Hello, Cowgirl in the Sand...

I did this treasury with the Neil Young song in mind as well as my memories at Malibu, when my neighbor would get on her horse and head up on the beach. Malibu was different when I was a kid, yes, I'm sure there are still people riding horses on the beach, but Malibu that I knew was more remote and unknown when I was a little girl. We had fond memories of our neighbors raising Bambi, an injured deer they took in and revived, that lived in their beachhouse. Bambi would sit in their house and watch tv with the family and eat grains out of yogurt cups. We have some great old home movies of Bambi prancing up and down the beach at Latigo, like a funloving dog of ours. Those days are long gone. Sadly. The place is different. So maybe thats why I fixated on the Cowgirl on the Sand theme. It rang true with me when I heard it as a youth in Catalina, it reminded me of Lonnie in Malibu on horseback, and then I just had this overwhelming sense of wishing California was still that magical, majestic place where you could still see people enjoying life on the beach, unbridled and free and when your property and freedoms were yours. The way California used to be. I was born in the wrong era perhaps.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=91851

Feeding the Fish

I just added the perfect gadget to my blog, well its perfect if you like feeding the fish like I do. Check it out and feed the fish!

I have this sentimental love with fishing or maybe it stems from my sentimental memories as a kid with my family. I do recall throwing the ping pong into the fish bowl and taking the little goldie home as a pet. At Marineland when I was a kid, I recall winning a couple of orange goldfish and getting my own freshwater pearl ring right out of the oyster that I picked. In Avalon, I won awards for the largest and most fish caught off the end of the pier and when I was at Camp Fox with my Dad for Indian Princesses, I had the time of my life fishing off the pier with Dad. My least favorite part was after the nibble, I left that up to the experts. So maybe that is why I am just a little obsessed with feeding the fish. They come to me, nibble, I can see the big ones and the pretty ones but I don't have to take one home. We can both meet for a bit, then depart for our respective homes. So this summer, just when I thought I knew everything about Catalina and Avalon, my mom tells me about this... I'll call him a GENIUS, teenage kid, who sets up a fish food candy type dispenser off the pier. For 25 cents, you too can feed the fish three handfuls of food. I'm hooked. I'm literally working my way into the dispenser, I'm wrestling with the kids next to me to put my coin in the machine and my hand next to the feeder to get the food. Dont worry, Im not crazy, I give food to the kids as well and share! This guy was with his family off the cruise ship and tells my mom and I that he saw a 350 lb seabass under the pier. We're smiling and saying "Really?" and inside thinking, "yea, right!" but last time we parked the boat off Joe's, all the guys were talking about it. Ross did witness the monster under his boat. Unbelievable, because I missed it! I'm paying good money to make a teenage genius rich and I don't get to see the Giant Sea Bass? I did get a koi fish as a pet before I adopted my cat. Once the cat moved in, boy did she love watching little fishy. (but don't worry, fishy lived a long life even with Jazzy around). On our honeymoon in Kaui when we dined under the thatched roofed restaurant feeding the giant koi below, I was in heaven. There is something so peaceful, beautiful, escapist and fascinating about watching these beauties and being transposed to an exotic setting for a unique experience. Any fish stories of your own?

FEELING LUCKY??

http://www.tlrstable.com/stable-roster/two-year-olds/latigo-shore/

I'm not sure what lured you into this blog post, but if you are "feeling lucky," well then so am I. I'm not a big believer of abiding by my horoscopes' every word but today (Sept. 17) was supposed to be a day to clear my schedule and not sign any documents. A day so horrible that it might last another 6 months. Yikes! I don't normally abide by these cautioning words, but I didn't want to add to any misfortune today either, so the only thing I booked is dinner with a friend and former co-worker. I made it home fine and nothing bad happened today,...phew! Except that I still cannot for the life of me post a treasury cleanly and within the right size proportion to this blog, so sorry. I am seeking help on that one. I was so excited that I was featured in this great treasury by MiaRosina (http://www.miarosina.etsy.com/) about Good Luck. I think I need it and as she said , I'm sure we all do these days. As I was googling earlier, I also saw this article about a young yearling named Latigo Shore purchased by Malibu Moon, and I thought wow, this is quite the coincidence. I'm not a gambler, I don't know horses or breeding horses or racing (my Uncle Fred would have been a great consultant on this) but I was already feeling like I should put my money down on this pretty pony or at least buy a lottery ticket. What a gorgeous horse and hmm, interesting similarities on names. I feel a connection and after all it is Sept. 18 now, so the bad luck of the 17th should be gone by now, even though nothing happened, thank god! If anyone can decifer this link about the horse let me know if and when Latigo is running, because I will put my money on this yearling. Good luck to all and to all a good night.

