I am a list maker. I have lists on lists on lists. I make weekly lists, and daily lists. When I was working and under deadline, I made hourly lists. I haven't changed all that much, but the hourly lists are gone. I make a weekly list of each day and what I want accomplished. In the beginning, I had possibly 7-10 items I wanted to complete for the day. Now I have streamlined it to 3-5 items in a day. I am toying with the thought of even having a day or two during the week of nothing. NOTHING. Still toying with this idea. Seems too drastic for me.
It is a novel idea, though. Or maybe that is what I want to do. Read a novel for a day instead of an hour.
Some days, I feel that I'm frantically trying to fit everything in. I am changing. I don't think I need to do everything any longer.
So, I'm prioritizing my to-do list with what I want to do. In other words, I am trying my hardest to get organized. It's still the crafts, the writing, the traveling. But there is more, there is getting healthy, selling my purses online, not downsizing but purging all the "stuff" from my life.
I want my life simple. I want the time to write both the fiction and this blog and maybe another and stories from my ancestor's lines and other short stories, I want the time to continue to decorate my house with hand-crafted items that cost pennies instead of hundreds, I want the time to complete the ceramic pieces for me and for my friends, I want the time to make the stain glass pieces and the windows I want to make from stain glass, I want the time to master fused glass and make remarkably awesome pieces, I want the time to plan and go on breathtaking travels whose memories I can enjoy for years to come. I want time to be with people and listen and learn from them, and laugh belly laughs over funny stories or jokes.
Thing is, I believe I can have all that. But I also believe I need to be more organized so I can enjoy it, savor it.
Looking over my lists, I have decided what to do after I am finished with my current projects. The book of shorts is taking care of itself. I have a separate list on that one.
Then, to this blog. It needs to be more organized, and since I think health is so important, I have decided I am going to devote one day a week (Mondays) to talking about health. Exercise, Vitamins, Brain Games, Emotional, Medical Breakthroughs, anything concerning health in our attempt to live a longer, better life. And only on Mondays. My qualifications for this is simply that I am a human being. I am very good at research, and I am my own guinea pig. I will give you everything I know at that time for that one item. Upfront, I am not a medical person, I am not an RN, MD, MSW, Personal Trainer. But I know all those people, and I have a great network to draw from.
Until Next Week...have a great weekend!
Friday, April 29, 2016
Thursday, April 28, 2016
Somedays Art is Free
Today was a fun day. I did not work at any of my crafts nor did I write. I went with a long-time friend to go to Plant City to a ceramic shop where I picked up Michael the Archangel bisque ceramic.
I went to a ceramic show last Fall and I saw a huge (at least 3 feet high) ceramic piece of an angel. I fell in love with it and have thought about the piece since. Eventually, I called the shop and told the person I was interested in Michael the Archangel. The man said he was sold but they would pour me another. So, today, I picked up my friend and we went to get Michael. (Once he is painted, I will show him off in color!) This is not the one I remember, but he will do just fine until I find the other one. Then, I will have two angels to watch over me as I sleep!
My friend and I made a day of it. We went to lunch and shopping (more supplies for my crafts and items for the house). It was a great day and one well deserved since all I have been doing is writing my book and working on presents for other people.
What was really grand was when I turned down the street where I live, and this is what I saw in the middle of the street, not moving for anyone.
These pictures are of a Florida Sandhill Crane. There is no need for art when I can simply drive down the street and see these lovely creatures.
Until tomorrow...have a great day!
I went to a ceramic show last Fall and I saw a huge (at least 3 feet high) ceramic piece of an angel. I fell in love with it and have thought about the piece since. Eventually, I called the shop and told the person I was interested in Michael the Archangel. The man said he was sold but they would pour me another. So, today, I picked up my friend and we went to get Michael. (Once he is painted, I will show him off in color!) This is not the one I remember, but he will do just fine until I find the other one. Then, I will have two angels to watch over me as I sleep!
My friend and I made a day of it. We went to lunch and shopping (more supplies for my crafts and items for the house). It was a great day and one well deserved since all I have been doing is writing my book and working on presents for other people.
What was really grand was when I turned down the street where I live, and this is what I saw in the middle of the street, not moving for anyone.
These pictures are of a Florida Sandhill Crane. There is no need for art when I can simply drive down the street and see these lovely creatures.
Until tomorrow...have a great day!
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
We Do Live in a Global Economy
I have talked a little about an upcoming trip to Alaska, and since the time is getting shorter, I am starting to get items ready to take. One of the items I have been looking for is a lightweight coat that I could wear while viewing the glaciers, and then could also wear when I go north during the autumn months. I could also use the lightweight coat on chilly nights here in Florida during the winter (we do have a couple of weeks of winter).
Believe me, living in Florida means you do not find a multitude of coats, so last year I bought a coat online, but it is too heavy for what I need for the trip, and really too heavy to wear here on a chilly Florida night. It is only good if I go to Chicago in early winter, or late, late winter.
I thought, how about a boiled wool coat. Lightweight, could fold in a suitcase, maybe even put it in one of those bags and suck the air out so I have one small package for a chilly morning. Sounded good. I decided to start my search online.
Where I found the product I was looking for was on Etsy.com. (That site devoted to people who hand make products and sell their products there). Not only did I find what I was looking for online, but I found two designers who make these to size -- one in Bulgaria and the other in Italy. I could also ask questions to the designers and that is exactly what I did. That was last night or I should say this morning about 1 a.m. before I went to bed.
I received the answer to my query. Within 24 hours. It looks like I am going to have a lightweight poncho for my trip. I think I will get it in grey.
I am amazed. Just a few short years ago, this would have been impossible. Today, we are a global people making, buying, and selling products from almost anyone, anywhere in the world. And I love it. I love giving my business to an entrepreneur instead of a corporation. And for me the only place to find these people after I go to the local entrepreneurs to first buy local is online. And online can take me anywhere at any time. I am excited. I do not have to settle for what I don't want.
Until tomorrow...have a great day.
Believe me, living in Florida means you do not find a multitude of coats, so last year I bought a coat online, but it is too heavy for what I need for the trip, and really too heavy to wear here on a chilly Florida night. It is only good if I go to Chicago in early winter, or late, late winter.
I thought, how about a boiled wool coat. Lightweight, could fold in a suitcase, maybe even put it in one of those bags and suck the air out so I have one small package for a chilly morning. Sounded good. I decided to start my search online.
Where I found the product I was looking for was on Etsy.com. (That site devoted to people who hand make products and sell their products there). Not only did I find what I was looking for online, but I found two designers who make these to size -- one in Bulgaria and the other in Italy. I could also ask questions to the designers and that is exactly what I did. That was last night or I should say this morning about 1 a.m. before I went to bed.
I received the answer to my query. Within 24 hours. It looks like I am going to have a lightweight poncho for my trip. I think I will get it in grey.
I am amazed. Just a few short years ago, this would have been impossible. Today, we are a global people making, buying, and selling products from almost anyone, anywhere in the world. And I love it. I love giving my business to an entrepreneur instead of a corporation. And for me the only place to find these people after I go to the local entrepreneurs to first buy local is online. And online can take me anywhere at any time. I am excited. I do not have to settle for what I don't want.
