What's new in Goodie Land

Well, it's been ages since I've blogged anything and I've had a lot going on. My mom passed, God rest her soul. I still get a little choked up every now and then, but she's in a much better place now. I know that sounds so cliche, but it's really the truth. She was miserable the last 3 years of her life, not being able to do anything for herself. Her independence was always very important to her.

Ok, enough of the sad stuff and on to the excitement! At the end of August I went full time at my job and they promoted me to Glassblower status!!! Yayyyyyyy!! I am very excited, happy and yet intimidated at the same time. Why intimidated? Well, first off, I've only been working glass for 2.5 years and it's all been soft glass beads. The other glassblowers have all been doing it for at least 10 years. Most of them for 20 or more, so I'm really a baby in comparison. Other than a Milon Townsend class that I just took and 2 beads I made last year, I have never worked with boro, much less large (to me) boro sculptures. Thank God my boss is very patient and understanding of my situation. He assigned me to make roses (and any other flower I'd like to try) and marbles. I've been at it for 2 months now and I must say, I absolutely LOVE making marbles!!

I'm no Sabina Boehm or John Kobuki, but I'm making decent progress. My roses don't totally suck, but they're not the best in the world, either. I really need to work on my speed. Here are a few pics and don't laugh! The wonky red rose was my first:





A few marbles:


I made a couple this week that I'm extra proud of, but I didn't get to take any pics, :(. Oh well; On to the next topic: Goodies!! I have new Goodies for the shop!!! Yayyyy! And I have more on the way, but those are a secret.

First off, I have Silver Core Rivets:


I have them in 2 sizes, 5/32" and 3/16". The 5/32" fit beads that are made on a 5/32 mandrel. The hole is 3.5mm and will fit Trollbeads bracelets and necklaces and any other chain that is smaller than 3.5mm. The 3/16" fit beads made on a 3/16" mandrel. The hole is 4.5mm and will fit Pandora, Biagi and any other chain that is smaller than 4.5mm. The photos above are the 3/16 size on a Pandora necklace. The rivets have to be epoxied to the bead. I used a UV epoxy, but any 2 part should work just fine. Do not use Super Glue!! It will not hold and it also turns the glass yukkala.

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeee!!

<---- Lookie lookie! Don't I look absolutely ecstatic? Wheeeeeeeeeee!! I'm free!! I am no longer a slave to da man!! I have left my former employer of 10 years to join the ranks of the full time glass artists. This photo was taken the day I received the call that my separation was approved. Talk about doin' a happy dance. I was jitterbuggin' my patootie off, even if only in my mind.

So what am I doing with all of this new found freedom? Sleeping!!! Lol! Just kidding! Sleep is for wussies. Actually, about a month before my separation was approved, I was hired as a glass artist by Arribas Brothers. I'm only part-time for now and if you're ever in the neighborhood, you can catch me at Epcot in the German Pavilion (Crystal shop) Friday through Sunday. I've decided to accept their full-time offer but I got a pretty nice separation deal, so I'm trying to take it easy for a few months before I put my nose to the grindstone. It's been a little hard with everything that's been going on lately so it'a really a blessing that I am just part time. I'll go full time after July. I'm so excited!! I LOVE my job!!! The people are great and it's just sooo much fun! I'm even learning a little German (insert giggle here). I can honestly say that I've never been this happy in my life. I mean really. I get paid to play with glass all day long! What more could a girl want? Well, a 90-year-old billionaire husband would be nice too, but hey... let's be realistic. We can't all be Anna Nicole.

So anyway, I've been getting tons more torch time. At work, obviously, but not much time at home to play with my Uroboros collection. At work we use 104 (Mostly Effetre), but my heart still belongs to 96 (Uroboros, Reichenbach & Kugler). I finally had a lttle time to play Saturday night and this is what I made:



Isn't he cute?! I used Uroboros Amazon Green for the body, Alpine Blue for the chest and Sky Blue for the spines. I think I used Ming Green for the eyes. Or was it Citrine? Ack!! Where's the gingko when you need it?? Let's just say I used a pale transparent green for the eyes... I'll definitely be making at least 1 more. My attention span is shorter than a 2 year-old boy's, so who knows. Two will probably be my limit.

Well, that's all, folks! Oh, and for those of you in the know, I'm well past the 1 year mark. Laurel, Jane and Becky? I'm still waiting for my winnings to show up in my mailbox. You all LOST!! And miserably, I might add. Not that I wasn't trying...

Night all!!

How do you let go?

I have received the call that all children dread. My mom is in the hospital (ICU) and she isn't expected to live for much longer. The last few days have been really tough. I mean, how do you let go of the person who has inspired you to be everything and more? I know it's time and she's always made it quite clear that she doesn't want live this way and I can't say that I blame her. It's just a lot tougher to actually "say" it than I ever thought it would be.

I met with the hospice nurse today and she did help alleviate a lot of my concerns, but I can't help hoping that she will pull through this and get better. I love you mom!