ADIEU indeed....
Those who share my ramblings, warped humor (lol)adventures, life challenges and rants know 2007 was for me, an "annus horribilis " (as Queen Elizabeth once said of a year). I lost several people who I'll never stop missing. I nearly lost others. Too much time in hospitals & waiting rooms. Too many 'late nite bad news' phone calls. I've not carried around so much kleenex every day since I was 13 and stuffed my bra... (remember I did admit to my warped humor).
But I'm not writing an epilogue to sadness here - at years end.
Instead I think it's actually an acknowledgement of the fact that lives shared tho incredibly painful once the 'sharing' is lost - still leaves forever intact the memories made.
I'm counting myself lucky that the 'close calls' gave me time. Time to think. Think about making time for people I love. As I've pondered it over the past months I've come to think that 'close calls' are calling cards fate sometimes leave to remind we mere mortals to 'slow down' and make memories. Tick tock tick tock.... There's no such thing as ENOUGH TIME, but there IS such a thing as WASTED time, WASTED opportunities. Control fate? Never. Control choices? Always.
So in the past year, I've been reminded (both gently and with ball bat force) that time waits for no-one (a good lesson). I've learned to strive for a better balance of the studio business and its endless needs with 'life' - family, friendships, husband, goals, day-to-day responsibility. I'm perhaps even more insane for the learning, lol. Yet better. Oddly enough more calm.
The last year has been an exercise in drinking deeply of the small, unsung pleasures that life leaves at our doorstep. I've always been an ardent advocate of enjoying the small bits of life, so I was surprised to learn how much more I could gather from each day, with a bit more discerning effort.
I think looking back on this past year that it IS true that difficult times yeild the most growth. Certainly we learn and expand in good, happy safe times too. But the fire of crisis seems (for me at least) to harden/temper the depth and resolve of lessons learned. Sharpen the eye, hasten the urgency. Crisis is a real window into the inner workings ones heart as well (but that's, well, an entry for 2008) :-)
Thanks to you - you who've weathered this year with me - Those who've given help to my heart, homes to my art, laughter to my warped humor. The jouney's always better when shared. Each of your unexpected email, notes, parcels, phone messages made some of the hardest days of this past year easier than you will ever know. Thank you.....
Here's to 2008! More melting (glass), hopes for less crisis, (tho more well learned lessons) and of course, lest you think differently, continued warped humor!!
PS Rob says THANKYOU for all the emails of offers for cookies**, roflmo He's hoping you'll force me into baking next year (wanna take bets!? rofoma)**Confused? check the previous November posts)
Monday, December 31, 2007
Friday, December 14, 2007
PC SANTA POEM
How funny ~ and sadly true...
Thanks for sharing this Christina :-)
~
Politically Correct Santa
________________________
'Twas the night before Christmas and Santa's a wreck...
How to live in a world that's politically correct?
His workers no longer would answer to "Elves,"
"Vertically Challenged" they were calling themselves.
And labor conditions at the north pole
Were alleged by the union to stifle the soul.
Four reindeer had vanished, without much propriety,
Released to the wilds by the Humane Society.
And equal employment had made it quite clear
That Santa had better not use just reindeer.
So Dancer and Donner, Comet and Cupid,
Were replaced with 4 pigs, and you know that looked stupid!
The runners had been removed from his sleigh;
The ruts were termed dangerous by the E.P.A.
And people had started to call for the cops
When they heard sled noises on their roof-tops.
Second-hand smoke from his pipe had his workers quite
frightened.His fur-trimmed red suit was called "Unenlightened."
And to show you the strangeness of life's ebbs and flows,
Rudolf was suing over unauthorized use of his nose
And had gone on Geraldo, in front of the nation,
Demanding millions in over-due compensation.
So, half of the reindeer were gone; and his wife,
Who suddenly said she'd enough of this life,
Joined a self-help group, packed, and left in a whiz,
Demanding from now on her title was Ms.
And as for the gifts, why, he'd ne'er had a notion
That making a choice could cause so much commotion.
Nothing of leather, nothing of fur,
Which meant nothing for him. And nothing for her.
Nothing that might be construed to pollute.
Nothing to aim. Nothing to shoot.
Nothing that clamored or made lots of noise.
Nothing for just girls. Or just for the boys.
Nothing that claimed to be gender specific.
Nothing that's war-like or non-pacific.
No candy or sweets...they were bad for the tooth.
Nothing that seemed to embellish a truth.
And fairy tales, while not yet forbidden,
Were like Ken and Barbie, better off hidden.
For they raised the hackles of those psychological
Who claimed the only good gift was one ecological.
No baseball, no football...someone could get hurt;
Besides, playing sports exposed kids to dirt.
Dolls were said to be sexist, and should be passe;
And Nintendo would rot your entire brain away.
So Santa just stood there, disheveled, perplexed;
He just could not figure out what to do next.
He tried to be merry, tried to be gay,
But you've got to be careful with that word today.
His sack was quite empty, limp to the ground;
Nothing fully acceptable was to be found.
Something special was needed, a gift that he might
Give to all without angering the left or the right.
A gift that would satisfy, with no indecision,
Each group of people, every religion;
Every ethnicity, every hue,
Everyone, everywhere...even you.
So here is that gift, its price beyond worth...
"May you and your loved ones enjoy peace on earth."
(c) Harvey Ehrlich, 1992
Thanks for sharing this Christina :-)
~
Politically Correct Santa
________________________
'Twas the night before Christmas and Santa's a wreck...
How to live in a world that's politically correct?
His workers no longer would answer to "Elves,"
"Vertically Challenged" they were calling themselves.
And labor conditions at the north pole
Were alleged by the union to stifle the soul.
Four reindeer had vanished, without much propriety,
Released to the wilds by the Humane Society.
And equal employment had made it quite clear
That Santa had better not use just reindeer.
So Dancer and Donner, Comet and Cupid,
Were replaced with 4 pigs, and you know that looked stupid!
The runners had been removed from his sleigh;
The ruts were termed dangerous by the E.P.A.
And people had started to call for the cops
When they heard sled noises on their roof-tops.
Second-hand smoke from his pipe had his workers quite
frightened.His fur-trimmed red suit was called "Unenlightened."
And to show you the strangeness of life's ebbs and flows,
Rudolf was suing over unauthorized use of his nose
And had gone on Geraldo, in front of the nation,
Demanding millions in over-due compensation.
So, half of the reindeer were gone; and his wife,
Who suddenly said she'd enough of this life,
Joined a self-help group, packed, and left in a whiz,
Demanding from now on her title was Ms.
And as for the gifts, why, he'd ne'er had a notion
That making a choice could cause so much commotion.
Nothing of leather, nothing of fur,
Which meant nothing for him. And nothing for her.
Nothing that might be construed to pollute.
Nothing to aim. Nothing to shoot.
Nothing that clamored or made lots of noise.
Nothing for just girls. Or just for the boys.
Nothing that claimed to be gender specific.
Nothing that's war-like or non-pacific.
No candy or sweets...they were bad for the tooth.
Nothing that seemed to embellish a truth.
And fairy tales, while not yet forbidden,
Were like Ken and Barbie, better off hidden.
For they raised the hackles of those psychological
Who claimed the only good gift was one ecological.
No baseball, no football...someone could get hurt;
Besides, playing sports exposed kids to dirt.
Dolls were said to be sexist, and should be passe;
And Nintendo would rot your entire brain away.
So Santa just stood there, disheveled, perplexed;
He just could not figure out what to do next.
He tried to be merry, tried to be gay,
But you've got to be careful with that word today.
His sack was quite empty, limp to the ground;
Nothing fully acceptable was to be found.
Something special was needed, a gift that he might
Give to all without angering the left or the right.
A gift that would satisfy, with no indecision,
Each group of people, every religion;
Every ethnicity, every hue,
Everyone, everywhere...even you.
So here is that gift, its price beyond worth...
"May you and your loved ones enjoy peace on earth."
(c) Harvey Ehrlich, 1992
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
THANKS TO YOU
I did it...
Thanks to the encouraging words from a friend (well her words and a small threat, lol) I actually stole some time for myself as she (and so many of you) have wisely counseled. Time to do something/anything I felt drawn to do. No need, no planned outcome. Simply put, time to do whatever the HE** I felt like during those few hours. What bliss :-)
Of course I found myself called by my torches. Yet what a different thing indeed to piddle, paddle, twit~about with no intent, no plan, no needed outcome! Some of the time was spend engrossed in R & R ~ ideas that have been patiently awaiting time to be explored. No images of those adventures. Those are for another time, lol. A bit of the time was spent simply creating latticinos seen in the image above...
I also allowed myself the HUGE LUXURY of creating a total mess while I worked!
When I'm teaching my beadmaking classes I strive to be orderly (reasonably!) When I demo lampworking or beadmaking I'm extremely obsessive about being orderly, tidy and controlled. I've also found that when I'm working on orders, commissions or pieces for sale productivity is much better if I'm organized. So for all the reasons above it's a rare (treat) to be mess mess messy! I can't believe I'm showing you this, lol but here's the 'full picture' of this portion of my bench and one of my torches! Quite different from the cropped latticinos and tweezer image eh?
Happy to say, my mum's doing much better :-) Dad's doing well and back at his routine post op. And me, I'm feeling almost normal for the moment! (ok, quit laughing at my use of the word normal in relation to myself LOL)
Happier still I am ~ deeply thank full in fact ~ for the concern, care, support, encouragement and love so many of you have 'gifted' to me thru this past long difficult year.... Your gentle kindness, care, humor and encouragement have seen me thru (and then some).
Lucky I am indeed to have been given such gifts of kindness.
Tho it seems far too brief a phrase, know the simple words Thank you come from my heart....
Monday, November 19, 2007
A CAUTION
This was shared with me yesterday. Tho I don't know if it's an acutal event or 'urban legend' the point of being cautious in relation to text messages for info of a personal nature and/or to "arrange meetings" rang true. As I read this it struck me as a caution worth sharing with all of you.....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Be careful how you list names on your cell Phone!
This lady has changed her habit of how she lists her names on her mobile phone after her handbag was stolen. Her handbag which contained her mobile, Credit card, purse...etc. ... was stolen. 20 minutes later when she called her Husband, from a pay phone telling him what had happened, hubby says "I've Just received your text asking about our Pin number and I've replied a little while ago."
When they rushed down to the bank, the bank staff told them all the money was already withdrawn. The pickpocket had actually used the stolen hand phone to text "hubby" in the contact list and got hold of the pin number. Within 20 minutes he had withdrawn all the money from the bank account.
Moral of the lesson: Do not disclose the relationship between you and the people in your contact list. Avoid using names like Home, Honey, Hubby, sweetheart, Dad, Mom etc....... And very importantly, when sensitive info is being asked thru texts, CONFIRM by calling back.
Perhaps even more important:
When you're being texted by friends or family to meet them somewhere, be sure to call back to confirm that the message came from them. If you don't reach them, be very careful about going places to meet "family and friends" who text you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Be careful how you list names on your cell Phone!
This lady has changed her habit of how she lists her names on her mobile phone after her handbag was stolen. Her handbag which contained her mobile, Credit card, purse...etc. ... was stolen. 20 minutes later when she called her Husband, from a pay phone telling him what had happened, hubby says "I've Just received your text asking about our Pin number and I've replied a little while ago."
When they rushed down to the bank, the bank staff told them all the money was already withdrawn. The pickpocket had actually used the stolen hand phone to text "hubby" in the contact list and got hold of the pin number. Within 20 minutes he had withdrawn all the money from the bank account.
Moral of the lesson: Do not disclose the relationship between you and the people in your contact list. Avoid using names like Home, Honey, Hubby, sweetheart, Dad, Mom etc....... And very importantly, when sensitive info is being asked thru texts, CONFIRM by calling back.
Perhaps even more important:
When you're being texted by friends or family to meet them somewhere, be sure to call back to confirm that the message came from them. If you don't reach them, be very careful about going places to meet "family and friends" who text you.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Yeah, Right
Last nite I had to laugh, because as I was running around like a chicken with rabies, (now there's an image eh? lol!) my DH said "wouldn't it be nice to make some christmas cookies this year"?!
He's right, it would be...
But if you take a brief look at my studio calendar filled to overflowing with commitments for upcoming trunk shows, lampwork beadmaking classes, custom orders, commissions et al thru Nov/Dec/Jan/Feb you'd understand my reaction, which was as follows: (in no particular order)
*raised eyebrows
*hands on hips
*small seizure (me not him)
*peeing pants (me not him)...
I really love this man - because without missing a beat he looked at me, smiled and said "I'll take that as a no on the cookie idea" :-)
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
NOVEMBER 1st
I'm not sure exactly what it is about the coming of November 1st that always brings my mind to the holidays. But every year, turning the calendar to November my thoughts instantly wander there.
Holidays are funny, quirky things, aren't they? A montage of memories, guilt, happiness, frustration, desires amid demands. A tumult of emotional confusion if ever I've seen one.
