Hmmmmm......

Sometimes ideas, long before they become coherent in concept, simply simmer. Somewhere in the background or underground or on the ethereal plane they cogitate, marinate, and filter. They stretch, they fold. The expand and contract. Thicken and thin. They leap then they stand as still as a the moment between the beats of a heart. Ideas. Passions. Pathways. The warp and weave evolve direction long before the course can be perceived.

Still, somewhere, somehow, you sense it happening. You know something creative 'inside' your mind is pushing at the edges, scoping out the parameters, preparing to emerge in the form of a framed 'actionable' idea. It's a time, when if you were to try to assign it a physical equivalent, you'd be inclined to say it were an itch that can't be scratched. A vague ache. An unsettled stomach.

You know something vastly creatively significant ~ some alteration or addition or layered direction is coming. You know, you know it with sure certainly. Sometimes an edge of it surfaces in a passing thought, a color flashes, a word or phrase comes to mind. Alluring, intriguing, painfully tempting. You can almost touch it, feel it beneath your feet, smell it in the air. But you can't visualize it clearly.

Not-just-yet.

So you wait. You watch. You listen.
With intensity.

Something...... Something is on the wing....

When I Should Be....

I've been up to my knees in receipts, graphs, packing slips and invoices. End of the year bookwork dontchaknow.  Mind numbing. I am not a person who loves bookwork. I do it. I do it well. But I can not find a way to enjoy it (except for when it's complete, lol).  So inbetween studio work and bookwork this time of year I build in other productive breaks, distractions, sanity savers.

I found this oversized ottoman on the side of the road for free. Poor thing he'd apparently failed to keep his original home and worse still for him he'd failed to find a new owner at a yard sale as well (see the masking tape price tag on his right leg?) His fate found him upside down as you see here on the curb. He was awaiting his demise a la garbage day. Poor ottoman. Till I came along, lol......  It isn't the first (or likely last) time I've snatched a waif from the maw of the garbage truck crew. And after all this ottoman was solid, large surfaced (for extra seating or coffee-table duty as needed).  So home he came with me. I could feel his relief and happiness. Mine too. Recycling is good. Free recycling is faboo!

The only problem (aside from a bit of dirt and cobwebs) was that his material wasn't quite my style. But I'd rescued some heavy duty material a few weeks earlier as I loved the pattern. I draped a corner of the material over the sad little ottoman and voila - the two were perfect for each other!   I needed only to remove ottomans legs, and with a bit of cutting, tucking and a staple gun I was on my way to a really nice new (to me) piece of furniture..... 

More pictures of the process below

A few of my tools. Two of his legs removed alongside my trusty phillips head screwdriver and his price tag  (of a whopping $2.00) He really deserved another chance....

And here he is, after my re-do (with a before picture right next to it for comparison). I'm happy.  Stool is happy. Landfill is happy. I love it when a plan comes together lol                                                                       

What do you think?  :-)

Hypothetically speaking

Hypothetically speaking if you have an old fridge that doesn't self defrost you really may want to consider defrosting it -  you know before you (hypothetically) hear a loud crash and (hypothetically) run to the kitchen to find a slab of ice has flown out of the freezer door. And skidded across the floor. Then you could (hypothetically speaking) discover it is so cold you would have to get winter gloves to pick it up. And upon (in theory) picking it up finding it is almost as heavy as you are so you can't carry it to the door to pitch it outside (in fact you can barely get it to the sink). 

As it turns out you (hypothetically speaking) could have to put it in a little snow sled you use for pulling UPS parcels. But first you would have to place the sled on a towel and then put the ice in the sled and drag the towel/sled/ice thru the house to the outside to place the (hypothetical) iceberg out-of-doors. 

Yep, I'm just sayin....
hypothetically that is.

Hello 2010

 A new year reminds me of looking thru stained glass windows

Some aspects are clear and defined.
Geometric and reliable.

Others teasingly appear, yet cannot be seen in discernable fashion

Only vague colors and shapes reveal
a hint of what may be

Hopes, fears, dreams and goals in fuzzy conglomeration
defy specific assignment

You'll just have to wait and see - literally

Light streams thru the fixed and fuzzy framework of the year-yet-to-be-lived

Welcome 2010....
**

Merry Happy & Kindness

Be it towards humans or creatures, pass on

some good will and kindness

(on christmas and every and any other day you can.....)

Have a peek at this - and merry happy holidays!

In Surprising Places One Finds....