Until tomorrow...have a great day.
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
A Quick Trip to the Bahamas
Last year, before I went to Barcelona and the transatlantic trip, I decided I needed to go on a short cruise to see what I would need for the longer one. I did not want to spend much money, and with a BOGO deal (buy one, get one), I signed up for a 4-night cruise to Nassau, Bahamas. I took the inside cabin and for two people the total amount was $585/for the 4 night. I set about finding someone to go with me. That way, my part would only be $297.50. I did find someone to go with me, and we set off for Port Canaveral to park the car and board the ship.
We took the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, and I was pleasantly surprised at the accommodations (except the bed could have been better), the meals, and the myriad of activities we could be a part of on the ship -- from karaoke to dance lessons to stage shows with casinos, bingo and trivia games. Anything and everything was available. Let's see, rounding out my bill, that is 4 nights for $300 equals $75 night which includes a bed, meals, and entertainment. Pretty good.
The ship was one of many as it docked in Nassau. Our ship is pictured in the front, next to Carnival and then the Norwegian.
We opted to go on a shore excursion, but we could have gotten off the boat and took a walking tour around town and did a little bit of shopping. This picture to the right is what the town looks like when you disembark from the ship.
We took the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, and I was pleasantly surprised at the accommodations (except the bed could have been better), the meals, and the myriad of activities we could be a part of on the ship -- from karaoke to dance lessons to stage shows with casinos, bingo and trivia games. Anything and everything was available. Let's see, rounding out my bill, that is 4 nights for $300 equals $75 night which includes a bed, meals, and entertainment. Pretty good.
The ship was one of many as it docked in Nassau. Our ship is pictured in the front, next to Carnival and then the Norwegian.
We opted to go on a shore excursion, but we could have gotten off the boat and took a walking tour around town and did a little bit of shopping. This picture to the right is what the town looks like when you disembark from the ship.
Actually, we would have probably seen more if we would have toured on our own. The tour we decided on turned out to be basically a bus ride with a tour guide who was constantly trying to imitate Matthew Mcconaughey's "Alright, alright, alright" from the Wolf of Wallstreet movie. He was not good at all. But, he did take us by the Government Buildings of Parliament Square, the Government House, and many, many street with garbage in the streets and piled high in empty lots.
This picture at the right shows the Government Buildings of Parliament Square. It was built in 1815 and is colonial architecture. Queen Victoria stand in front. The picture above left is the Governors House, originally built in 1739, destroyed in 1929 and rebuilt in 1932. This is the residence of the Governor General of Bahamas.
We stopped at Fort Fincastle to tour the grounds and inside (for a very modest fee). If we wanted to we could walk the 65 steps of the Queen's Staircase which leads from the town to the Fort.
\He spent an extraordinary long time at the Atlantis Hotel, telling us more than once that the room on top cost $25,000/night. So. I don't believe one of us on the trip could think, or even want to think of spending that kind of money for a hotel room for one night. Now, mind you, we did not go into the hotel, we just parked the bus and looked at it. He did allow us to get off the bus and take a picture of the fountain in front of the hotel (pictured below)
After I got home, I did look up how much it cost for a night at the Atlantis. Starting at $240/night. But with some of the rooms, it cost about $50/day to use the resort. Actually, this hotel is a destination instead of a room where you venture out to see the sights.
There are few sights to see in Nassau with the garbage making a lasting impression on me. Otherwise, I can't really say a lot about it.
But, the cruise, yes. I would do it over and over. It's a good bang for your buck, and if you don't want to spend money on an excursion, you could always disembark the ship and walk around the town, or take public transportation, such as HOHO (hop on-hop off buses) if you are in town long enough. Just be sure to be to the ship on time, or you could be left behind. There are some people here who simply go on the cruise and never get off. There is just that much to do onboard.
Until tomorrow...have a great day
Monday, April 25, 2016
Mondays are Free When You Visit Sarasota's Ringling Museum of Art
I had the delight to visit The Ringling Museum of Art. Eric and Lauren were visiting and mostly they went to the beach by themselves, but there were a few ventures I wanted to share with them. I had been wanting to go to Ringling Brothers in Sarasota for a long time, and when they said they would like to go, too, I jumped at the chance. We decided to go on a Monday and to our surprise, the Museum of Art was free of charge.
We decided to see how long it took us to stroll through the rooms and stop at favorite pieces of art, and then decide if we wanted to pay admission prices to continue to explore more of the grounds and other buildings that housed differing items.
On the way from the entrance to the museum we walked on paths that overlooked beautiful waterways and grounds.
And ponds. I thought this picture cool because it shows a duck, a turtle and a fish. Living very happily together!
This Museum is built as a square with doors that open to rooms of art through the arched entrances surrounding the perimeter of the structure. The grounds are exquisite!
Bronzes and Statues of gods are placed on lawn, under the arched entrances and on top of the buildings. People could sit under the arches on benches they provided to enjoy the view.
Inside the museum were rooms and rooms of Renaissance art. Here is the Blue Madonna painted by the Italian Carlo Dolci in the 17th century. I was mesmerized by this painting. Madonna's skin was such a contrast to the black background and the beautiful blue that surrounded her head. I could have looked at her all day.
I am not into Renaissance art that much but I have to admit, there were some gorgeous pieces.
It took us about 2-3 hours to browse the art, stopping and admiring some of the pieces, strolling past others.
We decided to go to Siesta Key for a late lunch, so that was my day at Ringling. Now I need to go back and visit the the Circus Museum, Bayfront Gardens and Ca' D'Zan, their private residence. They also have the Asolo Theatre on the grounds. It was built in Asolo, Italy, in 1798 and acquired by Ringling in 1949. Besides being open to the public for all to admire the architecture, it does have a theatre schedule.
The grounds are adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico, so when you look out over the grounds you see the water. And of course a palm tree.
What a great way to spend a Monday! All I can say is it is worth the trip, and he must have made an awful lot of money with those circuses. So glad he decided to collect art! for us to enjoy. I understand they have an art school, too. Will have to check that out.
Until tomorrow....have a great day.
Friday, April 22, 2016
Getting Healthy For My Trip to China
I want to go to China -- to see the Great Wall and the Terra Cotta Warriors, among the scenery and history China has to offer. So, I have been scouring travel brochures to see which one is right for me. Many different agencies have basically the same sites to see, so then it is a determination on how many days I want to spend there and whether I decide on the small nuances each agency offers.
Since the plane ride is so long, I am going to spend a good amount of time on the other side of the world. Being 67 and wanting to see as much as the world that I can, each time I go to a country will be the only time I go to that country, except Europe. I can always go back to a favorite spot as I travel throughout Europe.
Upon looking at the China itinerary, it is busy. I mean, busy, with planned activities most of each day for 14-21 days, depending on how long I go. Just reading the itinerary wore me out. But, I really want to go to China. So, I need to get ready to be able to keep up with the itinerary. To see everything I can see in the days I spend there (and Hong Kong, too).
First, I tested myself to see how much activity I could handle in one day. Fairly well. Good to go for a full day of activities. But, the next day was a wash-out day for me. Can't do that if I want to go to China. So, enter the Fitbit. Hey, it's working.
