The REVEAL...Jewelry Designer TILE Challenge!

Here’s where I’m suppose to say something really prophetic…WOW!

FYI stuff...our tile challenge participants were chosen by Random.org – which gave us a varied set of designers (some brand new, some that have been designing for several years – and some more).  Each participant received two tiles (simply because I couldn’t decide on one). My personal thanks to all the participants because no matter how experienced you are…it takes guts to put yourself and your creations out there in front of all your peers - and I have to say that EACH and EVERYONE of your designs made me smile :) - so to al you followers and visitors (please click the "follower" link to have your vote count) - please make sure to give all of our Designers lots of love here and on their Facebook page (feel free to share the link too).  ADDITIONAL Photos can be viewed at DESIGNER TILE CHALLENGE PHOTO ALBUM where I'll be higlighting a group of 4-5 designers per day.

I have so enjoyed this challenge and seeing all the creativity.  The most amazing part has been seeing all the "Common threads" between jewelry designers...and with that I mean - creations made using similar metals, findings, beads, gemstones, crystals, and yes – JLynn tiles.  I think it's incredible that so many of us can create and still remain unique showing their personal style, sharing their thoughts and inspiration - BRAVO!


VOTING…
Please make sure you're a JLynnJewels.blogspot follower…
Take time to read through the descriptions...these are just a few words from our designers :)
Vote for the one that makes your heart skip a beat (which may or may not be a personal friend)...
Voting will take place all through this coming week - so please be sure to share the http://jlynnjewels.blogspot/ link - tell them to click follower and then vote.

NOTE...
Designer Highlights are going on on my Facebook Page - including a personal Bio along with my own personal thoughts for each design...so if you're not a follower/fan/friend of mine - please join our little party at J-Lynn Jewels on FACEBOOK


VOTING will take place all this week …as well as a designer highlights on my Facebook page (NOTE...Voting Poll will be available starting Sunday 7/31/11 through Friday 8/5/11 midnight EST).

HERE WE GO!!!!


DESIGNER:  Kristy Abner (Kristy's Kreations on Facebook)

1.  "Fleeting Spring"
Lampwork beads by Bubby &a McGurk Beads, Czech glass tile beads, ribbon and Vintaj metals. I adore this tile and will find parting with it quite difficult! I loved the colors...the periwinkle and spring green! I quickly looked for matching beads in my "stash" and was happily surprised when it all came together.  JLynn Tile:  featuring the beautiful watercolor artwork of Audrey Jeanne Roberts

2.  "Blue Fleur"
Czech glass beads, cube beads, ribbon and solid copper metals. When I saw this tile I knew right away that I was going to make a bracelet. I love how the tiles is double sided so it doesn't matter which way you put your bracelet on, you will see the image. Very clever..I love that!
J-Lynn ART Tile - Hibiscus Beauties (original watercolor by J-Lynn)

 

Designer Amanda Cargill Austin (Seashore Glass Lampwork Beads on Facebook)

3.  "Casting Shadows"
This piece is all about subtle iridescence, I love how the iridescence of the Swarovski crystals brought out the blues, greens and purples of the artwork of this pendant as it laid next to them on my bead table. I Incorporated Swarovski crystals into the wire wrap of the pendant, and joined it with Vintaj Natural Brass chain, a strand of iridescent Miyuki drop seed beads and purple hand woven silk dupioni cording.  J-Lynn ART tile - featuring digital artwork

4.  "Kaleidoscope Violet"
This tile reminded me of one of my BFF's Sarah, so I made her this bracelet. I used black artistic wire to wrap the tile, paired it with some gunmetal components, swarovski crystals and one of my boro lampwork beads.
J-Lynn ART tile - this original digital print was created by Amanda, and was digitized and customized for this tile (it is an exclusive tile available to Amanda for her custom designs only but does come in a variety of colors)





DESIGNER Helen Bowen (Ring O'Roses on Facebook)

5.  "Poppy Passion"
Vintage style necklace built upon a gorgeous double row of circle chain in antique gold.  The central dangle which showcases the beautiful poppy tile has an antique gold metal bead with flower motif and a shower of poppies and leaves in shades of red with the odd splash of gold.  Either side of the focal dangle has graduating lengths to give the necklace a lovely shape.  Mix of glass, metal and pearl beads.  The necklace is finished with little added touches of nature with the butterfly, dragonfly,and swallow charms with leaf toggle clasp.  

