy, Joules Jewels Vintage – oh my I love that shop! And among all the new goodies I found, Jillian is offering these adorable shoes:

black patent leather vintage high heels


And why do I love this shop, you’re asking? (Actually you already halfway know, because you are seeing these shoes.) Well! Her pics are clear and contain the info you need to shop wisely, her prices are fair, her reviews are terrific, and honestly, it’s just FUN to shop there!

And. Those shoes. Really that’s all I need to say.

I haven’t even mentioned yet, the tan leather boots she’s got that oh I wish were my size, and the adorable piggy bank, and the actual Givenchy dress that you just have to see! This is why vintage is so much fun.

This is why we love it.

How to save money – DIY!

This is not a revolutionary idea – but this year I’m going to point out occasionally, how making your own jewelry for gifts, for yourself, or to sell, can save – or make – you money. First idea: “buy the set and save”.

red framed glass pendant and round earring jewels - buy the glass bead set and save

These particular glass beads would cost $4.79 if purchased separately from my shop – the set here costs $3.99. Already you’re saving a bit of money. Of course there are many talented jewelry artists who can provide you with beautiful necklace and earring sets – but if you’re looking to save money, it can be such a smart move to do it yourself.

These earring jewels come in one-ring, two-ring, or No-ring styles, so you can make dangle earrings or stud earrings with only the addition of post earring backs, or earwires. The teardrop jewel can be turned into a classicly simple, lovely necklace by adding a jump ring and chain.

Easy, low-cost, and pretty! This is a good way to start the new year 🙂