Monday, February 8, 2010
For reference
I tracked down the mosaic artist I spoke of in my last post. You can find her work at Garden Glass Mosaic Art Designs by Ursula Neufeld on the internet, or by Googling Ursula Neufeld artist Winnipeg. While she has a "gallery" link, you have to go into the "What's New" link to see the framed pieces similar to the ones I was talking about. Take a look. I sure love what she does with stones and broken glass.
Time to post again!
Pati here
I just realized that it's been awhile. And what have I been doing during that time? Went to the gallery opening Thursday evening. A very nice show, but two of my pieces looked insignificant amongst other out standing pieces. Now don't be snorting at me. There were two huge pieces--about 3-4 feet square. They were sheet metal-(steel?)--that had a hole cut out of the centre where there were hand-fired glass pieces inserted. These pieces had to have special hanging systems--to deal with the weight I suspect. Cathy, this person had a piece in the show that we hung in Neepawa but it was a much smaller piece. There were also three pieces by a mosaic artist. These were probably, at least, 30 inches square, maybe more. She does mosaic work but doesn't just use tiles. Some of the tiles she does use are hand made, but they are used in conjunction with other found objects such as larger ball bearings, washers, and rocks. These "things" are all carefully arranged and then grouted in place and the whole thing framed. I've been aware of this lady for quite awhile, and very much admire her work. The two pieces of mine were only about a foot square and very light coloured. So, while they were certainly representative of what I'm doing right now, and well made with careful thought to colour theory and elements of design, next to the larger, heavier more visibly obvious pieces, mine appeared insignificant.
My electric razor died a while back. What the heck!! It was only about 30 years old and should have worked for 30 more years. So I bought some Nair and tried to use it Saturday night. Well-- that stuff is lethal! I now have hairy, burnt armpits. Do you know what a nuisense this is? Then yesterday the toilet seat broke. Have I offended the gods yet again?
And it snows! On one of my internet groups all the ladies in the Soutern states are finally able to try some snow dyeing ( don't ask) So even a rogue snoww storm brings joy somehwere.
I just realized that it's been awhile. And what have I been doing during that time? Went to the gallery opening Thursday evening. A very nice show, but two of my pieces looked insignificant amongst other out standing pieces. Now don't be snorting at me. There were two huge pieces--about 3-4 feet square. They were sheet metal-(steel?)--that had a hole cut out of the centre where there were hand-fired glass pieces inserted. These pieces had to have special hanging systems--to deal with the weight I suspect. Cathy, this person had a piece in the show that we hung in Neepawa but it was a much smaller piece. There were also three pieces by a mosaic artist. These were probably, at least, 30 inches square, maybe more. She does mosaic work but doesn't just use tiles. Some of the tiles she does use are hand made, but they are used in conjunction with other found objects such as larger ball bearings, washers, and rocks. These "things" are all carefully arranged and then grouted in place and the whole thing framed. I've been aware of this lady for quite awhile, and very much admire her work. The two pieces of mine were only about a foot square and very light coloured. So, while they were certainly representative of what I'm doing right now, and well made with careful thought to colour theory and elements of design, next to the larger, heavier more visibly obvious pieces, mine appeared insignificant.
My electric razor died a while back. What the heck!! It was only about 30 years old and should have worked for 30 more years. So I bought some Nair and tried to use it Saturday night. Well-- that stuff is lethal! I now have hairy, burnt armpits. Do you know what a nuisense this is? Then yesterday the toilet seat broke. Have I offended the gods yet again?