The last time I checked there were few people I listend to over the age of 10 who found any big holiday COMPLETELY free of conflict or happiness (in almost equal parts) and I began to wonder why it's all so convoluted. After all it sounds good on paper (as they say). Days off, good food, family, friends - Nomran Rockwell, here we come! So what's the problem?
It varies I suppose from person to person and family to family but oddly I think wanting whatever you don't have that is part of the mix:
People who have no one 'expecting them' are lonely
People who have too many places to go are pressured
People who have to be on the road hate the drive
People who are preparing dinner are annoyed with the people who ARE worried about the drive because fixing the dinner is stressful too
Kids feel uncomfortable dressing up to go visiting
Adults are uncomfortable dressing down to go visiting
If you eat too much you feel guilty
If you eat too litte lyou feel deprived/cheated
If you speak your mind you're in trouble (lol)
If you don't speak your mind you feel repressed
If you want to eat early, you'll end up eating late
If you want to sleep in, eat late,dinner will be at 1pm
If you want to fly, you'll somehow need to drive
If you want to drive, you'll end up flying
On the other side of the tumult is the intensity of the closeness, the flood of familial memories. The warmth and comfort of friends. There's the fact that sometimes the holidays (and life) ARE Norman Rockwell and the desire to 'freeze those moments' is so overwhelming it's a physical ache....
And don't underestimate the sheer volume of it all. In the span of four weeks there is so much food, so many people, so many memories (happy) so many memories (sad). Lingering regrets are gently mixed with determination to change.
Four intense weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas that find the past tugging at your sleeve, while the present hovers and the future windes gently ahead. A mental and emotional blend that leaves me (and perhpas others) oddly at ends.
It passes by Jan 1st. Twelve new months are ushered in and the hours/days/weeks/months fly by at an amazing rate of speed. New memories will be made, new challenges met. The pace is so frenzied I hardly stop to ponder the meaning of it all ~ that is until the next November 1st....
Holidays are funny, quirky things, aren't they? A montage of memories, guilt, happiness, frustration, desires amid demands. A tumult of emotional confusion if ever I've seen one.
The last time I checked there were few people I listend to over the age of 10 who found any big holiday COMPLETELY free of conflict or happiness (in almost equal parts) and I began to wonder why it's all so convoluted. After all it sounds good on paper (as they say). Days off, good food, family, friends - Nomran Rockwell, here we come! So what's the problem?
It varies I suppose from person to person and family to family but oddly I think wanting whatever you don't have that is part of the mix:
People who have no one 'expecting them' are lonely
People who have too many places to go are pressured
People who have to be on the road hate the drive
People who are preparing dinner are annoyed with the people who ARE worried about the drive because fixing the dinner is stressful too
Kids feel uncomfortable dressing up to go visiting
Adults are uncomfortable dressing down to go visiting
If you eat too much you feel guilty
If you eat too litte lyou feel deprived/cheated
If you speak your mind you're in trouble (lol)
If you don't speak your mind you feel repressed
If you want to eat early, you'll end up eating late
If you want to sleep in, eat late,dinner will be at 1pm
If you want to fly, you'll somehow need to drive
If you want to drive, you'll end up flying
On the other side of the tumult is the intensity of the closeness, the flood of familial memories. The warmth and comfort of friends. There's the fact that sometimes the holidays (and life) ARE Norman Rockwell and the desire to 'freeze those moments' is so overwhelming it's a physical ache....
And don't underestimate the sheer volume of it all. In the span of four weeks there is so much food, so many people, so many memories (happy) so many memories (sad). Lingering regrets are gently mixed with determination to change.
Four intense weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas that find the past tugging at your sleeve, while the present hovers and the future windes gently ahead. A mental and emotional blend that leaves me (and perhpas others) oddly at ends.
It passes by Jan 1st. Twelve new months are ushered in and the hours/days/weeks/months fly by at an amazing rate of speed. New memories will be made, new challenges met. The pace is so frenzied I hardly stop to ponder the meaning of it all ~ that is until the next November 1st....
Monday, October 15, 2007
IF IT'S NOT FATAL
I have a little ceramic wall hanging that states
However there are times when that truth is hard to focus on, LOL
Take this past week. We snuck away for a few days of R & R and upon arriving home discovered our second vehichle had a flat tire. Not fun to come home to, but no biggie. That is until we inflated the tire and found that the stablizer bar shock had lost all it's hydraulic fluid so it had to go in for repair.
Then the welltrol tank went belly up (if you have a well you know this means 'no water, no toilet flushing, no showers and big repair-headache-bill. And if you have public water you now know what a well-trol tank is/does!).
All that was exciting enough :-) but wait, there's more.....
In the same week my Dad had surgery, (doing very well!), the coffee maker decided to croak, as did the dryer. All things that are not fatal (and I'm very appreciative it's nothing more serious, really truly I am)...
But I swear if one more thing breaks I'm going to drop kick that inspirational ceramic sign out into the field, roflmao!
"If it's not fatal, it's not a problem".Which is, in the big karmic sort of way, very true.
However there are times when that truth is hard to focus on, LOL
Take this past week. We snuck away for a few days of R & R and upon arriving home discovered our second vehichle had a flat tire. Not fun to come home to, but no biggie. That is until we inflated the tire and found that the stablizer bar shock had lost all it's hydraulic fluid so it had to go in for repair.
Then the welltrol tank went belly up (if you have a well you know this means 'no water, no toilet flushing, no showers and big repair-headache-bill. And if you have public water you now know what a well-trol tank is/does!).
All that was exciting enough :-) but wait, there's more.....
In the same week my Dad had surgery, (doing very well!), the coffee maker decided to croak, as did the dryer. All things that are not fatal (and I'm very appreciative it's nothing more serious, really truly I am)...
But I swear if one more thing breaks I'm going to drop kick that inspirational ceramic sign out into the field, roflmao!
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
"Beginning beadmaking class"
Several of my readers have asked that I note beadmaking class offerings/updates here.... So for those who've asked - here you are - and thanks for the suggestion/request! I know many of you are far from the southern tier of UPSTATE NY, but if you ever find yourself headed here (or think 'beadmaking road-trip' lol) I'd love to have the chance to melt glass with you and MIRL (meet in real life)!
BEGINNING BEADMAKING CLASSES
Beginning beadmaking classes are a total of 6 hours, generally split in two sessions so you're not 'overwhelmed' with information in one single session! In the decade(s) I've been teaching I find the split session gives a student the chance to both absorb the first day class material AND forumlate questions prior to the second three hour class. The two part sessions I offer also allow a student to rest one's arms lol, so the hands on 'torch time' is far more enjoyable and productive!.
During the classes we'll cover safety, tools, terms of course - but the majority of class is HANDS ON experience - I demo - then the student preforms each technique!
Step by step we'll progress, covering basic round beads all the way thru various bead shapes, embellishment techniques such as creating and using glass stringers, raking, trail wraping, dots, layered dots, adventurine, captured air and Milli's. And we'll cover more if we can :-)
In every class your pieces will be fully annealed (kiln ramped for the COE of the glass to relieve stress for stability of the piece) to take home at the next class date and the second day class beads I'll mail to you post annealing.
CLASS FEES AND INFO
MORETTI (soft) GLASS
120.00 US inclusive
The class price is for one-to-one private lessons!!! :-) I think most people (as I do myself, lol) learn much more comfortably working at their own pace & are far more at ease asking as many questions as they like (and/or revisiting any technique as often as they need to) in a one to one setting. AndI love to be able to customize the class to the pace of the student!
AVAILABLE DATES
As any of my students, past or present, will tell you I'm extremely dedicated to working with my students to arrange dates and times that will work best for them! Thus I don't routinely post 'class dates' - but rather say 'email me'! This allows for the student and I to 'cyber-meet' :-)chat and discuss both the class openings I have avail and tailor them as much as possible to the student preference!
Please feel free to email me at glasschick at yahoo dot com. (I'll soon insert a proper link - thanks for working with correcting the spam-foiling email above before sending the email out
As I have the chance, I'll add more class info for those who are interested :-)
BEGINNING BEADMAKING CLASSES
Beginning beadmaking classes are a total of 6 hours, generally split in two sessions so you're not 'overwhelmed' with information in one single session! In the decade(s) I've been teaching I find the split session gives a student the chance to both absorb the first day class material AND forumlate questions prior to the second three hour class. The two part sessions I offer also allow a student to rest one's arms lol, so the hands on 'torch time' is far more enjoyable and productive!.
*Tho if you require a one day class due to work or travel that can certainly be arranged* :-)
BEGINNING BEADMAKING ~ CLASS OUTLINE
During the classes we'll cover safety, tools, terms of course - but the majority of class is HANDS ON experience - I demo - then the student preforms each technique!
Step by step we'll progress, covering basic round beads all the way thru various bead shapes, embellishment techniques such as creating and using glass stringers, raking, trail wraping, dots, layered dots, adventurine, captured air and Milli's. And we'll cover more if we can :-)
In every class your pieces will be fully annealed (kiln ramped for the COE of the glass to relieve stress for stability of the piece) to take home at the next class date and the second day class beads I'll mail to you post annealing.
CLASS FEES AND INFO
MORETTI (soft) GLASS
120.00 US inclusive
The class price is for one-to-one private lessons!!! :-) I think most people (as I do myself, lol) learn much more comfortably working at their own pace & are far more at ease asking as many questions as they like (and/or revisiting any technique as often as they need to) in a one to one setting. AndI love to be able to customize the class to the pace of the student!
*(tho if you had someone you wanted to share a class with I'm happy to arrange a class for two..)*
AVAILABLE DATES
As any of my students, past or present, will tell you I'm extremely dedicated to working with my students to arrange dates and times that will work best for them! Thus I don't routinely post 'class dates' - but rather say 'email me'! This allows for the student and I to 'cyber-meet' :-)chat and discuss both the class openings I have avail and tailor them as much as possible to the student preference!
Please feel free to email me at glasschick at yahoo dot com. (I'll soon insert a proper link - thanks for working with correcting the spam-foiling email above before sending the email out
As I have the chance, I'll add more class info for those who are interested :-)
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
DIRTY WOW WOW
I KNOW what you're thinking, roflamo - but this is NOT that kind of post :-) Actually, it's something I stumbled across doing updates for my marketing classes and it stole my heart! So, of course, I had to share it with you.
It began as a wonderful concept:
But the best part of all is the online gallery of submissions (once you've clicked the link here, scroll down the opening page - and there are several pages of submissions). I'd be hard pressed to say if I found myself more drawn in by the images or by the stories ~ each so similar yet unique. Best of all was the chance to see a gathering of images and words showing & sharing 'the soft side' of humanity.
(And yes, I have my very own 'dirty wow wow' - she's a rabbit - care to see an image)? :-) PS she looks as bad as some of the other 'contestants', (but I'm happy to say she looks far BETTER than many of the 'blankets' lol...
It began as a wonderful concept:
What's a Dirty Wow Wow? It's the shabby stuffed toys and blankies you clung to and treasured from childhood, with nicknames like "Fuzzy Wuzzy," "Night Night," "Huggie," "Dup Dup," and yes, "Dirty Wow Wow."
Which led to the book....
Ten Speed Press celebrates these well-loved friends of childhood in the book Dirty Wow Wow, a touching, sweet, and funny collection of photos and stories.
But the best part of all is the online gallery of submissions (once you've clicked the link here, scroll down the opening page - and there are several pages of submissions). I'd be hard pressed to say if I found myself more drawn in by the images or by the stories ~ each so similar yet unique. Best of all was the chance to see a gathering of images and words showing & sharing 'the soft side' of humanity.
(And yes, I have my very own 'dirty wow wow' - she's a rabbit - care to see an image)? :-) PS she looks as bad as some of the other 'contestants', (but I'm happy to say she looks far BETTER than many of the 'blankets' lol...
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
DIAPER RASH
No matter how old I get, there are still days I feel as tho I have diaper rash, LOL. Nothing terribly wrong at all. More the 'run of the mill life' kinds of things. The sort of issues that, added togehter make one feel a tad cranky. Whiney. Pouty. You know what I mean, don't you?
Over the course of a girls life it's tagged as diaper rash, PMS, Post Partum, Menopause. But it's all a variant of diaper rash really. Some days are MEANT for a full pot of coffee, a good book, (or a box of beads) and a bit of solitary rejuvenation. Yet we all know those days, however needed, seldom happen.
Things need to be done. Simple and true. Time waits for no (wo)man. Even if she does have diaper rash! But isn't it a curious comfort to know we all (at least all of us writing/reading here :-) are bailing as fast as we can to keep our 'boats afloat'....
And who says we can't have a bit of a pout now and again while we bail?! :-)
Friday, August 10, 2007
MUM NOTES
Background # 1: Ever since her the first trip to the UK, my mother has loved the title 'MUM'. It began as a giggle when one day at tea in St. James Park we noted SHE is the Queen Mum of our family. It's a title that's stayed and truth be told it suits her....
Background #2: Mum sends me quotes online & marks/cuts newspaper and magazine clippings of note - it's a tradition between us that goes back just beyond forever, lol ~ and it's a tradition I cherish.
This is a recent MUM NOTE from the newspaper. Quite neat.