Then, enter a drink to raise my metabolism.
It's a simple drink and not too bad in taste. I mix 1 Tablespoon of Flaxseed Oil and 1 Tablespoon of Lechitin Granules with 6-8 ounces of Pineapple Juice.
And, I can tell the difference. Not the first day, but after drinking it every day for a week, I do have more stamina. And more stamina means I can exercise more which means that I can be stronger and go longer.
Besides the metabolism drink, I also start my morning with 1/2 lemon squeezed in an 8 ounce glass of room warmed water. Flushes those toxins out and gets me started on a good day.
The other thing I have been doing is eliminating fast food and processed food from my diet. That is a hard one. I am doing fairly good with the fast food and only stop at a burger joint a couple times a month and only for a burger from the value meal. It's been ages since I drank cola products.
Processed food is a different story. I gave up bread (except for buns when I have a turkey burger) a long time ago, so I also gave up my deli meat, which I love. Nothing like Boar's Head Cajun Turkey. No longer for me, though. But there is ice cream, and cream cheese and flavored crackers and tons of other food. I'm working on this one.
I was told that when I go grocery shopping, only shop the perimeter of the store, do not go down the aisles because that is where the processed food is. So long frozen dinners.
I've been doing this for a couple of months now and I can tell the difference. The full day of activity has stretched to 1 1/2 days with no down time afterward. Which means I can be busy for a good 36 hours (sleep in between) and not feel any effects. I don't need to stop or sit down to rest. I can go.
Like I did when I was 30 and could go all day and all night and not blink an eyelash. For days on end. That's what the difference is between then and now, the length of recovery. And I'm working on that.
Next moves. Going to start going to the gym to get stronger, and I am going to travel where I am busy for days straight but not as intense as China. Thought I might go to Ireland on a bus tour next year. That means every day going somewhere, doing something, but traveling from place to place on a bus. That should give me a good indication on how much I can handle. In between time, though, I will travel around Florida on day trips that would have been exhausting a while back and see how ready I am to go again the next day. One step at a time. I am determined. I want to go to China. And the sooner the better!
Until Monday...have a great weekend.
Since the plane ride is so long, I am going to spend a good amount of time on the other side of the world. Being 67 and wanting to see as much as the world that I can, each time I go to a country will be the only time I go to that country, except Europe. I can always go back to a favorite spot as I travel throughout Europe.
Upon looking at the China itinerary, it is busy. I mean, busy, with planned activities most of each day for 14-21 days, depending on how long I go. Just reading the itinerary wore me out. But, I really want to go to China. So, I need to get ready to be able to keep up with the itinerary. To see everything I can see in the days I spend there (and Hong Kong, too).
First, I tested myself to see how much activity I could handle in one day. Fairly well. Good to go for a full day of activities. But, the next day was a wash-out day for me. Can't do that if I want to go to China. So, enter the Fitbit. Hey, it's working.
Then, enter a drink to raise my metabolism.
It's a simple drink and not too bad in taste. I mix 1 Tablespoon of Flaxseed Oil and 1 Tablespoon of Lechitin Granules with 6-8 ounces of Pineapple Juice.
And, I can tell the difference. Not the first day, but after drinking it every day for a week, I do have more stamina. And more stamina means I can exercise more which means that I can be stronger and go longer.
Besides the metabolism drink, I also start my morning with 1/2 lemon squeezed in an 8 ounce glass of room warmed water. Flushes those toxins out and gets me started on a good day.
The other thing I have been doing is eliminating fast food and processed food from my diet. That is a hard one. I am doing fairly good with the fast food and only stop at a burger joint a couple times a month and only for a burger from the value meal. It's been ages since I drank cola products.
Processed food is a different story. I gave up bread (except for buns when I have a turkey burger) a long time ago, so I also gave up my deli meat, which I love. Nothing like Boar's Head Cajun Turkey. No longer for me, though. But there is ice cream, and cream cheese and flavored crackers and tons of other food. I'm working on this one.
I was told that when I go grocery shopping, only shop the perimeter of the store, do not go down the aisles because that is where the processed food is. So long frozen dinners.
I've been doing this for a couple of months now and I can tell the difference. The full day of activity has stretched to 1 1/2 days with no down time afterward. Which means I can be busy for a good 36 hours (sleep in between) and not feel any effects. I don't need to stop or sit down to rest. I can go.
Like I did when I was 30 and could go all day and all night and not blink an eyelash. For days on end. That's what the difference is between then and now, the length of recovery. And I'm working on that.
Next moves. Going to start going to the gym to get stronger, and I am going to travel where I am busy for days straight but not as intense as China. Thought I might go to Ireland on a bus tour next year. That means every day going somewhere, doing something, but traveling from place to place on a bus. That should give me a good indication on how much I can handle. In between time, though, I will travel around Florida on day trips that would have been exhausting a while back and see how ready I am to go again the next day. One step at a time. I am determined. I want to go to China. And the sooner the better!
Until Monday...have a great weekend.
Thursday, April 21, 2016
Fitbit Update
I really have taken off today. The only "thing" I have done constructive is go to ceramics.
I was just so pleased with myself yesterday. Besides finishing story #8, I met all criteria to the fitbit. And I love my fitbit. Probably, you could say I am obsessed with it.
Once you own a fitbit you sync it to either your smartphone or pc, and then just go with it. I plug in my water intake and the food I eat. Fitbit calculates the calories for the food and keeps track of the water. And the exercise whether it is active or simple steps.
Yesterday, I had the green button for most everything. That does not happen often, but yesterday it did.
For steps -- 10,027
Walked 7 of 9 hours between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
and that calculated that I had been active for 27% of the day and
stationary for 73% of the day
It also told me I had been awake for 14 hours of the day and the longest I was stationary at any given time was 2 hours, 5 minutes.
Altogether I walked 4.05 miles, burned 2466 calories, did not go up any floors, but had 67 active minutes. I ate 1617 calories and burned 2466 calories, with (according to them) I was 145 calories over my budget of wanting to lose a certain amount of weight by a certain date. I drank 64 oz of water.
Less than 1500 calories a day is not much. What I have learned about my eating habits since the beginning of fitbit is I do not eat that many calories, but I do average over 1500 calories.
I can tell you that when I do not have the active minutes of at least 30 minutes, the weight stays on. So, the more active I am, the better the weight comes off. For me, it's not the calories, it's the activity and fitbit is teaching me about this. Although I knew that because years ago I lost 3 dress sizes in one summer by walking.
The other part of fitbit I like a lot is the sleep data. All I do is wear my fitbit to bed and it not only tells me how long I sleep but my sleep pattern. For instance, I tap the day and it shows me how long it took for me to go to sleep, how many times I was awake during the night, how many times I was restless during the night as well as how many minutes I was awake or restless during the night.
In the beginning, I thought I was getting about 9 hours of sleep a night. Wrong! I was getting about 7 1/2 hours of sleep. Once, when I went to bed late, but got up late, I found out my sleep was lousy with only 4 1/2 hours of sleep. I was amazed.
This gadget is amazing to me. I know that since I have had it, I am so aware of the food I eat, the water I drink, the exercise I do and the sleep I get.
