Am I crazy? OK don't answer that...I agreed to my sister Holly's request on Monday to run a half marathon in June. A year ago I was very into running, I was all set to run a 5k and was ready for it...then it was cancelled and I moved to a place where I could walk my dog for hours around a pretty village and traded that for running. Up until the flood I was doing my work out videos regularly too...and walking...but then the flood came, followed by the snow. Fortunately I have an active day job, so all hope is not lost...Tues I began my 13 week training, well that was practice day...today was the real beginning. I have my training schedule posted, I drove the mileage for my runs and printed them out on map quest, and I have started giving myself pep talks. I am not one to turn down a challenge, but I am one to admit when I cannot physically do something without hurting myself, so I will give it all I got and see how I'm doing by race day...wish me luck!

I am on a quest this year to expand the wonderful world of Manic Trout and establish many wholesale accounts. Well in preparing to do this I have realized a few things, one of which is that I cannot mass-produce the pieces I design that use vintage materials, as my materials are limited. Yes, there are some places that will gladly work with me to use my limited supply lines, but I want to think bigger...so I have been trying to create jewelry that still retains the unique flair that my work is known for, but with materials that I can ensure I will have unlimited supply of. So here is the debut of one of my first designs, its rather delicate and leafy, and I think it works. Made form Czech glass, brass charms and brass findings...will soon be available on Manic Trout.

Watch out world, I have a new camera and will be inundating you with my photos now...mwah ha ha ha...that’s my evil villain laugh. Who are we kidding though; I am sure that I will still not be out there going snap shot happy. The main reason for the camera is to take photos of my art...but those will I believe improve greatly. Ok, I was playing around already in the hour since I picked it up from the post office...speaking of office, I am so irritated that Macs have to wait until the next year to get a copy of office released for them. I was all excited that Microsoft 2007 Office was released, but no...we fabulous Mac people have to wait for the 2008. OK back to the camera...Photoshop CS2 was available for both platforms at the SAME time by the way...yeah, I dwell...so here's a photo...a pile of Bottle Cap Magnets getting all dressed up and ready to go out into the world...

Today is my 30th birthday. I have to admit, things could be a lot worse, I honestly am rather thrilled with my life right now...I have spent the last two years grabbing it sharply by the reins and making sure it veered in this direction, and I am quite proud of how I've done...but I still have reached the first birthday when you no longer want to admit your age. Its tough to turn 30, there are entire books written about it...I even read a few to prepare.

Well I decided that it was about time I started taking better care of this body I have been beating up for three decades...I already have laid the base work in the past few years...I have drastically changed my diet, exercise and bad habits and I feel great, but I have completely given up and abused some areas...like my feet. I am on my feet a great deal as I bartend 40+ hours a week, walk my dog all the time and am in general pretty active... but I have not done more then paint my toes once a month for the past 5 years, and my hands are so dry that they actually flake. So today I treated myself at a local spa and enjoyed a parfin wax and buffing of my fingernails and a nice long soaking, scrubbing and smoothing pedicure. The best part is that my friend Shanley works there, so I got to girly gab at the same time. It was great, I am hooked...I'll go back once a month, my feet look so pretty! Where is the warm weather, I am ready for strappy shoes and flip flops! My toesies look so good I'll show you...the fuzzy pic gives the allusion that my feet are not so pale they are almost blue...
Next week I think I will go to the dentist, which I only drag myself to do once a year instead of twice...well at least I floss...

So I have been thinking and planning and thinking some more...Fred Flare's Next Big Thing is fast approaching and I am trying to decide what to submit. Not all of my stuff is the right fit and so much of my stuff is one of a kind. I will of coarse take any thoughts on this. You can comment or email me. I'm so nervous though...I have decided that I will only submit one item. I'm thinking that my Zsa Zsa Bling Rings may be the best bet and I have just ordered 406 vintage crystals hoping to have stumbled upon a undred or so of the right size and shape on line. Cross your fingers for me!