Busy.

Photo copyright Aji, 2019; all rights reserved.

Busy.

I've read of locals complaining that they have no hummingbirds at their feeders this year. Apparently, that's because they're all at ours. Those were the dozen or so I could catch in one shot last night, but there were about twenty of them out there. Once we jettisoned so-called "nectar" for plain old sugar water, they moved in for the duration.

I feel like I have to be moving as fast as they do right now, given what my workload is like. On top of that, between us, we have five medical appointments next week. At least four of them will be cash on the barrelhead, maybe number five, too. And then there are my upcoming labs, scrip, equipment . . . it's endless, and so are the costs. Above all else, I have to bring in a lot more scratch — a LOT more — to cover everything, and that means sales, so you know what comes next.

Sales here; testimonials here; wishlist (such as it is still — I've added some candles of the nontoxic variety to deal with the lingering mildew odor in the utility room while it's drying out from the plumbing disaster, the kind that are not supposed to impair my breathing, the kind we can't get locally; I've also added a couple of supplements I have to take and our one real vice, the coffee we prefer [cheaper by the case]) here. 

Speaking of testimonials, new ones are posted at long last; if you haven't submitted yours, please do, because this helps us make sales (and we keep you as anonymous as you want to be; you can see the kinds of options people choose in the various entries). We need more folks to send them in, too. 

Wings dropped his new bead pieces last week; you can find the summary post here. The new butterfly concha belt dropped a few days ago, and it is absolutely incredible. We really need to sell it; that would take care of looming medical stuff, at least in part. And while I spend every spare moment chasing those sales, there aren't many spare moments for me these days, especially with my ongoing breathing issues and whatever else is going on that they haven't identified yet; new labs and meds and equipment to that end having to be paid for next week. So please, help us get the word out. I've got to bring in more sales somehow.



All content, including photos and text, are copyright Aji, 2019; all rights reserved. Nothing herein may used or reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the owner.

Welcoming Winds

Photo copyright Aji, 2019; all rights reserved.

Now posted at The NDN Silver Blog, with one of Wings's simple, powerfully elemental works in the shades of summer sky and storm. It's a cuff in the cobalt of the clouds and the hammered silver of the rain, carried to us by welcoming winds.

The post is here. Wings's main page is here. Inquiries via the site's Contact form. And, as always, sales are very much needed, so shares of the site links are much appreciated.



All content, including photos and text, are copyright Aji, 2019; all rights reserved. Nothing herein may used or reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the owner.

Trying to keep my footing.

Photo copyright Aji, 2019; all rights reserved.

Another bird buzzed the feeders and startled her. She looks like I feel, trying to keep my footing. I get buzzed on the daily by the bills (that kind of buzz, not the fun kind), and just when I think they've stabilized, something else shows up.

It's not easy. Today was supposed to be the intake visit for Wings's potential knee replacement. Of course, IHS screwed up the referral entirely (they'd already screwed it up once, and we got that corrected; we didn't know they'd failed to do the whole other half of what's required), so he's scrambling to get the rest of it done, and today's early-AM appointment wound up being a complete waste of both stress and time. Again. Letter to follow, because enough is way more than enough.

I met my deadline yesterday (and another one, besides). I also kickstarted the editing process on my novel. None of that pays the bills, though, and they're piling up. I have no idea how much of Wings's knee-replacement surgery we're going to have to pay, whenever the procedure actually comes off. Between us, we have five medical appointments next week. At least four of them will be cash on the barrelhead, maybe number five, too. And then there are my upcoming labs, scrip, equipment . . . it's endless, and so are the costs.

I have to get a lot more work done around here today, plus figure out a way, somehow, to bring in more sales. Which means that I have to get on it, so the rest is cut-and-paste, because I'm too wiped out to write anything more now, much less anything new. It all still holds; on most of those fronts, nothing ever changes, no matter how much I keep going. The parts that are newish all involve his latest work, so please take a look at the links, share them, and if you're in the market, buy. 

I never quit, even though on days like today I really feel like it; nothing blunts the pain, and the fatigue creates such a fog that I can barely think. I have a deadline looming on a submission, too, but all my mental energy is sapped by trying to come up with creative ways to cover everything. More big medical expenses for us both this week (4 figures' worth), with more coming up next week and the following one, too. I spend every day trying to suppress the sense of panic that comes with all of this, blocking it out just enough to try to get one more thing done, and one more thing, and one more thing. I'm losing the battle.

And as predicted, between now and the end of the month, my task list is ballooning by the day, so this means expect to see me only if and when you see me, because it's going to take everything I have just to get through even the most crucial items on my various to-do lists. Above all else, I have to bring in a lot more scratch — a LOT more — to cover everything, so you know what comes next.

