March break is over, and the kids are back in school. I think the break was good for them - Maya especially. We received some fabulous news from Maya's teacher last night. She has increased her reading and comprehension by 6 levels since the last time she was tested! (just before march break)

We're both so happy for her - and she's thrilled as well. Maya has struggled with reading for a while now. She 'wants' to learn, but she is so hyper focused on her artwork, that she had little patience for anything else.
In other news, I've been back on the torch making beads - lots of them! I started making lampwork beads well over 10 years ago now. I was completely obsessed for years, and I spent every available free moment at the studio making beads. That all completely changed once I became pregnant with Maya and I developed pregnancy related carpal tunnel syndrome. That pretty much ended my bead making career. Over the years I've tried to get back into it, but there 2 major factors holding me back.
1) I simply didn't have the time (yes, yes - we can all make time. Like making time for the gym) ;-)
2) I was deeply disappointed in the quality of beads I was making.
The problem of course is that when I stopped making beads - I was good. My beads were technically excellent, and I never seemed to have a lack of anything new to play with and master. When I started making beads again, I had a really hard time making a non lopsided spacer. I felt like I was back at square one - and I just didn't want to be there. Simply put, I was far too hard on myself.
I've eased up on myself finally - and i'm just simply playing with the glass. I'm letting the glass lead me. Yes, I'm back to basics. However, I'm not beating myself up over a slightly imperfect end - or if my stringer control is not what it was before. Lastly, I'm allowing myself to have fun with the glass again. We'll see where it takes me :-)
I have a paperwork day today, but hopefully I can squeeze in a few hours later. I do need to at least make up a batch of soap for myself soon though. Can you believe I'm almost out? Lol! I've been looking at the soap making blogs - and I do miss it. I just don't think I'm ready yet though to start up again. For those of you following along waiting to see when I'll reopen. It definitely won't be any earlier than the summer - possibly longer. I have to wait until after I see the specialist before I make a decision.