No matter where you live, I imagine you've heard tell that the NE has been tortured is enjoying astounding snow or remarkable cold. On top of my little hill amid the fields and trees we've been spared the snow. But oh my shiverin' kaboose, the cold has been what we normally only see in the depths of February (imagine the insides of your nose sticking together - I know, a horrid example, but true none the less, roflmao And it's one way to let you know how cold COLD is here) And there is no hope for you if you forgetfully lick your lips or go outside with damp hands or hair, lol

Yet still..... 
Amid the struggle with the wind, and the frightful chill there are bits of beauty. Art via nature. Stunning really. The reward, if you take the time to look, is often found in the harshest and most unlikely places. Below, I give you an example of such I noticed recently. This very old single pane window in our house ~ festooned with swirls and curls, flows and rivers, ferns and blossoms of ice that whisper "beauty"....

Water, ice, bitter cold ~ basic elements combined ~ and created this...  

Stunning isn't it?

Dear Santa

Those who know me are aware I spend a LOT of time mowing lawns in the non-snow-seasons (and those who didn't know that fascinating fact know now, lol). With that lawn-fact in mind, here's an admittedly clever item that I hope Santa does NOT bring to to me - ever, roflmao

In fact, the threat of this under the tree could even cause me to behave all year! (ok, that's a lie as nothing could cause me to behave) lol but if something could this would be it! And may I just add that I have a  new respect (and love) for my riding (but not pedal powered) lawn mower....

Some days are like that

Some days just go that way

(not down the toilet but.....)

There I was, you know, just doing the

typical cleaning - the blue scrub and swish...

My mind I admit on the next 20 things

 on the list needing to be done.

Absent-mindedly I began

Blue - check!

Scrub - check!

Swish - yep!

Flush & done!

But....

As I went to put the toilet brush back in the holder

I somehow managed to slide the bristles against the foldover

edge of my cute little bathroom trash can I had out for cleaning.

Do I even need to say it? Oh hell yes, next thing I know I feel

a gentle but oh so horrifying spray of piss water** from the toilet

brush all over my face. Oh please, no!

 Pppppppttttttt!

Numerous face washes, alchol wipe downs, gargles and naughty words later

here I  am tell you because, well, who else would I tell? lol

Not to mention that when you do something really stupid (but funny)

involving a toilet it just has to be shared, right?

I'd whine more, but right now I have to go check

webMD to see what horrid things I may catch, roflmao

(and note to self: next time don't leave the trash can near toilet brush holder)!
**Well, not really piss water, lol - it was clean water ~ but still... ick!

CUTE 'N Funny!

In an email from my mum today - isn't it the cutest! (thanks mum!)

http://www.house-mouse.com/

And from my all time fav housekeeper-babe Maxine...

And save all that money on stickey notes, lol

Have a good day everybody

A Holiday Confession

As a kid it was hard for me to let go of the idea of Santa. And the flying reindeer. A reality check that eventually had to be cashed.  Time goes by and perceptions change.

Now here I am letting go of another holiday fallacy idea. I'm admitting in writing that I don't adore complex, time intensive holiday preparation.   The look and outcome - yes! But the fiddley fussing, not so much.  I know... (insert image of me hanging my head for a micro moment) this admission is terribly un-matha (perhaps even un-female, lol).

I can't confess share all my shortcuts at once (I do have some estrogen based pride, lol) But I will admit to my first get the look without the fuss trick. Hold on to your pantyhose. Sit down perhaps. Ready? I NEVER undecorate my little fake alpine tree. Yes, fake tree. Never undecorated.  Just breathe. Honest it's not as horrible as it may at first seem.

On Jan 2 or so each year my little tree (which looks astoundingly similar to the one in the image) is loving, carefully draped and wrapped in a sheet of filmy plastic (the kind used as a drop cloth for  painting). Lights, tinsel, ornaments all intact. Away into storage he goes. Once or twice thru the year I see him, say hello to him as I pass by for other things that live in storage.  He doesn't seem to mind at all.

For my part it's wonderful not to have to find and upack all the lights, ornaments every year. I enjoy not having to place the lights on the tree from scratch each year. I do switch off an ornament or two as I like which is fun and veryyyy quick.  To me it looks just as pretty when it's done (outcome vs process remember, lol).

The bonus is that the time saved since I've approached the tree in this oh-so-un-martha-way is that I now have time to string lights on trees outside if I like. Or bake cookies (bad for my butt but wonderful for the holiday mood! :-)   

Embracing my short cut to holiday outcome self (like admitting there was no Santa) changed the hoilday a bit of course. But for the better. For me there's more enjoyment not less. All I had to do was get past the previous expectation(s)!

