An honest apology

Children have a special view of their world. . . this little Christmas memory reminded me of that.

Many years ago, and close to Christmas, Mom promised my little brother, Monty, and I that we were going Christmas shopping just as soon as Dad got home from work.  We were really excited.  (I am about 4 1/2 years older than Monty and I  was young, so he  was probably about 3 years old).

When Dad arrived home, we could  hardly wait to get in the car and head downtown! We lived in Asheville, N.C. and it was cold! Perfect weather for Christmas shopping! 

We  arrived at the store , I don't remember the name of the store, but there was Christmas music, decorations, and toys everywhere! I headed one way and Monty went  the other.  I had just begun to re-think my Santa list (for the umpteenth  time) when I heard the  unmistakable sound of my brother crying - make that screaming - no, actually, make that wailing. 

He had seen a little red  fire engine that he wanted right then (neither of us realized that Santa had already planned to bring it to  him).  My parents tried to "shush" him  and  reminded him that he should ask Santa to bring it to him for Christmas.There were also quiet reminders about "being a  good little boy" ( that seemed reasonable to me).  However,  the screams seemed to escalate when he realized that the little red  fire  engine would not be coming home with us that evening.  Indeed, he laid down on the floor, put his head on his arm, still sobbing, and refused all reasonable suggestions (even from me). At that point, Mom or Dad picked Monty up off the floor, the other one took my hand, and off we went . .   just like that the shopping trip was over. 


When  we got  home, Monty went to his room.  A few  minutes later, Mom went in and gave him a hug and said something like "Monty, do you want to come into the living room and say you are sorry?


He nodded, and still sniffling, the  little  guy got up, walked into the living room,  came over to all of us and said, 
"I'm sorry I didn't get that little red  fire engine."

(You've got to love that)!

We Thought it Would Always Stay This Way

 I have always loved being on the Gulf Coast, whether we were living in Texas or in Florida.  I enjoy watching the pelicans, sand pipers, sea gulls, and any and all sea fairing birds. Those creatures in the waves, in the tide, in the sand, and along the shoreline contribute to the beauty of these coastal waters. We thought it would always stay this way.  Hearts are breaking.

   

Happy Birthday, Chuck! (aka Charlie)

Today is the day that we celebrate you! 

Happy Birthday!  I love you.

(and I'm sending a toast your way)

Summer is here! Hot, hot, hot!

"

Moonlight Stroll
vitreous enamels, kiln-fired glass 

(recently sold at Kittell/Riffkind Art Glass in Dallas, Texas)
 
It is June 1, 2010 and we are getting ready to experience one of our afternoon showers!  Welcome to Tallahassee!

It was a good Spring.  I sold several pieces - that's always nice!  I'm in a show at Kittrell/Riffkind right now called "On the Wild Side. There are several  shows on the horizon, so I am trying to prepare for those!  

We enjoyed a nice weekend with my brother, Monty, and my sister-in-law, Linda.  They got in on Friday evening.  I had already purchased a cooking class at "Panhandlers" on Friday as part of my husband's birthday present, so he had a good time attending that and then we came home just in time for their arrival.  It worked out fine!

On Saturday,  Chuck and Monty worked on a glass piece and Linda and I tried some enameling on copper.  She did a good job!  The fellows did good work on their piece as well.   Later, on Saturday evening, we enjoyed a delicious dinner that Mom prepared (Chuck helped also).

Sunday, Mont and Linda returned to Pensacola and we worked some more in the studio.  It was a nice family weekend!

Well, here comes the rain - everyone have a good evening!


Til later, 






 

Happy Earth Day from Florida, Everyone!

Between Seaside and Tallahassee

 

New Smyrna Beach

 

Our Woods  in Tallahassee

My "Blogging Chops" Need Some Exercise!

 Three Graces 

painting in kiln-fired glass

Wow!  I cannot believe that I haven't posted anything since the night before my birthday!  That is so hard to believe.  Some of my friends are able to blog, face book, tweet, work in the studio and all manner of things!  How do they do it?! 

