Hurricane Sandy

playing around with paper clay

a few emergency kit components

Some random photos of what I've been doing today.

There is a major storm, hurricane Sandy, headed my way and I've spent the day 

collecting water, canned food, batteries, etc in preparation.

Last year at this time there was a storm that dumped 12" of snow

on the ground and left me without power for 3 days.

This year I'm ready!

Hopefully, I won't need any of the extra precautions.

Hot Glass Workshop

 tools

lauren at 'the crucible' picking up new glass,
the 'glory hole' to the left where working glass is re-heated

rolling hot glass in frit to add color

using a mold to create the ridges on an ornament

flashing the piece to bring out a metallic sheen

placing the hook on a finished ornament

Today was the day!

I traveled down to the Googleworks to take my hot glass workshop.

I was the only one who signed up for the tumbler class 

so they asked me to join the Holiday Ornament class, 

assuring that I would be able to make my tumbler.

I arrived very early and was able to watch a local artist as she worked.

The process is amazing, the fluid glass is both tough and gooey...very alive.

The working process is mesmerizing...how I love a hot kiln!

I watched as the six other students made their pieces and then 

the teacher, Scott Krenitsky, helped me to make a small tumbler.

His relaxed manner and easy command of the material 

made it seem much less intimidating.

I won't pick up my piece until next week, it's annealing (cooling down) as we speak.

It was a wonderful experience, too bad I'm struggling with another nasty cold.

So it's off to bed for me.

From Coco...

I came home for lunch and found a package leaning against my door.

It was an unexpected gift from the dear and very talented Coco!

So many beautiful gifts!

Including the much loved house slippers.

Don't those red toes just make you smile!

And that little bird drawing!

I am so grateful for all the amazing people I've met

and dear friends made through blogging.

Thank you all 

And thank you Coco, for warming my heart

(and my toes!)

xo, j

Bouquets

Two bouquets arrived at work yesterday.

The roses are from the man who hired me all those years ago

and his lovely girlfriend, one of my dearest friends.

The mums and lilies were a surprise from a colleague.

A real gentleman.

Thanks everyone.

xo, j

Poetry from Russia

Early this morning there was a loud knock on my door.

The mailman was delivering a package sent to me by the very talented Olga.

We participated in a color swap set up by the lovely V.

I carried the package with me as I ran a few errands 

before finally settling on the roots of the oak outside my apartment to open it.

What small and beautiful treasures were inside!

Fine little notes written in the most delicate hand were attached to each item.

The smallest leaf, the pinkest little cup and the treasured moss in a vial...

not to mention the candies, fabric, ribbon, paper and matchbox!

Thank you so much Olga, you spoiled me!

Today is my 25th anniversary at my job.

I chose to take the day off as I have been unhappy there lately.

The timing couldn't have been better.

You made me feel very special today, dear friend.

Rhinebeck

border collies catching frisbees

Yesterday a friend and I attended The New York Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, NY.

The day was bright and unseasonably warm as we explored the barns full of fiber.

My beautiful, albeit shy, friend and I learned how to use a spinning wheel.

Time to start saving those pennies!

We were so busy and our hands too full to take many photos.

I spoiled myself and purchased one ball of long desired Qivuit in a soft, mossy grey color. 

And my yearly skien of cashmere which is eggplant and not the blue it appears to be.

Some of my bounty from left to right:

Persimmon Tree Farm mohair/wool blend

Springtide Farm Cashmere 

Windy Valley Muskox

Hatch Farm Holly Nostepinne

Heaven's to Betsy rug hook

Black Walnut lucette

It was a wonderful event made even better by sharing it with my friend.

Unit next year!

ps. Thanks Mom!

Knitting Cases

A couple of years ago I decided to make my own wrap case

for double point needles, crochet hooks and general knitting notions.

This morning I uncovered some that I had tucked away, 

the second is the one that I use everyday.

I'm not picky about every stitch being straight,

something about a little wiggle that gives the pieces life.

Thinking about making another couple...

they feel quite similar to my paper cuts.

House on the Hill

A quiet weekend spent at home.

I made another paper cut, this one slips into a test tube.

When pulled out the paper retains its curl and gives the illusion

of a house on the hill.

Next...my secret castle on a hill.

First Frost

The first frost of the season is predicted tonight.

I plan on snuggling under my sleeping bag, 

it still smells faintly of campfire, 

with a bowl of soup and some favorite magazines.

A cup of tea before lights out.

Hoping to sleep off the rest of this little cold.

Eagles, Acorns and Apple Cider

  

Osprey

Bald Eagle

An acorn left behind until I can return...

The last of my vacation photos, I promise!

The birds of prey will be migrating through November.

Because of the excellent trout river, those who fish are readily found.

(Sorry about the blurry eagle photo, it was quite far away and

my little camera made a valiant effort to zoom in.)

Hot Apple Cider helped warm me after a rainy hike,

but it seems I've caught a bit of a cold from the adventure. 

So it's a cup of tea and off to bed early for me.

My Secret Castle

Deep in my mountains is a secret castle.

Built at the turn of the previous century it has spent most

of its hundred odd years in abandonment.

I've been driving by it for many years and always obeyed the 

'Private Property' signs posted everywhere...until this year.

36 rooms with Italian marble floors and staircases, 

a wrought iron gate imported from France and 

a gold leafed fireplace worth $5000 in 1910.

I must admit there's a spooky feeling around the place

and despite all the open doors I stayed outside and made my visit brief.

My secret castle in the mountains...

Back from the Woods

Last week I went camping in my beloved Catskill Mountains.

Upon arrival there was sun but that quickly changed

as rainy days and nights followed, but I don't mind the rain...