Sales here; testimonials here; wishlist (such as it is still — I did add some candles of the nontoxic variety to deal with the lingering mildew odor in the utility room while it's drying out from the plumbing disaster; these are the kind that are not supposed to impair my breathing, the kind we can't get locally) here. And speaking of testimonials, new ones are posted at long last; if you haven't submitted yours, please do, because this helps us make sales (and we keep you as anonymous as you want to be; you can see the kinds of options people choose in the various entries). We need more folks to send them in, too. Wings dropped his new bead pieces (two necklaces; four pairs of earrings) a few days ago; you can find the summary post here. Please share their individual links, and be on the lookout for the other new works, especially the belt, which dropped yesterday, and it is absolutely incredible. He also has two new cuffs (which, if all goes well, will drop later today or tonight, so please be on the lookout), two new necklaces, and a pair of earrings in the works. [Edit: Also, his new beads are waiting at the P.O. box here, as noted above, so he will no doubt have more in the new series of necklaces and earrings soon, four of the latter of which dropped the other day, here; these are from a U.K. lapidarist, and they are a phenomenal selection, so please share them, as well.] And while I spend every spare moment chasing those sales, there aren't many spare moments for me these days, especially with my ongoing breathing issues and whatever else is going on that they haven't identified yet. So please, help us get the word out. I've got to bring in more sales somehow.



All content, including photos and text, are copyright Aji, 2019; all rights reserved. Nothing herein may used or reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the owner.

Red Willow Spirit: Chasing Stars

Photo copyright Wings, 2019; all rights reserved.

Now posted at The NDN Silver Blog, it's an edition of Red Willow Spirit for the purest of the pursuits of summer. It's a time to honor the storm, but also to witness the gifts of the night skies, and in the season of meteor showers, we shall spend the nights chasing stars.

The post is here. Wings's main page is here. As always, Wings's photos (the first one, in this case) are available for purchase in any of the usual three formats; simply inquire via the site's Contact form either for that image or for the silver- and stonework featured. Also as always, sales are very much needed, so shares of the site links are much appreciated.



All content, including photos and text, are copyright Wings and Aji, 2019; all rights reserved. Nothing herein may used or reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the owner.

You take your flowers where you find them.

Photo copyright Aji, 2019; all rights reserved.

One white weed flower in the Guatemalan sage, now fast getting picked over by the bees. You take your flowers where you find them.

That's true of everything. A little more sleep last night than the night (or, rather, morning) before. Nowhere near enough to make up for anything, but I'll take it. Also, because of a change in Chinook's schedule with regard to being out the tie-out v. coming indoors, she didn't demand to go out until 5 AM, so that's a big plus. As her reward, she's now snoozing on the couch with her head beneath my right elbow.

I have a deadline looming, and if remotely anything goes as planned, that's where my focus will be today. Of course, I know better than to try to depend on it. But you're unlikely to see much of me until this evening. Tomorrow during the day, too, albeit for other reasons.

And I have to get to it, so the rest is cut-and-paste, because I just don't have it in me to write anything more now, much less anything new. It all still holds; on most of those fronts, nothing ever changes, no matter how much I keep going.

I never quit, even though on days like today I really feel like it; nothing blunts the pain, and the fatigue creates such a fog that I can barely think. I have a deadline looming on a submission, too, but all my mental energy is sapped by trying to come up with creative ways to cover everything. More big medical expenses for us both this week (4 figures' worth), with more coming up next week and the following one, too. I spend every day trying to suppress the sense of panic that comes with all of this, blocking it out just enough to try to get one more thing done, and one more thing, and one more thing. I'm losing the battle.

And as predicted, between now and the end of the month, my task list is ballooning by the day, so this means expect to see me only if and when you see me, because it's going to take everything I have just to get through even the most crucial items on my various to-do lists. Above all else, I have to bring in a lot more scratch — a LOT more — to cover everything, so you know what comes next.

Sales here; testimonials here; wishlist (such as it is still — I did add some candles of the nontoxic variety to deal with the lingering mildew odor in the utility room while it's drying out from the plumbing disaster; these are the kind that are not supposed to impair my breathing, the kind we can't get locally) here. And speaking of testimonials, new ones are posted at long last; if you haven't submitted yours, please do, because this helps us make sales (and we keep you as anonymous as you want to be; you can see the kinds of options people choose in the various entries). We need more folks to send them in, too. Wings dropped his new bead pieces (two necklaces; four pairs of earrings) a few days ago; you can find the summary post here. Please share their individual links, and be on the lookout for the other new works, especially the belt, which dropped yesterday, and it is absolutely incredible. He also has two new cuffs (which, if all goes well, will drop later today or tonight, so please be on the lookout), two new necklaces, and a pair of earrings in the works. [Edit: Also, his new beads are waiting at the P.O. box here, as noted above, so he will no doubt have more in the new series of necklaces and earrings soon, four of the latter of which dropped the other day, here; these are from a U.K. lapidarist, and they are a phenomenal selection, so please share them, as well.] And while I spend every spare moment chasing those sales, there aren't many spare moments for me these days, especially with my ongoing breathing issues and whatever else is going on that they haven't identified yet. So please, help us get the word out. I've got to bring in more sales somehow.



