I have this problem. I have all these ideas for projects in glass that won't leave me alone. Some are weird and so I fly it by the man who keeps me grounded in these projects. He's part owner of the shop I work out of. The other owner has been my friend for more than 30 years.
I have this glass idea based on a piece I did for my art show at Pentagon Gallery in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. I built this three dimensional star around a twisted wire post. The piece I want to do began to grow in my head and I will do it eventually. Usually I don't jump right into the project because that tends to leave me with a piece that's half done because I've come up with a problem. That's usually when I go hotfooting it for Ross's help. His reply is usually something like "you didn't think this through or plan it, did you?" He's had to say it often enough to me that I do think the projects through and plan well. Now I run to him less often.
The piece I want to do is comprised of lots of little pieces built out and away from the post, around the post and will become three dimensional in the end. I want to kind of draw it out to make certain it won't eventually fall out of the foil and solder bindings.
I also want to plan colors, shapes, and textures. Hopefully I will debut the piece here on my blog.
Isn't the design of this blog spectacular? I thank my daughter for the design. She is a master artist herself, accomplished at crocheting and web design. Got the crocheting from me and the computer ability from her father.
Well, off to warm up - it's 6 degrees outside and this room is cold.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Monday, December 19, 2005
Chance
It snowed overnight. I plowed through the end of the drive this morning and by chance made it out without getting stuck. I knew I'd have to shovel it out when I got home this evening to make it in because the street had not been plowed well and I knew, by chance, the plow would be back to finish the job.
My husband was in Indiana at his family's Christmas. I stayed behind because. By chance, I had to work Saturday. As I drove down the street at 6:20 I saw a light on and rejoiced that my husband had returned from Indiana. Not so, I must have left the light on this morning because the drive was more plowed shut than ever. So I parked the car next to the mailbox, slogged through the snow, donned my hat and my boots, grabbed the shovel, slogged back to the end of the drive, and began shoveling.
I climbed over the pile of ice chunks deposited by your friendly local oh-so-helpful plow guy and on to the street. I attacked the left side when I spotted a car drive in to the street, heading my way. I moved to the right side of the drive as it stopped behind me when all of a sudden BOOM! Down I went, landing on my backside and cracking my right elbow. By chance I had stepped on the underlying ice. I lay there stunned as my husband got out of the car and asked what I was doing laying in the street. I fell, was my muttered answer as he offered a hand to help me up. I declined as I got to my knees explaining that I needed a little time to assess if I'd broken anything. He took the shovel and made quick work of the drive as I got to my feet. He asked if I was okay and I told him I guessed so. I climbed in my car as he climbed in his. I drove around the cul-de-sac as he pulled into the drive. Then I pulled into the drive and parked the car in the garage.
Then it hit me. Had I fallen before he came down the street and around the corner and had I lay there gathering my wits, he would have driven right over my head as he entered the drive. I was in my black coat, laying on the street and he might never have seen me in time. The road was icy and had he seen me at the last minute and slammed on his brakes, he would possibly driven or slid over me anyway.
Chance can be a very scary thing.
My husband was in Indiana at his family's Christmas. I stayed behind because. By chance, I had to work Saturday. As I drove down the street at 6:20 I saw a light on and rejoiced that my husband had returned from Indiana. Not so, I must have left the light on this morning because the drive was more plowed shut than ever. So I parked the car next to the mailbox, slogged through the snow, donned my hat and my boots, grabbed the shovel, slogged back to the end of the drive, and began shoveling.
I climbed over the pile of ice chunks deposited by your friendly local oh-so-helpful plow guy and on to the street. I attacked the left side when I spotted a car drive in to the street, heading my way. I moved to the right side of the drive as it stopped behind me when all of a sudden BOOM! Down I went, landing on my backside and cracking my right elbow. By chance I had stepped on the underlying ice. I lay there stunned as my husband got out of the car and asked what I was doing laying in the street. I fell, was my muttered answer as he offered a hand to help me up. I declined as I got to my knees explaining that I needed a little time to assess if I'd broken anything. He took the shovel and made quick work of the drive as I got to my feet. He asked if I was okay and I told him I guessed so. I climbed in my car as he climbed in his. I drove around the cul-de-sac as he pulled into the drive. Then I pulled into the drive and parked the car in the garage.