SOMEDAY
Pull out your calendar and do a little experiment. My calendar has Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and then begins again with Sunday. What about yours? As hard as I look, I can never find a SOMEday. Yet we live our lives as if we really believe there IS as SOMEday out there, figuring we'll get around to certain things ... SOMEday. Turn your SOMEDAY into today...
Thanks Mum :-) Really good advice, as always.....
Background #2: Mum sends me quotes online & marks/cuts newspaper and magazine clippings of note - it's a tradition between us that goes back just beyond forever, lol ~ and it's a tradition I cherish.
This is a recent MUM NOTE from the newspaper. Quite neat.
SOMEDAY
Pull out your calendar and do a little experiment. My calendar has Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and then begins again with Sunday. What about yours? As hard as I look, I can never find a SOMEday. Yet we live our lives as if we really believe there IS as SOMEday out there, figuring we'll get around to certain things ... SOMEday. Turn your SOMEDAY into today...
Thanks Mum :-) Really good advice, as always.....
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
DECORATIVE PILLOW ANGST
I have a real 'love hate' thing with decorative pillows.
They are so Better Homes & Gardens/House Beautiful when they're in place! But they drive me insane in real life.... Off the bed each nite. And unless you have a cute window seat to put them on, just WHERE (out of the way) do they go?!? So they are underfoot, literally, till morning. Then each morn, make the bed, fluff and place all the pretty pillows. A vague PITA.
Decorative chair pillows are the same way. The look SO NICE, gazing at the chairs. But just try sitting in the average chair ~ with the pillow in place ~ chances are it's not comfortable :-( So on the floor they go.
Granted in the scheme of things it's not an issue that achieves the status of a 'problem' lol. Yet it came to mind this morning as I was trying to decide just where to place .....
THE TWO BEAUTIFUL DECORATIVE PILLOWS I BOUGHT THIS WEEKEND
(sometimes, I am such a fool... roflmao)
They are so Better Homes & Gardens/House Beautiful when they're in place! But they drive me insane in real life.... Off the bed each nite. And unless you have a cute window seat to put them on, just WHERE (out of the way) do they go?!? So they are underfoot, literally, till morning. Then each morn, make the bed, fluff and place all the pretty pillows. A vague PITA.
Decorative chair pillows are the same way. The look SO NICE, gazing at the chairs. But just try sitting in the average chair ~ with the pillow in place ~ chances are it's not comfortable :-( So on the floor they go.
Granted in the scheme of things it's not an issue that achieves the status of a 'problem' lol. Yet it came to mind this morning as I was trying to decide just where to place .....
THE TWO BEAUTIFUL DECORATIVE PILLOWS I BOUGHT THIS WEEKEND
(sometimes, I am such a fool... roflmao)
Monday, July 09, 2007
FIND A HAPPY PLACE
If you've been reading you know I've mentioned some things have been on my mind, thoughtful things I suppose you could say. A variety - some work/glass/bead related. Others, more life-realted. This is one of the 'life related' meanderings.....
Years ago I watched the movie FINDING NEMO and one of my favorite lines in the movie came from the starfish who, whenever trouble appeared, dedicated herself to finding a happy place...
We all have those places, those states of mind. Moments where briefly, you know everything is ok... No particular reason nothing dynamic happens. You simply feel good. You've found a happy place. It's not easy to do and can't be done on command most times. If only there were some training, some karma, some way to travel there at will!
Recently, I was finishing my coffee, looking up thru the skylight in the kitchen and I noticed a ladybug running for all she was worth back and forth across the glass, upside down not the least bit undone by the fact she was making NO progress what-so-ever! I realized that I was unsure if I felt sorry for her or inspired by her. She was so busy going no-where ~ a trap that's easy to find ones way into for certain. But on the other hand, she seemed not to mind in the least ~ she was doing what she chose to do and was determined to do it as fast as her little L shaped legs would carry her....
She had found a happy place for herself.
Perhaps pushing 55 instigates such thoughtfullness or maybe it's hormone imbalance, lol. Some of it certainly is this phase of life and the attendant dynamic changes in life which occur on numerous levels. Whatever the catalyst may be I've recently spent many hours evaluating the distinctions between being locked in vs choosing. Pondering what the markers are that enbable us to evaluate our personal reality and life.
I think that all thru life we evaluate - the equivalent of the glass being half full of half empty. I'm continually striving to teach myself to see both sides of anything. My mother is a zen master at this and I not only admire but envy her the capacity she has to see the good in the most dire of fates.
I'm learning... (tho I seem to be a bit slow. LOL
Here's a good example. This time of year (Spring/Summer/Fall) is my very very busiest. It borders on insanity if not nervous breakdown! I normally work a 14-16 hour day (no kidding, really). The winter months are full and busy yet have a less chaotic essence. I am exceptionally fortunate I can actually function well on a few hours sleep for very long runs of time. Perhaps the luck of biology, or it may be more directly related to my wacko personality, admitted and acknowledged :-)
So I now and again in these months feel stressed out, pressed, cranky, ok, borderline psychotic... I feel a tad overwhelmed.
Enter ladybug walking across the skylight
Watching her today I realized that I have no reason to feel angst. I have no reason because just like ladybug, I choose (here's the key word I think - CHOOSE) the pace of this time of year and if I apply starfish's lesson of find a happy place I realize how content this life of mine is! I work 16-20 hours a day doing something that is as dear to me as my next breath!
I work 20 hours a day because of the loyalty and trust and return of my students and my bead customers. I am so very busy because my mind and my muse continue to generate new designs, new stories for my work, new art. I, thanks to each of you and your recommendations, see my business hold steady and grow in a dark economy. So in reality any stress I feel is really happily able to be viewed (happy place style) as a (somewhat tired, lol) celebration of the boundries of the life I've created!
Ladybug and my mother are smart women. I need to think like them more often.
Because the truth is, I've found a happy place too.... :-)
(Ref#204)
Years ago I watched the movie FINDING NEMO and one of my favorite lines in the movie came from the starfish who, whenever trouble appeared, dedicated herself to finding a happy place...
We all have those places, those states of mind. Moments where briefly, you know everything is ok... No particular reason nothing dynamic happens. You simply feel good. You've found a happy place. It's not easy to do and can't be done on command most times. If only there were some training, some karma, some way to travel there at will!
Recently, I was finishing my coffee, looking up thru the skylight in the kitchen and I noticed a ladybug running for all she was worth back and forth across the glass, upside down not the least bit undone by the fact she was making NO progress what-so-ever! I realized that I was unsure if I felt sorry for her or inspired by her. She was so busy going no-where ~ a trap that's easy to find ones way into for certain. But on the other hand, she seemed not to mind in the least ~ she was doing what she chose to do and was determined to do it as fast as her little L shaped legs would carry her....
She had found a happy place for herself.
Perhaps pushing 55 instigates such thoughtfullness or maybe it's hormone imbalance, lol. Some of it certainly is this phase of life and the attendant dynamic changes in life which occur on numerous levels. Whatever the catalyst may be I've recently spent many hours evaluating the distinctions between being locked in vs choosing. Pondering what the markers are that enbable us to evaluate our personal reality and life.
I think that all thru life we evaluate - the equivalent of the glass being half full of half empty. I'm continually striving to teach myself to see both sides of anything. My mother is a zen master at this and I not only admire but envy her the capacity she has to see the good in the most dire of fates.
I'm learning... (tho I seem to be a bit slow. LOL
Here's a good example. This time of year (Spring/Summer/Fall) is my very very busiest. It borders on insanity if not nervous breakdown! I normally work a 14-16 hour day (no kidding, really). The winter months are full and busy yet have a less chaotic essence. I am exceptionally fortunate I can actually function well on a few hours sleep for very long runs of time. Perhaps the luck of biology, or it may be more directly related to my wacko personality, admitted and acknowledged :-)
So I now and again in these months feel stressed out, pressed, cranky, ok, borderline psychotic... I feel a tad overwhelmed.
Enter ladybug walking across the skylight
Watching her today I realized that I have no reason to feel angst. I have no reason because just like ladybug, I choose (here's the key word I think - CHOOSE) the pace of this time of year and if I apply starfish's lesson of find a happy place I realize how content this life of mine is! I work 16-20 hours a day doing something that is as dear to me as my next breath!
I work 20 hours a day because of the loyalty and trust and return of my students and my bead customers. I am so very busy because my mind and my muse continue to generate new designs, new stories for my work, new art. I, thanks to each of you and your recommendations, see my business hold steady and grow in a dark economy. So in reality any stress I feel is really happily able to be viewed (happy place style) as a (somewhat tired, lol) celebration of the boundries of the life I've created!
Ladybug and my mother are smart women. I need to think like them more often.
Because the truth is, I've found a happy place too.... :-)
(Ref#204)
Monday, June 18, 2007
GRASS SPIDERS
As I was walking to the studio bldg this morning I noticed dozens of little tiny spider-webs reflecting dew in the early morning sun. As nature goes, spiderwebs aren't a highly remarkable sight.
What was remarkable to me was that they were all on the ground, not woven in 'high and safer' places but spotted all over the low grass, in harms way. I wondered what caused these little spiders to work so hard creating frail beauty to sustain themselves and then place in smack-dab in well trodden, easily harmed locations?
I pondered it as I worked and two conclusions came to mind:
Either they 'do the best they can with what life had offered them' - which is what I think we all do. Sometimes 'ideal' solutions just aren't in the cards, so we innovate and hope for the best....
Or the other conclusion I considered is that these weaving spider of the low grasses are artists, lol, creating beauty to sustain themselves and as mentioned before ,working hard and hoping for the best...... (And I bet these spiders are a bit insane as are all we artists! lol)
Seeing these 'ground webs' reminded me of one other thought... for what it's worth. We look forward to plan we look past to remember, we look up for the warmth of the sun on our face and to see the free birds fly. But we seldom look down, and below our feet is the most fascinating world - amid the grasses and grains of sand significant insights can be found....
What was remarkable to me was that they were all on the ground, not woven in 'high and safer' places but spotted all over the low grass, in harms way. I wondered what caused these little spiders to work so hard creating frail beauty to sustain themselves and then place in smack-dab in well trodden, easily harmed locations?
I pondered it as I worked and two conclusions came to mind:
Either they 'do the best they can with what life had offered them' - which is what I think we all do. Sometimes 'ideal' solutions just aren't in the cards, so we innovate and hope for the best....
Or the other conclusion I considered is that these weaving spider of the low grasses are artists, lol, creating beauty to sustain themselves and as mentioned before ,working hard and hoping for the best...... (And I bet these spiders are a bit insane as are all we artists! lol)
Seeing these 'ground webs' reminded me of one other thought... for what it's worth. We look forward to plan we look past to remember, we look up for the warmth of the sun on our face and to see the free birds fly. But we seldom look down, and below our feet is the most fascinating world - amid the grasses and grains of sand significant insights can be found....
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
COME HAVE A LOOK ~ POOR POOR BEAD
UPDATE: 'BEAD' has found a wonderful home!
As always thanks so much Heather & Sooz for your comments :-)
~~~
It's a strange thing that happens sometimes.....
I'll open the kiln to pull the work from the prior day and within the fire brick cave will be piece(s) that create giddy delight in my heart and soul! A piece/set/pieces that far exceed my anticipation when I gently place them in the nearly 1000 degress of heat for the long 'annealing nap' lol.
Here's an ideal example ~ I love the nearly jeweltone aspect of the colors! I love the sense of 'movement', the size! This piece sings to me.......
Here's another image with handmande aged brass beads and turq seaweed beads of mine that I used to complete the set ~
Are you wondering what the strange thing is? Or why the post title is poor poor bead?
Ah I'm wondering too - because this focal, this set that I adore hasn't garnered so much as a hint of interest at auction. Perplexes me to be sure, lol. And most certainly gives the bead a complex, lol
Perhaps it sings only to me? :-)
Perhaps too large? Too busy a design? Brass is bad?
Is the price, 11.95 for 3 lampwork, the brasses and the little turq acrylic beads) excessive? Are large focals difficult to design with? Hmmmmm.......
LOL these are the things that rattle around in my mind, as I wonder what it is I'm missing... Insights, suggestions, critiques, positive AND negative are very welcome -and appreciated!
And does this happen in your creaative world too? Do you ADORE a piece and find it seems to speak only to you? I'd love to hear! (confusion loves company! roflmao)
Poor poor bead - he's going to need rejection therapy, lol!
As always thanks so much Heather & Sooz for your comments :-)
~~~
It's a strange thing that happens sometimes.....
I'll open the kiln to pull the work from the prior day and within the fire brick cave will be piece(s) that create giddy delight in my heart and soul! A piece/set/pieces that far exceed my anticipation when I gently place them in the nearly 1000 degress of heat for the long 'annealing nap' lol.
Here's an ideal example ~ I love the nearly jeweltone aspect of the colors! I love the sense of 'movement', the size! This piece sings to me.......
Here's another image with handmande aged brass beads and turq seaweed beads of mine that I used to complete the set ~
Are you wondering what the strange thing is? Or why the post title is poor poor bead?
