Email me at morgan.taylor.young@gmail.com with your thoughts.
The Flight? (2/21/12)
The "Boss" thought it would be a good learning experience for me to meet with some new suppliers. Ordinarily I would not be happy about working all weekend, but since the meeting was in Las Vegas I thought, hey, I can take one for the team! So Friday afternoon I boarded a plane from Sacramento, bound for Las Vegas.
The flight was delayed for about an hour, due to some unknown technical glitch, but soon, we were off and flying! Not long after leaving Sacramento, the problem re-occurred, and we were diverted to Fresno, where we landed without incident. Unfortunately, there were no more planes flying out of Fresno that night, so we had to stay over at a nearby hotel.
The following morning we awoke to learn our plane had been grounded for a mechanical review, and the only flight leaving Fresno for Las Vegas was already overbooked. So, the "Airline" decided we would be bussed all the way from Fresno to Los Angeles, where we would catch a late afternoon flight to Las Vegas. We boarded the bus just after lunch, and headed off to LA. But as luck would have it, we made it only about halfway up the Grapevine Highway before a mechanical problem put our bus, and us, on the side of the road. I did my best to maintain my composure, and with the other passengers, settled in for what turned out to be another four hour wait until a replacement bus could arrive. Eventually, the new bus arrived, and we completed the trip to LA without further problems.
Once arriving at LAX, we were informed there were no direct flights available from LA to Las Vegas. The "Airline's" solution was to put us on a plane bound for Salt Lake City, where we would pick up more passengers, then fly directly on to Las Vegas. We boarded the plane at about 10:00pm, and took off for Salt Lake City. Finally!
After my long day I needed a little down time, so I closed my eyes for a short nap. Some time later, I awoke to the sound of our wheels hitting the runway! I admit, having just awakened, I was a little disoriented, but something wasn't right! I was clearly in a familiar looking airport, but where were the lights, the sounds, the excitement of Las Vegas? I glanced at my watch. The time was 2:15am. As we de-boarded the plane I asked a fellow passenger what was going on. She explained that the plane was experiencing a technical problem and that we had once again been diverted from our Las Vegas destination. It was at that moment I realized why the airport seemed so familiar to me. We had definitely been diverted all right…. all the way back to Sacramento! I guess this is what they really mean by "Round Trip"!
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The Package! (2/14/12)
Weeks ago I received a mysterious package, with instructions to secure it under lock and key, and then, bring it with me to a dinner party on Tuesday, the 14th.
When I arrived, I found a number of family members already there, waiting for me to join them. We enjoyed a delightful dinner, and our Hostess was quite charming! As dinner ended, the package was placed directly in the center of the table. I could feel a palpable tension begin to overtake the room.
There we were. Three generations of family members, each with our own reasons to be here. I searched the room for any signs of weakness, or any hint as to who would make the first move. Would it be the Quiet One? I've always heard you need to watch the Quiet One's, but there was no indication she was ready to make a move. What about the Young One? While he clearly lacked the experience needed for a job like this, he had the advantage of youth on his side. Could it be the Blonde One? Pretty, but hardly a threat to anyone, although I did notice she was holding a carefully folded napkin, and seemed a bit on edge. What about the Old Woman? No, she was so tiny and frail, it couldn't possibly be her.
I looked back at our Hostess. Was this a clever plot designed to bring us all together, where we would unknowingly provide her with a rock solid alibi? Yet, she seemed coolly indifferent to the presence of the package. It couldn't be her. And it certainly wasn't me! I had diligently watched over the package for several weeks, while it had been locked away in a secure location, known only to a few select security personnel.
I watched, and waited. Oddly, no one seemed interested in the package. It was almost like it didn't exist. Then, without warning, the Young One made his move! But as he reached across the table for the package, the Old Woman deftly deflected his hand! Her lightning quick reflexes momentarily surprised everyone, and before we knew what had happened, she had ripped the package open! Suddenly, there were hands flying in from everywhere, grabbing creamy morsels and chewy nougats of Chocolaty goodness! As I fought my way to the center of the table, I realized it had been a set up all along! They were all in on it! The Quiet One, the Young One, the Old One, the Blonde One, even the Hostess!
And me? Well, I may not have been in on the plot, but I was as guilty as anyone. But, it's only Chocolate Guilt. I can live with it.
Happy Valentine's Day... from JewelrySupply.com
I Waited! (1/31/12)
I waited. And I waited. For seven hours I stood outside on a frigidly cold January night. The "greatest night-time fluorescent multi-colored Northern Lights electrical display in the last 100 years", that's what the reporters said! I should never have listened to them.
Oh sure, I saw plenty of stars, and planets. I even saw this weird, oval shaped, silver thing that came careening across the sky, then suddenly changed direction and flew off into the distance. Yeah, I guess it was kind of interesting. But I was out there to experience the Aurora Borealis! Due to a massive solar radiation burst from the sun, the Earth's magnetic field would be putting on a performance like never before. A once in a lifetime light show that would be seen by almost everyone in the whole world! So I waited. Then, I waited some more.
At one point I thought it was beginning to happen, but I soon realized it was just the neighbor's porch light flickering. Finally, after almost seven hours, I gave up. I was cold, tired, and disillusioned by the whole experience. I mean really, where do they get this stuff? Sun spots, space radiation, solar storms, little green men. Oh wait, that last one's true! I mean, just how gullible do they think we are? Next time there's a big Cosmic event, I think I'll just wait for the movie. Hollywood always seems to do a better job with special effects, anyway!
Great products, great service, and Hollywood quality special effects.
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The Big Game! (1/24/12)
Okay, I know you're (a) happy (b) sad that your team (a) won (b) lost the big game on Sunday, and (a) will be (b) won't be going to the Super Bowl. It's certainly (a) exciting (b) depressing, when you root for them all season, and they (a) reward you, (b) disappoint you in the end, by (a) winning, (b) losing, in such a dramatic fashion! It was an (a) amazing (b) awful day of football, with (a) plenty of (b) not enough, snacks and beverages, and (a) far too many, (b) definitely far too many, family members around, (a) sharing, (b) screwing up your carefully planned day, watching (a) your team (b) somebody else's team, celebrate their victory!
A hearty (a) congratulations (b) !$*#%!, and best of luck in the Super Bowl! I know I'll be (a) watching (b) shopping! And hey! Even if your team didn't win, there's always (a) next year, (b) never, ever, again!
