Cam's Stand-in (can you believe it???)

Hello, Humans. Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Bruzer, companion of the Human you know as Camille Olivia (or Cams or Olivia or that lady from JoyZAChoice). I am acting as her stand-in today as she seems to be immersed in some sort of silence ritual. I am not quite sure what to call it; suffice to say, she has been a bit unlike herself lately and I have heard her talking in her sleep (yes, she really does that) recently about her negligence on the Blog. So, I thought I might ease her mind just a bit and step in on her behalf. I am pleased to be here.

For those of you who are as yet unaware of who I am (I'm not sure how you could be since she writes about me all the time. But then...maybe you're new here. No matter....), I am the little curly guy (as she calls me) who came to live with her last year. Together we enjoy the glorious adventures on this planet you call Earth. I also happen to be quite fond of writing and, being the Human that she is, she has generously allowed me to use her computer whenever I wish. Below is a photo my Human took for her amusement. Now you know who I am. Pleased to meet you.

Now, before you go screaming into the night that it is impossible for a Dog to have his own Blog (or use a keyboard), let me assure you: it is QUITE possible. Dogs (and cats too) are quite adept at such tasks but usually are not heard from because their Humans don't get it. I am one of the "lucky" ones. My Human does get it and she also encourages me to share my talents with those who are as extraordinary as she is. To that end, I take time from my busy schedule to share an occasional missive. If you would care to visit my Blog, you can find it here: Bruzer'sWhisperz. I also have a page that offers free eCards. These cards are my Human's designs, but she has graciously allowed me to post them on my Blog. It seems that I have a much larger following than she (at least for now); something that both amuses and mystifies her. Such is the delight of living with this Human.

Moving on to the meat of this missive: I had an idea this morning that I thought would be a good way to honor both my Human and one of her closest friends. These two Human Females are quite the duo; both are incredibly gifted, albeit in different ways. They are also both huge Critter Lovers. Because of their extraordinary talents, I wanted to take a moment to honor them. I also thought it would be a terrific way to help those of you who frequent my Human's blog if you happen to be among those who shop early to beat the rush. My Human suddenly realized (just the other day) that the holiday season is just around the corner. This being so, she began her yearly process of making a list of those she intends to gift. As I watched her go through this process, it occurred to me that perhaps this could be my way of contributing to all the thoughtful Humans who enjoy this time of year as well.

So, without further ado, I will direct you to my Blog where you may read and then peruse the marvelous works that are currently available to any who wish to shop. The title of the piece is:

"Unusual Humans with Extraordinary Gifts"

I hope you enjoy my offerings. And rest assured, my Human will be along soon. She sends her regards, as do I.

Go well!

Urbina Designs

A few weeks back I shared the incredible Alba Urbina with you. (in case you missed it: Moxie...); at the time, I was waiting for Alba to finish up some pieces so I could share more. More of Alba, more of her sensational work, more beauty. And now (TA-DAAAA!) she has done just that. But before I give you the details of that shop, I want to give you a little more about this remarkable lady. Because...well.... you deserve some inspiration today!

As I mentioned in that first piece, I don't often "advertise" on this blog. It's only when I am fully awed by someone's talent that I just can't seem to keep it to myself. For good reason: the world needs more beauty, doncha think? So, my going on about Alba and her work is my way of inspiring her to keep doing what she does...and offering you a place where you can find one-of-a-kind pieces to add to your collection OR gift to someone you love. Oh...and then there's my devotion to true artisans. Lots of folks try; not many actually succeed in their attempts. Alba is undoubtedly one of the few who have (succeeded, that is).

