New pretties, and CRAZY morning hair!!!

I am doing it RIGHT NOW! I will have some of these up in my shop TODAY!!! I swear :) Meanwhile, enjoy my crazy morning hair.

In which I say "um" a lot...

I realized I say "um" a lot... like, WAY too much... sorry about that ;)

In the video I mention The New Moon Experience, click HERE to find out more!

Changed...

There is magic in the air there. Something that rises up off the water with the sun kissing the faces of every soul walking the forest paths. You can see it, if you look in just the right way. Its in the light filtering down through the canopy, it shimmers off the bits of mica scattered in the soil...

It hums and sings. Dancing through the trees, shaking loose the leaves that have painted themselves with rust and sunsets.
And if you are not paying attention it might send an acorn flying your way telling you to wake up, open your eyes and breathe me in!

It whispers into your dreams while you sleep telling you secrets, leaving wisps of song in the back of your mind. Stroking your hair and reminding you of who you truly are, who you long to be.

It cradles you in your cabin, surrounds you and brings others like you into a web so thick you can pluck its threads like a harp and feel the music all the way down behind your ribs.

It changes you, tenderly peeling back your layers until there is enough room to soak into your skin and become a part of you. Something you take home, something that stretches and pulls the threads over land and sea... If you are still and quiet enough, you can still feel the music. Softer now, a butterfly's wings, gentle but still strong. Strong enough that if you listen to the song, you will hear the magic all around you.


** I will be back to post about my trip, but for now there is just so much to think about and process. I need to sit with it a while...
xoxo

Off to Squam :)

I am off to New Hampshire. I will be taking some workshops and soaking up the love of some fabulous people I have "known" through blogging for several years now but have not yet met in person.

Saturday night I will be selling my Gypsy Wings Jewelry at an art fair, if you live near the area this will be in I would be thrilled if you came by! I have been working my butt off making some fun new items to sell there. Its not often I get out East, so if you are out there I would LOVE a chance to meet you!

Here is a sneak peak of some of the items I will have for sale there... ;)

Nancy

I don't even know how to begin. Nancy was so much fun to work with, one of my favorite sessions ever. I am so happy I was able to spend some time with her. She is sweet, and funny, and smart... and has EXCELLENT taste in both clothing AND jewelry. My friend Lisa said "I would love to rummage through her jewelry box..." and I have to say, I agree! I was absolutely drooling over the necklace she chose to wear for her portraits.

Nancy's hair and makeup was done by Dawn Weidaeur









Thank you Nancy! I loved every second I spend with you and can't wait till we get to talk again.

The Gardner Family *Utah Portrait Photography*

While In Utah last month I was honored to be able to photograph the Gardner family. Heather is a photographer herself, and sells some beautiful prints in her etsy shop. I really love the ones of the old trucks, or the Angel statues in the cemetery.

This was a fun family to work with, the children are all completely adorable. I loved the matching dresses on the girls!

Here are a few favorites of mine from their session...









Thank you so much Heather, and also to your family. I had so much fun finally meeting you and spending a little bit of time with you all.

Blue October!!!

Last Saturday (August 8th) my hubby and I went to a Blue October concert, and it was SO great! It was exactly 1 year, minus 1 day from the day we last saw Justin Furstenfeld perform at the Breaking Dawn Concert Tour in LA. Both shows were amazing, and each had their own special brand of magic. We will be seeing this band again... and again ;)

When the entire band is together Justin has a VERY intense energy to him, and he is very theatrical. He puts on a great show. He has lost a good 50 pounds in the last year as well and looks like an entirely different person from who we saw a year ago. And of course... I still dig his hair and eyeliner... or "guyliner" I suppose ;) I also dig the new tattoo he has on his face... a little cross I think it is. Looks like a smudged tear from far away... Anyhow, he rocks it.

Sadly, I didn't have my camera with me at the concert, as they didn't allow big camera's into the show... but my hubby got a few on his camera, and my friend Kendra and her hubby were there and got some on their camera. All of the photo's in this post belong to my friend Kendra whom I love to bits and pieces... not just because she let me use them ;) My hubby took this video of Kendra and I when he was pretending to take our picture... LOL!




One of the opening bands, Switchfoot... they were good. So was the other opening band Longwave.




Lots of pictures of Justin...