6.  'Summer Stroll'. It's a fresh mixture of greens, pinks and purple glass beads that complement the tile perfectly - gold accent beads were added because it reminds me of ripening cornfields.  The clasp is a nature-inspired loop and toggle and the beauty of this clasp is that you can attach the bracelet to the chain which is fitted with the sam clasp (see photo) and wear it as a necklace. It drapes beautifully.  J-Lynn ART tile - Iris Woodland Walkway



 DESIGNER Erika Brown

7.  The Owl Knows -
The owl knew where she belonged, so she flew all night to get home - a pretty mix of antique brass and czech beads with a JLynn Tile featuring brown digital art scrolls.

8.  Take time to Smell the Roses
Sterling Silver metal with a mix of czech glass beads create a complimentary feeling to go with JLynn PHOTO tile of a Pink rose (this photo is a rose from JLynn's Mother's Garden taken in June 2011)





DESIGNER Shannon Chomanczuk (For my Sweet Daughter on FACEBOOK)

9.  Tall Tales
A mix of gemstones, Czech beads and JLynn ART tile - Safari Tales - featuring a mix of Gemtone beads in nature inspired browns and greens.

10.  Gentle Breezes
I went with the tropical feel for the first necklace playing off the blue and lime green colors in the tile. Strung vertically I was able to add dangles to the bottom, giving the necklace movement.  Vintaj Metal with a mix of Czech glass beads and gemstones.



 DESIGNER Sheree Cooke (Rock Me Gently Jewelry on FACEBOOK)

11.  "Heather Rose"
A drop necklace that measures ~17" in length - with Peach Sesame Jasper, Rhodonite, Rhyolite, Black Onyx, Chrysoprase briolette, Czech seed beads, & Brass findings - and JLynn Art Rose tile.   I really enjoyed using Janice's beautiful tile and am pleased with how this necklace turned out! I was delighted to finally use a few of the Sesame Jasper faceted nuggets, they are an unusual color but blended nicely with the rose shade of the tile and pink Rhodonite. I love greens, especially the olivine shades of Rhyolite. I was surprised to find how well it goes with rosey pink! Having a darker green mix with black in the Chrysoprase briolette was an added bonus. The little seed bead rings were an inspiration as I discovered only two brass wire guards left in my supplies!

12.  Amazing Delights
EarDuos- ranging 1 3/4" to 2 1/2" in length.
JLynnJewels ART Hibisucs floral Tile, Russian Amazonite, Swarovski bicones, Sterling Silver french earwires & findings.I was elated to receive this gorgeous, richly shaded JLynnJewels original artwork tile! The colors remind me of my own flower garden in full bloom! This was a wonderful opportunity to use untapped strands of beautitul stone, Russian Amazonite, to bring out the background shade of the tile. New alternate directional earrings (Ear Duo's) in stone and metal were inspired by Jim Dunakin of Dunakin Designs.  I thank Janice for her fabulous tile, the lightness of weight serviced as a perfect spur to use mixed media and finally turn thought to action!



 DESIGNER Mimi Gardner (Baubles, Beads and Other Curiosities on Facebook) 

13.  Butterfly in Flight
Janice's gorgeous butterfly tile was the perfect fit to use with the new Vintaj Arte Metal.  Lampwork beads by Lisa Anderson looks like a pretty monarch wing all by itself.

 14.  Summer Wildflowers
This beautiful watercolor tile had to be girlied up! :) Lots of flowers, crystals, and of course my favorite little dragonfly fluttering on by.



 DESIGNER Kristi Briggs-Harrison (Keepsakes by Kristi on Facebook)

15. LOVE Tile
I have so many antique buttons and when I saw this tile, I knew I need to use it with them...so I dug out some very old ivory/cream clay and shell buttons and linked them all together...I then added the love charm, some ribbon, and a czech glass bead...simple, yet one of my favorites!