Then it hit me. Had I fallen before he came down the street and around the corner and had I lay there gathering my wits, he would have driven right over my head as he entered the drive. I was in my black coat, laying on the street and he might never have seen me in time. The road was icy and had he seen me at the last minute and slammed on his brakes, he would possibly driven or slid over me anyway.
Chance can be a very scary thing.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Life
I'm depressed.
I've had to watch my eldest daughter go through one of the most horrendous experiences to ever happen to a woman, the loss of a baby. I sat and watched as she went through labor knowing her baby was dead, three days before he was to deliver. Hoping beyond hope the doctors were wrong and knowing he was indeed dead. And so, we buried little Alex Gerard Colgan in the cold, cold ground last May. I've watched her struggle with life's unfairness ever since and feel totally helpless while watching my child suffer the loss of her child. I pray every day that I've given her enough strength to carry on to the better times.
After 24 years of good service, my husband was let go. Why? Because he was good at what he did and they rewarded him with raises. He made too much money. They didn't offer him the job at a lower pay because he was two years from retirement, which meant they would have to contribute towards his retirement until he died. This way, they cut their losses early and cut his heart and soul out. He sits. He plays solitaire on the computer, watches tv and listens to music. Once in a while he'll agree to do something around the house (which desperately needs a whole lot of somethings done) but for the most part he sits and his brain is turning to mush.
Did I say I was depressed? Perhaps I should rephrase that - I'm desperate and depressed. I cannot help my daughter, although occasionally I try by offering and ear or a hug. Only time will ease the pain and scab over the wound. The scar will remain for as long as she lives. Alex's existence will remain geneologically forever, unless someone completely destroys the lineage or the planet. Alex will forever remain the baby who lost his chance at life.
I've come up with a scheme, however, to get my husband thinking. It will take subtlety (where is spell checker when you need it?) and slyness, but I think it will work. Recently we put out the train set that I received as a gift from a friend. It's a Christmas display. Houses are lit and there is a pond - even Bethlehem with desert at one part of the oval. (big crashing sound outside indicates the huge icicles hanging off the gutters are melting and falling)The display is uneven and the train and cars fall off the track frequently. My big idea to distract my husband and hopefully getting him to think again is to propose a train display to actually fit our dining room table. One that is yearly appropriate. A display that can be designed (my husband was an electrical engineer) and slowly built. This display could actually take years. He has all the track and the train engines plus the cars. All he need do is design a display board and begin to build it. In my head I see mountains, waterfalls, a lake, farms, city life, little automobiles etc. etc. etc. Perhaps, out there in the world of commerce, there are actual kits to make buildings (I could provide the little stained glass windows for the buildings) which provides activity for his thought processes. I know it's my idea, my dream but with luck, I can make it his too.
My memory is bad because I'm trying to do too much. I have diabetes so could not get health insurance. Thus I have had to go to work full time. I hate it. I'm losing time with him, with my stained glass, with my family. I'm also trying to solve too many problems and running out of energy fast.
His memory is bad because he's not using it often enough. Perhaps, with this project, we can both dig out of the depression. I miss my conversations with him. I miss my time with him. Christmas has brought him out a bit and we've spent time shopping together (something he's hated in the past but actually tolerated this year). We've spent time playing Yahtzee together. We've done a bit of talking. But I hate the apartness when he's playing on the computer for four and five hours at a stretch or watching tv. He zones out and builds this impenatrable wall that shuts out the world. It's left me feeling alone. I married him because I love him and I don't want to be alone any more. More on those thoughts later....
I've had to watch my eldest daughter go through one of the most horrendous experiences to ever happen to a woman, the loss of a baby. I sat and watched as she went through labor knowing her baby was dead, three days before he was to deliver. Hoping beyond hope the doctors were wrong and knowing he was indeed dead. And so, we buried little Alex Gerard Colgan in the cold, cold ground last May. I've watched her struggle with life's unfairness ever since and feel totally helpless while watching my child suffer the loss of her child. I pray every day that I've given her enough strength to carry on to the better times.