And I have to have at least ONE of Ryan... I mean, common... a guy with devil horns for hair who plays the violin like an angel... He is awesome.

Jasmine

Okay... so I am FINALLY going to start posting some of my Utah sessions here on my blog :) I know... I am so behind!

I was so happy to arrive to my very first session in Utah, and meet Jasmine. She is absolutely ADORABLE and I had so much fun with her. She was so happy, and her energy was contagious.

Jasmine's hair and makeup was done by Dawn Weidauer.









We met pretty early in the morning and already it was VERY bright outside, so we had to work with the light, but I think we got a few keepers ;) Thank you so much Jasmine, for letting me photograph you!

A Giveaway!!!!

My lovely friend Jenica is hosting a series of giveaways on her blog, and this week she is giving away one of my Butterfly Wing Necklaces :)

If you would like a chance to win the necklace pictured above, please head on over to her blog and enter the contest HERE. The necklace is made using a monarch butterfly wing, and has the word imagine on it.

The contest is open until Thursday, so hurry up and get over there :)

Click me to be magically transported to free giveaway awesomeness!!!

It all happens so fast...

Life is moving along at warp speed... I somehow don't get around to blogging often these days, but there is so much to blog!

School has started. Kayden is in 3rd grade, Jett in Kindergarten. Jett had a rough few days at first... complete with getting sent out of class several times and tearing apart the school counselors office (kicked over his chair and desk, then tore her posters off the wall...) But he seems to be doing better now THANK GOODNESS!

I sent all my jewelry off to Texas to be sold at TwiCon, and sold almost all of it :) That made me smile :)

I am preparing to go to Squam next month... which means I have some late night jewelry making sessions ahead of me.

I finally finished all the edits on my Utah Portrait Sessions... I will start posting those here soon.

I got Blue October tickets for my hubby for Father's Day, and we went to see them on Saturday FREAKING AWESOME!!!! Justin looks like a different person almost with all the weight he lost. What a great show. 2 bands opened for them, Longwave and Switchfoot. I enjoyed them both. But Blue October wins for best show of the evening by FAR. Justin is super intense and very theatrical... I read somewhere that he was involved in Theatre when he was in high school. I loved it.

I am sure there are many things I am missing... but I will have to post it all later :)

xoxo

The Incredible Floating Philanthropist

That is me. Me, as a superhero... The Incredible Floating Philanthropist. Yes, be jealous. I mean, look at my wings... and grocery bag!

I saw this on the fabulous Lorie Ann Grover's blog.

Make your own at Superhero Factory!

quick update

My new business cards... What do you think?



WOW! Things have been soooo busy. Insanely busy. But in a good way mostly :) I don't have time to really write it all down so I will do a list :D

Things I have missed blogging:

* Jett turned 5 on June 1st

* Kael turned 4 on July 8th while we were in Utah

* Utah Portrait Sessions went great (more on that later...)

* Driving home from Utah... not so great. My car died in Panguitch Utah and we were stuck in a motel for 2 days until our FABULOUS friend Brent drove 8 hours (each way) to come tow us home. Car is still dead... but Brent ROCKS!

* Summer is great and terrible... I am not someone who can spend all day every day in the company of children... forget I EVER said I would like to home school, I would rather stab myself in the eye with a fork. I mean that in the nicest, most motherly way possible.

* In Utah I got a sunburn, most of my body is freakishly tan now... except a few places that peeled. Me left shoulder and chest have bright pinky white splotches. Its sexy.

* I had a wonderful lunch with friends today at The Elephant Bar. Our poor poor waiter...

*I have read some amazing books the last couple weeks. I got to read the ARCs of Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins and Fire by Kristin Cashore. I loved them both. I need to be an author just so I can join the cool author club and be their friends.

* I am working like a madwoman to finish editing all of the portrait sessions from Utah. I can't wait to share them!

* I am also working like crazy to finish a BUNCH of jewelry for 2 shows coming up in the next couple months. First is TwiCon coming up at the end of this month, and then in September I am selling at Squam... So.Much.To.Do!

* In preparation for TwiCon and Squam I ordered a banner and new business cards... with a spiffy new design :) And also I have made several table signs for my TwiCon table :) What do you think?? They match my banner and new cards :)




I will update again as soon as I can... maybe with a REAL post even! Yay me!