Ah I'm wondering too - because this focal, this set that I adore hasn't garnered so much as a hint of interest at auction. Perplexes me to be sure, lol. And most certainly gives the bead a complex, lol
Perhaps it sings only to me? :-)
Perhaps too large? Too busy a design? Brass is bad?
Is the price, 11.95 for 3 lampwork, the brasses and the little turq acrylic beads) excessive? Are large focals difficult to design with? Hmmmmm.......
LOL these are the things that rattle around in my mind, as I wonder what it is I'm missing... Insights, suggestions, critiques, positive AND negative are very welcome -and appreciated!
And does this happen in your creaative world too? Do you ADORE a piece and find it seems to speak only to you? I'd love to hear! (confusion loves company! roflmao)
Poor poor bead - he's going to need rejection therapy, lol!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
SIXTH GEAR
It's been raining and cool ~ the grass/trees/green things love it! This however means that the grass needs mowing about every 20 minutes, lol which brings me the title of this entry...
I admit, tho it seems vaguely thought of as abnormal by most people that I hate amusement parks. There I've said it in print :-) I've once ridden on a Ferris Wheel, once on a rollercoaster, and was twice lured onto bumpercars. Not my cuppa tea, this ride thing.
BUT put me on a riding lawn mower and watch as I slam that puppy into '5th gear' and take off! I promise you it's as adrenaline inducing as ANY park ride, roflmo!
To fully appreciate the situation you have to know that I have a thing for trees (planted untold numbers of them 30 years ago) and my DH has a penchant for rocks - you know the big landscaping kind. So our property is sort of the 'try and/or die!' prototype of a mower decathalon....
In 5th gear it's kind of fun to see if I can move the branches and/or duck to keep from being de-horsed from the mower and get close to the rocks without ripping off the grass shute on the side! (*mind you I 'lose points' in my self imposed goals if I at anytime a) downgrade to a lower gear or b) have to use reverse, grin...) There's also the frog pond to be avoided and a couple of spots where the geography is such that you find yourself mowing at a curiously gravity defying angle.
What amusement park could offer so much fun for free with no waiting in line?! roflamo...
I wonder if anyone makes a mower with a 6th gear...... :-)
I admit, tho it seems vaguely thought of as abnormal by most people that I hate amusement parks. There I've said it in print :-) I've once ridden on a Ferris Wheel, once on a rollercoaster, and was twice lured onto bumpercars. Not my cuppa tea, this ride thing.
BUT put me on a riding lawn mower and watch as I slam that puppy into '5th gear' and take off! I promise you it's as adrenaline inducing as ANY park ride, roflmo!
To fully appreciate the situation you have to know that I have a thing for trees (planted untold numbers of them 30 years ago) and my DH has a penchant for rocks - you know the big landscaping kind. So our property is sort of the 'try and/or die!' prototype of a mower decathalon....
In 5th gear it's kind of fun to see if I can move the branches and/or duck to keep from being de-horsed from the mower and get close to the rocks without ripping off the grass shute on the side! (*mind you I 'lose points' in my self imposed goals if I at anytime a) downgrade to a lower gear or b) have to use reverse, grin...) There's also the frog pond to be avoided and a couple of spots where the geography is such that you find yourself mowing at a curiously gravity defying angle.
What amusement park could offer so much fun for free with no waiting in line?! roflamo...
I wonder if anyone makes a mower with a 6th gear...... :-)
Friday, May 18, 2007
LAUGH FOR THE DAY
(It's a joke - but boy is it a funny read! If only we could 'de-stress' this way and still be functional/responsible adults....) :-)
Read on!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We could all use a little more calmness in our lives. By following the simple advice heard on the Dr. Phil show, you too can find inner peace.
~ Dr Phil proclaimed ~
"The way to achieve inner peace is to finish all the
things you have started and have never finished."
~~~~~~~~~
So, I looked around my house to see all the things I started and hadn't finished, and before leaving the house this morning, I finished off a bottle of Merlot, a bottle of Zinfandel, a bottle of Bailey's Irish Cream, a bottle of Kalhua, a package of Oreos, the remainder of my old Prozac prescription, the rest of the cheesecake, some Doritos, and a box of chocolates.
You have no idea how freaking good I feel right now. Please pass this on to those whom you think might be in need of inner peace
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best laugh I've had in awhile :-) Thanks D!
Read on!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We could all use a little more calmness in our lives. By following the simple advice heard on the Dr. Phil show, you too can find inner peace.
~ Dr Phil proclaimed ~
"The way to achieve inner peace is to finish all the
things you have started and have never finished."
~~~~~~~~~
So, I looked around my house to see all the things I started and hadn't finished, and before leaving the house this morning, I finished off a bottle of Merlot, a bottle of Zinfandel, a bottle of Bailey's Irish Cream, a bottle of Kalhua, a package of Oreos, the remainder of my old Prozac prescription, the rest of the cheesecake, some Doritos, and a box of chocolates.
You have no idea how freaking good I feel right now. Please pass this on to those whom you think might be in need of inner peace
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best laugh I've had in awhile :-) Thanks D!
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
THE NICEST 'RAVE' EVER!
Sometimes something special is set upon your doorstep from the most unexpected source. It makes you smile, it makes you feel fuzzy, it's something you'll always remember.
A bit of background first :-)
In the many many decades (geeze I'm gettin' old!) I've been at the torch creating art glass object of one kind or another (beads, animals, pins, jewelry, cabinet knobs) I've loved every minute, every creation.
Not a day goes by that I'm not thrilled by and urged on to new levels within my art by wonderful compliments from my clients! I hope each of you know that when you share your excitment and happiness upon receiving your 'parcel' and write to tell me, it makes me happier than I have any right to be :-) Each and EVERY comment/compliment means the world to me!
Thank YOU ~ for the sharing of compliments, the images you send, the stories....
With this in mind, slip back with me a few months in time... One of my long long LONG LONNNGGG time bead-buyers emailed to say her young daughter loves the beads she's adopted from me, especially the sparkly ones! ;-) (ah the next generation of the bead-obsessed in the making, yea!)
Then a few days ago 'mom' sent me this email ...... this unexpected gift of a RAVE from her daughter about my work ~ perhaps LOL my favorite compliment EVER!
Today "N" demanded to see her beads... She said - I love the big bead best. All the shiny stuff looks like dolphin glitter pee.... LOL
As I said to her mom, roflmao - "do we forsee a DOLPHIN GLITTER PEE Series in my future"? :-)
Having my work published, having it shown in CORNING, being an artist in residence are all 'confirmations' of my art, my skill. But knowing something from my torch connected with the imagination of her young, open, naturally creative imagination - now THAT is unique and rare affermation of my work!
Not all that sparkles is gold - some is dolphin glitter pee ~ and some is the happiness that you find left on your doorstep from an unexpected source.....
(Thanks Mz. N!)
A bit of background first :-)
In the many many decades (geeze I'm gettin' old!) I've been at the torch creating art glass object of one kind or another (beads, animals, pins, jewelry, cabinet knobs) I've loved every minute, every creation.
Not a day goes by that I'm not thrilled by and urged on to new levels within my art by wonderful compliments from my clients! I hope each of you know that when you share your excitment and happiness upon receiving your 'parcel' and write to tell me, it makes me happier than I have any right to be :-) Each and EVERY comment/compliment means the world to me!
Thank YOU ~ for the sharing of compliments, the images you send, the stories....
With this in mind, slip back with me a few months in time... One of my long long LONG LONNNGGG time bead-buyers emailed to say her young daughter loves the beads she's adopted from me, especially the sparkly ones! ;-) (ah the next generation of the bead-obsessed in the making, yea!)
Then a few days ago 'mom' sent me this email ...... this unexpected gift of a RAVE from her daughter about my work ~ perhaps LOL my favorite compliment EVER!
Today "N" demanded to see her beads... She said - I love the big bead best. All the shiny stuff looks like dolphin glitter pee.... LOL
As I said to her mom, roflmao - "do we forsee a DOLPHIN GLITTER PEE Series in my future"? :-)
Having my work published, having it shown in CORNING, being an artist in residence are all 'confirmations' of my art, my skill. But knowing something from my torch connected with the imagination of her young, open, naturally creative imagination - now THAT is unique and rare affermation of my work!
Not all that sparkles is gold - some is dolphin glitter pee ~ and some is the happiness that you find left on your doorstep from an unexpected source.....
(Thanks Mz. N!)
Thursday, April 26, 2007
POLITICS OF PRESSES
I've spent so many decades around glass, glassblowers, beadmakers and lovers/collectors of artist created glass that it's inevitable I hear, and am asked my thoughts & opinions of issues and advances. Sadly this invariably involves various politics that are 'part and parcel' of these discussions. Humanity can't seem separate discussion from politics. Or perhaps humanity just doesn't want to separate them from each other.
My latest visit to the land of hot but unresoved issues was prompted by two of my students debating over the BEAD PRESS/BEAD MOLD issue as we were chatting after a recent class at my studio.
I don't know if everyone is familiar with this new turn in U.S. (tho old in european) beadmaking. In case you've not heard the issue/discussion centers on the fact there are ever growing number of lampwork beadmakers who are using tools made in machine shops that allow a lampworker to gather glass on the mandrel then insert it in this benchtop brass (or other metal) press and literally 'mold' the glass into the prescribed shape, size, thickness. It's not new as concepts in working glass on all levels goes.
But it DOES raise some interesting questions for U.S. 'art glass' lampworkers and buyers... Certainly, you can create a well shaped bead a good deal faster (particularly if you're a new(er) beadmaker). For the fairly experienced lampworker the outcome is very predictable, reproducable and expedient.
The question, and this is where it becomes sticky, is where does the line fall when determining a 'handmade individual artist created bead' (no two totally alike) VS the 'production bead'? It's a wide wandering line and there are a lot of points to consider on each side of the issue ~ for both the lampworker and the buyer.
The reniassance of small art glass (aka beads) in this country gained much of its momentum based on the unique and individual creation of every single solitary bead offered to designers (or collectors). The artist 'free formed' each bead the buyer/collector purchased. Concurrently the skill required to learn to work the glass to be able to create matching size and shape and infuse your soul into each bead took time and committment and skill of the material and the art. Each bead was created with hand skills passed down by generations of glassworkers to the next.
This hand skill components was what set the U.S. artist beads apart from all others available. Beads ceated by hand were unique in size, shape, design. Each bead created required command of the material to master consistancy. It takes a great deal of committment to the art to learn to create 'by hand and skill' (valuing mastry of skill over speed/voulume of the product).
It's a discussion as old as the industrial revolution. Tools (in this case molds much as in times past) DO increase speed and assure consistancy and ultimately lower price. Those are solid and valid points.
But what can (and should) be pondered is the issue of what we art bead lampworkers and all of the designers who use art glass beads or collect art glass beads are really all about? What our work is all about? (remember I mentioned it gets sticky)?
For me (as I'm sure you've surmised) it's about creating pieces that are heart and soul and skill and carrying on the generational skills of my 'old world apprenticeship'. It's more about the hundreds and hundreds (and hundreds...) of hours learning from my father and the decades of practice that have taught me to 'read the glass' and how to make it move and dance that I bring to my work and ultimately to you, the designers/collectors. The old world way in which I (strive) to bring life a piece of art for a 'one of a kind' design based on all my years of experience with this mysterious material...
Do designers find they're just as happy to work with pieces that are pressed out in voulme at a lesser price? Do they prefer true one of a kind pieces? Is a merging and use of both unique and pressed ideal for a designer? Perhaps....
Will collectors be drawn to a bead, pristine and perfect, that was one of 100 pressed out in a day at a lampworkers bench? Or will collectors of designer jewelry seek the unique? Does the story, the 'soul', the subtle variants in each bead matter less, as much, or more to the jewelry buyer than price....
If U.S. lapworker production beads gain favor, what will be the difference between US lampwork beads (pressed beads) and those imported from Czech, China and India?
It gets sticky AND tricky. The advocates of these tools (both sellers and users) will point out (vehemently I must say) that the SHAPE is only part of the bead - the embellishment is personal and artistic and and..and... and..... True, and yet conversely one must admit each bead is essentially 'produced' to specific size, shape and form by presses and that are all exactly the same on two of three points (shape/size). Thus, some of the handskill and/or individuality is lost, is it not?
Most importantly, does it matter to the designer and the jewelry buyer?
It's going to be a very interesting turn in the beadmaking field to observe as it unfolds.
For me, it's always going to be about the dance of glass - the magic of making a shape evolve by gravity by feel by heat and by heart. I have presses, I use them occasionally and I teach classes in their use. I've no bone to pick with presses or those who use them. Presses as all tools have their strengths both technically and econmically. Concurrent and unavoidable is the the fact presses require less hand working to create a bead. The beads are more likely to be exactly the same size, thickness, each bead completed more quickly. Not a snarky point of view - just a fact....
My work will always primarily be formed by the 'ancient' methods, using hard won skills and experience. Each bead created one at a time, each an individual, each truly 'one of a kind'. Because that's MY calling, the path my art takes.....
When it comes to ART, I believe the core element of it is soul (not speed, not volume, not price). So this kind of issue presents a choice of direction each artist and each jewelry designer in any medium has to make for him/herself.