After 24 years of good service, my husband was let go. Why? Because he was good at what he did and they rewarded him with raises. He made too much money. They didn't offer him the job at a lower pay because he was two years from retirement, which meant they would have to contribute towards his retirement until he died. This way, they cut their losses early and cut his heart and soul out. He sits. He plays solitaire on the computer, watches tv and listens to music. Once in a while he'll agree to do something around the house (which desperately needs a whole lot of somethings done) but for the most part he sits and his brain is turning to mush.
Did I say I was depressed? Perhaps I should rephrase that - I'm desperate and depressed. I cannot help my daughter, although occasionally I try by offering and ear or a hug. Only time will ease the pain and scab over the wound. The scar will remain for as long as she lives. Alex's existence will remain geneologically forever, unless someone completely destroys the lineage or the planet. Alex will forever remain the baby who lost his chance at life.
I've come up with a scheme, however, to get my husband thinking. It will take subtlety (where is spell checker when you need it?) and slyness, but I think it will work. Recently we put out the train set that I received as a gift from a friend. It's a Christmas display. Houses are lit and there is a pond - even Bethlehem with desert at one part of the oval. (big crashing sound outside indicates the huge icicles hanging off the gutters are melting and falling)The display is uneven and the train and cars fall off the track frequently. My big idea to distract my husband and hopefully getting him to think again is to propose a train display to actually fit our dining room table. One that is yearly appropriate. A display that can be designed (my husband was an electrical engineer) and slowly built. This display could actually take years. He has all the track and the train engines plus the cars. All he need do is design a display board and begin to build it. In my head I see mountains, waterfalls, a lake, farms, city life, little automobiles etc. etc. etc. Perhaps, out there in the world of commerce, there are actual kits to make buildings (I could provide the little stained glass windows for the buildings) which provides activity for his thought processes. I know it's my idea, my dream but with luck, I can make it his too.
My memory is bad because I'm trying to do too much. I have diabetes so could not get health insurance. Thus I have had to go to work full time. I hate it. I'm losing time with him, with my stained glass, with my family. I'm also trying to solve too many problems and running out of energy fast.
His memory is bad because he's not using it often enough. Perhaps, with this project, we can both dig out of the depression. I miss my conversations with him. I miss my time with him. Christmas has brought him out a bit and we've spent time shopping together (something he's hated in the past but actually tolerated this year). We've spent time playing Yahtzee together. We've done a bit of talking. But I hate the apartness when he's playing on the computer for four and five hours at a stretch or watching tv. He zones out and builds this impenatrable wall that shuts out the world. It's left me feeling alone. I married him because I love him and I don't want to be alone any more. More on those thoughts later....
Sunday, December 11, 2005
It's Snowing Again
It's snowing again. We've had 16 inches and set to get another 9. I knew, after all the hurricanes and tornadoes and earthquakes, that our weather was due to be weird. I normally love the change of seasons but this year I'm working and have to drive in it. I've already played bumper car with a snow bank. Guess I'll adjust but I have an ugly feeling this is gonna happen through May this year. (not the bumper car thingy, the snow)
My daughter is a nag. I know, I know, why have a blog if you're not gonna blog. Well, I've been busy. Made two large ribbons for her and three ribbon angels. Like the way they turned out. Glass is a pleasure I'm not getting much of these days. Cleaning, meetings, Christmas cards and decorating and work are getting in the way. Other words, real life. You can't cut glass if you're out Christmas shopping. You also can't blog. (please note, daughter)
I got this awesome glass. Think Van Gogh starry starry night. It's swirled in patterns like his painting. I got green and am going to make Christmas tree ornaments and pins. I really have to spend a few days organizing and thoroughly cleaning my workshop, however, before I begin creating again.
I contemplated covering my work table with a train set for December, and may do so. I can always cut glass at another table but first I must clean and organize. During the summer I'm so busy doing glass for the Medieval Faire and Fall Craft Shows that I let things get somewhat disorganized. I'm one of those folks who only clean when it becomes a nightmare.