16. Seashore Sunlight

I used small white shell pieces with a bit of tourquoise. On the other side, I used a shiny copper look chain and some 2 colored dyed silk ribbon that perfectly matched the colors. I used the tile in the middle and then attached some beautiful czech beads to both sides....I am really pleased how this one turned out bring the colors and theme together!





DESIGNER Jacqui Lawson (Braided in Color on FACEBOOK)

17. A Separate Peace

Wood Beads in pink and turquoise were used to compliment the colors in the JLynn ART tile focal, as well as added turquoise to bring out the colors.  Dark brown hemp was used, along with a square and spiral design for a natural look. I also added a silver plated peace sign with a turquoise piece dangle.

18.  Summer Love
Hemp spiral design used with dark stained wood beads and JLynn PHOTO tile featuring Pink Geranium flower buds (photo taken by JLynn of her front porch planter) and a light pink heart charm was added to the clasp for a little fun.





DESIGNER Cathy Obbema (Moonlight Beach Designs on Facebook)

19.  Butterflies and Sunflowers Bracelet
Featuring a beautiful mix of Vintaj Brass, Nan Emmett's ceramic orangesicle and lime beads, Olivine Swarovski Crystals, Purple magnesite bead and JLynn ART tile. 

20.  That Perfect Summer Night Necklace
You know that one night in summer that you've just had the perfect day and you either watch the sunset or go for an evening walk? The fireflies are out, the colors in the sunset are gorgeous as the sun sets over the view: that's my inspiration in creating this necklace. The Swarovski crystal beads represent the stars as they begin to come out, as well as the fireflies as they twinkle. The crystals also repeat the color story found in the inspiration tile I was given to work with. The Vintaj blank stamped "Summer 2011' and the lampwork seashell by Bubby and MuGurk are souvenirs of the perfect summer memory. A Vintaj dragonfly included on the clasp extension is just one more reminder of the perfect summer night.  JLynn ART tile - Summer Dreams



DESIGNER Jessica Sebastian (Jewelry by Sebastian Design on FACEBOOK)

21.  Evening Dusk
A bronze charm dangle bracelet with a leaf toggle clasp in shades of purple and brown. J-Lynn ART tile - double sided print was used as the focal

 

22.  Violet Visions
A complementary organza ribbon necklace with the same beads as the bracelet using J-Lynn ART Tile featuring the Wildflower original watercolor of JLynn.





DESIGNER Lauren Streets

23.  Lavender Fields
Olive & gold seed bead tubes anchor purple pearls & swarovski crystals to purple & bronze triangle beads. Center piece is purple glazed glass bead (swiped from Amanda's bead stash... which is the most amazing bead store I've ever been in btw) with the lovely J-Lynn Jewels Lavender ART tile.

24.  Ginger's Poppies
Combination of oval etched chain from Waterlilly Beads in Florence, wire wrapping, chec glass and smokey quartz beads in both round & die shapes and a gorgeous ART Poppy tile from JLynn.



 DESIGNER Karen Vincent (Swallowtail Jewellery on Facebook)

25.  Tropical Breezes
Fun tropical style with Vintaj Brass, Czech, seed beads, pearls and a JLynn ART tile (Tropical Hibiscus original watercolor by JLynn)

26.  Blazing Tropics
I handmade the green polymer clay beads to go with the contemporary tile. Was a little challenged by the colours as they are more vivid than those I usually work with but that is good!! I need to be challenged to take me out of my comfort zone :)




DESIGNER Laurie Wozniak

27.  "Ocean Breeze"

My beautiful J-Lynn ART tile reminded of an impressionistic painting of the ocean. So I used the cool colors of green and blue beads, sand colored pearls and crystals and lilac ribbon to try to create a beautiful tropical vacation necklace. I wanted the necklace to feel magical, fun and whimsical.  The necklace is created with blue and green drop japanese seed beads, sand colored pearls, Swarovski Crystals (grey opal AB2X and greige AB 2X), various vintaj charms and chain, Marsha Neal Studio lilac silk ribbon, and some glass beads.