All content, including photos and text, are copyright Aji, 2019; all rights reserved. Nothing herein may used or reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the owner.

Monday Photo Meditation: Seeking Moon

Photo copyright Wings, 2019; all rights reserved.

Now posted at The NDN Silver Blog, it's a photo meditation for a season of celestial light shows. It's a reflection, too, on the nocturnal habits of midsummer and how climate change has altered them, these seasonal pursuits of starwatching and seeking moon.

The post is here. Wings's main page is here. As always, his photos are available for purchase in any of the usual three formats; simply inquire via the site's Contact form. And, as always, sales are very much needed, so shares of the site links are much appreciated.



All content, including photos and text, are copyright Wings and Aji, 2019; all rights reserved. Nothing herein may used or reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the owner.

Collision, observed in real time.

Photo copyright Aji, 2019; all rights reserved.

Collision, observed in real time.

It wound up giving us a beautiful display, but virtually no rain. It's an all-too-perfect metaphor for the rest of my life right now, when I'm watching so many things collide in real time (mostly health-related, but also the plumbing disaster and the repairs and a bunch of other expensive nonsense that has to be dealt with one way or another), and no real "rain" coming in to handle them.

I'm operating on about two hours' worth of fitful sleep, even that cadged only between 6:30 and 8:30 this morning. My body feels like it's breaking down around me. I also have more swelling in my neck again, and I don't know whether that's just puffiness secondary to water retention from the heat (I'm guessing not, since my wrist and ankles, hands and feet are all perfectly slim) or there's something more going on with the tumor[s?]. Next doctor's appointment is in two weeks (and will that ever be an expensive one), and I'm torn between wanting to know and wanting to ignore this, because I don't have the physical strength right now for another round of weekly trips to Albuquerque.

I'm beat. On so many, many levels. And I have so much to do, and I need to get on it, so the rest is cut-and-paste, because I just don't have it in me to write anything more now, much less anything new. It all still holds; on most of those fronts, nothing ever changes, no matter how much I keep going.

I never quit, even though on days like today I really feel like it; nothing blunts the pain, and the fatigue creates such a fog that I can barely think. I have a deadline looming on a submission, too, but all my mental energy is sapped by trying to come up with creative ways to cover everything. More big medical expenses for us both this week (4 figures' worth), with more coming up next week and the following one, too. I spend every day trying to suppress the sense of panic that comes with all of this, blocking it out just enough to try to get one more thing done, and one more thing, and one more thing. I'm losing the battle.

And as I said yesterday, between now and the end of the month, my task list will balloon by the day, so this means expect to see me only if and when you see me, because it's going to take everything I have just to get through even the most crucial items on my various to-do lists. Above all else, I have to bring in a lot more scratch — a LOT more — to cover everything, so you know what comes next.

Sales here; testimonials here; wishlist (such as it is still — I did add some candles of the nontoxic variety to deal with the lingering mildew odor in the utility room while it's drying out from the plumbing disaster; these are the kind that are not supposed to impair my breathing, the kind we can't get locally) here. And speaking of testimonials, new ones are posted at long last; if you haven't submitted yours, please do, because this helps us make sales (and we keep you as anonymous as you want to be; you can see the kinds of options people choose in the various entries). We need more folks to send them in, too. Wings dropped his new bead pieces (two necklaces; four pairs of earrings) a few days ago; you can find the summary post here. Please share their individual links, and be on the lookout for the other new works, especially the belt, which dropped yesterday, and it is absolutely incredible. He also has two new cuffs (which, if all goes well, will drop later today or tonight, so please be on the lookout), two new necklaces, and a pair of earrings in the works. [Edit: Also, his new beads are waiting at the P.O. box here, as noted above, so he will no doubt have more in the new series of necklaces and earrings soon, four of the latter of which dropped the other day, here; these are from a U.K. lapidarist, and they are a phenomenal selection, so please share them, as well.] And while I spend every spare moment chasing those sales, there aren't many spare moments for me these days, especially with my ongoing breathing issues and whatever else is going on that they haven't identified yet. So please, help us get the word out. I've got to bring in more sales somehow.



All content, including photos and text, are copyright Aji, 2019; all rights reserved. Nothing herein may used or reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the owner.

Storm the Shade of Fire, Rain the Color of the Sun

Photo copyright Aji, 2019; all rights reserved.