If I want to learn more, there are tons of tools on their website, such as on their blog today is an article about "Kick Your Late Night Snack Habit and Lose Weight." (Need to work on that one.) and "Dirty Dozen Update! Fruits and Veggies Worth Buying Organic". Strawberries come in Number 1 as dirty (because of the pesticides). Cleanest fruit (non organic) are pineapples, mangoes and cantaloupe.
Anyone can visit their website if you are interested in this info. Just go to Fitbit.com and then at the bottom of the page click on Blog. You can watch them of YouTube also.
I may sound like an advertisement, but I really am not. I just love my fitbit. And I feel better. Not bloated. Flatter belly. Better attitude toward my body.
Until tomorrow...have a great day.
I was just so pleased with myself yesterday. Besides finishing story #8, I met all criteria to the fitbit. And I love my fitbit. Probably, you could say I am obsessed with it.
Once you own a fitbit you sync it to either your smartphone or pc, and then just go with it. I plug in my water intake and the food I eat. Fitbit calculates the calories for the food and keeps track of the water. And the exercise whether it is active or simple steps.Yesterday, I had the green button for most everything. That does not happen often, but yesterday it did.
For steps -- 10,027
Walked 7 of 9 hours between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
and that calculated that I had been active for 27% of the day and
stationary for 73% of the day
It also told me I had been awake for 14 hours of the day and the longest I was stationary at any given time was 2 hours, 5 minutes.
Altogether I walked 4.05 miles, burned 2466 calories, did not go up any floors, but had 67 active minutes. I ate 1617 calories and burned 2466 calories, with (according to them) I was 145 calories over my budget of wanting to lose a certain amount of weight by a certain date. I drank 64 oz of water.
Less than 1500 calories a day is not much. What I have learned about my eating habits since the beginning of fitbit is I do not eat that many calories, but I do average over 1500 calories.
I can tell you that when I do not have the active minutes of at least 30 minutes, the weight stays on. So, the more active I am, the better the weight comes off. For me, it's not the calories, it's the activity and fitbit is teaching me about this. Although I knew that because years ago I lost 3 dress sizes in one summer by walking.
The other part of fitbit I like a lot is the sleep data. All I do is wear my fitbit to bed and it not only tells me how long I sleep but my sleep pattern. For instance, I tap the day and it shows me how long it took for me to go to sleep, how many times I was awake during the night, how many times I was restless during the night as well as how many minutes I was awake or restless during the night.
In the beginning, I thought I was getting about 9 hours of sleep a night. Wrong! I was getting about 7 1/2 hours of sleep. Once, when I went to bed late, but got up late, I found out my sleep was lousy with only 4 1/2 hours of sleep. I was amazed.
This gadget is amazing to me. I know that since I have had it, I am so aware of the food I eat, the water I drink, the exercise I do and the sleep I get.
If I want to learn more, there are tons of tools on their website, such as on their blog today is an article about "Kick Your Late Night Snack Habit and Lose Weight." (Need to work on that one.) and "Dirty Dozen Update! Fruits and Veggies Worth Buying Organic". Strawberries come in Number 1 as dirty (because of the pesticides). Cleanest fruit (non organic) are pineapples, mangoes and cantaloupe.
Anyone can visit their website if you are interested in this info. Just go to Fitbit.com and then at the bottom of the page click on Blog. You can watch them of YouTube also.
I may sound like an advertisement, but I really am not. I just love my fitbit. And I feel better. Not bloated. Flatter belly. Better attitude toward my body.
Until tomorrow...have a great day.
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
I Finished Story Number 8 Today
I am tired. I decided to stay home today so I could type the final draft of my short story. It is number 8 in the collection, and I have only one more to go. I still have high hopes that that story will be completed by April 30th. It is half written, so I do believe I will be able to complete it in my self-imposed time frame.
This story I just finished typing took a while because it is my exercise in description. I worked a long time on finding just the right words for the descriptions. Actually, I fell in love with the story.
As I write, sometimes the story takes on a life of its own. I was so surprised how this story developed and ended. I had an idea how it was going to go, but it took turns and twists that I had no idea were going to happen. That is what is so much fun writing fiction. Of course, I had to do a bit of research for the scenes to be accurate, but the story line is fiction. Pure fiction with a life of its own.
I have had the actual writing done for quite some time. It was the selection of words to use to give the reader the exact picture I was trying to paint.
The name of this story is The Train's Whistle.
I am going to take a one-day break from writing, and then get into Finding Home, the last story to write for the collection of short stories. Then, I will be finished with that part of getting my book of shorts published.
So, for now, I'm tired, I'm hungry, and my butt hurts from sitting so much. I think I will have salmon tonight.
Until tomorrow...have a good day.
This story I just finished typing took a while because it is my exercise in description. I worked a long time on finding just the right words for the descriptions. Actually, I fell in love with the story.
As I write, sometimes the story takes on a life of its own. I was so surprised how this story developed and ended. I had an idea how it was going to go, but it took turns and twists that I had no idea were going to happen. That is what is so much fun writing fiction. Of course, I had to do a bit of research for the scenes to be accurate, but the story line is fiction. Pure fiction with a life of its own.
I have had the actual writing done for quite some time. It was the selection of words to use to give the reader the exact picture I was trying to paint.
The name of this story is The Train's Whistle.
I am going to take a one-day break from writing, and then get into Finding Home, the last story to write for the collection of short stories. Then, I will be finished with that part of getting my book of shorts published.
So, for now, I'm tired, I'm hungry, and my butt hurts from sitting so much. I think I will have salmon tonight.
Until tomorrow...have a good day.
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Going to an Alzheimer's Study
No. I do not have Alzheimer's, or Dementia, or have any memory loss, but I met a lady who said she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and she and her son have been learning all they can about the disease. In one of the seminars they attended this lady was told about a clinical study she may be appropriate to be a part of. After checking with her primary doctor and learning more about the clinical trial, she made the appointment to start the process. It was today.
Her son, who is her caregiver, could not go with her today and she asked me to go as part of the study. They needed someone who knew her to answer questions about her. I was more than willing to help because I know how frightened she is of this disease. I don't really know her, I only met her a year ago, but sure, I would go.
Her mother and four out of six of her mother's siblings died from Alzheimer's. It is pretty certain that this disease is hereditary, so she has every right to be frightened.
We had a driver pick us up to take us to the clinic. After she completed the necessary paperwork, we were led to a room where a clinician explained the trial and the process. She would stay in one room and would be given a battery of memory tests. I would go to another room and answer questions about her.
I have no clue what type of questions she was asked besides a few analogies and drawing a clock that she discussed with me after the test.
The RN that I was with asked me a series of questions about the lady, and I explained that I did not know her well, but I could answer some questions through my observations, which I did. Then the RN and I began a very interesting discussion on Alzheimer's and what is being learned about the disease to date.
One of the theories today is about Plaque or Amyloid beta and Tangles or Tau. I do not in the slightest have any medical background, but she explained in simple terms that when Alzheimer's is present in the brain there is plaque. That is what I focused on as she showed me the pictures of the brain. I do not have any photos so you will have to use your imagination.
Imagine a brain which has a blob of something on the top part of the brain. This is plaque. It's small in size but present.