This (a) important (b) boring message has been brought to you by the (a) hard working (b) lazy news and sports department of JewelrySupply.com!
And while you are (a) celebrating (b) mourning the loss by hiding in the darkened bedroom and refusing to come out, check out the (a) great prices (b) really great prices on Beads, Findings, Tools, and more!
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Thirteen Days, Seventeen Hours, Thirty-Six Minutes! (1/17/12)
That's how long it lasted. Hardly a satisfactory personal achievement, let alone an exemplary representation of self control. Oh sure, I could claim excessive pressure from outside influences. Or, perhaps I could lay the blame at the feet of others, for their unwillingness to participate in my own self imposed new standards. Alas, there is no one to blame but myself, and my own personal weaknesses. Still, it's hard to imagine that so many New Year Resolutions could fall in such a short time!
Salty snack treats. Well, that's where it began, anyway. Those first few bites of Potato Chips were like the first cracks in the dam wall. And once the wall came down, it was like a flood of biblical proportions! The 2-1/2 pound bag of chips was quickly followed by Pizza, a couple of glasses of wine, and some M&M's. The rest of my New Year resolutions were soon washed away in the torrent! I missed a scheduled 3 mile run, a Yoga class, and a self-improvement lecture on Motivational Speaking at the Community College.
Instead, I spent the entire weekend laying in bed, watching a marathon of reality television shows, including Mob Wives, Real Housewives (both Atlanta and Beverly Hills!) several episodes of Celebrity Ghost Stories, and the entire first season of Gold Rush. Clearly, I had hit rock bottom.
But, the indomitable human spirit survives, and this morning I awoke to a new day, and a new attitude! New Year Resolutions are admirable, and it's good to set goals for ourselves. But it's okay to just be who we are. In the immortal words of Stuart Smalley; "I'm good enough. I'm smart enough. And doggone it, people like me!"
Now, please pass the Pasta!
New products, great prices, and absolutely no pressure to be anyone but yourself!
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It's Over! (1/10/12)
It's over. No more presents. No more Holiday parties. No more wearing the most outrageous Christmas sweaters money can buy. No more incoming shipments of Fudge from relatives you can't remember, but will never forget. No more "Holiday Skating Spectaculars" on TV. No more short work weeks with Holiday pay. It's over. Let it go.
Time to take the fake Antlers off of the family car, and find somewhere to store that 40 foot tall, air filled, blow-up Rudolph currently laying collapsed on the front lawn. Time to risk life and limb taking down the half mile string of Holiday lights from the roof of the house. Oh, on a personal note, to my neighbors; Did you ever think to tell me that I had strung the lights backwards, and everyone who drove by was actually reading "The First LEON"!
Yes, it's over. It was a good ride though, wasn't it? Sure, there will be other Holidays. Other parties. Other all night shopping sprees. Other Green Bean Casseroles. But I'll always remember this one. That is, if I don't electrocute myself yet again, while taking down the Christmas Tree!
Here's to you, and the start of a great New Year!
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A Christmas Story! (12/20/11)
It snowed forever. The town square, usually filled with travelers and trades people joyfully going about their business, was empty, and strangely silent. The stores and taverns, once warm and inviting, were now shuttered closed, and the cold, gray winter seemed as though it would never end. Any flicker of hope was lost, buried under a thick blanket of snow. No one smiled. No one dared to dream. No one cared.
At the edge of town, in an old wooden shed, a single, tiny candle burned, glowing softly against the cold and snowy night. Slowly, as the hours passed, the candle's flame grew stronger and brighter. By midnight it had grown bright enough to escape the old wooden shed, and began to light up even the darkest corners of the town. Curious citizens, stirred from their winter slumber by the strange light, began to emerge from their homes and move towards the edge of town, and the old wooden shed. They were soon followed by people from other towns and other villages. All were drawn by the light emanating from this ever increasing flame. No one could reason why the light existed, but that didn't seem to matter. As more and more people arrived, the candle's flame grew higher and stronger, until it was the brightest light visible in the night sky.
Over time, the light from this tiny candle's flame spread beyond towns and villages, beyond cities and countries, and beyond boundaries and borders. For those who were lost the light became a beacon to guide them safely home. For those who had no hope the light gave them reason to believe. For those who had no joy the light gave them love.
In just one night, this simple, tiny candle forever changed the world.
Merry Christmas from JewelrySupply.com
Talking Turkey! (12/13/11)
Hello, I'd like to take this opportunity to clear up a few myths and misconceptions about my family, and the long standing role Turkeys have played in the holiday season. First of all, my name is not Tom. It's Walter. That's right, Walter Turkey. And to the best of my knowledge, there has never been anyone named Tom Turkey in our entire family history, going all the way back to when you people first crashed into that big rock over on the coast.
Second, we are not, I repeat not, just big Chickens. We don't walk like Chickens, we don't cluck like Chickens, and most importantly, (shudder) we don't taste like Chickens! Oh, by the way, we can fly. We just choose not to, as it seems so ostentatious.
Like people, we Turkeys enjoy frequent social gatherings during the holiday season. Everyone wears their finest holiday colors, and there's always a parade, where we take turns strutting and showing off our magnificent plumes. There are also games like chase, pin the tail, and of course, my personal favorite, the "Human Calling Contest"! I've won it two years in a row!
But it's not all fun and games. Each year we elect someone to represent our "Turkey Nation" in Washington, DC. It's a very prestigious position, but also one which can be fraught with danger. Most of our representatives who travel there are quickly "gobbled up" by the bureaucracy. But every once in a while some lucky bird receives a pardon and gets to live out their life in luxury!
Turkeys have made significant contributions to society as well. For instance, my uncle, Albert Turkey, invented the "Baster". And many years ago, Ben Franklin championed the noble Turkey as the official mascot of America. But those stupid Bald Eagles had a better agent, and we got edged out. And remember Yankee Doodle? Where would he be if he hadn't stuck one of our feathers in his cap?
So, the next time you're out and about, and you see a Turkey, please, invite him to dinner.
Great products, great prices, and absolutely no "Giblets"! Whatever they are. ...Only at JewelrySupply.com
The Copier! (12/06/11)
For some time I've been asking The Boss to give me more responsibility around here, and finally she gave in and gave me a new assignment. I was given the task of meeting with our local copier salesman, where I was to listen to his sales pitch, then politely tell him "thanks, but no thanks". The copier we currently have does an excellent job making copies, which is what it's supposed to do, so why would we want a new one?