Now posted at The NDN Silver Blog, it's a flowing, glowing, graceful ring in the style and spirit of a new summer sunset. This is a ring for the bookends of the day: for dawn and dusk; for storm the shade of fire, rain the color of the sun.

The post is here. Wings's main page is here. Inquiries via the site's Contact form. And, as always, sales are very much needed, so shares of the site links are much appreciated.



All content, including photos and text, are copyright Aji, 2019; all rights reserved. Nothing herein may used or reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the owner.

One lucky, lucky dog.

Photo copyright Aji, 2019; all rights reserved.

That is one lucky, lucky dog. Well, they both are, but I'm referring to the one bogarting the couch in that shot from a week or so ago. Right now she's out on her tie-out, which has been replanted in a new spot.

I finally fell sleep somewhere after 3 AM, only to have her wake me up at 4 demanding to go out. So I staggered downstairs, because when I wake up my balance is absolute crap, and got her hooked up her tie-out (which didn't do my hands any favors, but I checked it, and she was secure). I was awake for the next hour listening to her complain intermittently, so I know she was fine then.

Came downstairs this morning, and she was off the tie-out and nowhere to be found. Don't ask me how, but she managed (accidentally) to wedge a bit of the line between two planks, and that gave her just the resistance she needed to break free of the clip without, you know, breaking the clip. Murphy's fucking law.

So anyway, I throw on my ropers and a vest and grab the leash and take off, calling. Finally, I hear whimpering from behind the latilla fence on the east side. She tried to go beneath the chicken wire, and got the front half of her right front paw wedged into it. It's not barbed wire or chicken wire, and how she managed to get this clamped around her foot I'll never know. But anyway, every movement wedged it tighter, so fortunately, she was smart enough mostly just to sit and wait for one of us to find her. I was yelling for
Wings to bring wire cutters and he wasn't hearing me, and I tried to leave her for a moment but she panicked. Our neighbor heard and came out, and she ran back to get pliers; by the time Wings got over there (sans wire cutters), she was back and he used the pliers to open it up. And this lucky girl had absolutely no damage; no curt, no real swelling, precious little residual pain. She does seem to have learned something from it, although whether it'll stick is an open question for such a bullheaded girl.

Meanwhile, my body's on adrenaline overload now, so I can't eat, can't do much of anything, can't really function until it subsides . . ., because after what nearly killed me twice over two years ago, when this happens, it tries to shut off my coronary artery again. So, yeah, today's not so hot. And, like yesterday, the rest is cut-and-paste, because I just don't have it in me to write anything more now, much less anything new. It all still holds; on most of those fronts, nothing ever changes, no matter how much I keep going.

I never quit, even though on days like today I really feel like it; nothing blunts the pain, and the fatigue creates such a fog that I can barely think. I have a deadline looming on a submission, too, but all my mental energy is sapped by trying to come up with creative ways to cover everything. More big medical expenses for us both this week (4 figures' worth), with more coming up next week and the following one, too. I spend every day trying to suppress the sense of panic that comes with all of this, blocking it out just enough to try to get one more thing done, and one more thing, and one more thing. I'm losing the battle.

And as I said yesterday, between now and the end of the month, my task list will balloon by the day, so this means expect to see me only if and when you see me, because it's going to take everything I have just to get through even the most crucial items on my various to-do lists. Above all else, I have to bring in a lot more scratch — a LOT more — to cover everything, so you know what comes next.

Sales here; testimonials here; wishlist (such as it is still — I did add some candles of the nontoxic variety to deal with the lingering mildew odor in the utility room while it's drying out from the plumbing disaster; these are the kind that are not supposed to impair my breathing, the kind we can't get locally) here. Thanks to the two folks who sent in testimonials; once again, I'm going to try to get them up tonight, although it all depends on how the rest of the day goes. We need more folks to send them in, too. Wings dropped his new bead pieces (two necklaces; four pairs of earrings) a few days ago; you can find the summary post here. Please share their individual links, and be on the lookout for the other new works, especially the belt, which dropped yesterday, and it is absolutely incredible. He also has two new cuffs (which, if all goes well, will drop later today or tonight, so please be on the lookout), two new necklaces, and a pair of earrings in the works. [Edit: Also, his new beads are waiting at the P.O. box here, as noted above, so he will no doubt have more in the new series of necklaces and earrings soon, four of the latter of which dropped the other day, here; these are from a U.K. lapidarist, and they are a phenomenal selection, so please share them, as well.] And while I spend every spare moment chasing those sales, there aren't many spare moments for me these days, especially with my ongoing breathing issues and whatever else is going on that they haven't identified yet. So please, help us get the word out. I've got to bring in more sales somehow.



All content, including photos and text, are copyright Aji, 2019; all rights reserved. Nothing herein may used or reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the owner.

Within the Storm, Warmth and Light

Photo copyright Aji, 2019; all rights reserved.