Then imagine the plaque growing a bit. Alzheimer's is taking hold.
Then imagine the plaque on the top of the brain, and now at the base of the brain. Alzheimer's has a good hold.
She told me about a wonderful NOVA program on the PBS station titled, Can Alzheimer's Be Stopped. If you have not seen this and are interested it could be found on the PBS site or go to this link
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/body/alzheimers-be-stopped.html
She also showed me the information about alzheimers on the alz.org site. This is the alzheimer's association site. Lots of good information here.
So, we talked and talked about the difference between dementia (especially the old-age dementia with old qualified as 90 or 100). And she explained that some people have vascular dementia instead of alzheimers. She also said that there are many other types of memory loss diseases, some rare such as the one that attacks the frontal lobe. So, it is very important to be properly diagnosed.
My new friend is in the beginning stages of her diagnosis. Initially, she had an MRI and the then doctor in another state said from the MRI that she would probably have alzheimers in 5-7 years. From what I learned today, the MRI does not really define alzheimers although the test is important. As she is further studied and declared a viable candidate for the study, she will be given blood tests, an MRI, and the most important test would be the PET scan. There are probably more tests, but those are the ones I picked up on.
Once the two of us were questioned we were brought together again and told about her results. She did qualify even though she does not have full-blown alzheimers. This is how it was explained to us.
The clinician drew a Bell Curve with 100 having alzheimers. The 85 shows that alzheimers is present and with the new drug being tested, this person would be a good candidate for the study. The clinician explained that once alzheimers is full-blown (my words, not hers), the new drugs being tested would be of little use.
This 77 is where my friend is. So, she is a precursor to alzheimers and is experiencing some of the telltale signs of the disease, such as what she perceives as a change in her personality, and not being able to focus enough to read.
She should be a good candidate because they said that the earlier they can identify alzheimers, the better the drug would work. Possibly even stalling its progression.
She had one more test to answer questions, and I was able to stay in the room if I said nothing to help her. I did stay and she did lousy on the math part but okay on the language part.
And me, well, I am not a suitable person to be her companion during this study because I do not know her. So, her son will have to go when he can make the appointment and answer the questions that were asked of me.
I am so glad I went. I learned a lot, and since the study will take place over 4 years, I will probably learn more as I ask her how it's going. I wish her well. I know how frightened she is, but maybe with this today and them showing that she does not have full-blown alzheimers, she may be able to subside her fear a bit.
And I thank God I do not have it or or dementia or any memory loss disease. This does not run in my family. I will get cancer, TIAs or neuropathy in the feet, (and no, I am not diabetic now does this disease run in my family) those are in my genes. I don't know if we can even ask for a cure for alzheimers, but I do ask that when identified early, the disease can be halted in its tracks.
Until tomorrow...have a great day
Her son, who is her caregiver, could not go with her today and she asked me to go as part of the study. They needed someone who knew her to answer questions about her. I was more than willing to help because I know how frightened she is of this disease. I don't really know her, I only met her a year ago, but sure, I would go.
Her mother and four out of six of her mother's siblings died from Alzheimer's. It is pretty certain that this disease is hereditary, so she has every right to be frightened.
We had a driver pick us up to take us to the clinic. After she completed the necessary paperwork, we were led to a room where a clinician explained the trial and the process. She would stay in one room and would be given a battery of memory tests. I would go to another room and answer questions about her.
I have no clue what type of questions she was asked besides a few analogies and drawing a clock that she discussed with me after the test.
The RN that I was with asked me a series of questions about the lady, and I explained that I did not know her well, but I could answer some questions through my observations, which I did. Then the RN and I began a very interesting discussion on Alzheimer's and what is being learned about the disease to date.
One of the theories today is about Plaque or Amyloid beta and Tangles or Tau. I do not in the slightest have any medical background, but she explained in simple terms that when Alzheimer's is present in the brain there is plaque. That is what I focused on as she showed me the pictures of the brain. I do not have any photos so you will have to use your imagination.
Imagine a brain which has a blob of something on the top part of the brain. This is plaque. It's small in size but present.
Then imagine the plaque growing a bit. Alzheimer's is taking hold.
Then imagine the plaque on the top of the brain, and now at the base of the brain. Alzheimer's has a good hold.
She told me about a wonderful NOVA program on the PBS station titled, Can Alzheimer's Be Stopped. If you have not seen this and are interested it could be found on the PBS site or go to this link
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/body/alzheimers-be-stopped.html
She also showed me the information about alzheimers on the alz.org site. This is the alzheimer's association site. Lots of good information here.
So, we talked and talked about the difference between dementia (especially the old-age dementia with old qualified as 90 or 100). And she explained that some people have vascular dementia instead of alzheimers. She also said that there are many other types of memory loss diseases, some rare such as the one that attacks the frontal lobe. So, it is very important to be properly diagnosed.
My new friend is in the beginning stages of her diagnosis. Initially, she had an MRI and the then doctor in another state said from the MRI that she would probably have alzheimers in 5-7 years. From what I learned today, the MRI does not really define alzheimers although the test is important. As she is further studied and declared a viable candidate for the study, she will be given blood tests, an MRI, and the most important test would be the PET scan. There are probably more tests, but those are the ones I picked up on.
Once the two of us were questioned we were brought together again and told about her results. She did qualify even though she does not have full-blown alzheimers. This is how it was explained to us.
The clinician drew a Bell Curve with 100 having alzheimers. The 85 shows that alzheimers is present and with the new drug being tested, this person would be a good candidate for the study. The clinician explained that once alzheimers is full-blown (my words, not hers), the new drugs being tested would be of little use.
This 77 is where my friend is. So, she is a precursor to alzheimers and is experiencing some of the telltale signs of the disease, such as what she perceives as a change in her personality, and not being able to focus enough to read.
She should be a good candidate because they said that the earlier they can identify alzheimers, the better the drug would work. Possibly even stalling its progression.
She had one more test to answer questions, and I was able to stay in the room if I said nothing to help her. I did stay and she did lousy on the math part but okay on the language part.
And me, well, I am not a suitable person to be her companion during this study because I do not know her. So, her son will have to go when he can make the appointment and answer the questions that were asked of me.
I am so glad I went. I learned a lot, and since the study will take place over 4 years, I will probably learn more as I ask her how it's going. I wish her well. I know how frightened she is, but maybe with this today and them showing that she does not have full-blown alzheimers, she may be able to subside her fear a bit.
And I thank God I do not have it or or dementia or any memory loss disease. This does not run in my family. I will get cancer, TIAs or neuropathy in the feet, (and no, I am not diabetic now does this disease run in my family) those are in my genes. I don't know if we can even ask for a cure for alzheimers, but I do ask that when identified early, the disease can be halted in its tracks.
Until tomorrow...have a great day
Monday, April 18, 2016
An Author's Party
Yesterday between 3-6 p.m. I felt I was a real author. The kind of author I always dreamt of being -- hanging out with other authors, discussing book signings and publishings, discussing current topics and the books that we have read and liked. Or maybe didn't like.
