Pressure to Create

A new jewelry fabrication session started last night at Civic Arts Education. We are so fortunate to have a great program with outstanding artist/instructors right here in our city. I look forward to each session, seeing the returning student/artists and artist/instructor. We learn a lot from each other. Last night I learned that I should stay home when I am recovering from a major allergy attack. I have no voice and coughing in a small space is not cool.

Today's gift was a package of beach glass from my son in Southern California. As you can see in the picture, there are many treasures here and I can't wait to play. I'm going to add metal and move the pieces around until I get some great combinations, then assemble some one-of-a-kind pieces from these treasures. I'll let you know when have created the first one!

Until later--
M

Jeweled Bounty

Yesterday the postman brought a box with 32 individually wrapped gemstones in it so opening each one was very much like a day of gifts, perhaps even Christmas! If any of you see the attached pictured and have an idea for something you would like --just fantasizing, of course--add a comment to this blog. I would love to have your input! My granddaughter came home from school just as the package arrived and the two of us dug into the contents, oohing and ahhhing all the way! Let's see, there is: Dalmation stone, amethyst, chrysoprase, rutilated quartz, apaptite, ammonite, turquoise, and malachite, among others.
What do you see?
M--

Like a Deer

I actually got back to soldering and hammering today, thanks to the stool I bought at the consignment shop yesterday. It's an Asian style with a broad seat (no comments please) which is fairly comfortable, at least for the first hour or two. I think I need to make a pad for it but it is a good height, it is sturdy and I did buy it used. I have taken over the work bench in the garage and am quite happy with how accessible my tools are. There is, however, always the elusive item that was used so often I just assumed I would have it handy when I moved. I'm sure that where I packed it made sense at the time.

I worked several hours finishing a gold filled necklace with organic links and then I packaged it and went out for delivery. As I walked out the front door, four adult deer turned to stare at me. I hesitated, not wanting to scare them into the street as there is traffic a block from here. The four stayed together as they bounded to the back of the yard where there is an opening in the fence. This is all new to me. Critters in the front yard and tonight Moose, the golden retriever brought a four legged snack back to his kennel in the family room.

One never knows what tomorrow will bring! Goodnight for now.
M

Good Things

Today I received my first delivery of materials to my new home and it felt good, like it was meant to be! I opened the new packages of little stones that I use in stacking rings and organized them in clear plastic stacking containers. That way I always know what I have and what I need to order--hopefully. I had ordered several specific cuts of silver for bracelets and rings, and some heavy fine silver wire for toggles. I want to have some silver cuffs ready for bracelets that will use the stones being sent from New Mexico. Additionally, I included sawblades and a tool or two in the order. It is always so exciting to open a package from one of my suppliers; the box is so full of possibilities.

I look forward to tomorrow and actually getting to use a hammer and a torch.

Good thoughts, M

Mergers

It's late, so maybe this counts as tomorrow's post--maybe not. I have been very busy for the last four weeks as I changed my living arrangements and it has been exhausting. I have collaborated with my daughter's family to create a living space in their home for myself and my Pug, Diego. (Yes, he was named after the great Diego Rivera and there is some resemblance!) My townhouse went on the market this weekend and we got it ready in record time. The goal is to sell my place and build a small house on the property here to include living quarters and a studio for my metalwork addiction. It is all very exciting, very exhausting. Downsizing is the smart way to go right now and I have always loved this property with its many trees, a creek in the back and lots of room for sniffing and barking--for Diego, not me.

We are all adjusting to the new living arrangements. I am trying to add value to the household and Diego has stepped up his guard dog activities. The picture shows Diego and Moose, the house Golden Retriever who is worth a blog post just about him. The two dogs have never been this close nor this friendly but in the last week they have provided company for each other and entertainment for all of us. You can see how traumatized Diego is by the whole situation! The woman in the picture is my oldest granddaughter, a student at UCLA.

I am very fortunate to have this wonderful family and you will hear more about them as we become better acquainted. For now, good night!

Just Do It!

I have procrastinated long enough and have decided that lack of knowledge, or skill, is not a good reason to avoid starting a blog. Of course, I have much to say and this is a perfect place to say it because you, dear reader, neither have to read nor listen to my ramblings! Sigh.h.h.h.h.h.

It has been a beautiful day in Northern California and our family took a rare drive up Mt. Diablo's hairpin curves to enjoy the second broadest view of the horizon in the world. Second only to that seen from the Himalayas, or so they say. It makes me think about all the things we put off until another day, all the things we could do right here at home, all the things we procrastinate about.

So, we come full circle, back to this blog. I'm not sure what I will say to you in the days to come and I don't know what you want to know, if anything. But, we will begin at the beginning and that appears to be here. Be well and happy for another day, my friends!