Now posted at The NDN Silver Blog, it's one in Wings's signature "Light" series of earrings, this one a gift for the cold and damp of the rainy season. It's a pair to honor the elemental power of fire, a reminder that even within the storm, warmth and light are ours. 

The post is here. Wings's main page is here. Inquiries via the site's Contact form. And, as always, sales are very much needed, so shares of the site links are much appreciated.



All content, including photos and text, are copyright Aji, 2019; all rights reserved. Nothing herein may used or reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the owner.

The storms never end, but the real rain never comes.

Photo copyright Aji, 2019; all rights reserved.

The storms never end, but the real rain never comes.

I tried yesterday; I really, really tried to keep it together and get everything done. And of course, unrelenting pain and no sleep, constant interruptions and never enough hours in the day. I am really, really low this morning. The rest is yesterday's cut-and-paste, because I just don't have it in me to write anything more now, much less anything new. It all still holds; on most of those fronts, nothing ever changes, no matter how much I keep going.

I never quit, even though on days like today I really feel like it; nothing blunts the pain, and the fatigue creates such a fog that I can barely think. I have a deadline looming on a submission, too, but all my mental energy is sapped by trying to come up with creative ways to cover everything. More big medical expenses for us both this week (4 figures' worth), with more coming up next week and the following one, too. I spend every day trying to suppress the sense of panic that comes with all of this, blocking it out just enough to try to get one more thing done, and one more thing, and one more thing. I'm losing the battle.

And as I said yesterday, between now and the end of the month, my task list will balloon by the day, so this means expect to see me only if and when you see me, because it's going to take everything I have just to get through even the most crucial items on my various to-do lists. Above all else, I have to bring in a lot more scratch — a LOT more — to cover everything, so you know what comes next.

Sales here; testimonials here; wishlist (such as it is still — I did add some candles of the nontoxic variety to deal with the lingering mildew odor in the utility room while it's drying out from the plumbing disaster; these are the kind that are not supposed to impair my breathing, the kind we can't get locally) here. Thanks to the two folks who sent in testimonials; once again, I'm going to try to get them up tonight, although it all depends on how the rest of the day goes. We need more folks to send them in, too. Wings dropped his new bead pieces (two necklaces; four pairs of earrings) a few days ago; you can find the summary post here. Please share their individual links, and be on the lookout for the other new works, especially the belt, which dropped yesterday, and it is absolutely incredible. He also has two new cuffs (which, if all goes well, will drop later today or tonight, so please be on the lookout), two new necklaces, and a pair of earrings in the works. [Edit: Also, his new beads are waiting at the P.O. box here, as noted above, so he will no doubt have more in the new series of necklaces and earrings soon, four of the latter of which dropped the other day, here; these are from a U.K. lapidarist, and they are a phenomenal selection, so please share them, as well.] And while I spend every spare moment chasing those sales, there aren't many spare moments for me these days, especially with my ongoing breathing issues and whatever else is going on that they haven't identified yet. So please, help us get the word out. I've got to bring in more sales somehow.



All content, including photos and text, are copyright Aji, 2019; all rights reserved. Nothing herein may used or reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the owner.

Friday Feature: From the Earth and the Waters Comes the Light

Photo copyright Aji, 2019;
all rights reserved.

It's our Friday Feature at The NDN Silver Blog, with an older work in a traditional style, wrought by an artist close to Wings's heart. It's a flask made from the local micaceous clay, an embodiment in more ways than one of the truth that from the earth and the waters comes the light.

The post is here. Wings's main page is here. Inquiries via the site's Contact form. And, as always, sales are very much needed, so shares of the site links are much appreciated.



All content, including photos and text, are copyright Aji, 2019; all rights reserved. Nothing herein may used or reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the owner.

"Solstice Light," a new masterwork by Wings.

Photo copyright Aji, 2019; all rights reserved.

It's a few weeks later than originally intended; when he began this project, he was on track to have it ready and posted on the summer solstice. Unfortunately, life interfered, in the form of other people whose actions were beyond our control, but it kept him mostly out of the studio for weeks on end, much to his dismay. At any rate, it is now finished, and the magic and medicine of it still hold: Solstice Light, a new masterwork by Wings.

And when I say "masterwork," I'm not exaggerating, not even a little bit. This is a butterfly concha belt to end them all, one wrought in actual butterflies, not metaphorically-named spacer pieces. And the butterflies are all cut freehand, really fine cutwork that's amazingly uniform. The stampwork floats on an Art Nouveau sensibility, and the cabs . . . the tiger's eye cabs all have truly remarkable chatoyance. The focal cab on the belt buckle is in a class by itself: Dominican blue amber, and while the "blue" is mostly in the name, you can see the occasional hint if you tilt it to the light just right. The amber itself, though, is pure magic. The belt is stamped in a repeating medicine symbol, and the whole piece is as transcendent as the light for which it's named.

