MMRF is so worthy of your donation.

Myeloma Cells

Looking at that photo above you'd think it would make a pretty pattern on a bead - and you wouldn't be wrong!  But, for the Hoffman's it's much more serious than that.

For those of you who don't know Mallory Hoffman let me introduce you to her via her blog - For The Love of Beads.  Mallory is one of those people you meet and just instantly fall into "friendship".  She is "what you see and hear is what you get" and you can't get any more honest than that.  I wish we lived closer so we could hang out because I so completely enjoy her company.  

One of the wonderful things about her is her unabashed adoration of her children.  She glows when she talks of Nick and Jenny.  Honestly - it's been a rough batch of years in the Hoffman family.  Jenny was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma.  This ain't easy stuff for a Mom to deal with - especially a Mom who has lost a husband in the same fashion.  So, how is Jenny?  Recovering and working very very hard at staying well.  What can we do to help?  Support Mallory and Jenny as much as we can where we are needed.  Right now we are needed in a small way - a simple donation of moola.  It doesn't take much - we know we can all spend more than that on coffee and a donut.  But to research in this nasty battle with cancers who know whose ten bucks will be THEE money that helps to find the key to a cure. 

I gave - its easy peasy.  HERE is the link.  It will take you to an easy click and secure page where you can donate that coffee money!

This year again, Nick Hoffman will be participating in the MMRF Race for Research 5K Walk/Run. I hope that you will support his efforts and this wonderful organization. I thank you in advance for your generosity and support.

They are still looking for a team name, so, come on creative people!

The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) was established in 1998 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization by twin sisters Karen Andrews and Kathy Giusti, soon after Kathy's diagnosis with multiple myeloma. The mission of the MMRF is to relentlessly pursue innovative means that accelerate the development of next-generation multiple myeloma treatments to extend the lives of patients and lead to a cure. As exceptional stewards of its donors' investments, the MMRF consistently surpasses its peers in fiscal responsibility and an outstanding 90% of total budget go directly towards research and related programming.

Also, sorry for the absence.  I've been running my buns off here.  I went down to Detroit to Henry Ford Hospital to meet with an Ortho guy for my knees and hips.  Anyone who saw me at B&B knows the arthritis is driving me insane lately.  Well, lo and behold I have bone on bone in left knee and they scheduled an immediate knee replacement....yikes.  That will wrap up July's posts as it's scheduled for July 30th.  I'm nearly done with my Bead Soup project so I'll finish up next week and get the photos done.  Hopefully I can post from my son's house the night before surgery.  I've loved this project and I hope everyone loves it as much as I do. 

Signing off until next week - LOL - ah, like that is far away - about 45 minutes....

Saturday Night Beader and Bead Dreams

Saturday nights at Bead and Button used to be reserved for the ISGB party.  The Glass Bead Guild would have a drink and dessert bar gathering in the Polaris room at the Hyatt.  Alas, they have abandoned that get together.

That get together was where I met Mallory Hoffman several years ago.  She was at the next table and I overheard someone refer to her as Rosebud – her nickname – and I just had to introduce myself.  We’ve been friends ever since. 

Mallory suggested a fun replacement for Saturday night – Lori Anderson’s Bead Soup Blog Party Dinner at the Doubletree.  Lori had been planning it on Facebook (unfortunately I haven’t been available on Facebook lately and missed it.) She had made all of these great arrangements with a little help from her friends (do you hear a song there?)  For a salad bar dinner and round table for all of us “anonymous” Bead Soup participants.  By anonymous I mean we might know one another by our blog handles or via .  Facebook but most of us have never met in person.

There must have been 30 or so of us there at the dinner – who knew we were all at Bead and Button!

I was able to meet Heather Powers – someone I have long admired – not only for her beautiful work but for her extraordinary blogs.  Cassie Donlen was there, Lorelei Eurto, and Marianne of MAKU Studio too.  Whoopee that Raku heart with the nails in it is beautiful.  So much talent and so little time to get to everyone.

There were gifts from Lori (from her personal stash) a few fun games and conversation.  What a great time and all courtesy of Lori Anderson, Bead Soup maven and all around wonderful person.  Thanks Lori – for ALL that you do.

These are someof the photos I was able to take of the Bead Dreams competition at Bead and Button.  I didn't get many because they were in glass cases that reflect easily but I think you'll see the quality of the beautiful work there.  I tried to get the artists name in where I could.  Enjoy!

My friend Mallory and I traded some beads recently. Well, recently for me because I wanted to do a special bead for her. Mallory’s beads arrived a while ago but I resisted the temptation to open the package. I just plain decided to delay the gratification until I had reciprocated. Leaving the package where I could see it every day kind of drove me bonkers but unless I was going to be “on the ball” I refused to treat myself. Now isn’t that just the most self-flagellating thing you’ve heard lately, a bead person who can resist looking at her new beads? Well, the wait is over. My bud’s beads have affixed and I’m opening my package for everyone to see. Woot! Woot!

                                 Here we go and I'm so excited to finally open my package.

Here they are – Eggs and Bacon. You see, that is my favorite meal. I could eat it just about any time of day. It’s not that I’ve ever met a food I didn’t like but bacon – well, yummy stuff. Since Mallory was making these beads I thought a trade would be fun since she had a hankering for something I had. But, gheeze – look at the number of beads she sent! Holy Moley. I better get busy making some jewelry.

              I want to stamp some phrases to go with these. What “egg" sayings do you have?
                                                        So far I’m thinking:
                                                        Keep your sunny side up.
                                                        Eggs-cellent
                                                        Bacon - The other white meat.

                                                         Thanks Mallory

    And be sure to check out For The Love of Beads - It's Mallory's blog and she's a very good writer.