I also have been told I have too much stuff but I'm not ready to relinquish any of it yet. I simply don't understand people who want to clean and organize until everything is bare and tidy. If you got the stuff because you like it to begin with, why on earth do you want to get rid of it after a few years. I mean, you acquired it because you liked it. Are you that fickle that you've changed your mind after a few years? Everything I own, whether it has purpose or not, was acquired because it appealed to me. Still does. Keeping with that same line of thought, just how come I have to organize according to the values of other people? Friends and family keep advising me, well you have to get rid of this or that, you don't use it. So? I look at it and smile - that serves a purpose, doesn't it? I'm 57 years old. Shouldn't I be able to do what I want, keep what I want, where I want, when I want? I think I've earned that priviledge. We are suppose to practice (and teach our children) autonomy. Don't follow the herd instinct. And yet, if you don't practice what the so-called herd wants, suddenly you're wrong. I don't get that. I'll get rid of my stuff, think what I want, watch tv shows I like, dress as I please, and generally be me and the rest of the world can go stuff a sock in it. Well, that made me feel better.
My daughter is a nag. I know, I know, why have a blog if you're not gonna blog. Well, I've been busy. Made two large ribbons for her and three ribbon angels. Like the way they turned out. Glass is a pleasure I'm not getting much of these days. Cleaning, meetings, Christmas cards and decorating and work are getting in the way. Other words, real life. You can't cut glass if you're out Christmas shopping. You also can't blog. (please note, daughter)
I got this awesome glass. Think Van Gogh starry starry night. It's swirled in patterns like his painting. I got green and am going to make Christmas tree ornaments and pins. I really have to spend a few days organizing and thoroughly cleaning my workshop, however, before I begin creating again.
I contemplated covering my work table with a train set for December, and may do so. I can always cut glass at another table but first I must clean and organize. During the summer I'm so busy doing glass for the Medieval Faire and Fall Craft Shows that I let things get somewhat disorganized. I'm one of those folks who only clean when it becomes a nightmare.
I also have been told I have too much stuff but I'm not ready to relinquish any of it yet. I simply don't understand people who want to clean and organize until everything is bare and tidy. If you got the stuff because you like it to begin with, why on earth do you want to get rid of it after a few years. I mean, you acquired it because you liked it. Are you that fickle that you've changed your mind after a few years? Everything I own, whether it has purpose or not, was acquired because it appealed to me. Still does. Keeping with that same line of thought, just how come I have to organize according to the values of other people? Friends and family keep advising me, well you have to get rid of this or that, you don't use it. So? I look at it and smile - that serves a purpose, doesn't it? I'm 57 years old. Shouldn't I be able to do what I want, keep what I want, where I want, when I want? I think I've earned that priviledge. We are suppose to practice (and teach our children) autonomy. Don't follow the herd instinct. And yet, if you don't practice what the so-called herd wants, suddenly you're wrong. I don't get that. I'll get rid of my stuff, think what I want, watch tv shows I like, dress as I please, and generally be me and the rest of the world can go stuff a sock in it. Well, that made me feel better.
Friday, December 09, 2005
Since the mother won't post
The daughter will do it for her...
Update from Mom...
Next Wed. is the ABWA Christmas dinner. This year we're having a Chinese Auction - everyone is supposed to bring a gift. I made a beveled hanging piece similar to the ones I took to Pentagon Gallery only simpler. Most of the bevels were already foiled, I had only to cut and foil two triangular pieces of glass and a long bevel. Won't take long to solder either. I think I'm going to make a few for the medieval faire. They're easy, fast and really pretty.
Update from Mom...
Next Wed. is the ABWA Christmas dinner. This year we're having a Chinese Auction - everyone is supposed to bring a gift. I made a beveled hanging piece similar to the ones I took to Pentagon Gallery only simpler. Most of the bevels were already foiled, I had only to cut and foil two triangular pieces of glass and a long bevel. Won't take long to solder either. I think I'm going to make a few for the medieval faire. They're easy, fast and really pretty.
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Welcome Sunday
I welcome today, Sunday, with open arms and a sigh of relief. I don't have to be anywhere, I don't have to pack anything.....oh darn, yes I do. I have to return all my glass to my friend who will take it back to the shop for me so I can unpack it Tues. evening. She does this because she owns the shop and because the glass pieces won't have to sit in my car all day while I work. The weather is freezing and I don't want the glass to crack. I'm not certain it would but I don't want to take the chance on pieces I worked so hard to create.