I was invited to a party where Penny Fletcher was featured as the guest. Ms. Fletcher is an award winning journalist and an author of four books, namely Wild Rose and The Sumerian Secret. The latter title deals with the Sumerian Texts and NASA. From the cover, it sounds pretty good, so eventually, that book, which is a lead in a series, will be added to my already robust library. She has quite a background, both professionally and personally. For more information on her, you can google her name.
Most of the guests were fellow writers from the writing group and most of them are published. All the writers are very interesting people from very diversified backgrounds. I am probably the only one who is a trained and experienced journalist, having worked in both newspapers and magazines. I also have experience as an editor, in newspapers, magazines, and books.
These books are on my local author/known author shelf in my library. I helped James Riordan with the typing of his book, Stone, about Oliver Stone the director. I was a reader/editor for J. Weakly's book, Under Broken Skies, about the DB Cooper legend. The other books featured here are by the writers in my group: Joyce Lee McIntosh's Inside Out, the first in a detective/mystery series she has written; David Siegenthaler's A Trip Through Leatherstocking Country, a regional historical piece; and WW Walton's Qi, a fantasy.
I got hungry, though, and quit the journalism business around the age of 40 and obtained a teaching certificate. I taught. I always felt I sold my writing soul for a buck. I did. But I did keep writing, just in a different form -- letters for people, a resume business, journaling, and writing just for me with no plans to publish anything. I had written a couple of children's books, but I had no clue on how to publish my books, and I am not an artist so I was lacking the illustrations. To this day, they are filed among my unpublished works.
I believe all this is about to change.
Now there is the INDIE world (writers publishing independently), and that is what I am going to do. My collection of short stories is so close to being finished that I can taste it. Then, to decide how I am going to publish. People in my writing group are guiding me with their suggestions.
We, the people of the Writing Group, listen to other's writings, give suggestions on how to make a sentence better or question the viability of a sentence. Such as, during my last reading of one of my short stories, I wrote that the mother dug up tulip bulbs to store them for the winter. A woman in the group questioned that statement, saying that tulips are perennials. Another person said, no, not in the north. So, since I am not a gardener, and was writing from what I had observed in my life, I needed to do a bit of research on tulips. We are all correct. Tulips can stay in the ground through the winter and rebloom the following spring, but some people dig up the tulips and store them for a year because tulips may get a bit "tired". The only time to plant the tulips are in the fall. I made the necessary corrections, and that small scene is now correct. That's what we do. We listen, give advice, and help one another, be each other's cheerleaders. What a group!
And that was the summary of yesterday's party. We listened, gave advice or answers or shared our experiences, and encouraged all to keep writing.
I also encourage you to write. Write your thoughts (journaling) or a short story or start your memoirs. Of course, read. That is what we writers do, think, read, write. And I am sure that most of my readers do at least two of the three -- read and think. Hopefully, write, too.
Until tomorrow...have a great day!
I was invited to a party where Penny Fletcher was featured as the guest. Ms. Fletcher is an award winning journalist and an author of four books, namely Wild Rose and The Sumerian Secret. The latter title deals with the Sumerian Texts and NASA. From the cover, it sounds pretty good, so eventually, that book, which is a lead in a series, will be added to my already robust library. She has quite a background, both professionally and personally. For more information on her, you can google her name.
Most of the guests were fellow writers from the writing group and most of them are published. All the writers are very interesting people from very diversified backgrounds. I am probably the only one who is a trained and experienced journalist, having worked in both newspapers and magazines. I also have experience as an editor, in newspapers, magazines, and books.
These books are on my local author/known author shelf in my library. I helped James Riordan with the typing of his book, Stone, about Oliver Stone the director. I was a reader/editor for J. Weakly's book, Under Broken Skies, about the DB Cooper legend. The other books featured here are by the writers in my group: Joyce Lee McIntosh's Inside Out, the first in a detective/mystery series she has written; David Siegenthaler's A Trip Through Leatherstocking Country, a regional historical piece; and WW Walton's Qi, a fantasy.
I believe all this is about to change.
Now there is the INDIE world (writers publishing independently), and that is what I am going to do. My collection of short stories is so close to being finished that I can taste it. Then, to decide how I am going to publish. People in my writing group are guiding me with their suggestions.
We, the people of the Writing Group, listen to other's writings, give suggestions on how to make a sentence better or question the viability of a sentence. Such as, during my last reading of one of my short stories, I wrote that the mother dug up tulip bulbs to store them for the winter. A woman in the group questioned that statement, saying that tulips are perennials. Another person said, no, not in the north. So, since I am not a gardener, and was writing from what I had observed in my life, I needed to do a bit of research on tulips. We are all correct. Tulips can stay in the ground through the winter and rebloom the following spring, but some people dig up the tulips and store them for a year because tulips may get a bit "tired". The only time to plant the tulips are in the fall. I made the necessary corrections, and that small scene is now correct. That's what we do. We listen, give advice, and help one another, be each other's cheerleaders. What a group!
And that was the summary of yesterday's party. We listened, gave advice or answers or shared our experiences, and encouraged all to keep writing.
I also encourage you to write. Write your thoughts (journaling) or a short story or start your memoirs. Of course, read. That is what we writers do, think, read, write. And I am sure that most of my readers do at least two of the three -- read and think. Hopefully, write, too.
Until tomorrow...have a great day!
Friday, April 15, 2016
Ceramic Pieces with Embellishments
I am getting caught up with my ceramic projects (for the minute, anyway). I am starting a stain glass piece that I will put a lot of effort and time into, and I want to get back to the projects around the house, namely to paint the footstool with chalk paint and finish the shell lamp I have been working on for I think forever. Will share those with you as they are completed. Also, my book is coming along just fine. I still have the self-imposed April 30th deadline and I am pretty sure I will make it. Then, to publish. I will definitely bring you on that journey with me.
Today, I want to show you the other ceramic pieces that I have finished.
This little box now sits on the ledge in my guest bathroom. Just a little trinket box for my guests to store their rings or small items. I painted the outside with a simple sage green foundation paint and I wanted to add one of my shells. Simple. Used 6000 glue and glued the shell to the trinket box. Safe, secure, and I have a cute little box for the room. Now, I want to find a small air plant and put next to the box on the ledge, and that part of the bathroom is complete.
The other pieces I have recently finished are two boxes that are alike in design. I thought when I ordered them that they would be bigger because they were listed as cookie jars, but they are not deep at all, so what should I do with them? Both were painted with foundation paint (two different shades of blue) and both have decals on the boxes. But, something went wrong with one of the boxes. The lightest blue box's lid is not glossy like the body of the box. So, I decided to give one away and keep the other. I will store the soap I talked about yesterday from graciepieapothecary.com.
Here are the two boxes before the decals. Notice how the back box's lid is shiny. The front lid should be shiny, too, but it came out as matte. I was told that there was not enough paint on it. So, I learned.
This is the box I am going to give to a friend (she loves birds, especially herons). It really turned out nice and people say the use of the decal on the box makes it look antique. Please note that when you use a decal on ceramic pieces the decals are specially made for ceramics and once the decal is on the piece, the ceramic piece is fired again. Now the design is embedded in the ceramic piece.
I used shell decals for this piece. Here you see the soaps stored in the box. I am going to place it in my master bath, and when I want to smell the fragrances, I will simply open the lid.