September - Drummers & Jewerly Designers oh my

I have been lacking on my blog entries, maybe its because the last time I was here, I spent so much time adjusting my treasury screen shots and was frustrated that I could not get them to fit on my blog posts. arrgg. As evidenced below! Or maybe its because it was my birthday and although I'm not one to dread getting a bit older each year, this year I felt it was better to have a low-key celebration. Its a different year, the world feels uneasy and my world has changed. I'm not working in an office, I'm not commuting, I'm not managing people or crisis or working with big business, nor am I buried in a sea of emails from the time I wake up to the time I go to bed. My husband says I'm happier and I laugh more and I know he's happy to not have me lost in the zone (the blackberry zone). So, things are different, but exciting and unpredictable, which in the end I hope is a good thing. I promised myself when I left the Network that I would write that script I've always wanted to write. Why not, I have the time right? Well sort of, I'm uh..um... working on it! You know, taking a "hiatus" from the rat race requires a bit of downtime and there are other pursuits like family plans that I've neglected sadly and now require my attention. Not to mention the continuing quest to consider what my next income based move will be. My husband has been supportive of my need to discover what's next and I LOVE the joy of creating things that people enjoy wearing. And some are wearing LATIGO MOON even on one of the most important days of their life - on their wedding day. I mean how great is that?! But it wasn't until my birthday that I realized I might have made a big mistake in venturing into jewelry design. I think through everything, I mean in PR you have to analyze every possible scenario and outcome when you make a move but in this case I have failed to realize the one negative of me playing with gemstones and making jewelry. This is it: when you make your own jewelry, when its time for your birthday, anniversary or Christmas, you may never get jewelry as a gift again. It hit me, "Hey, wait a minute." I told my husband, "You know, just because I make jewelry, doesn't mean that you have to stop getting me something pretty that YOU like for me?" We're cutting back now anyway, but I felt the need to make this proclamation now, early, before it sinks in for all eternity or when the economy and job outlook improves. I should have realized this when I started, I didn't really think that one through! I always laugh when I think about something my neighbor Doug said. He and his wife live next door to a kid who likes to bang on the drums. Not great when you want to go to sleep! Then recently, new neighbors next door to them also moved in. One is a pretty well known jazz drummer and his wife designs fine jewelry. So when Doug realized I started LATIGO MOON, he jokingly said, "Oh great, now I'm surrounded by 2 drummers and 2 jewelry designers!" His wife told me she plans on getting some more earrings from me. Sorry Doug!! If only I could make golf clubs or build a boat to make everyone happy around here.

Playing with the Screen Shot

So, I'm still working with my new adobe and resizing these screen shots. Click on the link if you want a larger view. Thanks to Slinkymalinkicat for including my Beachhouse Necklace in her sleek Treasury.

TIDAL WAVE TREASURY

Thanks to Sarah for including my "Still Waters Run Deep" necklace in her "Tidal Wave" Treasury. I love the blues!http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=64903

Showcase, Showdown and Craftgawker

Who knew there is a Gawker.com among the craft elite as opposed to the Hollywood elite. Its called CraftGawker.com and I guess I can get my photos posted there to compliment my Etsy site. I do have a Main Showcase and a "Just Jewels" showcase on Etsy, which happens to be down for maintenance at the moment (just my luck!) Here are the jewels to dream about in the meantime, a huge watery royal blue AAA Swiss Topaz necklace and a gorgeous Pink Amethyst Onion Briolette that will make you weep when you are near it. For anyone who thinks its odd that I capatilize my gemstones here, its because I think of them in terms of names and so its not very AP style but its how I branded my jewels for now. They are the stars here.

TIDE POOL TREASURY

I don't think I'll ever get tired of making Etsy's front page. Today, while I was busy creating and convo-ing and shooting photographs, my Tide Pool Treasury quietly surged to the front page. Thanks Editors! I of course missed it actually being on the front but went to Craft Cult to check it out and of course emailed everyone the minute I found out. One seller just started her shop and has never been featured in a treasury let alone the front, so I it's even more exciting for all. Here's the link if you want to check it out. http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=72894

Wedding Ideas

I was so excited to see my designs included on this site featuring inspired wedding ideas.. heres the link below.
http://aleximanievents.blogspot.com/2009/07/wedding-traditions-something-old.html

Jewelry Party

I was thinking about throwing a jewelry party. It might look a little like this treasury I put together. Indoor, outdoor, champagne, appetizers, cupcakes some acoustic guitar and of course - jewelry.
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=72491

A Crazy Day!