And it snows! On one of my internet groups all the ladies in the Soutern states are finally able to try some snow dyeing ( don't ask) So even a rogue snoww storm brings joy somehwere.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
back again
Here I am again. I started writing a nice rambling posting at work on Thursday, but I got an error message part way through and it disappeared. I really had nothing to say so I got sulky and refused to start it again. Nothing in my life except work and home. The kitchen looks really nice. Just the ceiling left. I will have to get the camera out. I hope the next room takes less time. Our billet is here around March 12, so we have a month. Lots of snow this morning. We didn't shovel yesterday because we knew more was coming, but we seem to have our work cut out for us now. This trying to eat healthy and exercise really gets on a persons nerves. My knees have been giving me a lot of trouble when I exercise, so I used it as a handy excuse not to try. I will have to mention it the next time I see the doctor. As for dieting! Last night was hamburgers and chips... yummie. The football is on tonight so who knows what we will have. The curling should end before the football. I have a book to carry me through the game. I havn't managed to win the lottery yet, so I guess I am working for another 10 years. I'll keep trying. Debbie and Mallorie both head south on Wednesday, so I guess Patty & I will be carrying the load. Debbie is only in Mexico for a week, but Mallorie is in the Dominican for 2 weeks. (My big excitement will be heading to VCC for a grant meeting on Tuesday... ) I have managed to spend all my money already, and it is a week until payday. Good thing the freezer is full. As I said, I have nothing exciting to report... just ramblings.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Don't worry--be happy!
Pati here
I blog when I want to and I don't mind having several of mine in a row. I think it gets easier the more often you do it. I'm glad you're gettting your car sorted out. I'm actually looking forward to being able to watch the Olympics. TV has been dismal lately, and I have hand work to do--mainly beading--which is so much easier with something to watch.
The meeting is over and now I can relax. I'm going to enjoy one of the perks of my Craft Museum work tomorrow--a free breakfast put on by the Wpg Foundation. I've been to a couple before. They are short (one hour) and always interesting. The food isn't bad either, as they're at the Ft. Garry Hotel. Next week will be my last regularly scheduled Board meeting with them, although I'll have the Annual General Meeting at the end of the month. I believe that I need a break, and am looking forward to it.
David was at the doctor today, and while he was there the doctor told him that they were trying to get hold of me, as there is a problem with my blood work. David wasn't sure what, but didn't think it was my cholesterol, although that is high. So he arranged an appointment for me next week. Now I have that to fret over.
Ah well, time for strong drink. I promised myself one after the meeting today, and I'm darn well going to have it.
I blog when I want to and I don't mind having several of mine in a row. I think it gets easier the more often you do it. I'm glad you're gettting your car sorted out. I'm actually looking forward to being able to watch the Olympics. TV has been dismal lately, and I have hand work to do--mainly beading--which is so much easier with something to watch.
The meeting is over and now I can relax. I'm going to enjoy one of the perks of my Craft Museum work tomorrow--a free breakfast put on by the Wpg Foundation. I've been to a couple before. They are short (one hour) and always interesting. The food isn't bad either, as they're at the Ft. Garry Hotel. Next week will be my last regularly scheduled Board meeting with them, although I'll have the Annual General Meeting at the end of the month. I believe that I need a break, and am looking forward to it.
David was at the doctor today, and while he was there the doctor told him that they were trying to get hold of me, as there is a problem with my blood work. David wasn't sure what, but didn't think it was my cholesterol, although that is high. So he arranged an appointment for me next week. Now I have that to fret over.
Ah well, time for strong drink. I promised myself one after the meeting today, and I'm darn well going to have it.
Be - Time for another few words
Patty you have written a few messages all in a row and I feel that I am falling behind again but then we aren't supposed to feel any such thing when we blog , are we? Just kidding... I write when I can even though I look excitedly every day for messages from you two.
I am a step closer to owning my car. Had the safety inspection done today which I had to pay for. Something called bushings needed to be replaced on the wheels which I also had to pay for. Then I saw the Financial Manager re: purchase and guess what, I now have to pay for the car as well. haha. I go next Wednesday to finalize it all. But they did give the car a much needed car wash which was apparently free.
I went to violin lessons yesterday and I cannot seem to catch onto using the metronome appropriately- I was told I had no sense of tempo. So I asked for some exercises in order to try to improve and I will try but I don't know if it is something that I will ever catch onto to. I remember when I took piano lessons and I had the same problem. But since I also bought a nice new digital metronome I guess I better get with the program eh? So as you can see, I am in the same boat as you Patty and your dilema with your camera and picture taking.