There are just so many ways to embellish ceramic pieces. And there are tons of different paints to use to give you different affects.
What I have started and will probably take me the good part of this year is next year's Christmas present. (One will get a ceramic set, the other will get a stain glass piece). The ceramic set is a set of pasta bowls that I have started. This time, instead of firing the piece, after I cleaned it I have started painting the designs on the greenware. Please note that these vegetables are raised on the bowl so it is easy to paint. The picture below is only the beginning. Will show you the finished pasta bowl as I get one done. Many to make, though, many to make.
Until next week...have a great weekend
Today, I want to show you the other ceramic pieces that I have finished.
This little box now sits on the ledge in my guest bathroom. Just a little trinket box for my guests to store their rings or small items. I painted the outside with a simple sage green foundation paint and I wanted to add one of my shells. Simple. Used 6000 glue and glued the shell to the trinket box. Safe, secure, and I have a cute little box for the room. Now, I want to find a small air plant and put next to the box on the ledge, and that part of the bathroom is complete.
The other pieces I have recently finished are two boxes that are alike in design. I thought when I ordered them that they would be bigger because they were listed as cookie jars, but they are not deep at all, so what should I do with them? Both were painted with foundation paint (two different shades of blue) and both have decals on the boxes. But, something went wrong with one of the boxes. The lightest blue box's lid is not glossy like the body of the box. So, I decided to give one away and keep the other. I will store the soap I talked about yesterday from graciepieapothecary.com.
Here are the two boxes before the decals. Notice how the back box's lid is shiny. The front lid should be shiny, too, but it came out as matte. I was told that there was not enough paint on it. So, I learned.
This is the box I am going to give to a friend (she loves birds, especially herons). It really turned out nice and people say the use of the decal on the box makes it look antique. Please note that when you use a decal on ceramic pieces the decals are specially made for ceramics and once the decal is on the piece, the ceramic piece is fired again. Now the design is embedded in the ceramic piece.
I used shell decals for this piece. Here you see the soaps stored in the box. I am going to place it in my master bath, and when I want to smell the fragrances, I will simply open the lid.
There are just so many ways to embellish ceramic pieces. And there are tons of different paints to use to give you different affects.
What I have started and will probably take me the good part of this year is next year's Christmas present. (One will get a ceramic set, the other will get a stain glass piece). The ceramic set is a set of pasta bowls that I have started. This time, instead of firing the piece, after I cleaned it I have started painting the designs on the greenware. Please note that these vegetables are raised on the bowl so it is easy to paint. The picture below is only the beginning. Will show you the finished pasta bowl as I get one done. Many to make, though, many to make.
Until next week...have a great weekend
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Another Ceramic Technique -- Crystalites
There are just so many ceramic pieces I want to make before moving on to another craft. So far to date, I have finished more pieces. On one of the pieces, I used crystalites, a paint that has little pieces of crystals that burst with color when fired. It's all in the paint.
I applied three coats of this paint -- Herb Garden -- and I needed to mix the contents of the jar very well between applications besides letting the paint dry between applications. When I mixed the jar, I needed to dig deep because that is where the crystal pieces are that will make the paint POP.
After the three applications were applied and before the dish was fired it looked like this. (right)
I used a cover coat paint for the branch in the middle then put a clear glaze over the brown cover coat. That is why it has two different tones on the piece. So, I should see the Herb Garden for the majority of the leaf dish with a nice brown/black branch running through the middle.
This is the finished product. Pretty nice.
It is a soap dish for the guest bathroom. The soap is awesome. A former editor of mine now has a side line of making soap from natural ingredients with an emphasis on goat's milk. This soap is beautiful, creamy, and smells heavenly. And to date, she has made many different flavors. I can't wait to try more, but I bought a lot of soap, so whoever comes to my house leaves with a sample! Then, I can buy different flavors.
These are a few bars that I bought from her. I really like the mint bars, and there is a beer bar in there as well as an oatmeal bar.
I applied three coats of this paint -- Herb Garden -- and I needed to mix the contents of the jar very well between applications besides letting the paint dry between applications. When I mixed the jar, I needed to dig deep because that is where the crystal pieces are that will make the paint POP.
After the three applications were applied and before the dish was fired it looked like this. (right) I used a cover coat paint for the branch in the middle then put a clear glaze over the brown cover coat. That is why it has two different tones on the piece. So, I should see the Herb Garden for the majority of the leaf dish with a nice brown/black branch running through the middle.
This is the finished product. Pretty nice.It is a soap dish for the guest bathroom. The soap is awesome. A former editor of mine now has a side line of making soap from natural ingredients with an emphasis on goat's milk. This soap is beautiful, creamy, and smells heavenly. And to date, she has made many different flavors. I can't wait to try more, but I bought a lot of soap, so whoever comes to my house leaves with a sample! Then, I can buy different flavors.
These are a few bars that I bought from her. I really like the mint bars, and there is a beer bar in there as well as an oatmeal bar.
This is her calling card if anyone is interested in more information. She is on the internet as well as Facebook. I just talked with her and she said if anyone places an order and mentions this blog, Chapter 14's Journey, she will include other samples of the soap. Her address is graciepieapothecary.com
This is my favorite -- Frango Mint.
This is my favorite -- Frango Mint.
Until tomorrow...have a great day!
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
On Living Longer
I saw on Facebook that someone posted there have been studies that people live longer when they have a purpose. Well, I knew that. In my life my identity was my work. I was Mary the Journalist, the Editor, the Educator. Then it is no longer. My identity was taken from me by choice. It was my choice to retire, to find another calling in life. Another purpose. But, what? that was the big question. I tried this and that for a day or two, and said no.
I even had an entire day where, in my mind, I applied for a job. First, I thought I wanted to work full time, and that lasted about a minute. Then, I thought part-time. That lasted for maybe five minutes. I started thinking about how the part-time job would interfere with my crafts, my writing, my travels. So, no. Then, I thought, seasonal. I could do seasonal during the holiday season or the tax season. That lasted for about 10 minutes. Can't do that. I go away for the holidays; don't want to give that up. Then, the tax season. Too much stress. So, I figured out I was not going to traditionally work anywhere while I am retired.
But, I need a purpose. I need to identify with who I am at this moment. And I figured it out. Exactly what I said I wanted to do. Crafts. Writing. Travel.
It's already proven that people who live in a retirement community do live longer. Why? Because we are too darn busy being active. I am so busy I have to have a schedule. Monday a.m. -- stain glass; Monday p.m. -- ceramics. After that is this blog and I'm thinking of resuscitating another I started a long time ago and put on the back shelf when I moved. That one is about idioms and the words we use. Then, I may look over my writing or do some reading (reading The Paris Wife -- which is excellent). Throw in some exercises or a good walk. Finally, about 8 I fix dinner and eat, watch some t.v. And I start the day again. Some days have more ceramics, some more stain or fused glass, some more writing. Throw in meetings with the Writing Group and the DAR group. Then, there is always the next trip to plan and prepare for. I have no time!
Since I am in good health and have long genes, I can see why there are many centenarians here. They're just too darn busy to get sick and die. Maybe our purpose is not to save the world (we tried that a long time ago -- didn't work) but most people here do have a purpose. Maybe it is volunteering, or simply helping other people, or doing the craft thing, or playing cards, or golfing, or fishing, or traveling, or, or, or....the list is endless. But we do have a purpose. Not the traditional one. But, we do have a purpose.
