Let me tell you—a tailbone bruise is probably the worst pain next to childbirth & menstrual cramps. I couldn’t walk for a day or so. Sitting was impossible for two weeks. It still gets sore if I don’t move around.

Fell completely off the exercise wagon. I can run a little now, and walking is no problem.  My goal of losing 20 pounds before my boss’s wedding is out the window.  For now, just staying as active as possible, and let the chips fall where they may.

The good news is that acupuncture helped me avoid a doctor visit. This is the third time I’ve had acupuncture, and it made a difference. Not necessarily a cure, but my body healed faster than I thought. Which leads me to my next radio show:  The Eclectic Experience: Alternative Medicine  Wednesday May 30 10PM EST

I’m also the producer for Raise Your Glass With Tanya Mercado now. We call it the “Girl Power Hour”.  You can check out our latest show here:  Raise Your Glass

Business is on an upward trend however. My goal was to find at least 2 events to present my art before Beadfest in August. Well–I got into one on Aug 10, and have an application for another.   My FBook and Twitter are more active, and the stats show it. Now if a couple orders come in that would be icing on the cake.

I love Spring-can’tcha tell?

Still working on my new stitch project. Had to take a break due to a reoccurrence of trigger thumb. Trigger thumb is when the tendons in the thumb become entrapped. It becomes difficult to bend the thumb, and sometimes effects the rest of one’s hand. I’ve had one cortisone shot. This go- round I tried acupuncture, magnets, traumeal, and hot water. The hot water is the most effective for now.

My radio show is hoppin’!  This past Wednesday we dished on “If you had unlimited funds, what would you do?” You can take a listen here.

If you have a podcast, or small business/hobby and wondered what was tax deductible, check out Roger Noriega’s show tonight. “The Tax Man Cometh-part 2″ 

I’m also looking for craft fairs/festivals in the NYC area–preferably Queens. One of my goals for this year is to participate in at least one or two.

Well, I’m off to listen to Roger’s show.  Guess I’ll really need to buckle down and do my taxes this weekend. Blech. :)

Cheers!

One of your street sweeper drivers needs to be re-tested.

Last Friday night March 8, 2013 at the end of a brief snow storm I heard a rumbling sound. It was a familiar one. One I hear every week. It was a NYC Sanitation street sweeper. Since it was late at night, it barely registered.

I went to bed.

Saturday morning I head out the door to run some needed errands. I step through my front gate, and this greeted me:

After a stream of cuss words, I reluctantly showed my mother and proceeded to take  more photos. Notice the debris: that is garbage and old leaves FROM THE CURB. They were not there on Friday, since I shovelled the snow on Friday.Then I noticed the street cleaner barely missed hitting the fire hydrant:

They just missed damaging the hydrant. Look at the garbage!

But that wasn’t all. I had to call ConEdison because, you guessed it–the utility pole was hit also:

ConEd had to be called.

And you can see the rest of the garbage strewn onto the sidewalk. I am NOT cleaning Sanitation’s mess. The entire fence is covered in mud from the sweeper’s wayward driving.

Here’s the damage from inside the yard. And yes, there is crap thrown into our yard from the curb.

Garbage inside the yard also.

Another view up close.

The damage is bad enough. What really stinks is whoever was driving wasn’t man enough to stop and at least leave a note apologizing.  You know, something like “Dear Homeowner I lost control, sorry. Please call DSNY.”

Really, MAN UP!! Admit the accident, report it to your supervisor and do the right thing! Instead an angry taxpayer is blogging, tweeting and filing a complaint directly to the Department.

Did you think I wouldn’t??? Our fence cost us $5000. I’ll be damned if we’re spending another penny to fix what we didn’t damage. And by we, I mean self-employed me and my elderly mother who’s on a fixed income.

Well, NYC Sanitation? NYC’s Strongest? Then send two strong guys with a broom to clean up the mess your accident prone street sweeper left behind! And while you’re at it–FIX MY DAMN FENCE.

Thank you.

Rosalind Brinson

The not so nice: all the plants are dormant, so no wonderful colors for a few more months.

Peyote stitch, the mainstay of beading, was my nemisis for a long time. Every attempt at lining up beads, then keeping them even fell flat.  The rows never held up. The effort resembled a twisted cord of beads and thread. Of course I tried to salvage and create a new twisted lariat out of the hysterical error. No dice. Finally, I decided to walk away from peyote and focus on any other method, paticularly bead embrodiery.

