tombstone tumbleweed

Monday, October 07, 2013

Unique items you'll love!!

Friday, October 04, 2013

Very high winds here in the desert will not be allowing us to drive into Los Angeles. Santa Ana winds can be brutal.and quite dangerous. Desert sand can pit a window in seconds. And being that we are dragging an RV behind the big truck we do not want to be dragging anything. Think we will stay put for a couple a days. Pumpkins won't be going anywhere. Tents better be anchored quite well however.

literally...............

Wednesday, October 02, 2013

Etsy sellers in time for your holiday shopping.

Turban head wraps are just too cool right now this shop has many!!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/159823792/turban-headband-twist-headband-pick-your?ref=favs_view_16

These sock monkeys are just the cutest damn things. Want a different one for everyday
http://www.etsy.com/shop/socksandmonkeyhugs

copper.........and other gorgeously made metal pieces at the most incredible affordable prices......ahhhhh I see a copper ring in my future.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/stacyjayjewelry

looking for a whimsical gift. fun items to put on your office desk
http://www.etsy.com/shop/tamarakraft?ref=listing-shop-header-item-count

This woman has the most unusual items oh and so very colorful.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/118666346/ooak-primitive-african-heart-fridge?ref=related-1

I'm quite fond of eye pillows these really caught my attention
http://www.etsy.com/shop/lizkingdesigns?ref=l2-shopheader-name

T-shirts fun and very clever t-shirts
http://www.etsy.com/shop/createmeatshirt?ref=l2-shopheader-name

This man crafts the most gorgeous wood cutting boards
http://www.etsy.com/shop/foodiebords?ref=l2-shopheader-name

It's about that time for Halloween so jump on over to the Etsy section for Halloween goodies. Please do not skip the pet costumes if for nothing else a bit of entertainment.
http://www.etsy.com/browse/halloween?ref=fp_ln_new_halloween

And of course there is our shop
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TombstoneBeads?ref=si_shop

Happy shopping................remember shopping on Etsy is like shopping local.

Till next time..............................

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Updated talent that I'm betting you didn't know about

I am not going to beg but I would appreciate a yes or no comment if this is something you would like me to continue.

Many of the shops over on the Etsy site are gearing up for the holiday shoppers. I hear the groaning but folks it's closer than you think look at the calendar. Don't get caught having to go thru a horrible last minute crush of shopping morons. Be smart shop early. Here are a few of my favorite shops lately. And as a reminder please check the shops policies and shipping charges before you hit the order button.

I love vintage pins and this shop has many and well priced http://www.etsy.com/listing/162176755/vintage-bsk-leaf-pin-with-jade-vintage

What a fun shop............I purchased a couple of these. http://www.etsy.com/shop/Thespiderlady

If you are a crafter you will love this stuff!! http://www.etsy.com/shop/LaZoie

This woman makes the most beautiful scarves http://www.etsy.com/listing/161944673/totoro-scarf-silk-scarf-hand-painted-fan?ref=favs_view_22

Haven't purchased from this shop yet but her products are tempting. http://www.etsy.com/shop/CedarCreekSoaps1?ref=l2-shopheader-name

Of course you could always purchase an Etsy gift card http://www.etsy.com/giftcards/?ref=fp_giftcards

There is a fun Guy section.............http://www.etsy.com/browse/men?ref=fp_ln_new_men

And an over abundance of Kids section...............http://www.etsy.com/browse/kids-category?ref=fp_ln_new_kids-category

For those of you getting married soon I am going to do a whole wedding post soon. There are just amazing shops on Etsy.

Now as you know you can always go shopping at our shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/TombstoneBeads?ref=si_shop

Click a link and go shopping!!

Monday, September 16, 2013

There is a season for everything

This big guy 3-4 inches long, is called a Mexican General. But has a latin name also. When those camo wings spread underneath is a beautiful red and gold color. They don't fly far most creep and hop. They do carry their lady friend on their backs.