Until tomorrow...have a great day!
I even had an entire day where, in my mind, I applied for a job. First, I thought I wanted to work full time, and that lasted about a minute. Then, I thought part-time. That lasted for maybe five minutes. I started thinking about how the part-time job would interfere with my crafts, my writing, my travels. So, no. Then, I thought, seasonal. I could do seasonal during the holiday season or the tax season. That lasted for about 10 minutes. Can't do that. I go away for the holidays; don't want to give that up. Then, the tax season. Too much stress. So, I figured out I was not going to traditionally work anywhere while I am retired.
But, I need a purpose. I need to identify with who I am at this moment. And I figured it out. Exactly what I said I wanted to do. Crafts. Writing. Travel.
It's already proven that people who live in a retirement community do live longer. Why? Because we are too darn busy being active. I am so busy I have to have a schedule. Monday a.m. -- stain glass; Monday p.m. -- ceramics. After that is this blog and I'm thinking of resuscitating another I started a long time ago and put on the back shelf when I moved. That one is about idioms and the words we use. Then, I may look over my writing or do some reading (reading The Paris Wife -- which is excellent). Throw in some exercises or a good walk. Finally, about 8 I fix dinner and eat, watch some t.v. And I start the day again. Some days have more ceramics, some more stain or fused glass, some more writing. Throw in meetings with the Writing Group and the DAR group. Then, there is always the next trip to plan and prepare for. I have no time!
Since I am in good health and have long genes, I can see why there are many centenarians here. They're just too darn busy to get sick and die. Maybe our purpose is not to save the world (we tried that a long time ago -- didn't work) but most people here do have a purpose. Maybe it is volunteering, or simply helping other people, or doing the craft thing, or playing cards, or golfing, or fishing, or traveling, or, or, or....the list is endless. But we do have a purpose. Not the traditional one. But, we do have a purpose.
Until tomorrow...have a great day!
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
One of the Tools Painters Use
The first time I learned that painters use overhead projectors to put a picture on a canvas, I was shocked. Here, I thought that all pictures were painted by hand. But that is not so. The first one, of course, but the others are etched by this method or another one that is used, and then filled in with the specific paints and colors used on the first. So, when I buy a painting that is 33/150 it means that there are 150 reproductions of the original painting, and I have just bought number 33. Some painters also hire people to paint or fill in the etched canvas. I never knew this until one painter told me and showed me. I am always learning something.
So, when I worked at one place, we decorated our huge picture windows at Christmas time with holiday themes. What did we use? The overhead projector. In the back room (where it was dark), a thin piece of paper was taped to the wall and the scene was put on the projector. We scaled the projector to the size we wanted and then aimed the projector at the paper and traced the scene onto the thin paper. Then, we went to the picture window and traced the thin paper onto the glass window with a chalk used for glass, and we had a scene.
Then, we would either fill in with paint or the snow in a can. Over the years, there were some awesome scenes -- of sleds and people and stars shining bright. Our imagination was our limit.
So it is with anything you want to paint. Have a desk that you would like painted to look like a clock. Find a pattern and trace once you decide what size you want. Then, fill in with paint. Or whatever your imagination can think of -- feathers, beads, pebbles, anything. I just went to Staples to have an angel enlarged that I am going to make in stained glass. I can do anything with the right tool.
We do the same idea in ceramics. Remember the bamboo vase I painted? I started by painting the entire vase with foundation paint. Then, I found a pattern and traced, decreased the size and then traced it to the painted vase. After that, I filled in the picture with the colors I wanted the bamboo to be and the leaves. So, I did hand paint the picture....with a little help of tracing paper.
The left picture shows the original print, and the right picture shows after I traced the picture to the vase.
With all the different tools available, there is no reason why you can't have your home reflect exactly who you are. As long as you are willing to take on projects. I have so many projects on my list, I will be busy for years!
Until tomorrow...have a great day!
So, when I worked at one place, we decorated our huge picture windows at Christmas time with holiday themes. What did we use? The overhead projector. In the back room (where it was dark), a thin piece of paper was taped to the wall and the scene was put on the projector. We scaled the projector to the size we wanted and then aimed the projector at the paper and traced the scene onto the thin paper. Then, we went to the picture window and traced the thin paper onto the glass window with a chalk used for glass, and we had a scene.
Then, we would either fill in with paint or the snow in a can. Over the years, there were some awesome scenes -- of sleds and people and stars shining bright. Our imagination was our limit.
So it is with anything you want to paint. Have a desk that you would like painted to look like a clock. Find a pattern and trace once you decide what size you want. Then, fill in with paint. Or whatever your imagination can think of -- feathers, beads, pebbles, anything. I just went to Staples to have an angel enlarged that I am going to make in stained glass. I can do anything with the right tool.
We do the same idea in ceramics. Remember the bamboo vase I painted? I started by painting the entire vase with foundation paint. Then, I found a pattern and traced, decreased the size and then traced it to the painted vase. After that, I filled in the picture with the colors I wanted the bamboo to be and the leaves. So, I did hand paint the picture....with a little help of tracing paper.
The left picture shows the original print, and the right picture shows after I traced the picture to the vase.
With all the different tools available, there is no reason why you can't have your home reflect exactly who you are. As long as you are willing to take on projects. I have so many projects on my list, I will be busy for years!
Until tomorrow...have a great day!
Monday, April 11, 2016
Differences between Pottery and Ceramics
I will confess straight up that I do not know the compounds that make the clay for either pottery or ceramics. That is for the professionals. I am an amateur. A very basic amateur. But I can tell you that there is a difference between pottery and ceramics, sometimes noticeable and sometimes not so.
First, the potter is the one who is molding the clay to form. Here, at the left, the lady is beginning to put the clay on the wheel, which is controlled with a foot pedal. The right photo shows the lady starting to form a piece of clay.
Below, pieces have been molded to form and are set out to dry.
Because of this hand process, each piece is unique.
The potter then paints the piece to give its unique look. This picture was taken from the showcase at Sun City Center's Main Clubhouse.
Looking at one of the pieces closely, you will find that some pieces can be hand stamped before the painting process. Shown at right.
The turtle picture shows the greenware (dark grey). Once it is cleaned and fired it becomes the bisque (ivory turtle). Cleaning is an important part of the ceramic piece. How well the piece is cleaned is vital to make sure there are no visible lines from the mold. This determines how well the piece will be received from an interested person.
After the piece is cleaned, fired and made into bisque, then the ceramist paints.
I started painting this teapot in January.
Once all the paint was on and I was satisfied with the finished paint, the teapot was glazed. This is done so it can be food safe. It also gives it that glossy look.
The finished product
And then couple it with hand painted ceramic mugs.
Now as you look at various pieces, you should be able to tell the difference between a potter's piece (hand formed and each piece is unique) and the ceramist's piece (more uniform is shape). For me being involved with one or the other, to make the pottery is too messy for me. I would rather clean and paint. Each are different and each have their followers.
Tomorrow, the design trick.
Until then...have a great day!
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