The Birds and the Beads

Our darlin’ little lovebird, Ostara, is celebrating her first birthday today! Ostara is the old Celtic name for the Spring Equinox, and a fitting name for this little girl, born on March 21, 2007. In honor of her birthday, Ostara is the official Friday-Beast-Blogging beast this week.

Some cutie patootie bathing birdie photos after the jump (click on the “Continue Reading” button)!

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As I started thinking about this year’s spring newsletter, I found myself looking for significant words to describe the changing of the season from winter to spring – reawakening, renewal, transformation. I love these words, and the message of spring; the ecstatic awakening of life outside my door is in fact a reawakening of life that was only resting under the peaceful weight of winter – it doesn’t spring forth from nothingness. The trees in our little orchard that were barren and stick-like a month ago are now covered in blossoms, and the mulch filled emptiness of last month is now full of daffodils and hyacinths in bloom – life’s potential made manifest. What potential can we find hidden within ourselves?

In the last newsletter, I asked for your input on some fairly radical changes to the appearance of Lytha Studios, which has had the same look for over ten years. I received nothing but positive feedback, which was certainly the tipping point that brought about change at last after several years of dreaming. It turned out far more beautifully than I had imagined, and I’m so happy to have a web site that reflects where we are now (as opposed to where we were ten years ago.) I hope you’ll take a few moments to visit and see the transformation Eric and I have brought about, and let us know what you think!

Wishing you a beautiful reawakening this spring. — Erin
http://www.lythastudios.com

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After a month of voting, the peabrain has a name at last! An appropriate name for this Indian Peafowl: Indira – an Indian word meaning “beautiful” or “splendid” – a lovely name for this lovely lady. Many thanks to those of you that participated in the poll!

The complete poll results and another classic shot from today’s “photo shoot” appear after the “more”…

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Hello folks! I have a short and sweet newsletter for you today. Eric and I have been busy bees over the past month – working long hours on the first major update to our website in ten years! This update to both the design and infrastructure has been a long time in the planning phase and even longer on our wish list. It feels like a dream come true to have finally made it happen. Please take a look at the “new” website, and let me know what you think!

Next month – expect a return to our regularly scheduled newsletter with new beads, new projects, and a new sale! In the mean time, I hope you’ll enjoy the extension of the TierraCast® spacer sale through March.

Happy beading! — Erin
http://www.123bead.com

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Windrose is best known for their fantastic incense, but they do so much more! Fabulous soapstone diffusers and decor, gorgeous sterling jewelry, and other enchanting gifts with a Native American or Eastern theme.

India’s busy textile industry leaves behind a large amount of cotton scraps (from new materials). Recently, Windrose has introduced a new line of Tree-Free “Eco-Diaries”. The paper for these unique diaries is made from these recycled fabric scraps. All of these diaries are hand-painted with inspiring images; some diaries are covered with vintage papers. Windrose Eco-Diaries are environmentally friendly and wood free, using the renewable resource of cotton fiber. For some reason, I was immediately drawn to the Peacock Eco-Diary, but the Tree of Life, Cosmic Om, and others also caught my eye.

For these new journals, plus new sterling jewelry (including an absolutely stunning turquoise cross), new soapstone pieces and more – click here.

In other words, Burt has it rough…