28.  "Flower Bracelet"

My second J-Lynn Art tile inspired me to create a fun flower bracelet. I love the three holes that Janice drilled in the the tile. It gives the bracelet such a playful and fun and funky feeling by allowing a flower charm to dangle from the corner of the tile. The bracelet includes a Vintaj flower charm, brass chain and lobster claw, green seed beads, aqua Picasso czech glass beads, and a small blue centered furnace bead dangle.




DESIGNER Traci Zeller (Getta Gift Jewellery on FACEBOOK)

29.  LUCKY
I used the little bench in the park charm from J-Lynn Jewels and found some green jade beads that accented it. I then love how copper brings out green and so I paired them together. Beads were wire wrapped, flower bead caps hammered flat to use as charms on the bracelet. I used a lobster clasp for closure and dangled the tile charm close to the clasp.

30.  Classic meets Modern
As soon as I saw the stunning colors in this J-Lynn tile I knew which beads I was using and everything I was thinking in my mind came true with this necklace. I drilled two holes in this charm in opposite corners so the tile would hang like a diamond. From the bottom hole I clustered antique brass chain in varying lengths and randomly attached wire wrapped opaque turquoise Swarovski crystals. I then hung the completed pendant from an antique brass chain and silk ribbon. On one side of the ribbon I used a coordinating lampwork bead and used two simple knots to keep it in place. I used a toggle clasp.


Designer TILE Challenge...
Please leave our participants lots of lovely compliments - they ALL deserve it.  Participant Bios, additional photos and my own personal comments will be included in the Designer Higlights beginning tomorrow on J-Lynn Jewels Facebook site (from Z to A this time)- please ask your friends to pop on over and like our pages so they can partake in the fun too!  

A Kaleidoscope of Color - Tile REVEAL...soming soon!

So before the “REVEAL” later this evening (I’m currently editing some photos and adding numbers for our vote)…I wanted to share a quick story – because I believe that if you have an open heart and mind…there are many tiny moments in your life that can be...what I call a “defining” one, for yourself. One moment, one experience - that changes your course in life, and brings you to a place that you were always meant to be. So read these few paragraphs and always keep yourself open to new things and that chance to follow your heart - even if it’s for just a moment…my life is more meaningful because I did and continue to do on a daily basis...here’s my story…

Back in February, a close friend contacted me with a special request…she wanted me to create a necklace for a friend that has cancer – she wanted something unique that expressed all she was feeling…the struggles, the hope, the fight, the faith…the journey. All those inner emotions. Well, I searched on Etsy and Artfire trying to find the perfect pieces that would spark something in me that said “yes this is the one”. Has that ever happened to you? In my case, it became obvious that the only thing that was going to work was creating something extremely personal for them and something that allowed me to release all the caged energies of expression. So my years of formal (and informal) training kicked in and I found myself reaching for some different wood shapes and faux-painted them in a variety of subdued colors…

I was trying to capture a “weathered look” – that would depict all the struggles and darkness this special lady has gone through...but capturing that "determination to fight with heart, faith, wishes, and lots of hope".   It was then that I broke out my scrapbooking papers and images (my friend Jody of Scraptherapy would whole heartedly agree with me when I say that Scrapbooking is another form of expression that makes you feel warm, cozy and special)…and after going through my stash, I realized that I was looking for art papers that had a lot more layers and depth then the standard scrapbook paper.  With that thought in mind, I immediately went to my digital files and located the digital artwork of an Artisan on Etsy that I love…Angie Young Designs (LivUrPassion)– I took her "grunge" style art and did several layers with flame burnt edges around the inspirational words of “Wish” and “Hope” (read the complete heartwarming story of "HOPE" in the March section of our Blog).

And these two tiles sparked even more creations...in tiles and jewelry (some of which you will see in upcoming publications)

Art for me goes in cycles – and this experience had me revisiting my old watercolors and also reaching for my brushes to create some new little, teeny, tiny paintings.  I then scanned, digitized and formatted them so I could utilize them on a variety of wood pieces.  By doing that and seeing the printed out version - it was like bringing all I know, all I’ve done creatively for as long as I can remember - into one tiny piece of art.  It was mind-blowing.