I wonder if I'm the only one with holiday short cut confessions I mean tips? lol

You Have To Love Maxine

LOL ain't it the truth!
Personally, I anxiously await the days being back on the path of growing longer!

"WITHIN"

WITHIN A BOOK ~ WITHIN A SKY ~
WITHIN A SONG ~ OR PIECE OF PIE....


AMID A WOODS ~ AMID A WAVE ~
AMID A HUG ~ OR LETTER SAVED


BENEATH A LOOK ~ BENEATH A SIGH ~
BENEATH A HOPE ~ THAT NEVER DIES


SOMEWHERE WITHIN ~ SOMEWHERE WITHOUT ~
SOME BIT OF STRENGTH ~ IS 'HIDING OUT'


SEEK IT FIND IT ~ WHERE YOU MAY ~
RENEW 'WITHIN' ~ STRENGTH USED EACH DAY...

Verse and Images by FDFerris Copyright 2009

WEAKNESSES

I know, intellectually at least, that there should come a time when adults cease collecting 'stuffies'. Intellectually. Yes. I know. But what's one to do when they look at you with their pleading little eyes (or eye)? And their limp little bodies?

Well in my case what I do is bring them home. And (can I believe I am admitting this) once home I name them. Each-and-every-one....

My latest fall from non-stuffie-buying-grace has taken the form of 'UGLY DOLLS'. These bizarre little creatures just NEED protection, asylum, affection, adoption. After all they strike me as an acquired taste, lol even for the stuffie-afflicted.

Above (with piglet) are seen merga-tool and poe (don't ask, I'm really not going to confess to the stories of the names, lol. After all I have to try to keep some shred of appearing vaguely normal :-)

So if any of you have any weakness for stuffies also, or other odd collecting habits I'd love it if you left a comment - insanity (or soft-hearted-ness) loves company don't-cha-know, roflmao

And just in case you need to know more about ugly dolls (I know, probably not, but I'm just sayin...) click on the title of this post and it'll take you to their website http://www.uglydolls.com/sitemap

Ok, I'm leaving now .... :-)

Inside The Studio

It's been ages since I've chatted about my studio glass work here - oddly - because it fills the majority of my days, nites and dreams LOL

My creative process tends to wander, to alter, in cycles. Not obvious cycles mind you such as seasons and holidays. No, my purely creative process is, as with most creative souls, a bit random, unexpected and inexplicable (if not downright bizarre) :-)

Recently I've been drawn again to create one of my oldest favorites - lizards


Lizards (modeled on actual or purely artistic) offer endless variation. Combinations of color, movement, expression, situation all factor into these cheerful little fellows and their platform bead base or collectible shelf/desk base surroundings (as you see in the images above and below).

Is it just me or do they make you smile too? Seems to me they're something about them that is cheerful, hopeful, and curiously comforting. But then again maybe I'm just odd, lol

This handsome (well he IS - just ask him!) fellow is of moretti glass and has already found a home, but there are others. If you'd like to know when I place them on the studio website contact me at glasschick at yahoo.com and I'll send you an email.

With lizards whispering to me, emerging from the flames you know (if you know me, lol) that frogs will not be far behind!

Tomatoes & Pumpkins - who knew?

That the simple act of growing edibles could be so warm, fuzzy and addictive?!

You'd be right if you though that one thread of my fascination came from my childhood. I was forutnate to have grandparents who farmed so it was always a part of my childhood. In my teens and 20's I was part of the foxfire generation. (if you don't know, the foxfire book(s) of the 70's were the good earth reference of a generation). In my early married years my husband and I cut and burned wood, did our own renovations, built two buildings amid full work schedules.

But life (and time) seldom move in straight lines and before long I found no time (or ceased to make time) for such pursuits until 30 some years had trickled by..... Now I find myself again drawn by the simple magic of such things. The diffrence now is that I posess the discipline to act vs dream ( a decided plus to mid life for me at least)!

This year my tomatoes went in as they have for the last several years. Six 'baby girl' tomaote plants - enough for my husband and I with extras for family and friends. Pumpkins and watermelons were the new adventure this year. Tho the rain caused them to fall prey to damping off fungus and did them in before fruiting they gave me a smile week after week. Watching them progress thru each step till just a few days ago fascinated me. Too bad that too much rain can be a bad thing. Still now I know they grow well I'll have another attempt next year!

The 'girls' (early girl tomatoes) are long and leggy from all the rain and limited sun, but the tomatoes I gather in a bowl (or in my shirt if loose enough to hold them - just as grandma used to) really do engender such an a amazing amount of contentment and accomplishment. Growing. Basically (weather and pests aside) so simple, so direct. Plant. Watch. Weed. Grow. Gather.