Most of us enjoy four seasons, we are not one of them thank you very much!! Let's list some of the seasons.

allergy season...........not for me cause my allergies know NO season. They are with me always.

there is the rainy season. now that happens to be different for different areas of the US. Here in Southern Arizona we have monsoon that are with us for the merry months of June, July and August. Please note it is September as I type and the rain is still with us. I'll call Mother Nature and tell her to flip her calendar.

And then there is bug/insect season. We seem to have an enormous, more than last year, grasshoppers. All shapes and sizes, who knew!!

That dreaded word snake. Lots of non life threatening snakes that wander thru the grasses and scare the living S**T out of ya when slither by. I am not good at recognizing the different species, well with the exception of the rattler, so I just have a healthy respect for all of them. As a side note of trivia just in case any of you come upon a diamond back rattler. Those bastards have learned how not to rattle. The discovered after all these years that if they rattle they'll get caught. So beware with your eyeballs not your ears. Just thought you should know this.

Spiders.........I don't like spiders. One bit me this summer and it's taking forever to heal. No it wasn't a poisonous one but a spider none the less. We mainly have here black widows and bark scorpions. Oh and the stink bugs............don't step on them. Ask me how I know.

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Time to de-clutter AGAIN!!

Seems hard to believe that we are going into our seventh year of RV'ing. Or as my sister likes to refer to us as the Gypsies.

I would not trade the last few years for anything. The people we have met, friends we have made and oh yeah the places we have seen. This life, I know, is not for everyone. But my friend if you have a fleeting thought that it might be fun give it a go. I would not want to be the one to say ya know ya shoulda tried RV'ing.

Now about that de-clutter stuff. I am amazed at what you can accumulate in such a short time. And my other amazement is how much crap you can cram into a 34 foot RV. There are nooks and crannies EVERYWHERE!!

We have been here in the desert of Southern Arizona for six months. Being in one spot for that long you tend to get comfortable and accumulate. I am seeing a trip to Salvation Army next week. As we will be leaving here the end of the month.

But I'm thinking that de-cluttering is healthy. It will clear my mind to prepare for pumpkins and trees. Yes folks it's that time.

Friday, September 06, 2013

More talent

Craft.....................an activity involving skill in making things by hand.

Crafty................... clever at achieving one's aims by indirect or deceitful methods.

I know a few crafty people but I know more people that know their craft.

Here let me show you

I'm getting some of these for Halloween..................kids will love them. How clever she is making these gems.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Thespiderlady?ref=l2-shopheader-name

These gals are so clever and talented. I have a couple a favorites. Makeup bags are a item I covet.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/tavatotes?ref=l2-shopheader-name

I think I need a key chain that is brite and cheery. Check these out.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/127318507/pastel-pink-and-green-flowered-key-ring?ref=favs_view_12

Say no more I need this brooch
http://www.etsy.com/listing/160324626/prickly-pear-cactus-brooch-cute-cactus?ref=favs_view_21

Celia puts out some very pretty sparkly pieces.....................some would look terrific with our beaded bracelets.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BubblesandGems?ref=pr_shop_more

Domenica has some very pretty stones I need to look into her shop for a project I have in mind.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/CrystalEnergyCanada

Are these cute or what!!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheEnchantedSlipper

Last but never least my beautiful and talented sister and her stunning art work

http://www.saatchionline.com/deborahdebono
http://www.deborahdebono.weebly.com

Tuesday, September 03, 2013

e-commerce is EVERYWHERE!!!

I mean everywhere. I am not going to list them all but I am going to mention a few.

There's Goldsmith that seems to be very similar to Etsy

Of course there is Facebook for selling. It's called StoreYa. Why they got into this I'll never know.

I understand My Space is coming back strong and trying to rival iTunes. Good Luck!!

We got tumblr, stumbleupon, pinterest, wanelo, luulla, and a number of others that escape me at the moment.

My sister sells her art on a ecommerce site strictly for artists. I'll post all the links next week. Sister's art work in a word is stunning!!

This site I discovered just the other day Kitsy Lane. Interesting article. I am not an expert at these kind of sites however I appreciate them. It is obvious they know something I don't know. Look out Etsy this one could sting ya!!

Now don't think I am talking behind Etsy's back I am not. Many of these comments have been made on the forum over there. Many disgruntled sellers. Maybe they just don't like change. I say don't get your knickers in a twist and do what you came to Etsy to do. I am forever an optimist, the glass is always half full kinda person.

