Italy!

I arrived safely in Napoli after quite a bumpy flight across the pond. Those of you who know me, know how much I enjoy flying! I hope it is better going back! It is so great to be here at this time of year. I am staying at my friend Giulia's beautiful home and having such a wonderful time. Her home is decorated beautifully for the holidays and I wish I could bring a group here at this time of year as there is a special feeling in the air as Christmas approaches. Giulia raises Siberian Huskies and there is a new litter! They are darling and I will try to post a photo of these little beauties!

The weather is crisp and cool during the day and cold at night. You can smell the wood fires burning in the homes and it just sets the mood. It has been great seeing friends and and having those traditional Neapolitan meals with them. Very relaxing. Lest you think all that I am doing is playing, I have been working on the book and making new pieces. I seem to get quite a bit done while I am here.

Today after a lunch with Giulia's family, I am off to Rome for my course that begins tomorrow. I am looking forward to this and to seeing Rome at the holiday season.

More later,

Maggie

Okay, so I am not so great at keeping up with the blog thing! I will give it another try. After a rough Autumn, things are finally settling down. Thanks to everyone for all the birthday wishes on Facebook. It was so great to hear from everyone. I had a great birthday. I was driving home from the Holiday Craft Show in Morristown, NJ where I had a good weekend. I met some wonderful people. I fell in love with the work of Elizabeth Rubidge - among many others! Her felted scarves are just wonderful. I had to have one for my birthday! Take a look at her website: www.feltedgarden.com. I just love my new scarf - very chic and warm!

On my drive home I was accompanied by my favorite artist Sting. His new CD is just lovely and certainly put me in the holiday spirit.

During the Fall, I had some great teaching gigs starting with Iowa. I had such a good time with the gals there. Fran is a wonderful cook and hostess! I had fun with the gals at Crystal Creations in Florida and again in New York with Beadventure and Sherry Serafini! What a great group - I had a blast. Last but not least, I was with the Great Lakes Beadworkers Guild in the Detroit area. They are one of the best bead societies in the country and I had so much fun seeing old friends and making new ones.

I am busy and will continue being busy into the next year writing a book for Lark. I am so thrilled to be doing this book. It is a challenge but I am enjoying the process. The book will be out in September of 2011 and as I said this is a real thrill for me. I have been developing many new projects based on historical jewelry, mosaic patterns & knots and architecture. What a great experience.

Tomorrow I am off to ITALY!!! I am going to Naples to see friends and then to Rome for a micromosaic course. I have been playing with micromosaics with seed beads for years and I have wanted to learn the technique for the past 10 years. This is a dream come true for me. I hope to have time to post some blogs while I am on my trip. Of course, I am most looking forward to spending time with my Neapolitan friends, wine and good food in the evenings.

I wish everyone a wonderful holiday season and hope to post more soon.

Maggie