Food from inception to ingestion, lol.

Warm fuzzy fun.

Older than time but still inspiring.

Who'd have thought.....!

IF NOTHING YOU DO MATTERS THEN ALL THAT MATTERS IS...

WHAT YOU DO......

Yesterday, writing in response to the call Ronni Bennett put forward regarding HCR (health care reform) was good. Satisfying. Grounding. Empowering. I believe we made a difference.

Those feelings led me to recall a post I'd written almost exactly a year ago, oddly enough. The post can be found here:

http://mymusemutters.blogspot.com/2008/09/what-matters.html

Being a small part of many speaking out yesterday for the hope of a greater good without any surety of what the outcome will be caused me to realize what we each do matters. It matters, hopefully of course towards the outcome. It certainly matters to the overall understanding that sharing of ideas brings.

But most importantly perhaps, for me, was connecting the thought of a year past from that September 08 post to the action of posting yesterday. While a specific outcome is what I hope for, it was the 'taking what action I could, within my control' (thanks to the TIME GOES BY rally call) that mattered. In and of itself. The journey (my post) as well as the destination (hoped for outcome) both being equally relevant, with purpose found in each.

Perhaps it is true that we (I!) grow smarter with age :-)

Here's to each of us seeking, finding and acting on what we can, where we can, when we can. No matter what difference it makes, the effort itself makes a difference.
~
PS Thanks to NancyB and Lilalia for taking the time to share your comments on my post yesterday. Excellent points made by both within the comments and I'm looking forward to reading any posts/thoughts you wrote yesterday re: HCR!

HEALTH CARE REFORM REALITY

Not since 9/11 have I written in relation to current events and concerns.

My post today is in support of a rally call to each of us by Ronni Bennett** who blogs at http://ronnibennett.typepad.com/ Her call was for straight forward, rational sharing of opinions regarding health care reform. I'm writing today because, make no mistake, this reform (or lack of) will impact everyone.

I'm in support of a careful, well crafted, competitive reform of health care insurance offerings. I have personally known individuals and families who have struggled with cobra insurance. I have firsthand seen the cost and desperation caused by insurance offerings limited due to PE (pre-existing conditions). I have watched the heartbreak of 'investigational treatment' approval denied - with absolutely no right to a review - by health insurers. Few people are as aware as they should or need to be of the limitations that can be contained within their paid non-government-health care policy. If more of us were aware of the limitations and control that can be contained in numerous health plans perhaps there would be less fear of a government or co-op option.

Years ago I had a client who lived in Canada. She lost her job, but often mentioned to me what wonderful peace of mind having government health gave this difficult time in her life. More than once she mentioned that yes, she had to wait at times to be seen but at least she knew she could be seen - not something she could have afforded had she needed to 'pay as she went' for helath care. Much as medicare provides for our retired population - and what a comfort that is to many in the US. Problems tho it may have, at 65 you have a safety net for your health care, a foundation if you like because you can add layers of additional coverage if your finances allow.

I am self employed. Younger than my husband by a number of years, I wonder (actually I worry) how within the current system I'll be able to afford health care premiums till I qualify for Medicare once he retires. Much like car insurance, I'd welcome the chance to have numerous options to choose from at the least. How can competition be bad FOR US as consumers?! I'd sleep better at night (as would many currently unemployed or uninsured) if there were some basic across the boards health care plan. I'd expect to pay a good bit for top shelf coverage if I could afford it and it seems that option is not going to disappear. What I hope for is a plan that allows we mere fiscal mortals who have a limit on our budgets to obtain health care without punishing costs. Wthout dynamic increase in premiums due to our age, our health problems, income thresholds.

I'm aware that no solution or plan is without it's costs, downsides or difficulties. But it's far harder to imagine how the potential of losing everything one has by having no health care insurance (or avoiding treatment due to the same) is preferable?

So I'm hoping that all of us regardless of age, employment situation, or personal preference for health care will continue to calmly and earnestly encourage in every way we can this effort for affordable and varied health care options.

**I read her blog daily finding insight, well qualified and documented insights and humor. If you're my age (later middle aged) you'll likely gain insight and helpful information related to the years ahead. If you're older you'll likely find information that applies to here and now. If you're younger (as I know many of my readers are) don't skip viewing her blog. You'll be surprised what you may learn from the writings Ronnie shares as well as the insights from contributing bloggers. Also of great insight are the comments often posted by readers!