At BeadFest last year, I found the solution. The woman who invented this is a saint.

Quick Start Peyote guide

Quick Start Peyote cards re-introduced the elusive stitch. They are so easy to use anyone can learn the basic stitch.  (Click the name to visit Deb’s website for more information.) The packet includes a group of cards for different size beads, and a very clear instruction guide to follow.

It took a little practice, but now I am confident in my basic peyote.

Here’s a peek at a new bracelet in the making:

Peyote stitch, here I come.

In other news, I’ve been very busy on the radio, filling in for the illustrious Roger Noriega at NDB Media. Visit the website and check out the listings. There’s something for everyone, especially if you’re a sports fanatic.

Before  hitting the hot cocoa, here’s a special treat:

From now until February 28, use the code “FBVAL” at my store, and receive  10% off any order of $20+

Stay safe, stay warm, and stay loved!

Updates updates:

My Adventure in Health:

I had to pause my workouts for a bit. Without going into a heap of TMI, my body wants a checkup. So I see a new family physician this week. Not that worried, though. Still losing weight–everyone’s commented on it, and another pair of pants has become too large. Since the workouts have stopped, not sure why I’m still losing.

The Store:

After a few hiccups, the store is chugging along. Lots of new art, in addition to some originals from the early store. I even have a newsletter again. To subscribe, visit the store and sign up. Newsletters are sent at the end of each month, only once a month, so no spam. And I do NOT rent or sell my mailing list.

Click the logo to visit:

Radio Show:

Yes, I’m back! My regular show is January 30, 10PM EST.  Show topic: Internet hoaxes, Facbook annoyances, and whatever current event I feel like dishing on. Hosted by NDB Media on Blogtalk Radio. The link will be posted shortly.

Emerald Green

(Click the color to read the announcement.)

Yes, we’re off to see the Wizard.  The Pantone Company announcement explained,

“Most often associated with brilliant, precious gemstones, the perception of Emerald is sophisticated and luxurious. Since antiquity, this luminous, magnificent hue has been the color of beauty and new life in many cultures and religions. It’s also the color of growth, renewal and prosperity – no other color conveys regeneration more than green. For centuries, many countries have chosen green to represent healing and unity.”

I love working with this color. Interestingly, I have a soon-to-be-offered item with this color:

I just finished this a few weeks ago.

Time to dig into the stash and see what other emerald treasures I have.

My feeling is people need a starting line. Folks need that sense of “okay it didn’t go this time, but I’m starting again”. Resolutions are a promise to “do over”.  I do agree with Tanya however. Don’t wait for January 1–just do it now.

Speaking of January 1st: join me as I fill in for Roger Noriega on Tuesday Night in America on Blogtalk Radio. I’ll discuss the top ten resolutions people make, but don’t necessarily keep–and offer some positive advice to start 2013.

How was the Holiday Event, you ask?

I met some lovely people. My table looked just the way I hoped:

My display at the Holiday Event.

Unfortunately, the turnout was very light. We vendors supported each other after the initial crowd left. It was a positive learning experience. I know I’ll be ready for the next event. Square worked great with my new tablet. Most of the “lookers’ gave positive feedback on the designs:

“Very different!”

“This is outside the box.”

“You’re going to do well. This is not your average jewelry.”

********************************************

Holiday “SHOP-BUY-FEAST” Event

December 15 2012 12noon – 6PM

Democratic Club

197-01 Linden Boulevard, St. Albans NY

COME and “Shop” with us for the holidays, we have everything for the whole family and it’s free to attend. Jewelry, Perfume, Men’s Apparel, Children’s Books, Woman’s Pocketbooks, Beautiful Candles, Hats & Scarf’s, Bath & Body Creams, Women & Men Accessories…etc and Much More!

AND! When you purchase $20 or more from one of our vendors you get a free holiday meal feast at the event (While Food Supplies Last)! So Come Early!

The Event is FREE for customers to attend. We have one of the World Famous “Drifters” – Rick Sheppard (Hit songs “Under the Boardwalk” “Up on the Roof” “On Broadway”), will be there Autographing his Holiday Album CD’s as well as the Marvelettes Revue (featuring Rhonda Franklin) and we will also have some great holiday children attractions.

Join our parade kick off: 11:30 AM – “Elites Marching Band of Queens”

Santa’s Elf will give out free gifts to the little ones (while supplies last).

