Life Got in the Way the Past Few Weeks - Updates Galore & GIVEAWAY

Hello and long time no write!  The past few weeks have been one heck of an interesting and busy ride for me.  It's not that anything bad has happened; it's just that I had lots of good things occur seemingly all at once.

The first really big news on a personal level is that my middle child, Anthony, graduated from St. Gregory's University last month.   He was able to achieve this goal in 3 years while working his regular part-time job (to pay for his living expenses) and running his charity for the homeless, Labor of Love Charities.   At the end of last year, I informed you that a gentleman Anthony met had planned to donate a hotel to the charity with the intent that it be turned into a homeless shelter.  To make a long story short, the donation fell through, however, Anthony is in the process of purchasing a 3 story building in downtown Shawnee that will serve as a resource center and place of shelter for the homeless.  Formerly known as the Gasco building - once the oldest funeral home in Oklahoma - this charming building maintains much of it's original art deco decor, flooring and even a chapel.  This shelter will be called the "Philomena House", and if all goes well, it will be open for business at the end of summer.  Please keep your fingers crossed.   Labor of Love Charities now has a Facebook fan page where you can stay abreast of all the latest news with the shelter, the homeless and to view pictures of the Sunday feedings and new shelter.  Hope to "see" you there!     (Pictured below is Tim, one of the regular Sunday visitors to the park, and someone who absolutely tugs on my heartstrings.)

On the "crafty" side of things, the Village Candy Store in  Sewickly, Pennsylvania contacted me to design several candy-themed jewelry pieces they can sell in their store.  Based on my conversations with the owner, Doug and pictures he sent me of his store, this appears to be one fun place to shop.  Not only can you buy candy there, but other candy-themed goodies - pillows, clothing and now, my jewelry.  I think this is going to be one fun adventure and I definitely plan to visit Doug and the Village Candy Store when I make it to Pennsylvania.     

My jewelry designs will be featured in two upcoming books.  The first, tentatively titled "Found Art Jewelry" by Heather Skowood, is expected to be released this fall.  The second, 1000 Steampunk Inspirations by Barbe Saint John, will be released in the Spring of 2011.

I have a few other things up my sleeve which I'll share with you soon.  :)

In the meantime, how about we celebrate all of this good news with a "sweet" giveaway?    All you have to do is leave a comment under this post and please make sure I have a way to contact you through your blog or an email address.  A winner will be selected at random on Saturday, June 5.    The winner will receive a pair of my handmade polymer clay chocolate bar earrings!  Good luck, everyone!