Naughty Summer

Summer, we have to have a talk....
I know you probably have issues, things on your mind. But honestly I just don't know what your problem is this year! No sun, no warmth. Rain, rain and more rain! My sunflowers refuse to grow or bloom (they say they are after all SUN-flowers). My tomatoes are despondent. And green. Big and green. That's no way for tomatoes to look at the end of July going into August. And while we're speaking of July, do you know how distressing it is to be wearing a jacket in July? Jackets in July is catchy sounding but very distressing. Cool, cold rain day after day is fine if you're not a tree. But I'm not.

It's August and time is running out. So, Summer, if you could see your way clear to send a little sun and warm my way I'd be ever-so-pleased. Just a few days here and there. yes, that would be lovely....

Small Bird

I am a small bird
In a tall tree
Amid ever-growing winds
Not fearing the chance of a fall
Because I know I can fly

FDF 7/2009

CMOG More Images

Trying to cull thru the images I captured at CMOG for my 'favorites' to share is akin to asking me to choose a few favorite desserts, lol. So I've decided to share them all a few at a time until I can create a photobook online with a link...

This piece fascinated me with its combination of simplicity and detail!

These creatures of the sea are only three examples of the sea life and plant life created in glass (in the 1800's if I remember the detail information correctly). My images do not in any way show the true, subtle, remarkable coloration the glass artist(s) achieved.


More to come!

Two more CMOG/GAS Pics!

As it turned out the vendors area (which was our main focus) wouldn't open for two hours from the time we arrived. So what would two lampworkers with time to spend do in Corning? Not a hard choice, lol - we headed for the museum! I've visited CMOG numerous times, many times. It always was, and remains, an absolute amazement on so many levels it is difficult to frame the experience in words.

So for now, just the start of the images I have to share with you. These are of one of two Chihuly installations at CMOG.

CORNING Road Trip! Glass Art Society Conference

With the studio (and life) speeding along at the typical insane pace summer brings I've not had a chance to share the trip Dad and I took Corning with you! The GLASS ART SOCIETY held their conference in Corning this year and I can't think of a better combination than CMOG, GAS, the Vendors there for GAS and of course Corning itself. It was great, realllly great and of course the trip produced its share of stories, lol.

Today is another hectic day with multiple students in and out of the studio - so I have to run now, but at least there's a teaser picture!

More coming - lots of pictures to share...

A SHREDDER IS A VERY GOOD THING!

I ran across this article & wanted to share it with you. While it is a bit dated the caution within is not..... Sorry the link isn't 'cllckable' blogger apparently is being a tiny bit crabby today, lol)

http://www.cockeyed.com/citizen/creditcard/application.shtml

One more 'chick-pic'

Ah the age old question!!! Roflmao
I promise, no more chick humor (for a while anyway) :-)

Done, done & done!

Marigold seeds planted :-) (thanks for the seeds Mum!)
Sunflower seeds planted :-) :-)
Tomatoes (plants) planted :-) :-) :-)
And this year I'm trying pumpkins and watermelons. A new adventure for certain, lol No pictures to show just yet - I'm thinkin' dirt with marker stakes isn't all that interesting a picture. But I'll have pictures when there's something to show/share! Ah what a happy time with planting done done DONE.

Now it's time to water, watch and marvel at
the magic of seeds 'becoming'...

Peep (non marshmallow, lol)

No matter if you're a chicken lover or not, you have to admit 'chicks' are SO cute! (and clueless, lol)

Imperatives

Spring. It's all about imperatives. The birds must build nests. The grass must grow. Trees spend their days leafing. Frogs spend their nites singing. Concise, unquestionably clear. Who does what. Who does what when.

It's something that, at this phase of life, I miss....

I've arrived at the part of life-journey-ing which is free of prescribed imperatives. Not, mind you, that I necessarily heeded any of them when they applied, yet they were posted signs on the route. Carefully lettered, pounded into the ground. At predictable intervals they lingered. Read them, heed them, ignore them as I pleased, they were there.

The path winds now. Unmarked. Pleasant.

Oddly there are far more life-maintaining-imperatives. But few if any personal imperatives. Freedom amid frey. Exhilarating or confounding? Yes. Both. Neither. A mix of emotions that refuse to be named. Inspiration or anxiety? Yes. Peak and valley in rapid alternating succession with no plain betwixt and between.

Tick toc calls out the hand less clock.

My imperatives now.... None? Many? Yes. And no.

The path unfolds without signposts pounded in. No predictable intervals now.
Free to create, dance with life, dream.