Without a doubt there are those (in fact many) who'll take exception to my view as the world is fond of 'immediate results and low prices'. Which is equally valid. The ponderable in these discussions isn't really what is 'right or wrong' but listening to your own calling, your muse, your reason for your art...
Like discussions about 'art vs craft' and 'bead-stringers vs jewlery designers' it's sticky, snarky fodder - interesting to ponder for certain - as long as everyone talks/listens/remains kind. There's seldom harm in any 'good discussion'. Ultimately our 'art' is about us, what we choose to create, what tools we use (or not) what price point we set to mention a few. Each artist in the process see our vision, path and outcome. Each artist decides what 'matters' ~ no one else can dictate that (except perhaps for our muse, lol).
Thanks for reading and as always, your thoughts are welcome...
My latest visit to the land of hot but unresoved issues was prompted by two of my students debating over the BEAD PRESS/BEAD MOLD issue as we were chatting after a recent class at my studio.
I don't know if everyone is familiar with this new turn in U.S. (tho old in european) beadmaking. In case you've not heard the issue/discussion centers on the fact there are ever growing number of lampwork beadmakers who are using tools made in machine shops that allow a lampworker to gather glass on the mandrel then insert it in this benchtop brass (or other metal) press and literally 'mold' the glass into the prescribed shape, size, thickness. It's not new as concepts in working glass on all levels goes.
But it DOES raise some interesting questions for U.S. 'art glass' lampworkers and buyers... Certainly, you can create a well shaped bead a good deal faster (particularly if you're a new(er) beadmaker). For the fairly experienced lampworker the outcome is very predictable, reproducable and expedient.
The question, and this is where it becomes sticky, is where does the line fall when determining a 'handmade individual artist created bead' (no two totally alike) VS the 'production bead'? It's a wide wandering line and there are a lot of points to consider on each side of the issue ~ for both the lampworker and the buyer.
The reniassance of small art glass (aka beads) in this country gained much of its momentum based on the unique and individual creation of every single solitary bead offered to designers (or collectors). The artist 'free formed' each bead the buyer/collector purchased. Concurrently the skill required to learn to work the glass to be able to create matching size and shape and infuse your soul into each bead took time and committment and skill of the material and the art. Each bead was created with hand skills passed down by generations of glassworkers to the next.
This hand skill components was what set the U.S. artist beads apart from all others available. Beads ceated by hand were unique in size, shape, design. Each bead created required command of the material to master consistancy. It takes a great deal of committment to the art to learn to create 'by hand and skill' (valuing mastry of skill over speed/voulume of the product).
It's a discussion as old as the industrial revolution. Tools (in this case molds much as in times past) DO increase speed and assure consistancy and ultimately lower price. Those are solid and valid points.
But what can (and should) be pondered is the issue of what we art bead lampworkers and all of the designers who use art glass beads or collect art glass beads are really all about? What our work is all about? (remember I mentioned it gets sticky)?
For me (as I'm sure you've surmised) it's about creating pieces that are heart and soul and skill and carrying on the generational skills of my 'old world apprenticeship'. It's more about the hundreds and hundreds (and hundreds...) of hours learning from my father and the decades of practice that have taught me to 'read the glass' and how to make it move and dance that I bring to my work and ultimately to you, the designers/collectors. The old world way in which I (strive) to bring life a piece of art for a 'one of a kind' design based on all my years of experience with this mysterious material...
Do designers find they're just as happy to work with pieces that are pressed out in voulme at a lesser price? Do they prefer true one of a kind pieces? Is a merging and use of both unique and pressed ideal for a designer? Perhaps....
Will collectors be drawn to a bead, pristine and perfect, that was one of 100 pressed out in a day at a lampworkers bench? Or will collectors of designer jewelry seek the unique? Does the story, the 'soul', the subtle variants in each bead matter less, as much, or more to the jewelry buyer than price....
If U.S. lapworker production beads gain favor, what will be the difference between US lampwork beads (pressed beads) and those imported from Czech, China and India?
It gets sticky AND tricky. The advocates of these tools (both sellers and users) will point out (vehemently I must say) that the SHAPE is only part of the bead - the embellishment is personal and artistic and and..and... and..... True, and yet conversely one must admit each bead is essentially 'produced' to specific size, shape and form by presses and that are all exactly the same on two of three points (shape/size). Thus, some of the handskill and/or individuality is lost, is it not?
Most importantly, does it matter to the designer and the jewelry buyer?
It's going to be a very interesting turn in the beadmaking field to observe as it unfolds.
For me, it's always going to be about the dance of glass - the magic of making a shape evolve by gravity by feel by heat and by heart. I have presses, I use them occasionally and I teach classes in their use. I've no bone to pick with presses or those who use them. Presses as all tools have their strengths both technically and econmically. Concurrent and unavoidable is the the fact presses require less hand working to create a bead. The beads are more likely to be exactly the same size, thickness, each bead completed more quickly. Not a snarky point of view - just a fact....
My work will always primarily be formed by the 'ancient' methods, using hard won skills and experience. Each bead created one at a time, each an individual, each truly 'one of a kind'. Because that's MY calling, the path my art takes.....
When it comes to ART, I believe the core element of it is soul (not speed, not volume, not price). So this kind of issue presents a choice of direction each artist and each jewelry designer in any medium has to make for him/herself.
Without a doubt there are those (in fact many) who'll take exception to my view as the world is fond of 'immediate results and low prices'. Which is equally valid. The ponderable in these discussions isn't really what is 'right or wrong' but listening to your own calling, your muse, your reason for your art...
Like discussions about 'art vs craft' and 'bead-stringers vs jewlery designers' it's sticky, snarky fodder - interesting to ponder for certain - as long as everyone talks/listens/remains kind. There's seldom harm in any 'good discussion'. Ultimately our 'art' is about us, what we choose to create, what tools we use (or not) what price point we set to mention a few. Each artist in the process see our vision, path and outcome. Each artist decides what 'matters' ~ no one else can dictate that (except perhaps for our muse, lol).
Thanks for reading and as always, your thoughts are welcome...
Monday, April 23, 2007
VICTORIAS' NOT SO SEXY SECRET
I'm crushed....
I was searching thru Victorias Secret offerings, seeking something 'pampery' for me.
I was profoundly bummed to discover there was flannel everywhere (still!) And cotton waist high unders OMG! (you know the grandma big as a table cloth style). At Vic's? Can you believe it?! Egads....
I mean I love flannel (I even own footed jammies!) But I needed something 'girlish'. I live in jeans and LAYERS of sweatshirts and T shirts to keep from freezing to death in the studio in this climate, so my unders are about all I have to feel feminine thru the year (aside from jewelry that is, lol)
I wanted something pretty, cheerful, geesh, maybe even a two pieces of underware that matched! roflmao what a concept! (I can't think of the last time I had PRETTY matching unders :-) the ones I have are faded from laundering and hey, how is it that SOMEHOW they never seem to be in the drawer at the same time and end up worn with non-matching bits)? LOL it must be my delayed-laundry-symdrome coming back to bite me in the arse!
Back to the issue at hand....
What's a girl to do.... I'm NOT going to search Fredericks, roflmao ~ I want pretty not wild, roflmao... Looks like I'll have to check out Walmarts or Tar-zaaay.
What's a girl to do indeed! :-)
I was searching thru Victorias Secret offerings, seeking something 'pampery' for me.
I was profoundly bummed to discover there was flannel everywhere (still!) And cotton waist high unders OMG! (you know the grandma big as a table cloth style). At Vic's? Can you believe it?! Egads....
I mean I love flannel (I even own footed jammies!) But I needed something 'girlish'. I live in jeans and LAYERS of sweatshirts and T shirts to keep from freezing to death in the studio in this climate, so my unders are about all I have to feel feminine thru the year (aside from jewelry that is, lol)
I wanted something pretty, cheerful, geesh, maybe even a two pieces of underware that matched! roflmao what a concept! (I can't think of the last time I had PRETTY matching unders :-) the ones I have are faded from laundering and hey, how is it that SOMEHOW they never seem to be in the drawer at the same time and end up worn with non-matching bits)? LOL it must be my delayed-laundry-symdrome coming back to bite me in the arse!
Back to the issue at hand....
What's a girl to do.... I'm NOT going to search Fredericks, roflmao ~ I want pretty not wild, roflmao... Looks like I'll have to check out Walmarts or Tar-zaaay.
What's a girl to do indeed! :-)
Friday, April 20, 2007
RARE BIRD
I'm not one for social or poltical rants - not to be confused with not having strong opinions (ask anyone who knows me). My way leans more towards watching, listening, pondering and forming what are generally iron-clad opinions. I share them on an 'I'll tell you if you ask me' basis.
What transpired in VA this week has not changed my practice of WLP (watching listening and pondering). What did occur was a confluence of three events that prompted this post.....
*an email reply I sent to a woried friend the day of the tragedy
*a quote I came across today
* and I plan of action I had embarked upon months ago but was finalizing a mere week before VTech. It was an idea I'd been chewing on for several months at last nearing readiness to be turned to action....Even as I began to forumulate it I was fully aware it would most likely be classified (ultimately) as a small 'spit in the wind' against the way society makes trivial the violence we see nitely on entertainment programming and movies. Yet I was/am driven to proceed....
For what it's worth, I'm sharing my email text, inclusive of the idea I'd been chewing on, and the quote I came across today below. Rare Bird tho it is for me 'tell without being asked' I'd like to think these bits (my email and Bernbachs' quote) may be, in some small way, worthwhile....
My Email
I know it's impossible, but try not to worry about ****
or think too much about the pain for all those involved
(including those of us watching from afar). It'll eat
you alive. Instead just determine to make whatever
difference we can every day - kindness, care, to those
around us, known or unknown. Love deeply, say so often.
Life is frail, time is short. Accident, health, insanity
and time, like dogs in the dark, are out there and no amt of
worry or fear will make us more or less vulnerable.
Like the day and the nite it's all beyond our manipulation
as to outcome.
What we can do is live well, and in small kindness make some
stand against the unravelling of how life 'should be'.
In more politcal ways, speak out against the endless violence
on TV, films, video games that diminish society sense of
day to day outrage - and sadly show violence as an 'option'.
Tho granted 99 percent of kid/adults KNOW it's fiction
society and the media have to know it's fuel to the insane mind
(and simply barbaric as cultural standards go).
Last week I penned an email to A&E and Biography
(after listing and locating email addresses of all their
advertisers for cc) which says I find the violent programs on killers and rapists neither art nor entertainment and strongly recommended that biography feature heros - famous or common folk in their programs. I want both programs to STOP laying out sick details hour after hour and to stop bringing attention (if not fame) to this kind of act and the individuals responsible.... I advised them that I was 'grass-rooting' a boycott on products that support this sort of programming.
Pissing in the wind? Perhaps. But if it makes a difference to one life or one family it's worth the effort.
Small steps ~ pissing or whispering ~ into the wind - I have a feeling that's how all changes of value begin....
Inbetween? All we can do is live well, love deeply.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And this is the quote I came across today ~
Much like HAIKU, profound insight contained in a very few words....
"In this very real world, good doesn't drive out evil.
Evil doesn't drive out good. But the energetic displaces the passive."
- Bill Bernbach ~
What transpired in VA this week has not changed my practice of WLP (watching listening and pondering). What did occur was a confluence of three events that prompted this post.....
*an email reply I sent to a woried friend the day of the tragedy
*a quote I came across today
* and I plan of action I had embarked upon months ago but was finalizing a mere week before VTech. It was an idea I'd been chewing on for several months at last nearing readiness to be turned to action....Even as I began to forumulate it I was fully aware it would most likely be classified (ultimately) as a small 'spit in the wind' against the way society makes trivial the violence we see nitely on entertainment programming and movies. Yet I was/am driven to proceed....
For what it's worth, I'm sharing my email text, inclusive of the idea I'd been chewing on, and the quote I came across today below. Rare Bird tho it is for me 'tell without being asked' I'd like to think these bits (my email and Bernbachs' quote) may be, in some small way, worthwhile....
My Email
I know it's impossible, but try not to worry about ****
or think too much about the pain for all those involved
(including those of us watching from afar). It'll eat
you alive. Instead just determine to make whatever
difference we can every day - kindness, care, to those
around us, known or unknown. Love deeply, say so often.
Life is frail, time is short. Accident, health, insanity
and time, like dogs in the dark, are out there and no amt of
worry or fear will make us more or less vulnerable.
Like the day and the nite it's all beyond our manipulation
as to outcome.
What we can do is live well, and in small kindness make some
stand against the unravelling of how life 'should be'.
In more politcal ways, speak out against the endless violence
on TV, films, video games that diminish society sense of
day to day outrage - and sadly show violence as an 'option'.
Tho granted 99 percent of kid/adults KNOW it's fiction
society and the media have to know it's fuel to the insane mind
(and simply barbaric as cultural standards go).