Well, we all have our strengths and weaknesses I guess.  My strength, I thought, was multi-tasking, but I was oh, so wrong! So here I am trying to get back into the habit of writing something periodically. . . not everyday, but enough.  I joined the Photo-a-Day challenge and I have attempted to maintain that (go down to the "view my complete profile" on the right hand side of the page and it will take you to my other "bloggeries" including the Photo-a-Day).

In the studio I am working on some pieces for a group show at  Kittrell/Riffkind Art Glass in Dallas, Texas.  it is called "Walk on the Wild Side."   I hope to have them ready to mail out soon.

I saw some friends today at a presentation on jurying exhibitions.  It was nice to visit with everyone! 

It is beautiful outside and I believe we are finally able to welcome Springtime!  Have a great day, everyone!

'Til later, 

Terrie

                   

Wow! Time Flies!

Okay, so tomorrow, the 19th, is a big, big birthday, really big . . .
Funny thing is, 
I'm glad to be here - glad to be where I am.  I'm not concerned, or worried, or conflicted about my age, my looks, or my habits! Que sera, sera!  I'm happy, I'm content with my life.  I'm still curious, still looking for the next adventure!

I'm in love with my husband and I am glad that my Mom is my next door neighbor.  


I care if there is suffering and, in whatever way I may be able to alleviate it, I will try to do so. 

I try to be courteous and respectful of others, falling short at times, with the inevitable flare-up every now and then.

I still love to look up at the sky and watch the clouds, or study a butterfly as it flits and partakes at the "local flowering pubs" in the yard! I'm interested in all of God's  creatures - great and small - those that fly, or walk or crawl.   


I take particular pleasure in watching my cats at play. 


I have been thrilled to see my niece Katie, and her husband Chris, become  such good parents to their little son, Jamie who will have a new brother in April!


I am proud that my Mom continues to try new things and am amazed at her innate ability to do  just about anything she puts her mind to.

I  have always been proud of my brother and his accomplishments, his sense of humor and his loyalty to family and country.  I have been delighted to watch as
he and my sister-in-law, Linda, become the terrific grandparents that they are!


I am honored to have such good friends, and you know who you are.  We have been through the good, the bad, and the ridiculous together!  And I say,
"Lucky Us."

My husband, my best friend, my sweetheart, my lover - we eloped, we were kids, we had to "grow up," didn't we?  We didn't know anything!  I do know this -- I would not have wanted to take this wild and crazy ride with anyone but you.  You have helped me realize who I am.  And, as I said in a dedication many years ago at my first solo exhibition, and more recently at our 40th anniversary when we renewed our vows, "You encouraged me by example, supported me with love, shared my hopes and dreams."  

I am so very lucky - I know it - I revel in it. 

So, bring on the purple, it is my favorite color, I will love wearing it! 

Happy New Year! (and check out my new "Photo a Day" blog in this blog group)

Wow! It is so hard to believe that the New Year is here! I hope that you and your friends and families are doing well.   It has been a wonderful Christmas and New Year holiday.  We enjoyed visits from good friends and relatives. That is one of the best parts of this "Season of Good Will, don't you think?


Now  it is time to get back in the studio. (Well, actually I have been in the studio, but it is time to get serious)!  There are pieces to finish, pieces to start and experiments to be had!

I would love  to take another  workshop.  The animals do influence my scheduling (most are seniors) - my husband says, "Go ahead and schedule one," (he'll hold down the fort), but we will have to see! (Just this morning, I called my Vet and took "Yam" in to see him. He is a sweet older kitty, but was under the weather. After a thorough examination and a shot (with some follow up meds to take at home),  he will be fine.  Thank goodness!


Here is a little dog I found on New Year's Eve Day.  After making several phone calls and then placing an ad in the paper, her person called me, identified her and she has been returned to her rightful owner.  She is a cutie.  What a sweet, sweet little dog.  

Have a good day, everyone!  Check through my  "bank of blogs" for the Photo a Day blog.  It should be a fun project.  

"Til Later!
Terrie