Incredible deal for the Utah sessions

I have some wonderful news for anyone wanting to book a session with me when I come to Utah in July. The wonderful and talented Dawn Weidauer has offered up her services to anyone booking a session with me to get their make-up professionally applied and their hair touched up for a discounted rate! The above photo of Lisa Hansen was taken by myself and her hair and make-up were by Dawn.

Here is her bio, its pretty impressive!

Dawn Weidauer is an acclaimed make-up artist who has made up the faces of numerous celebrities, actors and every day women, including Stephenie Meyer, Glenn Beck and TwilightMom, Lisa Hansen. She brings years of experience in television, movies, production and photography. Dawn will help you look and feel your best when Georgia photographs you.

Dawn is partnering with Georgia and offering the rate of $30 for full makeup application and a hair touchup on location. Please call for group pricing.

To contact Dawn or to see some of her latest projects, please visit her blog at www.redefineyourimage.blogspot.com or call 801-358-5039.

I can tell you right now this is an incredible deal, and Dawn does an amazing job. I cannot wait to see all of your beautiful faces in Utah!

Utah Portrait Sessions

I am planning a trip to Utah in July and will be offering a deal on Mini Sessions for anyone interested in booking a portrait session with me.

Mini sessions are a nice way to get some really great professional portraits taken for an affordable price. A Mini session costs $85 and will include the following:

* 30 to 40 minutes of my full attention in an outdoor location of my choosing. Most likely the sessions will all take place at Star Mill in American Fork. I will be calling the owner today to make arrangements.

* Up to 4 people per session - $10 for each additional person

* 8 full resolution images on a CD with re-printing rights.

* 1 5x7 of your favorite image

Space is limited, I plan to fill no more than 10 time slots during the mornings and afternoon/evenings of Monday and Tuesday July 6th and 7th. Payment will be due upon scheduling, unless we agree to other arrangements. Please email me at georgia.cranston@gmail.com to schedule.

Please look at some of the below examples to see if my style is something you might be interested in.

It must be burned...

As I was packing for our big move (we are moving this weekend... FINALLY!!!!) I found a box. Inside this box, I found an old notebook of mine. Inside this notebook of mine I found things that horrified me.

This notebook of mine was a journal I kept when I was 14-ish... I think I was demon possessed, or maybe I had been replaced by an evil pod person... All I know for sure, is this person, who was writing in my handwriting, was NOT me. I repeat NOT ME!!!

Seriously, I don't remember thinking, or talking like that... ever. at all. Was I experiencing some kind of evil, bitchy time in my life? I have always had a certain measure of snark and sarcasm... but this was insane, and AMAZINGLY childish... Mom, I don't want to hear your opinions on this. I believe this notebook was planted there by someone who wants to frame me for something. It was not me... cant be.

It will be burned.

Glee... *insert squeeing sounds here*

I have discovered my favorite new show... and its about choir geeks in high school. Its about me, and my friends 10 years ago. It is BRILLIANT.

Check out their website.

I am not ashamed to admit that I cried a little at the end of the episode... two tears. It was that good. But they were tears of GLEE ;)

Please join me in a moment of silence...

I am at a loss for words.

I thought for sure he would win!

I will always be Team Adam.

I believe my friend Lorie Ann said it best when she wrote me on Facebook.

She said:

The world may have just fallen off its axis, Georgia. WHAT HAPPENED? ADAM is our Idol. Period. Exclamation point!

We are going to wear black as a symbol of our mourning, play Mad World on repeat, and paint our fingernails black in protest.

Join us!

The Civil Wars

A lot of people ask me about the music I listen to, so I have decided that I will occasionally blog about different bands or artists I listen to that inspire me and my art :) I like to listen to music on myspace or Pandora while I make my jewelry or edit photos.

I have been myspace friends with a musician named Joy Williams for probably almost three years, and she is enormously talented. Her voice is gorgeous, and her music really makes me smile. It is what I imagine I would be singing if I were in any kind of band still... and if I had ever learned to play that blasted guitar I have in my closet...

One of her songs will be featured on Grey's Anatomy this week (May 14th), so if you watch the show listen for it. The song is called Charmed Life.

Joy is also in a band called The Civil Wars, and I think I might be in love. These two video's make me smile. I downloaded both songs today and have been listening on repeat while I do dishes and pick up around the house. I especially love the Leonard Cohen cover... *sigh*

Enjoy :)

I think about it sometimes...

