AliRay Designs

Hey everyone, its been so long… sad but true. I’ve been lax with my writing and not 100% sure why. For one, I keep forgetting my password and I’ve been very busy with my ‘real job.’ Tonight I am sitting back, traveling on business, in a hotel room — the perfect time to get back into writing. BUT, It’s a very different day b/c one of my best friends gave birth to a baby boy this afternoon!!! Our ‘Scranton Family’ grows! I made a necklace called ‘Baby Feet’ around Mother’s Day and have been waiting for this day to pair it with the June birthstone necklace. Ironically, the pearl is June’s birthstone. I use a ‘mother of pearl’ semi-precious stone — it is perfect for the occasion! For those who haven’t seen it, here is a snapshot.

I heard an old quote this weekend which struck a cord. “Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” Today’s news made me think about what you can control vs. what you cant. Baby Ryan decided to come two weeks early and was welcomed with open arms. There are many times when I dont embrace change or adjust slowly sticking to old habits. My 6/16 lesson is to control what I can — like passwords and my work/life balance. And embrace unpredictable surprises.

Share with me your thoughts, ideas and 6/16 lessons… what did you learn today?

I love Groundhog’s Day. I’m not 100% sure why but it simply cracks me up that one day a year, people look towards a furry little animal to guide us for the next six weeks. I fall right into the trap each year and get excited or bummed about our fate. This year, I was very confused when I learned about Staten Island Chuck. Puxatauney Phil from PA is the real groundhog …going back to 1841…. Chuck stole Phil’s thunder this year when he didn’t see his shadow. I felt quite bad for the town of Puxatauney, PA who live for Groundhog’s Day every year. Staten Island — you have the dump, the ferry, great views of the best city on earth, why do you need a Groundhog???

Groundhog’s Day also reminds me of Bill Murray’s movie… nope, wasnt a fan… What would be worse than living the same day every day!?!? The weeks sometimes drag b/c of work & stress but living in NYC is always an adventure. Just yesterday, we celebrated the Giants Superbowl win with a parade –check out this pic of a fan… he was far away from the parade… but still representing on Park Ave…only in NY!

Speaking of different things & people, I have always liked uncommon things and try to keep this in mind when making my jewelry. I assume that 33% will love it, 33% will hate it and 33% will take it or leave it. For the most part, that’s how it has worked with jewelry shows I have done. It’s a great feeling to know that someone genuinely loves your work. It’s also motivating when someone doesn’t relate to it because you think ‘how can i adapt?’ and ‘what should I be doing next?’ That’s where I am now… utilizing social networking and communities to promote my jewelry and interests. Hopefully the 33% who love it will follow my route and provide feedback along the way.

Seaglass is very original and no two pieces are alike. Same with people … and groundhogs… just gotta love them all, I suppose

A new year. Ahhh, the possibilities.

My typical thought process when it comes to resolutions is 1) no french fries 2) stop procrastinating 3) how can I make more money and not work …and then my mind wanders to a far away land and what vacations I am going to take this year. Ireland is planned for May to visit my sister-in-law as she “studies” at the University of Galway. Lake Tahoe may come up in August or a family trip to celebrate my Grandpa Cat’s 90th birthday! Then the BIG ONE….my husband and I are attempting to travel to Australia over the 2008 holidays. Who knows if it will happen… and as I write this I realize… who do I think I am?? I’m definitely not made of money… I’m a good saver, but not for three big trips in one year. I’ll have to sell a lot of beachglass jewelry to get there… thats where YOU come in

One of the common themes of 2007 was the GREEN movement. People are becoming more aware of the food they eat, energy consumption, waste & global warming. It’s a noble effort, one that needs to be paid attention to and one that I have mixed feelings about. I used to work at Reuters and right before I left, they hosted a series of events which made up GREEN WEEK. I learned SO much during this week about the food we eat, energy we consume and little things that we can do to make ourselves and the eco-system healthier. Props to Katie Hunt-Morh for being a driving force at Reuters. She impressed me to the fullest when she got the cafeteria to purchase bio-degradable and eco-friendly flatware, trays and napkins. I am motivated to do ‘my part’ — I’ve listed below some tips & fun facts about conserving. BUT wait… am I fooling myself? What is seaglass? Sea glass originates from bottles and jars that enter the water as LITTER (gasp!) and become broken up by the waves and rocks. No litter = no seaglass, no beautiful weathered stones, no pastime of AliRay, no jewelry designs, no sweet moolah to take fun trips… damn. I’m torn….

I’ll just have to keep on keeping on… not littering… letting others do the dirty work… and find the beautiful stones across the globe. Doesn’t sound too bad to me.

Talk to me….

Tell me your ECO resolutions, personal resultions or even just where in the world you want to see yourself in 2008.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
AliRay

Home of the 18 Mile Drive & Championship Golf Course. Pebble Beach is a gorgeous setting. Golfers are in abundance and wave to you from the greens. A very happy place - why wouldnt it be, its residents are among the richest in the world. In this picture, I loved the sun setting and the contour of the rocks along the shore. In black and white it was much more dramatic. Thumbs down for beach glass. Typically when the beaches are manicured well, there will not be any sea glass to find. Its becoming more and more rare — making AliRay Designs more unique every day.

Hot Hot Hot…Great beaches, nightlife, restaurants, shopping. I’ve been twice in the past couple of years and planning another trip now. No beach glass here — its pretty rare despite all the partying.

Amazing place… the beauty speaks for itself. Rain forest & National Park on one side, beautiful beaches on the other. Amazing sunsets, lovely people. I went to Costa Rica in November of 2003 to visit wonderful friends who were on a conservation trip. They spent half of their time teaching English to local students and the other half saving sea turtles on the. Manuel Antonio is one place which sticks out as paradise.

Pacific Beach - PB for short, great waves, laid back people. I found some small shards of beach glass when I was there in May 2006…mainly brown & green. Pacific Beach is home to DenRay, my sister and favorite Californian (even if she is a transplant from NY.)

Ahhhhhh, Palmilla. Simply paradise with the horizon as far as your eyes can see. Part of the One and Only Resorts, we went on our honeymoon here and are dying to go back. The staff and resort are out of this world and the beach is just breathtaking. We also visited a local beach, Playa Santa Maria which was unique and a cool experience to be with the locals. Here we found a bunch of seaglass. Some good finds although my husband cut his foot while being my assistant! Overall, a great vacation spot - great dining & nightlife and no stress living. I had to include a couple of pictures here since its just so wonderful and there are a ton of beaches.

Home, sweet, home… Northport is located on the North Shore of Long Island, a great village and community. Crab Meadow beach is one of many small beaches on the Long Island Sound with rocky shores, horseshoe crabs & ospreys.

Crab Meadow Beach holds my first memories of collecting beach glass. I worked here in my teen years as a camp counselor - spending countless hours in the sun, sand and surf.

www.villageofnorthport.com
www.northportny.com