It was at that moment, that everything just started popping in a kaleidoscope of colors, textures, and shapes. Aside from wanting to share not only  my artwork and that of my favorites who digitize as well...I wanted to see if I could do the same with the photographs that never fail to inspire my creativity.  So I started taking pictures again just for fun (my Father taught me when I was in High School in the late 70s)…and having a background in Altered Art - as well as transferring photos to all sorts of surfaces…I thought why not create tiles for photos too? It was a perfect way to allow all my skills to come together while giving me freedom to express what I was feeling in multiple forms.  If I'm inspired...many more could be too.  So, in May we had a Photo Inspiration Challenge...which lead to even more ideas and designs in planning for my jewelry (it would be nice to have another 24 hours in each day to allow for sleep and more creative time though!).  Check out our Photo Inspiration Challenge Spring/Summer on our Facebook biz page at J-Lynn Jewels to see all of the talented and inspiring photographers - and how their art was translated into tiles.

Well that's part of my "story" - and a little later today you are going to get to see some colorful jewelry created by a variety of designers (newbie designers...designers that have their feet wet....and of course the seasoned ones) - Random.org did a fabulous job at being random and choosing 15 designer :)

Wanna a "small size" sneak peek??? 

DRATZ!  I am SUCH a tease!  You should all know that by now...;)Look for the TILE REVEAL this evening....!~J-Lynn

From my Heart - worn on the sleeve daily...

Creativity has always been a huge part of my life because at the core…

It’s about freedom of expression. It’s an internal NEED and DRIVE that you are born with…one that has you creating something to express what’s in your heart, to tell a story, or simply to just find a little you time and “just be”. Creativity is pretty simple for me...I create, because I need to express myself – and because of that…all of my creations have a little piece of me and my heart in them.

For those of you that don’t know me personally…I’m a professional with many years experience in art, business, accounting, marketing and education - you can learn more about me and my background at my WEBSITE - JLynnJewels.com.  Something you may not know, is that my last corporate position before “retiring” to start my own company, was with a major Arts & Craft retailer where I was hired to develop and implement a company wide Relationship marketing program based on people and community.  During my career, I’ve been in the spotlight, and have had my share of prestigious feathers in the cap - but I have to say that the best part for me...is knowing that I have supported, inspired, taught and nurtured others to be creative.  I take great pride in helping others learn new techniques and perfecting their skills.  I'm a giver and love knowing that by helping others to trust their inner self, and inspire them to express what’s in their heart…it’s like ensuring that future generations will have these same blessings that make life so rich and full of happiness.

My most heart-warming award....

This special award was given for my work in the Franklin TN Special School District in conjunction with a group of fellow professionals that came together as volunteers to create a comprehensive system to help prepare students for career and educational opportunities.  It was extremely rewarding, seeing the impact made by sharing positive and creative thoughts in an effort to help students succeed in all walks of life. 

We all have challenges in life…obstacles placed in our path that often change our course, an opinion, or destination. But at the end of every day, no matter what…I know that I’m a happy person that believes life is too short, to not find the positive in every situation. Right now I feel extremely fortunate and blessed that my talents and skills have come full circle in unique ways. My background –well, I’ve shared many a tutorial, taught many classes, and plan to share more. But like any creative person, I also have a variety of supplies that I’ve had in my possession for many, many years – you know a closet full of “getting this because I’m going to do that…” and then it gets put to the back burner for another time. Sewing, Crafts, Painting, decoupaging, rubberstamping – oh my! My closest friends will tell you (because in all honesty they are just as bad…) that I’m addicted.

Now back in the late 90s – decoupage, image transferring, and memory wire (currently making a come-back) was all the rage – and scrapbooking was really at the early stages of its explosion, that has yet to slow down. I remember doing demonstrations on everything under the sun because that was my job - to educate and promote all the super new products (that of course would sell). It was the BEST job – so when I say I evolved with the arts and crafts movement – I literally did. My chronies and I have seen a lot of crafts come and go - and we've seen thousands of improvements made in products and technology. 

