.........the week after Christmas.....

                                                                                                                     by Kelli Pope

'Twas the week after Christmas, and all through our place Decorations still hang, and slow is our pace. The stockings are empty, under the tree bare No presents are left, just a little Frisco hair. We just want to stay nestled all snug in our bed, Cuz visions of credit bills dance in our heads; Steve in his new lounge pants, Chopper in my lap, Just want to settle down for a long winter's nap, But up in the studio, there is such clutter, "I just must get motivated!" I start to sputter. Production has stopped. My inventory is nil. So much to do, I just can't sit still. Applications for Spring shows just beg be completed. I must get busy and not just stay seated. Though cold winds are blowin, and new snow is falling Work must be done, I can not keep stalling, Photos must be downloaded  to Zapplication, and quick, Deadlines are nearing, to a schedule I must stick. No down time can be taken to chill and relax. Jewelry bins are empty and so are the racks. Now, hammer! Now, twist wire! Now, antique and tumble! Go enamel! Go file that! Must sand this! Don't fumble! All through my days off I must hasten, So much jewelry to make, no time to be wastin'   And then, with a whoosh,  I hear from below Steve in the basement, his torch fired,  a'glow. Enameling copper tubes, rings and brass beads, Preparing my findings, planting some seeds. He is dressed with a smile, charming.... with sass, Inspiring me to create with his copper and brass. An array of colorful findings laid out at his side, So giddy and happy, my joy I can't hide.  I spoke not a word, but went straight to my work, Making jewelry, creating..... HEY! did he just smirk? He knows me so well, and what makes me tick, Handmade beads from my fella, just does the trick. Here's to a New Year of happy customers and sales. May we all be prosperous, blessed, inspired, blazing trails. May all shows be successful and fun, not a grind. May all of our artwork be one of a kind! Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!