This is a woman who has mastered the art of metal-smithing. She seems to have some kind of kindred energy with the metals she works with. And I'm not just saying that because I've watched her grow. Ask anyone who has purchased her pieces. They'll tell you the same thing. There's just something about the way she does what she does that makes the pieces different from all the rest. It's as if there is a magickal 'pull'. Every time I have one of her pieces on, people come up to me and reach out to touch. Without asking. I can tell you, this is a bit unnerving at times. But I understand. I feel it too. She puts all of who she is into each piece. And that Who She Is...is a mighty powerful Being. Full of love and passion and connection. Kinda like that movie "Like Water for Chocolate". Every emotion the woman felt was transferred into the food. Like that...only it's Alba Energy. Doesn't get much better than that.

It would be very easy for me to write pages and pages about this gorgeous Soul. I adore her and her work. (Gee. Ya think?) But instead, I'm going to let you see for yourself. I'm going to ask you (again) to treat yourself. And I'm also going to ask that you spread the word. Alba is worthy of world renown. Yes. Her work is that good. So, without further ado....

Visit her Etsy shop at: Urbina Designs. You will also find her contact info in case you'd like to ask questions or have one of her collections in your shop (if you happen to be a retailer). Either way, please take the time to go have a look. You'll be glad you did!

Moxie...and then some

In all my travels over the years, I've had the great honor to meet and befriend many artists. Of all kinds. Musicians, singers, painters, writers, actors, etc. Of them all, my absolute favorite is a woman named Alba Nelly Urbina. She is, without question, one of the most talented people I've ever had the privilege of knowing. Over the course of the past two decades, I have watched as this woman came into her own, blossoming as only a true artist can. She is as fearless as she is creative. She is passionate and inventive. Best of all...she is love personified. This is a lady whose light shines wherever she goes (and then some!)

Alba is not your ordinary metalsmith. She began working with metals some 18 years ago while studying the art of silversmithing. From there she went on to master techniques using other precious metals, such as gold and platinum. The creations that ensued were nothing less than stunning. Her knowledge of metals along with her eye for just the perfect gemstones made for the perfect birthing of pieces that befit even the most discriminating collectors. In short, Alba is a Master Jeweler.

It wasn't until she began her quest to master the art of blacksmithing that I realized she'd only touched to surface of her talent. It's one thing to work with silver and gold. It is an entirely different matter to work with steel. Watching her as she heats and bends and twists and cuts these seemingly immovable metals is truly a sight to behold. It's as if she has some kind of power over the metal; as if she has a team of unseen Others laboring beside her as she turns the steel into magnificent pieces of art. I have witnessed this magick on many occasions. Still, it leaves me in awe when the piece has been finished. I can't seem to wrap my brain around the fact that she does what she does. On more than one occasion, I found tears falling down my face at the sheer beauty of her work. NOT kidding.

Why am I going on about all this now? Well, it seems that my talented friend has stepped it up once again. She recently released a video to share a glimpse of her work with the world. This particular video is specifically about her blacksmithing works; the name of that company is (you're gonna LOVE this!) MOXIE METAL. You can watch that video HERE.

Moxie Metal is not your ordinary metal sculpture. Alba makes jewelry displays/holders for retailers as well as for plain ol' folk like us. She also makes home decor pieces like coat racks and hat racks and candleabras and...well, you just need to go see for yourself. You can find her Moxie Metal shop HERE.

And, lest I forget, there is one more amazing service she offers. Alba Nelly Urbina is the Master Jeweler for Wedding Ring Workshop in the San Francisco Bay area. These workshops are held (by appointment) in her sunny studio in Oakland. It is called a "wedding ring experience", whereby the couple can build their rings, with her assistance and supervision, from "scratch". In other words, they pick the metal they wish to use (gold, platinum, etc.) and she shows them precisely how to turn their visions into reality. Yet another of the many gifts she shares with the world. For more information please click HERE. (and, by the way, it's not just for wedding rings. It can be any occasion where one might wish to create their own rings, whether it is anniversary, Sacred Union, etc.)

So then...I hope you will take the time to have a look at this marvelous Creator. You might just find the "perfect" something...even if you didn't know you were looking for it!

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