I had a craft show yesterday and did okay. It was a pleasant day, something I was not expecting, especially after sliding into a snow bank. I was lucky, the guy plowing our street stopped to help and dug me out, while my neighbor, who witnessed the entire event while cleaning off his truck walked back into his house. Thanks neighbor. Why is life like that? Kind/uncaring, beautiful/ugly? One person was extremely kind to me while another didn't care one way or another. The snow creates such beauty, yet makes the road so treacherous and scarey. Perhaps we wouldn't apprecieate the kind/beautiful if there wasn't the unkind/ugly side. I don't know, I just know I'd like to try the kind/beautiful for a while without the other showing up quite so quickly.
The craft show had some interesting pieces with some really nice vendors. I met three aquaintances I hadn't seen in years. That was nice. My daughter usually helps with the booth but this year she couldn't face all the Christmas cheer. I'll get into why on a later blog. Had Italian wedding soup for the first time in my life and it was a lovely dish. Gonna have to try to recreate that dish.
I love to cook. I don't understand why it is I chose psychology (started out as an elementary ed major until I did my first observation in a first grade class with 28 energetic children - boy did THAT change my mind fast). I should have been a chef, but then the roads we choose determine our destiny and I wouldn't have met my husband and had the three wonderful children I have now. I would have had different children, probably. Don't think I like contemplating a different life with different children. I really like the ones I have. They are diverse, interesting people who have chosen their own paths. I enjoy their company.
Stay tuned for more of my life later. Or not. Whatever.
I had a craft show yesterday and did okay. It was a pleasant day, something I was not expecting, especially after sliding into a snow bank. I was lucky, the guy plowing our street stopped to help and dug me out, while my neighbor, who witnessed the entire event while cleaning off his truck walked back into his house. Thanks neighbor. Why is life like that? Kind/uncaring, beautiful/ugly? One person was extremely kind to me while another didn't care one way or another. The snow creates such beauty, yet makes the road so treacherous and scarey. Perhaps we wouldn't apprecieate the kind/beautiful if there wasn't the unkind/ugly side. I don't know, I just know I'd like to try the kind/beautiful for a while without the other showing up quite so quickly.
The craft show had some interesting pieces with some really nice vendors. I met three aquaintances I hadn't seen in years. That was nice. My daughter usually helps with the booth but this year she couldn't face all the Christmas cheer. I'll get into why on a later blog. Had Italian wedding soup for the first time in my life and it was a lovely dish. Gonna have to try to recreate that dish.
I love to cook. I don't understand why it is I chose psychology (started out as an elementary ed major until I did my first observation in a first grade class with 28 energetic children - boy did THAT change my mind fast). I should have been a chef, but then the roads we choose determine our destiny and I wouldn't have met my husband and had the three wonderful children I have now. I would have had different children, probably. Don't think I like contemplating a different life with different children. I really like the ones I have. They are diverse, interesting people who have chosen their own paths. I enjoy their company.
Stay tuned for more of my life later. Or not. Whatever.
Saturday, December 03, 2005
My first blog
Well, here I am with another first. A sort of virgin (at my age that's somewhat ridiculous) blogging for the very first time - forgive me Madonna & Weird Al Yankovic. I am a stained glass artist. I am slightly insane over colored glass and cutting it in patterns that will please the art palette and eye. All for the sake of creating and selling. The other night I realized that I've sold quite a bit of stuff. When the weather turns bitter, I just might sit down one evening and count how much I have sold. I think it will surprise me and a whole lot of other folks (husband included). When I get good at this blogging stuff (it took me twenty minutes to log on and I have NO IDEA if this will even show up) I plan to explain my madness and perhaps convince my wonderful blogger daughter to post some pictures. I started in chat rooms but since I do a great deal of computer entry at my real-life job, I lost interest in sitting for prolonged periouds in front of the computer. This blogging thing has peaked my interest again, however, so tally-ho and awayyyyyyy we go....(as Jackie Gleason would say if he were still alive).
(the daughter finds the missing post and posts it out of order...yay daughter)
(the daughter finds the missing post and posts it out of order...yay daughter)
My second blog
I can't imagine what happend to my first blog. My daughter, who got me started says she cannot find it, although I can find it. I have no idea what I'm doing so am trying this again. Sigh. I am so out of the loop computer-wise, I fear.
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