Ready to come fly with me?

Every day, since this past Friday, has been my "last day of jewelry orders for the holidays".  And every day since this past Friday I've gotten emails, phone calls, and Etsy convos imploring me to fit in just one more last-minute order, please. How could I say no to peoples' Christmas gifts??  So, I gladly fit in every order possible.  I met a few local Atlanta people throughout the weekend at various coffee shops up here in my neighborhood for hand delivered orders.  And just a wee few hours ago I finished my absolutely, for-real-this-time, very last order of the year.

Is it really Tuesday already? Where did Monday even go?

Now I'm done as done can be. The pickle pot is unplugged, the hammers hung on the wall, and the torch turned off until 2010.

You know the workshop is closed when I've put nail polish on my fingers.  Red nail polish.  These hands are ready to relax and just look pretty for a while.

On Sunday, though, I did find 2.2 minutes of uninterrupted time wherein I managed to knock out a brand new piece.  Based on the butterfly drawing I was working on the day before, I finished the belt buckle I've been meaning to make for months. And when I say months, I mean like 10 months. I made the leather belt for this buckle back in February.

Come Fly With Me

Haven't butterflies always been the definitive symbol of
 joy, freedom, and self-actualization?

The butterfly teaches us that transition can be rewarding,

that change is the stepping-stone to personal growth and accomplishment.

Hand drawn, based on a photograph of a real papilio blumei butterfly.

Every last swirl and squiggle embellishing her wings, the flower, too,

from my very own imagination.

Deeply etched in sterling silver, and given a vibrant patina finish of blues and purples.

Every step done by my hands.

This one is pour moi, but I shall make one for you in the New Year.

Now I must excuse myself and start packing for this trip we're leaving on tomorrow!

We're headed up to my hometown of Toronto, Canada for a few days. I've finished shopping for gifts. The fridge is well-stocked for my gracious house sitter Vyviane and her family. And all I've left to do is pack for cold weather. 

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for snow up there.  Not just so my SweetPea can make a snowman, but also because I haven't gone for a run in the snow in about 5 years.  

I am looking forward to: 
having time to relax, 
spending time with family, 
reading a book, 
taking in a few movies (Avatar, anyone?), 
parties, parties, parties,
fun, fun, fun,
lots of delicious food and drink, yum yum 
sleeping in, 
no multi-tasking, 
Tim Hortons coffee,  
catching up with old friends, 
reflecting on the busy and fulfilling year that's drawing to a close, 
and 
looking ahead to a bright and promising 2010.

I wish all of you a super relaxing, peaceful, and joyous holiday season. 

If your plans take you someplace far away this week, I wish you safe travels.

I'll see you back here in a few days...