Having said all this I have no intention of leaving Etsy at the moment but I did set up a stand alone site that I dearly love. You might like it also. It has a very odd name TicTail. They are based in the Netherlands and are growing by leaps and bounds. Are they going to turn into any Etsy? gads who knows but like I always say

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Take time to day dream

Daydreaming is like nite time dreaming , with two noticeable differences: First, you will likely remember these ideas much more clearly, and second, you can control it more!

Try to day dream without interruption. Don't take your iPad or kindle with you but have a a pad of paper and a writing utensil. No not your iPad because you could get sidetracked like me and go off looking for something other than your goal of a few minutes of daydreaming. I have been know to set a timer so as not to day dream too long.

To me daydreaming is a way of clearing out the cobwebs. I have been known to day dream in the shower.

Imagine a real life situation and act it out in your mind. Act out the movements in your mind just as powerfully as if you were going to do it. We have a friend that was, retired now, a very successful race car driver. We would see him get in his car sit there for fifteen, twenty minutes, eyes closed.
Fans standing around would ask what is he was doing. I would tell them he was daydreaming and acting out the race in his mind. He felt it was calming. Must of worked well for him cause he was a champion more than once.

Some people relax their mind. Listening to music can help tune out other distractions and also make the daydream even better, as music is full of emotion. Just pick songs that fit the mood of the dream you are having. That method is not for me. If it was music that I really enjoyed like something from the 60's I'd be dancing and singing. If it was operatic or elevator music I'd be sleeping.

Do you day dream?

Sunday, August 25, 2013

The talent is abundant

We have a shop on Etsy as you probably know. We opened the shop mid March of this year. So we are really new compared to other shop owners. Many have been there five, six years. Then there are others that just set up shop last week.

Hope you don't mind but once a week or so I am going to promote some of my favorite shop over on Etsy. The only way any of us can do any business or have any sales is to have visitors. Yep that's you you are a visitor.

Now I know the people coming to my blog aren't ones to comment but it sure would be nice if you would go visit some of these shop. I'm telling you there are some amazing talented and very clever artists.

So here are the sites just click on them and off ya go. But come back and check out a couple of others.

http://www.etsy.com/people/starcrushedminerals#

Her mineral makeup is phenomenal. She also has a shop of some pretty snazzy nail polish.

http://www.etsy.com/people/mmndoza?ref=owner_profile_leftnav

You must go see Monica's creations as they are precious.

http://www.etsy.com/people/WhiteRabbit7?ref=owner_profile_leftnav

Chelsea is an LA gal that designs her own products and they are sassy.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/130480413/czechoslovakia-vase-art-deco-flowers?ref=col_view

Vintage shops galore but this is a very good one and a favorite. If we didn't live in our RV I'd be a customer for sure.

More to come.....................

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

This is a very lazy posts

Mr Doodles decided to grow peppers in the greenhouse this summer. Really?? Do ya think they will be ready before we leave the end of September? Tell me why do I ever challenge him. This man has the best green thumb of anyone I know.

This was dinner last nite compliments of Robyn over on her terrific blog Add a Pinch Damn this is good!! Thank you Robyn.

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Mr Doodles and I

Well we are the only ones in our family or group of friends that are PBR fans. Now folks I'm talking BULLS not BEER. That would be Professional Bull Riders.

If you have never seen a cowboy ride a bull you are missing out. I know this sport is not for everyone. But when you witness the rider say 5' 10", 140 lbs
get on a bull say oh 1500 lbs and the rider stay on for the required 8 seconds You know you have watched something special even historic.

This cowboy did just that and rode the most popular bull in the history of the sport. That bull is eight year old Bushwacker and a handsome bull he is. There have been 42 other riders try to ride this bull. Actually the rider that conquered Bushwacker has tried nine other times.

Ya really gotta be in good shape mentally and physically to get on the back of one of these beasts.


Congratulations J B Mauney

You are one hell of a bull rider!!!

Bushwacker you are one special bull!!