Last week I penned an email to A&E and Biography
(after listing and locating email addresses of all their
advertisers for cc) which says I find the violent programs on killers and rapists neither art nor entertainment and strongly recommended that biography feature heros - famous or common folk in their programs. I want both programs to STOP laying out sick details hour after hour and to stop bringing attention (if not fame) to this kind of act and the individuals responsible.... I advised them that I was 'grass-rooting' a boycott on products that support this sort of programming.
Pissing in the wind? Perhaps. But if it makes a difference to one life or one family it's worth the effort.
Small steps ~ pissing or whispering ~ into the wind - I have a feeling that's how all changes of value begin....
Inbetween? All we can do is live well, love deeply.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And this is the quote I came across today ~
Much like HAIKU, profound insight contained in a very few words....
"In this very real world, good doesn't drive out evil.
Evil doesn't drive out good. But the energetic displaces the passive."
- Bill Bernbach ~
Thursday, April 19, 2007
DEMANDS OF LIFE
I try (really!) not to 'miss days' chatting with you here.
Tho this time of year the updates are at times less introspective and more of the 'write and run' sort. It is just so hectic in the studio (and life in general) thru spring/summer/fall (in mostly good ways!) In fact this time of year "domestic issues" become a crisis in and of themselves!
If you know me (or have read my official domestic policy entry)then you know I'm certainly no domestic diva by skill or choice, lol. Hence, you'll nod your head knowingly when I tell you in the last 10 days (give or take a week, roflmao) laundry had fallen to the 'end of the list' of things that captured my time/attention.
I finally had to admit I had a choice to make... either:
a) do laundry
b) purchase new clothing for DH and I
c) go au natural, lol
Now b is pricey and c is just not a fair thing to do to the world at my age roflmo, (and besides c is a REALLY bad concept for a hot glassworker ...) So "a" became the obvious (tho unexhaulted) choice :-)
Amazingly, between paperwork, packing and shipping orders, computer work, I got it all done (and no, I will not - ever - admit to you HOW MANY loads of washing and drying and folding it took!) But when it was done, I found that something as uncommon as Haleys comet (in my house at any rate) had occured!
Gleeful tho I was (well ok, more like pleased) that EVERY (yes EVERY!)PIECE of clothing was washed and accounted for I now found myself facing a new unplanned mini-dilema...(drat...) Just WHERE was I going to stow it all?! In truth DH and I own more clothes than drawers... Normally this is a no-crisis-issue (as you'd be amazed how totally effective a dryer can be as a continual interim staging area between clean/wearing/hamper)!
What to do, what to do.....? lol Ah well - each blessing has its curse, eh? As problems go, I'll keep it - but still ain't it a kick in the (clean) pants!"?!
I suppose I could thin the clothing herd - or clean the closet shelves (refolding does wonders as does putting winter things into storage) All logical but unapealing/time consuming options. Bleeehhhhh.
I think this calls for avoidance - eeerrmmmmm, I mean re-evaluation and development of a 'good plan' (aka structured avoidance, lol)
Yep, I'll 'ponder it' while I'm at the torches :-) So I'm off to the studio, coffee in hand (in one of many clean Tshirts)!
Tho this time of year the updates are at times less introspective and more of the 'write and run' sort. It is just so hectic in the studio (and life in general) thru spring/summer/fall (in mostly good ways!) In fact this time of year "domestic issues" become a crisis in and of themselves!
If you know me (or have read my official domestic policy entry)then you know I'm certainly no domestic diva by skill or choice, lol. Hence, you'll nod your head knowingly when I tell you in the last 10 days (give or take a week, roflmao) laundry had fallen to the 'end of the list' of things that captured my time/attention.
I finally had to admit I had a choice to make... either:
a) do laundry
b) purchase new clothing for DH and I
c) go au natural, lol
Now b is pricey and c is just not a fair thing to do to the world at my age roflmo, (and besides c is a REALLY bad concept for a hot glassworker ...) So "a" became the obvious (tho unexhaulted) choice :-)
Amazingly, between paperwork, packing and shipping orders, computer work, I got it all done (and no, I will not - ever - admit to you HOW MANY loads of washing and drying and folding it took!) But when it was done, I found that something as uncommon as Haleys comet (in my house at any rate) had occured!
Gleeful tho I was (well ok, more like pleased) that EVERY (yes EVERY!)PIECE of clothing was washed and accounted for I now found myself facing a new unplanned mini-dilema...(drat...) Just WHERE was I going to stow it all?! In truth DH and I own more clothes than drawers... Normally this is a no-crisis-issue (as you'd be amazed how totally effective a dryer can be as a continual interim staging area between clean/wearing/hamper)!
What to do, what to do.....? lol Ah well - each blessing has its curse, eh? As problems go, I'll keep it - but still ain't it a kick in the (clean) pants!"?!
I suppose I could thin the clothing herd - or clean the closet shelves (refolding does wonders as does putting winter things into storage) All logical but unapealing/time consuming options. Bleeehhhhh.
I think this calls for avoidance - eeerrmmmmm, I mean re-evaluation and development of a 'good plan' (aka structured avoidance, lol)
Yep, I'll 'ponder it' while I'm at the torches :-) So I'm off to the studio, coffee in hand (in one of many clean Tshirts)!
Monday, April 16, 2007
MEN & TP
I wonder what it is with guys....
With most it is the battle to get them to replace the roll.
Then there's the 'which way it should be placed' issue :-)
I'm a waterfall person as I hate having to coax if from the wall. I like that first sheet floating in the air like a happy little leaf not melded to the wall by static electricity!
(I know...this is the point where you start to worry about the things that occupy my mind)!
But today I was reminded of yet another curiosity of male-toilet-paperness-behavior by my DH (who I have to tell you is incredibly thoughtful about such things ie: seat up, replace the roll - waterfall style too)! Still I haveta wonder if other DH's do this too....
After my DH replaces the TP (and I stress I adore him for not leaving it for me!) he leaves the original roll which has maybe 6-8 squares left on it, on the back of the toilet.... Hmmmmmm.
Womanhood just has to ask "why"? :-)
Is it military survival training? Is it that he just saw the last visa bill and is driven to think using those 8 remaing squares will save us money?! Is it division of labor as in 'I changed it, YOU have "remnanat roll discard duty"?
Yep, ya just have to wonder! LOL.....
With most it is the battle to get them to replace the roll.
Then there's the 'which way it should be placed' issue :-)
I'm a waterfall person as I hate having to coax if from the wall. I like that first sheet floating in the air like a happy little leaf not melded to the wall by static electricity!
(I know...this is the point where you start to worry about the things that occupy my mind)!
But today I was reminded of yet another curiosity of male-toilet-paperness-behavior by my DH (who I have to tell you is incredibly thoughtful about such things ie: seat up, replace the roll - waterfall style too)! Still I haveta wonder if other DH's do this too....
After my DH replaces the TP (and I stress I adore him for not leaving it for me!) he leaves the original roll which has maybe 6-8 squares left on it, on the back of the toilet.... Hmmmmmm.
Womanhood just has to ask "why"? :-)
Is it military survival training? Is it that he just saw the last visa bill and is driven to think using those 8 remaing squares will save us money?! Is it division of labor as in 'I changed it, YOU have "remnanat roll discard duty"?
Yep, ya just have to wonder! LOL.....
Friday, April 13, 2007
For Journal Readers
UPDATE: THIS PIECE IS CURRENTLY BEING SHOWN AND NOT AVAIL AT THIS MOMENT - BUT IF YOU'RE INTERESTED LET ME KNOW AND I'LL CONTACT YOU UPON ITS RETURN TO ME!
SURPRISE! I chose this boro pendant from my work this week in the studio to share/offer to my journal readers for 'PRIVATE SALE' :-)
MINE MINE MINE!
Email me by 'clicking' on the MINE! MINE! MINE! link, lol above the bead image if this boro pendant whispers to you :-)
This is a 'one of a kind' & will go to the first email arriving to request it & for journal buds - $12.95 (2.00 shipping) NYS res, tax also.
Domed face, flat back ~ filled with detail color which is magnified by the cyrstal clear boro dome.... A hand formed loop for stringing. 32.09 mm top of loop to base of pendant, 23.55 mm wide, 11.75 mm thick.
SURPRISE! I chose this boro pendant from my work this week in the studio to share/offer to my journal readers for 'PRIVATE SALE' :-)
MINE MINE MINE!
Email me by 'clicking' on the MINE! MINE! MINE! link, lol above the bead image if this boro pendant whispers to you :-)
This is a 'one of a kind' & will go to the first email arriving to request it & for journal buds - $12.95 (2.00 shipping) NYS res, tax also.
Domed face, flat back ~ filled with detail color which is magnified by the cyrstal clear boro dome.... A hand formed loop for stringing. 32.09 mm top of loop to base of pendant, 23.55 mm wide, 11.75 mm thick.
NEW MOWER
It must be spring......
I knew this when I saw my DH pull in from work with a huge box in the back of the truck. A new push/trimming lawnmower that was about to be 'presented' LOL.
I say 'presented' because DH always updates me with any new purchase he's procured for the kingdom when he comes thru the door. He is apparently unaware that I take note of all arrivals via the windows :-)
It's the little things in life that are the most enjoyable, don't you think? Take this mower in a box for instance. The promise of shiny new machine, no gunky grass, no chipped paint, no wobby wheels! All you have to do is ASSEMBLE it!
Oh my.....
The last mower that 'came home' was fully assembled, right down to the oil. That was a happy day! I loved that mower for it's 'readiness' ;-)
It's not that DH or I are engineeringly challenged - in truth we both do well. It's more a question of the way in which DH and I approach such tasks. Our approaches differ a bit.... OK, they differ A LOT! roflmao.
I'm a 'adjustable cresent wrench' kind of person.
(DH is a find the proper metric fixed socket or ratchet kind of guy)
He's an "open all the packets of bits IMMEDIATELY and lay them out first". (I'm one who "opens each packet as you need what's in it")
We are both of the opinion that since you logically KNOW where wheels and handles on a lawnmower go you'll only read the directions if you get stuck....
Oh my indeed....
And no matter how many times I do some of these things, I'm chronically amazed at the multitude of small parts needed to accomplish seemingly straight-forward tasks.
I will confess only to you here, we DID have to remove (then replace!) the rear wheels to situate the mover handle where it belonged (the directions most likely DID say to attach handle prior to wheels had we read the directions, lol) But aside from that we did well. No left over parts, a lot of good laughs (both at ourselves and a few at each others expense!) and now there is a fully assembled shiny red lawn mower with oil in it mostly ready to go. I note "mostly ready to go" as it has no gas in it yet.
One thing you learn by this point in life is that it's best to quit while you're ahead, lol.
We'll see if it RUNS tonite :-)
Thursday, April 12, 2007
QUOTE of the day
Rogues are always preferable to imbeciles...
(because now and again rouges take a break) :-)
Quote attributed to Dumas
(because now and again rouges take a break) :-)
Quote attributed to Dumas
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
SALT, RUST & LOVE
I have to say, I love this man I share my life with...
We'll have been together for 33 years next year and he sill makes me laugh, still makes me feel like who I am and what I do matters - especially to him.
We're one of those odd couples who are best friends. We love our time together. We are both very very (did I mention VERY, lol) opinionated and driven ~ and by no means do we see/agree on things at first blush. We kiddingly are referred to as 'the debate team'. Nothing, not a thing can occur without at least a 'tri-level' discussion. But we always know what the other is thinking, that's for certain.
Since the advent of email, he's taken to writing me when he arrives at work. It's a long commute for him and I've always liked to know he's arrived safe. Years ago he'd call, now he emails me. It's one of those relationship rituals you don't think much about, but are a gatepost in your day....
Most of his emails are straighforward with 'are you teaching late tonite', do I need to stop for pizza on the way home? kind of things. But SOMEtimes his emails are just priceless. Funny or fuzzy, make me laugh out loud or print them out to save like a hallmark card.
He, (sometimes as you reading do too) shares the "joy" ;-) of my periodic bitching about the bookwork/inventory/paperwork in general (it's an ongoing un-favorite of mine that PEAKS at end of year/tax time) Yes an anual event living with me :-) And he's been equally dismayed with this winter that is more endless than USUAL, so we've been splitting the piss and moan time - me, bookwork, shoveling, him the endless wait for spring, longing for the summer to be free of lousey drives each day, an end of staggaring heat bills (aka a bit of spending money) and release from what is probably HIS biggest pet peeve, road salt. SPRING bringing freedom from watching the car rust away DAILY due to road salt...
So his email this morning just made me laugh out loud....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I'm here......anon and anon...the latin version of ground hog day. Not a bad drive in....nice without snow on the roads. I hear that spring is just days away with a short pause of just 6 weeks after that till it's warm.
A true sign of spring nearing........the car is almost gone.....but at least paperwork for the year is behind us ...thanks to you for your hard work.
I hope we can enjoy this weekend and have some fun trying to decide how to spend the refund money...Forget I said that" becaause I KNOW you'll want to 'save it'....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yep, I really really love this guy ;-)
Hope you found something good in your email today too! :-)
We'll have been together for 33 years next year and he sill makes me laugh, still makes me feel like who I am and what I do matters - especially to him.