I cannot tell you how much I love this belt. I have a coppery dress that would pick up the color of the stones perfectly. But it's meant to have a home elsewhere. You can read the full description and see additional close-ups of the silverwork at its entry in the Belts Gallery at NDN Silver; inquiries and orders via the Contact form.



All content, including photos and text, are copyright Aji, 2019; all rights reserved. Nothing herein may used or reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the owner.

I'll have to come up with something.

Photo copyright Aji, 2019; all rights reserved.

Taken yesterday. If all goes as he plans, it might be done and posted today; if not, tomorrow, presumably. It's going to be . . . well, there aren't really words for how amazing this is, but I'll have to come up with something. It needs to find its home right away.

My mantra, always, anyway. No home? RV rotting around us? Almost died (twice!)? Can't breathe? Bills? I'll have to come up with something. I never quit, even though on days like today I really feel like it; nothing blunts the pain, and the fatigue creates such a fog that I can barely think. I have a deadline looming on a submission, too, but all my mental energy is sapped by trying to come up with creative ways to cover everything. More big medical expenses for us both this week (4 figures' worth), with more coming up next week and the following one, too. I spend every day trying to suppress the sense of panic that comes with all of this, blocking it out just enough to try to get one more thing done, and one more thing, and one more thing. I'm losing the battle.

And as I said yesterday, between now and the end of the month, my task list will balloon by the day, so this means expect to see me only if and when you see me, because it's going to take everything I have just to get through even the most crucial items on my various to-do lists. Above all else, I have to bring in a lot more scratch — a LOT more — to cover everything, so you know what comes next.

Sales here; testimonials here; wishlist (such as it is still — I did add some candles of the nontoxic variety to deal with the lingering mildew odor in the utility room while it's drying out from the plumbing disaster; these are the kind that are not supposed to impair my breathing, the kind we can't get locally) here. Thanks to the two folks who sent in testimonials; once again, I'm going to try to get them up tonight, although it all depends on how the rest of the day goes. We need more folks to send them in, too. Wings dropped his new bead pieces (two necklaces; four pairs of earrings) a few days ago; you can find the summary post here. Please share their individual links, and be on the lookout for the other new works, especially the belt, which he hopes will be done finally this week. He also has two new cuffs (which, if all goes well, will drop later today or tonight, so please be on the lookout), two new necklaces, and a pair of earrings in the works. [Edit: Also, his new beads are waiting at the P.O. box here, as noted above, so he will no doubt have more in the new series of necklaces and earrings soon, four of the latter of which dropped the other day, here; these are from a U.K. lapidarist, and they are a phenomenal selection, so please share them, as well.] And while I spend every spare moment chasing those sales, there aren't many spare moments for me these days, especially with my ongoing breathing issues and whatever else is going on that they haven't identified yet. So please, help us get the word out. I've got to bring in more sales somehow.



All content, including photos and text, are copyright Aji, 2019; all rights reserved. Nothing herein may used or reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the owner.

#ThrowbackThursday: Rain Fire and Fire Rain

Photo copyright Wings, 2019; all rights reserved.

It's #TBT at The NDN Silver Blog, with a specially commissioned work from about eight and a half years ago, the third iteration of a traditional design manifest in powerful shapes and shades. It's a flame-tipped arrow, Thunderbird's weapon arcing across a storm-filled sunset sky, rain fire and fire rain.

The post is here. Wings's main page is here. As noted, this was a special commission of an established design, not identical but true to the original's spirit. If it speaks to your spirit, simply inquire via the site's Contact form; Wings can create a version uniquely your own. And, as always, sales are very much needed, so shares of the site links are much appreciated.



All content, including photos and text, are copyright Wings and Aji, 2019; all rights reserved. Nothing herein may used or reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the owner.

Storms on all sides; no rain of any kind.

Photo copyright Aji, 2019; all rights reserved.

That was yesterday. We got maybe 100 drops out of it. Storms on all sides; no rain of any kind.

Yes, I meant storms in both senses, and rain, too. Scrip refill for me today, and a follow-up appointment for Wings this morning. I found out yesterday afternoon that I'm going to have spring for a new treatment: labs, equipment, medications. It's endless, and so are the bills that keep piling up. We haven't even returned to the plumbing issues yet; this whole month has been spent on medical stuff. And that's only going to get worse. I'm exhausted, too tired to focus my brain enough to write, too wiped out even to post threads of Wings's work to try to make sales.

And as I said yesterday, between now and the end of the month, my task list will balloon by the day, so this means expect to see me only if and when you see me, because it's going to take everything I have just to get through even the most crucial items on my various to-do lists. Above all else, I have to bring in a lot more scratch — a LOT more — to cover everything, so you know what comes next.

