So, with the excitement of the upcoming visit from my parents and Corazon, I haven't been getting my 8-9 hours of sleep. *Yes I'm a total sleep slut, Peth, I can't believe I forgot to include it on my list of favorite things.*

As a result, I woke up this morning at my usual 4:30, without having my normal spring in my step. I got up, turned on the computer, saw that I had no new reading material here at d-land, and briefly pondered when my buddy list people picked up my habit of NOT updating. But, as I've said before, that's neither here nor there. Anyway, after turning on the �puter and realizing that I already have the stuff ready to go for my lessons today, I just wanted to go curl back up in bed for an hour, but then I herd the last little hiccup from my coffee machine, and new that those 2 � cups of Java, had my name on it. From that first sip, I was raring to go. All thoughts of going to lay down erased from my recent memory. And I found myself here. Writing. Something I've not been doing much lately.

Oh well, I'm a firm believer in writing when you have something to write about, not just writing to have written every day.

*Let's turn a page to the real story.*

So, when I started designing jewelry again, I was worried about how I'm going to finance my materials. I mean, I make good pay for a teacher, but I don't want to lock all of my income into jewelry making. I mean, it's not like I have much of a social life, but I want it to be an option, you know? Anyway, I'm rambling. How rare.

*wink to Corazon*

So, when I decided to go back to school I had thought that I might be able to put together a portfolio for benefactors kind of thing. That people would be able to look through it and then fund the project, then of course, after I had given birth to these enameled and guilt objects I'd have to give them to their new parents. *sad*

Something happened in the office the other day to make me think that this little idea will work great! They must of been talking about me, cause I didn't even have time to say hello before the following onslaught hit me.

Mademoiselle Nour: Maddy, WHEN are you going to bring in you design book?!

Mrs. Flywet: Yeah, I want to buy all my Christmas presents from you!

Together: We want to say we knew you before you were famous.

Mademoiselle Nour: Uh huh, someday when I'm flipping through magazines with my girlfriends and I stumble across someone wearing one of your designs, I want to be able to go on and on, about how I was one of your first customers. And flash my ring or pendant at them, I'll be all casual, oh-- yes-- Maddy . . . this pendant is one of his first designs. With that she acts out the little scence unfolding in her head for us, flashing an imaginary ring to us.

Mrs. Flywet: You better bring it in so we can start ordering.

Me: I'm not even taking my classes yet! I have some designs in my book, but there not particularly wearable pieces at the moment, I've been in a phase of art jewelry, unless you want an industrial diamond solitaire.

They give each other a knowing, sidelong glance, the sparkle of diamonds in their eyes, then turned and looked back at me, a smile/smirk on there face.

And at that moment I knew!

I knew, that I'm going to have some very willing benefactors for my designs.