Uplifting? Happy? Perplexed? Bad?

Yes.

And no.

Old enough to no longer be young. Young enough to not yet be venerable. Smarter than ever I was. More patient. More appreciative. Less patient. More confused. Wanting to conquer so much more than I would have dreamt (or dared before). But just what? Just when? Just how?

No imperatives. My call. My choice. My journey.

Turn left? Right? Rest? Run? Wait and see? Wing it? Plan? Pounce?

Yes. And no.

And so I go ....

Thrilled by the lack of (yet missing) imperatives.

100 Calorie Twinkies

Oh the happy-dance joy of it all! Mum found (and gifted me) a box of these 100 calorie per pack mini twinkies. Now what could be better than that?! Three to a 'packaage', six pkgs in a box. Slow deliberate yummy-ness at 100 cals a pop. A really nice calorie controlled way to consume twinkes... Unless you happen to be me.

MY take on this packaging concept was: 'HEY, I just ate the entire box, but that's only 600 calories, how awesome"! Faaaarrrrr improved on the caloric scale when compared to eating an entire box of normal sized twinkies dontchathink? lol

'Twas a very yummy breakfast indeed.... Thanks Mum :-)

OH-SO-DISAPPOINTED

Such sadness. Such disappointment. Such absence (aka no treat lol)

Last summer my husband, who is SUCH a softie for any living creature, found a chipmunk living in the yard. "It looked hungry" (he told me). "It stared at me" (he told me). "What could I do"? (he said to me) "but give it a few of the (non-salted) peanuts I was eating"? His kindness and sharing ways are two things I love about him, without question. But I had my doubts about feeding the 'cm' population. (I am mean that way lol)

But I said nothing and he and the cm had a long happy friendly peanut filled summer and fall.

This spring we have more cm's in the yard than you can shake a stick at!! roflmo Thus sadly (but necessarily) the peanut sharing has stopped. I'm not sure who it's been harder on - the cm (as seen above) or my DH who misses feeding him... (no picture of that :-)

(And just between you and me, I check the level of the peanut jar once a week, lol)

ALMOST!

Spring may still be best enjoyed from the inside (it's cold!) But sunlight streaming thru the windows and inside daffodils go a very veryyyyyyyy long way towards erasing my winter 'blahs' :-)

Of mice & poo

Somehow, beyond any rational impossibility of size, shape and clearance a mouse managed to find his way into one of my kitchen drawers. There was nothing of daily use in there. In fact not much aside from an nice (empty) dovetailed divided wood silverware tray.

Now I am not a fussy, girlie, if I get mud on my feet I'll pass out kind of woman. BUT I am not ever going to use that box for silverware! lol There is no way I'd be able to put nice forks where mouse poo was, then take a fork for that same tray, drive it deep into a scrumptious piece of cake and then put that forkfull of cake into my maw. Not without thinking of that mouse poo. And that kind of takes the edge off the cake, ya know? Yes I have choloroxed the box (even if it IS wood) In fact to the point that the paint may begin to peel and the wallpaper may fade. It' not the actual science here guys, it's the IDEA. Ick ICk ICK!

But here's the good news - now I have a reallllly nice wood tray for some of my glass or jewelry tools! (once the full gallon of cholorox smell passes, lol)

1 + 3 = free

I recently spent exactly one hour with a three year old.

Not unsupervised - no no. Mom and grandmom were there to tend to any maternal or grandmaternal issues had any arisen. So those of you who know me and are aware that I don't have pets or even plants can breathe easy. No need for any audible gasps at the though of my flying solo with a wee one of three :-)

With no estrogenic responsibility I was free to interact with her and watch how she devoured life over those 60 minutes.

Here's the fascinating thing: In one hours this 3 year old shared with me that:

*sequins & tiaras over jeans & sneakers still a princess make.
*plastic cows may (at some time) want to wear barbie makeup.
*gathering eggs from your grandparents barn in sequins, barbie makeup and tiara "so the chickens can see your outfit too" is very thoughtful (if not actual princess ettiquette)

Most importantly she shared with me that all things are possible (if not perfectly reasonable) when you think of them the right way, see them in the right light (or reflected sequin sparkle).

Princesses can gather eggs, plastic cows look surprisingly good in barbie makeup and you should always wear jeans and keds with your tiara - just in case you want to play like a boy too.

1 (hour) + (one) 3 (year old princess) = (remembering how to set your adult mind) free....

Giggle for the day! (wonder if it works...)