Needless to say, the salesman was very convincing, and we now own the new and improved, Univac 4000! It's so much better than the old copier! It does everything from making coffee in the morning to tracking geo-synchronously orbiting satellites for the U S Government. It translates over 37 languages, can program your DVR, and personally greets you by name whenever you're in the vicinity. Oh, and the fluorescent green glow it makes a pretty good night light too!
Now, if I could only figure out how to make copies with it...
Great products, great prices, but please don't ask us to make copies of anything ...Only at JewelrySupply.com!
Uncle Opie! (11/29/11)
Thanksgiving usually begins early in the day, when the preparations for a fabulous dinner begin. As the morning progresses, more people arrive and the kitchen begins to get crowded with laughter, work and food.
Just when it seems that there is no possible way to cram more people into such a small space, Uncle Opie arrives. You know him, right? Uncle Opie is the nickname the rest of the family gave him years ago, and it's short for "Uncle Opinion". Uncle Opie is the one person in any family who arrives, glass of wine in one hand, bottle in the other, and careens through the kitchen like a bull in a China shop, offering opinions on everything from preparation to presentation. Uncle Opie means well of course, but he doesn't seem to recognize there are already thirty-seven other people in the kitchen, working perfectly in concert with one another. Nevertheless, Uncle Opie jumps right into the middle of things, offering valuable tidbits of wisdom, such as; Too much salt… Not enough butter…Too over cooked… Not thick enough…and of course, the obligatory "You know what you oughta do!"
Soon though, Uncle Opie loses interest and wanders away from the kitchen and into the living room, where, he continues to offer his opinions on everything from the quality of the television set to the color of the football player's uniforms.
Eventually dinner is served, and glass in hand, Uncle Opie decides he should make the traditional Thanksgiving toast. True to form, he offers up an awkward soliloquy, managing to offend or embarrass everyone at the table in one fell swoop.
Fortunately, dinner is spectacular, and Uncle Opie is soon drowned out by the sounds of peace, harmony, and laughter. I guess the lesson here is; Thanksgiving is a wonderful day to spend with family and friends. But it's also a good reminder that there should always be room at the table for everyone, even, your Uncle Opie. After all, doesn't everybody have one?
Sit down, relax, and enjoy the feast of great products! Only at... JewelrySupply.com
Turkey Day! (11/22/11)
Thursday is Thanksgiving! Here's our Top Ten Reasons to love Thanksgiving:
1) That first whiff of something wonderful coming from the kitchen.
2) Watching that dumb kid get his tongue stuck to the ice cold tether ball pole in "A Christmas Story".
3) Where else can you watch three NFL Football teams with a combined 7 wins and 23 losses all play on the same day?
4) It's the best day of the year to enjoy eating Turkey. Unless you are one, then it pretty much sucks!
5) Pumpkin Pie! Need I say more?
6) Playing football in the brisk fall weather. Although nowadays, the game is played indoors on a Nintendo, so nobody gets any real exercise and there's no chance of frostbite.
7) Listening to Uncle Earl snore his way through the entire day, occasionally waking up to exclaim, "Hey, I was watching that" the moment you change the channel.
8) Jimmy Stewart in "It's Wonderful Life".
9) Going for an afternoon walk. Not me of course, I like to enjoy the peace and quiet while everyone else is gone.
10) Taking a moment to be thankful for all we have: Family, Friends, and Freedom.
Happy Thanksgiving ...from JewelrySupply.com
The Politics of Beading! (11/15/11)
So, I decided to make a necklace. But, I only had a small selection of Donkey Beads and Elephant Beads, maybe enough to make a 16" necklace. Not enough beads for a 30" necklace, or even a 20" necklace, but just enough beads to make a 16" necklace. But I really wanted a 30" necklace, so I got to work stringing beads, confident that somehow, it would all work out in the end.
Along the way I began to realize that I might not be able to finish the necklace with the number of beads I had. I couldn't buy or borrow more beads to make my necklace reach 30 inches, as that would drive up the cost, making it so expensive no one could afford it. Nevertheless, I continued stringing towards my goal of a 30" necklace.
In stringing the necklace, I took care to add a nice mix of both Donkey Beads and Elephant Beads, and they seemed to be working well together. I was so confident in my plan, that I even added a few Independent Beads to round out my design! Although my necklace was coming along nicely, I couldn't help but remember the golden rule of necklace stringing; No matter how many beads you add to the first half of the necklace, you must have an equal, matching number of beads in the second half, so that the necklace is properly balanced. If you use too many beads early, you won't have enough beads to finish the necklace, and all you'll have to show for your effort is an unfinished string of expensive beads that doesn't work and no one wants.
But, again, I felt I knew best when it came to stringing a necklace, so I continued adding beads, and it was looking great!
Soon, a fellow Beader stopped by and suggested that, considering the limited number of beads, maybe I should make only a 16" necklace. I listened attentively, then promptly disregarded her suggestions, and continued stringing, on my way to creating a beautiful 30" necklace.
But, of course, eventually, I ran out of beads, long before I was finished, and far short of my goal of a 30" necklace!
It was at that very moment I realized that perhaps my talents were being wasted here at JewelrySupply! I really belonged somewhere that I would be recognized for ignoring the obvious! Some place that would reward me for plowing blindly ahead with a complete disregard for facts and logic! Somewhere like, oh, I don't know…maybe Congress, or the Senate?
Great products, great prices, and plenty of beads for both sides of the aisle ...Only at JewelrySupply.com!
Operation Time Theft! (11/08/11)
In the process of researching this week's subject, I unknowingly stumbled across what appears to be a top secret government program, specifically aimed at all American citizens. As a result of learning this information, I fear my life may be in danger! Certainly my phone has been tapped, and I'm being watched! I believe my only option is to share this information with you, then go underground, where no one can find me. Hopefully, this email will get to you, before they get to me!
According to my research, the United States Government has been systematically stealing time from its' own citizens! Usually it occurs in very small amounts, and goes un-noticed. But for some reason, "Operation Time Theft", as I like to call it, triggered a much larger than normal event late on Saturday night, when almost an entire hour suddenly disappeared! I discovered this diabolical scheme quite by accident, while up late researching story ideas. Here's what happened. Perhaps you can make some sense of it.