Sometimes I think about homeschool... and my kids... and homeschooling my kids...

Other times I cannot wait for all 3 to be in school so I can breathe...

But then I think about it again... and I wonder if it would be something I could do without wanting to sell my kids to the highest bidder.

And then I say "You are thinking crazy thoughts Georgia... you are not the kind of person who could do that."

And then I wonder if it would be good for me AND the kids to homeschool... or if they would only end up learning how to make my jewelry for me so I can have my own little sweat shop... And then I think that would be kinda cool, to have little people working for me... I could pay them with lollipops.

I have lots of friends who homeschool, and they seem to do okay. And their kids never get in trouble at school for saying things like "Peacock". Instead they do cool things like go to the beach and talk to marine biologists... or jump in mud puddles.

Hrmmm...


Homeschool.

Discuss.

P.S.

For the record I mostly think I am crazy when I start thinking these thoughts... I am someone who needs alone time and when I don't get it I being to feel REALLY insane. Also for the record, my hubby does not think I would be great at homeschooling our kids, because lets face it... I SUCK at math, and I would probably just fill the day with crafts and stuff... but maybe not, maybe I would surprise us all and be amazing... Or not. *sigh*

Discuss. :)

Squam Art Workshops!!!

This video got me SOOO excited for September, when I will be at Squam :)



Where will YOU be in September???

Be as a bird...

“Be as a bird perched on a frail branch that she feels bending beneath her, still she sings away all the same, knowing she has wings.” -Victor Hugo

One of the photo's from our weekend in Tubac...

Weekend getaway

I never seem to have enough time to sit down and write everything down! My life has been full and busy lately, and I have not been able to come share everything.

Last weekend my hubby and I drove down to Tubac AZ. and stayed at the Tubac Golf and Spa Resort. We stayed there last year for our anniversary, and this year for our late birthday celebration. Both of our birthdays are in April.

This place is wonderful. We stayed in our own casita. I am pretty sure it was the casita anyways... we had only one King size bed in the room though. :)

From their website:

The 16 Casita 800-square foot suites are beautifully decorated units, with a large living room and separate bedroom. The living room has a convenient pull-out couch and cozy fireplace, and the bedroom has two queen size beds and a private patio.
The two-bedroom Casita suites come with high-speed internet access, walk-in doorless showers, jet tub and sleeper sofa. The Mexican tile floor accentuates the warmth and beauty of the main fireplace, and each private patio looks out onto one of our many breathtaking Southwestern vistas. Some units also have kitchenettes.

Yeah... it was pretty much heaven. We also ate at both of their on site restaurants, and the hubby got in a round of golf Sunday morning while I sat in the cart and took pictures. I am not really into golfing, but the course was beautiful... and I think I will try golfing next time we go down there. I did get some great shots of the local wildlife... a cardinal, and another bird with a yellow tummy. I will get those up later.

On our drive home we had a really great discussion filled with dreams for our future... One in particular I am holding on to. I think its the best idea EVER and I want to make it happen... Maybe I will talk more about this sometime in the future... not now though, this particular dream is years off still but I cannot stop thinking about it. CANNOT stop thinking about it. I really want to talk about some of my idea's with some of my uber creative friends and maybe author friends to see what they think :) But even if it is something like 10 years or more off... it excites me!

Also, I don't think I have shared here on my blog yet... but we are moving. FOR REAL this time, we are REALLY moving. We are going to be renting a house about 10 minutes from where we are now, and we move starting June 1st. I am looking forward to this move for many many reasons, I think it is perfect timing and I look forward to the new adventures that wait in the new house.

I have a lot more to write, and maybe I can find time later today or tomorrow. I also want to get pictures of Tubac up, the place is almost magical... I don't say that about the desert very often either ;)

One Boy Told Me

I love this video. I love this poem. I love that all of the words came from a small child...



I think I need more poetry in my life.

Congratulations readergirlz!

I know I have mentioned before my friends over at readergirlz... but I think I should mention it again :) Recently they won a MAJOR AWARD!




And I don't mean the lamp from A Christmas Story... They won an Innovations in Reading Prize from the National Book Foundation! This is fantastic!

