Reminiscences and Thanks

I thought a lot today about my bead art. Who I am as an artist, who influences me, and some doubts that came from an unlikely source. So, where are I heading, and what will I be doing in the next year? That remains to be seen.
As I think back to 7 or 8 years ago, when I delicately immersed my proverbial toe into bead art, I remember Ann Benson's books that I purchased, hoping to find some direction, not knowing where or how to start. Thanks, Ann.
I started this beady path with a consuming interest in tiny little knitted pendant bags. Quite frankly, I don't remember how that passion started. But, in the course of my research I found Penny Taylor-Wallace, now the editor of Knit 'N Style magazine, who was a huge source of information and support, not to mention gorgeous supplies! Thanks, Penny, and best of luck in your new creative direction!
Although I have not taken a single beading lesson in my life, unless you count sweet Sharon Solly (Harry) who painstakingly taught this non-herringbone (ndebele) knowledgeable beader how to do tubular herringbone, in the food court of a mall. Thanks, Harry.
And, a special thank you to Deb Roberti, who is a brilliant pattern designer. She designs gorgeous bracelets, earrings and necklaces using, primarily but not limited to triangle weave. Her patterns are crystal clear, her designs are genius, and her friendship and support over the last 3 years has been inspiring. We connected after her family vacation to Virginia Beach, and I hope to learn legit lasagne from her, first-hand, one day. I encourage all you beaders who  love the romanticism of working with Swarovski bicones, fire polished beads and those tiny little seed beads to give her web site a look at www.aroundthebeadingtable.com. She is a well-spring of knowledge, talent and the deep desire to help others. Many, many thanks Deb. You're the best.
The gorgeous rose (flower) garden bracelet at the top of this entry is designed by Deb, using Swarovski bicones in rose and olive, with 4 mm Swarovski crystal pearls. Genius.