When I'm not here trying to entertain y'all, I am a Volunteer Family Dog Trainer at SPCA Tampa Bay. What a wonderful place to volunteer! I highly recommend this to all critter lovers! (But psssst! DOGS rule!!! Heehee!)

Rock and roll fitness FUN! Honest!! Who woulda thunk it that I'd EVER put "fitness" and "fun" in the same sentence? I'm here to tell you...we luuuuuuuuuuuuuuv our Trikkes! (Pssst! Wanna see a little of yours truly in "action"? Check out my little videoclip, "Trikke Dancing, Spaceships, and John Denver", on our blogsite. (Pssst! We have a link on our homepage!)

"Stop Mountaintop Removal"... I will try not to get into the politics of this issue here, but this subject is near and dear to my heart. I was born and raised in Ohio, but my parents were born and raised in the heart of Appalachian coal-mining country in Eastern Kentucky and Western West Virginia. Their families, for the most part, still reside there.

 

I have been following the efforts of Maria Gunnoe for awhile and was recently thrilled to learn that she was a recipient of a 2009 Goldman Environmental award. Hopefully this will help bring more awareness to what has been happening in this part of our country for many years. I highly recommend her DVD. By the way, our favorite vacation destination is the Smokey Mountains.

If you've never been...put it on your "bucket list" of places to visit.

 

I am SO totally addicted to lampwork glass beads! And one of my favorite glass bead artists is Whitney Scott Lassini. All her work is awesome...but I must say that I'm kinda partial to her beautiful goddess beads!

And speaking of lampwork glass bead artists, another one of my favorite places to shop is owned by "down under" glass artist, Lorraine Allen. All her work is beautiful...but be sure you check out her pretty encased floral beads when you visit!

If you like handmade beads with detail...you're gonna LOVE Bonnie's beads! We play around a little with polymer clay but we're just plain amateurs compared to her work. WOWOWOW does she ever have talent! Take a few minutes to look at her "How I Build a Cane" page to learn more about this intricate process!

 

Do you macrame...but are using waxed linen or hemp...and perhaps want to try micro knotting? This is the place to shop! Marion not only carries an extensive line of cord (and other goodies!), but she gives very detailed and helpful descriptions. While you're there, check out her macrame....oh my!

 

Speaking of "Oh my!" macrame...when you have a few minutes, check out this site! Yowzah! Only in my dreams....!

 

Affordable web hosting services intended for personal and hobby sites that do not completely rely on e-commerce and webmail. Great option for start-up ventures!

 

Good source for gold and sterling findings, chains, gemstones, crystal, tools, wire, and other items. Nice people to deal with!

 

Looking for unique jewelry and an opportunity to donate to a good cause? Combining pretty jewelry, a warm personality, and a worthy charity, Jamie's store is a must-visit site on Etsy! Pssst! Be sure you read her "profile" page!

 

Ditto on the above...unique jewelry for a cause? Check out Barb's work at bluetigerdesigns! This lady has a passion for what she does for a reason! My personal favorite is her wirewrapped+beaded US flag pin. Totally awesome!

 

Speaking of fun........check out "Cute Party Ideas" and "Pony Party Ideas" by Christine in San Rafael in California! As a former eBay Platinum Seller of kids' party supplies, she really knows her stuff!!!