Fresh from my shower, I stand in front of the mirror complaining to my husband that my breasts are too small. Instead of characteristically telling me it's not so, he uncharacteristically comes up with a suggestion.

"If you want your breasts to grow, then every day take a piece of toilet paper and rub it between them for a few seconds."

Willing to try anything, I fetch a piece of toilet paper and stand in front of the mirror, rubbing it between my breasts.

"How long will this take?" I asked.

"They will grow larger over a period of years," my husband replied.

I stopped. " Do you really think rubbing a piece of toilet paper between my breasts every day will make my breasts larger over the years?"

Without missing a beat he said "Worked for your butt, didn't it?"

He's still alive, and with a great deal of therapy, he may even walk again.

Daisy Hill

Six months have passed since Daisy Hill
Has whispered "sit with me"
To dream a dream, or rest awhile
Amid my breeze-tossed sea... FDFerris 2009


That's the best thing about MARCH - we're marching closer to SPRING! So, in honor of March 1st here's an images of one of my favorite spring (and summer) places, Daisy Hill....

A £ TO PEE?

Most times these days the headlines are vexing. And while this online article isn't good news (link below) I have to admit it made me laugh. You know, laugh in that insane-hag-you've-got-to-be-kiddin'-me-is-this-for-real-sort-of-way.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090227/od_uk_nm/oukoe_uk_ryanair_toilet

I don't think I've laughed in quite that fashion since I came across a proposal to tax ranchers/farmers for cow farts. (This gem of proposed fart legislation was conceived in the US).



.Photo credit www.copyright-free-pictures.org.uk).

The premise for this proposed 'fart-tax' was based on the thought that cows everwhere are contributing to to pollution via their gas passing....

Poor cows.
Poor ryanair passengers.
Poor insane world.

The Old Ways

It may seem that the 'old ways' of things are a lot of work. That's because they were and are still, lol. But as is often the case the rewards are profound. Take my buddy COALBY - our first foray into coal heat. Many (many) years ago DH and I burned wood and in fact we cut our own wood - believe it or no, I'm pretty good as one half of a two man logging saw - but that's another story, lol.

But honestly when the desire to supplement the furnace came around again last year I had to admit I have arrived at a point where I no longer wanted to cut wood, haul wood, split wood. I love burning wood - the smell, the soothing crackling sound. But the work of cutting, hauling, splitting remained fresh in my mind. So as an experiment we adopted our coal stove COALBY. (yes I name EVERYthing, lol).


He's warm, he's cheerful, he's my new best-heat-friend. The only time he vexes me is on 'cleaning day' (my job) - Just for the amusement factor you've come to expect from me :-) I've included a pic of me on COALBY CLEANING DAY - sans hat and goggles and gloves (good mask is under the bandana). I'd have shown you the full regalia but I wanted to give you a laugh, not a heart attack or seizure, lol

So there you have it - a bit of February news from the Upstate NY homefront...

WHEN THE SUN RISES

Morning dawns on the african velt. The lioness awakens. She knows she will have to run faster than the gazelle or she will starve....

Morning dawns on the african velt. The gazelle awakens. She knows she will need to run faster than the lioness who hunts or she will not survive.....

The truth of this tale applies to everyone. Regardless of who you are or what the parameters of your life may be, when the sun rises you had better be ready and committed to hitting the ground running :-)

DOES IT LOOK LIKE I LOVE WINTER?

At the moment, not so much! LOL
SNOW SNOW SNOW in which I am covered
Temps minus 2, minus 6, windchill minus 25 ~

Geeessshhh!

A Friend Stops By For A Treat

"Any unwanted cookies, cake or cat food??????"

(If so, I'd be GLAD to help...) :-)

WEDGEWOOD ANGEL

With six days and counting 'till christmas I should be attending to the list that begs to have items crossed off as done.... But instead I find myself sifting thru boxes. Bit from here, there and everywhere. This perfect wedgewood angel ornament emerged from one of the boxes today. I've never used her for fear she'd be broken - yet it seems oddly foolish NOT to use her, not to let her see the light of day doesn't it?

I think for now I'll just set her (and her exactly matching sister) aside till I have a moment to measure care and caution against fearful foolishness!

New work (Peek or Buy)!

I'd mentioned I was working on some pieces for a trunk show of my work. This is one headed for the trunk show - unless of course one of you just can't live without it, lol. In that case first to email me glasschick at yahoo dot com will be it's new bead/jewelry mom :-) Just cut/paste/fix the yahoo email above to contact me.

Or

Claim it via comments here on this post. Whatever way the requests arrives lol, it goes to whoever claims it first!