So today was crazy busy and I love it. I'm just getting to post my link to my newest treasury. A thank you to so many shops that have featured my jewelry, its time to pay it forward! Heres the link...http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=71730
I just shipped off another custom wedding order. My bride is wonderful - congratulations Emily - a lovely bride to work with. Now that I'm actually on Facebook, I also have been catching up with long lost friends and now that I'm not commuting 80 miles a day into Burbank, since my recent departure from THE PUBLIC RELATIONS EXECS WHO WORK IN TV,(Lisa DeMoraes at the Washington Post might appreciate that one),I love working from home. Don't get me wrong, I'll always have my PR hat on and still will consult if good opportunities arise, but love my latest venture. Oh and the script is in the works still. I have some really incredible stories that have yet to be told...

Portrait of Beauty

I saw this beautiful portrait by JanetHillStudio and thought I'd put a treasury together based on the colors, accessories and style of the portrait. My friend Kelly just opened up DrellasHouse, a shop filled with vintage collectables so I also found a way to weave in her item in this treasury...ok and mine too.
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=70612

Ballerina dreams

I just love this treasury by The Girly Tutu. It reminds me of my ballet class growing up when I thought I had the most glamorous blue and white ballet tutu outfit you ever saw. Also makes me want to have a little baby girl, so cute. Thanks for the treasury spot. I'm honored my grown up earrings are included. Mom's, Dad's and daughters, come check out these cute outfits and accessories..
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=61025

From the desert to the sea...

As Jerry Dunphy used to sign off...(and I was an itty bittychild when he did by the way!)..From the desert to the sea to the mountains to all of Southern California...Good Night. I hope I remembered that correctly. Anyway, DesertNana created this treasury and I couldn't resist the line...http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=70137
We are lucky to have all these landscapes to escape to, especially as more and more of us are staycationing. Stay Classy California!

From the desert to the sea...

FRONT PAGE

Thanks TBS CREATIONS, front page Treasury, woohoo!!

The California I Know and Love

I just received a message from Irina at Irina Photography, who included my earrings in her "From California" treasury. Check out the link ...

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=60331

Back to Work

Had an incredible July Fourth Weekend in Avalon on Catalina Island. Breathtaking weather and stunning fireworks display as usual. We had guests in town and enjoyed a weekend on the water along with all the other boaters as we watched the golf cart parade and boat parade. Incredible dinners, fresh fish at Steve's Steakhouse and Armstong's Restaurant and of course lots of BBQs going on along with other guests, two miniture baby deer. The cutest babies I've seen, they looked like twins!

I came back to more exciting custom orders for brides and was thrilled to see the lovely treasury by TheFancyLamb made it to Etsy's front page, very exciting for me! I also received a nice message today from TBSCreations, she included my Aqua Seas and Black Sand Earrings in her gorgeous treasury and I've attached the link so check it out. You can visit these shops on Etsy -- I have met so many wonderful people through this new venture of mine. I even started a group on Facebook for Latigo Moon, so facebookers come visit and join in, I'd love to see you there. For those of you checking out my new blog, thank you for visiting. Here's to what hopefully will continue to be a successful, enjoyable and rewarding endless summer.
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=60110

Happy Fourth of July!!

I'm so excited for this holiday weekend. I'm kicking of the shopping early (and the vacation) with my July Fourth Celebration sale. I made the editors guide for the Etsy Blog with my Ocean Wave earrings. Perfect for the Blue, with the Red and White...Or maybe you just love London Topaz like me. Cheers and may you enjoy many fireworks over the coast this weekend, or wherever you choose to celebrate. Also don't forget a toast and thanks to all those men and women who have helped to keep our freedoms. Happy July 4th!

Water Dancer Earrings

I found another pair of the mystic periwinkle topaz briolettes so the Water Dancer Earrings are BAAACCK. They went so fast last time when they made the front page. A gentleman bought them as a gift for his wife (ok girls, everyone say awww!)

The Beach

This beautiful treasury from SewelsonWoodcraft at Etsy features my Madison mermaid earrings. Really lovely selects! Anyone know why I named these Madison?
Here's the link:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=67582

Check out this treasury

I just happened to get a treasury, instead of my usual beach, ocean, blue, moonlight themes, I took a different direction. Pet names....Kiki the cat and Gypsy the dog. Who knew they were so fashionable? Here's the link:http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=67782

Blogging Shop

I'm just starting to blog as a companion to my LATIGOMOON shop on Etsy that features jewelry and art design. I'd love to get your feedback on what you like about my shop. As I get up to speed on my blog layout and design, I'll add more features and probably some additional artwork and photography. I look forward to your feedback!
Thanks, Liza