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Don't forget..............Update

I wonder if Mother Nature could plan meteor showers during another time period and not during monsoon season here in Southern Arizona. I was right it was way too cloudy. Only saw a few streaks across the cloudy sky at 3 A.M. OUCH!!!

If your skies are clear, which ours aren't right now, but I'm hoping.

http://www.amsmeteors.org/meteor-showers/meteor-shower-calendar/

Thursday, August 08, 2013

When you have nothing else better to do................

Another site called a time waster. But how cute and what fun. There will be lots of oooohs and ahhhs!!

The little darlins even have a facebook page

Remember I warned ya about this time waster

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Sunday, August 04, 2013

I may take some heat about this subject

But people have to know that Etsy is a site for artisans and crafters.

What Etsy is not is a place for reproduced cheap crap not produced by artisans and crafters.
Most of this junk is produced in the area of the Pacific Rim, Southeast Asia etc. You get the picture.

A gal I know sells on Etsy and has some of the most magnificent statement necklaces. This woman puts hours of labor and many dollars invested in her craft. Now you go poking around Etsy looking for something jazzy to wear to your friends wedding next month. Low and behold you find my friends necklace when putting statement necklace in the search bar. It's perfect the colors are what she wants and the size is also. oh and the price $100 - yikes!! I would get a lot of wear with this piece so it would be a good investment. BUT on the same page of the search are many others. So said buyer thinks well I'll just look at a couple more in my color choice. Guess what she finds you got it, a necklace almost exactly like the $100 piece. The stones were arranged a bit different but it was the very same colors and WAIT FOR IT................only $20. Oh it's from some place in China and the owner of the shop is Lisa something. So wants a gal to do. She pokes around the less expensive shop, sees that there are pages and pages of similar items. Oh and earrings to match. Oh and they have only been open for a few months. Gosh how in the world can this gal make all these pieces.

Something has to be done. This is so unfair to the artist. But I will say if Etsy cannot figure it out then I certainly can't. They have teams of attorneys and smart folks working there. Here's where they went wrong they allowed some of these shops to sign up and sell. How can you blame the shopper, She's looking for a bargain in this economy.

OK here is when I say I am not faulting Etsy completely but this is Etsy's mission statement and to me it's a bit vague.

We sell on Etsy but we are not trying to make a living on Etsy or even supplement our income. We do it because it's fun. Oh and Mr Beader won't stop beading. Not all sellers on Etsy are like us obviously.

Just try and remember to buy from an artisan or crafter on Etsy

Etsy is the marketplace we make together.

Our mission is to reimagine commerce in ways that build a more fulfilling and lasting world.

We are a mindful, transparent, and humane business.
We plan and build for the long term.
We value craftsmanship in all we make.
We believe fun should be part of everything we do.
We keep it real, always.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Some new goodies.........

Mr Beader has been busy, very very busy.

Check this out HERE

I know I am blatantly advertising for my husband

but when he does things this nice how can I not!!

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Can I help ya?

We have a very nosy cat!! And determined to help.

Mr Doodles is installing some new window surrounds

than he made for our RV windows.

Wonder what he's gonna be like when we put down new wood floors?

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Do you know what ETSY is??

Mr Doodles is now a member/seller on Etsy. I'll share his site address at the end of this post. I am the marketer, poster, and all around jack of all trades master of none. When people ask me about Mr Doodles bracelets that he makes I tell them you can find him on Etsy. I get that eyes glazed over look cause they don't have a clue what Etsy is. In short Etsy is an online market of craftsman. If you have been there go and take a peak. Plan to spend some time as there is a enormous amount of goodies to look at. Need a baby gift, maybe a shower gift for the bride to be. How bout a sweet new bow for your granddaughters first day at school. You can buy wedding rings, wedding announcement, wedding invites. You name it, put whatever it is you are searching for in that search bar and you are now in shopping heaven. I'm not kidding.

If you happen to be looking for a beautifully beaded bracelet you will find it here.

Do me a favor let us know what you think we love feedback. Now go and spend some time window shopping.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

One of my very favorites

I have many favorite movies but this one is in my top three.

Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp, Val Kilmer as Doc Holiday, Sam Elliot as Virgil Earp and Bill Paxton as Morgan Earp.

This movie has a huge cult following. People from all over the world flock to the town of Tombstone, Arizona just to relive the past, participate in activities and buy period clothing.

The low budget film is celebrating it's 20th year anniversary. I swear it gets more popular every year.

We happen to be spending the rummer here. We see people coming to this RV resort we are in and the first thing they want to do is hustle off to Tombstone.

We have visited this town many times, the first time it was as if it never changed from the movies the streets were still dirt. The about six years ago we came by and the town was a dump, crappy t-shirt shops and not much else.

In March we had the opportunity to come to this RV resort for the summer. We wanted to go see friends in Colorado but I wasn't comfortable going back into the altitude for the summer. So Tombstone is was. Went into town the next day after our arrival and must say we were pleasantly surprised. The town is clean, the t-shirt shops are necessary but few. Plus there happens to be some lovely high end shops along with some tasty eateries.

So if you have never been come see the new and improved

Tombstone, Arizona

So Happy 20th Anniversary to you Tombstone, the movie.

Oh I forgot to tell you I think we could recite most of the lines of this movie. Needless to say like many this movie is not factual but quite entertaining.

So what are your three favorite movies?

Sunday, June 09, 2013

About the wild creatures around

So despite the heat out here on the desert we have some pretty unusual creatures hanging around.


One is this rather strange looking Jack rabbit


This one is not my favorite and why I stopped walking early in the morning.

Javalina one on one could be OK but these ugly bastards run in packs.

Coyotes are even timid of javalinas...........but these guys do hang out on the perimeter of RV park.

Way off in the distance are the pronghorn's

There's more, a lot more but I'll show you later cause it's hot and they are hiding.

Saturday, June 08, 2013

Temps and Trees

Since our temps are in the high 90's these last few days I thought I would share a couple of photos of our greenery here on the desolate desert.

The above craggily very old guy is a mesquite . When trimmed properly they take the shape of a canopy and provided much needed shade for all desert creatures including humankind.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

A Gentle Reminder

Wanted to remind all my visitors when you have time please visit my husbands web site

Tombstone Bead Collection

Saturday, May 11, 2013

For a cause

Go check these out on Mr's Etsy site. All proceed will be donated to
The Wounded Warrior Project

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TombstoneBeads

Sunday, May 05, 2013

A bird of a different look

We call this beauty a Mexican Bird of Paradise

These beauties are all over the park here. They seemed to have bloomed all at once.

Wednesday, May 01, 2013

Wine Country in Southern Arizona

Yes by golly there are eight count em eight. We ventured to a couple of them the other day. Needless to say along the way we saw some spectacular scenery.


among that prairie grass there are some pretty spectacular vineyards

we'll be visiting the wineries next Sunday for a brunch

that one of wineries serve

lots of good prairie grass for the horses and cattle

always see wild creatures in the desert

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Wonder if Hitchcock filmed here

and you are?

The interloper


I am so pretty

They are everywhere

looks like the dinner table is full

Friday, April 19, 2013

For the love of a city

Norm and I lived in New England for thirteen years. I went kicking and screaming. I'm a California girl folks. Do you know what the weather is like in New England? It snows that icky white schtuff. Needless to say I endured. Made some terrific friends. Guess where those good friends are from.......
BOSTON!!

Norm had an office in Waltham which was one of those swell Massachusetts small towns. He had to go to that office or Boston proper for business at least once a month and many times twice a month. I was the lucky wife that got to tag along. What wonderful times we had in that fantastic city. We have a soft spot in our heart for that city and the great people that make up their city and the surrounding area.

Boston Gardens (the original place) where the Boston Bruins hockey team play and the Green Monter where the Boston Red Sox play. Strolling down Boyleston St, wandering over to the shops on Newberry and then getting off track in the Combat Zone. I had my first latte in Boston. Oh and my first of many lobsters. Like I said such great memories of a wonderful City.

Oh yes and the wonderful Boston Police Department. What a great bunch, understanding and extremely kind. Don't ask me how I know.

Yep these folks are certainly Boston strong!! I applaud each and everyone of them.