I glanced at the clock on the fireplace mantle, and it read 12:00AM. But, just moments later, when I looked again, the clock read 11:01! Somehow we had lost almost an entire hour! Now, I don't pretend to know or understand the reason for this systematic theft of time, but further research revealed that it has been going on for quite a number of years, perhaps as far back as the late 1800's! What possible motive could our government have for stealing time in this manner? Are we stock piling minutes, hours, and days for some future generation to carelessly squander? Is it possible that the missing time is being added back in during the week, making employees work longer days without even knowing it? Or, as I suspect, is the government stealing time in order to "dole" it out to politically connected "friends"? My research leads me to believe that this nefarious scam may go all the way to the Oval Office!
Rest assured, dear reader, that your intrepid reporter will get to the bottom of this vast conspiracy, and will continue to fight against "Operation Time Theft", for as long as it takes, regardless of the danger it may put me in! You can lock me away, but you'll never silence my voice! It is my solemn vow that…What? It's what? It's Daylight Savings Time? Oh... nevermind.
Fortunately, there's still plenty of time for you to get everything you need to create beautiful jewelry ...Only at JewelrySupply.com
A Dark and Stormy Night! (11/01/11)
It was a dark and stormy night. Well, actually the weather was quite nice, but it was dark, being night and all. It started out innocently enough, at a costume party where I foolishly chose to wear a vampire costume. One of only 37 vampires attending the same party in exactly the same costume! (Note to self: Get a new Halloween costume!)
But then, upon returning home I discovered a scene of nightmarish proportion! There, in the entryway, lay two large plastic bowls, each overflowing with Snickers, M&M's, MilkyWays, Reese's and hundreds of other chocolaty bite-sized morsels! I'm not sure what happened next. Perhaps I slipped on a Tootsie Roll and was knocked unconscious. Or maybe I simply lapsed into a Candy Corn induced coma. I just can't be certain. All I really know is that when I awoke the next morning I was surrounded by the carnage of the previous evening! In the corner lay the tattered remains of my Vampire costume, and there were empty candy wrappers strewn violently about the room! (Scream here!) And there, on my hands… telltale chocolate residue! All the evidence needed to convict me as the perpetrator of this crime.
And by the way, it would be a crime not to take advantage of the great products On Sale this week! Our featured items are Swarovski Crystal Pearls! Plus, we have tons of Findings, Displays, Charms, Gift Bags and more, all at special discount prices ...Only at JewelrySupply.com
A "Chili" in the Air? (10/25/11)
It's almost the end of October, and Summer is just a fading memory. The temperatures have plummeted into the low 80"s, and there's a definite chill in the air! That means it's time for the annual JewelrySupply.com Chili Cookoff! This year we expect a big turnout, with many new and tasty recipes from all of the employees.
I really believe this year I'll take home the trophy, and with it, the much coveted title of "Chili Master"! Okay, there's not really a trophy. And, there's no "Chili Master" title either. Still, it's a big event, and there are prizes for the best Chili recipes. I'm so tired of coming home every year with only a cheap, blue ribbon that says "Also Participated" on it. This year I'm going to win!
I've got my best Chili recipe ever, and a brand new apron with "Chili Fever!" emblazoned in hot, red letters across the front. Plus, I've got my secret weapon; a wooden stirring spoon, carved from the branch of a Pepperwood Tree in Texas that was struck by lightening!
This is what it's all about. The final battle. The moment of truth. It all comes down to this. The race to the fini…Oh. Sorry. I got a little carried away. Oh, by the way, we have some red hot deals on Beads, Findings, Crystals, Tools and Displays this week... On Sale ...Only at JewelrySupply.com
Writer's Block! (10/11/11)
I stared intently at my computer screen for most of the weekend, yet, it remained blank. I couldn't seem to come up with anything to write about. Finally, late last night, the frustration began to give way to sheer panic! Had I lost my ability to put words together in a somewhat intelligent and occasionally entertaining manner? Had all those years I spent studying English in school simply been a waste of time? And what of the great novels, which I had read over and over again, in an effort to learn the subtle nuances and bold clarity of Twain, Dickens, and Melville. Was it all in vain?
The empty feeling was terrifying! I had begun to doubt myself, my skills, my passion. Clearly, I was suffering from writers block. For any writer, this is the moment you dread. The moment you think to yourself "I might never write again". What was I to do?
Then I remembered my yoga training; Slow, deep breaths. Focus. Be the ball. I closed my eyes, concentrated, and soon a quiet calm began to fall over me. My hands stopped shaking. My head stopped spinning. My heart stopped racing. In my mind, I began to visualize the keyboard, and the words waiting to be written. My eyes were closed, yet my fingers began to move of their own volition. I imagined the screen dancing to life as the words flowed from some previously unknown, spiritual place deep inside of me! My fingers flew across the keyboard, typing furiously! It was amazing! Even though my eyes were still closed the words took shape and the story began to unfold! I continued typing for what seemed like hours, my fingers pounding out the words!
Finally, the story was complete. I was exhausted from the effort, but I knew this would be a truly special story. I slowly opened my eyes to view for the first time the words I had created. There, on the screen before me, the first page of my literary masterpiece; laeguitbgp[p-otfjjftpogkghkgh[p;aokghjitg[ghmk. Doh!
Great products, great prices, and poqghngreiiogoiglokimjrtg[?
...Only at JewelrySupply.com
Biding Their Time? (10/03/11)
As a child long ago, the idea of summer vacation spent travelling by car with my family was akin to a life sentence, handed down by an un-fair jury, for a crime I had not committed. I was forced to endure long hours in the back seat of a station wagon, as it rolled slowly across what seemed to me was the “vast sameness” of America.
Most times it seemed to be a never ending view of cornfields, wheat fields, and empty prairies. Other times it was mile after mile of stark desert landscape, interrupted occasionally by mile after mile of identical tree covered mountains. And Cows. No matter where we travelled, there were Cows. In the valleys, in the mountains. Everywhere, there were Cows. Like most children, I was under the impression that Cows were the primary life form on planet Earth before we came. Waiting. Watching. Biding their time.
Recently, I had the opportunity to travel by car across several states, and I must say, things look dramatically different to me now! Instead of never ending corn fields and wheat fields I see farm lands, growing huge quantities of food, to feed millions of people, far beyond anything our forefather’s could have imagined! Instead of stark deserts, I see the perfection of nature, and the delicate balance of the seasons. Instead of mountains covered with trees, I see forests teeming with life, and the many varied opportunities it presents!