We're one of those odd couples who are best friends. We love our time together. We are both very very (did I mention VERY, lol) opinionated and driven ~ and by no means do we see/agree on things at first blush. We kiddingly are referred to as 'the debate team'. Nothing, not a thing can occur without at least a 'tri-level' discussion. But we always know what the other is thinking, that's for certain.
Since the advent of email, he's taken to writing me when he arrives at work. It's a long commute for him and I've always liked to know he's arrived safe. Years ago he'd call, now he emails me. It's one of those relationship rituals you don't think much about, but are a gatepost in your day....
Most of his emails are straighforward with 'are you teaching late tonite', do I need to stop for pizza on the way home? kind of things. But SOMEtimes his emails are just priceless. Funny or fuzzy, make me laugh out loud or print them out to save like a hallmark card.
He, (sometimes as you reading do too) shares the "joy" ;-) of my periodic bitching about the bookwork/inventory/paperwork in general (it's an ongoing un-favorite of mine that PEAKS at end of year/tax time) Yes an anual event living with me :-) And he's been equally dismayed with this winter that is more endless than USUAL, so we've been splitting the piss and moan time - me, bookwork, shoveling, him the endless wait for spring, longing for the summer to be free of lousey drives each day, an end of staggaring heat bills (aka a bit of spending money) and release from what is probably HIS biggest pet peeve, road salt. SPRING bringing freedom from watching the car rust away DAILY due to road salt...
So his email this morning just made me laugh out loud....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I'm here......anon and anon...the latin version of ground hog day. Not a bad drive in....nice without snow on the roads. I hear that spring is just days away with a short pause of just 6 weeks after that till it's warm.
A true sign of spring nearing........the car is almost gone.....but at least paperwork for the year is behind us ...thanks to you for your hard work.
I hope we can enjoy this weekend and have some fun trying to decide how to spend the refund money...Forget I said that" becaause I KNOW you'll want to 'save it'....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yep, I really really love this guy ;-)
Hope you found something good in your email today too! :-)
Monday, April 09, 2007
THINGS I'VE LEARNED
I know.....I know..... ;-)
I keep writing (or finding) things that have little to do with glass or beads or jewelery et al...
But then again I suppose a lot of 'energy' that nourishes our muses comes from things we read or see, things that cause us to think...(or laugh) so with that in mind, ENJOY!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'VE LEARNED....
I've learned that life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
I've learned.... That we should be glad life doesn't give us everything we ask for.
I've learned.... That money doesn't buy class.
I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
I've learned... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
I've learned... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
I've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.
I've learned.... That love, not time, heals wounds.
I've learned... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with intellegent gentle people.
I've learned.... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
I've learned.... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.
I've learned.... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.
I've learned... That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.
I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
I've learned... That I wish I could have told those I cared about that I love them one more time before they passed away.
I've learned.... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.
I've learned.... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
I've learned.... That I can't choose how I feel, but I can choose what I do about it.
I've learned.... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.
I've learned ... That it is best to give advice in only two circumstances; when it is requested and when it is a life threatening situation.
I've learned.... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.
I keep writing (or finding) things that have little to do with glass or beads or jewelery et al...
But then again I suppose a lot of 'energy' that nourishes our muses comes from things we read or see, things that cause us to think...(or laugh) so with that in mind, ENJOY!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'VE LEARNED....
I've learned that life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
I've learned.... That we should be glad life doesn't give us everything we ask for.
I've learned.... That money doesn't buy class.
I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
I've learned... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
I've learned... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
I've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.
I've learned.... That love, not time, heals wounds.
I've learned... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with intellegent gentle people.
I've learned.... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
I've learned.... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.
I've learned.... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.
I've learned... That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.
I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
I've learned... That I wish I could have told those I cared about that I love them one more time before they passed away.
I've learned.... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.
I've learned.... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
I've learned.... That I can't choose how I feel, but I can choose what I do about it.
I've learned.... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.
I've learned ... That it is best to give advice in only two circumstances; when it is requested and when it is a life threatening situation.
I've learned.... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
SORTING
Sorting is a word known to women, a task both daunting and delicious (depending...)
If you read my meanderings you know that now at full blown midlife I'm finding I'm driven to simplify. A daunting task for a lifelong packrat for certain. Boxes upon boxes, drawer after drawer filled with little timecapsules of the years. Who'd have thought that the 'saving' of tiny bits of this and that (or, lol hurried tidy-up sometimes!) over decades past could account for such volume?! Amazing indeed.
Much of it is a 'quick-look and toss' caliber. More of it is 'this could be useful someday to someone somewhere sometime... This results in quick emails of 'can you use this' or the ebay pile! :-)
The best and the worst of this quest are the 'surprises'. Those things that you bought and 'tucked away', forgotten for years! Shopping without leaving home! LOL...
Amid the findings are snippets of the heart - letters, pictures, the first book, cards my DH gave me before we were even married three decades ago now. Wine corks and London underground tickets. The warp and weave of so many memories in these little tiny bits of "space~consuming riff-raff", lol.
There are moments I confess when I wish I were of the mindset that can/does send such things to the trash with abandon! I envy them the fact that a wine cork or a half hank of beads doesn't 'speak' to them, or make them smile....
Then again maybe I don't actually envy them at all.....
If you read my meanderings you know that now at full blown midlife I'm finding I'm driven to simplify. A daunting task for a lifelong packrat for certain. Boxes upon boxes, drawer after drawer filled with little timecapsules of the years. Who'd have thought that the 'saving' of tiny bits of this and that (or, lol hurried tidy-up sometimes!) over decades past could account for such volume?! Amazing indeed.
Much of it is a 'quick-look and toss' caliber. More of it is 'this could be useful someday to someone somewhere sometime... This results in quick emails of 'can you use this' or the ebay pile! :-)
The best and the worst of this quest are the 'surprises'. Those things that you bought and 'tucked away', forgotten for years! Shopping without leaving home! LOL...
Amid the findings are snippets of the heart - letters, pictures, the first book, cards my DH gave me before we were even married three decades ago now. Wine corks and London underground tickets. The warp and weave of so many memories in these little tiny bits of "space~consuming riff-raff", lol.
There are moments I confess when I wish I were of the mindset that can/does send such things to the trash with abandon! I envy them the fact that a wine cork or a half hank of beads doesn't 'speak' to them, or make them smile....
Then again maybe I don't actually envy them at all.....
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
BARBIE & FRIENDS
QUOTE:
If Barbie is so popular,
why do you have to buy her friends?
I have to admit I love this quote for two reasons.
First, its just damn funny! :-) Second it reminds me of my very early childhood when I WISHED it were true! Go to the store, find a friend or two in a box, guaranteed to like you because the box declared it to be so! Really, it did! Did you read the box? It clearly said "MIDGE, Barbie's best friend"!
I searched the shelves at the stores every time I went, but my young eyes never found a box (or a person) with a banner exclaiming they'd be my best friend if I paid the purchase price! I never found it declared that someone would be my friend if I took them to the counter, and paid the sticker price.
Or did I?
Thinking about it from 'adult-land' all these years later, I realize that from the beginning of your life relationships are tricky if not downright peculiar things and they all have an 'investment' required. Not so bold or tacky as a 'purchase price' but no relationship comes for free. Some 'cost' more, some less. Some come with lots of extras (so many that you think too many must have been packed in the box by mistake!) Other relationships seem to have "parts missing". But you cant' take them back to the store for an exchange.... I'm thinking of no one - and everyone - that I've ever known in my life and it's just struck me that there are a fair number of parallels between 'BARBIE' and her social issues and many of us (ok me at least, I'll leave everyone else to their own ponderings on the topic).
Barbie's parents are never mentioned so she must have been all set there! lol You did have to buy her sister (but who among us has not bought off a sibling! OR tried to sell one off for that matter!!!! roflmao!)
But friends now that's a tricky one.... You choose your friends for no reason other than the fact that you like each other. It's a renewable contract sort of thing I think. Some contracts get renewed, some don't. Sometimes you get given away in a trade of reality, sometimes you are tucked safely in a drawer - not devalued but put away for better times. Sometimes you are chosen but then (gasp!) taken back to customer service for exchange for a newer friend as you were only purchased for the moment and once that moment/need passes so does the need for you.
But best of all are the times you are chosen off the shelf as a friend and kept around forever. The times you become such an integral part of someones life that you're there till your fingers point in funny directions and your hair is brittle.*(remember this is a DOLL analogy and you may recall barbies fingers were kind of thin and would take an odd bend or break off when she got old! lol) Funny pointing fingers, brittle hair, but cherished...
Now that's the kind of friend you want to pick off the shelf (and the kind of friend you want to BE if someone chooses you and takes you to the counter.....).
My point? I'm not the least bit certain. Just thinking out loud.
I wonder if BARBIE has any insights to add...
I'll have to get her out of the cedar chest and ask her.
If Barbie is so popular,
why do you have to buy her friends?
I have to admit I love this quote for two reasons.
First, its just damn funny! :-) Second it reminds me of my very early childhood when I WISHED it were true! Go to the store, find a friend or two in a box, guaranteed to like you because the box declared it to be so! Really, it did! Did you read the box? It clearly said "MIDGE, Barbie's best friend"!
I searched the shelves at the stores every time I went, but my young eyes never found a box (or a person) with a banner exclaiming they'd be my best friend if I paid the purchase price! I never found it declared that someone would be my friend if I took them to the counter, and paid the sticker price.
Or did I?
Thinking about it from 'adult-land' all these years later, I realize that from the beginning of your life relationships are tricky if not downright peculiar things and they all have an 'investment' required. Not so bold or tacky as a 'purchase price' but no relationship comes for free. Some 'cost' more, some less. Some come with lots of extras (so many that you think too many must have been packed in the box by mistake!) Other relationships seem to have "parts missing". But you cant' take them back to the store for an exchange.... I'm thinking of no one - and everyone - that I've ever known in my life and it's just struck me that there are a fair number of parallels between 'BARBIE' and her social issues and many of us (ok me at least, I'll leave everyone else to their own ponderings on the topic).
Barbie's parents are never mentioned so she must have been all set there! lol You did have to buy her sister (but who among us has not bought off a sibling! OR tried to sell one off for that matter!!!! roflmao!)
But friends now that's a tricky one.... You choose your friends for no reason other than the fact that you like each other. It's a renewable contract sort of thing I think. Some contracts get renewed, some don't. Sometimes you get given away in a trade of reality, sometimes you are tucked safely in a drawer - not devalued but put away for better times. Sometimes you are chosen but then (gasp!) taken back to customer service for exchange for a newer friend as you were only purchased for the moment and once that moment/need passes so does the need for you.
But best of all are the times you are chosen off the shelf as a friend and kept around forever. The times you become such an integral part of someones life that you're there till your fingers point in funny directions and your hair is brittle.*(remember this is a DOLL analogy and you may recall barbies fingers were kind of thin and would take an odd bend or break off when she got old! lol) Funny pointing fingers, brittle hair, but cherished...
Now that's the kind of friend you want to pick off the shelf (and the kind of friend you want to BE if someone chooses you and takes you to the counter.....).
My point? I'm not the least bit certain. Just thinking out loud.
I wonder if BARBIE has any insights to add...
I'll have to get her out of the cedar chest and ask her.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
PESKY INDEED
Today my connection is so painfully slow that I'd have to say it's making the listing of auctions difficult indeed (just LOVE to have a listing nearly loaded only to receive the 'timed out' message. Arrrgghhh). Yes, pesky indeed.... So I thought I'd put some images up here, for those who wonder what's new.....
And then in a moment of cleverness (or lunacy, lol) I thought perhaps rather than continuing to fight with my connection and auct lisitings any longer today I could simply make these a JOURNAL READERS ONLY special... Each pair of beads below (earring size created on larger mandrel) is $3.50 a pair & 1.00 shipping to US destinations for journal readers! :-) . If you would like any of these email me via the MINE MINE MINE! (lol) link. Each set/pair will go to the first person who emails me. If they con't call to any readers here they'll eventually get listed, but this gives you 'first chance' :-)
Does this sound like a good (or bad) idea? Let me know!
Email me by 'clicking' on the MINE! MINE! MINE! link, lol & tell me which set!
MINE MINE MINE!
Email me by 'clicking' on the MINE! MINE! MINE! link, lol & tell me which set!
MINE MINE MINE!
SOLD! Thanks Pam! SET ONE ~ SOUTHWEST TURQ MINE MINE MINE!
SOLD! Set TWO ~ SUMMER SKY BLUE MINE MINE MINE!
SOLD! Thanks Heather!
Set Three ~ Girlie Girl PINK! MINE MINE MINE!
Set FOUR ~ SOFT TURQUOISE MINE MINE MINE!
Thursday, March 29, 2007
BEE WORRIES
I'm distressed this morning to hear of 'bee worries'.... The news brings word that more of my fuzzy, buzzy, busy
pollen moving buddies are dying and no one seems to know
just why....
Bees and frogs have always been near and dear to my heart.
Never having been a 'normal girl' (or normal at all actually)
golden eye toads, jumping frogs, spring blooming trees and
flowers 'a-buzzzzz' with bees form a core of memories past
and current that never fail to make me smile.
They were one of
the (many) reasons I could not imagine living in a city....