Tonight I watch Republic of Doyle on CBC at 9 pm. It is a new series that started a few weeks ago - I can't say I really love it, but it gives me something to look forward to and it is Canadian. Set in St John's Newfoundland and is akin to the old TV series The Rockford Files. And then I guess starting next week it will be 24/7 Olympic coverage for two weeks. It showed on the News tonight all the dump trucks hauling in snow from 2 hours away to the Cypress Mountains for the events. I'm sure glad not to be one of the Organizers with all the worries of the weather making or breaking the success of the show in front of the whole world. I can create my own little worries right here at home. For example, Harry has bought many many tickets with all his accumulated points on the Radio Station that I told you about - but the draw is for a 52 inch TV and because he is using all his points just to buy tickets for the draw, he probably will have a good chance to win. So then I ask myself how will a 52 inch TV ever fit into the front room - our present TV is about 36 inches and is big enough for the space that we have.
We put together a picture puzzle this past week - it is a lovely picture of quilts hanging in a yard and on fences with a sign on the gate saying Quilts for Sale and so colourful with not only the quilts but also flowers and trees and buildings It was hard but also fun - only thing is when all was said and done, there is one piece missing. I suspect that it has fallen on the floor as the little kitten had to be shooed away several times and it may have been lost somehow. I vacuumed today but did not come across it - at least knowingly. So I put the puzle back into the box and away and hope the piece may show up in the next little while- if not, into the garbage it will go.
Well, time to go for now. Take care
I am a step closer to owning my car. Had the safety inspection done today which I had to pay for. Something called bushings needed to be replaced on the wheels which I also had to pay for. Then I saw the Financial Manager re: purchase and guess what, I now have to pay for the car as well. haha. I go next Wednesday to finalize it all. But they did give the car a much needed car wash which was apparently free.
I went to violin lessons yesterday and I cannot seem to catch onto using the metronome appropriately- I was told I had no sense of tempo. So I asked for some exercises in order to try to improve and I will try but I don't know if it is something that I will ever catch onto to. I remember when I took piano lessons and I had the same problem. But since I also bought a nice new digital metronome I guess I better get with the program eh? So as you can see, I am in the same boat as you Patty and your dilema with your camera and picture taking.
Tonight I watch Republic of Doyle on CBC at 9 pm. It is a new series that started a few weeks ago - I can't say I really love it, but it gives me something to look forward to and it is Canadian. Set in St John's Newfoundland and is akin to the old TV series The Rockford Files. And then I guess starting next week it will be 24/7 Olympic coverage for two weeks. It showed on the News tonight all the dump trucks hauling in snow from 2 hours away to the Cypress Mountains for the events. I'm sure glad not to be one of the Organizers with all the worries of the weather making or breaking the success of the show in front of the whole world. I can create my own little worries right here at home. For example, Harry has bought many many tickets with all his accumulated points on the Radio Station that I told you about - but the draw is for a 52 inch TV and because he is using all his points just to buy tickets for the draw, he probably will have a good chance to win. So then I ask myself how will a 52 inch TV ever fit into the front room - our present TV is about 36 inches and is big enough for the space that we have.
We put together a picture puzzle this past week - it is a lovely picture of quilts hanging in a yard and on fences with a sign on the gate saying Quilts for Sale and so colourful with not only the quilts but also flowers and trees and buildings It was hard but also fun - only thing is when all was said and done, there is one piece missing. I suspect that it has fallen on the floor as the little kitten had to be shooed away several times and it may have been lost somehow. I vacuumed today but did not come across it - at least knowingly. So I put the puzle back into the box and away and hope the piece may show up in the next little while- if not, into the garbage it will go.
Well, time to go for now. Take care
Busy
Pati here
I sem very busy these days, and yet I don't see accomplishing anything with my "busy-ness". I have a meeting this afternoon--here--and spent most of yesterday cleaning the bathroom. I've heard the expression the " work expands to fill the time allotted to it". Sure seems to be true around here. With having to fix the car, and buy pills, this is sort of a lean month, so David baked fruit bread for me to serve this afternoon. I tried it this morning and I'm not really sure that it's cooked. What a dilemna! He's off at the doctor ( 7:15 appointment, so he might make it home by 10:30), so I'll wait until he gets home and have him try it. Nothing went right making it and he had to scrap the first batch and start over, so he was at it, literally, all day yesterday.