It’s funny how just a few short years of age can so dramatically change your perceptions. Except for the Cows. They’re still everywhere! Waiting. Watching. Biding their time. Cows are infinitely patient. Their day may yet come.
Great products, great prices, and not a single Cow in sight…….only at JewelrySupply.com
Into the Fall! (09/27/11)
Well, it looks like Summer is ending, and we're beginning to see the first signs of Fall. That's when things get really exciting around here! The Pearl fields, planted months ago, are growing like, well, like Pearls! And the Swarovski ponds are absolutely brimming with their Crystal bounty! Throw a line in anywhere and you're sure to catch a strand of Chrysolite, Sapphire, or Padparadscha!
Not far from the Crystal ponds are the Miyuki Seed Bead colonies. These hives of "Busy Beads" have been active all summer, pollinating the Silver and Gold trees, which are now in full bloom. As the temperature cools, the metal will brighten in color, then fall to the ground, where it is gathered up, sorted according to size, and packaged for sale, right there in the orchard! So you know it's fresh! And now, after several years of patiently waiting, the Silver Filled trees in our newest orchard have finally matured, and are just waiting to be used in your next project!
On the Turquoise River, ships have been arriving daily, bringing wild and exotic Beads from Africa, Egypt, Thailand, and other far away lands! This year's Tibetan Beads are absolutely out of this world beautiful!
A large herd of Horn Beads is being driven down from the mountains, where they've spent the entire summer growing large and beautiful. At JewelrySupply, we believe our policy of allowing Horn Beads to "free range" makes for a more beautiful and vibrantly colored Bead.
Many of our African Trade Beads were harvested earlier this summer, and are being stored in the barn, where they have been aged to perfection. These Beads are a perfect compliment to our Copper or Pewter Beads. And here's a fashion tip; these Beads are best when served at room temperature.
With so many choices, it's going to be a great Fall! ...Only at JewelrySupply.com
American Novel! (09/20/11)
I worked very hard over the weekend writing what I thought would be a very poignant, thought provoking story about settlers traveling across the old west. But, unfortunately, it had nothing to do with Beading, or Jewelry Making, so of course "The Boss" rejected it.
Now, I have to come up with a new story idea, just hours before we go to press! Okay, we don't really "go to press", but it sounds cool to say it! Any suggestions? I suppose not. Besides, how could I ever be taken seriously as a writer if someone else came up with all my ideas?
So, for the time being, I guess I'll have to put my literary dreams of writing the great American novel on hold, while I pound away at these keys, describing in colorful prose the cornucopia of beautiful Swarovski Crystal Pendants, or the delightfully whimsical Hand-Painted Beads we are featuring On Sale this week! Need more? We also have Czech Glass Beads available in a fish bowl of colors! Umm, okay. Maybe my colorful prose isn't so colorful, and my great American novel still needs some work.
In the meantime, check out all the great products in stock and On Sale this week... Only at JewelrySupply.com
P.S. You can find the link to this week's "rejected" story on our home page. Just click on "Morgan's Blog"!
Rejected Story (09/19/11)
It was a clear and starry night, like so many that had come before. The air was cool and crisp, and I could feel summer slipping away, though it had been so warm just moments ago. I huddled under my worn and tattered blanket, gazing intently at the stars. In my quiet solitude, I wondered at the vastness of space, and the vastness of this land.
It was quiet'perhaps too quiet. The silence was suddenly broken by a coyote, howling in the distance. The horses stirred, pawing at the sparse grass beneath their hooves. A loose spring squeaked in the wagon, where my always restless younger sister struggled to sleep. Then, all was silent again.
We have traveled far from our home in Philadelphia, now almost two thousand miles away. It has been an arduous journey, fraught with danger and hardship. Yesterday alone, we broke three wagon wheels in the sun-hardened ruts of previous traveler's wagons, barely managing to make ten miles on the day. Still, there have been no signs of Indians, and for any traveler that is good luck indeed! It saddens me that we have turned them out of their homeland, so brutally, so unfairly. Father says it is our 'manifest destiny'. I fear we have taken a path we may someday regret, but I am far too young to have a voice in these matters.
Tomorrow we should reach Fort Ellis, near Bozeman, Montana. Perhaps I shall have opportunity to bathe, and don clean garments! Far more likely, we will make camp outside the gates, venturing in only for provisions of hard tack, flour, grain and water, before continuing our journey west.
But for now, I turn my attention, and my dreams, back to the stars. It is enough to hope tomorrow will be a good day.
Morning People? (09/13/11)
I've come to the realization that there are two types of people in this world. Those who are "Morning People", and those who are "Not Morning People". I am not a Morning Person. Heck, some mornings I'm barely even a person at all!
Morning People are early risers, and when the sun comes up, so do they. Morning People wake up bright eyed and bushy tailed, ready to take on the world! There's nothing Morning People cannot accomplish, and the earlier the better! It's easy to spot a Morning Person. They are generally smiling, friendly people, and occasionally there are bluebirds flying around them, perhaps even whistling a happy song right out of the latest Disney movie!
If you are Not a Morning Person, you probably attempt to sleep in as late as possible, in a hopeless effort to avoid the inevitable arrival of... morning. And once you are finally awake, you require several cups of coffee in order to function in a less than zombie-like state.
However, unlike Morning People, you tend to gain energy as the day progresses. By the evening hours, when Morning People have burned out like a shooting star falling to earth, you begin a remarkable transformation into "Night People"!
Night People are the natural enemies of Morning People, much as the hole is the natural enemy of the pile. Night People tend to play their stereos far too loud, and far too late, in their effort to fit a lifetime of fun into each night! But things have a way of evening out, and come the early morning Night People are driven to their darkened bedrooms, just as Morning People begin their happy, if somewhat loud awakening.
We are proud to have a healthy mix of both "Morning People" and "Not Morning People" at JewelrySupply. Fortunately, our Customer Service Department is staffed only with "Morning People"! ...Only at JewelrySupply.com
About Our Employees? (08/30/11)
Occasionally I like to tell you about the great employees we have at JewelrySupply.com. So today, meet Alyssa:
Alyssa loves animals, especially cats. She also enjoys quiet walks through the Museum of Natural History, attending the annual Star Trek Convention, and traveling through time.
She is a graduate of the University of Michigan, and holds a fellowship position in the engineering department of MIT. In addition to her vast technical knowledge, Alyssa can also recite the capital cities for all 50 states, in alphabetical order.