Take this picture for example...this is a Scrapbook page showing my two children (top two) and my niece.  In the mid-90s there was a "new" product - it was Transfer paper for fabric...at the time it enabled me to create a Sweatshirt for my Mother-in-Law using this exact layout.  We've come a long way considering my son will be 22 and my daughter 18...and with transferring there are so many unique ways to transfer images digitally now...

Today I'm able to take any photo image or artwork, and digitize it to create home decor pieces and jewelry and then utilizing a century old craft as decoupage - create a variety of pieces.  As shown below...a personal Photo and the "Live Love Laugh" digital artwork (copyrighted by LandofEnchantment on Etsy) created into a Scrabble Tile and used for this fun Car Dangler (or other finished jewelry designs too)

  

There are many craft techniques that have held up to the test of time – like decoupaging (not a hugely popular craft by itself...but when combined with Altered Art and more intricate Scrapbook layouts, you can begin to understand how it plays such an important role today).  Decoupage/Collage is an art and craft form that dates back hundreds of years - and by the time 2004-05 rolled around, there were so many overlaps with people combining it with upcycling and repurposing their things. Lampshades, glass bottles, cigar boxes, paper mache, Woodies and yes - the wooden game pieces – including Scrabble and Domino pieces. 

In 2001, after a move from Tennessee to Maryland, I knew I wanted to take pieces of my Watercolor artwork and put them in a frame or decoupage them to create a pendant...however that’s about the time my Wholesale jewelry business started taking off and I had to shift my "Burners" so that some ideas went to the back ones (which forced me to place certain wood Scrabble pieces  in the back of my craft closet).  And although I wound up taking a slightly different pathway...there were others (like Ryan of LittlePutBooks) with similar ideas that forged on as a pioneer in the world of Scrabble art pendants.  My hat is off to her with a big BRAVO for forging ahead and paving the way for many others to do the same and build upon.

So who is Ryan of LittlePutBooks?  She was the one who was persistent and kept doing things better and better until it all clicked, and she was selling Scrabble tiles left and right on Etsy in the mid-2000– sharing and educating all the while J - she’s professional and a nice person –so do yourself a favor and check out her links on Facebook, Etsy and her Blog...

Ryan's Story - a fun read 

One of LittlePutBooks first official Scrabble tiles sold on Etsy (2006)

LittlePut's Scrabble tile Tutorial for sale on ETSY

LittlePut Land FAN page on FACEBOOK (scrabble tiles, magnets & more)

LittlePutBooks FAN page on FACEBOOK (for all the other stuff)

There are many free Tutorials out there, but LittlePut's basic tutorial

includes royalty free (no copyright worries...) digital images.

It's a great starting place for beginners that want to try their hand

at decoupaging for crafts, home decor, ornaments and jewelry. 

My philosophy has always been (and always will be) that the Arts and Crafts are made for sharing and bringing people together.  I applaud those that have come before us, and know that there will be many people after us...so the best thing we can do in the here and now - is share the creativity, and support one another in our quest to create and speak from the heart. 

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT...this weekend it's our 1st

J-Lynn Jewels Scrabble Tile Designer Challenge!

You may see some of these JLynnJewels ART & Digital Print

 Scrabble Tiles in one of our 30 jewelry designs!

Look for them in our "REVEAL"...starting this Saturday

You will also be able to VOTE for your favorite design through Friday 8/5/11

Participants were randomely chosen by random.org 

Happy Creating!  And if you're curious to know how I shifted my burners again to finally get my Watercolor Artwork on tiles - check in next week...
~J-Lynn

This is just "one" cabinet...lol

Are you calling me a Bird Brain???

I'm such a tease I know...but it got your attention didn't it? 
FYI...I found out that the definition of "Bird Brain" refers to a "stupid person" or a person with a short attention span.  Honestly, I don't know how this saying got to be popular...because my experience proves just the opposite!  Here's the facts and PROOF that Bird Brain definition needs to be redefined...and it's a TRUE story.