Sales here; testimonials here; wishlist (such as it is still — I did add some candles of the nontoxic variety to deal with the lingering mildew odor in the utility room while it's drying out from the plumbing disaster; these are the kind that are not supposed to impair my breathing, the kind we can't get locally) here. Thanks to the two folks who sent in testimonials; once again, I'm going to try to get them up tonight, although it all depends on how the rest of the day goes. We need more folks to send them in, too. Wings dropped his new bead pieces (two necklaces; four pairs of earrings) a few days ago; you can find the summary post here. Please share their individual links, and be on the lookout for the other new works, especially the belt, which he hopes will be done finally this week. He also has two new cuffs (which, if all goes well, will drop later today or tonight, so please be on the lookout), two new necklaces, and a pair of earrings in the works. [Edit: Also, his new beads are waiting at the P.O. box here, as noted above, so he will no doubt have more in the new series of necklaces and earrings soon, four of the latter of which dropped the other day, here; these are from a U.K. lapidarist, and they are a phenomenal selection, so please share them, as well.] And while I spend every spare moment chasing those sales, there aren't many spare moments for me these days, especially with my ongoing breathing issues and whatever else is going on that they haven't identified yet. So please, help us get the word out. I've got to bring in more sales somehow.



All content, including photos and text, are copyright Aji, 2019; all rights reserved. Nothing herein may used or reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the owner.

Season, Storm, and Sun

Photo copyright Aji, 2019; all rights reserved.

Now posted at The NDN Silver Blog, it's one of Wings's traditional Native cuffs, wrought big and bold and infused with a contemporary spirit. It's one that embodies season, storm, and sun, and the flowering world that results from them all.

The post is here. Wings's main page is here. Inquiries via the site's Contact form. And, as always, sales are very much needed, so shares of the site links are much appreciated.



All content, including photos and text, are copyright Aji, 2019; all rights reserved. Nothing herein may used or reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the owner.

Snow in July.

Photo copyright Aji, 2019; all rights reserved.

Snow in July. Yup; that's from yesterday, and that's what those white patches and streaks in the Spoonbowl are — actual snow. Down here, of course, it still got up into the 90s, and the only precipitation we got was a quick shower or two, not much more than a few sprinkles. We're supposed to get a lot more today, but the warmup yesterday evening was enough to melt everything you see there, even then.

Relapse is still kicking me in the teeth, and several other places besides. I have another big medical bill to pay, plus two more coming up the second week of August, and in the meantime, I'm going to need to get a nebulizer, apparently. New potential treatment plan. And no rain of the kind that covers it, never mind snow. Gah.

And as I said yesterday, between now and the end of the month, my task list will balloon by the day, so this means expect to see me only if and when you see me, because it's going to take everything I have just to get through even the most crucial items on my various to-do lists. Above all else, I have to bring in a lot more scratch — a LOT more — to cover everything, so you know what comes next.

Sales here; testimonials here; wishlist (such as it is still) here. Thanks to the two folks who sent in testimonials; once again, I'm going to try to get them up tonight, although it all depends on how the rest of the day goes. We need more folks to send them in, too. Wings dropped his new bead pieces (two necklaces; four pairs of earrings) a few days ago; you can find the summary post here. Please share their individual links, and be on the lookout for the other new works, especially the belt, which he hopes will be done finally this week. He also has two new cuffs (which, if all goes well, will drop later today or tonight, so please be on the lookout), two new necklaces, and a pair of earrings in the works. [Edit: Also, his new beads are waiting at the P.O. box here, as noted above, so he will no doubt have more in the new series of necklaces and earrings soon, four of the latter of which dropped the other day, here; these are from a U.K. lapidarist, and they are a phenomenal selection, so please share them, as well.] And while I spend every spare moment chasing those sales, there aren't many spare moments for me these days, especially with my ongoing breathing issues and whatever else is going on that they haven't identified yet. So please, help us get the word out. I've got to bring in more sales somehow.



All content, including photos and text, are copyright Aji, 2019; all rights reserved. Nothing herein may used or reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the owner.

Red Willow Spirit: Born of Rain and Fire

Photo copyright Wings, 2019; all rights reserved.

Now posted at The NDN Silver Blog, it's an edition of Red Willow Spirit for a season of sun and storm. It's a lesson, too, in awareness, in noticing, appreciating, remembering, honoring the gifts, the magic and mystery and medicine of life itself, that are born of rain and fire.

The post is here, Wings's main page is here. As always, his photos are available for purchase in any of the usual three formats; to order them or the silverwork shown, simply inquire via the site's Contact form. And, as always, sales are very much needed, so shares of the site links are much appreciated.



All content, including photos and text, are copyright Wings and Aji, 2019; all rights reserved. Nothing herein may used or reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the owner.