Before coming to work at JewelrySupply, she was employed by the CBI (California Bureau of Investigation) but resigned her position after discovering that it was only a made-up agency on a television show.
During her short time at JewelrySupply, Alyssa assisted in developing our Univac 3000 processing system, as well as personally designing a breakthrough "green technology" for recycling used computers as door stops.
But Alyssa is perhaps best known for inventing the Nobel Prize winning "FlyBot". That's right! Our own Alyssa invented the coolest thing on the internet. You don't know what it is? Well, whenever you place something into your shopping cart on our JewelrySupply website, you're actually able to see the item "fly" across the screen, and right into your cart! The "FlyBot". It's so cool! I can't wait to see what Alyssa comes up with next! ...Only at JewelrySupply.com
Right or Left? (08/23/11)
After once again getting lost downtown over the weekend, I realized that I can never seem to remember which way is Right, and which way is Left. So, as I wandered aimlessly around in search of a familiar landmark, I began to consider; what is Right and Left, anyway? Were they simply just some arbitrary directions assigned by a weary traveler, while standing at a fork in the road hundreds of years ago? Or, as some believe, were they secret signs from some ancient society, shrouded in mystery, and forever lost to the modern world?
Right and Left; each has multiple meanings, and inspire far more questions than answers. For example, Right also means correct. Does that mean Left is incorrect, or wrong? As a citizen of this country, you have certain "Rights". Is there a country somewhere where citizens have "Lefts"? In many European countries, driving on the "Right" side of the road will get you a ticket! When you clean your refrigerator, do you ever throw out any "Rightovers"? Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you had the opportunity to do the "Left thing"? And I'm pretty sure in the 1960's, no folk hero ever uttered the phrase, "Left on"!
To confuse matters more; In baseball, a Left handed pitcher is called a "South Paw". What?? Right and Left can also mean North and South? No wonder I'm so confused!
I'm sure that it's all some "vast, Right wing conspiracy"! Or, maybe it's a "systematic Left wing cover up"! Either way, I'm still downtown, and I'm still lost!
Whether you go Right or Left, you'll find your way to great products and great prices... Only at JewelrySupply.com
Sterling Silver Filled! (08/16/11)
I don't often write about the actual products available at JewelrySupply. So, this week, I thought I would tell you about the addition of our great new line of "Sterling Silver Filled Findings". Now, while Sterling Silver Filled looks identical to Sterling Silver, and both will last a lifetime, they are in fact, quite different.
Without getting too technical, I'd like to explain the difference between Sterling Silver and Sterling Silver Filled; Sterling Silver contains about 92% Silver, mixed with a small amount of Copper for strength and durability. This formula has been used since the early twelfth century, and has changed very little in all that time. Sterling Silver Filled however, contains a soft, creamy, center, very much like a Twinkie! Ok, maybe not. Actually, Sterling Silver Filled is made of two thick layers of Sterling Silver permanently bonded over a Copper core. It's the same way Gold Filled is made, and features the same high quality.
Now that you understand the difference between the two products, I'm sure you'll want to include "Sterling Silver Filled" to your own beautiful line of jewelry.
And coming soon: Sterling Silver Filled with a chewy nougat center... Only at JewelrySupply.com
Dog Days of August? (08/09/11)
August is usually the hottest month of the year, and seems like the perfect time for lounging by the pool, drinking iced tea and working on a killer tan. Thirty-one beautifully hot, sweltering days, where the temperature rarely dips below 165* in the shade! If you love hot weather and cold drinks, this is your time!
But here's the problem; there are twenty-three actual workdays in August, far more than any other month! And as everyone knows, the days are longer in the summer, which translates to around a 12 hour workday! (at least that's my theory.) And if that isn't bad enough, there's not a single holiday in the entire month! Nyet! Nada! Nonion! That certainly doesn't leave much time for lounging by the pool! Unless of course, you somehow convinced your boss that "National Mustard Day", or "National Global Forgiveness Day", are official Holidays. If you managed to do that, you're good. Really good! For the rest of us, we'll just have to suffer through these, "Dog Days" of August, while we work on our killer tans at night. (um, can we really do that?)
As for me, I'm stuck here, typing away, hoping that someday, I'll be able to celebrate my true, dream holiday, "National Lazy Day".
Great products, great prices, and a happy "National Just Because Day"... Only at JewelrySupply.com
The "SAP" Program (08/02/11)
In the warehouse at JewelrySupply.com, we have a program that everyone must learn. The guidelines are very strict and cannot be altered, period! It's called the "SAP Program". Now, in the main offices, being called a SAP has an entirely different meaning, and is usually reserved for the company's Floor Manager, whenever he's not around.
But, in the Warehouse, SAP is a good thing. It stands for Speed-Accuracy-Presentation. It is our goal that every order we ship out of our warehouse be processed quickly, exactly as the customer ordered it. And even though our highly skilled Warehouse staff undergoes an intensive training program, where they learn everything from Inventory Control to surviving a month in the Desolation Wilderness with only a tooth brush and a rubber band, they still fill each and every order by hand. (Management has their own eight week training course as well, where they learn such necessary skills as folding a cardboard box, stuffing an envelope, and avoiding paper cuts while shuffling documents and files).
Our Warehouse staff understands the need to protect the sometimes fragile products you order, as well as the durable products. Each item is inspected for quality, verified for accuracy, and then, carefully packaged, so that when you receive your order, it's correct, and undamaged, just the way you should expect it to be. Even when the local delivery service chucks your order onto the front porch like it was a rolled up newspaper, it's our goal that it will remain undamaged and ready to use!
Whether you are ordering a simple Charm, a package of Glass Beads, or a cargo container full of Displays, your order will always receive the same careful attention to detail.
The SAP Program. Speed-Accuracy-Presentation. Our guarantee to you... Only at JewelrySupply.com
No Easy Task (07/26/11)
In the spirit of bipartisanship, and with a focus on making America better in the future, JewelrySupply.com is proud to announce this week's proposed Sale Items! All three branches of the company, including Management, Accounting, and Warehouse Production have invested countless hours to come up with just the right program to benefit you, the Beader.
