Shaiha's Ramblings: September 2011

Privileged and popular Caleb Mason is celebrating his high school graduation when he receives a mysterious, disturbing letter from his long-lost childhood playmate, Christine. Caleb and his jokester friend Bean decide to travel to his tiny hometown of Hudsonville, Florida, to find her. Upon arrival, they discover the town has taken a horrifying turn for the worse. Caleb’s childhood home is abandoned and his father has disappeared. Children are going missing. The old insane asylum has reopened, and Christine is locked inside. Her mother, a witch, is consumed with madness, and Christine’s long-dead twin sister whispers clues to Caleb through the static of an A.M. radio.

Some books really are hit or miss with me. THE SLEEPWALKERS is very well written especially when you consider that it is J. Gabriel Gates' first novel. And the subject matter is interesting and unique. But it was a miss.

I have actually spent a couple days thinking about this book and just why it didn't work for me and I couldn't pinpoint just one thing. I did find the main character to be slightly superficial but that very well could have been due Caleb's age. I did really enjoy Caleb's best friend Bean though. He was good for a few chuckles.

Perhaps it is the fact that this book should be tense, riding the line of horror, and I didn't find it so. Rather then quickly turning pages to find out what happens next, I spent most of the book confused and wondering where the story is taking me.

I am rating this book a 3 because it is well written and I could see if becoming a hit for someone else. It is in the young adult genre but I wouldn't let let kids too young read it as there are scenes of graphic violence.

Welcome to the Bead Soup Blog Party! This delightful party is the brain child of Lori Anderson who carefully matches designers from all of the world into partners. Once you find out who your partner is you then contact them and send them a mix including a focal, some coordinating spacers or beads and a special clasp. I will admit that everyone usually sends more simply because it is so much fun. The purpose of the blog party is to push us outside our comfort zone and to make new friends.

My partner is Skye, the mistress of Creative Chaos. Lori really had a moment of inspiration when she put the two of us together. Not only has Skye really challenged me but I really feel that I am found a new friend in her. Now as far as goodies. Here are the one that Skye sent to me. As you can see, she sent me much more then just the minimum.

One of Skye's challenges to me was to use more white in my creations. She's really right, I do tend to stick to darker, earthier compositions. I also decided to take her challenge one step further and string the necklace. I can't remember the last time I made a necklace in this fashion. If I am not using chain then I am usually knotting. This design is also not one that I am totally happy with yet. I am using a temporary focal as I plan on replacing it with a Swarovski star.

Next up are dragonflies. I had remarked here how much I loved dragonflies yet Skye didn't see any in anyt of the necklaces that I have pictured here. So she sent me some delightful dragonflies along with some gorgeous pillow beads and crystals. Here is what was born from that combo.

Next up is one that is more my style then any of the others. And it was the one that I couldn't really get any decent pics of. This one is really a longer necklace at 30" and I really wasn't sure how to get it all in the picture. In this necklace, I used the focal, the clasp and some of the crystals that Skye sent me.

Speaking of pics, with the exception of this batch here, these have to be the best jewelry pics that I have taken. I discovered that my camera really likes overcast days which works considering how many of those we have in this area. Skye also sent me some great tips that really helped.

And last but not least is the necklace that I am the most pleased with. This necklace was totally inspired by the blue/black beads that have such fire. I fell totally in love with them when I first saw them and knew that I wanted them knotted with pearls. In this case Swarovoski pearls. It did take me a couple tries to get some pearls of the size and color that I wanted so now I have some left to play with. This is actually the first time that I have used Swarovoski pearls but now that I have I must pick up some more. This necklace is also a longer one at 28" and one that I am totally keeping for myself to remind me of this very enjoyable party.

Now that you have taken a look at my humble offerings, be sure to check out what everyone else has done. There are a lot of us but it is so worth the time just to see the gorgeous works of art. Also some of the participants also host giveaways to go along with this event. I myself with be giving away my floral necklace, necklace #3 to some random commenter. For an extra entry, follow my blog and let me know in a comment. Since there are so many of us and I want to give everyone a chance to enter, I will be drawing a name on October 1st.

The Hostess, Lori Anderson and her partner, Manuela Wutschke

1. Aimee Wheaton and Barbara York

2. Alice Craddick and Sandra Richardson

3. Alison Sachs and Amy Severino

4. Allison Scott and Cynthia Abner

5. Amanda Cargill Austin and Charlene Sevier

6. Amanda Davie and Patsy Evins

7. Amber Dawn and Kim Ballor

8. Ambra Gostoli and Christine Hansen

9. Amy Freeland and Christine Altmiller

10. Ana Krepel-Novak and Eleanor Snare

11. Andrea Morici and Hope Smitherman