In addition to this Justina was on their local news. If you look close you can see my friend Lorie Ann (wearing the fabulous scarves) as well... and if you look REALLY close you can see a necklace I made for Justina :)

You can watch the video HERE. Please take a couple minutes to watch the video and see what these lovely ladies are all about :)

Junk

Is it weird that part of me thinks it would be interesting to build a raft out of garbage and sail it to Hawaii? Hrmm... I bet I could get a LOT of my book written that way :)



This is also why I don't buy bottled water if I can help it, and I recycle... So if you buy something from me don't be surprised if it comes in a re-used mailer. :)

Tuesday night thoughts

I have been watching some of these TED video's lately, and I am smitten. I absolutely LOVE the ones I have watched... they are inspiring, and wonderful, and uplifting... and so what I need to have in my life.

Thank you Jenica for sharing this video on your blog!



I have several more I would like to share, and will be posting them in the next several days. Isn't this GREAT???

The Lisa :)

What can I say about Lisa... I absolutely adore her.

Some of my favorite memories EVER involve her.

She has THE best hair.

She makes me laugh till I cry.

She introduced me to the Pork Barbacoa Salad at Cafe Rio... Get it with the Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette Dressing, WOW! It is fantastic.

She is a true, loyal, lifelong friend.

She thinks that "Foogerts Frozen Yogert and Smog Checks" is just as funny as I do. She is one of maybe 5 people in this world who will even get that at all ;)

I love my Lisa :)

Swine Flu...

Is anyone else really tired of all the talk about Swine Flu? The flu that totally fails? I mean... as far as the flu goes this seems pretty mild so far.

This is what I think of Swine Flu...



The end is especially disturbing. I would like to thank my Uncle Doug for this gem.

Chocolate Cupcakes of Birthday LOVE!

Today is my friend Britten's birthday. So I made her this video...

Happy Birthday Britten!!! Enjoy this craptastic video I made especially for you ;)

xoxoxoxo



I do NOT know how to make a video... I don't see a future as a youtuber for myself ;)

You cannot re-create perfection...

Sometimes, the planets all align and the gods smile down on you, and you have The Perfect Day at the park.

And other times, one of the kids poops in their underwear as soon as you get to the park and unload all your jewerly making supplies and sand toys...

*sigh*

What a great day :)

Today was a FABULOUS day. The weather was perfect. Not too hot, not too cold. A slight breeze, bright blue sky with puffy white clouds, and a nice sunshiny sun. Perfect.

Me and the kids went over to the park. Them, toting their sand toys... me, my jewelry making supplies. And we stayed there. ALL day. Well, for about 4 hours anyways. Did I mention the part about the day being perfect? Cuz it was :)

While I was there I made some new necklaces, and made some headway on a new First Beach Charm Bracelet... And pushed the kids in swings, and basked in the glorious sunlight... Bliss.

When we got home, I made us dinner. Mac N Cheese for the kiddies, Garlic Snow Peas with Spicy Peanut Tofu for me. I am trying to eat healthy again... seeing as how I am getting bigger and bigger, like when you put a marshmallow in the microwave.

After dinner I was craving something sweet, so we got in the car and drove to Fresh & Easy, where I picked up a bunch of fruit... and some dark chocolate covered pecan pralines. YUM-O!

Now the kiddies are all in bed, most of them are asleep... Kayden is watching the end of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and here I am at the computer catching up on Dollhouse, Bones, and Supernatural.

Did I mention that I loved today?

~Georgia

Sunshine!!!

I made a few new necklaces and listed them in my shop :) I LURVE these ones, the Sunshine necklaces are so bright and cheery! And I used 2 wings from a different butterfly to make the Fearless one.

Did I mention that I love these? Cuz I do :)





To look at my listings for the Sunshine Necklace go HERE and HERE.

Or to look at the listing for my Fearless Necklace go HERE.

xoxoxo

Belated Project Book Babe Photos

So... I admit it. I am perpetually behind on EVERYTHING. I mean, yes... Project Book Babe was on the 4th of April, and here it is 10:32 PM on April 20th. Obviously I need to learn some time management skills. Not likely.

Oh well, here are some pictures anyways. I was REALLY far away, so some of these are not great quality as the lighting was, well... not great. But what a great event it turned out to be, I was so happy I was able to go.

I think I like the word great...