I've placed it on a really neat dual adjustable necklace (included). The bead ties on the bottom as seen & the necklace has no clasp to fuss with - it has two slide knots @ the back which you pull together to lengthen to slip over your head. Best of all is it then adjusts (by sliding the knots at the back apart) to any length you like for wearing!

Another faboo aspect of this cord is the fact you can change beads (or add beads) to the bottom strings whenever you like ~ Fun! Just untie the knot and change to another bead. The bottom ties are aprox 2 inches long.

*** REMEMBER to re-expand it again before you remove the necklace (and pleassse DON'T ask me how that little gem of advice came to my attention, roflmao, spaz that I am :-)

If it calls to you, journal readers only price of 12.95 (NYS residents tax too :-( it's a must). US shipping ~ JUST A BUCK! ~ UK, CAN, $4.00 US FUNDS for regular first class shipping

Now, back to work for me !

Thankfulness Sunday

I know that thanksgiving day is technically the day to mentally and emotionally weigh all the things one is thankful for - but let me confess that the only weight related event that occurs for me on 'turkey day' is adding to my own personal poundage, lol! Too much of everything solid and liquid and cream covered is the priority. Then there's the laughing, talking and kidding to happy excess. The really truly serious pondering is held at bay on Thursday. Friday is for returning to a vague reality, Saturday for catching up. So each year I find Sunday is the day I really think about the year and the gifts it contained.

This Thanksgiving Sunday I find at the top of my list is simply the quiet slow return of enjoying the tiny happiness

Those who share my world personally (or here) know that recent years have been heavily woven with tragedy and worry, loss and sadness. Not that there haven't been wonderful and happy events as well - there have. But those happy aspects were forced to sit quietly at the feet of of larger life events - things uncontrollable and difficult - waiting for better times.

As is always the way with life and her path, she's changed course again and there is a calm. However long it may last, an ease. And it's stayed just long enough that I realized yesterday I honestly wanted to string some lights. I was enamoured with the thought of retrieving the tree from the attic. I was able to actually connect with these small pleasures again, for the first time in years.


As is the case with so many things in life what doesn't seem like such a big deal IS when you've lost it (or lost your pathway to it). It's just now that I've discovered the reconnect is viable again. Wonderful for the holidays and an even happier realization for the year to come - or however long these moments of calm choose to stay...

I also know as I think about it that the depth with which I'm enjoying these small bits of happiness are all the better for having temporarily lost my way to them......

There is it seems a thread of happiness woven into every journey, waiting for the right time to be seen and found.

HOPPY Thanksgiving!

A quick wish for a hoppy thanksgiving with the assistance of one of my lampwork frog beads, lol. As you see, he's happily settled into a bracelet - much as I'm happily settled amid my beads and bits, creating for an upcoming trunk show of my work....

Have a wonderful holiday everyone - and remember, one of the things that I'm very thankfully happy to have in my world is each of you!

6:30 AM - ish

Up at 4:15 each day, coffee infusing by 4:20 (first into the pot then into me asap! lol) what you see in the picture is the 'later morning' coffee with breakfast.... The never out of my reach cell phone upon a few bits of LAST Sundays paper. (A timely reader I'm not that's for certain)! The uber-yummy pumpkin bread is thanks to my mother who spoils me far beyond what I deserve (thanks Mum!)

You'll notice my mug (holds 5 tea/coffee cups of coffee).

WOMEN RULE it decrees. Indeed.

So there you have another fascinating little insight into MY world, roflmao.....

Using Fire To Create Ice!

Not much new around here :-) just using fire to create ice, lol (Icesicle Ornaments)

I'm glad the the elections are over, and I have to say I'm feeling hopeful ~

What are you working on? something in particular? holiday related? Do tell! (Share in the comments) I'd love to hear what YOU'RE doing (links to images welcome)

TTFN!

BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE!

Cold enough to snow actually. Drat! But I have the magic of images to remind me why I love living here (most of the year, lol) Tho I photograph horribly, this one taken during an 'inspiration walk' by my husband in late August isn't tooooo bad. MY favorite part of the image is all the GREEN surrounding me in our fields.....

Inspiration walks

really get my muse humming - so much vibrancy, detail, drama and color can be found amid the riot of nature at her summer season apex! Tho unseen in the image, there's a riot of field flowers, some yellow, others purple, even red amid the field grasses.

On this day, the heat bugs were buzzing in the background, a summer breeze blowing.

My muse wasn't muttering - she was singing clearly....

I'd love to hear (in comments) what inspires and stirs your muse to a frenzy!