1. Thanks to my friends at NDBMedia for joining me last month. “Open Mic” was a hit, and it looks like I’m doing it again next week. For those who haven’t listened in the archive, my “Open Mic” show was a bit of this and a bit of that. We talked about some of my favorite things/performers. Then touched on the shenanagins on one of my guilty pleasures “My Fair Wedding with David Tutera.”

2. The infamous refrigerator is still working. So far, so good.

3. We survived Hurricane/Superstorm Sandy. The park in my town had many fallen trees. No one was allowed to walk through for a few weeks. Fortunately our power held, but lost cable for 2 weeks. My mom’s phone equipment was badly damaged as well.  The good news is Mom got a free upgrade to fiber optic equipment, so her phone is clear as a bell. Good job Verizon!

4. My excercise regimen hit the skids. Between a minor foot injury, being out of the office due to the storm, and other craziness, I’ve only gotten in two workouts over the past two weeks.  My body is letting me know it ain’t happy: the infamous stomach spasms have returned.   So come Monday, back to running.

As for the new and exciting:

My client is getting married next year. (Yay!) After watching her dash about planning her engagement party, my collegue asked if I ever saw myself getting married.  I said yes, if I met the right  guy.  I posted this on my FBook page, and received some interesting responses:

“I think marriage is overrated. There’s a perception of what it SHOULD be and then the reality of what it actually is.”

“Don’t do it Roz. I’m as content as can be and on top of that, I have no children. Oh of course a lot of people will say how much they love their children and they are happy they had some but their minuses are my pluses. My pluses include no alimony. No 50%. No schoolbook purchases. No lawyers aka sharks. No name-calling after the fact/vows. No lies for the sake of the children.

My minuses? Listening to all of that from the miserable saps who made that stupid mistake in the first place. I’m not lonely. Got LOTS of friends. All I know is the bathroom is always free and the only nagging/whining my ears pick up on is an accidental channel change to FOX NEWS.”

“… as far as children, I’ve seen it firsthand where these kids are not loving and appreciate, they are self absorbed products of entitlement. It would break my heart to have my kid turn out like that, and I’ve never regretted otherwise. I don’t have alot of friends as my experiences with people are that they usally disapoint you and the guard is up, but I dont get lonely.”

“As for marriage I agree but I know that when people have their children nothing else matters. All their priorities in life change. All they have to go through on the bad side of it may be worth to them. For me, I was close to marrying once and I’m glad I didn’t, it would have been a disaster!”

“Just me, but I have been happily married 13 years, would never go back. You will know if it’s the right one.”

Guess what? The happily married person–female.  Is avoidance of marriage a male thing? According to popular theory, we women are supposed to be “nesters”, seeking a harmonious home environment for our mate and offspring.  Men are  supposedly the “hunters”, fighting for sustenance to support mate and offspring.   Men also have the freedom to walk away if not satisfied and take another mate. (Nowadays, that freedom comes with a price, called “legal fees”.)

Another troubling aspect of this relationship/marriage debate is the guys who can’t let go. In the past few months, there have been a dearth of news stories regarding men who can’t give up their wife/girlfriend. They beat them, then when the woman finally gets the courage and opportunity to leave, the asshole stalks her, and attempt to or succeeds in killing her.

If she doesn’t love you any longer, let her go. Are mens’ egos that fragile? Is it something in the brain that snaps? Is it the “machismo” culture? Is it religion?

When I say “machismo” it doesn’t refer only to Hispanic men. Black, white, Asian,  & Middle Eastern men who abuse their wives all have that same “You’re mine bitch” attitude.  Where is it coming from?

Now I’m certainly not putting it all on the guys. Some of my fellow women are drama magnets. They use the children as pawns, cheat on their husbands, manipulate and threaten. I wonder where that comes from too.

And yes, my own parents are divorced.My dad did some crap he shouldn’t have–and karma bit him in the butt for it.

So, considering all of the above–would  I get married?

I gotta say “yes”.  Why? Because if I become that cynical, “Jesus is my boyfriend” type, I sentence myself to a miserable life.  Realistically, men my age may not be interested, for various reasons. (Family obligation, inability to have children, not a perfect “10″ and I’m over 40.) Yet I have to believe there just might be someone who gets where I’m at, and is willing to be a little flexible.

We shall see.

Come join the fun! Happy Halloween!