The Aurora Borealis Fireflies, a local beadmaker group that I co-founded with my friends Pat and Janelle, celebrated Christmas this week with our Annual Xmas party, full of good food, great company, and this year – the changing of the guard. Pat is stepping down as Secretary, and I’m stepping down as President after 4 ( or is it 5? ) years. We’re delighted that some really competent and energetic people are stepping into these roles. To celebrate, I got darlink dollar store tiaras for the new Executive team – pictures were taken, so when I get a copy I’ll post it here. We are, at this point, the only Canadian chapter of the International Society of Glass Beadmakers, and Edmonton has become a real hotbed of bead-making talent. So I’m glad to see the group healthy and with plans for the next year.

Thanks Cindy, Tara, Kyra and Marianne (who is carrying on as Treasurer)! And thanks to Cindy (hostess supreme) and everyone at the party for a lovely evening.

Here’s a good discussion about the value of giving thanks. I am so fortunate – my wonderful husband and family, great co-workers, students who are so excited about this profession of occupational therapy that we share, my Aurora Borealis beadmaking friends, the cosy house where I sit writing this blog entry, the sun and the autumn leaves, the piece of pumpkin pie I just had. What are you grateful about today?

If you live in Edmonton and love glass beads, pop over to the Riverbend library between now and the end of September to see an exhibit of beads made by members of the Aurora Borealis Fireflies, our local bead-making group. Here’s some pictures of the crew that set up the display and of the finished display. Fantastic work everyone – I especially like the coral with the fishes! Our semi-annual group show is in October. The display will give you a sense of the work done by Fireflies members.