First a quick recap for all my newly defined Bird Brain friends out there...this is the Cardinal Chronicles (the quick version)...

• Approximately 3 weeks ago, the Cardinal Chronicles began...two Cardinals built a nest right outside our kitchen window ~6-7 feet off the ground in a scrawy shrub...

Mamma laying her eggs ~6/24/2011

• 1 1/2 weeks ago, two babies hatched. Here's Mamma with eyes filled with Love...
• Daddy with eyes of wonder... 

• Less than a week ago (namely this past Sunday morning)...a 4' snake gobbled up one baby before we were able to get outside and pull it off the tree - SAD :( - I cried. You can read more about that example of nature I would have done without on my Facebook post here 
 Shortly after the attack...they were both so sad...
• The good news which we didn't know at the time...since we were all mourning the loss of the babies,  is that ONE baby survived the attack and Mommy and Daddy started doting on him/her right away.   Said Baby was nicknamed "Lucky"...and we are all so very HAPPY :)

OK - you're up to speed now...so here's the PROOF that we should not be saying BIRD BRAIN.

Soooooo.....Yesterday I am sitting in my new studio designing jewelry (it is on the complete opposite side of the house where the Cardinal family is).  Well...the next thing I'm hearing is the Cardinal chirp - the one that says "all is not right".  It gets louder and more persistent...I look out my window and there's Daddy Cardinal looking in at me and chirping...loud.  I shake my head - like what?  Then Momma Cardinal flies in and starts chirping looking at me too.  I'm very perplexed...so I get up and move the curtain and look at them, looking at me.  They start puffing their feathers and both chirping louder - all the while looking at me as if to say GET OUT HERE NOW!  I'm thinking oh no...what now?  So I know this sounds crazy - but I'm like talking to them and go "OK, ok, I'm coming..." and I go out to the Kitchen and out our slider, and carefully start walking across our patio...looking for something slithering.  Momma and Daddy Cardinal fly within a couple feet of me and perch on the patio chairs - still looking at me and chirping LOUD.  I'm looking at them thinking this is crazy...I'm talking to the birds...yes I was.  And I finally said "WHAT??? - Obviously there is something out here that has you both upset"...and at that...Daddy Cardinal flies back over between the office window and our fireplace/grill section. 

So I'm like ok - you want me to check something out over there - here I come...praying I am not going to find a snake...!  I start looking near a garden and one of the BIG BEES starts coming at me (you have to understand - bees and spiders petrify me, and snakes just tick me off now...) - at any rate I back up very quickly and let out a yelp.  Next thing I know this BIG ole FAT Tom Cat is startled out of his hiding place due to my yelp (the no good dirty rat of a cat was sneaking up on Lucky...) so I do the "Cat Scare" sound thingy...with a hiss/psst and loud clap my hands with an added "GET!  Get out of here and don't come back!!!" - well it worked...he ran like lightning four houses down until I couldn't see him anymore....YES!   I did the clap on the hands (you know that clap that says - JOB DONE - Nice work removing noisance)...and I turn back to the Cardinals who were still sitting there looking - well - there's no other word for it "proud".  They stopped chirping and looked at me and I swear nodded their heads almost as if to say "we knew we could count on you".   TRUE story...

Think about it...these birds came to within 1' of my Studio window to find me for help - I am still in a state of disbelief...but it's kind of cool.  They knew that I am looking out for them and boy did it make my day that they came looking for ME!  Kind of made me feel like a Super Hero or something - yeah...these pictures are from this afternoon when my son and I (he's almost 22 by the way...) were getting a kick out of watching a back-to-back "LUCKY" feeding :)

The sunlight made Lucky's throat tranluscent -

pretty neat photo if I do say so myself ;)

So next time you think of using Bird Brain, 

please don't insult the intelligence of my little family 

Just think...remember my story...and LUCKY

And....Just sayin'....once again...

"Bird Brain" definition needs to be re-defined to:

 BIRD BRAIN - highly intelligent, and known for long term memory

  
Hope this one made you smile - catch you all tomorrow ;)
~J-Lynn