Oh, don't misunderstand me. This was certainly not an easy task, and much compromise was needed to achieve this remarkable Weekly Sale. There was partisan bickering, finger pointing, meeting walkouts, name calling, and a couple of times Warehouse and Accounting almost came to blows! But in the end, everyone agreed that these were the correct items to put on the Weekly Sale. You know, just yesterday, it seemed as though we couldn't agree on lunch, let alone a proposal this big. But in the end, cooler heads prevailed, the "grownups" took over, and we hammered out a deal.
So really, there's no need to continue calling our Customer Service "Representatives"! You can rest assured that they are doing the people's work, and that they have your best interests in mind. Remember, we're all in this together, and everyone has to make sacrifices. If you don't see your favorite items On Sale this week, there's another brand new Sale next week!
Great Products, great prices, and the occasional political cheap shot... Only at JewelrySupply.com
Christmas in July! (07/19/11)
It's Christmas in July! No, not for you, silly. For me! It's that special time of year where everyone buys me the most elaborate and expensive gifts and'what's that? It's not for me? But I thought'..Oh, sorry. My mistake. Apparently it's Christmas in July for you! Now's your chance to stock up on fantastic products like Swarovski Crystals, Charms, Sterling Chain, and tons of other great items, all with a classic Holiday theme. Don't wait until the Night Before Christmas to finish your gifts. Get everything you need to create beautiful Holiday jewelry, right here, right now, and On Sale! It may be 110* in the shade, but it's snowing at JewelrySupply! Wow! That almost sounded like a commercial.
Great products, great prices, and just a hint of the Holidays... Only at JewelrySupply.com
Sand and Broken Glass! (07/12/11)
I spent the entire weekend traveling with "The Boss" to a trade show. So I arrived to work early today, before anyone else, hoping to get a head start on the weekly email.
As I entered the building I immediately realized something wasn't right. The doors to the warehouse were propped open, and there were several fold-up beach chairs scattered around. I walked into the warehouse, picking up hot dog wrappers and empty soda containers along the way. As I walked down one of the aisles I noticed a sign which read; "Quiet, please". That was odd, as our warehouse is usually quite noisy with music playing, equipment humming, and employees hustling about.
I turned and headed back towards the offices, following a trail of footprints left by someone who had apparently been walking through sand. The trail led directly down the hallway to the office where my cubicle was. As I entered the office I saw that one of the overhead lights had been broken, and the shattered remains had fallen directly onto my desk. There, in the middle of all that broken glass, right next to my keyboard, lay a golf ball.
Suddenly, it all made sense! I had forgotten about the annual company golf tournament, which had been held over the weekend!
Maybe next year we could try and hold it outside, on a real golf course?
Great products and great prices, just waiting for you to tee 'em up! ... Only at JewelrySupply.com
Get Ready to Celebrate!? (06/28/11)
The 4th of July is coming! Get ready to celebrate and declare our independence! Umm... okay. Independence from what? From Great Britain? No, we did that 234 years ago. Independence from the tyranny of oppression? Didn't we do that when we stopped electing Kings? How about independence from religious persecution? Ok, check that one off, too. Well, this is rather embarrassing. America's ready to celebrate our independence, but we don't seem to have a good reason why.
I suppose that we're really celebrating the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and the birth of America. But that was so long ago, and we've grown up and changed so much since then. We're not even close to the same country we were over two hundred and thirty years ago. For instance, back then, every day was a struggle just to put food on the table, and'.oh wait, bad example. Back then, it was up to every individual to fight for and protect what is right and '..oh, sorry, another bad example. Let's see'back then it was the responsibility of every man, woman, and child to stand up for democracy and freedom, and'oh snap!
You know, now that I think about it, nothing has changed at all in America's 234 years. We still work hard to put food on the table. We still fight to protect what's right, and we still stand up for democracy and freedom. Maybe we do have good reason to celebrate, and to declare our independence!
Now, let's get ready to party like its 1776!
Great Products and Great Prices... Only at JewelrySupply.com
The Moral of the Story! (06/21/11)
One hot summer day a few years ago, when I was desperate for something to do, I actually read a real book! No, I'm not kidding. I had to turn the pages and everything myself! It was a pretty big book too, written by some guy named Mark Twain. Reading a book is kind of like watching TV, except at the end of the chapter there's no commercials.
I really liked the story where Tom Sawyer was painting the fence, and convinced his friends how much fun he was having, which he wasn't, and suckered them into doing his work, while he relaxed under a shade tree. Now, the real moral of the story is that there's far more to be gained by doing the job yourself. You know, pride of workmanship, satisfaction from a job well done, a sense of personal accomplishment.
I guess Beading is a lot like that. There's great personal satisfaction in making your own jewelry, and we have plenty of DIY Projects to help you. They're fast, easy, and fun! Plus, you'll get that sense of pride and personal accomplishment by "doing it yourself". Just think how fantastic you'll look and feel, wearing that beautiful one of a kind necklace you made with your own hands! And if you enjoy making Jewelry to sell to others, tell everyone about it on our Facebook page! Plus, don't forget to take advantage of our special "Summer Discounts" and get up to 15% off every purchase!
As for me? Well, there's a lot to be said for relaxing under a shade tree, while someone else does the work!
Great products, and our exclusive, "no fence painting guarantee"... Only at JewelrySupply.com
Bad Luck? (06/14/11)
Lately here's been a run of bad luck for some of our best employees at JewelrySupply:
For instance, Jim from our Receiving Department recently suffered a heart attack while at home one weekend. We hope to have Jim back to work soon, but there are a couple of issues we'll need to work around. It seems that since his near death experience, he speaks fluent French and only answers to the name "Marcel". This will come in handy when we get our next shipment of Barrettes from France, but could be a problem the rest of the time.
A couple of weeks ago we lost Rita in Customer Service to a knee injury suffered during an intense shopping trip to the Mall. Who says shopping isn't a full contact sport? Rita should be back soon, and I hear she has a fancy new wheelchair adorned entirely with Swarovski Crystals!
Bill in our Inventory Control Department is back to work after his second knee replacement! He still hates Hip-Hop music but he's sure a lot faster getting to the warehouse stereo to change the channel!
Even our company President injured himself a while back. How the heck can you get injured lying on a couch, watching Gilligan's Island reruns, and eating Bon-Bons all day?
I think the lesson to be learned here, is that it's much safer for employees of JewelrySupply to be at work than anywhere else! Maybe that also means it's much safer for you to shop at JewelrySupply than anywhere else? Think about it. Your very life may depend upon it!