Now, as with past news of frogs in peril, bees join the list.
Too much pesticide? Too much chem-lawn? An off-handed
twist of fate from 'mother - nature'?
I just hope those far more clever than I can find the key
to keep the buzz going.....
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Friday, March 23, 2007
CREATIVITY
My head hurts! lol...
Not a headache, not a bump.
One of the joys of life for me are the unpredictible times when I find I have SO MANY ideas rushing in it's nearly a physical sensation... It's a wonderous gift that arrives unbidden and leaves much as it comes, unexpectedly and determinedly.
My students often ask me about 'where creativity comes from'? It's a much harder question to answer than 'where do babies come from', lol... For me it has always been there, arriving like a crashing wave on the beach. Bundles of ideas that flow thru my mind at breakneck speed. A nearly physical sensation as I said, with a corellating emotional rush of well being.
Early in my journey as an artist it vexed me that I couldn't 'control' it, summon it if you will to suit myself. But as time went on I thankfully developed the sense to understand it for the wonder that it is. But I don't think it's a question of 'your're born with it or you're not'. Returning again to discussions with students I've often said (and seen) that for the majority it turns out to be more a question of connecting to your creative side again as an adult. In a marketing class I taught last nite a student made an insightful observation: "the corporate world conditions you to diminish your sense of doing things your way". As does for some, family, spouse, time constaints to name a few. It's wonderful to watch my students who consider themselves to be 'uninspired' discover that the flow of creativity IS there, be it a beadmaking idea or a marketing idea. If you set out to UNLEARN the habit of thinking within constraint when it comes to your art, the ideas trickle in, then they flow. It will always be a very personal, individual process, but very few people are actually uninspired. You just need to re-learn how to hear the whispers (which is by the way different than hearing voices, lol). Eventually you will likely find "your head hurts too" from the ideas rushing in! :-).
Now if we can just figure out how to have it happen on demand :-)
Not a headache, not a bump.
One of the joys of life for me are the unpredictible times when I find I have SO MANY ideas rushing in it's nearly a physical sensation... It's a wonderous gift that arrives unbidden and leaves much as it comes, unexpectedly and determinedly.
My students often ask me about 'where creativity comes from'? It's a much harder question to answer than 'where do babies come from', lol... For me it has always been there, arriving like a crashing wave on the beach. Bundles of ideas that flow thru my mind at breakneck speed. A nearly physical sensation as I said, with a corellating emotional rush of well being.
Early in my journey as an artist it vexed me that I couldn't 'control' it, summon it if you will to suit myself. But as time went on I thankfully developed the sense to understand it for the wonder that it is. But I don't think it's a question of 'your're born with it or you're not'. Returning again to discussions with students I've often said (and seen) that for the majority it turns out to be more a question of connecting to your creative side again as an adult. In a marketing class I taught last nite a student made an insightful observation: "the corporate world conditions you to diminish your sense of doing things your way". As does for some, family, spouse, time constaints to name a few. It's wonderful to watch my students who consider themselves to be 'uninspired' discover that the flow of creativity IS there, be it a beadmaking idea or a marketing idea. If you set out to UNLEARN the habit of thinking within constraint when it comes to your art, the ideas trickle in, then they flow. It will always be a very personal, individual process, but very few people are actually uninspired. You just need to re-learn how to hear the whispers (which is by the way different than hearing voices, lol). Eventually you will likely find "your head hurts too" from the ideas rushing in! :-).
Now if we can just figure out how to have it happen on demand :-)
Saturday, March 17, 2007
IT'S A GREAT LIFE IF YOU DON'T WEAKEN
The title of this post is stolen from my DH. He's fond of sayings much the way I'm fond of quotes. This one is his most used, in fact the very first I can remember him saying when we met. Over time the depth of its wisdom increases.
Without going in to great detail because a) it still weirds me out to fling too much deeply personal data into cyberville 2) because each of you faces sufficient challenge enough in your own lives that you need not come here only to find mine abounding and III) by nature, intent, and DNA I'm inclined to be 'chirpy' as someone once said of me :-) So we'll float pass the details.
The mind-boggling truth is that in the last months I've sat in way too many waiting rooms, exam rooms and funeral parlors with people I love. I've begged fate unfailingly to be kind. Many times she's been beyond kind ~ granting me the wishes of my soul. Some events that have passed were beyond entreatment before I even knew of them.
The sum and substance of what remains in my mind now is an abundance of confused and conflicting emotions. Joy and thankfulness for time 'given back' - futures returned and relief mixed amid grief, shock, and worry. And thru it all I kept hearing my husbands voice saying
~ IT'S A GREAT LIFE IF YOU DON'T WEAKEN ~
He is of course right.
When life flows in easy, lovely ways that point is obvious.
But when fates' outcome dangles the lives of those you love by a gossamer thread it's far more difficult to remember it is still true. Anxiety and pain exist only if you care (caring being a cornerstone of a great life). Pain only finds its mark if you love (love also being a cornerstone of a great life). Worry can only "sit your shoulder" if you wish you could control more of lifes' events (and that only comes because you desperately want to protect someone yet know you cannot). Memories are painful only because they were made - without memories ever being formed they can cause you no harm - nor stay with you in the future and grow to do what they do best - give joy.
The trick it begins to seem in 'not weakening' is to accept (as best one can) that life is comprised of a curious mix of pain and pleasure, comfort and anxiety, phases, plateaus, and challenges. I'll be the first to tell you that I dance (sometimes not very deftly) between the Yin & Yang oposites hoping I don't stumble.
Without going in to great detail because a) it still weirds me out to fling too much deeply personal data into cyberville 2) because each of you faces sufficient challenge enough in your own lives that you need not come here only to find mine abounding and III) by nature, intent, and DNA I'm inclined to be 'chirpy' as someone once said of me :-) So we'll float pass the details.
The mind-boggling truth is that in the last months I've sat in way too many waiting rooms, exam rooms and funeral parlors with people I love. I've begged fate unfailingly to be kind. Many times she's been beyond kind ~ granting me the wishes of my soul. Some events that have passed were beyond entreatment before I even knew of them.
The sum and substance of what remains in my mind now is an abundance of confused and conflicting emotions. Joy and thankfulness for time 'given back' - futures returned and relief mixed amid grief, shock, and worry. And thru it all I kept hearing my husbands voice saying
~ IT'S A GREAT LIFE IF YOU DON'T WEAKEN ~
He is of course right.
When life flows in easy, lovely ways that point is obvious.
But when fates' outcome dangles the lives of those you love by a gossamer thread it's far more difficult to remember it is still true. Anxiety and pain exist only if you care (caring being a cornerstone of a great life). Pain only finds its mark if you love (love also being a cornerstone of a great life). Worry can only "sit your shoulder" if you wish you could control more of lifes' events (and that only comes because you desperately want to protect someone yet know you cannot). Memories are painful only because they were made - without memories ever being formed they can cause you no harm - nor stay with you in the future and grow to do what they do best - give joy.
The trick it begins to seem in 'not weakening' is to accept (as best one can) that life is comprised of a curious mix of pain and pleasure, comfort and anxiety, phases, plateaus, and challenges. I'll be the first to tell you that I dance (sometimes not very deftly) between the Yin & Yang oposites hoping I don't stumble.
If reading this makes any sense to you at all you at least know you're not alone. I'm dancing right along with you hoping to always see what I know ~ which is that it IS a great life ~ but you have to always concentrate on the "don't weaken"
Adult life is wearying - it rubs the shine off & leaves you wondering sometimes. Other times it's downright scary. No matter how old I grow I still find when crisis comes I FEEL like an akward, underskilled 10 year old. Perhaps some of what causes us to weaken.
As trite as it sounds, hug your kids, call your parents, tell your significant other you love them. Try to let go of what you can't control ~ both present and past. Make time for what matters to you because tho time goes on forever , we don't. Follow your dream(s) as far as you can at this point in your life, and take joy in small daily happiness. Drink in the here and now. Fill your glass. Drink. Repeat.
Most of all, don't weaken!
Adult life is wearying - it rubs the shine off & leaves you wondering sometimes. Other times it's downright scary. No matter how old I grow I still find when crisis comes I FEEL like an akward, underskilled 10 year old. Perhaps some of what causes us to weaken.
As trite as it sounds, hug your kids, call your parents, tell your significant other you love them. Try to let go of what you can't control ~ both present and past. Make time for what matters to you because tho time goes on forever , we don't. Follow your dream(s) as far as you can at this point in your life, and take joy in small daily happiness. Drink in the here and now. Fill your glass. Drink. Repeat.
Most of all, don't weaken!
Thursday, February 01, 2007
ATTITUDE (As my mom always says...)
There once was a woman who woke up one morning
looked in the mirror, and noticed she had
only three hairs on her head.
Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today?"
So she did and she had a wonderful day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror
and saw that she had only two hairs on her head.
"H-M-M," she said, "I think I'll part my hair down the middle today".
So she did and she had a grand day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed
that she had only one hair on her head.
"Well," she said, "today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail."
So she did and she had a fun, fun day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror
and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head.
"YEA!" she exclaimed!
"I don't have to fix my hair today!"
Attitude is everything.
Friday, January 12, 2007
SMALL TRUTHS
Small truths are, is seems after all is pondered, the greatest. As the years press on they strike me as soul stirring insights that masquerade as tiny unobtrusive thoughts. So simple and direct are they that like dust they settle in the corners and 'out of the way' parts of our minds with little notice....
Until we seek them out, they wait patiently for us.
This quote below by Channing is one such 'waiting small truth'. I don't know about you but it rings resoundingly for me.
~~~~~
To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to study hard, to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common — this is my symphony. ~ william henry channing
Until we seek them out, they wait patiently for us.
This quote below by Channing is one such 'waiting small truth'. I don't know about you but it rings resoundingly for me.
~~~~~
To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to study hard, to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common — this is my symphony. ~ william henry channing
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
MY DOMESTIC POLICY IS "FROZEN AND CLEAN"
My 'DOMESTIC POLICY' is FROZEN and CLEAN!
Ok I really should explain...
Each year most of us review our lives - goals, priorities, issues, outcomes.
For me, each yearly review almost always comes back to Frozen and Clean....
(still curious? read on).
When I was in my early 20's I thought "perfect" housekeeping mattered, that cooking (tho I stink at it) should be routinely attempted lol and EVERY piece of laundry in the hamper was a major issue'. In my MID-20's I wondered about the veracity of the previously mentioned points and wavered a bit (ok, ok, I staggared and fell.. lol). AS I slid toward the end of my 20's I decided I was going to have to more or less choose priorities... I know (and have unDYING respect for!) women who can run a business or hold a job, run a household, maintain a good marriage and function within the bounds of sanity all at the same time - in fact I tried to sign up for classes instructing how this is accomplished but DAMN! no one offered any...
Thus I decided I needed to develop a 'DOMESTIC POLICY' that was within my grasp.
So I trimmed the list of MUST DO DAILY.
I re-arranged the list of 'IMPORTANT'
I pondered the meaning of life.
I figured out how many hours it ACTUALLY takes me to run a business well.
I calculated time for fun (like spending time here),
I figured in some time for 'being there' for people I love
(and a few minutes for people I like too :-)
I reviewed time spent with my DH
(still adore him - quite a lot as a matter of fact).
Crunched a few numbers, ate a few twinkies laid it all out with business plan efficiency and clarity. My bottom line (no pun intended!) domestic plan for a life I can both manage and enjoy is this:
A FREEZER FULL OF FROZEN DINNERS & CLEAN UNDERWARE.
Maybe if 2007 is a good year I'll upgrade my domestic policy to include
NEW UNDERWARE and some of the GOOD frozen dinners! lol......Then again the upgrade may have to wait till 2008!
Sunday, January 07, 2007
THE CLASH OF MUSE & CASH
CREATIVITY AND CASH CLASH
AKA the muse/money dance...
I shared a series of interesting emails with a marketing student of mine recently discussing the clash between pure creativity and the reality of cash flow. It's a netty but necessary issue that touches each of us, be we full time carrer artists or those who create solely for personal fullfilment. Interestingly, I think it's a multi-faceted issue that has no simple answer.
In my marketing classes I tell my particpants that part of the creative journey is to discover what their personal need and style is - you have to form a a business based on both who you are, what you desire from the business in the final outcome. That's clear. What's less clear is how much your muse will rule each day, session, hour - and how much cash flow will affect your creative choices.
Do you choose to create ONLY what clients respond to, what markets well? Do you work with clients who desire a great deal of input in your art as you create a pieces(s) for them? Or do you remain aloof, choosing to create by 'following only your own heart?' As the market of self representing and gallery represented artist grows, as the number of shows and festivals increases it's a question that each artist will find they must consider.
Is there a 'correct' answer? I don't think so. Each life, each muse, each fiscal reality and desired outcome is different for each artist. And to further complicate the issue, at various times the reality can and often does alter, meaning that the weight you give to creativity/muse vs financial recompense can change throughout the years of your creative journey......
No, there's no simple answer. But if you can establish what your goals and needs are as you create your works, it certainly gives you a bit of roadmap to guide you!
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