We bought a tripod for our camera. We now have a fairly expensive set up, when you take into consideration the PhotoShop Elements program I bought and the coures I took on using it ( which taught me very little). I suggested that we take a class on how to use use the camera, but he's reluctant. Getting my work photographed is an expensive chore, and one that is getting more and more important as I exhibit more and more. So many show decisions are made on the basis of whatever photograph is submitted, and they have ways of checking to make sure that you don't Photoshop the picture before entering it. ( You're allowed to crop and re-size but that's all) So being able to take a good photo is critical.
So, off to finish house cleaning. Once the ladies leave, it'll be time for "strong drink", to celebrate one more milestone on my path to divesting myself of volunteer commitments.
I sem very busy these days, and yet I don't see accomplishing anything with my "busy-ness". I have a meeting this afternoon--here--and spent most of yesterday cleaning the bathroom. I've heard the expression the " work expands to fill the time allotted to it". Sure seems to be true around here. With having to fix the car, and buy pills, this is sort of a lean month, so David baked fruit bread for me to serve this afternoon. I tried it this morning and I'm not really sure that it's cooked. What a dilemna! He's off at the doctor ( 7:15 appointment, so he might make it home by 10:30), so I'll wait until he gets home and have him try it. Nothing went right making it and he had to scrap the first batch and start over, so he was at it, literally, all day yesterday.
We bought a tripod for our camera. We now have a fairly expensive set up, when you take into consideration the PhotoShop Elements program I bought and the coures I took on using it ( which taught me very little). I suggested that we take a class on how to use use the camera, but he's reluctant. Getting my work photographed is an expensive chore, and one that is getting more and more important as I exhibit more and more. So many show decisions are made on the basis of whatever photograph is submitted, and they have ways of checking to make sure that you don't Photoshop the picture before entering it. ( You're allowed to crop and re-size but that's all) So being able to take a good photo is critical.
So, off to finish house cleaning. Once the ladies leave, it'll be time for "strong drink", to celebrate one more milestone on my path to divesting myself of volunteer commitments.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Damn Blogger!!
Pati here
Sorry to be absent lately but I've been having a terrible time getting into Blogger. Not that I have a lot to say, mind you. My first test class went well, and I got some very valuable feedback. I'm planning some significant changes to how I do things. I have a beading class to teach at the end of this month, and a small purse making session in mid-March, then my second test class at the end of March. So I'm going to be quite busy over the next little while. I just wish that the money I make reflected the amount of time and energy I spend making it! LOL
Loren appears to be doing well. He was home with the children this weekend. We took them to swimming lessons on Friday evening. Sargent Park pool is a scarey place on a Friday night. Today I was out and about picking up small things that I've ordered, and running errands. We took some clothing into the local thrift store and found two 24 inch high stools. I have been looking everywhere. Bar stools are either 19" or 29", but not 24", which is what I need to use at my work table. Not only are these two the right height, but they are new, rather than used. The lady said that four of them had come in boxes and she had thought they might have been part of a display somewhere. I'm very pleased.
Now I have a whole afternoon to play in the studio before I go out to my Ravenesque meeting this evening. I hope everyone is well.
Sorry to be absent lately but I've been having a terrible time getting into Blogger. Not that I have a lot to say, mind you. My first test class went well, and I got some very valuable feedback. I'm planning some significant changes to how I do things. I have a beading class to teach at the end of this month, and a small purse making session in mid-March, then my second test class at the end of March. So I'm going to be quite busy over the next little while. I just wish that the money I make reflected the amount of time and energy I spend making it! LOL
Loren appears to be doing well. He was home with the children this weekend. We took them to swimming lessons on Friday evening. Sargent Park pool is a scarey place on a Friday night. Today I was out and about picking up small things that I've ordered, and running errands. We took some clothing into the local thrift store and found two 24 inch high stools. I have been looking everywhere. Bar stools are either 19" or 29", but not 24", which is what I need to use at my work table. Not only are these two the right height, but they are new, rather than used. The lady said that four of them had come in boxes and she had thought they might have been part of a display somewhere. I'm very pleased.
Now I have a whole afternoon to play in the studio before I go out to my Ravenesque meeting this evening. I hope everyone is well.
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