Au revoir, Gophere... Only at JewelrySupply.com
Weekend Research (06/07/11)
I spent the entire weekend researching Turquoise, Hematite, Onyx, Carnelian, Agate, and many other natural stones. I thought that it would be interesting to learn and share with you how heat, pressure, and thousands of years of time interacted to form basic minerals into the beautiful Natural Stones available at JewelrySupply.com. Well, after extensive research and exhaustive field studies, I have discovered... I was wrong.
I should have left my shovel and Pith helmet in the barn. But stubbornly, I toiled away in the hot sun, bent over for hours, digging deeper and deeper into the dry, unforgiving earth, in search of elusive answers to questions no one was asking. I continued to dig throughout the day, and long into the night, my only companions the howling Coyotes and the quarter moon shining dimly over my shoulder. I was determined to unlock the mysteries and share my discovery with our faithful readers.
But alas, as the morning sun began to emerge and light the new dawn, I realized the only discoveries I had made were several rusty old tin cans and a massive trench that I accidentally dug right through the neighbors flower beds.
So for the time being, you'll just have to trust me on this; we have a beautiful selection of Natural Stone Beads available at JewelrySupply.com, and they're really, really old! Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go shopping for several rose bushes and a Gnome.
Beautiful Natural Stone Beads, and other really old stuff... Only at JewelrySupply.com
Three Step Program (05/31/11)
Feeling tired? No energy? Are you unable to sleep at night, yet find yourself dozing off at work during the day? Do you find yourself bored by repeating the same routine, day after day? Maybe we can help. Try our new, three-step program designed specifically for Beaders. It's called, the "Get-Your-Butt-Up-and-Off-of-the-Couch-and-Start-Beading-Program." Want to know more? Here's how it works.
Step one; get your butt up and off of the couch! Step two: Go to JewelrySupply.com, find any of our fabulous, easy to make projects, and order one or two. Or more! Then, go back and lay on the couch for a day or two, while your order is processed. (Remember, you will have to get up and off of the couch again when your order arrives.) Step three; when your order arrives, get your butt up and off of the couch, and start beading! It's so simple even a man could do it! Plus, if you order now, we'll throw in an autographed picture of Eric Estrada! (not really) Operators are standing by! (again, not really, but they are sitting in front of their keyboards, ready to assist you or to answer any questions you might have.)
Fabulous Projects, great Products, and a zero tolerance couch potato policy ...Only at JewelrySupply.com
What to Wear? (05/24/11)
Oh Snap! I cannot believe that I fell for this! You'd think that I would know better. But not me, I got suckered in again.
After work last Friday, I went shopping over at the Mall, where I foolishly allowed some fast talking salesman to convince me that I needed to spend my entire weeks pay, plus most of my savings, on a pair of the new, ultra expensive, state of the art, space age material, greatest traction, fit like a glove, fashionably hip, "End of the World" running shoes! Well, why wouldn't I? I mean, what else would you wear when you're planning for the "End of the World" the next day? It's like the shoe salesman told me, "If you have to wear shoes for the rest of Eternity, wouldn't you at least want them to be comfortable"?
So, I bought a pair. And of course, the world didn't end. Now, here it is, just a couple of days after the "End of the World" was supposed to happen, and I have this ridiculous pair of glorified tennis shoes that I'm too embarrassed to wear. I sure can't wear them to work, because everyone would make fun of me for falling for some slick salesman's "End of the World" sales pitch. And I can't return them, because I wore them home from the shoe store, just in case the "End of the World" came a day early. Besides, the store warranty was only good through Saturday, which seemed pretty logical at the time.
I guess I'll just have to hang onto them until the next "End of the World" comes around. Hmmm, I wonder if anyone makes a matching "End of the World" hat?
Great products and great prices'long after the "End of the World" ... Only at JewelrySupply.com
A Roving Band (05/17/11)
This evening, just before sunset, a roving band consisting of several dozen Girl Scouts will descend upon the offices and warehouses of JewelrySupply, in search of the ever elusive "Jewelry Making" merit badge. Would that be a pack, or a band? Either way, I'm pretty sure they'll be roving! But I digress.
If all goes as planned, each of these exceptional young ladies will complete the tasks laid before them by our certified instructors, within the parameters of allowable time, and without deference to age or ability. Failure is not an option, and it is my expectation that the skills learned during this training mission will aid these young ladies in their future endeavors. Some may go on to be Scientists, Artists, Musicians, maybe even President. Still others may become Teachers, Lawyers, or Doctors. And I suppose one or two will go on to join a professional Roller Derby team.
Nevertheless one day, when they look back, after all of their life's achievements, I hope that they will remember this day. And when they do, I hope they'll send me a box of Thin Mints! Man I love those Girl Scout Cookies!
Fun Projects, great Prices, and don't forget the cookies! ... Only at JewelrySupply.com
Taking A Stand (05/10/11)
Every week or so "The Boss" stops by my cubicle to remind me to keep my weekly emails light and happy. "Write about Beads, and Butterflies, and baby Kittens. Tell stories about Princesses, and Ponies, and Pearls. But never, ever, write anything controversial, and always keep my opinions to myself." Seems like pretty good advice, considering we're a jewelry and bead supplier, not the Huffington Post.
But sometimes I feel like I need to take a stand, and tell people how I really feel, without fear of reprisal or consequence. Yes, I understand the implications of crossing that fine line between journalism and opinion. And I fully understand the political game being played, and how the final outcome can be influenced by just a few people in just the right places. I also recognize the importance of not aligning yourself with one camp or the other, as sweeping changes can occur from week to week, and your candidate could suddenly fall behind, leaving you lost and frustrated, without anyone to represent your voice.
Still, I think that it is important to make this statement, regardless of the consequences. So here it is, and let the chips fall where they may; In my opinion, Scotty McCreery will win the coveted title of American Idol this year. There, I've said it, and there's no taking it back now!
Great products, great prices, and a few, not so important opinions ...only at JewelrySupply.com
A Once Upon a Time Story (05/03/11)
For so long the world had been full of color and light, like the vibrant colors in a handful of beads. No matter how much you mixed them up, each beautiful color did it's best to stand out, as if to say, "look at me, look at me!"
But then, one tragic day many years ago, even the brightest, most breathtaking colors began to fade away. A cold, relentless, blanket of darkness moved ever forward, slowly, methodically covering the beautiful colors until, sadly, they disappeared, lost in the blackness. Even on the brightest days of summer, the colors would not, could not sh