Time casts shadows as it goes around.

Photo copyright Aji, 2019; all rights reserved.

Time casts shadows as it goes around.

Today's a marker for Wings and me — nothing that would mean anything to anyone but us, but important nonetheless — and a reminder of the truth of both the statement and the image. In our case, the longest shadows have proved to be good ones, holding immense joy and love in spite of the darker ones that show up to try to crowd them out.

Still, it's a tough day today for me purely on a physical level. Relapse, exacerbation, flare, call it whatever you want, but it's here, and it's trying its best to flatten me. And between now and the end of the month, my task list will balloon by the day, so this means expect to see me only if and when you see me, because it's going to take everything I have just to get through even the most crucial items on my various to-do lists. Above all else, I have to bring in a lot more scratch to cover everything, so you know what comes next.

Sales here; testimonials here; wishlist (such as it is still) here. Thanks to the two folks who sent in testimonials; once again, I'm going to try to get them up tonight, although it all depends on how the rest of the day goes. We need more folks to send them in, too. Wings dropped his new bead pieces (two necklaces; four pairs of earrings) a few days ago; you can find the summary post here. Please share their individual links, and be on the lookout for the other new works, especially the belt, which he hopes will be done finally this week. He also has two new cuffs (which, if all goes well, will drop later today or tonight, so please be on the lookout), two new necklaces, and a pair of earrings in the works. [Edit: Also, his new beads are waiting at the P.O. box here, as noted above, so he will no doubt have more in the new series of necklaces and earrings soon, four of the latter of which dropped the other day, here; these are from a U.K. lapidarist, and they are a phenomenal selection, so please share them, as well.] And while I spend every spare moment chasing those sales, there aren't many spare moments for me these days, especially with my ongoing breathing issues and whatever else is going on that they haven't identified yet. So please, help us get the word out. I've got to bring in more sales somehow.



All content, including photos and text, are copyright Aji, 2019; all rights reserved. Nothing herein may used or reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the owner.

Monday Photo Meditation: The Embrace of Storm and Light

Photo copyright Wings, 2019; all rights reserved.

Now posted at The NDN Silver Blog, it's a photo meditation for what may be the start, at long last, of more usual patterns for what is supposed to be our monsoon season. It's a reminder, too, to acknowledge the gifts that accompany its power, the wild beauty and serenity that come with the embrace of storm and light.

The post is here. Wings's main page is here. As always, his photos are available for purchase in any of the usual three formats; simply inquire via the site's Contact form. Also as always, sales are very much needed, so shares of the site links are much appreciated.



All content, including photos and text, are copyright Wings and Aji, 2019; all rights reserved. Nothing herein may used or reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the owner.

A ripple effect.

Photo copyright Aji, 2019; all rights reserved.

Yesterday, willow, water, and wind combined to create a ripple effect. Hard to find a more perfect metaphor for yesterday, dealing with the fallout of other people's misbehavior, on the twelfth anniversary of the day my father walked on.

If ever there were ripple effects, it's in our family. This society, too, and it's why I'm out of patience for nonsense. Some of were sacrificed, and it's too late for us; that doesn't mean these children caged at the border and around the country should be offered up to appease the gods of white supremacy and political expediency.

Our own lives are rife with the fallout from these dynamics. It's the very root of why we face all the many insurmountable obstacles on medical and financial fronts that we do. And those just got worse a couple of days ago, and after giving myself a couple of days to mourn, there's nothing else I can do except keep my nose to the grindstone and bring in as much as I can as steadily as I can. That's where every free moment has to be spent, so the rest is the usual cut-and-paste.

Sales here; testimonials here; wishlist (such as it is still) here. Thanks to the two folks who sent in testimonials; once again, I'm going to try to get them up tonight, although it all depends on how the rest of the day goes. We need more folks to send them in, too. Wings dropped his new bead pieces (two necklaces; four pairs of earrings) a few days ago; you can find the summary post here. Please share their individual links, and be on the lookout for the other new works, especially the belt, which he hopes will be done finally this week. He also has two new cuffs (which, if all goes well, will drop later today or tonight, so please be on the lookout), two new necklaces, and a pair of earrings in the works. [Edit: Also, his new beads are waiting at the P.O. box here, as noted above, so he will no doubt have more in the new series of necklaces and earrings soon, four of the latter of which dropped the other day, here; these are from a U.K. lapidarist, and they are a phenomenal selection, so please share them, as well.] And while I spend every spare moment chasing those sales, there aren't many spare moments for me these days, especially with my ongoing breathing issues and whatever else is going on that they haven't identified yet. So please, help us get the word out. I've got to bring in more sales somehow.



All content, including photos and text, are copyright Aji, 2019; all rights reserved. Nothing herein may used or reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the owner.