Braces Day 1

 "Braces Day 1" (AKA "School Year 2012-2013 Minus Day 1"):  I've begun this adventure with a positive mindset, also vowing to be the best (adult) orthodontic patient that Pavlo Orthodontics has ever had.  I will win tons of Pavlo Points as proof.  I also promise that along the way I will not hide my smile.  Repeat (more to self): I will NOT hide my smile!

So, before the ache and tenderness sets in, here you have Smile #1:

And two years later:

Summer 2012

Nearing the end of summer 2012, it's time to take stock of what has been going on.  I must say that it has been a blissful several weeks.  So what if once again I didn't accomplish even a half of what I had on my "to-do" list.  The weather has been great, I was able to mentally disconnect (from that other life I lead for ten months), vacation in Stark NH was all I could hope for, and our wall/patio/walkway project finally happened.  So, some photos are needed here to capture the times.

Hardscape/Landscape Project, a big part of which was completed by Mass Stone, specifically Fernandez - master mason with a small & compact body but an enormous heart, Erick - indefatigable and oh-so-sweet-and-gentle, and Paolo, diplomatic supervisor and task-master:

I do love my container plants:

And, of course I've been productive creatively for Joy Handbags and for friends & family:

my first-ever attempt at eye-splicing:

I'll call this next creation the "Vickie Bag", intended for someone called Vickie, so it is currently an exclusive, not available through Joy Handbags at Etsy:

Vacation at Two Lakes Lodge in Stark, New Hampshire:

And, gosh, an hour has just flown by!  Better set some concrete goals for the day!

(Apologies are offered for my lack of wittiness, insightful observations, or deep thoughts.  Maybe next time.)